25 20 639 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2bff2a76c797c03b97759a28d4de8741.jpg 3f5f432ac56a627693978eb103ddf68a https://history.okeq.org/files/original/c9fd578a4bc89e0a1e36c5b23554be24.pdf ba59ebfa3ba5042e99b1f72143c36cc0 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document 4 the STAR M HEART TO HEART Acting Straight! The way gay men have a tendency to worship the heterosexual image. In white culture, it's the whole Abercrombie model obsession. In the African-American culture, thev call them homothugs. · •• LESBIAN NOTIONS Social Change Calling: "Part of what you do as a member of a community is rake care of others," Carey, 39, told me." A retrospective ofLGBT History. Last month "August 25, 1984 (22 years ago this week): Author Truman Capote dies in Los Angeles. Gay Travelers "East Coast or Wesr Coast?" & "West Hollywood" Out of Town "Houston, Texas" .. ASK UNCLE MIKEY DEAR UNCLE: I caught my boyfriend at a local park with another man. I had my suspensions, and followed him to find him doing a trick in the bathroom. I was so appalled, INDEX Heart to Heart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 6 Lesbian Notions ................................. 10 Inspiring Fitness. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... 12 Entertainment. .................... . Past Out. .............................. . Tulsa GLBT Center News. . ...... . Star Scene ............ . Uncie Mikey ........... . The Bistro .............. . C!assifieds .. STAR DiSTRiBUTION: 15 . ..... .26 . ...... 27 ... 28 29 .......... 30 .31 OKLAriOMA C1TY •TULSA• LAvVTON • MCALESTER ' !:NiD ' LITTLE ROCK * FAYETTEVILLE FT SMITH • EUREKA SPRINGS • HOT SPRiNGS • BENTONVILLE ' ROGERS * K.ANSAS C!W SPRINGFIELD• jQPL!N" BRANSON AREA.* WiCHffA • PITTSBURG • JUNCTION CTr' TULSA GAY COUPLE IS ALLOWED EXCISE TAX EXEMPTION BY OKLAHOMA TAX COMMISSION. By Greg Steele TULSA, 0 K__Memoriai Day weekend 2006 Matt Brumley and Michael Oaks traveled to Barnstable, Massachusetts from Tulsa and were legally married as a same sex couple under the laws of the state of Massachusetts. Of course we all know same sex mariiage is banned in the state of Oklahoma. In last months (August 2006) issue of the STAR we reported on Matt and Michaels marriage and their quest to transfer an automobile title from Matt to Michael. The state iaw allows married couples to transfer or add a spouse to a title without paying excise tax. In this case the tax was $244. TI1e couple decided to take the Tax Commission to task and presented their legal marriage license to a tag agency at 17th and Harvard. The agency employee told them the State of Oklahoma did not recognize gay marriage and they would have to pay the excise tax. A friend then advise them to try another agency. An agency employee at 91st and Sheridan checked with the tax commission and the titled was issued. The couple was determined by the tax commission w be family and the excise tax was waived. As the STAR went w press last month Michael and Matt were anxiously waiting for the original tide to arrive in the mail. Hoping the state had not disailowed the family exemption. The next day Mact called and told us rhey had received the certificate of tide from the Oklahoma Tax Commission. The foll.owing is the tax Jaw regarding exemptions. Article 710:60-7 - 2. HExcise tax is levied on e--,.:ery transfer of legal O'\vnership unless a specific tax exemption applies. ()nly transfers made "'V?ithout consideration bet\Veen husband and wife or parent and child or vice versa, are exempt. A Fam.ily i\ffidavit (Forn-1 794) tnust be included \vith the other supporting documentation and is to be attached to the nde document." :i\.fatt and ~vfichael did fiie the 1\Jfida">J,.-it and presented a copy of their n!farriage I..icense as a supporting document. * ( 1 Gold Castle "At Centu,y 21 Gold Castle our BEST properties are our PEOPLE' )7 4301 NW 63rd, Suite 100 lahoma City, OK 73116 405.840.2106 -5 Proudly serving ]Ulsa & ()I(.C1s (;t,B'l'"' co1nmunities since '198 the STAR 5 "Acting Straight" I recently watched rhe first season of the hit Logo series Noah's Arc on DVD. Whiie I doubt there are any Emmy nominations in the show's near future, it's really sweet and entertaining. I coum myself among its fans now. One of che things that most impressed me was the way it didn't shy away from tackling tough subjects with unflinching honesty. One of the mpics raised was the way gay men have a tendency to worship the heterosexual image. In whire culture, it's the whole Abercrombie model obsession. In the AfricanAmerican culture, they cali them homothugs. That got me thinking about how ofi:en I used to date a guy who could easily have been described as straight acting. By his nature, he was very masculine: liked guns and cars, played in a death-metai band, and always dressed in a sloppy-casual style that was as far from the typical "gay styie" as you co~id get. He had a sweet, sensitive side, but he viewed it as more of a weakness than anything. On more than one occasion, I heard him make extremely homophobic remarks. It alwavs bothered me, but I was still struggling with finding my own ide"utity at the time, so I never made an issue of it. After we broke up, I remember him telling me about a time when he was om with a group of his straight friends, none of whom knew he was gay, and they started assaulting a couple of obviously oay • . t,. guys. He couidn't understand why I found the situation so disturbing. Eventua!iy, I came to realize that he was extremely self-hating. Going into the military and having to crawl even deeper into the closet certainly didn't help. Today, he's dating a woman even though he's rold me he still considers himself gay. He's taking acting straight to a whole new level. I think a big part of his issue is chat he'!i never fit societv's idea of what it means to be gay. He could never be somebody's.girlfriend. Of course, you and I know thac not every gay man has to fit the stereotype, but his fear was that if people knew he was gay, they would assume he did. He was always afraid people would judge him as someching he wasn't. Obviousiv, we can't biame all his issues on societv. He's responsible for his ov:;n actions, and the general pubiic is ch~nging as quickly as it can. These things take time. However, the gay community has to share in the blame. We've accepted the idea that rhere's a specific code of conduce that makes one gay or straight. So many gay people are caughr up in negative image ideas. Some feel they have to act a certain way in order I hear someone gay use the expression "straight-acting" co describe another gay man. The more I thought about it, the more offensive it became. I'm sure I've been guilty of using it in ,he past, but more recently, I've come to realize iust how damaging th~ term can be both ~vithin and outside the LGBT community. By continuing to embrace phrases like to be gay -- you have to worship lvfadonna, call all your guy friends "girlfriend," and sleep around as much as possibie. Hey, if that's who vou reallv are,then great! You stra· -acting, we're be you. 'Th~ proble1~ is, I've seen so manv young gay guys just coming out embrace these rraits simply because they've been led to believe that's what being gay means. How does one even act straight? Is there ., • ' i - .... pe, -,,_,,,uating the idea that there is a proper way to act gay. On the flip side, I've also seen many gay guvs who are so busv trving to emulate he~erosexuals rhat tl~ey ;tart rn resem ,heir one prescnoect way to oe necerosexuai; And why wouid a gay person eve,1 wane ro act straight' Possibly because the flip side of acting sc:·aighc w·ouid be acting gay. Ask your average foe on the street v,hat it means to act crav and you~re likely to ge~ a laundry list of gay stereotypes: !irn; ~rist, lispJ obsession with appearance1 Aan1boyant. and efferninate. rnavbc v:ith r H • in , . ,.. ,. , ,. ... ., , _, a rev.r you goj gins thro\vn 1n tor good 1neasure. lJo I know any gay peoph: who fit rhat description" Sure. But l knov, even more w1' 10 d on) L 111 1e trutuh ,1 s th, ere are as n1any ,;,rays re act gay as tn' cre arc to act straight. It's the stereotypes rhat scare son1e people, though. more flamboyant brothers. I hate ro hear a gay man say something iike, ·'I can't stand £Jamey guys:' That's just as homophobic as Fred Phelps picketing a gay funeral with a "God Hates Fags .. sign. Again} I want to stress that jf you~re naturally inclined to be fi~n1i~ ain::: or, masculine, then rur; ,.~ith i(! I don't believe there's anything rnore treeing than accepting \Vho you reaHy are. I have a close friend v,;ho foughc for years against his desire to be a drag queen. 'X'hen -r>/ve first n1et him, he ... vas struggling to tone do\vn his fiarnboyant nature for the sake of his straight friends. C)ver the course of the. last fi~\\' years, he stopped trying to be something he V/asn't and c::nntinued next page 6 Advertising in the STAR is just good business cents Heart to Heart simoly allowed the real him to shine thr~ugh. Today, he's happier than ever, and he didn't lose a single friend in the process. In fact, all his friends have been 100 percent supportive. The idea that there is only one way to be gay is extremely damaging, not just for those of us already free from the closet, but for those who haven't come out as well. Here's the catch-22: The more non-stereotypical gay people who come out, the more the stereotypes will be debunked, but the very ones V:I{o need to come out in order to do this mav be afraid to come out because they don't fe~l they fit the stereotypes. By continuing to embrace phrases like straight-acting, we're perpetuating the idea that there is a proper way to act gay. The truth is you can't act gay or straight. The words only describe what gender you're attracted to, and how do you act as if you're attracted to the opposite sex? So let's get rid of the mindset that there is a particular way to be gay or straight. If we want society to accept us as we are, we have to accept each other first. We have to realize thar v:e come in ail shapes and sizes, colors and creeds. We range from magnificently masculine to fabulously feminine, and everything in-between: There is no one way to "act gay," so let's celebrate all of the many colors that make up our rainbow flag. We need to stop acting like anything, and just be who we -are. Quotable Quotes 'Tm not even aware that I'm famous until people remind me. I wake up every single day and I have my life, and it's pretty normal. I drhie myself to work. I don't get driven rn w-ork; I don't have a chef that makes me breakfast in the morning. I don't think that I'm fu.mous until I come hen:: and it's like, 'Oh, that's right.' Even then, this is my job.'' Ellen DeGen.cres to The Advocate:, Photo by Victor Gorin; Left to right Jennifer Seal Democrat running for State House District 85, Al McAffery, Linda Gray Murphy and Krith Smith. Oklahoma to get first openly gay legislator Third "red state" to elect its first openly gay lawmaker this year. by Denis Dison Washington DC - Al McAffrey is poised to become the first openly gay member of the Oklahoma state legislature after winning his Democratic primary Tuesday night to represent District 88 in the Oklahoma Srare House. He faces no Republican opposirion in the general election in November. ]he win in Oklahoma comes on the heels of significant milestones for rhe LGBT community in red states this year, including the election of Patricia Todd to the state house in Alabama, and the election of Karhy Webb to the state house in Arkansas. Both Victory Fund-endorsed candidates won their Democratic primaries and are unopposed in . ,. ..... . d 'b ... rhe general election. 1odd an Web w11! becon1e their states' first-ever openly gay elected officials. ''Ars ... .vin is more proof that what fair-tninded Americans car~ about most are issues that directly affect their lives/' said Chuck Wolfe, President and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. "2006 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year for the Victory Fund. Smart, qualified LGBT candidates, backed by our national network of donors, are proving that we can add voices for equality everywhere," Wolfe added. McAffrey, 58, is a member of the Choctaw Nation, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, a formec policeman, a father and a grandfather. He was endorsed by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which helped raise thousands of dollars to fund his campaign. Victory endorsee Jim Roth, an incumbent who sits on the Oklahoma Counrv Commission, was unopposed in his prim~ry race. Rhonda Rudd:a Victory candidate seeking the Democratic nomination to represent Discrict 46 in the Oklahoma State Senate, lost her race to a Democratic Party insider. The Gav & Lesbian Victory Fund provides strategi~, technical and fin~cial support w openly LGBT candidates and officials. It's the only narional organization soldy committed to increasing the number of openiy LGBT public officiais at federal, state and local levels of government. Victory is the nation's largest LGBT political action committee. In 15 years, Victory has helped the number of openly LGBT officials in the U.S. grow from 49 to more than 300. For more information, visit w"'..vw.victoryfund. org. * theSTAR 7 20tli}1.nniv 8 theSTAR IVERSITY FESTIVAL FOR us and ABOUT us! Con,e 1J1t•Y, shop and p,ay In HISTORIC ~ureka Springs, Ark•n••s, Voted one or •THE 100 Bl!ST SMALL ART TOWNS*I Find them something truly UNZQUE1'or the holidays! PLUS •••• dance•, concen,,, and ot:her pride •n,antal Lesbian Notions by Libby Post SEPTEMBER 2006 Social Change lling A poker player. A mom. A dedicated LGBT activist. A top-notch not-for-profit executive. · These are just a few of the ways you can describe Rea Carey, the deputy executive director at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. From Carey's peispective, how she defines herself is quite clear. "Part of what you do as a member of a community is take care of others," Carey, 39, told me. "In many ways, I can't imagine whar else I'd be doing other than work that somehow makes change." Creating change - while also the name of the Task Force's annual confab of LGBT activists - is Carey's calling. It is what fuels her commitment to LGBT issues and the work she does at the Task Force. It all started at home in Denver, Colo. She was influenced earlv on by her politically active parents and the politicos who would find their way into her living room - people like Pat Schroeder and Gary Hart, who, at the time, Carey thought, were about 20 years old. "They were actually older. They were young Democrats getting elected," she said. "It lefc an imprint on me that people can get elected and do good for their community." Coming out at 16, at the very beginning of the HIV/ AIDS epidemic, jump-started Carey's activism. "I was affecred by HIV in a very personal way - a numbei of my friends were getting infected. But politically and intellectually, I was impacted by the broader group of thinkers who were writing for Gay Community Ne~ (GCN) and Outlook," said Carey. Published out of Boston, GCN was one of the country's first gay papers and was national in iis scope. Outlook was a quarterly journal that began publishing shortly after the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. While neither is still around, they are both heralded in LGBT journalism circles for their ground-breaking work Not finding a "definabie community" in l 980s Denver, Carey went to college where she was guaranteed one - Smith College in Northampton, Mass. Northampton has, in the oast, been calied Lesbianville in various mainstr;am media. ' After graduation, Carey ended up in the nation's caoitaL "I had frie~ds i? D.C. I 'Nas j;st going ~o sray a few years. '1 ended up never leaving. 10 the STAR After 17 years of working with a host of advocacy and not-for-profit organizations - with a brief hiatus to get a Master's in public administration from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government - Carev found herself as a consultant for ~he Task Force. - , "I have always loved rhe Task Force. I just love the values, the work, and the longevity. I was consulting with them, Matt [Foreman, the group's executive director] came on board, and I truly enjoyed working with him," she explained. "After a whiie, we both agreed it would be great if I came on as deputy executive director." That happened in February of 2004, and Carey couldn't be happier. She and Foreman work hand-in-hand running the Task Force. "He's a New Yorker, but we're both from the West," she said. "We work in partnership - Matt is the more public face, but I really enjoy the internally focused and strategic work." Carey has overseen some tremendous growth at the Task Force in her two-year tenure. "If what we wanted to do was heip create political power for the community from the ground up, we needed two new program departments," she explained. In addition to rhe Policy Institute, which serves as an LGBT think tank, and the Organizing and Training department, the Task Force's two new departments are Public Policy & Government Affuirs and Movement Building. The public policy department is not just about monitoring legislation, but about getting federal resources and funds flowing to locai LGBT organizations, she explained. Along with that work, the movement building initiative brings the Task Force's expertise to the local level. "\Xle've always been focused on the grassroots, and now we're able to provide resources and give attention to the state and local organizations and ro the infrastructure of the movement." To start, the Task Force is working with five statewide groups in Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Washington, and Kentucky. "Over time, we'll hone the model to benefit other srare organizations." Carey may seem to be married to her work, but in reality she's in a committed relationship with Margaret Conway, a DOB Worldwide executive who creates advocacy campaigns. They met at a lesbian poker game 12 years ago, have been together for six, and are raising a daughter. 'Tm both proud and lucky to have been at the right place at the right time to be able to participate in one of this country's key social justice movements," she said. "The ability to actually live the values that I grew up with, that I got from my parents and my community, is what I certainly hope we pass along to our daughter.' If her daughter is anything like her, I'm sure Carey has a budding activist on her hands. Mica Barnes Headlines 1st Summer Diversi Pride in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. By Carlotta Carlisle Photo: Mica Barnes by Nancy Wood EUREKA SPRlNGS, AR_The first Eureka Springs Summer Diversity Weekend was held August 3rd-5th. With ;;he Summer event, Eureka Springs now boast four diversity weekends a year. The Valentines Dance in February, Spring and Fall Diversity celebrations are heid in April and November. Diversity Pride Events produced Micah Barnes from Toronto, Canada, vocalisdrecording artist/composer, for a concert at the historic Auditorium. And made the Diversity Bears happy with comic Bobaloo, from Los _Angeles. Other v,rcekend activities included n1en's and women1s pool parties, Yards & 13.rds of:{ard Sales:- the first annual City-Wide Silent Auction, Diversity Camp ()ut, an lJgliest Dresser c:ontest Golden ()ldie.s and other dances, and other events geared tov1ard the gibt con1munity and their straight ailies. * OKLAHOMA CITY TO HOST INTERNATIONAL GAY BOWLING· ORGANIZTION TOURNAMENT AND CONVENTION. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - The OKCiassic Bowling Association is pleased to announce that Oklahoma Citv will be the host citv for the International Gay Bowling Organi~tion's (IGBO) 2007 Mid-Year Tournament and Convention. The event will be held November 7-12, 2007. Members of the OKClassic Bowling Association committee traveled to Calgary, Alberta, Canada in November of 2005 to presem its bid to host this annual event. The committee hosted a well-received hospitality suite on Timrsday night. Early Friday afternoon, the commirtee presented a singing slideshow bid presentation to the governing board ofIGBO. The presentation was greeted with rousing applause and an immediate vote to accept the bid as presented. IGBO is the world's largest GLBT sports organization with over 170 member leagues and over 60 member tournaments. OKClassic has hosted one ofIGBO's largest and most-respected tournaments for over 16 years and has donated over $100,000 to local charities in the process. Oklahoma City hosted IGBO's 1994 Annual Tournament and Convention. The com!nittee has begun the extensh·e preparations required to host this event. I: is expected that 600-800 people from all over the world will attend this even:. in addition to the bowling events, the committee will host 4 days of IGBO i:msiness meetings, many hospitaiit} and social eYents, and a display of panels of ~he AIDS quilt. Tl:e event culminate:~ :n an elaborate awa:ds banquet on Sunday eYening. ~fhe theme for the tournan1ent and con,. vention is "fr:erything's Going MY \X'ay''. Host hotel for the event will be The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites at 63rd & Robm~on. l{ost bo"-.vling centers ,vill be 1-ieritagc L.anes at 122nd & Penn and 'X7indsor L,ancs at 23rd & J\1eridiarl. ·rne banquet ~rte \Vill be 1•h,;, e:-rkc R - m ... RP•'Y'li-- ttr:n 1) ~·1~ 1. ......... Jll .... 00.a.,.. .. at ..... ~ .. ._ ... ...11~.u'.~. l 3Jt\. ivlore 1nfor1nation about the tournarncnt * Creating Community for ,, Peopie living HI \Vith IQ('\ I \) A ;01 r ,,J,,'1 "Nor: Prorr1t r1 .. g.0 111· "a-uion ...... V .,- ...... \ i .L' .1... -- ~ .. V-1. (t L· Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to heip combat the social isolation that manv of our I people live through each and everydav. We provide a Toiletrv and House- , J hold Pantry for those who are HlV+ and or iiving with AIDS vvho cannot afford to purchase these items for themseives. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us bv ohone 918-585-9552 or e.. maii / l • harr1c:mmirt,:;,v~hon t'Drn I• • lV,, ,, f •;! ~J ""'-'. V, -..,i~ , t l, the STAR 11 s I sit here listening to the Pet Shop Boys Go West, I contemplate the proper way to begin this inaugural fitness column for the STAR. It should begin with an introduction of mvsel£ Mv name is Ron Blake and I am a personal fitness trainer/ow~er for Blake Fitness in Phoenix, Arizona~ I have been training individuals for ten years in Indiana, Illinois, California, and now the Grand Canyon State. My favorite color is blue, my favorite movie is Rear Window. and mv favorite beer is Stella Artois. OK, so enough with the form~lities. Go to my website at www.blakefitness. com and I'm sure I can bore you with more minutia. Now that I have your atrention, let's get on with it. So how do I NOW begin? The same way that I've always done it with everything in life and especially my fitness training. le starts with levity and fun. The key to life is to enjoy that very thing .. .life. How to do that? Fun. Fun with moderate doses of responsibility. As a fimess trainer, my job is to encourage you to take responsibility for your life. Maybe not quire to the degree of your friendly neighborhood preacher who pounds the pulpit and proclaims all homosexuals doomed to kiss the conflagration of hell because of their evil and irresponsible ways. i'm a kinder, gentler more compassionate kind of fitness trainer. At least that's what they taught me whe;1 I was still a straight boy in college. 1hen I saw the light when I ran into this self-absorbed fitness enthusiast who converted me into a rainbow flag-waving, Prada dressing exi:rovert and taught me that I too could earn a free waster ifl could just convert three breeder boys to the dark side. No more tangent ;:houghts or digressions. }bis is a fitness column and I've got.a save you heathens from your licentiou$ and hedonistic lifes,yies. So as I was saying ... any fimess program you embrace shouid iirvolve fun. Yeah, 1.-vorking out does involve hard work and dedication. We aii know that. It shouid also be something you look forward to and get excited about. Otherwise, why do it. Bur yes there is hard work involved and I v,ould be remiss ifI didn't mention that. .After all I come from a corn-fed lvfichvestern bac!r~round that is engrained with a great -μ1ork ethic. 'Why else do you think fcllo\v ·12 the STAR Hoosiers like David Letterman, Orville Redenbacher, Kurt Vonnegut, and Michael Jackson would be so successful. During my ten years of training clients and coaching high school athietes, I have stressed one thing and that is for them to simply enjoy the ride as each day passes. In many ways I feel like an entertainer who tries to regale my clients with the lighter side of life. Fitness training should be a method of escaping the harsh realities of the daily grind. It makes a perfect opportunity to channel any frustrations or aggressions in an appropriate manner. I have informed my clients that they mighr not have control over what goes ◊n in iife but that they certainly have the power to control what goes on in their lives. This control should be used when deciding the who and where of your workout. First who will you workout with. Choose someone who will motivate vou, make you laugh, and validate the quality person that you are. Choose so~eone who is reliable, trustworthy, and goal-oriented. Choose someone who will help you change your life for the better. Then where will you work out? Choose someplace that has pretty curtains, Tiffany lamps, and leather recumbent sofas. What? I'm just being a smanass. It's not really my cup o' tea but hey if it works for you then do it! You need to choose a piace that fits your scyle and personality and a place that will allow you to have fun during your workout sessions. Find that place where vou can adjust the radio to any station and any volume: Find that place where you can take off your shirt and walk around flexing in front of the mirrors like you would at your favorite gay haunt on a Saturday night. Find someplace that is relaxed and understanding. We ail want results when we begin a fitness routine. It just doesn't need to be approached as a dreaded task. You have the power. You have the control. You can have fun. Two of my favorite motivational sayings that I give to my clients are from Victor Borge and Mary Pettibone Poole respectively: "Laughter is the shortest distance between rwo people" and "He who laughs, lasts." * I've pia gay ors also they sta wouldr· McGee· 'Yelvet September 16th 2006:.,. aid Llve'atTHE ~~ · riieOeBarge & Kr.i's September 17th 2006: (Tulsa, O!dahonia) Sep;eniber 23rd 2006: (MaA!ester, Oklahom ©ctobcr 6th 2006:. (Oklalicima City) 13 ast Out by Liz Highleyman SEPTEMBER 2006 Summary : Past Out is a retrospective of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT history. Each installment brings the past to life by exploring the diversity of the gay past and its impact on the queer present. Who was Truman Capote? Author Truman Capote, who popularized the genre of creative nonfiction, was as well-known for his open homosexuaiity and his extravagant social life as he was for his writing. Truman Streckfus Persons was born September 30. 1924, in t,Jew Orleans. As a young boy, he was sent to live with his mother's relatives in rural Monroeville, Ala., while his parents divorced. He moved to New York City at about age 10 to llve with his mother and her new husband, Cuban businessman Joseph Capote. 'Though highly intelligem, Capote despised school and dropped out at age 17 ro take a job as a copy boy at the New Yorker. He never attended college, believing that "either one was or wasn't a writer, and no combination of professors could influence the outcome." Capote's first major published work, the short story "Miriam," which appeared in _lvfademoise!!e_ in 1945, won an 0. Henry Award and led to a book contract with Random House. By chis time, he had already adopted a flamboyant style - _New Yorker_ colleague Brendan Gill recalled him "sweeping through the corridors of the magazine in a black opera cape, his long golden hair falling to his shoulders" - and a penchant for social climbing. Capote's first book, _ Other Voices, Other Rooms (1948), was a semi-autobiographical novel about his chi!dhood in Alabama. 'Though controversia! ~or its dep:ctions of ,ape, transvestism, and homosexuality, the boqk was a smash hit. Equally sensational was the photograph on che book jacket, ·,vhich showed the handsome young author reclining in a ianguorons pose with a come-hither expression. Capote's work rcflecrc<l a mix of Somhern whimsy and New York Citv. so1•h:··ti,"1t:or rrc">'hg wl•a, ,..,:,,,.1bom~, Dulre, _. ,I .. -' J.:')~ ~~~ . .l »} - ,a.!. J. , ,tl .,. .._.1._~l.r . u.,. .,\.. ~ characterized as "the quintessential hon1osexual v,riting style of the 1950s and 1960s." Many people were rahn with Capote's boyish charm, including several high~socicr;,r n1atrons v.:ho acted as benefactors . .:In those days 'Trun1an vvas about the best con1panion you could ,vant." recalled feUtPN author I'cnnessee \Villiams. HI-le bad not turned n1aliciousiy birchy.'1 Capote had one of his firsr serious: a professor of literature :-H Srnith 14 the STAR met Jack Dunphy, a working-class writer. 'Jhe two men shared a nonexclusive partnership for neariy 40 years, living togerhe:· in Sicily in the l 950s, and later residing in two separate houses on the same property in the Hamptons on Long Island. After returning from Europe, Capote puolishec one of his bestknown worl.-_s, Breakfast at Tiffany's (1958), ·.vhich reiated :he adventures of free-spirited Holiy Golightly. He was not happy with the 196 i film adaptation, starring i\ucirey Hepbur:1, which toned down the language and made the male lead heterosexual. In 1959, Capote began work on In Coici Blood, a story about the murder of a rural Kansas farm family. which he researched with the help of his childhood friend, author Harper Lee. 'Though the work - serialized in the New Yorker in 1965 and published as;; book the following year - was hugely popular, some critics charged that Capote became too emotionaliy involved with the alleged killers, yet failed to adequately aid their defense because he required their execution as a dramatic denouemem ro his tale. In Cold Biood brought Capote even more fame and considerable fortune. To celebrate, he hosted a Black and White Ball at New York's Plaza Hotel in November 1966, which many considered to be the social event of the era. Despite his success, Capote began drinking heavily and asing drugs in rhe late l 960s. A fixture on the television talk-show circuit, he established himself as a catty queen spreading scandalous gossip about old friends and benefactors. During these years. he began work on what he hoped wouid be his Proustian magnum opus, A . nswcred Prayers. The book was never completed, but a few inscaliments appeared in Esquire in the mid-l 970s. His mean-spirited portrayals of the rich and famous earned him rhe nick;;ame "the Tinv Terror,'' and he was shunned by his former high-society friencis. ' W'ith the waning of his youthful good looks, Capo:e became a caricarure of his former self. During a falling out with Dunphy in the 1970s, he began frequenting New York City bathhouses, picking up working-ciass men many years his junior. Ioward the end of the decade, however, he entered drug and alcohol rehabilitation and reconciled with Dunphy. Adopted into Andy Warhol's circle, Capote became a habitue at Studio 54 and revived his career by writing for Warhoi's Interview magazine. His last collection of short stories, Music for Chameleons (1980), was again a bestsdler. In his final years, Capote becan-:.e increasingiy jealous and paranoid, accusing fellow authors of appropriating his sr1ie ai;.d compiaining bitterly aoout what he viewed as inadeqt,ate recogni,ion of his work. He conrir.ued to drink and use drugs, his health cic,eriorated, and he grew increasing!:,' reclusive. r-ie died of liver disease ;ma drug intoxication on August 25, l 984. Despite his downfali, Capote largely fulfilied his dr,~am,. "l \.Vas not ineant to vvork in an office/' he said in a 1978 intcrviclv. ,;I ahvays knew that I ,.vanted to be a \-vritcr and that J vlan1.ed to he rich and fan1ous." For further reading: Clarke, Gerald. 1988. __ Capme: A Biography_ Davis. Deborah. 2006. Parn· of the (~enturv: 'The Fabulous ofTruman (:apote J.nd His Biack•~an.d-\{7hitt' Ball_ Piin1pton, George. 1997 _·rrurnan In \~(!hich \!ariou~ FricndsJ I~nernies .. Acquaintance;;, and lent (Doub!eday). Photo: The new community center coming soon. Sign of the Times: A Decade of Growth at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center The sign wasn't flashv - it was vinvl. No lights,~no neon, no iv screens .. '. just vinyl with rhe words Gav Communitv Center printed on it. Ti:affic,came to a cr~nching hair. Some drivers honked in support. Crcarive individuals voiced loud opinions some good, some not so good. Others took a different approach. Eviction. A simple vinyl sign that caused the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center to move 3 rimes in its firsr decade, also broughr a community togcrher to realize a dream for rhe second time. The fast dream had come true ia October 1996, vvhcn Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) opened the original ''Pride Center'' at 38th & Peoria. 'Ihe 2nd-floor space in an unassuming building quickly became crowded with of~ ferings for all in rhc comn1unity. Ihe ne,v rni1lenniun1, and the fight over that vinyl sign, brought a n1ove to 21st and Memorial, and a ne,v nanu: the 'Ihisa Gay Comrnunit:{ Services Center. J\ sign •,1;ent up, but only the initial~ GLBT were permine<l by the landlord despite agreeing eariier to aliow the vvords Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender. n Four years of an abbreviated still the no".v narned TUlsa Community Center moved to an improved space ac 5545 E 41st Street in Highland Plaza - with plans to light up a sign. Those pians yet again came to a halt as a third landlord in ten years, despite rental agreements, refused to approve even the initials GLBT on an exterior sign. Ihese objections were a sign of the times that showed discrimination was still alive. But, the unintended consequence was a community more focused and galvanized than ever before. The sign that caused cars to crash also set into motion a community determined to take a dream to the next level - an owned Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual & Transgender Community Cemer with a sign that proudly said so. That first vinyl sign will have a permanent home in the soon-to-open Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual & Transgender Community Center at 621 E 4th Street in downtown Tulsa. A new sign thac will light up the East Village will also be a beacon to the entire region. 'Die sign of this time will proudly announce the GLBT & allied communitv has fully arrived, has a permanent home ;nd will keep a permanent presence. A Growing Community A Big Home 1he Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41st Street, is filled with what the sign (inside the window) says community. The Community Resource Kiosk, the PRIDE Store, the Family Room, che Commons, Health Testing, the Nancy McDonald Rainbow Librarv a11d the David Bohnett CvberCenter ar~ some of communiry-orie~ ted programs inside the Center. Now in just over 3,000 square feet, the new downtown Center, at 18,000 square feet, will allow growth for a!l in the community. the over 20 TOHR programs and most importantly - provide growth for you, your friends & family and for all of Oklahoma and surrounding states. In its l 0th Anniversarv year of 2006, the Tulsa GLBT Commu~icy Center has seen a 317% growth in traffic. The move to the 6th largest GLBT Community Center in the nation comes none too soon as visitor number l 0,000 - for just this year, will soon walk through the doors. The growing list of community groups utilizing the: Center will soon find an extra 15,000 squaxe feet to serve ~~~:gr~=i~;:~::1 ~~::;1~~:i~e~~:grams ar~ of the lifespan of GLBT persons and their families. The GLBT & allied community will enjoy bigger and better facilities available for social events, seminars, weddings, meetings, private events ... the list is nearly endless. While the Tulsa GLBT Community Center prepares to move this Fall, the current Center at 5545 E 41st Street remains active and open Monday through Saturday, 3:00-9:00 PM. The David Bohnett CyberCenter, with 10 flat-screen computer stations, welcomes over 300 people a month. HIV Testing, Tuesdays from 6 PM to 8 PM and Saturdays from 4 PM to 7 PM, is the only place in the area to get a free 20-minute result HIV test. The PRIDE Store, with the area's largest selection of rainbow merchandise, has the best values in town. The Tulsa GLBT Information Line at 918.743.GAYS (4297), your source for nightclub locations, business information and medical, legai, counseling, etc. referrals, has experienced a 503% increase in calls over the past year. The social activities through the Center also hit a high note this Fall. Two big events, Out on the Town & the TO HR Annual Meeting, highlight the month of September. Out on the Town with Dinner & DIVAS You don't always get it this good. Start the evening in downtown Tulsa at Tsunami Sushi. The famed entrees and intriguing interior of the trend-setting downtown restaurant begins a night Out on the Town with Dinner & DNAS on Sarurday, September 9, 2006. After dinner, rhe expected SRO crowd will walk down the block to enjoy rhe DIVAS 2006 concerr ar the Tuisa Performing Arts Center (PAC). This year's concert is produced by local talent Rebecca Ungerman and promises ro be a nighr to remember. 'Ihe evening will include an a!I-srar line-up, showcasing Rebecca Ungermann, Cindy Cain, John Sawyer, Pam Van Dyke-Crosby, Christy Hanewinkel, .Annie Ellicott, lvfary Cogan, Heather RichettoRumly, Debbie Zanerhaft ,md Meredith '~eger. Tulsa World fashion columnist Jason Ashley \Xrighr and Fox 23 anchor Chera Kirniko will co~host the evening ,vith heart fi.lied humor. DIVAS 2006 benefits H.O.P.E. (Health Outreach, Prevention and Education) and provides necessary resou.rces to.co~,:~~u~ the fight against HJV/i\J[)S and other ::i 1 D's. the STAR 15 Lesbian poised to become Missouri's first openly gay state Senator. by Denis Dison Washington DC -August 9, 2006 - Jolie Justus will likely become the first openly gay state senator in Missouri history after winning her Democratic primary Tuesday night. Justus will face a Republican opponent in November, but the district is considered a safe one for Democrats. "In Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma and now Missouri, excellent candidates are winning historic races. Jolie's win is a testament to her courage, commitment and skill, but it also confirms that fairminded voters everywhere care more about good government than they do about whether their representatives are gay or lesbian," said Chuck Wolfe, President and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which raised money for Justus' campaign from its national donor network. Other breakthrough Victory Fund-supported candidates this year include: Patricia Todd-The first openly gay elected official in Alabama history Kathy Webb-The first openly gay elected official in Arkansas history Al McAffrey-The first openly gay state legislator in Oklahoma history Jolie would join Victory endorsee Jeanette Mott-Oxford, who won easiiy won her primary to retain her seat in the Missouri Srate House. In other election news last night, Allen Thornell, who was vying for a seat in the Georgia State House, narrowly lost his runoff election for the Democratic primary. The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund provides strategic, technical and financial support to openly LGBT candidates and officials. It's the only national organization solely committed to increasing the number of openly LGBT public officials at federal, state and local levels of government. Victory is the nation's largest LGBT poiitical aciion committee and one of the nation's largest non-connected PACs. In 15 years, Victory has helped the number of openly LGBT officials grow from 49 to more than 300. So far in 2006 the Victory Fund has endorsed 64 candidates. * REGISTER NOW! Registration Deadline for the November 7th General Election is October 13. 1 6 the STAR www. □ ZARKSSTAR.C □ M ~ by Donald Pile & Ray Williams est Hollywood (nicknamed WEHO) is proud to be the hip and happening center of gay and lesbian life in Los Angeles. Since its incorporation in 1984, the City of West Hollywood has continued to be recognized as a leading community in gay and lesbian rights. Visitors are assured of welcoming restaurants and bars, interesting special events and comfortable hotel stays. And the zip code for West Hollywood is 90069 ! AU of West Hollywood's hotels are open and inviting to gay and lesbian travelers. San Vicente Inn/Resort.is an exclusive all-gay property with private. clothing optional, tropical .Rama.de.Plaza West Hollywood We have stayed at the Ramada Plaza seve~ I times and it is in the center of everything. Just park your auto there all-suit Le Montrose Suite. Hotel, Pare Suite Hotel are within ce of "The Boulevard.• Out very favorite place to stay was tlie SECRET GARDEN Bed and Break.fast, just a sl:H:>rt block Noi:th of Sunset Boulevard at the foofof the Hollywood Hills. The owner, Bilbao! is one of the nicest, most d giving people that we have ever ':'.:.,.: .......... Continued page-19 ~~0?~~ &:irfl ~~.· ~ TRAVEL by Donald Pile and Ray Williams "East Coast or West Coast?" Ir seems as though most of the gays and lesbians living in the Midwest have a definite opinion on which coast they prefer. Borh coasts have so much to offer. \Xie enjoy both coasts and get to both regularly ..... Florida for January, Califrirnia for April and September and New York and New England .,ometimc in between. California of courn: takes up most of the West Coast except for \'iiashingron and Oregon which has their own gay agenda and it i, :!bsolurcly beaucifol there. All three Scares on the West coast arc cxm: mcly gay-friendly. And there i, such a div<.:r,ity of things to do on che West coast whether your into huscle-busrie of the big cirie, iike San Diego, Los Angele-, and San Fran..:i,co or enjoy the quicrness and rhe beaury of Palm l,prings as well a, the Sunes of \'11/ashington and Oregon. '!he weather in Southern California i, of course always great and even up the coast as far as San Francisco, the winters are extremclv mild. We have spent the Holidays in San Francisco and it is quit<.: warm. Further North into Washington and Oregon it is much cooler in tht Wint<.'.r. One of rhese davs we want w take a three week trip driving all the way from Scarrie. Washington down w San Diego which is nearly J 300 mib. One time we did drii:c from San hanciscn to Los Angeb which is only a 400 mile drive and hy the time we stopped and vi~ited even-thing it took w, "i days! hut wcli worth it. Driving i; the ONLY W,1)" to travel if vou h:ne the time. Driving dow1, from San rL1nci\co you first ,·isir th<: hisroric tO\V!l of !\:lont.crcy, Pchbil' Beach, ( :~~n1h:l and do;vn diru the Ltbulous ( .a .. ;rk·, S~t!: Sin1con to S.u1t~! Barbar~~ and then on to ;\Ldibu, Los ~\ng<..:1:>. L,iguna ~uH.1 Pn l(l ~~!ll J )icgo .. J he :11:iior h1ghvv·a~:~· v,-hi,_h !~, jght Oil the (P<l:--! i:-, hrc·ath-tak!nf, 'Ih,_T,__' ::EC ;0!1s t)f tiH .. ' \V;t\ Hut ilLn -~•Jl!ll' pr:.•i,.:r r 1'.cl'>I o;r•,t \V~~r_•:h ... ·: it j,. Il::·id~i. the liddL.- :\rLPr >-~L'\',' i\frcr leaving Florida, drive ro .S;::.v~!nn~d1, (;eorgia frH a grand tin1c as it is ~uch ::1 historical tO\Vn and the seuing f<.>r the book and n1ovic, .\1idnigh, In 1 he Carden Of C,iud And h·il. For rho,r s(> inclined, then Iv!yrdc Beach, .\(1u1h c:arolina is ~~nother good pi~tcc to Yisir. Be sure 10 visit sornc of the oid c:~\'il \\:'~1r 1nt!\cun1s \vhilc your driving up the coasr:. \firgini~~ Beach is ahYavs fun. -r~kc ,1bnur 3 dav~ ro visit \vashington D.C:. One of rh~ hc~c i.hing, c1bom that citr is ·chat :1lmost cv~rnhing i:, FREE1 The mt,,eum~, arr n!leri<:,. ,1;1d hiswricai sigl1ts arc -~lil frc--~. 0 "lhen hit ~ew York Ci!\". but park vour .mw in one of the surrounding cirie, about 60 miics' ;W.'a;, at one of the parking int, and then take the commuter train into the Cir,-. Aim of churchc, that is close to 1hr commuter train, have gat<.:d. ixukinv lots during '- ~ 0 the wc,·k very inexpensive. New York Cit)" is NOT a place w be driving your auto. After Yl'll !ca1-c New York City then drive thru the scenic wonckrs of the New Engbnd State,. Everything in New England i, extremely gay friendly and ,·er,- historical. You crn so easily get wrapped up in American history. Either end your journev in P-Town or Ogunquit- Maine. Both wwm arc cnn:mcly gar and pl('.11r:,.· o( gay acconirllodation:-; arc found 1h~T,:, So ·.vhcthcr your .w l·.ast ( :oast pcr,on ,,r" \X:nt ( :oa,t perrnn, rake ofr thi~ )UJ11!11er and experience ne,v adventures, make nnv friends and come back lO !he i\lidwcst with a HL'\V pcr:-.pccriv<: on life. \Ve find it tot;1)h amuini; how many people we mecr from the Midwest when tr,1vcling to either coast. Sadh· to say hur borh coasts arc ;nuch · more gay-friencllr tbn here in the Midwest. ,\nd of course several Stares on both coasr~ arc now t<l[aily smoke free. California, Florida, Maine and many pans of New York have ~in ()rdinance against s1noking in JI1)' public place iucluding bars. And the great thins is that the bars arc more popular no\v than the;· ever \Vere. SLClll'.-i ~1~ though p:.:oplc h:1d '.\topped going to th.: bars for only one reason and rh~~t i:; .so tht:.\~ \von!d Jh)! have to ()U! ~:p .,,:i1h rhe \Jl10~~ ... - in the h:1L\. ><P\V. ain:o·< Jil of the l~:lr> ari: ! ,;Jc:-.'->\\·(: I:ccd t;:kc tl [l,_-,_-,o:i fr( 1rn hdtL ,~·n~t:-:t_;.,_ GAY TRAVELERS West Hollywood: !twas like living in "Old Hollywood" whenever we stayed there. However Raymond has now semi-rerired and now resides in PalmSprings. We wish him well. The heart of the gay and iesbian communiry is Sama Monica Boulevard. "The Boulevard" is a pedestrian-friendly street, lined with cafes, shops and clubs. Traveiers wiil meet friendly people and experience an ever-present fun, party-like atmosphere. Arriving in West Hollywood is arriving in the epicenter of the trends that define LA. Of course, the definition of trends in the ciry is never complete without the hot restaurant scene in hip West Hollywood. With LA's greatest and most celebrity-frequented hotspots, restaurants like Mortons, Ago, Lucques and Katana anchor an impressive number of fine and casual din[ng establishments. Experience the tastes celebrities and the rich and famous have known for years. In 1.9 square-miles, West Hollywood opens the doors to kitchens from ail over the world. From quick 'n' casual drive-ups, to some of' the hippest restaurants in LA: West Hollywood's 120+ restaura:ns guarantee chat you'il never go co bed h1;ngry. Party as the partiers do and the "real" party is always in West Hollywood. 'X'hether on weeknights and always on weekends, a steady flow of hipsters and party people flood into the hippest, most fun-spiriced dry around. famous hotspots like Skybar and Standard Lounge, !1ot to mention LAs iive music scene on the Sunset Strip welcome the night right. On Santa Ivfonica Boulevard the party gets red-hot at legendary clubs like Rage, Mickey's and Here Lounge. Shopping is a sport in West Hollywood and with some of the "hautc-esr" comure and sryiish pickings in interior design and art, you are in for a mighty fine "work-our''. From Hermes to Valentino. Anna Sui to Halston, to the rock star garb at Maxfield and Royal Order, this city drops the pretense and shows you ro che latest trends you could only expect from the most stylish place in LA. Nowhere is looking and feeling good more important than in West Hoilywood, where Holiywood's leading men, models, actors and stressed industry types flock to che endiess selection of health dubs and spas for pampering and conditioning. Famous spots like Lulur, Ole Henri;c.sen FaceiBody, and Kinara provide some of the best known spa treatments in the world, while a:nlctic facilities iike Equinox and Angel City Gym provide the '.ares, and greatest in physical conditionlng. Check in a,1d cl~eck out the re'.axa:ion rhat awaits you. And for Art and Cuicure there is the 1k,ors Circle ·n1eacrc. Archirecrure & Design i\fosetun, Coast Playhouse, Globe Playhoi:se, Lee Strasbcrg Thea'.re Mu<cun,, MAK Center for Arr and ?-,rchirccturc and rhe Pacific De~ign Center. And of course don·r miss rhe Getty Museum just a frw miles \Xfes, of\X,'est Holivwcod anci the: \viesemhal j\fu,et:m of":i)Jlernnce ,·mici; h,.:s a ;pecia] section jusr for gays/lesbians. ~TRAVEL You Bv direct!v into lAX lnternacionai Airpon, take a shutr!~ to West I-J:oilv,..,,C:od and vou don't ever have r~ bother with an auto. EVERYTHI:.-~G is right there. They cio have wonderful pu6iic transportation if you wam to venture out for the day but everything is right there! Ir is a place that we certainly would nor wane to b·e bur is a fantastic place to visit. We always have a great time whenever we go there. And of course the Movie Studios offers great tours, Beverly Hilis and the fabulous shopping centers are a must do. It is just FUN and 1:ABULOUS! There are simply way to many bars and restaurants for us to suggest you try. Just walk up and down Sama Monica Boulevard and look for yourself. There are dozens of weekly gay newspapers on the street corners with ads for all the businesses inciuc!ing daiiy specials at bars and restaurants. Always have a great time when traveling, meet new and exciting people and TALK TO EVERYONE! For more information on traveling email Donald and Ray at gaytraveiers@ aol.com or visit their webpage ar: http:/ /www.hometown. aoi.com/gaycravelers. heaith outreach prevention education, inc. 1-800-535 IDS (2437) Oklahoma's HIV/STD Hotline PROTECT YOURSELF PROTECT YOUR PARTNER(S) .. Free nonjudgmental HIV testing, inciuding the 20 minute OraQuick Test. KNOW YOUR STATUS * Free Syphiilis screening at the GLBT Community Center on Tuesdays from 6-Bpm H.O.P.E. Testing Clinic Mens Outreach Program In Tulsa at (918) 812-7045 Arkansas & Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine i9 America's fourth-largest city, Housron has developed into a worldclass center of culture, dining, and style. (Photo by Andrew Collins) by Andrew Collins Houston, Texas cosmopolitan city that biends Western and Southern heritage and style, Houston has been one of America's great boomtowns of the past decade. Its once staid, business- oriented downtown has become a trendy district of restaurants, dubs, shops, condos, and hip hotels, along with an architecturally stunning baseball stadium. Other central Houston neighborhoods, inciuding gay-popular Montrose and up-and-coming Midtown, have also seen big changes fur the better, helping to turn the nation's fourth-largest city into a lively and downright stylish getaway. Houston acts as a cultural capital bridging the South and Southwest, with some of the best museums in the country. Cultural highlights include the Men)! Collection, wid: wor~ by Warhol, Leger, and Picasso in a space designed in 1987 by Renze Piano. Within walking distance are the Menil Collection's Cy Twombly Gallery, plus rwo independent faci!ides: the Rothko Chapel, which contains 14 large-scale Mark Rothko paintings commissioned for the chapel and a peacefui reflecting pool and plaza; and the Byzantine Fresco Chapel, which showcases nvo 13th-century frescoes re$cued from ,var-torn Cyprus. Many of the city's engaging attracdons iie in the Museum District. south of downtown, anchored by lush Hermann Park. Don't miss the Museum of Fine Arts, with its concentration of Impressionist, as well as Itaiian and Spanish R.enaissance, pieces. The Contc1nporary Arts Museum hosts reputable temporary exhibitions. And the ciry·s I:--Ioiocaust Museun1 has changing exhibits (v,1hich sometiines touch on the persecution of gays and lesbians) as we!i as a permanent display that includes artifacts and personal effects recovered from a Polish concentration camp. At the northern tip of Hermann Park iies the Houston Museum of Natural Science, one of the nation's most-visited museums. Check out the Burke Baker Planetarium, which has a 25,000-square-foot tropical rain forest complete with butterflies. (No joke: Spray Calvin Klein's Obsession on your shoulder and the butterflies won't leave you alone!) Houston's gay scene is centered in Montrose, an artractive neighborhood a couple of miles southwest of downtown, with a mix of early 20th-century homes and conages and several newer pockets of condos and apartments. At the epicenter, where Westheimer Road crosses Montrose Boulevard, you're within walking distance of countless gay bars and gay-friendly restaurants. As you head farther west along \Vestheimer, you'll pass a number of antiques shops and funky boutiques. Consider taking a break from shopping with a meal at the homey Empire Cafe, which is set inside a converted vintage service station and offers splendid pizzas, hearty frittatas, and such breakfast ueats as hot polenta with honey-cream and toasted almonds. Anorher exce!lent nearby option is Diedrich Coffeehouse, a spacious cafe with sunny seating areas and a shaded patio. Montrose has dozens of other great eateries. Acclaimed chef l,1onica Pope, one of the Southwest's culinary stars, brings great cooking to the masses at T' afia, a sleek space on the eastern edge of the neighborhood, where you might feast on such creative, globally inspired fare as yellowfin tuna with coconut chutney, or buffalo rib-eye steak with a tamarind glaze. With an ebullient, festive atmosphere but a serious menu, La Strada serves fine, upscale Italian fare at dinner, including a signature Italian paella. R~ggles Gri!le is highly popular with the queer community, famous for its Sunday brunches and delicious Southwestern-meets-Mediterranean food. Mark's is an upscale hot spot in a deconsecrated church, serving appropriately nonconformist fare like bourbon-glazed pork tenderloin wirh moiasses, glazed yams, and ginger-apple compote. Mo Mong, a spare-looking haunt known for great Vietnamese food, happens also to be a favorite spot for cocktails (especially sake martinis on Wednesdays) among queers in the know. For stellar, upscale regional Mexican cuisine, book a table at the hip and high-ceilinged restaurant, Hugo's. Steps from the Montrose bar strip, Baba Yegas sprawls with sunny dining rooms and shaded decks, which are constantly abuzz wirh charter and gossip. Decent burgers, many veggie items, and other light dishes are served. Barnaby's is a ctC\vn-home diner with a tn:s gay following and consistently good, filling fare. And Katz's Deli serves astonishingly large sandwiches, savory soups, and heavenly cheesecakes in a handsome dining room that's open 'round the dock. \:vhile Momrose has pienty of gn:at gay-popular eateries, downtown Houston is where a nurnber of top chefs are operating these days. Among the neighborhood's most acclaimed din;ng options, Solero serves delicious tap~ts in a sexy environment; and Bank (at the Hotel IC~Ot',.~) presents the iefined~ ethereai, Asian-tinted French cuislne of fan1ed chefJean,-Georges 'v:':}ngerichten. Berrveen do\vrno1.vn and JY1ontrose~ the city~s lviidto·..vn neighborhood ha.s one of the hottest 20 Arkansas & Oklahoma ·s most read GLBT Magazine real-estate markets in the country, as this once virtually deserted area booms with new condos and town homes. Cool restaurants are popping up, too, such as Farrago, a dapper bistro serving creative pizzas, affordable pastas and burgers, and wonderful weekend brunch fu.re. A more upscale but stiil moderately priced option is Gravitas. 1his slick, beautifully designed space is known for its terrific wine list and tantalizing American bistro cuisine - rhe roasted Texas quail with sweet corn and applewoodsmoked bacon is heavenly. Houston has a tremendous number of gay bars and clubs. Here are some of the more popular options: Extremely friendly and therefore a great place to go if you're new in town, Brazos River Bottom (BRB) is a good-sized country-western bar with two-stepping and line-dancing some nights. Chances is one of the city's more lesbianoriented hangouts, with dancing (both to pop and country-western music) and a super-friendly, low-keyed crowd. J.R.'s - like its sister bars in Dallas and Denver - is a quintessential stand-and-mode! bar with attractive Southwestern-inspired decor and a fabulous patio. Nearly next door, Blur Bar is a large new space with a packed dance floor and a big pario. The Montrose Mining Co. draws a mix of bears, Levi's-and-leather guys, and regular Joes into its dark and cruisy confines. And Sourh Beach is the favorite warehouse-style dance club in the heart of Montrose, with dancing and music into the wee hours. Also pulsing nearly all night long, Rich's is an industrial- looking downtown dance club. The hip video lounge I,1eteor has extremely popular happy hours and fun karaoke Sundays. Guava Lamp has live entertainment some nights, great martinis, an array of video screens, and music at decibels that allow conversation (and, of course, cruising). Regulars at Club 1415, a !aid-back dance bar, love to mingle on the spacious patio. A popular neighborhood bar among the city's over-35 gay folks, Decades is also one of the friendlier hangouts in town. The more hard-core of the city's leather bars, Ripcord is a fairly typical such hangout, with the traditional black decor and dim lighting. Houston's hotel scene has truly blossomed in recent years. Right in the heart of !vfomrose, you'll find a rerrific, affordable, first-class accommodation, the Lovett Inn, which draws a mostly gay and lesbian crowd. 'There are 12 rooms and suites, some in the historic main house - the former residence of a one-time Houston mayor - and others in separate ombuildings set abour the attractive grounds (which include a pool and hoc tub). A longtime favorite is in the Houstonian Hotel, an opulent old-world property in the upscale Post Oak section of the city. Om toward the ritzy Galleria Mall, the trendy Hotel Derek is a super-sleek propeny done in bold colors with dramatic contemporary furniture. Among dov,'lltown properties,. the swanky Hotel ICON occupies the historic Union Nationai Bank Building. 111e stunning rooms in this boutique property have rhe ambience of a decadent Parisian flat, wirh vibrant red drapes, plush bedding, and high-end toHerries. Although it's not especially gay, the restauram·s nber-cool ':V11iskey Bar is a favorite downtown spot for cocktails - e".\,ren if you~re not staying at the hotet consider • ' •. I • I d ' . . . ~av1ng 1nart1.?1s 1ierer as you observe tne ramanc renaissance that 1s downtown Houston Houston, Texas the nations 4t.11 largest city. Arkansas & Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine 21 CENTER NEWS: Out on the Town with Dinner & DIVAS begins at 6:00 PM at Tsunami Sushi, 309 East 2nd, followed bv DIVAS 2006 at 8:00 PM at the Tulsa PAC. Please call TOHR at 918.743. GAYS by September 6th to reserve your spot for a night Out on rhe Town. TOHR Annual Meeting It's been an exciting and busy year for Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). A building, the permanent home for the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, has been bought, is being renovated and will open in October. TOHR has partnered with Tulsa PFLAG & OYP to plan and make "Diversity Celebration - Tulsa PRIDE!" bigger and better - your input and ideas can help take it to the next level. The Center has visited Tuisa PRIDE and OKC Pride and will soon bring the rainbow to Southeastern Oklahoma during McPride on September 23rd, 11 AM to 5 PM in Chadick Park in McAlesrer, OK (log onto mcpride.org for more information). We're also implementing a strategic plan and a marketing initiative that will change Tulsa and Oklahoma for the better. You can help make it happen with your support and attending the TOHRAnnual Meeting. The TO HR Annual Meeting is Thursday, September 28, 2006 at 7:00 PM in the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41st Street. The State of the Organization, the Year in Review report and Board of Director elections are planned, as well as celebratory drinks and refreshments marking the last official TOHR function in a leased location. As always, it's FREE. Join us Thursday, September 28th, 7:00 PM at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center at 5545 E 41st Street in Highland Plaza Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $26.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: Ozarks STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Slngle Copies $3.00 per issue) City: ________ St: ___ Zip: _ _ Check enclosed--~ Money Order Start Date:-------~ 22 the STAR Li le Rock Capi Elects Its Boa I Pride For 2007 LITTLE ROCK, AR~ Link Rock Capital Pride (formerly known as Little Rock Gay and Lesbian Pride) electeci its new Board for the 2007 fiscal year beginning July 1, 2006 anci ending june 30, 2007. The new officers for 2006/2007 are: President - David W Quinn Vice Presidem - Barb Kampbe!l. Treasurer Chad Allen Secrerarv Toe Lafountaine Board Me~bers-Janis Walters and Joy Evans Little Rock Capital Pride was founded in 2005 by omgoing Board President and Founder, John House, The success ofLirde Rock Capital Pride has been through the hard work of the "All Volumed' working membership, community support and its Board. \X'e iook forward to seeing you at our 3rd Annual Little Rock Capital Pride Celebration June 3, 2007. The board is also pleased to announce that Capital Pride 200: will be held June 3rd at rhe River Market Amphitheatre from 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. Capital Pride has been heid for the past two years ar .AJisop Park and the new venue ,'✓as selected to accommodate the growth in attendance the evenr has enjoyed. Little Rock Capital Pride Board President, David W. Quinn stated, "We are very excited to host our third annual Capital Pride at the River lv1arket. We feel the new venue will allow us-rn continue to grow the event, attract more ~ponsors, garner more vendors and provide better entertainment. Little Rock Capital Pride is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to hosr events that honor the history and diversity of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) individuals in the State of Arkansas and surrounding areas and create unity within the GLBT community and its allies by providing sociai support and enhancing awareness of the past and present contributions of GLBT individuals through community activities and services, induding an annual Pride event. * Northwest Arkansas GLBT Commu- Center Receive's First Corporate Donation. BENTOI'~VILLE, AR _ ·'We received a donation check from Wal Man this week. !tis our "Fim" corporate donation. It wiil go ~t~:::'.-1\::;;~~1~:r~:,~~:~:~~~~~~::::1: ~~:,~(1~:;_munity Tne l'1ortir'\<vest Arkansas <,.;ay} Lesbian, Bisexu~11 and 'Thtnsgendered c:ommunit;r' (:enter is a group of like-n1inded individuals '\Vho have come toger.her to create a nonprofit (;LBl- ,.,.,,.,""''"'"' Center of 1"Jorthwest .Arkansas. For n1ore inforn1ation go to: Congratulations K'rli Adams Miss Gay Oklahoma America Salutations Kittens, a weltered Uncle corning to you straight from the summer best describe as, hotter than a Twink painted in body glitter wearing only a thong! Take my word for it Kictens, he was as hot as they come, no pun intended. My goodness this heat has been enough to drive a queen mad, not that it would be a far haul mind you. As we sail into hopefully a cooling off period in che monrh of September, let us see what intrigues the minds of my faithful Queers this month, besides yours rruly. Dearest Uncle Mikey, I have a friend at school that i wrote to you abour. I have had this amazing crush on him for a while, and until now thought that he was a great guy. He aliowed me a momentary pleasure after which he quit talking to me altogethei. I mean he made me fed just cheap and used. Am I a slut? Kissing and telling Dearest Teliing, Kitten, I got steamier details our of Clinton's memoirs. What a let down; now I need a drink. If you are going to dish, make sure you include the steamy details of your campus copulation. To your question, was ic done in taste? I mean one can give twenty blowjobs, but if done with styie, and taste, one is simply a giver, nor a slut. TI1is is my story and I am sticking to it! Smooches- Mikey Dearest Uncle Mikey, • .. My partner gets mad at me when I indulge myself in satisf1ing myself through masturbation. He feels I am taking away from our lovemaking when I am not always in the mood. I never used to really enjoy i:, now I enjoy doing it seYeral times a week. I even tried on day at work b a stall, but that is a different storv. Is it a bad thing_whe~ you are in a relationship? , Mambo or one Dearest Mambo, Ah, masrnrbadon, Americas second pasi: time event. Kitten, it is nor a bad ace as long as you are not attempting co buy cards and flov,-ers for Mr. Righcy. You can even incorporate this little past rime into your lovemaking. Allow your partner to watch, whiie you pu t ~n a steamy s>n ow rr or mI • m. ~1 am sure you w1•1 1 n,~ nct• th• ;.s qm•t e satisfying as him. Fantasy is a ma,ior role in most n1en~s sexual 26 theSTAR drive. Reassure him that this is not about something lacking, simply adding to. More importantly, you skip the work story and leave me hanging like a low rider? Have I taught you all nothing? I swear, I am going to need a warm shower after this momh's selection. Dear Mikey: I am a twenty two year oid lesbian living in a community where homosexuals are not accepted. I am unable to meet any females living my iifestyle, leaving me very lonely, what should I do? Uno-les Kitten, Sister soldier, welcome to life in the mid-west. I would suggest that you look for the Martha jailbird's tour, which I hear is done by lesbians Inc, but you know how rumors get started. You must surround yourselfbv others in vour life scyle. Easier said than done-mavbe worth the' effort- defi~ntly. Fou~ out of five lesbians currentl/livi;1g in the Midwest agree. Mind you darling those are the same proud members of the secret fingei society heard about in lesbian campouts everywhere! Smooches-Uncle Dearest Mikey, Did you find Tiddles? Curious kitty lover Dearest Curious, Kitten, you do care. Yes, I found that cranked up ungrateful kitty hoped up on catnip, hooking up with the neighbor hood pussies. I mean really, all I ask is a note, is that so much! Tiddles the o-reat mv . t, ; ass, more like Tidd.Jes the Josey goosey. (Stern looks at Tiddles) Dear uncle Mikey, I caught my boyfriend at a local park with another man. I had my suspensions, and followed him to find him doing a trick in the bathroom. I was so appalled, yet froze unable to formulate words. Now, I do not know weather I should break it off or accept his apology. W'hat do )'OU think? Looking at loneliness' Dearest Looking: Indulge me fur a moment. I hope you do!1't find chis question brazen however, could your frozen state maybe been caused by a sudden lack ofblooci flow possibly. I mean honestly Kitten; we ail have been there. ! mea!l I am simply looking ac causation in your search for truth. Some of my greatest moments have been porn out of what I like to :efer to as, Dear :nches moments. Kitten, we live what we allow ourselves to live. You and on;y you can decide if ,his bathroom iover is ;ight fo~ vou. Personallv, I sav e~iov the little tart while you get read:y to BBD '.bi~er better deal) his ;orry ;tali iovin' v.rays. Safely of course, you don't \Vant to take away any critter.st not on a leash: Smooches-Uncle , , Well Kittens, like a trick in the night, I n1ust make a run for it. ?\iv fi1ithful pool boy is due shortly and I have not vet waxed. What we do to i~ok good for our men. Until next tirne kittens remember this, Uve HtC as if y(}U a~c the hottest trick at the bathhouse, rnake then1 V/ork for it! Got a question for ljncie? Write to hin1 at unciemikey4you({paol.corn Smooches'. lJncle }Aikey and (tired) 'fiddles too * JOIN US FOR McPride's 2nd Annual Family Picnic Saturday September 23rd 11 AM to 5PM Chadick Park 6th and Delware, McAlester Oklahoma. Organizations Resen,e your display table now. Contact paul@mcpride.org Food and Drink vendors Contact Elizabeth @ 918- 423-7015 www.mcpride.org Marinated Pork Loin with Wild 3-4Ib pork lion 1 cup orange juice 1 cup pineapple juice 1/2 cup brown sugar marinate pork overnight 4cups wild rice 1 cup chopped oranges/pineapples/ raisins 1 cup orange marmalade Grill pork lion on hot grill for about 1 hour or internal temp reaches165. In a large sauce pan cook wild rice, after cooked and chopped fruit in a small pan heat marmaiade over low heat. Place 1 cup of rice on plate. Slice pork lion at a angle place about 4 slices on top of rice and drizzle with orange marmalade. A delicious Pomegranate Martini will go very well with this main course. Comments or suggestions email Chef John at: chefjohnp@cox .net Here is a martini recipe that goes well with pork, chicken, salads, etc ... or just fun alone I Serve these to your guests in fun martini glasses that are properly chilled and you will impress them all. Remember when entertaining to have fun with it and your gathering will go very well and everyone wiii have a great time. Enjoy I POMEGRANATE MARTINI (2 OZ) ABSOLUTE CITRON VODKA (2 OZ) POMEGRANATE JUICE (1 OZ) CONTREAU LIQUOR SPLASH OF 7-UP FRESH SQUEEZE OF LEMON 1 . Chill a martini glass with ice and water. 2. Combine al! ingredients '..Vith ice in shaker (except 7-up) and shake well. 3. Strain into martini glass and add splash of 7-up, garnish with a fresh lemon twist. CELEBRATE September With A Cool Drink! Arkansas & Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine 27 Q Scopes by Jack Fertig SEPTEMBER 2006 "Patience, Aries!" That dreary Neptune-Saturn uμ~;u;:,ition is getting activated again, this time by ercury in Virgo, offering hope that the muddle and mystery will come into critical focus. Then Mercury squares Pluto, brin · any new ideas or rationalizations into the spotlig t to be challenged or enshrined. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Pessimism is weighing on you heavily, and friends' assurances seem to backfire. The future is what you make of it, so take care of your health and keep your mind on your work. Patience, love! Every little step forward counts. TAURUS (April 20 ~ May 20): With a sense of uncertainty at work, you're inclined to retreat into your nest, but mere cocooning offers little satisfaction. Creative projects at home can make you more generaliy confident of challenges at work - and eager for challenges in bed! GEMINI (May 21 M June 20): Messages from Mama or anyone back home can help resolve the problems you're struggling with. Shutting up and listening can help, too. Don't let ideals get in the way of reality, but let reality clarify those ideals! CANCER. (June 21 00 July 22): Organizing bills and accounts and/or baiancing your checkbook will hone your mind toward a better understanding of your priorities, both material and otherwise. That clarity couid improve your sex life! Still, be careful to avoid accidents and needless arguments. LEO (July 23 * August 22): Arguments over money come out of your rigidity and your partner's uncertainty. Even so, financial discussions can push you to loosen up a bit and give your baby a little more security. Gambling and investments now are sure losses. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Worrying too much about guarding a secret can be the surest way to reveal it. Put your mind elsewhere, especially on health matters. A checkup now can nip something serious in the bud. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Efforts to ioosen up some of your more conservative associates are sure to backfire. Try instead to be sensitive to and meet their wishes, even if you take them in an entirely new direction. SCORPIO (October 23 m November 21}: Friends - and especially colleagues - can help you work through the longrunning muddle at home and stress at work that feed into each other. If their suggestions seem a bit off, use them as a starting point for new and better ideas. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 00 December 20): Arguments are coming toward you and out of you more easily than usual, and you had a head start! Accept advice from someone whose authority you respect, and keep your rebellious streak focused on productive battles. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Clever suggestions from an unlikely source can help you improve your sex life. But they may also challenge some of your erotic values and ideals - perhaps even open unpleasant memories and hidden fears, and through those, untapped strength. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): To pep up your sex life, move it to the bathroom. The shower may be the best place to start. There are other possibilities, but once you're near the piumbing, it's up to you and your partner! PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Worries about your health may drive you to a doctor, and a timely checkup is always worthwhile. But a day at a spa with your partner may be just as good. Any health advice from your baby is especially valuable now, too! SPIRIT OF CHRIST JOPLIN, MO FREE HIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES SPIRIT OF CHRIST .MCC SPONSORS Testing appointment 417-529-8480. 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 SA.TCRDAY Service 9:30.:\l\.J Yot1r I11vited to our (~on1munitr Din11er E.,.rerv \XTed. 6prn just $4.00. No one is turned away: 28 Advertising in the STAR is just good business cents. Arkansas, Bentonville/Rogers (4 NWA GLBT Ctr - - - www.nwaglbtcc.org- - - - - - 9-586-1062 Barnes & Noble Bks - - 261 N. 46th St., Rogers- - -479-636-2002 Arkansas, Eureka Springs (479) Diversity Pride Event - - - - - - - - - - - - - -www.diversitypride.com A Byrd's Eye View- - - - - 36 N. Main- - - - - - - - -479-253-0200 Caribe Restaurante- - - 309 W VanBuren- - - - -479-253-8102 Henri's - - - - - - - 19 1/2 Spring St - - - - - - - - - - - -479-253-5795 Lumberyard Bar&Grill- - - 105 E VanBuren- - - - - -479-253-0400 MCC Living Spring - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Swiss Holiday Resort- Hwy 62 at Hwy 23 So.- - - - 888-582-8464 Spexton- - - - - - - 17B Spring Street - - - - - - - - -479-981-6060 Tiki Torch- - - - - - - - 75 S. Main Street- - - - - - - - -479-253-2305 Tradewinds Lodge 141 W. VanBuren- - - - - - - - - 800-242-1615 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Common Ground Restaurant- - - 412 W. Dixon - 479-442-3515 Condom Sense - - - - - - - 418 W. Dickson- - - - - -4 79-444-6228 Curry's Video - - - 612 N. College Ave- - - - - - - - - -479-521-0009 Passages - - - - - -930 N. College Ave- - - - - - - - - -479-442-5845 Pride Street Live- - 523 W. Poplar St-- - - - - - - - - - 479-587-0557 Tangerine Club - -21 N. Block Ave-- - - - - - - - - - - -479-587-9512 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- - - - - - -1004 1 /2 Garrison Ave- - - - - - - 4 79-783-9988 Red Rock City- - -917 N. "A" St. - - - - - - - - - - - - - 479-242-2489 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Jesters Lounge - - - - 1010 E. Grand Ave - - - - - - - 501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - - - -1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - - - - - - - - -501-66427 44 Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - www.dsra.org Discovery- - - - - 1 021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - - - - - - - -501-666-6900 Sidetracks - - - 415 Main St- -North LR.- - - - - - - -501-244-0444 The Factory - : - - - 412 Louisiana St.- - - - - - - - - 501-372-3070 Kansas, Junction City (785) Xcalibur Club- - - - - - 384 Grant Ave. - - - - - -785-762-2050 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) PSU-QSA.- 1701 S. Broadway- - - - - - - - - - - -620-231-0938 River of Life Church.- - 1709 N. Walnut- - - - - - - - -Service 11 AM Kansas, Wichita (316) Our Fantasy/South40- - - 3201 S. Hillside- - - - - 316-682-5494 Priscilla's- - - - - 6143 W Kellogg Dr- - - - - - - - - - 316-942-1244 Club Glacier- - - - - - - - - 2828 E. 31st South- - - - 31.6-612-9331 Missouri, Ava (417) Catus Canyon Campground - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ- - -2902 E. 20th. - - - - - -Sat Service-9:30AM Missouri, Kansas City (816) 40th Street inn- - - -www.40thstreetinn.com- - - - - -816-561-7575 Concourse Park B&B - - 300 Benton Blvd -- - - - - -816-231-1196 Hydes KC Gym & Guest Hs www.hydeskc.com - 816-561-1010 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -816-561-0625 Missouri, Lampe (417) KOKOMO Campground - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -417-779-5084 Missouri, Springfield (417} The Edge- - - - - 424 Boonville Ave- - - - - - - - - - - 417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- - -518 E. Commerical- - - - •· - - - -417-869-3978 Martha's Vineyard- - - 219 VV Olive - - - - - - - • - - 417-864-4572 Missouri, Springfield (417) Priscilla's - - - 19HI S Glenstone - - - - - - - - - -417-881-8444 Ronisuz Place- - -821 College- - - - - - - - - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - --1109 E. Commercial- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Enid (580) Hastings Books- - - -104 Sunset - - - - - - - - - - - - 580-242-6838 Priscilla's- - - - - - - - -4810-A West Garriott- - - - - - - 580-233-5511 Oklahoma, Lawton (580) lngrids Bookstore- - - - -1124 NW Cache Rd- - - - -580-353-1488 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - - - - - - - - POBox 1515, - - - - - McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) American Crossroads B&B - POBox 270642- - - - - -405-495-1111 Boom Room- - - - - - 2807 NW 36th St- -- - - - - - - -405-601-7200 Border's Books- - - - - - 3209 NW Expressway- -- - - 405-848-2667 Club Rox- - - - - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy- - - - - - -405-947-2351 Christie's Toy Box- - - - -3126 N. May Ave - - - - - - 405-946-4438 Eastern Ave Video- - -1105 S Eastern Ave- - - - - - - -405-672-6459 Hollywood Hotel- - - 3535 NW 39th Exp - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Hi-Lo Club - - - - - - - 1221 NW 50th- - - - - - - - - - - - 405-843-1722 Partners- - - - - - 2805 NW 36th St - - - - - - - - - -405-942-2199 Pec's- - - - - - - - - - -3535 NW 39th Expw - - - - - - - -405-942-2199 Priscilla's- - - - - - - - 615 E. Memorial- - - - - - - - - - - 405-755-8600 Red Rock North- - - 2240 NW39th St- - - - - - - - - - 405-525-5165 Rudy's Place-- - - - -3535 NW39th Expw- - - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Phoenix Rising - - - - 2120 NW 39th St- - - - -- - - -405-601-3711 The Park- - - - - - - - 2125 NW 39th St - - - - - - - - -405-528-4690 The Rockies- - - 3201 N. May Ave - - - - - - - - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- - - 3535 NW 39th-- - - - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Tramps- - - - - - - - - - - -2201 NW 39th-- - - - - - - - - -405-521-9888 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- - - -7204 E. Pine - -- - - - - - - - - -918-836-8700 Border's Book Store- - - 2740 E. 21st- - - - - - - - - - - 918-712-9955 Border's Book Store - - - 8015 S. Yale - - - - - - - - - - 918-494-2665 Club 209 - - - - - - - 209 N. Boulder - - - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-9494 Club Majestic- - - - - 124 N. Boston - - - - - - 918-584-9494 Club Maverick- - 822 S. Sheridan - - - - - - -918-835-3301 Dreamland Bks -- - - 8807 E. Admiral Pl - - - - - - - - -918-834-1051 GLBT Comm. Ctr- - - - 5545 E. 41st- - - - - - - - - - 918-743-4297 Hideaway Lounge- - - - - 11730 E. 11th- - - - - - - - -918-437-0449 HOPE Clinic- - - - - - - 3540 E. 31st- - - - - - - - - - - 918-749-8378 Jazz's Lounge- - - - - - 426 S. Memorial - - - - - - - - - 918-836-8544 Midtown- - - - - - - - - - 319 E. 3rd- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-3112 Nite Spot - -- - - - - -3007 E. Admiral Pl - - - -- - - - - - 918-834-3007 Our House, Too - - - -203 N Nogales Ave- - - -- - - - -918-585-9552 Prisciila's - - - - - - - - -7925 E. 41st- - - - - - - - - - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla's - - - - - - - 5634 W. Skelly - - - - - - - - - - - 918-446-6336 Priscilla's - - - - - - - 11344 E 11th - - - - -- - - - - - - -918-438-4224 Priscilla's - - - - - - - - - 2333 E. ?1st- - - - - -- - - - - - -918-499-1661 Renegades- - - - - - - - 1649 S. Main - - - - - - - - - - - 918-585-3405 Rob's Records- - -2909 S. Sheridan Rd- - - - - - - - 918-627-1505 St. Michaels Aliey- - - - - -3324-L E 31st- - - - - - - 918-7 45-9998 Sterling & Co. Salon- - -1606 E.15th St.- - - - - - - 918-742-9999 Tulsa CARES- - - - 3507 E. Admiral Pi- - - - - - - - - - 918-834-4194 Tulsa Eagle- - - - -1338 E. 3rd - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -918-592-1188 TNTs - - - - - - - - - 21i4 S. Memorial- - - - - - - - - - 918-660-0856 Yeliow-Brick-Rd- - - - - - - 2630 E. 15ih- - - - - - - - - - 918-293-0304 · :&osfuiss of Orgaoizitldtrl1'1irttrrtgJo p.istl'Jll!ite FREE e;opies of the STAR; contact us at 918;8J5:its&7,9aiifto4' - ®ll -'•fii 'br eiμail; 9i.a,."icsstar@sbc lobaLnet DIVERSITY COALITION Seeks Pff event coordinator for annual festival and parade 918-587-7222 eberlon.734@gmail.com 12th page classified CALL FOR RATES 91 B.B3S.78B7 11730 E. 11th - Tulsa, OK 918.437.0449 Wed. Talent Show with Bobby Page, 11PM Open Tues-Sun 2pm-2am Check out our new Patio! OPPORTUNITY ADVERTIS,NG BALES REPRESENTATIVE F'OR WICHITA, MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS gualificarions to ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 Get results with STAR Classifieds! 1 bed apts-remodeled $495/month $300 Security Deposite 1 FREE MONTH Metro Properties 405-232-1236 405-627 -8087 ** OPEN AUDITIONS FOR MALE DANCERS.** Saturday's 5pm. Must be available to dance Sunday's. Compensation plus tips for successful candidates. 31 PANGA BAR&GRILL Sunday Champagne Brunch All you can eat soup and salad bar llam-2pm Monday & Tuesday Well Martinis $2.50 4pm-7pm Dinner new menu items from 4pm - 11 pm Friday & Saturday After Hours Dining 12am-3am New menu starting on September I. 2006. Bar favorites, restaurant favorites and many new items for vour enjoyment pleasure. - --F'~•:';''+<~~'~ ;::- ~- ""' ~· ,,,.,., , ,.,,,, ,.,,,,,, \ PEC'S A LEATHER/LEVI BAR Mon Thur, 7pm-9pm wear your leather and get your well drinks for $2.50 Sun -Thur, 7pm-2am Fri and Sat, 4pm-2am RUDY'S PLACE PIANO BAR Rudy's Place is a non-smoking establisthment Eariy for cocktails, late for a night cap. Live entertainment Wed, Fri and Sat. CLUB ROX HOLLYWOOD IDOL Wednesday Nights with Taylor Brayns Sign up at 9:30pm, Starts at 10pm VIXENS Saturday Nights with Shantel Mandalay atl0pm ALISON SCOTT SHOW Friday, Sept 8 at 9:30pm BARBIE'S BOOTS AND BRIEFS Every Thursday. Signup at 10:00 P.M. and Show at 11:00 P.M. $50.00 First Price and $25.00 Second Prize in CASH. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2006] The Star Magazine, September 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 9 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 01, 2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Josh Aterovis Douglas Glenn John Patrick Michael Dee Kay Massey Paul Wortman Carlotta Carlisle Victor Gorin Greg Gatewood Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ray Williams Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Ronald Blake Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, August 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 8 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/224 The Star Magazine, October 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 10 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/242 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/243 Advice Column Al McAffrey Bamboo Lounge Bitter Girls Chelsea Boys Club Majestic Comic Strips Diversity Pride Ewan McGregor fitness Heart to Heart HIV/AIDs HOPE International Gay Bowling Organization Jolie Justus K'rli Adams Lesbian Notions Little Rock Capital Pride Mica Barnes Miss Gay Oklahoma Oklahoma Tax Commission Our House Past Out Pomegranate Martini Q Scopes Quotable Quotes recipes Snakes on a Train Star business center star classified Star Distributors Star entertainment Star Scene Star travel The Night Listener Too Truman Capote Tulsa Community Center Uncle Mikey Walmart https://history.okeq.org/files/original/3606d446a128edc1e22445fb1018fdb3.jpg ade86e8efdac34dbfc792e048a4b85a7 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/794df62bcf7175f9e841fabe5ca9d90f.pdf cad8e29777e52185f3d966f17f06ee8c Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document 2 the STAR C) .. -rohcr 2oncthe STAR (Jcrohc-r 2006 3 The STAR is published by Star Media, Ltd. 5103 S. Sheridan,# 153 Tulsa, OK 74145-7627 ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net www.ozarksstar.com Editor in Chief, C. D. Ward Contributing Writers: Greg Steele, Josh Aterovis, Douglas Glenn, John Patrick, Michael Dee, Kay Massey, Paul Wortman, Carlotta Carlisle, Victor Gorin, Greg Gatewood Columnist: Libby Post, Andrew Collins, Donald Pile, Ray Williams, Michael Hinzman, Jack Fertig, Liz Highleyman Photography: Chaz Ward, Victor Gorin. Advertising: Tulsa Office - - - - - - - - -918-835-7887 or Email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net (Tulsa Metro) Michael Leach- - - - - 918-640-2049 (Oklahoma City Metro) Vicior Gorin 405-947-2048 (Northwest Arkansas) Kay Massey- 4 79-586-1062 National Advertising Representative Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Deadline for ali advertising, articles and payment is the 18th of each month for the next months issue. Subscriptions 12 issues $26.95 / singles $3.00 Check or Money Order The Ozarks Star or the Star is published & distrii:nucd mm1thiy as a c0Jlu11unity service by Star !vfrdi.1, Ltd .. Publica.tion of the name-: photograph or likcnc,;s of any pcr,on, husint·s,; or org~nization in this publication is not rn be construed as .1ny indication of sexual orieotarion or prefcrtncc., <.:f 5uc:h per!-0:-1, businc~s or organi1ation. - t)pinions expressed by cnlumni-,t.'i, J.dn.:rtiscr:. or Lt:ttt:r:.t 10 the Editor arc n,·H nece~,;,~riiy rh{.'. opinion of'Ihc ()z~Hks Sue ir.-. staff. th~ puhlisher \Jr ir's advertiser~- Content of :1Jn~ni~crncnt-" and anid~s arc tb.: soi~ rcspvnsibi!iry of dtc s1dnTti~cr ,1nd /n: author. The P1iillish~r o( thL ();;.1rk.-. Sur or ~c~r rc~~rvc:; d1t riJ;ht to refuse advertising nuteriai fr>r .u;y rc:,!~on ;vh,at .so c:cc 'ihc ();;arks Sur or ~t.tr anJ all lik;_·no::.s.;-c-;. '11<.:rc of :u,.: .sol 1• 0f Srar l\kdi.1, Lt.d. :\H rn:Ht:ri::l CU}')Tig,h~ 2006 S:,r. Designed with Pride, Prinkd in Ok!ahom:1, l'',A JON THE COVER J1r:: Verraros, Americar :do! 1 00 LESBIAN NOTIONS Banning Books by Intelligent Design: ''in the filrn. I-Titler Youth re,:dcd in ra~sacking the school ~1nd thought nothing of throv;ing ac1dc111k frccdo1n into th~ fire·' Of) OUT In ARKANSAS New! Lots of news from the Adzansas GLBT Communitv. BOO BASH for Capitol Pride at Sidetracks. Summer OiV(:rsitT \Y/eekend. EUREKA' 00 PAST OUT A rttrnspecrive of LG BT History. 1728: .Notorious transvestite Chevalier d'Eo11 is bom in Burgundy, Fmnce. OD CIAO TRAVEL Gav Travelers '·\'{'dcomc to Arizona'' Otit of Town "Vmcotffer, BC" £)(3 ASK UNCLE MIKEY !\1ikc\' rcco\·crs frorn a Ion: afE1ir of epic prop~nion~. I n1c,ff1 ,vhc\V, that tna;1 \v.is juq too n1uch. It ,,·~1s likl' being at the l)(~ and trying lO take th~n extra dip, knn\v!ng your body, just ,n)uldn't h~u:dic it. INDEX T.O.H.R. in The News Lesbian Notions ... People OUT in lvkansas .. Past Out Tulsa GLBT Ce:·ite:- !\Jews. Dining In Star Scene Uncie ... 6 .10 II . 15 r' Gold Castle "At Century 21 Gold Castle our BEST properties are our PEOPLE" 4301 NW 63rd, Suite 100 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405.840.2106 c21 goldcastle.com Let us he '• ( 18) 7 -5 Proud~y serving 1Ulsa &:: ()1<(:'s GL.B1~ C!.Jrnmunities since 1982 6 the STAR. Isa Mayor Kathy ylor pond es . H. R. ncerns. TULSA, OK_ Laura Belmonte, President, Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights rook the initiative in expressing tne concerns of the GLBT communities exclusion of civil rights protections in Tulsa. The following is Dr. Belmonte's letter to Mayor Taylor and :he Mayor's response. Dear Mayor Taylor: I am writing in regard to your call for Tulsans to extol the virtues of our city in an effort to generate national interest in our amenities and opportunities. While ! agree entirely with your faith in Tulsa, I would also like to discuss a much-deserved negative aspect of Tulsa's reputation. Many thoughtful citizens think our city is doomed if it does not take steps to protect and celebrate its diversity. This is particularly true in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) community. By some indices, Oklahoma ranks 45th in the nation in terms of inclusion and civil rights protections for gay people. While Manford and Oklahoma County have amended their non-discrimination ordinances to encompass sexual orientation, Tulsa has not taken this vital step despite the fact that the city's Human Rights Commission first began recommending such a change in 1975. As you undoubtedly know. GLBT people are an integral element of this city. We own dozens of businesses and employ thousands of people. We are doctors. lawyers, teachers, firefighters, poiice officers, and every other occupation under the sun. Eighty-six percent of Fortune 500 companies now explicitly protect their GLBT employees. Despite widespread and iegitimate concern for the city's economic future, Tulsa has refused to join over 300 cites across the United States including Cincinnati and Salt Lake City who have expanded their non-discrimination policies to ensure that sexual minorities are judged solely on their merits as employees, tenants, and customers. in my capacity as a piOfessoi at Okiahoma State University, I have seen dozens of extremely promising gay people flee our state or refuse job offers mainly because of the region's reputation as a stronghold of intolerance. These individuals include a Rhodes Scholar nominee, two Goldwater Fellows, and Ph.D.s from universities including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. These are precisely the type of professionais we must keep in and draw to Tulsa if we are to buiid the city to which we aspire. You have broad support in the GLBT community and we very much hope you ,vii! rectify this giaring flaw in fabric of our city . Sincereiy, Laura .A... Belmonte. Ph.D President. Tu!sa Oklahomans for Human Rights Chair. Say No to Hate Coa!ition respo;Jsf.' SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI AIDS WALK. 9:00 arn Photo: Al McAffrey and Kayne Gillaspie by Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATS FUNDRAISER OKI.AHO!v1A CITY, OK_ September 7, a verv successful fundraiser for the Okiahoma Sto~cwall Democrats \Vas held at the home Al l,fcAffrey, who was recently elected as a State Representative for State House District 88. Mr. McAJfrey 's election made history as he is tl1e first openly gay person to be elected to the Oklahoma Legislature. Pictured witl1 Al is celebrity guest Kayne Gillaspie, who also did our state proud on Bravo's reality TV show Project Runway. * HERLAND ANNOUNCES FALL RETREAT OKLAHO1v1A CITY, OK_1he womyn of Herland have scheduled cheir Fall Retreat for the weekend of October 27, 28 and 29. This year it will be held at Eufala State Park and .;,iii feature a costume contest, sports activities, a potluck dinner and a concert featuring O~hi, a special drummer from Washington srate. Heriand's Spring and Fall Retreats have been held since 1985,and that function of Herland is their only activity that is for women only. For over 20 years women have enjoyed this celebration of empowerment and feilowship. One can register for the Retreat on!ine at v,v.-v,.herlandsisters.org or caii (405l 521 9696. * Photo by: Scott Asi1ton Jim Verraros, Actor, Recording Artist Scheduled To Attend OUT-OK-5 Film Festival. TULSA, OK_Jim Verraros, American Idol Finalist, recording artist of the hit recording "Rol!ercoaster" and star of the award winning movie, "Eating Out" is scheduled to appear in Tulsa and Oklahoma City for the Out OK Film Festival. One of the featured. fiims to show is the sequei to Eating Out, called Sloppy Seconds. Jim was cast to return as Kyle in a leading role. Jim ,von the hearts all across America as a featured performer on the 2002 American Idols Live Tour, but his popularity really soared after he came "out" in The Advocare in January 2003. Jim's young fans, both gay and straight, nor only embraced the disclosure, bm verily celebrated it, p~oudly signaling the broader acceptance of gays among the next generation. In addition to "Eat\ng Out-2: Sioppy Seconds'' The Oklahoma GLBT International Film Festival opens with Srewart Wade's deiightfui!v romamic comedv of errors, ·'ro· r::--Fii f)ATL''' 'W; h ·1· ·{,_,; " peri'o•· .. -.,..,, .a. t' -.. ,, ... , _,_ ~ .L . .1.Ld ll~J...-.,.OuS .tJ. ~'• rnances from -\Xlilson Cruz So-(~alled Lif.~, J'-.Joah:-s lire), ()scar-norninatcd Sally Kirkland, Jonathan Silvt.~nnan, ninede's recn singing sensation I)cborah C;ibson, and Jonathan Bray. -n1e l::estival runs ()ctnbcr] 1-15~ 22 (l-i1ls:1) and C)ctober 19-~21 (()klahon1a also be in "'"'"""''" the STAR 7 Tulsa's Kris Kohl Host's Bryan hite Benefit Show. by Greg Steele Photo: "Cowboy Crooner" Matthew Heath Fitzgerald. TULSA, OK_On September 17th, Kris Kohl brought out his top guns to the Bamboo Lounge Tulsa and raised dose to $500 for the Bryan White AIDS Fund. Special Guest Entertainers induded Marthevf I-ieath Fit-zgerald n Oklahoma's Cov1boy c.:roonern, ~frudy Tyler '' The First Miss Gay Oklahoma Emeritus". Mona Lon .Miss 8 the STAR Bamboo 2006", Singer's Sam and Lester, Clog Dancer Jay Whiteside and many other great performers. All donated their time and talent to this very worthy charity. The OSU Internal Medicine Speciality Services Department in Tulsa is one of five State non-profit organizations that administer the Bryan White Aids fund. They cover 37 Counties in Oklahoma. With 150 new patients lase year, administraror Midge Elliot told che STAR in an interview that they are expecting many more for this year. "45% are minority and 35% are from rural area's. We help with medical, medicine, dental, transportation and other necessities as funds wiil allow." she said. " Our mission is to ensure rhac persons living with HIViAIDS in Eastern Oklahoma have access to high quality, comprehensive primary medical care, specialty care, and care coordination services delivered through OSU-COM's uniquely meaningful, compassionate and state-of-;:he-art programs and providers in one accessibie location". The Federal Health Resources Adminiscration manages the Ryan White Aids Fund and distributes to Oklahoma, who in turn allocates the money to the state's five approved organizations based on the number of patients in their care. Both the Health Resources Adminiscration and the State of Oklahoma's grants have been reduced drasticaliv since che Bush Administration cut funds to Brvan White Fund. "Our funds are flat and we are depending on the fund raising effom of organizations and individuals to keep our door's open," Elliot told us. For more information er how to give a tax deductible contribution direcc!y to OSU Internal Medicine Speciality Services contact Midge Eiiiot at 918-382-3507. The clinic is located at 635 West 11th street, east of the Tulsa ]legional Hospitai in Tulsa. }yfore 1--:JhotoS_frorn the Ben~:fir Shou1 in ST..4.R Scene-page 24-25 \Vlvw.ozarksstar.com by Libby Post OCTOBER 2006 Banning Books Intelligent Design One of the movies I rented when I got my first VCR (actually, it was a SONY Beta recorder - remember those?) was Julia. The story was based on a chapter from Lillian Hellman's memoir Pentimento. 1l1e title character was a childhood friend of Hellman's who became a leader in the resistance to Hitler's reign of persecution, censorship, and murder. The scene that has srayed with me all these years is the massive bonfire in the courtyard of a European university. Not a typical coilege celebratory bonfire, this conflagration was composed of books and papers from the school's library and the offices of its academics. In the film, Hitler Youth reveled in ransacking the school and thought nothing of throwing academic freedom into the fire. \'v'hen one of the professors tried to get in their way, he was thrown over a railing and killed. Today we have our own version of Hitler's reign of terror on academic freedom and thought. It's the radical Christian right's persistent crusade to ban books from public and school libraries, and its unfathomable drive to integrate "intelligent design" into our children's classrooms. The list of examples is endless. just check out the ,,\merican Librar, Association's website (www.aia.;>rg), the section about their annual "Banned Books Weck" (Sept. 23-30), to get an incredible sampling of the stupidity going on in today's schools and libraries. In Tacoma, Wash., the school district banned _The Geography Club_, a gay-themed book about high school bullying and tolerance, because paren-.:s complained that the protagonist, a gay teen, hooked up with another <1ueer student oniine and that they e,;enrnally met face to face. Tacom;; Schoel Supcrintendcn: Patti Banks wici rl1e two p:.rcms '.d10 rec1uested the borJk be removed from the school library, "\X'c ·:rnnt to send a strong, cor:sistem message to all our studcn':s that meet:Jmr ii:di\0 iduals :ia the Imcrnet ;s e~tremelv :ugh-risk behaY:or. To the ~xtent that this book might contradict cha:: ~essage, I ha,T determined it should not be jn our libraries, in spite of other positivc aspecrs a strong :anriharassmcnt thcrne).'' Gee thanks, Patti. \"ou'H buckle to the concerns of t\.VO parents \vhilc dcpri.,,_--ing hundreds of srudcnts of the book1s real message ~· that bullying and harassing L(;B'T' students isn't acceptable. Jn response; the book\, author~ Brent f'~larringcr, ~~vho hails fron1 T'acon1a~ said, ~•1·hc reason gay teen~ arc dra,vn to the Internet is that's a safe place u; explore their identity \Vithout harassed or builicd. lt\ ironic n1y boc,k_ 1.1.-ould be pulled for this reason~ cuntrib uung to rh1s 10 ttle STAR Parents Protecting the Minds of Chiidren. "Il1is Fayetteville, Ark.based site explains that it doesn't want to pull books from ,he shelves, just give parents control over what their kids can read. While these folks have a problem with any book that deals openly with sexuality, hetero or homo, all you have to do is click through the site and you'll see just how obsessed they are with books that paint a positive picture of LG BT lives. The bottom line for them is rather succinct. In big bold letters, the site deciares, "For those who didn't already know, now you know what Diversity Means!!! The promotion ;f the homosexual agenda!!:" If banning books wasn't enough for radical Christian righr parents, they also want to integrate intelligent design (ID) imo biology curricula al! over the country. No, inteliigent design isn't a new show on HGT\~ It's the push to bring creationism back to our schools - teaching that the world started with Adam and Eve (cenainiy not Adam and Steve) and that Darwin's Theory of Evolution is a theory and never proven. 'The drive for intelligent design lost some steam when, after the Dover, Pa., school board instituted it, a U.S. District Court judge threw it our. In handing down his decision, U.S. District Judge John E. Jones Iii wrote that "overwhelming evidence at rriai established that ID is a religious view, a mere re-labeling of creationism, and not a scientific theory." Jones found intelligent design failed as a scientific theory because it can't be tested. Lucky for Dover's students, their parents found that the school board failed as citizen educators and voted all the members who supported ID out of office last year. Despite the ruling and the rout, bills to mandate ID as part of a state's biology curricula continue to be introduced. In Ol<lahoma, a bill has passed the state Assembly and now heads to the state Senate. A leading radical Christian right wing nut, New York State Assemblyman Dan Hooker (who thankfolly is not running for re-election - instead he's serving his country in Iraq) is the soie sponsor of an ID bill. Since the state Assembly is controlled by the Democrats, the bill will go absolutely nowhere. If only that were true for the rest of Hooker's compatriots across the coun;ry, who have found our library sheh·es ;md our school rooms to be 2-venues for their unique brand of censorship. Like ~he Hitler Youth who burned those books in Julia, the radical Chriscian right also thinks ii: has God on its sicie. * Berland Fall Womya.'s Retreat Eufaula State Park Fri.-Sun .. , October 27-29, 2006 Visit v;•.vw.heriandsisters.org fur cornp!ete de~ils· and a registration form. For m~e retreat info, ca!! Laura at (405) 602-1538. Berland Si•ter Resource" 2312 NIN 39th St., OKC, OK 73112 Open Saturdays trom 1~Spm (405) 521-9696 \'V\V\v.ozarksstar.corn MICHAEL HINZMAN, aka "UNCLE MIKEY" Michael Hinzman, author, columnist, and student oflife, joined rhe Ozarks STAR family in November 2004. This issue makes his 24th 'Ask Uncle Mikev" column published in the STAR. Uncle ~Aikey is our longest consecutive running non-syndicated column. As one of rhe most popular with our readers, we thought vou would eniov meeting the man behinci rhe big hat. ' , Michael hails from the middle-beit of Ohio, where Michael continues his efforts to bring humor and comic relief to ,he community. Michael's goal and passion. second only w his career in medidne. is :hat of being a celebrated author. His goal became a reality in May of 2005 with the publication of his first novel ''l)rago1nir,'~ available at n1ost rnajor book retailers. 1v1ichael pushes to succeed in the ,vodd of \\Titers. Published through several -venues, Iv1ichael's ~.. .v orks arc in onlinc publications as -.,veil as in print. ::!~~=:jii~~~:::~~e~:~!~11::.!;1 !D SCYCta! ;;~:rs lifestyle. Lv1ichacl ha:;; been as he continues his ""\JJ;,,.}~f•rg VJO!~cL; to(• rain his reader:-: ,virh an''","'"-'"'"''.,, following. " I love to make others laugh, think, and in general look at life through a different perspective." Michael is continuing his education in the Psychology and Nursing fields. Michael is a current member of the Alpha Beta Gamma's National Honor Society. It is Michael's experience and twisted view of life's issues ;:hat enables Michael to laugh at life's trials faced by those in rhe GLBT community. Michael supports the community throughout manv ch,uitable oudets. An active sponsor ~f the Life Share Program, \'!ichad has volunteered his time in order to promore the much-needed demand for blood donations. 1vfichael also works with various charities such as local food banks, Aids events: youth n1.cntoring, and the specific field deaiing "vith disabled n1en1ber~ of the memallv retarded poouiadon. .Michael has worked 'with the me~ta!iy ii! since 199 J , as 'Nell the medically fragile and rnentally retarded. }.,:fichael encourages others to back to the con1n1unity bringing .._:t:s._, ~A ;1il.._ lJre.:1.king U.cJ\-01. When Michael has down time, he joins his loving partner Daryl, currently celebrating their sixth year together. Michael is the proud father of five beautiful children from his brief, yet productive, time in the heterosexual community. Family time is spent camping, boating; as well enjoying many, other family oriented activities. Full time fathers raising their three eldest children, Mikayla, Michael and Jacob, while the exwife raises the two youngest; proving that amilies of diversity can and do succeed. oined in their extended family circle by Vicky, AKA-Namn, inspired by her endless contribution and inspirational intelligence. Michael continues to demonstrate that life does not end with the dreaded passing of the Twinky- T wenties. Michael, a 34 year old, enjoys the pursuits of happiness in all aspects oflife. Michael's firm belief; that ones only limit is ones own will and imagination, as seen in his continuous uest. Finding life better in the second half after surviving his own 20 something drama affliction, common• ly known as the dubbers. Michael also utiiizes his character, Uncle Mikev, in charitv events withil~ the comdiunity, in order to bring awareness to gay issues; equal rights, aids benefits, and the staggering homeless popuiation within the gay yomh of America. 'The editor of the S'l;\R congratuiates ]\1ichaci on his 24th issue of 'Ask Uncle M:kel and extends a huge ''Thank You for your unwavering support.'' Feedback can be sent to f.!ichael at \vordsbyr~ i~e(~>ao).c~m,: tv1i~hael \\:elcorne! :ny and :tll feedback Jrorn his readers ana to!kr, vers and critics alike. the STAR 11 NW Arkansas GLBT Communi Center Granted Non Profit Status. BENTONVILLE, AR_On August 9th, 2006, the Northwest Arkansas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trangendered Community Center, Inc. in Bentonville, Arkansas was granted 501/c)3 Non Profir tax exempt status from the Internal Revenue service. This action was retroactive to May 16, 2006. 1he NWA GLBT Community Center recognizes rhe need in Northwest Arkansas to: CONNECT: Unite and organize a GLBT community that is fragmemed and often times disconnected. SUPPORT: Cultivate a healthy and thriving community for NWA GLBTs. PROTECT: Ensure the safety, civil righrs and liberties of all NWA GLBTs. EDUCATE: Bring awareness and education to al! NWA community members. INVOLVE: Create fun and exciting community events and activities for NWA GLBTs. CENTRALIZE: Establish a brick and mortar GLBT Community Center in NW A. The website for the NWA GLBT Communiry Center can be viewed at: www.nwaglbtcc.org Tax deductible donations may be sent to the N\VA GLBT Community Center at: PO Box 1161 Bentonviile, Ar 72712-116L om1" ng once ut" and JONATHAN STIERS, COLLEEN JAMESON SPIUNGDALE, AR~ Coleen comes from Massachusetts to Arkansas on her Midwest Tour. She is a voice for social justice. and has a soundtrack for social'activism. You'li be cmem.:n~d bv her skillful biend of up-beat rhythm guitar and thought-provoki1.lg Her music brings poiitical issues to light in an accessible and poetic way. !vfore than jmr another acoustic crooner. Colleen jameson :s the real deal: the p<;crry of life's sorrcJ\VS set against the 1nelody of litC's joys. Colleen not only sings about social justice, she has n1ade it her profession. Working in snelters and with ur,dcr-sen·ed popuhtiom. C:oHeen writes about real issues our of her O\"-'f1 ,,,,,,,.,,,.,,,-.·• Jonathan is a t~orth,vest A.rkansas entertainer that has been :~:!c01~~; f~: :~:1~~~11:~:~:1;; ::~lomplished j ;,::;itl~;1;;,\J;~;d, (:I)~ w1-hc Player & The Pawn" V./3.S part of the official c;L:\.l\.1) "VIP bag that each attendee received, 'The event v,,ras held on 10th in San Francisco: f'~cver having an)''" fc;rrnal plays car and sdll docs nor: read sheet nn1sic, ]t 12 the STAR. when jonathan bought an old, beaten-up, wooden up,ight, that he started to compose music and lyrics of his own. Jonathan was fearnred in the August issue of Celebrate Arkansas magazine. Enjoy an Exciting Revue of Artistic Talem for National COMING OUT Dav suggested donation is $5.00 ar the door All proceeds benefit the N\Y/A GLBT Communiry Center PO Box 1161 Bentonville, AR 72712 W\,w.rrwaglbtcc.org Concert is \Y/ednesday October 11, 200.6 6:00 pm Jones Center Auditorium &Chapel, 922 East Emma, Springdale, Arkansas. nsas aveA By Jeremy Pena ew iters ome October is going to be the start of something spectacuiar for GLBT writers in Arkansas. A new group for GLBT writers is forming rnd aH writers from all genres are welcome ro join in. We wcicome all wrirers, published and non-published. From fiction writers to poets, songwriters to writers iooking for ideas of where to begin. 'TI1e focus of the group is for socializing with other writers and discussing various genres and writing styles, to support \'.Titer; in the GLBT community with any necessary information needed with regards to pubiishing their works, and sharing our works wirh each other. Each month there will be a focus on a specific genre ranging from fiction to poetry. We will be focusing on novel writing in October to prepare for a month-long event in November. Nation,;! Novel Writing 1Vlonth will begin No\·ember l and end at midnight November 31. Check out rhe websitewww.NaNo\VriMo.org for more dernils and updates. Sign-ups for the event begin in October. You will also find writing prompts each month focusing on our ~opic for i:hc month on our group sire. 'The first writing prompr is on the site to ge, re,;dy for our first gathering. We wili also be focusing 0!1 writing for various publications in the area and possibly raking on some addition.al n::sponsibiiitic:- to the ( :ommunity Center newsletter in the future. A.nyonc interested can find more inforn1arion and join the group on our yahoo groups site at http:/ /groups.yahoo.con1/groups/AJlGl. BTWRITES. --I11cn: .. .,,;ill be two n1eetings in ()ctober and ,veekiy n1ecrings in Novernber to support rhc participants in this noYel c·\t<.:nt. lv1ectrin1t.:: s and h.1cations -..viil he posted on calendar on rhe group sire and rcn1indcrs ~Nill be sent via c-rnail to group 1nern.bers. ·\:,:te look f(>r\vard to v.., nrL< you at our and your Capitol Pride Boo Bash Halloween Fund-Raiser LITTLE ROCK, AR_Sidetracks bar will host Boo Bash, a Halloween- themed fund-raising event to benefit Little Rock Capital Pride on October 28th. Festivities will include prize drawings, costume contesrs, drink specials and a silent auction of items donated by many area businesses and groups. According to Kamrin Dodd, fund-raising chair for LRCP, "Sidetracks is well-known for its ghost sightings and other-worldly occurrences which makes it the perfect location for our Halloween event. We look forward to a fun evening that will help support Capital Pride." NWA Ghost Connection which recently investigated Sidetracks states, "the building was originally the home of two businesses; a dirt-floored bar and a brothel. The bar was so dangerous and rough, it was off limits to the military. The brothel, run by a woman named Miss Birdie, was a popular night spot due to the building's location near the railroads. Early in the l 920's, rhe brothel became the site of an unfortunate murder. A patron from the bar next door had fallen in love with one of Miss Birdie's "employees," a 13-year-old girl named Anastasia. When another man told the love-srruck patron that he had just "been with" Anastasia, he stormed Birdie's ·establishment and searched out Anastasia. Upon finding her, he slit her throat, tossed her body over the baicony, and escaped out the window. 1his murder was the demise of Birdie's, causing the establishmem to close. In 1923, the building became the home of a mortuary. The undertaker used the building's basement for all of his embalming procedures. According ro legend, when the mortuary closed, the undertaker left all his equipment, ?.nd who knows what else in the basement. During prohibition, the building housed a "newspaper stand"; a cover for selling illegal liquors and beer. In an ironic turn of events, rhe love struck patron who killed Anastasia years earlier was murdered at the same location. He had his throat slit after getting into an argumem with another man. According to Phiilip. the O\V!ler of Sidetracks, there have been several noted paranormal occurrences since he took over. They have wic1cssed anyd1ing from water running, lights flickering: and objects moving arot1:id the bar. On one occasion, a glass shelf containing crystal stemware feil :o the floor, shattering the crystal. The 5hdf however. did no: break. Witnesses have seen the break.er box opening and closing repeai:ediy, and occasionally the computer turns itself on, typing aE som of icners and figures on the screen. Phillip believes the ghosts of 1\nastasia and her love-stricken murderer stiii haunr Sidetracks to this day.n Little }lock (:apit:a.l Pride (http:/ h.vv.,.,vJirderockcapitalpride.org/ ) is a 501 3 non-profit organization ,nhose rnission is ro host events that honor the history a~d diversity of Gav. Lesbian) Bisexual and Tfansgender · individuals i;1 the s;~;te of .A.rkansas and sur! Oun<l~.ug J.t.~a:, 1Jud. r...r,.,,~ttc wirhi:1 the GLB'l" commun~ty :u,d its allies by providing sociaJ support and enhancing ;nvareness of the past an~1~:~~,~~:::, :J~~t~!,~;:~~::~~ i~~~!i!~' ;~~~;,~::~l~;~;;~!~ri~~rnl; rkansas & Oklahoma~s tnost read GLBT Magazine FALL DIVERSITY WEEKEND NOV 3-5, 2006. "THE FIRST DIVERSITY ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL" This Fall is going to be a little different in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. There are some new and intriguing events. DIVERSITY COMEDY SHOW at the historic AUDITORIUM By presenting a lesbian and gay man comic, once again Diversity Pride Events hopes to entertain and unite our community. We can't release the names yet, but DPE is very excited to have drawn such talented and uplifting performers to the Ozarks region. Tickets will soon be available online at DiversityPride.com FIRST 'Ti-Talk' "Everything you wanted to know about... the 'T' & T in GLBTI (Transgender, Transsexual and lntersex)., ... but _ were afraid to ask!" All glbti and pflag welcome. This is the first of an ongoing series of "Talks" to educate and socialize within our community. Plans for future talks will be fur, and about, Bisexuals, Lesbians, Gay men. ''It's amazing how much we really don't know about each other, savs Diversitv Pride Events, Deborah Rose. We are fortunate to hav~ some wo;1derful people who have volunteered to guide these talks and to foster a greater understanding of the true diversity and size of our community. God was far more creative than peopie ~ealize!" · DIVERSITY BIKERS Charity 'POKER RUN' & 'SHOWN' SHINE' 1he Diversity Bikers 'Show N' Shine' will start at 12:30 PM at Roadway Inn. Bikes will be judged in two categories, Best in Show and Best 'Pride Dressed'. 1l1ere will be a First Place and Run- ' ner-up in each category. This will be the first Diversity Bikers Charity 'Poker Run', A portion of the proceeds, along with stuffed animals andior cash donations will be sent for Toys for Kids of deployed service members to heip out with the holidays. BEAR COMIC BOBALOO: COMING BACK Bobaloo wowed the Diversity Bears this past Summer Diversity 'X'eekend and fell in love with the Eureka Sp;:ings communit'/. So, Diversity Pride Events has brought him back ro "jolly things up around Eureka" and MC the 'GO-GO GUY & GA[ Dance Comest at the 'Golden Oldies' Dance & Cabaret at Caribc\ on Saturday Nighr afrer rhc shov: at the AUD. And by the v...;ay~ you~H see son1e red cans around to\\-'H to collect donations for those Kids of deployed service rnembers. I"\Jo n1atter v:here you stand poiiticaHy, re1~,e~ber it's for rhe kids. So, dig into your pocket and get rid of rhat loose change for a s•Neet cause (and loose bills are weico::nc Sho,v rhen1 our con1,munity has a big heart! COt-~TA{~]~ Ii'•JF(): [)I'✓ E!tsrr·~y PRJI)E EVEt,rrs Deborah Rose 479-253-2555 dcbor1i:1@:divcrsitypride.corn tile STAR Summary : Past Out is a retrospect:i,·e of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT hiswry. Each installment brings the past to life by exploring rhe diversity of the gay past and its impact on the queer present. 1728: Notorious transvestite Chevalier d'Eon is born in Burgundy, France. Who was Chevalier d'Eon? Chevalier d'Eon, an 18th-century spy and diplomat who inspired sexologist Havelock Ellis to coin the term "eonism" for crossdressing, was the subject of much spernlation about his gender both during his lifetime and in the decades since his death. Charles Eon de Beaumont was born in the Burgundy region of France in October 1728, the child of an attornev and a noblewoman. In a ghostwritten l 779 autobiogrnphy, d'Eon claimed he was born a girl, but was passed off as a boy in order to ~suage his father's grici over a son who !1ad dieci. and to c!a;m an inhe~.tancc de,ignated for a male heir. -'Mv father wanted m~ to become a bad boy and my mother wanted me rn becom:: a good girl,'. he wrote. Later researchers say he was born male. but his mother often dressed hi.rn as a girl. An excellent student, d'Eon graduated in 17 49 from (~c•Hege J\1azarin in Paris} where :::~~!i::j :::;~;':~:c:(~(;;~:~~~::::~~~~;:::: !:; rhc city's fiscal deparrrnent and a.s a royal censor. 'I hough slender and sorr1e\vhat delicate in appearance, there is Hrdc indication that d'Eon \Vas regarded as particularly 14 the STAR effeminate as a young aduh. D'Eon joined a secret network of spies working for King Louis XV, and in~ i 7 56, the king sent him on a mission to re-esrablish an alliance with Empress Elisabeth of Russia against the rival Hapsburg monarchy. It was widely rumored that d'Eon disguised himself as a woman to win the empress's confidence (according to one version, the king hit upon the idea after mistaking a cross-dressed d'Eon for a !adv at a masquerade ball); there is little c~ntemporary evidence, however, ro support this tale. In the early i 760s, d'Eon returned to France and became a captain of the dragoons, a light cavalry regiment. After he was wounded in battle toward the end of the Seven Years' War, he was awarded the Cross of Saint-Louis and given the rank of Chevalier. D'Eon then wem: to London, where he worked as a diplomatic minister. During this time. he enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, amassed a large librar:\ and cemented his connections bestowing gifts from his family's vineyards. Scandal ensued a few years later when d'Eon, fearing that he w;;s about to be rcn1oved frotn his position by a new an1bassad. or; clain1ed in a letter to the king that the ambassador had atten1ptcd dn1n an<J kidnaD hirn: he :1is~}' published :.t book. of secret diplon1aric correspondence, \vhich led ro his exile in England. bv ✓ large sums that d'Eon was really a woman, or. alternarivelv, undoubtedlv a man; still others though; he was a hen~aphrodite. In 1777, an English court entered the fray to settle a bet, ruling that d'Eon was a woman; rhe judge, disgusted at having to deal with such a case, said he wished he cot.id m,ike both parties lose. More recently, biographer Gary Kates posited :hat d'Eon rebvemeci himself as a woman afcer he had made political enemies in high places and gotten himself deeply in debt. For his part. d'Eon seemed to relish the confusion, sometimes claiming to have been bori: male, sometimes female. After iiving with his mother for a time at the family estate in Tonnerre, d'Eon returned to England in 1785. He embraced Cnristianit: y and, according to Kates, seemed to regard living as a woman as a for:n of "moral purification." D'Eon never married. and there is no record or· any sexuai relations11ips wirh either women or men. Alt;.,<'ugh d'E;n continued to dress as a woman, Iflos: reoorts suggest he did not pass vcrv convind112.iv. lv1ember of Parliament Ho~ace \Yia!pol~, nored that "her hands and arms see;11 not to have participated oc the change of sexes, but are fitter to carry.~ chair than a fun."' Added nobiem;;.n James Boswell, "She appeared rn me a man in woman's clothes." In 1796. d'Eon w2s seriously wounded in a fencing match. Aithough an amopsy after his death in }vfa\· 1810 revealed ihat d'Eon was a bi~logically normal maie, he has ncverthdess rce1ained a subject of considerabic fascination: Was d'Eon a uansgender woman who spent half her life as a man. or a ~an who 5JY.:nt half his life as a \.vorn.an? For further reading: [fEon de Bcaun1onr~ c:haries (2001). 'Jhc fv1aiden of 'fonncrrc: 'Ihc \/icissitudcs of rhe (~hevalicr and ;.,,. the c:hcvalien: I-<:atcs, (;ary. 1995, 200]. a "'•~?on1an: /\. ~Ede of Political ::ll1(1 Photo: The new community center coming soon. October National GLBT History Month Each June, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) and allied community ceiebrares our pride and diversity. It is a time for parades and parties to celebrate ourseives, our accomplishments and the adv«nccs towards GLBT cquaiity. Each October, we again cdebrate our communitv · bur from a historical perspective. Octobe; is recognized as GLBT History Month. In 1979, the first National Marci1 on \Vashington for Lesbian & Gay Rights rook place. Tens of thousands of G LBT individuals and families crov:ded the nation's front yard, the National Mail, to demand equality: In 1987, another March on \'vashingwn occurred on October l i th. The day is now recognized as Nation .. ! Corning Out Day. 'Jhesc arc the m;.in reasons whv Oc~ober was chosen as GLBT History i,1omh. . ()kL1horna bas a rich and varied historv of the GLBT & ;;,llied community. In 1980, :1 sn1ail group of people concerned about human rights and equaiitv for (;LB~r ()klahornans found~d ()klal1ornans for ~:~~f :m~~::::.i1Ii·~~:~;(f EI 1:,:if In the 1980's~ll)li.R. advent of HIV/AIDS, TOHR sent a medical professional to health conferences to remrn and advise the community on the transmission of the virus. TOHR then opened Northeast Oklahoma's first anonymous HIV Testing Clinic, becoming a state leader in HIV/AIDS testing and education. In 1998, H.O.P.E. (Health Outreach, Prevention and Education) became a separate organization, allowing both H.O.P.E. and TOHR to focus on their respective areas. The new millennium broualu rapid arowth t> t> for TO HR. Individual support expanded programming and communitv involvement. TOHR began its capitctl campaign, "The Pyramid Project" in late 2000 while being honored as ~n "OutGiving InCommunity" host site for 200 l. "OutGiving" allowed continued growth in education and outreach as TOHR hosted the Denver-based Gill Foundation's resource and community building program. In 2001, TOHR was · selected as a "FastTrack" program, setting a foundation for further growth to take the community to the next level. TOHR opened the first Tulsa GLBT Community Center in October 1996. 1he Center quickly became a community gathedng spot with social and support groups, the PRIDE Store, the Nancy McDonald Rainbow Library, TV lounges and more. Two locations later, the Tulsa GLBT Communitv Center is now located at 5545 E 41st Stree( in Highland Plaza. Open Monday through Saturday from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the Center is growing in nearly every direction and will welcome visitor number 10,000 for the year by December. The Tulsa GLBT Communitv Center is also home to the Tulsa GLBT Hi;wry Project. Begun in 2002, the Tulsa GLBT Hiswrv Projecr uncovers, preserves and presents, the rich contributions of Gav, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendcr peopie ~,ithin the state of Oklahoma. As we continue to fight for a future society that more opcniy accepts diversity and extends equal rights to all, the sacrifices., contributions and dedication of the GLBT community and its many SUD· porters can be understood and apo;ccia;:ed thr?ugh a:1 i?'portant source ofi~spiration a n<t kno,v!edge. ·ro celebrate (;I.Jrr I-Iistorv J\.,1onth, T'C)HR and the 'Ih!sa GLBI' Hist;ry Project are ~~;;;c:;~~! ~;~~;;~ f~1~:rj;;J::~~:~:~~ !il~- "Center C:inen1a" 1he ()ctober c:~ruer <:inetna line up of fi!nls includes fi!rn:i covering the historical momems, places and people of the GLBT & allied community. First up is "The Times of Harvev Miik" ~n Friday, October 6th at 7:00 Plvf. The film highiights the life and tragic death of the "Mayor of Castro'' - Harvey Milk, the first openly gay member of San Francisco's Board of Supervisors who was assassinated by Dan White. Next up on the list is "Stonewall" on Friday, October 13th at 7:00 PM. "Stonewall" chronicles the events leading up the famous riots commonly referred to as the beginning of the modern GLBT rights movement. 1he history of Fire Island is documented next on Frid;y, October 20th with "When Ocean Meets Skv." 1he film traces the history of the gay e1{clave and how it became the social hotspot of the Northeast. Last, but cerrainlv not least, is the classic "Rocky Horror Picture Show." The cult-classic shows at 7:00 PM on Friday, October 27th - just in time for the unofficial national gay holiday of Halloween. AIDS Walk 2006 Tulsa The history of the GLBT & allied community has b~en greatly affected by HIV/AIDS. Each year, the community comes together to remember those lost while continuina h . t> t e struggle to end this terrible disease. All in the area who want to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and help meet the needs for HIV prevention and care, are encouraged to participate in AIDS Walk Tulsa 2006 on Saturday, October 7 th. The festivities begin at 9:00 AM at Veterans Park, 1875 S Boulder, with the walk stepping off at 9:45 Alv1. Refreshments and awards will be presented to rhe top individuals and teams following the 2-miie walk. Tulsa's 14th annual walk raises funds to supporr direct HIV/ AIDS services in Tulsa and receives matching funds from a National AIDS Challenge Grant. The Tbisa AIDS Walk is a pro{~cc of the Community Service Co~:nci! or rv'r eater ~1· i .l ls a, :,'-l-l 1v' er sponsors are th. e Gay & Lesbian Fund forTuisa and Starbucks Coffee. Bronze sponsors arc (:iao, Baby!~ Evan Tayior Photography, MAC AlDS {und, 1'viiss Jackson's Nenvork-I. Ti1lsa PFLA..C; andTul.sa Oklahomans for Human Right~ CTC)HR). Please visit 1.v\V\'l.aids\vaiktul~a. :i:! 1 ;~'./~~;information ;.nd to sign up for OUT OK 5 Film Festival ,:.:untiu.,ul page-16 the STAR 15 (20Z)GREY (1 OZ) .... ·.. . . .• . . .· .. (1 OZ) CHAMBORG LIQUOR (1/2 OZ) HALFc$ HAL;F . FRESH RASPBERRIES 1. Chill a martini glass with ice· and water. 2. Combin.e ali ingredients.with lee in shaker and shake Y~ry .well. · · · 3. · Strai.n int<> martini gla~s and g~rnisti with a fresti raspberiy. . YUMMY! l 6 the STAR OUT OK FILM FESTIVAL OUT OK, the longest-running GLBT film festivai in Oklahoma returns for another outrageous year of celluloid fun. From October 11-22, OUT OK unleashes firstrun, independem, gay movies in Tulsa and Oklahoma CitY. In addition to the verv popuiar ABSOLUT RUBY RED Cock.tail Parties, OUT OK is proud to announce CLUB 209's "In Concert with FUNNY KINDA GUY", following the screening of the riveting Scottish documentary of the same name. Direct from Scotland, Simon, a post-op trans person will serenade us with his tender, jazz /folk -inspired tunes, which have captured the Glasgow music and dub scene by storm. With more tears and more tears of joy, OUT OK is evolving, growing, and expanding. There are more screening days, more movies, and more beautiful actors and ralented filmmakers. OUT OK opens with Stewart Wade's delightfuily romantic comedy of errors, COFFEE DATE. As a practicai joke, gorgeous straigh~ man, Todd, is sent on a biind date with hard and hot gay man, Kelly. With hilarious performances from Wilson Cruz (Mv So-Called Life, Noah's Arc), Oscar-nomi~ated Sallv Kirkland (Anna, Bruce Almighty), Jona~han Silverman (Weekend at Bernie's, Death Becomes Her), nineties teen singing sensation Deborah Gibson, and Jonathan Bray (King of Queens, The Practice), dating will never be the same. Director and actors will be in attendance. Arguably the first gay sequel, writer/director Q.Allan Brocka returns with EATING OUT 2: SLOPPY SECONDS. Direcror Phillip J. Bartell re-introduces Brocka's zany cast of hot sex kittens, Gwen and Tiffani, man-whore Marc, awkward gay boy Kyle Oim Verraros -American Idol I). and a hot bubbling menu of All-American beef and succulem slabs of Grade-A man. To win the bulging hearr ofTroy (Marco Dapper), the new hunk in town, Kyle pretends ro be straight, only to find himself joining the campus ex-gay support group and landing a vivacious girlfriend. Kyle's ex-boyfriend, ~-..farc (Brett Chukerman) is horrified at the plan and decides to pursue Troy with his own tactics. Ivfore raucous. More raunchy. More mouth-watering fun. Fine-dining at· its dirtiest-best! Actors will be in attendance. For more information on OUT OK. please visit wv,rw.out-ok.com or contact Phiiip Au at 9 l 8.682A654, ext. 3 or pau@ out-ok.com * www. □ ZARKSSTAR.C □ M ~TRAVEL @~ ~[ti)@J!ill~~ by Donald Pile and Ray Williams "WELCOME TO ARIZONA" A colorful tapestry of culrures - from Hispanic and Native American to the legendary Wild West - is woven throughout southern Arizona, a land that thrived under the flags ofboch Spain and Mexico before becoming part of the U.S. South of Flagstaff in the beautiful Verde Valley area of north central Arizona, Sedona including Jerome and Prescott is red rock country. Many gay men and lesbians - once they experience the friendly atmosphere and small town charm of Sedona - decide to relocate here permanently. Women will find numerous lesbian-owned accommodations. Although Arizona is a landlocked state, its desert dwellers cool off in the warm waters of the state's many iakes. In fact, Arizona boasts one of the highest rates of boat ownership in che nation. Home to che world-famous London Bridge, Lake Havasu is both a water lover's paradise and a desert lover's dream. More than 400 miles of stunning coasdine offers exceptional water sports, including fishing and skiing, kayaking, jet-skiing and houseboating. 1he western region of the Seate can be amazing. Northern Arizona is the Southwest at its best. It is a photographer's paradise, a shopper's delight, a hiker's exploration, a history buff's treasure trove of cultures and a boater's bonanza. Although only a matter of hours from Phoenix deserts. Northern Ariz~ma can be a world away in dimace. With elevations up to n:ore than 12.000 feet. If vou have never visited the Grand Canvon. ir trulv is one cf the wo:iders of America. Stay at the historic f] ·i~n·ar c.,;c nii::lu. 'lh, sccnic beauty is beyond description. If you ,ire h:mh0 cno~:gh to ukc the mule excursion to the bottom. then bv all !1H.:ans de ,o. Or!1- erwise jus~ stay at rhe hotel and have a drink. look 0L.r t11c wi!1d0".\' and ~-icw rhe scenery_ \'(le have been to ali five areas and alw«y; l:aH a ;·::n: ime. AE auto is an absolute :VfUST when visitini:: ;\;-i:wn,i :tr.d he: St;RE a1:d keep plenty of gas in ,·ot:r ,ankl h I, t:!11:c: le·, abk I'()\" n'an•, 0-"V owned· Band B's ~lv-r,• -r,· ;11 4ri"()Jl'.' nl,., d-,:-· 01, ! ~ • •>} b<.t,/ ~ ~A ,al.,.,,..., ,1_...., ! _a•'• ,_{ t ~-·• -~,.....,~ • that arc cxtrcrneiy gay-friendly. Even in the ~tnaH 1cv.-n~, gJ~- iifr· i:cvenn,, vherc. Among our favorite places to stay in Arizona arc: LUNA VISTA B And B in Rimrock (just South of Sedona) Kala and Frank are two of the most wonderful people in the wori<l .. http:/ /www.iunavistabandb. com/ An utterly "beyond FABULOUS experience s~aying there. The ROYAL ELIZABETH B and B in Tucson is wonderful. Jeff and Chuck know how to keep their guests returning year after vear. http:/ /www.royalelizabeth.com/ and "The Casa de San Pedro in Hereford is great: Karl and Patrick have done a wonderful job. http:/ /www.bedandbirds.com/ In Phoenix, there are literaliy dozens uf gay bars to choose from so just check out your bar guides before going. Whatever yom into, there is perfect bar just for you: There is a very strong gay community in Arizona and some of the resources can be found by going ro these: http:/ /v1'ww.azpride.orgi. http:/ /www. prescottpridecenter.com/ , http:/ /www, cochise-pride.net/ , http:/ /www.flagstaffpride. org/ and http:/ /wwv,. tucsonpride. com/ Their local gay newspaper is a great source for information: http:/ hvww, echomag.com/, Always remember to haYe a good time when traveling and TALK TO EVERYBODY ! And, "don't cry because it's over, SMILE because it happened and you were a part of it! * "ESSENTIAL INFORMATION WHEN TRAVELING" by Donald Pile and R:;y Williams ~lfavcling is incant to be fi.111. exciting and interesting, and if you do vour homework ahead ,)f tl:nc it can keep :;Pu ;~,)m gett;:1g into ,rouble in so many vvays. Flyins has ,l~v,ays :1ecn a prob\tm and it of course has gotrcn rnuch ,vorse since 9/11. If you are Hying sornc\ t·hcrc you just rI.i\VI--: to reaiize th~u you arc ill the rncrcr of the airiin,:: '~?herhe, c:d,m:d. car:cc;ed o~ whatever d·,crc is i;CTl-iTNC ti1.1~ vou can do about i! 'Jhen:forc. take 1 bouk . .:;·,,s,·.vnrd puzzlc. 1nag<l.zine, playing card~ or vlhatcver and ju.st ;,go \-Vith rhc flo\v,- ~....jo nt:ed to get upset o,:cr !->On1cthing d1~1t ~;ou have ab:-,oiurely no cnrurol ov::1a-Yd!ing and and get ring up.,cz i:-- jusr not :1n option_ /iirpurt food i~ v~:r;--- expensive and not ~dl rhat goqd :-,n tJkc ,dong .-;na1..:k~ or even a ~.u1d\vich ti) l'~U. For n1on: requeq 18 the STAR Arkansa:,; 8. Ok!21;oma's most read GLST lv/agazine Gay Travelers: an emergency aisle seat. Don't sit in rhe front of the emergency aisle or in front of the bulkhead where seai:s may nor recline. If your luggage gets lost or your flight is canceled, then complain RIGHT AWAY! Don't wait a couple of days afterwards to complain. Know how you are going to get into a city before arriving at the airport. Mose ~ities ha\·e wonderful bus service into their downtown area but some don't. So be sure to find out BEFORE you get there. Otherwise a taxi ride an be terribly expensive. Of course anorher aiternative is ro rem an auto. If you are renting an auto for your trip, be sure and book it online as there is a tremendous savings by booking on line rather than calling their 800 number. Always double check to see if your auto insurance covers your rental auto. If not, almost all Gold and Platinum Visa and Master Cards cover the insurance. Always opt om for filling your own gas thank when returning the auto to the rental office. And if at all possible, NEVER rent an auto at the airport. You will get stuck ~ith extra taxes that is imposed there. If you are driving check with your auto club, (AAA, Costco, American Express or whatever) and they will send you free maps and coupons for your travels. Needless to say, if you are driving. NEVER have liquor in your auto. Lock it in the trunk! A~ we have mentioned in previous columns, NEVER let a botcl/ motel/ resort make a copy o!.' your ciriver's license when you check in. NEVER! Be happy to show them your l.D. bur never let them make a copy of it. With that copy of your driver's license and your credit card information any employee has ;:he means and in• formation to pass along to anyone who wants to steal your identity. This i5 ger:ting to be a real problem with hotels and motels. Just ask to speak to the manage: on dt1ty and explain why you will be bppy co show them your I.D. Howeve:, you will not iet them make a copy r· 0. It. If you ,vane to go to bars, find our where they are located before vou rake off on vour travels. Find the exact locations and hours for :he bars. The mo;e pre-planning you do the better things will work for you: trip. \'X,'hether you're going :o be in a city for iust one day or a week or more, plan ahead and make a scheduie before you lem:c home. :\luseums, galleries ;md shops are closed different days or the week. Always purchase :i local newspaper \vhen you get into a city. They wii: usually have a full foting of things m do and e,·en sp{.'.cials at local restaurants Spc:iking of restamai1ts, it 1s always much less expensive re dine late in che afrernoon ,!r l::mch menu prices rat.hc:r than a couple of hoc.rs late: at dinf!er time. Alwavs remember the "special of the dav'' no ione:-er rncans th~t the ,Price is lo'-;;¥cr. i\hvays ask ho\v tnxi.Ch iris .. It's Y()'i_rR money ~'.1 don't frci embarrassed about asking the pnce. \\/e _r\.LSfA :{S pal· for on our trips \vith a credit card. 'Then \vhcn ~.rour l;ill,comes in, Pl/\·- -rI-fE r:tJLL ,:\1vI()L7NT l By :;,;;~:~c\::: l: ;r~;l:~;~;~~c~;;::~ ct:;;: }::~~.f;r:t:1:::t ~:: ~-~::o~;;,\; \1j1en a busi~1cs~ charges 50 cents or eve:n a dolbr to use your credit card. cannot leiJlly do this ::nd •~vhen this docs happen~ call your credit card ct ,rnpany irrnncdiatcly and rhcY ~. ., :iH rcin1bur:-e you and fik ~TRAVEL One time our bill showed oniy a total when we got our receipt. When we go: home and checked our credit card account on !ine, we found thev had made a mistake and h,,d overcharged an even $1,000.00 to.our bill. With a phone call to our credit card company it was taken care of immediatelv. h was just an honest mistake but it was a mistake. It is very wise co' take cw~ different credit cards with you when traveling. Alwavs have fun when rraveiing, meet new people, see new things an'd taste new food so that when you rerurn home you can honestly say that you had a great time. Otherwise it is just money wasted. Whether rraveling across rhe country or merely a few miles away, traveling can be fun and exciting. Just don\ go imo the city with the attitude of"Here I am. What do you have for me?" Everything about your cravels is not going co be perfect so don't dweil on it. There weather, the bars or the restal!rants might not be what you expected so go to another bar or another resrauran:. Lite is too short to stay someplace not to your liking. For informadon about traveling e,nail Donaid and Ray at gayrravclers@ aol.com or visit their webpage at: hn:p:/ lwww.::ometown.ao1. com/ gayrravelers. Gold Castle "At Century 21 Gold Castle our BEST properties are our PEOPLE" 4301 NW 63rd, Suite 100 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405.840.2106 .c21 goldcastle.com the STAt~ 10 j ,_; One of the most beautiful cities in lvonh America, Vancouver is a progressive, dynamic, and gay-popular vacation destination. (Photo by john Sinai, courtesy of Tourism Vancouver) October 2006 by Andrew Collins Vancouver, British Columbia In V,noo""'• one of tl,, wodd', mos, smnning does, yon an kayak in English Bay in rhe morning before skiing down Grouse Mountain later that afternoon - indeed, few cities offer better access to the great outdoors. The city's glimmering. postmodern city center anchors a peninsula jutting into the rippling Strait of Georgia, irs shoreline sculp,ed by bays and inlets. From just about anywhere on this peninsula, you're within walking distance of two beaches, leafy Stanley Park, the ultra-gay Davie Village district, and several similariy diverring neighborhoods. It's for ail these reasons that VancouYer - whid: is aiso in a country that has legaiized same-sex marriage - has emerged as one'{)f ~he most wonderful gay destinations in the world. For Americans, visiting Vancouver :s quite easy. 'The city is just a three-hour drive north of Seattle, and it aiso has direct flights from nutnerous U.S. cities. just keep in Inind that in a couple of years; you ,vill be required to show a valid passport Vi;hen crossing the border (right !HW,, technically. you can get by with a driver·, license but if you don't have a passport. you're likely to be pulh:d aside and questioned thoroughly). Pi.lso keep in rnind that the lJ.S. dollar has becon1e increasingly ,veak agajnst the C:anadian doilar in recent years {US$ I equaled CAi'~$ l. l l as of mid-Septcmb(:f 2!106). ~o iravding to Vancouver isn't quite the bargain it ~1.vas a couple of years ago. StHL overalL it's less expensive than New "'Yorkl S;Jn Franc1scoJ London: and many other place::- of .,,.,a,,w,~ popularity. Vancouver is a highly progressive place - feminists, lesbians, and gays piay a prominent role in local politics, have helped rejuvenate several flagging neighborhoods, and support a compact but potent restauram and club scene. The West End, which abuts Downtown and was a prostitution-ridden eyesore in ;:he 1980s, is ;:he city's main gay commercial and residential sector. You'll find most of the gay nightlife and social scene along a roughly eight-block stretch of Davie Street known as Davie Village. Farther north, Davie intersects with another lively strip of cool shops and restaurants, Denman Street. At this intersection, you're just steps from sparkling English Bay Beach, a fine spot to catch a few rays on a warm afternoon. Davie Viliage is a terrific neighborhood for eating and bar-hopping. Bin 941 exemplifies the growing popularity of tapas-styie restaurants in Vancouver. Try the mussels steamed ,vith habanero chi!es. kafir-lime leaf, and cypress-honey lager, and enjoy a local vimage from the fabulous wine list. The campy and affordable Cafe Luxy serves humongous portions of pasta, and nearby Hamburger 1v1ary's is a fun, !ate-night bet for burgers, fries, and diner fare. Near where Davie meets Denman, you can sample inventive Pacific Northwestern cuisine at the Raincit'/ Grill, where dishes like grilled bison strip loin wirh lentil-and-braised-rib ragout await you. Grab an espresso nearby at gay-popuiar Delany's or up the street at Melriches, which is just around the corner from the acclaimed queer book and gift shop, Little Sisters. Later in the evening, check out Davie Street's gay bars, the most popular being Celebrities and the Odyssey, which both draw young, stylish crowds. Both spots pull their share oflesbians, but Celebrities is the more diverse of the two. 'The Odvssey has a festive patio and a great little dance floor. Other fun drinki~g spots along.Davie include Oasis (an attractively decorated piano cabaret and resrnurant), Pumpjack (a neighborhood pub with a leather-and-Levi's vibe), 1181 (an ultra-chichi martini lounge drawing a well-coiffed crowd), Fountainhead Pub (a fun sports bar with a great patio), and Numbers (a lovably dive-y cruise bar with three levels). If you're looking for action, drop by one of the city's popular bathhouses. F212 Steam or M2M Playspace. 1hc latter is part of the saucy (but quite affordable) Fahrenheit Hotel, a men's sex-plex with privare rooms and a steamy vibe (there are rooms on one floor that are geared more toward guests who want to keep their clothes on and get a good night's sleep). 1here are severai gay-friendiy bed-and-breakfasts and ho,ds in the neighborhood, the upscale West End Guest House being among the best, wii:h its beautifullv decorated Edwardian rooms. Another luxurious B&B that's highly appealing is O'Canada House, whose rooms have spacious tile b:.,fa and TVs with VCRs. A bit less prlcey but ,till with ample charm, handsome furnishings, friendiy hosts, and a great location near Davie Village, Ndson House has six inviting guest rooms. You'll find 195 spJci<Hs. contemporary s:.:ites with full kitchens and moderate rates at the Sandman Suites, a popuhr fuliseriice hotd right in the heart of Davie Village ame:iirie, include the popular Moxie's Grill restama:u, a spa, and a fitness cenrer. If v(n/rc on a budget~ the Inn at False C:reck Qualitr Hotel is a repu~ :-,;1~·1·,.~ d,.... ... ,,i alI()'d'1·0· 1',c• ---n' ai1·, ,')pt;O-P n,-, the ,,r-l.,.e (~.F-D-;:~,,',r> 1/ii1'•1cr{"' ~ t,(,.u" ,_...,, ,_!Ji l (,. ._ ~ ~ . > ~i ... ~ ~/ .. ,._ ... us~- , .... ·~ .,_ ~~ ,;._b_, Just steps fron1 the ~WC-st End discover the beautiful, rugged Stanley Park, \.vhich occupies a peninsula of 1T101T than 1,000 un~ spoiicd acres of lush greenery, fi)rcsts of cedar ~1nd [)oug!as fir. sandy beaches, and panorarnic n1aritfrne vistas. 20 Arkansas & Oklahoma's most read GLBT A1agazme From here it's a short drive to North Vancouver, home to Grouse Mountain ski area. For a great photo-op, stop by the nearby 450- foot-long Capilano Suspension Bridge, which swings gently (for the most part) 230 feet above the river below it. Back in the city center, you'll find some of the city's best upscale shopping along Robson Street, and you can enjoy a more historic aspect of Vancouver by wandering through Gastown, the site of Canada's transcontinental railroad terminus. The neighborhood boomed throughout the late 1800s, foundered by the middle of this century, and became a model for urban restoration in the '60s and '70s. Today you can stroll along Gastown's main cobbled thoroughfare, Water Street, past dozens of somewhat touristy shops and restaurants. Just a few blocks from Davie Village you'll find Yaletown, where Vancouver's fine-arts-and-fashion elite have converted dozens of early 20th-century warehouses into chic restaurants, galleries, and shops (including the stellar gourmet food market, Urban Fare, an excellent place to pick up picnic supplies). This hip district is also home to the city's coolest hotel, the Opus, which also happens to be one of North America's most gay-friendly addresses. 1his swank yet unpretentious property with 96 rooms and suites is a favorite haunt of visiting celebrities, who appreciate the super-efficient staff: boldly designed rooms, and cool lobby lounge. Don't miss the hotel's sensibly chic restaurant, Elixir, a postmodern vision of a Parisian bistro noted for its brunches (try the duck hash with poached eggs and sourdough bread) and superb contemporary cuisine, including a knockout pan-roasted halibut with wild mushrooms and trufflemarjoram sauce. Another cool Yalctown address for sophisticated chow and memorable people-watching is Blue Water Cafe, whose speciaities include a sampler of f0tir ceviches with salmon, halibut, rnna, and scallops, and a wonderful entree of local sablefish caramelized with soy and sake. A block away, slick Glowbal Grill & Satay Bar can be forgiven for its slightly pretentious and gimmicky ambience, because this plays turns out delicious food, including tequila lamb satay with lime-mint glaze, and spaghetti with truffles and Kobe meatballs. From Yaletown, you can catch a water taxi to Granville Island, once the shipping and processing center for the city's logging industry, and now yer another successful urban renovation with a mammoth public market and many galleries and artisrs' studios. It's a 15-minm:e drive east of the citv cemer to Commercial Drive, a neighborhood thai:'s been reborn in i:he past decade as the cit/s lesbian hub. Here you'll find several v,roman-owned shops, including \X!omyn's 'Ware, the definite source: for women's sex coys, lube, and fetish ',Near. Most afternoons anci evening:,;, you'll see cute dvkes passing time at the neighborhood's several shabby-chic coffeeho'uses. lhis is aiso a great area for affordable, he;,Jthfui cuisine. Exceilent options indude globallv inspired Stella's Tap & Tapas Bar and Havana, a grea, source for' deli~ious Larin-inf;sed far~. Finally, if you're looking for some outside fun on a sunny day? rnake i:he 20-minute drive to \\'est Vancouver to 'Wreck Beach, which is right by the campus of the l}niversity of British Colun1bia. l'-lot especia!iy sandy or accessible (you must hike down a steep l 00-foot trail), it's the cit}'~'s only more-or-less sanctioned nude beach (at ieast the illegalig.r of Jetting it all hang out is overlooked by authorities). -n1c south end of""Wreck Beach (to get there ~Yilol.,v the for trail vvww. ozarksstar: com number 6) is predominantly gay, and depending on your vantage point, the views from this secluded swath of sand can be amazing, whether you're admiring nature - or naturists. * health ouu-eaoh pmvention educaflon7 Inc. 1-800-535-AIDS (2437) Oklahoma's HIV/STD Hotline ' '>, >>: ' ' ' ,_,. ', ✓ * Free nonjudgmenhlf HlVtesting, inclt1ding the 20 rniJiule OraQwg)( fest.. . . • Free SyphiHis screening at thi:J GLBT Center on Tuesdays from tJ.;Bpm H.O.P~E. Te-1ing Clinic MensOutreach Program In Tulsa at (918) s1i..;7045 the STAR 21 he reamhelmet ould Emily Post pprove? -- Recently, the CBS News \Vebsite posed the following hypothetical scenario and question: "Strangers on a Plane: The stranger sitting next ro you on a plane ieans over to reads your magazine, takes off his shoes and socks, or keeps chatting when all you want to do is nap. The guy in front of you cranks his seat all the way back, while th: k!~ behind you kicks your seat. What's a polite passenger to do'. ... (PRWEB) September 12, 2006 -- Recent!v, the CBS News Website posed the f<:!lowing hypothetical scenario.and question: "Strangers on a Plane: l11e stranger sitting next to you on a plane leans over ro reads your magazine, takes off his shoes and socks, or keeps chat~ i'.1g when all you want to do is nap. The guy in front of you cranks n1s seat all the way back. while the kid behind you kicks vour seat. What"s a polite passenger to do? ... " · Reporter Tracy Smith, aided by travel journalist Val D'Elia of TravelWlth Val.com, offered some solutions on the Qune 24, 2006) Sawrday Early Show. Val, who has endured her share of annoying strangers on a plane, suggested that one solution to che problem was ~o make use of the Dreamhclmet. Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $26.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorcler to: Ozarks S1.l\R 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) 22 the STAR Although the report suggested no specific reasons, it appears that average air travelers of today are less likely to resemble Beaver Cleaver and_family or Mr. Rogers, and more closely fit the profile of soccer hooligans and players, or rapper wannabes and entourage. The upshot is tha::, chances are, your fellow air passengers wi!l exhibit less manners and grosser social graces than those of an eadier epoch, when people sought the advice of Emily Post. A changed view of air travel, from being something awesome and novel, like going on a grear adventure, to being commonplace, like riding the bus, may be partly to blame fur more hang-ioose social behavior aboard. It also may be true that che average American really does exhibit less well-mannered behavior, in any situation, than his parents did. On an airplane, you are a sort of captive participam. Situations can occur at any time from which you might wish to make a gracefui exit. So how can a Dreamhelmet save you from this kind of uncomfortable social dilemma? , The Dreamhelmer is a combination sleep-mask pillow that blocks !ighr and mufHes sound. It has sound-blocking foam sewed into the pilk,w portion which covers the ears. The Drcamhelmer allows its user to iean against the plane window or seatback (or uave!incr companion's shoulder) and fa!] asleep. The pillow portion offer; s:rne neck support. Secrer pockets located near the temple hide money, valuables, foidable reading glasses, soft foam earpl~1gs (provided), or an alarm watch so as not to oversleep. Putting on your Dreamhelmet is like hanging out a ''Do Not Disturb" sign. It is a polite, but effective, wav to let others know you have retreated into your own space, no longer want to communicate, and do want peace and quiet. It is not necessarv to do or sav anything rude to anyone. It not only works for Val, b~r we think i; is also what Emily Post would have done. Dre:1mhelmet lets you sleep by blocking light with a generous sleep mask and cradling your head in a soft cotton sound-blocking pillow. Many amactive fabrics please all tastes. Dreamhelmets cost $29.95 plus $4.95 posrage The direct 24 hour telephone order number is (888i918-5630. More OUT in Arkansas A gay reading group forms, "LITERARY PRIDE" by Amos Lassen LITTLE ROCK, AR_Two years ago a group of gay men met and organized "The Oscar Wilde Reading Group" which had several sessions and then became defunct. When I moved to Little Rock after Katrina, I tried to find a sense of communitv and whiie at Wordsworth and Company Books, I noticed the ;nnouncement about the reading group. I called and went to the next meeting. Little did I know then, that this meeting was to be the last of the Oscar Wilde group. I was determined that this was not going to happen. After rwo unsuccessful attempts to get a group together, I finally decided to hit the bars, the coffee shops and the bookstores and posted an announcement of a new group to be formed. We finally met in June--only 2 members of "Oscar Wilde' and a bevy of new faces set up our organizational framework. Our first two meetings saw us outgrow our meeting place at Sufficient Grounds in Hillcrest. So we established the name "Literary Pride" and for our third meeting we moved into one of the member's homes. 'We began our reading with "Grief" by Andrew Hollerana book that explains that by grieving we are keeping alive the memory of those we have loved and lost. Our second book was ".My Lives" An Autobiography by Edmund White, a tell ali no hoies barred life story of the pre-eminent gay writer alive today as he took us on a whirlwind tour of his life as an out gay man. Each member has the opportunity to choose a book and the choice simply alternates from person to person. Reviews of new books appear regularly at littlerockpride.com. 1be beauty of Literary Pride is that the group is completely independent of everything else and aside from enjoying reading, we also enjoy getting together and just talking. Friendships have been made and the excitement that each meeting generates is exciting. The books we read are mainiy just a jumping off point to rhe discussions of matters that affect gay life today. It is such a wonderful feeling for us to come toged1er with the sole purpose being our enjoyment of being together. This year Literary Pride will participate in the Arkansas Literary Festival. For the first time, gay literature will be part of the festival and we are presently working to bring authors imo Arkansas for the festival. We have just received word that one of the finest gay authors writing today will honor us by attending the Festival. ANDREW HOLLERAN, author of the gay classic "Dancer from the Dance'' as well as "Nights in Aruba" and "'The Beauty of Men". lhe group is open to anyone ( regardless of sex:uaI orientation and gender) who wishes to participate. The only expense you may have is the price of the book and members get a discount at a iocal bookstore. 'Xie are looking forward w a greac year of activity. More information can be gained by dropping me a line at alassenamos@ yahoo.com. Membershio is alwavs ooen and we look forward to ~vekoming a!L • , ' * "San Francisco searcher Discovers atment ImmuneS Infected roundbre ng Stren hen terns in HIVt1. ents " Study Featured in Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes August issue and Presented at 16th International Worid AIDS Congress TORONTO, CANADA_Micronutrient supplementation increases CD4 count in HIV-infected individuals on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HA.ART), according to a study published in the August 15th issue of the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. These results were presented at the 2006 World AIDS Conference in Toronto on August 14th. The study, authored by Jon D. Kaiser, M.D., demonstrates tl1at the patients adding a micronuuient supplement while taking HA.ART are able to increase their CD4 cell count by 24%, compared to no change in the placebo group. CD4 cells act ro protect the body against viral, fungal, and protozoal infections. When an individual is HIV-infected, the virus continually kills CD4 cells. Over time, the body is unable to replace the lost cells and their number declines, making the body more susceptible to infections. With twenty years of HIV treatment experience, Dr. Kaiser has investigated many antioxidant combinations. "There have been several recent clinical trials which show HIV-infected patients who begin to take micronutrient supplements have improved clinical outcomes,'' said Dr. Kaiser. "This most recem study proves to the medical community that micronutrient supplementation holds significant promise as a vital part of standard medical creatment for people with HIV/AIDS." Success of antiviral therapy ro date has been limited by a wide range of debilitating side effects. The micronutrient supplement tested was also shown to decrease one of the common side effects of antiviral therapy, peripheral neuropathy, by 42% compared to a 33°10 decline in the placebo group. "!he abiiity of this micronutrient formula ro strengthen the immune systems of people wirh HIV/AIDS - at substantiallv lower cost than tl1at of anti'...,iral medication could potentially stabilize the health of millions of people in the developing world until access to antiretroviral medications improves. Co-authors indude Adriana M. Campa, Ph.D., Joseph P. Ondercin, PA-C, Gifford S. Leoung, I,1.D., Richard F. Piess. Ph.D., and Jvfarianna K. Baum. Ph.D. The scudv was funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb. TheSTAR 23 Salutation kittens and loyal love slaves! This mooch Uncle Mikey recovers from a love affair of epic proportions. I mean whew, that man was just too much. It was iike being at the DQ and trying to take that extra dip, knowing your body, just wouldn't handle it. I mean; it just was not right. While appealing, some mountains just are not meant to be climbed. Sadly, I had to cut chat stallion ioose, sending him back into the wild. I hope he does not do any damage; ralk about putting your eye out. I bet the censors arc just on the edge of their seats. I guess, I do sound a little like a prom date gone bad. That man of substantial lovin' made more of an impression than I realized. Kitcens, I tried, really I did. You just cannot gee a twelve in a size ten; I don'c care how you work it. Uncle Mikey here once more to spread his wisdom, thought provoking views, and midnight iove to those who qualify. Yes, like a true timeless treasure, Uncle is on the scene looking out for those in Queerdom. Let's get to it as my eighth husband wouid say, the romantically challenged to say the lease, But I digress. Dear Uncle },1ikey, I am an older gay man with 2 children. Because, I take care of myself, most people do not realize my children are in college. At my oldesr son's lase cdllege break, he brought home one of his frat brothers. His friend was a Greek god and I could not stop acting iike a high school girl around him. I chink he was enjoying the attention and was flirting with me by the end of the first day. Because I was so bothered by this beautiful young man, I could not sleep. Around 2:00 AM in the morning. I recreated to the kitchen to try to drown my sexual frustration in some orange sherbec. 'When I turned around from the freezer, there was my soP:s friend in nothing but his birthday suit. I was so shocked; (dropped the sherbet on the floor. He chuckled and told me that it was all right that my son had told him all about me and that's why he was there. he wanted to be with an older man that looked as good as I did. I couid no longer concroi mvseif and p!ay·ed out mv ~ildesr famasv ,t A / ,- right there in the kitchent with my son asleep upstairs! 26 theSTAR I have never done anything like this before and am feeling tremendously guilty for my lack of seif-control. I am also flattered because of having a 23 year old come onto me. I am feeling like a troll! Unde Mikey help! How do I handle this flood of emotions? Scarcer Troll Dearest ST: Darling, troll, I think not. Greek Gods would not mingie; I see the start of a player extraordinaire. As for the sleeping lamb. this is not an issue; all were consenting, and aware. I imagine some more than others however, that is just the icing the way I see it. Enjoy and cherish the memory of your fling in the night, it shall keep you warm on those blustery winter eves. Smooches-Mikey · Honey, Uncle can tell you from personal experience, a Twink in the twilight can keep those batteries charged for a forcnighr. Oh my nerves, I must have another drink before we go on. I hope chat houseboy of mine has those batteries charged by now. Dear Uncle Mikey, Mv bovfriend has friends who like to partv. He has asked me what I ~ould think about attending a sex p;rty., where we would not intermingle; simply perform rhe act in front of each other .. He thinks this would be hoc, while I think I would be too self-conscious to enjoy it. Should I do it, as he says it is my duty? Sexually confused Dearest confused, Confused, about what to wear? Kitten, some are bold and risk takers. The proposal could have been worse, however the decision remains solely yours. You must decide what you are comfortable with, making it know you are not going to participate in something you do nor want. Often couples will find themselves at the road, where the desires divide the mind. It is important to find a common ground, where both desires addressed respectfully, allow personal growth and majority. Dear Uncle Mikey, Do you know of any really good sex positions? Young-one Dear Young one, Do you know of any bad ones? Smooches-Mikey \'veil Kittens, I must take my ieave hmvever before I do remember chis; Uncle's law in the sexu;l behavior- Harm none do what ye wiii, do it well and thee wiil gee rhy fill. Safety comes before the deed; wrap that meat before pumping chat steed. Smooches-Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too! Write to 1Jncic !vHkey at uncien1ikey4you@ao!.co1n \¥ith those quandaries you dare not ask anyone else, take it to the gay guru! * "The Laramie Project" A Play About The Affect of Mathew Shepard's Death. INDEPENDENCE, KS_"The Laramie Project," rhe ground-breaking drama by Mo'ises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theatre Project, will be performed by the William Ing~ Center for the Arts Theatre Department at Independence Community College, Independence, Kansas. Featuring an all-student cast, "The Laramie Project" runs 1hursday through Saturday Oct. 12-14 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Oct. 15 at 2:30 p.m. at the William Inge 'Theatre at ICC. The Inge TI1eatre and the ICC is campus is located south of the town of Independence. From Main and I 0th Streets, proceed on South I 0th Street for two miles and turn right on Road 58. The thearre and campus is on the right. Scats mav be reserved by calling (620) 332-5492 and tickets will be hdd at the box office for patrons until 20 minutes prior to curtain, after which they are released for general sale, Seating is general admission. Tickets are $6 general admission. "The Laramie Project'' premiered in 2000 and is the moving drama about the residents of Laramie, Wyoming, and what rhey went through following the 1998 murder of Mathew Shepard, a gay college student. Director is Perer Ellenstein, artistic director of the Wiiliam Inge Cencer for the Arts. Independence, Kansas, is located at the iunction of Highways 75 and 160 in south~ ast Kansas. It is located 90 miles north of Tulsa, 90 miles west of Joplin, 120 miies south of Kansas City, and 120 miles southeast of""Wichita. The 2006-07 Mainstage seawn li1:: ICC ' · · ! 0 piays COfitlOUe Wlt 1 t1h._ e L•• 0 .n....1 C-d jv .. ..f 1u1 °~· - Servant of Two \fasrers" Dec 7 - i 0 :md the , 1 HT mus1ca1 r f appy E--;,d ,· • on ertola_ no re':-'.-.l:-"• and Kurt Weill, March 15-18, 20<F. lhc I(:C theater dcpartn1cnt b noted as one of the outstanding r,;vo-year college thean:r p·~ograms in th~ tvtid,vest. Spring 2006 ~ ... ,,dua:rPs were accepted for transfer to lb~ Bo;to~ Conser:,axory, E1n.crson c:ol- ,''° g---· '•.. ""•p-hens c·O 1b1t •.g•c~. •..: tn r..1... .11.~ ,.. e r... t...,;,.1,a. ...., a. . 5, i..j, ,S-ch~;;i:;f th~ Arts~ Fo~ rnore inforn1ation: ,v,.:ii1,v.ingecenter.org * Gay & Lesbian History Month celebrated at Missouri State University SPRINGFIELD, MO_Dudng October, Gay & Lesbian History Month wiil ~e . celebrated on the Missouri State Umvermy Springfield campus. Events are planned for the celebration, including a reception honoring the second birrhdav of OLGA (Ozarks Lesbian & Gav Ar~hives), a discussion of health issues aff~cti~g gay men ~nd le~bians, an ~~plor~tion or how the M1ssoun State pub11e affaus mission with its emphasis on communiry building encourages or discourages mino~iry inclusion, and an "out on campus" in wl11ch students, staff, and faculty discuss life at Missouri State for openly gay people. With the inauguration of a new administradon at Missouri State, gay people are hopeful that this year's program will be supported campus wide. Holly B:ggett, History Professor and President ot Lambda Alliance, one of the co-sponsoring organizadons, said that she hopes 1',1issouri State will adopc a new attitude toward gay peopl_e. "1here is a sense for many reasons havmg to do with diversiry, hiring and accreditation. mainstreaming the University, and just common sense, that the Administration is now encourai:dng gay men and lesbians to be visible and\o play an active role on campus." In addition to rhe Lambda Alliance which advocates fair treatment for gay and lesbian neoole ar MSU, Gay & Lesbian History }.fo~th is sponsored by the MSU History Departmem, and the MSU College of Humanities and P:1biic Affairs. ·r·h•·o«o·l, r:"}' & I "Sbi;,n History Month, .l -~ ....._!-,._1 •-_,~,, ~>,- r •• r rhe U1;iversicv is folfiliing irs goai of seiking ;; produce civil and educated citizens in a metropolitan co1n1nunity. I=or rnore infr1nnation contact Holly Pn.:sidcnt. Oifce; 417-836-5206 Arkansas & Oklahoma's most read GLBT ,i.,fagazine Phone Home campaign! WASHINGTON. DC_h's a campaign to mobiiize fair-minded people everywhere in the fight against the anti-~_GBT co~stitutional amendments that will be on tl1e November ballot in eight states: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia and \'?isconsin. If vou come from or know anyone in any of th;se states and surely you do then you can take action today. Just go to the campaign \Y/eb site, ww~w. PhoneHome2006.org, where you'll find all the tools you need to quickly and easily contact vour relatives, friends, classmates and for~er co-workers in these states and cell them vou need them to do the right thing on N~v. 7. You can also donate to the state campaigns through this site. * Creating Community for Peopie living with HIV/AIDS ()ur House. Too offers a variety of activities for people v:ho are HI\/+ and or living 'Nith A.IDS to heip combat the social isolation that rnany of our dE;f ~;~~}if ~::~1=ti:~;e ~~;~~- and or Hving v.tith ,A.JDS "Nho cannot afford to ourchase these iteff:s for thernseh1~s. VVe invite anyone ;,vho •Nould !Ike to voiunteer or provicit? fi~. nanciai assistance to piease contact us by phone 918--585-9552 or harrisrnmjrt@yahoo.corn Q Scopes by Jack Fertig OCTOBER 2006 "Don't argue, Leo - entertain!" Mars is already a bit weakened and lacking focus in Libra, although normally that sign makes him a better team player. As he trines Neptune in Aquarius, hedonistic indulgences come easily, but directed, productive activity is harder. Yoga, martial arts, or other activities tied to balancing spirit will help. ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Your partner wants to spend more time alone with you, but you're feeling more openly social. There's time for both; be considerate of your partner. If you're single and looking. try a sporting event. Having some friends along could help the search. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Lately, you've been uncertain about what you want to be when you grow up. You can take some satisfaction that your current job - and especially your ability to work with others - will eventually help you find your way to the top. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Try out new and different entertainments. Iranian movies? Dervish performances? Kinky experiments you haven't gotten around to yet? Something with a spiritual twist will be most interesting. Be very open to new possibilities as they offer themselves. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Never mind the bedroom - take the fun to the kitchen! There you can imagine brilliant new uses foi some of the utensils, and find great ingredients for fun. If you don't have privacy there, pack a picnic basket! LEO (July 23 -August 22): The more forcefully you express your points. the more illogical they seem to others. If you can argue effectively a!ong emotional lines, using a dramatic style, your lack of logic may not matter. Better yet, don't argue. Just entertain! VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Watch out for nervous tension over any problem, especially money. Nothing will be solved now. but you can get a sense of how to be more effective working with others, which wiil he!p in the long run. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): You're unusually energetic and playfui these days. Be cautious: know your own !imits and those of your playmates. You're sure to stumble over them anyway, so just be careful that nobody gets hurt and that necessary apologies are madei SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Either as a longterm project or just for a few hours. make your bathroom into a place of elegant pleasure where you can enjoy a long, hot, relaxing soak. That's always a healing divertissement, and now it's an absolute necessity! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): You have a sudden burst of energy for either social activity or politics; stick with the social. !n politics you'll oniy wreak confusion now. But at other occasions, your whimsical touch should prove a huge asset! CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): You need reassurance about where you're going in life and why. A little confusion is good if it opens you to deeper understanding. Talk with your boss - or a professional - about your goals and your purpose. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You're craving adventure, but what kind? Let it be an adventure in trust. Try to give up being a control queen long enough to let a friend iead you somewhere entirely new. That doesn't necessarily mean sex, but don't rule it out! PISCES (February 19 - March 19): One fish is swimming toward mad !ust, the other toward quiet retreat. Invite your sexiest friend(s) to an erotic retreat where you car.i alternate games of strip Twister with meditation, massage, and shared baths. SPIRIT OF CHRIST JOPLIN, MO FREE HIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS Testing appointmcm 4 '. 7-529-8480. 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 jopbn, fvio 64803 '...." .. \[1. .•.r,.T.l_ :: ·RD.,-1..!:. \.. . ·vi · 1,~,,_·,~· ,.1..'. JCe,. _.9 ·h ")(,\j ,r,\ d7. .. ''l 28 Advet1ising in the STAR is just good business cents. Arkansas, Bentonville/Rogers (479) NWA GLBT Ctr - - - www.nwaglbtcc.org- - - - - --479-586-1062 Barnes & Noble Bks - - 261 N. 46th St., Rogers- - -479-636-2002 Arkansas, Eureka Springs (479} Diversity Pride Event - - - - - - - - - - - - -www.diversitypride.com A Byrd's Eye View- - - - 36 N. Main- - - - - - - - - -479-253-0200 Caribe Restaurante- - - - 309 W Van Buren- - - - - -479-253-8102 Henri's - - - - - - - 19 1i2 Spring St - - - - - - - - - - - -479-253-5795 Lumberyard Bar&Grill- - - 105 E VanBuren- - - - - -479-253-0400 MCC Living Spring - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Swiss Holiday Resort- Hwy 62 at Hwy 23 So.- - - - 888-582-8464 Spexton- - - - - - - - 178 Spring Street - - - - - - - - -479-981-6060 Tiki Torch- - - - - - - - 75 S. Main Street- - - - - - - -479-253-2305 Tradewinds Lodge -141 W. VanBuren- - - - - - - - - 800-242-1615 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Common Ground Restaurant- - - 412 W. Dixon - 479-442-3515 Condom Sense - - - - - - - - 418 W. Dickson- - - - - -4 79-444-6228 Curry's Video - - - 612 N. College Ave- - - - - - - - - -479-521-0009 Passages - - - - -930 N. College Ave- - - - - - - - - -479-442-5845 Pride Street Live- - 523 W. Poplar St-- - - - - - - - - - 4 79-587-0557 Tangerine Club - -21 N. Block Ave-- - - - - - - - - - - -479-587-9512 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- - - - - - -1004 1 /2 Garrison Ave- - - - - - - 4 79-783-9988 Red Rock City - - -917 N. "A" St. - - - - - - - - - - - - 479-242-2489 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Jesters Lounge - - - - 1010 E. Grand Ave - - - - - - - 501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - - - -1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - - - - - - - -501-6642744 Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - www.dsra.org Discovery- - - - - 1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - - - - - - - -501-666-6900 Sidetracks - - - 415 Main St- -North LR.- - - - - - - -501-244-0444 The Factory - : - - - - 412 Louisiana St.- - - - - - - - 501-372-3070 Kansas, Junction City (785) Xcalibur Club- - - - - - 384 Grant Ave. - - - - - - - - -785-762-2050 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) PSU-QSA.- -1701 S. Broadway- - - - - - - - - - - - - -620-231-0938 River of Life Church.- -1709 N. Walnut- - - - - - - - -Service 11AM Kansas, Wichita (316) Our Fantasy/South40- - - - - 3201 S. Hillside- - - - - 316-682-5494 Priscilla's- - - - - 6143 W Kellogg Dr- - - - - - - - - 316-942-1244 Ciub Giacier- - - - - - - - - 2828 E. 31st South- - - - - 316-612-9331 Missouri, Ava (417) Catus Canyon Campground - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ- - -2902 E 20th, - - - - - -Sat Service-9:30AM Missouri, Kansas City (816) 40th Street Inn- - -www.40thstreetinn.com- - - - - -816-561-7575 Concourse Park B&B - - 300 Benton Blvd - - - - - -816-231-1196 Hydes KC Gym & Guest Hs - \A.'\Nw.hydeskc.com - 816-561-1010 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - - - - - - - - - - - - -816-561-0625 Missouri, Lampe (417) KOKOMO Campground - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 417-779-5084 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- - - - - 424 Boonville Ave- - - - - -- - - - - - 417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- - -518 E. Commerical- - - - - - - - -417-869-3978 Martha's Vineyard- - 219 W Olive - - - - - - - - - - - 417-864-4572 Missouri, Springfield (417) Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - --1109 E. Commercial- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Enid (580) Hastings Books- - - -104 Sunset - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 580-242-6838 Priscilla's- - - - - - - - -4810-A West Garriott- - - - - - - 580-233-5511 Oklahoma, Lawton (580) lngrids Bookstore- - - - -1124 NW Cache Rd- - - - - -580-353-1488 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - - - - - - - - - POBox 1515, - - - - - McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) American Crossroads B&B - POBox 270642- - - - - -405-495-1111 Blue Dog Liquor- - - - - - -4015 N. Penn - - - - - - - - -405-606-7000 Boom Room- - - - - - - 2807 NW 36th St- -- - - - - - - -405-601-7200 Border's Books- - - - - - 3209 NW Expressway- -- - - 405-848-2667 CD Warehouse- - - - - - 4001 N. Penn - - - - - - - - - - 405-525-7766 Club Rox- - - - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy- - - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Christie's Toy Box- - - - -3126 N. May Ave - - - - - - - 405-946-4438 Eastern Ave Video- - -1105 S Eastern Ave- - - - - - -405-672-6459 Hollywood Hotel- - - - 3535 NW 39th Exp - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Hi-Lo Club - - - - - - -1221 NW 50th- - - - - - - - - - - -405-843-1722 Naughty But Nice - - - - 3121 SW 29th St- - - - - - - -405-681-5044 Partners- - - - - - - - - 2805 NW 36th St - - - - - - - - - -405-942-2199 Pec's- - - - - - - - - - -3535 NW 39th Expw - - - - - - - -405-942-2199 Red Rock North- - - 2240 NW39th St- - - - - - - - - - - 405-525-5165 Rudy's Place-- - - - -3535 NW39th Expw- - - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Phoenix Rising - - - - 2120 NW 39th St- - - - -- - - - - -405-601-3711 The Park- - - - - - - - 2125 NW 39th St - - - - - - - - - -405-528-4690 The Rockies- - - - - - 3201 N. May Ave - - - - - - - - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- - - 3535 NW 39th-- - - - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Tramps- - - - - - - - - - - -2201 NW 39th-- - - - - - - - - -405-521-9888 Ziggy's- - - - - - - - - - - - 4005 N. Penn- - - - - - - - - - -405-521-9999 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- - - -7204 E. Pine - - -- - - - - - - - - -918-836-8700 Border's Book Store- - - 2740 E. 21st- - - - - - - - - - - 918-712-9955 Border's Book Store - - - 8015 S, Ya!e - - - - - - - - - - 918-494-2665 Club 209 - - - - - - - 209 N. Boulder - - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-9494 Club Majestic- - - - - - - 124 N. Boston - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-9494 Club Maverick- - - - - 822 S. Sheridan - - - - - - - - - -9i8-835-3301 Dreamland Bks -- - - 8807 E. Admiral Pl - - - - - - - - -918-834-1051 GLBT Comm. Ctr- - - - 5545 E. 41st- - - - - - - - - - 918-743-4297 Hideaway Lounge- - - 11730 E. 11th- - - - - - - - - -918-437-0449 HOPE Clinic- - - - - - - 3540 E. 31st- - - - - - - - - - - - 918-749-8378 Jazz's Lounge- - - - - - 426 S. Memorial - - - - - - - - - 918-836-8544 Midtown- - - - - - - - - - 319 E. 3rd- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-3112 Nite Spot - -- - - - - -3007 E. Admiral Pl - - - -- - - - - - 918-834-3007 Openarms Youth Projt- - - 2015 S. Lakewood- - - - -918-838-7104 Our House, Too - - - -203 N Nogaies Ave- - - -- - - - -918-585-9552 Priscma·s - - - - - - - - -7925 E 41st- - - - - - - - - - - - -918-627-4884 Priscii!a's - - - - - - - - 5634 W. Ske!iy- - - - - - - - - - - 918-446-6336 Priscilla's - - - - - - - 1134,1 E. 11th - - - - -918-438-4224 Priscii!a's - - - - - - - - - 2333 E. ?1st- - - - -- - - - - ~918-499-1661 Renegades- - - - - - - 1649 S. Main - - - - - - - - - - 918-585-3405 Rob's Records- - -2909 S. Sheridan Rd- - - - - - - 918-627-1505 St Michaels Aliev- - - - - -3324-L E 31st- - - - - - - 918-7 45-9998 Sterling & Co. Sa!on- - -1606 E.15t!l St.-· - - - - - - 918-742-9999 Titan's Lounge - - 6373-C E 31st St- - - - - - 9rn-836-0299 Tulsa CARES· - - - 3507 E. Admira! Pl- - • - - - - - 918-834-4194 Tulsa Central Library•• - - 400 Civic Center• - - 918-596-7977 Tulsa Eagle· - • - -1338 E. 3rd • - •· - • - - - • - - - -918-592-1188 TNT's - - - - - - • 2114 S. Memcriai- - • - - •· - • - 918-660-0856 YeHow-Brick-Rd- - 2630 E. 15th- - - - - - c, - 918-293-0304 \\~~;~i#~~~:,?~:'.f?;~~¥#~,~?~~ .~i~~~~g,t~?:,~listdbutt\ ~1r~.E ~1:>pJes of ,d:t .~Ti~R, .. contact us at 91 itS35;7887 9anito 4pm mon - fri or email: ozaiksstar@sbcglobaLnet 29 GA•~•t>a 'I'itlsa's GAIBSTNdghborhood' New and Historic Homes forS~le and Rent. GREAT HISTORIC APARTiMENTS & FLATS TOOi. . . Walk to Brady Arts District, Shovis, Restaurants, Parks, Glubs}Ba:rs .. Shops. On the Edge of D:Ovintowri. For more info Go to: www.gaybtadyheightstiJlsa.com 1st Annual Gala Celebration "Linking Togei:her as One" Friday, Deceinber 15th, 2006 7:00 P.1'.1. Clarion Inn Favettevi!le 1255 So. Shiloh, Fayetteville AR 72701 , ' For more informacion: w-~"w'.NWAGLBTCC.ORG Nj55 lorch Tulsa USofA October 27th, 2006 Openarms Youth Project Calling all Contestants Entry fee $50.00 Official Prelim. to Miss Oklahoma USofA info@openarmsproject.org CHECK OUT UNIQUE EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS www.diversitypride.com and www.eurekapride.com ,',,' ' ' ~ Full Boqy, Sport;, .f-lot .Stone ** Hand .c. u. rd F... Q..o tiScr.·.u .b s ,arid·Weekends ' : ' " '::·,'. ', :: '. ,,,;'" ,,. ', . Call for an:app<intment and rates. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR OKLAHOMA, KANSAS MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS qualifications ro ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 CONGRA-rOLA'flONS! 1-r•s GAY! Get results with STAR Classifieds! NGA BAR.&GRILL Sunday Champaqne Brunch All you can eat soup and salad bar l lam-2pm $8.99 Monday & Tuesday Well Martinis $2.50 4pm-7pm Best Prime Rib in Town' Friday & Saturday Nights Bar favorites, restaurant favorites and many new items for your enjoyment pleasure NEW WINTER RATES - $45• * Plus tax, excludes suites ,.; - ' \ 1 PEC'S A LEATHER/LEVI BAR CLOSED MONDAYS Sun 7pm - 2am, Tues-Thurs 7pm-9pm wear your leather and get your well drinks for $2.50 Sun Thur, 7pm-2am Fri and Sat, 4pm-2am RUDY'S PLACE PIANO BAR Rudy's Place is a non-smoking establisthment Early for cocktails. late for a night cap CLUB ROX CLOSED MONDAY SIZZLIN' SUNDAYS With Whitney Paige HOLLYWOOD IDOL Wednesday Nights with Taylor Brayns Sign up at 9:30pm, Starts at 10pm Finals Audience Votes (the more people you bring the more votes you get) VIXENS Saturday Nights with Shantel Mandalay at l 0pm ALISON SCOTT SHOW Friday. Oct. I >th & 27th at 9:30pm MISS HOLLYWOOD US OF A Sunday Novei11ber J 2. 2006 I st Prize: $1,000.00 PLUS $500.00 credit towards Kayne Original Gown Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2006] The Star Magazine, October 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 10 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 01, 2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Josh Aterovis Douglas Glenn John Patrick Michael Dee Kay Massey Paul Wortman Carlotta Carlisle Victor Gorin Greg Gatewood Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ray Williams Michael Hinsman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, September 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 9 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/243 The Star Magazine, November 1, 20006; Volume 3, Issue 11 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/241 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/242 Advice Bitter Girl Bryan White AIDs Fund Chelsea Boys Comic Strips Gay and Lesbian History Month Herland HIV research HIV/AIDs testing Jim Verraros Kathy Taylor Kris Kohl Lesbian Notions Literary Pride MCC McWillie Chambers Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats OUT in Arkansas OUT of the Womb Out OK Film Festival Past Out Q Scopes star classified Star Distributors Star Scene The Laramie Project travel Tulsa Community Center Uncle Mikey https://history.okeq.org/files/original/b9c9a6279512a7a10048d90d650483d2.jpg ccf67a476d394d378caa36f5bfb2fc4a https://history.okeq.org/files/original/1ac048af6377978fa39ed58c5c85b213.pdf 2262c39edbaef673db3eeb5b909bc695 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document =========. The STAR is published by Star Media, Ltd. 5103 S. Sheridan,# 153 Tuisa, OK 74145-7627 ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net www.ozarksstar.com Editor in Chiei, C. D. Ward Contributing Writers: Greg Steele, Josh Aterovis, Douglas Glenn, John Patrick, Michael Dee, Kay Massey, Paul Wortman, Carlotta Carlisle, Victor Gorin, Greg Gatewood Columnist: Libby Post, Andrew Collins, Donald Pile, Ray Williams. Michael Hinzman. Jack Fertig, Liz Highleyman Photography: Chaz Ward, Victor Gorin, Advertising: Tulsa Office - - - - - - - -918-835-7887 or Email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net (Tulsa Metro) Michael Leach- - - - - 918-640-2049 (Oklahoma City Metro) Victor Gorin 405-947-2048 (Northwest Arkansas) Kay Massey- 479-273-2808 National Advertising Representative Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Deadline for all advertising, articles and payment is the 18th of each month for the next months issue. Subscriptions 12 issues $26.95 / singles $3.00 Check or Money Order '!he Oz.irks Sr.tr or the Star is published & dimibutcd monthly as a communitY ser;ice bv Star Medil, Ltd .. Publication of the name, pho~ogclph o; iikcnc.':>s of any p~rson. business or organization in this publica:t~on i:; no:· co be conscru~d a.~ any indication of sexual oricnration or preferences of 5uch person, bu1,jncss or org-ani1atioe. Opinions cxpres5cJ by culumnis:.s, ~idvcrri~crs or Lener,,,: ro rhc Editor arc nor necc5s,1rily the opiniun of 'fhr Ozarks Star. frs staff, rhi.! publisher nr it's Jdvariscrs. Content of .1dverriscmcnrs and ~uticlcs .1rt the suic r<:spunsibiiity of chc advertiser 3.nd /or author. '1ht: Pubii5hrr of t!{c ()n.rk.\ ·s~ar or Srar reserve:~ rhc right ro refuse a<lvcnising nutl..'.rlai f~_~ir ,1!1;' rta.1,on v,·hat so ever. 'Ih<..· ()z.3.rks Sur or Star ~nd all !ikc:ltS:)<:s ~h{:rt of arc sole oropt"rtics of Star hicd!,1. Lrd. All m:Hrr!~tl (<) copyrigh~ 2006 chc ()zarb S:ar. Designed Hith Pride, Printed in Oklahoma, l'SA N THE COVER Jud Shepard, Mother of Matthew 0 0 JUDY SHEPARD SPEAKS '·If vou don't vote, you can't bitch.' TI1a~'s what my son: Matthew, used to sav. Afrer he t~1rned 18, one of the first th.ings he did when he moved to :! ntw location was register to vore. Of) OUT In ARKANSAS New! Lots of news from the Arkansas GLBT Community. First Openly GLBT Srnte Official. FALL Diversity Weekend, EUREKA! 00 PAST OUT A rctrosoectivc ofLGBT Historv. \'v'ho was Da,phne du Maurier? . 0.z.7 CIAO TRAVEL G ay '1r. rave1I ers "(a'a nta I·'c , N1' vI, " Out of Town "Cosu Rica·· f)(3 ASK UNCLE MIKEY Can you n.:aliy get an STD ju~t h\ _:.:,1·. - ing ~on1eonc head? \\'r,rried Can rou re::l]y a,;k th:'t quc,u,,n \\·itl1 ~t head? INDEX 3,000 Walk For Aids .... Judy Shepard Speaks .. OUT in Arkansas ... Past Out. ..... Tulsa GLBT Center Ne"Ns Ciao Tra,;e!. .. Lesb;an Notiors. Oklahoma·s Adoption i __ ;:iv 1 Star S:::ene. Uncle Mikey inspiring Fitness :-ioroscopes Distr:buto:·s Cartoc:.ns C!asslfleds In the la~t i:-isuc chc article on the Rvan 'X'hitl· lkndit Shih\,\\<: inadn: ncntl-.- :bn! the· 11:lill': Bn·,11: \\!hit,. :\11 "hvio,,,, rrnr 1 ha1 v:c on-rlookcd. 6 12 14 -----,.. Gold Castle "At Centwy 21 Gold Castle our BEST propei1ies are our PEOPLE' 4301 NW 63rd, Suite 100 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405.840.2106 .c21 goldcastle.com (iay !lle/1 and le<·/,fc:ns (:ice many special tax ,·ifuutions. ,1·hcrher single nr as u,upies. Let us help! (918) 7 6 Phew;by Joe KirK 3,000 Walk for Awareness and Funds at AIDS Walk of Oklahoma Ci , Proceeds Total $50,000 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK_.\n unprecedented .\000 peop;c wa!k<:d on Sunday, Ocwber !sr fil!· a hcald1icr Oklahoma in the 2006 AIDS \X'alk of Okkhc;•na Cir-. Parricip:rnt, from greater ()klahon1a C:iry and hcyonJ \valkc<.f ro raise ;nvarcnc:-:s a1~d funds for d1e treatment and pn:n:ntion of j,-jj\,'i AiDS. '.'rocceJs toulcd S"i0,000, which included spomorsi1ip, and doi::u;on\ b!·ought rn the AIDS Walk. ·111(: fdDS \X'aik of Okbhoma City will c!isrribure these funds in the (o;-m of grants on \X'orld AIDS Day, December 1st, t(> qualifrin;2. local HIV/ A! I )S non-prnfit organizations. To download a gram ap;)!icati'ln, go to \\Ww.aidswalkokc.org. Funds arc still criticallr n-:cdcd and 0;1 he :1,adc ,ml inc ::t www. aidswalkokc.org. For more inforna,ion en donarins w the AIDS Walk of Oklahoma Ci,y, pica,-: comact Board Prcs'dcnr Linda Larason at ,HJ'i/5~0-•i83"i. Startling statistics- - 1iAOIJ Oldaho1:1an, a:c rnrrunlr living ·.vi:h HIV/,.;I:)S. his :rn:nbc:r doc, IhH inckdc incli·:iduaL ,die ;,re inkucd bm ,:n;:\\'.ll'<.'. of their inb:.:tion. - I":- ,o 2-,-vc;:r .,\\, rn,1kv up the larg,··,! numk·•· o,· ! I I\' in(ccc inn, in (he \\'<Hid. Tl s Tl Because every one deserves a chance Placing retired racing Greyhounds into loving homes throughout Oklahoma, NW Arkansas, SW Missouri and North Central Texas ,r' fo1111/Greyhound riur)"t· , S. ~ ,lon \· ~11· ·✓ 0q Foster - Adopt - Support - Teach 401 N. FbrkSlreet-Serrrde, a< 74868-(405) 303- VNNY.fasthound.org Visit our website or contact us for more information Jessica Lantagne President 405-623-8390 Nikki Ortman Vice President 405-833-5455 Paul Oratowski Treasurer 405-205-79 35 jessica@fasthound.org Nikki@fasthound.org paul@fasthound.org w, Do It Dlffsrsnt In Eunk1 Springs, Ark1n1s1/ CffAltlTY 'Poll:1rR11n' 'Show 'n Shin&' in DIVERSITY WEEKEND the Nov 3.5, 200a Ozarks! A BOBALOO! 71Jt go1I of the 011w An11u11 Dlver,ity Arts & Crafts Fest/vii Is to lr.1pirc1, 111pport 1ad promote 1rt tll1t SPECIFICALLY REFLECTS tht $8nsibiiitl,s ind uptritnce, of G1ys, Lesbl1nt; Binxuaf,, Tr,ns & lntersu and their 1triight friends and famlliu. We wish to 1mcour1gt artl1ts of ALL 1ex111I orient,tions and ger.dtr Identities to pruent their perspective of of our 11111/tl-cult11ra!, rac/11 and ethnic div,rsity, through their art. As th/1 fettlv,1 gmw, over the years, w11 hope to m,ke evall,bie ,rt, & cr,fts th1t wt/I ,peak to and about our community ind to educ.ts and celebr,te th• t!11t dl'lt11it, of our live,i Gai!ttifl li'ld/or thou /;, need of exhibit 1p1ct, ple,,e s,nd ,n em1fl to info@dlver,ltypriduom {EXH!Bff in the subject line} or caii 479-253,2555 ASAP! www.ozarksstar.com health outreach prevention education, Inc. 1-800-535-AIDS (2437) Oklahoma's HIV/STD Hotline H.O.P.E. Test Meris outreti In Tulsa at {91 the STAR 9 Oklahoma Greyhound Ad tion Group Expands Service To Arkansas, Missouri & Texas. SEi\!I?'-~OLE, OK_ Fasthound Greyhound Adoption is pleased to announce their expanded service area. In addition to piacing Retired Racing Greyhounds throughout Oklahoma our service area now includes North·,vcsr Arkansas, Southwest Missouri and North Cemra! Texas. Severai years ago when my liic partner Ed befriended a coworker we met her Greyhound Dance who was s0.vcet, gentle, calm and affect'.onate. When ~e decided rhar a Greyhound ":'a~ right for_ us, Dance'; mom suggestea tnat we might want to put through CHJr application for adoption under {)nly one of our narncs as the president of the group ,;vas unlikely to approve the application if \VC put it under both our natnes. i"-~aturally \1.:-e and adopted our group ln .\ustin~ ,.r~{. \Xie then dtcidt'd to start our (A\"T1 ': 1<""• 11R1' a service \\~here the everyone 10 the STAR Photo: "Monty", is adoprable. adopt one of these wonderful, loving canine companions as a family unit without prejudice. We have had great success in Oklahoma and want to bring this same service to our neighbors in Arkansas, Missouri and Texas. The Fasthound board members Jessica Lantagne, Nikki Ortman and myself Paui Oratowski have more than 15 years combined experience in the foster and adoption placement of retired Racing Greyhounds. Visit our website at www.fasthound.org w see our available greyhounds and learn more abom us and our adoption process. * UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST KANSASiOKLAHO: tv1A CONFERENCE VO l ES TO AFFIR..i\1 MARRIAGE EQUALIIT by Victor Gorin OKIAHOt,1A CITY, OK_In keeping with their longtime stand of support of equalitv for GLBT people, the delegates of the National Svnod of the United Church of Christ Cor~ference in 2005 voted to pass a resolution .stating that the UCC Church supports marriag~ e9ua!ity induding same sex n1arriage, and advocates for governnH~nts to do so as well. While this policy Ivas widely supported through uc:c:~ it did generarc son1c controversyl and \vhen the Kansas/Oklahoma Regional Conference vvas held in \X/ichira the follov..ring September a stnaH rural l}(=C C~hurch from Litdc l\.iver, Kansas introduced a resolution that the i(a11sas/()klahonia ,.,...,,,.~,,._ the national poiicy of tJ(~(~ approving sarnc- sex ma.rriagc. -]11is had been tabled f0r further consideraric~n, but v1ouid l)e voted on at th.e Meanwhile rhe controversv imensified, and the Little River UCC,sent ietters to all the Kansas and Oklahoma l:CC churches, urging them to withhold money from the national lJCC as a form of economic pressure to make them change their policy. In response to this, affirming churches in Okiaho~ a and Kansas made special fundraising efforrs ro not only maintain their level of support for the national UCC, but actually to increase rheir offering. In Oklahoma City a joint fundraiser concert involving UCC's Church of the Open Arms, Cathedral of Hope and Mayflower Congregational Church raised over $8000, and together with the other affirming churches of Oklahoma and Kansas over $18,000 of additional money was brough.: ro the Kansas/ Oklahoma UCC Conference as a show of suppon for the national UCC stand. When the vote was called at the Regional Conference as to whether they would support the national policy of UCC, it was affirmed by a vote over 75% in favor. UCC has an impressive history of supporting GLBT equaiity, and was the first mainstream congregarion to ordain an openly gay minister, Bill Johnson, in 1972. He was present at rhe 2006 Kansas/Oklahoma UCC Conference as a srrong show of his support. .A.s pastor of the Church of rhe Open Arms UCC of Okiahoma City Kathy McCallie commented,"UCC has a long history of being in rhe forefront of the gay righrs movement which includes marriage equality, and UCC also advocates change for marriage equality from government as wdl, so this was an affirming event for this region." * Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin Celebrate's Ninth Anniversary. JOPU~-.i, MO~"As we cdebme our Ninth Anniversarl in a ciP..- v,rhcre we were told nine years ;go that ;,ve could not and would not survive, yet nine years later here we are." Said Pastor Urie. ~pirit of Christ i\1CC serves the greater Joplin; lv·f() area and surrounding com~ r ~ • • cl' ,1 r> ~ i'..1 r· 1nun1ucs sprea 1ng rne \J00d 1"lews or Jesus (:hrist not only in vvord but in service, taHcing the talk and ,valking the waik. Over the la;t nine years Spirit of C::hrist fv!CC has no~"l{l been rhe longest surviving (;JL/B/ 'J/S organization in JopHn . Cln;tinuetl fh1ge-23 www.ozarKsstar.com ur By Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard and b:erntive Director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation "If you don't vote, you can't bitch." That's what my son, Matthew, used w say. After he turned 18, one of the first things he did when he moved to a new location was register to vote. He understood that the righr to vote was also a privilege, a responsibility and a chance to be heard. \Y/hen Matthew was beaten to death in 1998, anti-gay hate stole Matthew's right to vote. Today, the Matthew Shepard Foundation and I arc asking you to vote with him in mind this November. In the eight years since Matthew was murdered, l have traveled around rhe coumry speaking to millions of people including over a million college sttidents - about rhe importance of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights issues ,md hare-crimes 1e gis 1a tion. 0 ne tvu mg t.h at ha s struc.k me aga·m and aga·m 1·s tn' e 1a cr1:: of political involvement within the community. Polis suggesr that numbers for voter registration and voter participation within the LGBT community are shockingiy low. The Matthew Shepard Foundation is undertaking an aggressive ''Get-Out-the-Vote" campaign this year to bring attention ro this issue and to promore an increase in voter participation by LGBT people and aliies. But what I really wanr to ask those in rhe community who are not registered or v;ho have not voted recendy is: what rhe heck are you thinking?! At a time when the stakes have never been higher and LGBT issues arc once again - in the fOrefront of the n1cdja and being rr1anipulated to have a potentially negative impact on our co1nn1unity. this lack of in'i.rolvetnenr is totally unacceptable. "~ primarily· politicai tactic utilized throughout the nation by people •.vho oppose L(;B~r civii rights .,Nas tapping into ho1nophobic fears and directly targeting ;~l~::~,~;;:::.~::.'til~J!~~~t:i?i~i:;;;:;:{;:;:., ·wake up, people: ;.ve arc under arrack! ln the current election and the elections that sure that r:hc voice of the LGB'T' ;jnd allied wwvv.ozarksstar.com - in all of its about the issues and t!!e candidates a:,d reach out to oar friencis and families and l:!et them involved as well. We need to i10ld each other accountable ~hen it coJnes to voting and, of cou;:se, we also need to hold those who are elected accoumable. If we al!ov, ourselves and each other to remain immobilized by apathy or pessimism, what we are really doing is colluding wi:h those who oppose us. Friends don't let friends not vo!e. -There is an old maxim that goes, "If you're not part of the soiution, then you're pan of the problem." From my perspective, if you don't vote, you become in you~ passivity a part of the hate. So what do you need to do to become pan: of the solution? There are five tasks that vou can do that -.vi!l make a differe11ce: one, REGISTER to vote; CV:,o, LEARN the issues - find out what candidates wam to do for you-and to you; three, PASS IT ON, educare your family, friends and business associa,es about the issues affecting rhe LGBT community today and encourage them to use their vote; four, actually VOTE in the election; and five, no ma.:rer who is elected, STAY INVOLVED and hold your elected officials accountable. You can go to our website ww-.v.MatthewShepard.org/Vote for more information and to PLEDGE to vote this November 7 ,h. Matthew's wallet always contained his voter registration card. He took his responsibility seriously. I,fa,thew will neve~ vote again. Today, I am asking you to vore for him. Use your voice. Iv1ake a difference for this generation and the: next. * RESEARCH REFUTES ~1YTH OF GAY THREAT TO CHILDREN A study released today (http:/ /\w;w.i:1ternariom.lordcr.org/scandal_ response.html) refutes charges made by the religious right in response to the Congressm:m Fo'.ey scandal that homosexuals are significantly more inclined to moiest chiiciren than heterosexuals. According to author Mark E. Pietrzyk, a number of conservative religious groups have issued papers claiming that gay mc1:_ pose - a highly disproportionate thrc,H to child:·en, citing a number or scientific studies t<J support their claims. However, when one examines the studies cited in these p;;pers, one finds that the religious right has engaged in a serim:s. distor:(<m of the work~ 01: od1ers. 1he sdentis;:s ,d10 authored the studies made co suci1 clam, about homosexuais posing a grearer threat to children, and in f3.ct in 1nany cases argued the opposite. !n addidon, n1anv in rhe l,(h ....: ~~;;,~,t~f ~:~i ~~:~~al~r:;,1~:l~r~!l~;~:g!~~~ ;~~~);!;1~11~'.~y crodi~;:11 traditional norn1s of sexual behavior. !-Io\vever, out rhat the ,;slippery slopt.t is basec! on the false p•rernis<.: that the I)rotection of children is a long-standing part of the recently cornc un- ~ier assault as a re~u!t of the approved of • t • • tn aiJuit-rnu1or the STAR 11 I i I Arkansas Elects First Openly GLBT State Official. by Joe Lafountaine --------------' LITTLE ROCK, AR_History was made in the May 23rd primary victory for Kathy Webb in the race for Arkansas State Representative District 37 (Little Rock). Unopposed in the general election, Kathy will be sworn in on January 8, 2007 as the first openly GLBT elected official in Arkansas. Kathy has served as president of the Stonewall Democratic Club of Arkansas, as a board member of the Arkansas Hospitality Association and as an active volunteer for the Arkansas Foodbank Network. She has also been national secretary for the National Organization for Women (NOW') and founding president of the Chicago Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. . Kathy received endorsements from The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, The Stonewail Democrats, l11c Victory Fund, ACORN, SEIU, AFL-CIO, Arkansas Realtors PAC, AR Business and Professional Women PAC and many local civic and business ieaders. As a smallbusiness owner (Lilly's Dim Sum, Then Some Restaurant) and volunteer, Kathy \Y/ebb is a proven leader who works tirelessly and effectively for the good of her community. Her experience, her commitment to solving problems, and her passion for improving the quality oflife for all Arkansans will serve District 37 well. ~~aulu1gittht1J ffir.crtinyn 12 the STAR * 'lbe STAR staff wishes you a safe and happy 1banksgiving TT ! • I .-io11aay. Fort Smith Readies For New Night Club. by Greg Steele FORT SMITH, AR_Diana },filler and Leann Caugnman weil known in the Fort Smith club scene, are anxiousi:v waiting on their club license for the new Kiub XLR8. Diana said in an interview, "We decided to go ahead and open Klub XLR8 with all the regular events, performers, dances, DJ's, ·etc ... everything but the alcohol. We are acmally classified as a "juice bar and grill" for now, hoping shortly ro be able to classify ourselves as a 'private club.' Ajd10ugh We are opening without alcohol, we wiil continue ro remain a 21 and above business, due to smoking being allowed inside.'' "Loca,ed in the old Ciub 1022 buiiding at i022 Dodson Ave., the faci!i;:ies have been complerelv renovated in$ide and out with a lot of heart and soul placed int~ the building. We have plans for several fund-raisers for different organizations/charities. dqg shows, in-house pageants, live dj's, theme dance/parties, dance comests, live bands, Karaoke, pool wurnamcnts, and holida;,' dinners. The buiiding h .. s great sound, and a 32 foot projection screen that will run during opening hours playing dance videos ,~nd graphic animations." Said Miller. For more information contan Diana at 479-7 82-9578 or visi~ ,he website: wv.w.klubXLR8.com * LittleRockPride.Com Celebrates 1 Year Online. LITTLE ROCK, AR_LinieRockPridc.com celebrated its one vear anniversary Oc;:ober 14, 2006. · u! v,ras told by several people t.vhen I sran:ed the \Y/eb~irc that nobod.y had been able to succeed v.1ith this idea for Dion: than ont year,10 , saic! Barb Kampbc;l, founder and owner of Li:tieRockPridc.com. "I was not a,vare ~f other efforts \Vhen I had rhc idea and ran \vith it despite some negativity about pasr failures from others. \VC've rr1ade it a year and are sti11 going strong!'' l,usiness in this state \Vill have a listing in the choicc1 ynu choose tc~ support thern fir:;t. vvv;w.ozarksstar.com F· DIVERS! END NOV 3-5, 2006 Eureka Springs EUREKA SPRINGS, AR_This Fall is going to be a little different in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. TI1ere are some new and intriguing evems. Al'U'S IN THE OZARKS WITH SABRINA MATTHEWS?! During FALL Diversity Weekend will be the first 'LOL!' Diversity Comedy Concert starring ANT and SABRINA MATTHEWS at the historic 'AUD' IN Eureka Springs, Arkansas. One performance only, on Saturday night Nov 4th at 7:30pm. Doors open at 6:30pm Hyper, irreverent, and downright fabulous, ANT has steadily climbed the comedy hill to become one of America's most successful comedians of our time. A regular guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and 1he Tyra Banks show, ANT is the oniy comedian w appear on all four seasons ofNBC's hit series Last Comic Standing. Ct:rrentlv he is the host ofVH I's juggernaut Celebrity Fit Club and stars in rhc LOGO series, "U.S. of ANT." See his hit stand-up DVD, '~-\~T: America's Ready" and comedy CD "Follow my asi' Sabrina Matthews ( vhoto left) is an openly i~bian cor:1ic who relares the absurd in everyday life 11: a witry anecdotal. style. "Sabr:na's brand of comedy is infectious, says afi:erel~ len.co1nj and she Hregularly dra\vs out big laughs fron1 both gay and straight audiences." Her hi!arlou~ half~hotir comedv special~ ~~Con1edy Centr~l Presents Sabrina Jvfatthe\vs'· \Vas a hit and catch her nn the L()(;() C:f:il\Nl'-JEL. She is a star of WW't✓.ozarksstar.com the 2006 hit documentary, "Laughing Matters More!" and made her television acting debut in ''America's .!'v1ost Wanted". (Yes, reaily.) By presenting ANT and SABRINA, Diversity Pride Events once again hopes to both entertain and unite our community. DPE is very excited to have drawn such taiemed and uplifting performers to the Ozarks region. Tickets are available online at DiversityPride.com until Sunday 10-29-06, and then only at the door one hour before show time. BOBALOO IS BACK! 'Early Dinner Show' Los Angeles comic Bobaloo, originally a mid-west boy, wowed the Diversity Bears and their friends this past Summer Diversity Weekend, and he also fell in love with the Eureka Springs community. So, Diversity Pride Events has brought him back to "jolly things up around Eureka". He ·will perform in a new 'Early Dinner Show' at the Lumberyard on Saturday at 5pm to 6pm, but suggest you come early because 4pm diners get preferential seating for his Show! $5 cover DIVERSITY BIKERS Charitv 'POKER RUN' & 'SHOWN' SHINE' A portion of the pro~eeds to benefit Children of Deployed Service Members. The Diversitv Bikers 'Show N' Shine' will start at 12:30 PM at Roadway Inn. Bikes will be judged in two categories, Best in Show and Best 'Pride Dressed'. There will be a First Place and Runner-up in each category. Then there will be the first Diversity Bikers Charity 'Poker Run'. Entry fee is $10, pius at least one stuffed animal.. · · · " * AAA~.nsas pplauds ational Coming ut Dav., '' Concert By Teresa Qag) Goodrich SPRINGDALE, AR_There are rwo kind of musicians in the world, those that plav music and those that make music. \'ve had the joy of hearing. rw'o such makers of music at the Jones Center for Families in Springdaie Arkansas on October 1 l rh, National Coming Our Day. The concert, organized by the N\VA GLBT Community Center brought Colleen Jameson down from Iowa as pan of her Midwest 1our. A cotnbination of angeiic voice, delightful acoustic guitar and outspoken comn1entary made for a socially upiifting perfonnance. She has also expressed a ·wish to \~isit the area again. Northvvest Arkansas1 ovvT1, Jonathan Stiers derful voice along ,vith truly vers:1tiie playing. ()ne concert attendee ·\vas heard to con11ncrn: th;,n scerned as if rhc:- muslc just came flo~Ning out of his finger$."' !-Je possesses a true fOr the piano. -.~·here vvas hope e:pressed for rnorc events of this type the concert attendees, the STAR '!3 Summan· : Past Out is a retrospective of key mo1~ems, personalities, and subjects in LGBT historv. Each installment brings the past to life b}; exploring the diversity of the gay past and irs impact on the queer present. stander, when she was still a teenager. Her first novei, 1he Loving Spirit, appeared in 1931; this was followed by Jamaica Inn. in 1936, which brought he, criticai acclaim and financial success. In rhe summer of 1932, du Maurier married Frederick "Bov" Browning, a rnilitarv officer 11 ·years her senior who h;d sought her out after admiring her work. Du Maurier was ill-suited to the life of a traditional military wife, howe,-er, and she hired a nanny to care for the couple's son and two daughters. After several years, ,he family moved to Cornwall, living in a l 7th-ce1:tury mansion that served as a mociel for Manderley, the setting of her bes:known novel, Rebecca (1938). Photo: Tttdith An!Urson as Afrs. Danvers and Joan Fontaine as the sec;nd Afo. de Winter in rh~ film adaptation o_f Daphne du Du Maurier and Browning spent considerable time apart as he rose to the rank of iiemenant general and commanded the Bii,ish First Airborne Division during Worid Who was Daphne du Maurier? Bisexual author Daphne du i\.faurier, best known today through film adaptations of her work, helped define the gotbic romance genre of literature. \V'hile other writers of her era were dealing wirh subjects such as alienation, religion, Marxism, and World War Ii, du Maurier, wrote professor Richard Kelly, "produced 'old-fashioned' novels wid: straightforward narratives that appealed to a popular audience·s love of fantasy, ad·,,enture, sexuality. and mysrery." Du Maurier was born May 13, 1907. man artistic family in Loncion. Her morher was an actress. h~r father. Gerald. was a theater manage~ and famous actor, and her grandfather, George, was a wc!1'-known au:hor and cartoonist for Punch magazine. Du Maurier and her two sists:rs haci a-privileged and permissive upbringing, educated privately at hon1e and at schools in London and Paris. An avid reader, she enjoyed creating in1aginary worlds, often featuring a rnale alter-ego she dubbed Hthc boy in the box.'' Her farnily\ hoiiday home in Cornw2.ll ;vouid later becornc the setting for n1uch of her best worlc short stories in his 14 the STAR War II. 1he couple remained married t:ntil Browning died in i 965. Although she reportedly had a crush on a female teacher while studying in Paris, ciu 1\1aurier's sapphic tendencies - which she !·efcrred to as "Venetian" - came to the fore in midlife. In the late i 9405, she became infatuated with Ellen Doubleday, the wife of her Americ:,n publisher, who did not reciprocate her affections. ·'I glory in my Ve1{ke, when I am in a Ve!lice mood, and foro-et it when I am not,'' ciu l',1aurier wrote in : letter to Doubleday. "'111e only chip is the dreary knowicdgc that there can never be Venic~ with you." Soon thereafter, du Maur:e embarked on a relationship with stage and film ac~re;;s , (~errrude L~nvrcncc, who had co-starred 1u10 h,1d -,p affair vvirh her father ·vcar::; eadier; i~;r ;:i:tionship with La•,vren'~e continued ~:7;~~r:~; c0~~::c:~:;~\1i::;;:;::•"~~i~~~rD,, . , b , d. t , J: >,~ :1nd r;::~:;;~ d~:~ :~: /:::t~~:~:.~·-:Hmti2G!Vc \vord that begins \Vith 'L :, [)u fvlaurier pioneered the often f;aturing fi:rnale and eictnents of the ,:_pvpJ.:: f•an:v,ri her she is best knosvr1 ro n1odern Judicncc~; n;frtd Hit ..... hi:.,o.:(k', .. n:r adaptations of Jamaica Inn, Rebecca, and her'short ,wry: "1h: Birds" (from her 1952 coEection, The Appie Tree). "foough some critics have intcrnreted rhe relationship ber-' teen Reoecca -the dead former wife of the narrator's wealtl1y older husband - a1°d !:er i~oi:sekeepe,, Mr.s. Danve,s, as lesbian, biog;- apher Nica lrnerbach claims that Rebecca's "gre-a trespass 1. s r:ot lo v.m g women Io ut laughing at men.'' Over ,he course of her five-decade career, ciu Maurier wrote more than 25 books, among them fa~1iiv hismries and biographies (including on; of her father). Her story about Ganymede. the beautiful adolescent lover or the god Zeus, ,!ppears in an American anthology of gay short fiction (In Another Parr of the Forest, 1994). Her memoir. Growiag Pains, published when she was 70, chronicl~d oniv the vears ieading up to her marriage. She decliu'eci to pen a fo!low-up, tdling an interviewe;, "All I can s.ty is t:1at I had a very happy macied life and have a delightful family .. .! dor;°r iike books which are fuil of name-dropping." Even as her fame grew, du Mamier - who in 1969 was named a Dame of the British Empire in recognition of her iiterary achievements - became more reclusive, ,hough she maintained contact w:th her two sisters, both lesbians, and their fomaie parrners. She spent h. er fi na1 y ears 1.1 1 ,,-~-, orn~val"l a,I one. save for her dogs. "Here was the treedom I desired, iong sought-for, nor yet known," she wrote in V,mishing Cornwall (1967). "Freedom to vi,ite, ~o ,;alk, to wander, freedom to climb :1il!s, to pull a boat, to be alone.'' She diec! :here in Apri: 1989, a month shy of her 82nd birthday, and h::r ashes wen;'. ,,cattered c,ver ,he cliffs near h,:r home. Forf!trther readingi Auerbach, Nina. 1999. Daphne Du '.vlaurkr: Hau;::cci Heiress_ 1993. l)aphne du of Vl\/VVv.ozarksstar.corn Photo: The new community center coming soon. BE THE CHANGE with YOUR VOTE My vote doesn'r count. Voting is too hard. I work all day. I don't have rime. I don't know anything about the candidates. I don't know where to vote. It's out of the way. These are ail excases - and, not to criticize anyone, but pretty bad excuses. Why? • In the last ciection, two Tulsa-area Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) friendly candidates both won their respecth ·e races with a margin ofless than 25 votes. Your vote cioes count - especially for our allies hoping to make a difference. • A.ccording to statistics, the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual electorate (Transgender vo,ers are not yet measured in exit polling) constitute as much as 9%1 of v~oters in large citiesi nearly 4'}o in the suburbs and 2.3% in rural .1.reas. Those numbers indicate rhe GLBT & allied coinrnunity can be a serious force to contend with in local, state and national clection.s. ~ In Okb.bon1a~ you vote by dra,ving a Hnc. Just con1picte the !ittle arro11.v. Paper and prn provided. Polis are open fron.1 7:00 ;'\}l! to 7:00 PlvL '{ou can vot~ on rhe 'l:.vay to lVork} during a break or afrer vvork on the - if you do ·1.vork from 7 to you time-off to \\'V,.r\v. ozarksstar. com Your vote can be the beginning of change for the GLBT & allied community. You can be part of that serious force to be ~eckoned with when you make an informed vote. How can you do that? How can you get informed of the candidates and issues? It's simple - just go to www.tohr.org. You and your family and friends can log onto www. tohr.org, go to the Advocacy Page and get linked to the candidates and learn what they stand for and what they might possibly do if in office (stay calm, it's not all bad). You'll also be able link to sites to learn where you vote and much more ... simply log onto www.tohr.org, get informed, and be part of the change for GLBT equality when you GO VOTE! The TOHR Workout Over 150 community volunteers, donating 5,000 hours of volunteer work, have helped improve the new Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. Tne TOHR Workout, aka Weekend Workdays, with pulse-pounding drilling and calorieroasting hammering, has certainly paid off for volunteers, and the results are obvious at the new Tulsa GLBT Community Center. On Saturday and Sunday, November 4th & 5th, beginning at 10:00 AM each day, you have rhe opporruniry to join the masses shaking their booties, enjoy free brunch/ lunch and drinks, and help finish the occupancy- related renovarions for the permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center. The new Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) Communiry Cenrer is nearing compietion of the first phase of renovations and improvements. Located ii~ the growing East End at 621 E 4th Street in dmvntown Tulsa, rhe new Center now ha~ an operational fire-suppression syscem and accessibie restrooms, whiie rhe new elevawr and chair-lift will soon be complered. Ductwork has been reconfigured, ~Id flooring has been removed, new walls have been constructed and others have been taken down thanks to the work of con1n1.unity ·volunteers. '\Ve'd Hke to thank AH Souls Unitarian Church, the Bisexual, Lesbian, Gay &. Transgender Association (BLGTA.) of the l)niversity of'Tulsa, Ekklesia the c;ather,ing, Sexual ()rientation f)iversity i\ssocia•tion (SODA) of Oklahoma State Univer5i£":';l, Sooner Srate Rodeo /tssociation Tulsa Area Primetimers (TAPT), Tulsa Dungeon Society (TDS), and Young Professionals (YP) for their time and talents to help improve the new Tulsa GLBT Community Center. Thank you - and we hope to see you on Saturday and Sunday, November 4th and 5th at the new Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 621 E 4th Stree;: for the TOHR Workout. YOUR ODDS ARE GOOD TO WIN $10,000 Your odds of winning big at a casino? Slim. Your odds of winning the lottery? Even slimmer. Your odds of winning $10,000 with The Great Divide? l in 1,000. What would you do with $10,000? Take a vacation? Pay off bills? Surprise someone with a romantic get-a-way? Support the community? Just imagine what $10,000 could do for you. ]be Great Divide is just that - a great divide of $20,000 - split between the winner and Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Righcs (TOHR). Proceeds support the communityoriented programs ofTOHR, including the Tulsa GLBT Community Cemer, the Tulsa GLBT Information Line (918.743.GAYS), the Community Resource Kiosk ... in ail, over 20 programs for rhe GLBT & allied community. Only 1,000 tickets have been printed, so your odds are 1 in 1,000 ... greater if you buy 2 or more ticke,s ... and ar only $20.00 a ticker, you can't afford to pass t:p these odds to win S!0,000. Simply srop by the folsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41 st Street in Highland Plaza to purchase your tickets. ]be Ti.1lsa GLBT CommunitY Center b oocn 3:00 PM ' ' to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday. For more information on 1he Grear Divide, the 'Tlllsa GLB1 ... Cornn1unity (:enter and aH the c:ommunity~oriented progran1s of.Tulsa Oklahoinans for f--Iurnan Rights CTOHRL please visit 1~vv.. r vv.tohr.org or call ~) 18.743. (·~, A, re 14.., ')'7\ - "-.J,1 .IJ ~\ L-:, I}, the STAR 15 Hate stole my right to vote 8 years ago. Don't waste your right to vote on November 7th. H)l AL!TY 1 6 the STAR Pledge to Vote on Matthew's behalf at www.MatthewShepard.orgNote REGISTER! LEARN! PASS IT ON! VOTE!!' STAY INVOLVED! www.ozarksstar.com @ ~~ ~ - , > ,I" -~'.. ~ ~ !" yo,u hav -·""' F ,, . , NOW ! ,. ther~clriivihg back horn • ,. ' • '1,.,....· flying, fly into Alb -· drive 55•miles necessacy;iit sea.,level and > ••• ,. ,.,,,_ ~ 1;2,oqo feeL~~ '. i •• · .Jlotels;_ri:iotels, -a .t· restaurants and a · - ther 5;690 r - . ' t :fUR0UOIS ~ ~ .. ,' . " ... _. ... , has .:.1,0 01ff .. .., 1'lt' .nute walk to t former estate ,. itter Bynr:ier ( 1881-1968 obert Huritwho lived the ii his death. if you are not ngs of Bynner, then ase some of hi ~ TRAVEL by Donald Pile and Ray Williams "SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO" Each morning they serYe an expanded continental breakfast in the dining room including fresh baked pastry and bread from their ovens. A complimentary evening social hour brings al! the guests together for a lively chat. 'l11is B and B is extremely srraight-friendiy and we met a lot of very interesting people during our stay. Neil and Francine from San Jose, California were particularly "delightful" to talk with. 1he Inn of the Turquoise Bear is located at 342 E. Buena Vista Street. Their toll free number is: 800-396-4104. Check out their website ac: www.rnrauoisebear.com and their email is: bluebear@ newmexico.com ·rh~ hom are ful! of knowledge on where to dine, where to shop and where to go for short d,!y trips. With their hospitality, this is the O:t\"LY place to stay when visiting Sama Fe. From the moment you step into the Inn of the Turquoise Bear you will immediately fall in lm·e with Santa Fe and rhe surrounding area. 'Il1c Inn and the owners will mesmerize you into a worid far away from what you are used to. You can have complete peace and solitude, reading ,! book. photographing or chatting with the other guests. We have been visiting Sama Fe fr)r 25 :-:ears :md can't wait to return each time. 'lhc gay bar scene seems to change almost yearly there. We always ..-:njoy rhe har at the Inn of the Anasazi which is located right on rhc Plaza. "Iherc have ;;.!ways been several iocal gays there. "There arc several places that arc on the "must see" list when visiting S:,nca Fe. rir;t there is the "Plaza" which is the downtown area. Daring from the city's founding in 1610, rhe Plaza has always been the social and cul rural heart of the city. Old churches dating back ro 350 years with their architecture is;;. must see. Dozens of art museums including t:1c newly built George O'K:._:effe Museum can take days to ·1isit. From fin<: dining to open-air casual. the city is a hub of creative chefs an<l innovative cuisint. \Y/e ;tlways rake ·':_i-9· trips·· when visiting S,mra h: wnic:1 rakes about 3 to ij bou:·.,. \\'c·s: on the: Jen,ez ;\founraii: Ti-aii where you \Vili see rhc ruins of an ~!ncient c!vilization, Indian pueblos and the collapsed crater of a long.-donnanr voic:u10. i'~ordnve.st to (~corgia O'Keeffe cou!Hrv you will ~cc where she lived :he 1acrer par! of her life. A. trip up >~onh to 'E1os ,vh~r~· you t.tkc the "high') road to gt't there and return nn the '"in-.\·· Jp~cr,t,llc highw,!y :·en:ming to Santa Fe. ·!he ·'high')road takc5- vou duu rhc tin,· Yiliagcs of (~hirnayo, 'Trucha.s. J.,as ·1·rarn 1t1a\ anc! Pcnasco. If vcn; onh: have one da1.,: to go , • ,' ,! ; ._ sighr-,eciag. he SURE and take' chi, uip. '!hc mnumair:s. v,,J[,::,,, ai:d the uude ·,illagcs an: cx[r<:•ncly imcrcs;i:,g. 'ihcre arc zJ,o day trip~ to the Fa.<.t ~1~ \VCI! a, thr.: trip South !)11 the "Ilirquoisc 'rrail. 18 the STAR Besides operating the Inn, Robert and Ralph are extremely busy. 1hey also own the Santa Fe Soap Company. All of their bath products contain namra] :ngredients derived from native plants that grow in the deserts and mountains of the American Southwest They make wonderful holiday gifts. Check our their website at: WV;W. samafesoap.com Check out the )Jew Mexico website at: www.newmexico.org and the Sama Fe website at: \VWW.santafe.org. Always remember to have fun when traveiing, meet new peopie and talk ro everyone! The Inn of the Turquoise Bear, Sama Fe, New Mexico The Inn of the Turquoise Bear, Santa Fe, New Mexico www.ozarksstar.com "TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD'' "Good Bye (Gay) Key West, Florida" By Donald Pile and Ray Williams e hate to be the bearer of bad news, but gay Key \Vest is no more. For oYer 60 years Key \'fest was one of the major gay meccas in the United States. Thousands and thousands of gays and lesbians trekked down to Key West every year, many of them several times a year. 1here were dozens of gay resorts and gay B and B's. The wi:ole town was either gay or extremely gay-friendly. Drag queens, leather guys and gals, wanna be cowboys and cowgiris could walk down the streets hanci ii~ hand and did! 1here were always lots gay bars ooen till ali hours of the n;orning. Gay artists, writers, composers and entertainers purchased second homes there. It was always just a fun place to get away_ to, where people could just be themselves without having to ever look over their shoulder. \'•le have been there several times and it was aiways a very fun and exciting expe~ience. Bur, alas, the parry is over. First the cruise ships began landing there with hundred, and hundreds of straight families and ,heir children coming in for the dar Souvenir shops were plentiful as well as ordinary dining piaccs inc!udi1:g fast food restaurants, and they kepr co~1ing and kept coming. 'Then some of rhe straight tourists decided to spend th~ nigbt or several nights. 1l1e mega hotels saw the light rather quickly and began buying up prof!en:y. \:vithin the past nvo or ~hree vcars rhev have purchased over a third of the small g_ay B and B s m l( ev \"res;. A11d rh;:,v arp buvinP' up n1ore and rnore! ....(. :ondos are be- _._.,_ ,; . ~• ~ ~ -~ ..., / . -... . ,, . 0 ' ... • ' I J ing built where rhe,e gua:nt lmk B and B s ,.vere 10careo. vvww.ozarksstar.com ~TRAVEL gone and gone forever: The local people, boti1 gay ~nd straight were really eccentric and fun ~o ,,vatch. Now it is almost Eke Disneyland with dozens and dozens of peopie lined up at the iocal \'v'endy's downtown and people waiting in line to see the Ripley's Believe It o: Not museum. We realiy never thought that :bis would ever happen to Key West. We thought rha.: it would forever be the gay mecca in the United States, but at ieasr we wiil still have Palm Springs, Ft. Lauderdale, San Francisco and P-town. But, beware of what is also happening in If vou have never been to Key \X1est, we STRONGLY urge you to o-o ,either this year or next year because it is changing so quickly 0 h I . ·1• I 1 that if vou wait too muc onger !t w1 1 on y oe a remnant o,C w h. at it was. ·It WAS Wonderful!, Exciting!, Different! and FUN! To get to Key West from the Midwest the easiest way is to fly directiy into t. Laudert than iami and Iv 30 miles r~her Nor.:h. .expensive in orida, and rive down Key West ich will e spccracur. Your cross ver dozens fbridges n your way Key West d there are p ency of stopping places to rake phorographs. Now, at Kev West you will have ro put up with a iot more straight tourists but it will still be worth the trip to taste the flavor and enjoy the sigh~s and sounds of Key \Vest. For questions about gay traveiing, email Donald and Ray at: gaytravelers@aol.com or Yisir tbeir webpage at: htrp:v,,vw.hometown. aol.com/ gayrraveiers. \i( HE F( )R US' NOVEMBER -:'TH the STAR 19 The hor springs at luxurious Tabacon Grand Spa & Thermal Resort are a relaxing pl.ace ro whil.e away an afternoon. (Photo b_y Andrew Collins November 2006 by Andre\v Collins 10 DAYS IN COSTA RICA Verdant, moumainous, and unspeakabiy beautiful, Costa Rica might just be the gay-friendliest nation in Latin America. In fact, Cosra Ricans are resoluteiy cheerfui and helpful toward all visirors. This small tropical country, which lies about 1,300 miles due south of the Florida panhandle, makes for a diverting vacation locale - it's close enough to the United States for a long weekend visit, but has enough to see and do to keep travelers entertained for a couple of weeks. Accommodations that enthusiastically welcome gays and lesbians abound in Costa Rica's most appealing destinations, and there are active gay scenes in the capital city of San Jose and the resort rnwn of Quepos, which hugs the central Pacific $horeiine. As you plan a trip here, factor in how you intend to get around (renting a car, flying, or taking buses). and whether you're seeking rest and relaxation, outdoorsy adventures, gay nightclubs and r::sorts, or somt combination. Or better yet, ase the following l 0-day itinerary of Costa Rica's must-s::'.e areas. Spend your first couple of nights right in San lose, which is 20-miI;tlte drive fro~1 the airport, V✓here you ~an rent a car. flica~s capital city has a handflli of attractions, plus sornc excellent restaurant~ and lively gay nightclubs, such as La .:\vispa and La Iv1et~ ro. It~s also hornc to se .., /eral gay-oriented accom1nodations. includ~· ing the outstanding C:oiours R.esort. 'shich is in a saf~, residcnt:ia] neighborhood on rhe ,vest side of the and bcautifui Sab,1na Park. 'This handsomely furnished 20 the STAR Coionial-style prooerty has rooms in many sizes and configurations, fro!11 cozy standards to lavish suites complete with full kitchens and private terraces. Guests enjoy e2sy 2ccess to a pool, secluded garden hor mb, and inviting bar and lounge where 2 foll breaHast is served each morning. The professional staff goes out or its way to ensure everybody's comfort anci can suggest plemy of things to see and do around town. O,her worthy, gay-friendly oprions in Sanjose include Hotel Kekoldi (which also has an outpost in Quepos) and the Canyon House, and there's a perfectly nice and handy Hampton Inn right by the airport. Days 3, 4, and 5: Arena! From San Jose, it can rake anywhere from three to six hours to drive to the Arena! region. The most scenic bm longest route entails a zigzagging drive through the viliages of Grecia, Sarchi (known for its many stores seliing hand-crafted furnirure), Naranjo, Zarcero, and Ciudad Quesada. The terrain along here is alpine in places, reminiscent of Switzerlanci, and on many days you'li drive litera!ly through the clouds. Anchoring rhe region is Mr. Arcnal, a live volcano that mosr nights puts on an amazing show as its spits fiery rivers of giowing lava down its flanks. Countless hotels, lodges, and inns line the main road ,hat curYes beneath rhe volcano - the most luxurious lodging is Tabacon Grand Spa & 1bermal Resort. Here you'll find beautifu! iy decorated rooms, most of which afford views of the volcano. And guests receive unlimited use of the hot springs, which consist of myriad natural soaking pools, a full-service spa offering heavenly treatments, a pool and swim-up bar, and a restaurant overlooking all rhe action. Even if you don'r stav at Tabacon, consider spending a day soaking in the hot springs. Other good lodging options in the Arena! region include Hotel La Mansio;1 Inn and Arena! Lodge. Be sure to spend one e.-ening in the nearest large town, La Fortun2, ~\·hich is home to some fun (straight) bars and enjoyable restaurants, including Vagabondo, an excdlent pizzeria, and Restau~ante Luigi, an annospheric restauram that serves delicious filer mignon flambecd tableside. Arena! makes a great base for all ki:1ds of outdoorsy activities, from guided hikes near the base of rhe voicano to ;:ip-line canopy tours high abo\'C the ucc tops (on these votfre strapp,:d into a !1arne;s that ·'zips" along a series ef lines connec:ing tree :o tree). You can also visit the ncarbv ivionteverdc (:loud For~st Biological Ileserve. [,Jiuncrous outfittc~s in the area offer just about every kind of excur,. sion and. activirv. I)ays 6, ---; . and 8: (-2_uepos and tv1anud 1\ntonio l.P"PYP j\f[T1 '.fl iu::i,f:qg ,v,~st rl1r~ r:y~,-i rl"I•'>$" frin,--,-e-· ~.--•, •- ,~-; ••••- _,: azure Lake .A.renal and eventuaUy :.... . ~,,~ :- "-"-',1'',"-,,'c 0.... .1 .. ··,:•:;.f~/-, !.:., -h~::~-~-- <,d ,,._,. ..a ~,.~-.-.·,.,l,,,,1-L.:~.(-".-:-. of'fiLaran. ]hen he1d south rcnvard 1hc coast to the funky village of q 1!:rJ• :_: rh•- lv1anucl /1.ntonin l'Jational V.f\lil\v.ozarksstar.com Along the narrow, highland road that twists for a few miles between Quepos and the national park, you'll find a slew of attractive inns and restaurants, many of them with panoramic ocean views. One short stretch contains severai gay-popular accommodations, the most inviting of which is Big Ruby's La Plantacion (the owners also have resorts in Key West, Paris, and southern France). Here at this luxuriant, clothing-optional resort, you'll find stunningly furnished rooms with tile floors and large bathrooms, cable TV with DVD players, and breathtaking grounds laced with gardens and streams. There's also a full three-bedroom house with its own pool and ocean views. The other gay accommodations nearby, all of them highly recommended, are Hotel Villa Roca (which underwent a major renovation in early fali 2006), Hotel Casa Blanca, and Hotel Kekoldi, but virtually e;ery properry in town is gay-friendly. At Manuel Antonio National Park and the adjacent beach, there's great nature-watching - you'il sometimes spy playful white-faced monkeys cavorting in the trees just behind the sand. There's also a secrion of beach that's particularly popular with gay sun-bunnies - it's a little hard to find this section, which becomes inaccessible for a couple of hours at high tide each day, but any local can give you directions. You'li usualiy find plenty of gay folks along the main beach, too. There are a handful of excellent restaurants along the main road, most wirhin walking distance of the gay hotels. These include Barba Roja and Bambujam, which both serve creative and contemporary seafood, and Aqua Azul, a casual, open-air bar and cafe with great burgers and mahimahi sandwiches. After dining, plan to have drinks and watch the sunser ar the rooftop Tutu bar, which draws a largely gay crowd. Or for serious dancing, head down the road into the town of Quepos, where the Arco Iris disco pulses into the wee hours and attracts a mixed, although mostly hetero, bunch. Days 9 and 10: Central Highlands On your ninth day, drive back up the coast from Quepos and ascend the winding but scenic highway into the Central Highlands region, just west of San Jose. Here the air is crisper and cooler than down along the coast, as the attractive hill towns west of San Jose rise ro elevations of 3,000 to 4,000 feet. Amactions include Zoo Ave (a ,.vonderful animal preserve where injured or abandoned animals are rehabiiitated), La Guacima Bmterfly Farm, Irazu Voicano crater lake, and Poas Volcano. /1.n excellent place ::o spend your final nigh1: (or even two nights) is Vista del Valle, a luxurious small im, perched awesomely on the edge of spectacular Rio Grande Canyon. Mainstream but gayfriendly, "Vista del \lalle has econo1ny-111inded roorns in the n1ain house as ,veil as a series of fitncier? self--contained cottages set along a network of 1neandering - rnost have private decks overiooking the canyon. In evening~ the inn serves a cotnmendable :::1;h:i:~;t;,tt~:1::~yon. dining room, which is cantiievered l;~:0'~,~~~~~~~:~t i~~11i!!:horo~:;~ ;~t;~i~!,altern;::t~,~ of a 1 0-n1inute drive ffon1 the airport. 'This rel~xing tOrmer has St:'{er.1 furnished roo1ns and sits amid '-NVVW.ozarksstar.corn fragrant gardens; several larger units have kitchens, fireplaces, and patios. 1he owners are tremendously helpful and offer excellent advice on touring nearby attractions. Both of these are such loveiy properties that you may feel inspired to postpone your return Bight home and hang around for a few more days, soaking up the fresh air and endearing personality of this charmed country. Photo: White-faced (capuchin) monkeys frequently cavort in the trees behind the beach in Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio National Park. (Photo by Andrew Collins) the STAR 21 Ii !I Ii NOVEMBER 2006 "HEALING THE WORLD" to start a world relief agency based in the LGBT communir1- It was a good thing he listened. In rhe p:m two years, the o::ganization has raised ove!' $1 million for huma:1itarian aid and medical £~fft' supplies in this country and abroad, from mostly $: 00 and $200 contribu.:ions. In 2005, R\Y/F raised $390,000 for Katrina re!ief and sent $250,000 to the victims of che mmami that hit Indonesia. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans last September, my partner Lynn and I were transfixed by the images on television - the death and destruction, the despair and heartbreak. We knew we wanted to send money, bur didn't want to use the uadirional relief route of the American Red Cross - we still had questions abom how they managed the massive amount of money they raised after 9/11. Then I received an e-maii from the Human Rights Campaign about helping. There was a link to a group called the Rainbow World Fund (v-rww.rainbowfund.org). I clicked through and, to my surprise, I found the website for the LGBT community's oniy world relief agencv. We were all too happv m make our $250 comribution th;ough RWE Right up from: they told us the money would go to America's Second 'Harvest to provide food for the foiks in the Crescent City who lost everything. Luckiiy for us, we could go on with our lives. A few '.V:c:eks later, W,c received a hand-written thank-you note from Jeff Cotter, the fellow who thought up R';QF. I was impressed with roday's technology and fast pace, hand-written thank-you notes from nor-for-profits have gone by the 'Nayside, except when they1re to major donors. i\nd one $250 gift does nor a major donor make. So, I dcc;ded to check out the RWF and have a chat with Cottec 1\ social " 1orker f0r about ! 5 years, Cotter said he just v.rasn\ fulfilled professionally. ''I wanted to do something I had never dor1t before. I 1..vantcd to have a positive in1pact on the planet and people/ the San Prancisco~based c:ortcr told me in a phone interview. ;;I put those ideas out to the universe and let then-1 go."' l\ f~;•.1v rpont-hs iatff, C'o ... rpr S'11<1, 1,_j,: ,yrpn i""1f1Pf voitP f'r)i(i Pim 22 the STAR Coner just returned from a relief trip to Gu:.ltemaia Viith 15 KWF volunteers plus two American nuns who served as their guides. The group broughr $250,000 worth of medical supplies HIV, hea•r, and diabetes medications; antibiotics; antifungal cream; hypodermic needles; and other goods - to villages throughout the coumry. In addition to 1,650 lbs. of supplies, RWF aiso brought benveen 500 and 600 stuffed animals to brighten the lives of children, and it made direcr cash grants to an orphan«ge, a school, a medical clinic, and OASIS, the coumry's only LGBT organizatio:1. "We gave OASIS $5,000, and we also brought down 2,000 condoms," said Cotter. "This was our third humanitarian trip to Guatemaia - it's differem from other Central Amer:can countries oecause 50 percem of the population is indigenous, and it encapsuiates the developing world." Through its work, R\X'F is also pre<enting ~he LGBT communi:v to the world. "Our first priority is to heir those who need it, but a by-product is changing how people se; rhe LGBT community," said Cotter. "]be Fund is a way of putting our highest vaiues - love, kindness, and compassion - to wo:·k, and of providing a platform fo~ our concern and caring rn be seen and he.ud around :he world." Cotter told me that when he approached /unerica's Second Harvest, the group was thrilied to coliaborate. According ro Cotter, America's Second Harvesr has quire a few gays :md lesbians working a, irs Chicago headquarters. lbe same can't be ,aid for some of R\'VFs other "s;;aight" philanthropic partners. Cotter said those other organizations understand thar R\'VF helps them in more than one way. ''Making them more conscious, helpi1:g th<?m explo;·c LGBT issues, :m area they haven', rhought abom before wciL rhat's also pan of their mission in helping to heal the worid,'' said Corn:r. "And now, the organizations \\re "\/Vork with are out about \Vorking ,vith the L(~B1 .. comtnunity, v.rith us - rhey don 1: n1akc a secret about it in any \V~1y.)1 (~otter is still \Vorking as a psychiatric social -..vorkcr thrct days ,veck - he docsn\ dra'\.v a salary frorn the llainbo,v \Xlcirld Fund. "\Xie want to give LC BT dollars the speak.'' a iot nf people~ '-Vbilc at the san1e rirne to the LC; lfr (~.otter and real differeno.: in the lives of 'lV'NVv.ozarksstar.c:orn MCCJoplin &om page-IO The church is active in all Metropolitan Community Church's ministries taking a Social Justice stand on issues that affect our community including ethical and equal medical care for all people, antidiscrimination, AJDS awareness, prevention and treatment, and equality in marriage. Sharing a progressive Christianity by creating an open and welcoming community of faith where people from all faith walks can join in praise and worship. Providing a witness of God's love to all people and following the scriptures in providing for the love of God, the love of self and the love of neighbor as the core of our being. The pastor, Rev. Steve T. Urie was ordained by Metropolitan Community Churches on Juiy 20, 2005 after completing his MCC Intensives in 2002 at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkley , CA . He was one of the founding members of the church and has continued to be an acdve communiry leader. The church celebrared with a Pot-Luck attended bv Rev. Carolvn Moblev currendv serving in Tulsa, OK ,'members,ofUniry ~f Joplin, members from MCC of the Living Spring in Eureka Springs , AR. It received numerous accoiades from throughout the country and around the world from MCC leadership and sister churches. * klahoma's ntigay doption Invalidation Law 'It's dangerous and appa · thm: state of ficials seek to jeopardize t safet;1 and well being of children in Oklahoma. ' DENVER, CO October 17, 2006_ In papers filed in court today, Lambda Legal argued that the U. S. Con~t of Appeais should affirm a lower court rniing that Oklahoma's amigay Adopricm Invalidation Law is unconstitutional. "It's dangerous and appalling that state of. ficials seek to jeopardize the safety and well being of children in (Jklahoma," said Ken Upton~ Senior Sraff ..A .ttorney in Latnbda Legal1s South (:entrai Regional ()ffice and lead attorney on the case. qiht Adoption www.ozarksstar.com Invalidation Law threatens the welfare of children and their parents because it forbids agents of the State such as police, heaith officials, and child welfare officials from recognizing these families, and it doesn't even consider who would protect these children if the State severs the ties between parent and child." U.S. Districr Judge Robin Cauthron wrote in her decision released in May that, "The very fact that the adoptions h~ve occurred is evidence that a court of law has found the adoptions to be in the best interests of the children ... To now attempt to strip a child of one of his or her parents seems far removed from the statute's purpose and therefore from Defendants'asserted important government objective." The Adoption Invalidation Law, hastily passed at the end of the 2004 Oklahoma legislative session, said that Oklahoma "shall not recognize an adoption by more than one individual of the same sex from any other srate or foreign jurisdiction." Lambda Legal argued rhat the law was unconstitutional based on the United States Constitution's guarantees of equal protection, due process and righr to travel, as well as rhe mandates of the Full Faith and Credit Clause. The lower court found that the statute indeed violated che United States Constitution by singling out a specific group for discrimination and upheld all of Lambda Legal's ocher claims, except the right to travel. T11e Court dismissed the ciaims of Lambda Legal clients Ed Swaya and Greg Hampel, because the Court found that the statute did not harm them since the State of Oklahoma granted the couple a birth certificate for their adopted daughter listing the two men as her parents prior ro the passage of the law ;,nd they did nor face immediate harm. Orai argumrnts in rhe case v,ill be heard in rhe Unired States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit in Denver on Jvfonday, :--fovember U. Ken Upton, Senio:· Sratf At~orney in Lambda Legai's South Central Regionai Office in f?allas is Lambda Le?al's lead at~orney ~;: the case. He is JOtned by Lambda Legal Sta.ff Attorney, Brian Chase. and cooperating attorney Sandy lngrahan1 of Ingraham & Associates. PL.L.(:. in l\1cLoud. Oklaho1na. -rhe c:asc is Finstuen et al V. Edmondson et (2 OZ) SKY VODKA (1 OZ) GODIVA LIQUOR (1 OZ) CRANBERRY (1 TSP) C (1/2 OZ) CHILL 1 . Chi!! a martini glasses with ice and water. 2. Add all ingredients (except Champagne) with ice in shaker and iet stand a fuli minute. 3. Shake for a fuli minute. 4. Strain into the chilled martini glasses. 5. Top the glasses with Champagne. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU l TheSTAR 23 Salutations and welcome to a blustery November addition of Uncle Mikey, man of meat! Uncle prepares for a winter feast. Break out the minks. and let's be on our way. This month uncle received the most intriguing of letters, a straight man confused, while a gay man cant seem to stop obsessing over his stylist. Mmmm it sound like a full moon kittens. Dear Uncle Mikey, I have one for you. ~"1}' friend came to my job-site as a referral, looking for a new job. I felt good about getting him a job, and being able to help. Now, I am in shock as to the realization who this man really is. He was flirting with the trainer, who is a screaming queen. I thought well ok play your cards, I feel ya so far. However, this £lining became a past time, as I watched this man allow himself to be seduced, and basically had an affair with the trainer to ensure he not only was hired, but goc a promotion into a new program. I am telling you I was flabbergasted, and shocked. This man is straight, what is worse he has a girlfriend at home. Am I the only man lefr who believes morals count for something? Needless to say, he dumped this man iike a bad habit, and is in my opinion trying to convince himself that it never happened? Should I call him on his iack of character, or is this the new trend, sex for hire? Dazed by his blaze Dearest Daze, After reading your letter, my faithful houseboy had to help me off the floor, as I attempted to restrain myself from the sheer force of humor. I found here. Kitten, men have been seducing secretaries since :he first piece of wpod s;;t at a desk. It is almost refreshing that now, a)Jparendy, the straight world is even shifting to those Queens in power. I guess he found our that vou really do have to kneel before a queen, eh1 You think that is rough kitten, you should have seen my interviewing process, my boys cara their positions while learning a few new ones. Smooches-i'vlikev I)ear Uncle, I am so over size queens. Just because I don't have a 12 inch monster in my pants docs nnt make me a b;;d !over, why arc men so crazed about size? Kitten., I assure: "!,T;u not all of us arc size queens, as 1 have $aid before. S()n1er.in1cs s1zc can be a roadblock in the tunnel of kn"c. 26 the STAR allowing ali to score here. Length, girth, endurance, originality, determination and of course-presemation. I assure you, I am an equal opportunfry lover. I ha~·e e,·en acted as a reference if it was a performance to remember, Oh believe me we talk, and ,..-e talk a lot. Do not gee down about your tool; u~e it to create a masterpiece. Smooches-1'fikev Dear Uncle, I have been friends with my best friend for ten years. He and I have enjoyed many pursuits together while chasing men. Now, he has been secretly chasing a female, and what is ,vorse he is pulling away from me. He told me just the other day that he thinks he is tired of the whole gay scene? Squeeze me? Now. we are a scene, and not a lifestyle, and God gi,·en birthright to chase the cock? I don't know what is going on with him, but I am not about to let him go wondering off into the straight world, just because it would be easier. \'•/hat should I do? Chasing-( Dearest chasing, Kitten, first of aii you ha,·e to realize that your friend is a mature adult and can make his own choice. If he wams to leave behind his life, (as you so delicately put i,) cock chasing, than my darling this is his and his alone to make. I mean, seriously is there a full moon or something. Now we ha,·e a gay man coming out of the closet as straight. I a;k you what will be next, straight men giving us fashion advicd (Oh look -Delicious I made a funnv!. Darling, it sounds like you ~eed to find some C of your own {c; take your mind of vou; friends' confusion, and allo~v him time to fi!!d himself. I understand going from flannel to silk, but the reverse, ooh my nervd Smooches-~Iikey Dear Uncle Mikey, Can you really get an STD iust by giving someone head? Worried Can you realiy ask that question with a head? *Warning- This 1\vink does not come with accessories. j\[ay be hazardous to vour healtn. If you hear the sound of Congo upoc the unzipping of said T\vink- Run Bitch Run 1 \X .. ow, I need a cirink after that' ~:fjkev, I sa,\: }-our Ficturc in last month's issue Gn yoci; y<u are .~ handsome guy, and funny'. ;\re you ever going to be out our \Vay? I '\VOuld krvc to n1ccr you in pcrson- Mikcyfan :viikcyfan, Srnooches- \Xlw.r\, a Gur1 to do'. I~ rhat an official inYite? You are not rciarion of s-v:irn-fan arc snicker ~njckcr that is about a1J the rjrnt 1 ha;,-e. Re1ncn1bcr this, it i:not the s1zc of the tO\VtT~ nor the circun1ferenc<: r,f the panunereri . . , H J~ not ClTn n1c of the . " . . .- H 1s about styic, pertorn1ancc, anct * \.'VWw.ozarksstar.com use it, to help us However, most o this non-frothy such drinks as t of these other azing, and to wash , clean citv, and co c;iifomia lease shouid healthy. t enough oi instead choose and beer. Ali great as iong as f the water. TI1e 1t 8 glasses of wave shown as many ans are at least mildly n reasons of fatigue during the that expb:ns some of why we gh time a, work. 'That and a little ~v1ondays. Only a 2% drop in r can create hazy shore-term meme with simple math, and difficuicy on the comourer screen or a That makes ~ense considering man brain is 95% water, biood er, the iu:1gs arc 90% ·water, and muscles are 75~{:i water. \X,'ater is a great mineral which helps prevent many conditions. What condition might that oe Fitness Guy Ron? Well I'm glad you asked! \"later can help prevent kidney stones and it can also help lesson the chance for devdopbg bladder, kidney, and u~inarv :race infections. ·rhere has also been a six year study of 20,000 hea!thy men and women ages 38-100 from the May l, 2002 American Journal of Epider::iology. This study found that women who drank more than five giasses _of .., vatcr \Vere 41 '}0 iess likeiy to die frorn a heart attack during the study than these who drank k:ss than nvo glasses. The prorcctivc effects of drinking water ,vere even rnorc profi)und and n1uch better in rnen. ,;Xlhat does this tel1 you? WATER IS GOOD FOR YOC. -n1ere are nu1nerous fiictors that affect your ,vater needs. You 1.vi!! need to n1odify )tour fluid intake based on the f(.,li<)v1ing fi1ctors: exercise, environn1ent, illnesses; and health conditions, -Exercise: jf you exercise or engage in an:1/ physical then you \viH need wwvv.ozarksstar.com During exe. such as ever replenishing not Ief rhirst alreadv be deh thirsty~ If your sweating then: spores drink to electrolytes. drink more water. you doing reading drinking your that time to ask glass of water. just zaps your Oftentimes, we water we lose th summer. Do heat'. Higher incrcasc;d uri ingwhich loss ✓ -Illness and Hea!ch Conditions: Certain signs and symptoms of illnesses such as vomiting, fever, and diarrhea can cause your body to lose extra fluids. Even that pesky miid dehydration can make you more susceptible ro viruses. Water can be quite a powerful weapon in the battle against colds a1:d other maladies. \Xiarer can also act as a natural appetite suopressanc so developing good wate~· drinki~g habits c:.m pay tremendous dividends in yom healthy weight main~enance. Water can help the body digest and absorb vitamins and :rnrrients in addition to aiding the kidneys and liver by carrying av1ay \Vaste frorn tb.~"v, h<c, o,\,f. v/ a Wat"\..,-~: r- an ."_V' ."_f ~ help. Jre,.n vou ~ .... "-'r ✓ regulac Oh God! Novv I'm going to sound like the conversation at my grandmmher's pinochle tab]c. But water does trulv help prevent constipation by adding bulk to, swo!s ,,nd more fluid to the colon. Tne "end" result is sofrer and easier bowel mon:ments. 1\.nd \vho doesn\ vvant that? ore thing before I give you some s. You don't need to drink bottled an drink the tap water. If you cold me 20 years ago that water ? .00 per glass I would have 'mon peopie, it's water! There erous studies that have water is every bit as good er. It's these corporations and Avenue marketing schemes ded our thinking on this. era! years ago, I drank m Budapest bathrooms and g fine (despite what my friends Line: Drink water and it's okay ater. Just drink water! he first thing in the morning. f slumber equals dehydration. ntainer on hand throughur desk, in the car, at e. Bring out the fine crystal erously pour che water. ing is a iot more fun to drink with · cy glassware. -Grab some fruits and veggies. Most of these are aimost all water content. 'lliis can give you some variety. -And as always- HAVE FUN! Let me know your questions, comments, and ideas ac blake.fitness@yahoo.com. FACT: In the 2004 presidential eiection 71 million eligible voters did not vote. Shame on us. the STAR 27 "Use your charm wisely, Aries!" The Sun is aligned with Venus in Scorpio, turning up everyone's seductive charm and susceptibility. Both planets are trine to Uranus, opening amazing possibilities. Cleverly used, this magnetism can lead to opportunities and insights that could change your life. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Your seductive charm is working far better than you expect. Use it sparingly and wisely; it could land you into situations you hadn't gambled on. Secrets that come to light may include long-hidden talents. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Getting out into a new and different milieu - preferably someplace with a spiritual and/ or political focus - and making new friends offers a chance to meet a wonderful new partner, or to revitalize an existing relationship. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): If looking sexy is part of your work, you're bound to succeed. If it's not, you may have to work extra hard to behave yourself and stay focused on the task at hand. Of course, this, too, is a sure route to success. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Playful efforts to tease out ideas can lead to profound discussions, perhaps even arguments. Keep it friendly and principled and you can learn - and teach - a lot more than you expected to. You'll need a very open mind to take it all in! LEO (July 23 -August 22): Fix an aphrodisiac supper for the one you desire. The setting counts more than menu, although some classic stand-bys like oysters will signai your intentions. Make sure your boudoir is as eiegantly prepared as the table! VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Risque limericks, weli-honed epigrams, or other outre witticisms will shock others into taking notice of you. Your partnei - or your favorite candidate for thatposition - will be properly impressed, and you wiil be happily. "improperly·· rewarded. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Take care '?f finances now - next week wouid be disastrous! You·re more resourcefu! than usual now, making this the time not only to evaluate material assets. but to develop useful skills for doing so. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Your sexy charm is now at its height, opening doors for a!I kinds of fun and games. You're irresistible, and not just sexually. Engage people at other levels. Be creatively flirtatious, and see what opportunities that generates for you. 28 the STAR SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Carve out a special place in your home for meditation. It would seem that the point is to get grounded - but not quite. The space will open energy for you in a way that will be centering - freeing you from roots, not attaching you to them. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Any time spent with friends will unlock secrets, either yours or theirs, and that will be necessary for social or political success. Have some secrets that you can reveal safely to protect those you want to keep hidden. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): When tempted to confront an authority figure, try instead to engage that person diplomatically and find ways to co-operate. More than you would imagine, your charm wil! get you ahead and open doors to resources. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Explore any new, exotic art or beauty. The more you can identify with it and fee! it as a part of you, the more it - or he or she? - can show you parts of yourself you never knew existed. · SPIRIT OF CHRIST JOPLIN, MO FREE HIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 20th PO Box 4711 Joplin. i\[o 648!)3 S~KftTRI)1\Y Scr\--ice 9:3()/\.\'l ..Y. TcJus ln:vited to our C:on11nur1it\' l)inner 61)rr1 1ust S4.00. T'~<J ()rH: ls turned vvWW.ozarksstar.com 30 the STAR HE:'S 91::E:N L-iVIN1 N 'THIS BU!L-O!NG INC!': 'THE: 195015. t'L-L- SE:1' HE: 001::SN'TPAY MOi:lE: THAN 1./00 81./CKS A MONT'H '.vww.joanhi!tynet I Vv'vvvv.ozarksstar.com 1st Annual Gala Celebration "Linking Together as One" Friday, December 15th, 2006 7:00 P.M. Clarion Inn - Fayetteville 1255 So. Shiloh, Fayetteville, AR 72701 For more information: WV.'\XZN~✓AGLBTCC.ORG www.ozarksstar.com Luxury Townhouses FOR RENT, Pine & E.72nd St Area, TULSA 2 bed/1.5 baths/washerdryer/ hookup/prvt patio/2 car garage, no pets. $525/month + Deposit Call: Patty (918)724-6475 or Mark (918)724-1960 CHECK our QNIQUE EUREKA: SJ?:R:INGS, -',, ' ARrfANSA$ . www.diversifypride~com and · . ww.w.eurekapride.com * Full Body, Sports, Hot Stone * Hand and Foot Scrubs * In-House Clinic * Days, Evenings and Weekends Call for an appointment and rates. 918-857-2805 Mike Lewis AKA "Morgan" A iongtime Bartender at the Finishline in Oklahoma City passed away on the morning of October 6, 2006. Morgan was very well know and loved by the GLBT community. the STJ\R 31 B N A R & RILL Sunday Champaqne Brunch All you can eat soup and salad bar 11 am-2pm $8.99 Monday & Tuesday Well Martinis $2.50 4pm-7pm Best Prime Rib in Town: Friday & Saturday Nights Bar favorites. restaurant favorites and man:, new items for your enjoyment pleasure NEW WINTER RATES - $45• * Plus tax, excludes suites I r .... - :~~;~,~~ p 'S A LEATHER/LEVI BAR CLOSED MO:'IDAYS Sun 7pm - 2am. Tues-Thur:. 7pm-9prn wear your h::Hhcr and get your wd! drink:- fc,r :<?.50 Sun Thur. 7pm-2am R Fri and Sat. 4pm-2am DY'S PL CE PIANO BAR Rudy ·s Place is a non-smukin!_:'. e~tablisthmcnt Early for cocktails. latc- t'or a night cap CL BR X CLOSED MONDAY SIZZLIN' SUNDAYS With Whitney Paige VIXENS Saturday i--;ighh \\ ith Silan1ci \landala) at I Op1n J\USON SCOTT SHOW MISS HOLLYWOOD US Of A Sunday Nowrnher 12. 20!)h I si Prize: .'i, 1.000.00 PLLiS 5500.flO crcdn tcn\·ard" haync Original Gown i .at•st~~~ r, J' P1. • Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2006] The Star Magazine, November 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 11 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 01. 2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Josh Aterovis Douglas Glenn John Patrick Michael Dee Kay Massey Paul Wortman Carlotta Carlisle Victor Gorin Greg Gatewood Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ray Williams Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, October 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 10 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/242 The Star Magazine, December 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/225 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/241 3000 walk for AIDs Advice Column cartoons classifieds Distributers fitness horoscopes Judy Shepard Kathy Webb Lesbian Notions marriage equality MCC church molestation molestation myth National Coming Out Day Oklahoma Adoption law OUT in Arkansas Past Out Q Scopes Star Scene travel Tulsa GLBT center news Uncle Mikey https://history.okeq.org/files/original/4c8319e0447c1ec74875b926bf62cdef.jpg 91d5b89d12182a6e579f2bb58991f1c1 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/11fd65a0e77b5d0dff4bbc3746c85e58.pdf 4319c8af04e54ca91707cf4faa90fc62 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document ,Ur • LS .. n ona ale Scott · row,· Man.:aging Broker Mc raw Davisson ew:art, R.ealtors • 1 Langley, Oklahoma s:cottCrow.mcgr,awok.com 918.782.3211 the STAR, Oklahoma's Premier GLBT Magazine. The most important direct-action you can do is vote. Local and state elections are this r, with many close ttles to be fought by our strongest allies. In rtnership with the nal Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Community Centers, the Tulsa GLBT Community Center annouces Promote the Vote. This program seeks to enhance the advocacy and organizing capacity of GLBT community centers by creating a visible, vocal and voting constituency. More importantly, it gives voice and power to the members of the GLBT community who are often made to feel invisible and powerless. Primaries are fast-approaching with local and state supporters of the GLBT community in close contests. If you aren't registered to vote - do it today. You can get registered to vote at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41 st Street in Highland Plaza. It's simple to do, the form is very short and we'll even send it in for you. Stop by today and r ter to vote in one easy step - then vote in every e action. It's important for you and future generations. ACLU ASK FOR DISMISSAL OF REV. LONNIE LATHAM'S CASE February 1, 2006 The American Civil Liberties Union filed a friend-of-the-court brief toda}'. urging an Oklahoma court to dismiss charges against a Soulhern · minister who was arrestea for soliciting private sex another male. 'The Supreme Court has made it crystal clear that, when it comes to their sex lives, ults are free to do whatever the 8 Bell, Executive Director of th klahoma. "Accordin to the police report, Rev. Latham did nothing more tha e another man to his hotel room for consensual sex. It is not a crime merely to invite someone to have completely lawful sex. If it were otherwise, every bar in the state may as well shut its doors." The Reverend Dr. Lonnie Latham was arrested on January ~. 2006,_ on the misdemeanor cha of "Off!:3ring to Engage m an Act of ice ne a ma! ted r back to otel room for oral sex. It is not alleged that Latham offered money in exchange for the sex act. The brief filed toda in the District Court of Oklahoma Coun argues , arges should be dismissed against because non-commercial sex between consentate is a constitutional! ACLU it is a violation s free speech guarantee for the state to criminal that is mereiy an invitation to engage in lawful Latham's arrest. which generated a s· of media attention, forced him to resig as a board member of the Baptist Generai Okiahoma. ut of To~n MARCH 2006 by Andrew Collins lbuquerque, New exico Q,Jt<::, Mexico's largest city, set dramatically at the base of the soaring Sandia Mountains, makes a great - and affordable - base for exploring the rest of the Land of Enchantment. Albuquerque lies just 60 miles south of Santa Fe and within an afternoon's drive of countless Indian pueblos, beautiful hiking and biking spots, and challenging ski areas. The "Duke City" (named for the city's founder, the Duke of Alburquerque - the first "r" was later dropped) enjoys a sunny, mild climate, and it's home to New Mexico's only gay bars as well as a handful of gay-owned B&Bs and restaurants. And thr9.ughout 2006, Albuquerque celebrates its tricentennial with dozens of performances, events, and museum instaliations that trace its rich and vibrant history. Albuquerque's once dull downtown has undergone an ambitious revitalization in recent years, with loads of new shops, restaurants, and bars along or near the main drag, Central Avenue between 2nd and 8th streets, and also along parallel Gold Avenue. From here, it's a five-minute drive to historic Old Town, which was laid out in 1706 and contains Albuquerque's earliest buiiding, the San Felipe de Neri Church, which fronts the serene, tree-shaded Plaza. The wares for sale at the more than 200 crafts and art galleries and boutiques in the area run the gamut from fine to kitschy, and a few very good restaurants are nearby. For an offbeat experience, step inside the small but venomous American International Rattlesnake Museum, which contains the world's largest assemblage of live rattlers. Within a short stroll of Old Town you'll find a handful of the city's most prominent attractions, including the recently expanded Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, which houses an astounding collection of Spanish Colonial artifacts, plus traditional and contemporary regional art. Exhibits on geology, volcanoes, and dinosaurs await you across the street at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. Also check out the Albuquerque Aquarium, Rio Grande Zoo, and Rio Grande Botanic Garden. It's just a short drive from Old Town to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center as well as the National Hispanic Cultural Center of New Mexico, both of which have exhibits, cafes, and performances related to their respective cultures. Much of Albuquerque's gay scene is focused in the retro-hip Nob Hill neighborhood, a short drive east of downtown along Historic Route 66 (Central Avenue), which glows with the neon signs of coffeehouses. bars, greasyspoon diners, galleries, and boutiques selling everything from cool home-furnishings to campy giftsCentral Avenue fringes the southern edge of the University of New Mexico (UNM), whose noteworthy attractions include the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology and the University Art Maseum. The city sprawls a bit, and you need a car to venture out to some of the worthwhile outlying attractions. On the west side of town, visit Petroglyph National Monument to view some 25,000 rock drawings inscribed as far back as a thousand years ago along the 17-mile-long West Mesa escarpment. Drive east across town into the city's lofty foothills for a chance to ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to the crest of the 10,600-foot Sandia Mountains. The 2.7-mile ride is the longest aerial tramway in the world. At the top are observation decks, hiking trails, a visitor's center. and the High Finance Restaurant. On the north side of Albuquerque, you'll find the giamorous new Sandia Casino resort, which in addition to extensive gaming areas contains one of the city's best restaurants (Bien Shur, on the resort's rooftop), a brandnew luxury hotel and spa, and a golf course of considerable acclaim. The casino is close to Bailoon Fiesta Park, home to New Mexico's most famous festival, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This colorful hot-air balloon gathering - the world"s largest - takes place the first two weeks in October. At any time of year you can visit the park's AndersonAbruzzo international Balloon Museum, which opened in fall 2005. There are also a number of outfitters throughout Albuquerque offering hot-air balloon rides year-round; one of the most reliable is Rainbow Ryders. Albuquerque's already very good dining scene has improved dramatically just in the past few years. in the downtown area, don't miss gay-popu!ar Artichoke Cafe for first-rate Continental cooking in a romantic yet casual ambience. Thai Crystal is one of the city's top Asian restaurants, while the cozy Goid Street Gaffe serves up some of the ........ Continued next page. . Atw:efflsingin lfi~ STAIR/sjustgood business cents. Page6 Out of Town best breakfasts around, plus iight lunch and dinner fare, designer coffees, and delicious desserts. When in Old Town, book a table at elegant Ambrozia Cafe & Wine Bar, known for its quirky and inventive dishes, such as duck meatloaf with truffted cream corn, and lobster corn dogs with chipotle ketchup. In Nob Hill, the swanky Zinc Wine Bar and Bis~ro serves a memorable Sunday jazz brunch and terrific French-inspired dinner fare - try the crisp uck-confit egg rolls or mango creme brulee. Next door, y Fish serves tasty proof that it's possible to find super-fresh and creatively rendered sushi right in the heart of the des~rt. Talented chef Jennifer James is one of the leading new culinary stars of the Southwest, and you can sample her deftly prepared food at Graze, which specializes in affordable tapas-style small plates (she also owns the more formal Restaurant Jennifer James, a few miles north). Across the street, the upscale Gruet Steak House is run by the city's acclaimed Gruet Winery, which produces S?me ?f the nation's most respected champagne-style sparkling wines as well as commendable pinot noirs and chardonnays. Pre-clubbing gays and straights mix it ~ sophisticate~ Martini Grille which is lauded as much its tasty Amencan fare as fbr the fancy drinks served up in the schnazzy cocktail bar. Hang out among UNM students and other local hipsters at II Vicino, which serves out-of-this-world wood-fired pizzas and filling calzones, plus a nice array of leafy dinner- size salads. Try El Patio for some of the most authentic (and fiery) New Mexican cooking in town - be sure to sit on the tree-shaded The no-frills Frontier Restaurant is a 24/7 institution for its breakfast burritos and heavenly cinnamon buns - it's a real scene after the clubs close. Another must-do in Albuquerque is coffee and dessert at Flying Star, a bakery, restaurant, coffeehouse, and wine bar all rolled into one, with five locations around town, the gavest and coolest in Nob Hill and downtown. Among Albuquerque's six gay nightspots, Pulse draws th gest and wildest bunch for cruising and dancing stive patio and compact but fierce dance floor. Fans of line-dancing and two-stepping head to sprawling Sidewinders Ranch, which is owned by the same folks as Sidewinders in Palm Springs. Low-keyed Exhale (formerly Renea's} is the only lesbian bar in the state, although it pulls in of guys, too. The expansive Albuquerque Mining ers to a diverse crowd with its several bars, small dance area, and full volleyball court. The Albuquerque Social Ciub, a garden-variety video bar across the street from Pulse, attracts a fairly local following; guests are pennitted in this private club but must purchase a "membership" ( one year). The parking lot at Foxes ith beat-up pickup trucks, hints rish, and horny guys inside. main entertainment ue's lodging landscape is domin hotels, you'll find some distinctive historic properties and art-filled B&Bs, too. the latter, the beautifully restored Mauger Esta sits within easy walkin distance of downtown and Old Town. Anne Victorian has an ornate exterior, period antiques, wallpapers, and fabrics. Another property is Hacienda Antigua, a f ,ldadc>be hacienda northwest of downtown, filled with claw-foot tubs, wood carvings and Indian art, and beehive-shape kiva-style fireplaces. the historic La p grand dame, opened in 1939 by Conrad Hilton (who honeymooned here with Zsa Zsa Gabor). It's a stunning 10-story hotel in the heart of downtown. A few blocks west, the art deco Hotel Biue has simple but affordable rooms and a great location, making it one of the city's best bargains. Of the city's chain properties, the 17-story Albuquerque Marriott is a commendable, upscale choice with great views of the mountains. It's close to two shopping malls and a short drive from gay nightlife. And a 20-minute drive north of Albuauerque in the town of Bernalillo, the posh Hyatt Regency Tamaya offers the most lavish accommodations in the region. Amenities at this 500-acre resort on the. ~anta Ana Pueblo include a world-class spa, horseback riding, tennis, golf, superb restaurants, and ca_sino gaming. If you're looking for sumptuous Palm Springs-style glamour in the laid-back Duke City, look no further than this stunning resort, the perfect place to celebrate an ultra-romantic Southwest getaway. The Little Black Book Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (www.balloonfiesta. com). Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau (505-842-9918 or 800-284-2282, www.itsatrip.org; www.albuquerque300. or deta que Tncentennial events). Al uerque 1 Louisiana Blvd. NE, 505-881- 6800 or 800-334-208 , www.marriott.com). uerque Mining Co. (7209 Central Ave. NE, 505-255- que Social Club (4021 Central Ave. NE, 505-255- Cafe & Wine Bar (108 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, 560). (424 Central Ave. 5-243-0200). 5 Central Ave., N 232-3474). arvard St. SE, 50 ' Flying tar 2 Centr;3I Ave. S 633; also downtown at 723 Silver Ave. SW 99). Foxes Lounge (8521 Central Av 5-3060). Graze (3128 Central Ave. SE, 50 . Frontier Restaurant (Cornell Dr. SE and Cen al Ave. SE, 505-266-0550). Gold Street Gaffe (218 Gold Ave. SW, 505-765-1633). Gruet Steak House (3201 Central Ave. NE, 505-256- WINE). Hacienda Antigua (6708 Tierra Dr. NW, 505-345- 5399 or 800/201-2986, www.hac~ier1da;ar ua). Hotel Blue (717 Central Ave. NW, 505-9 2400 or 877- 878-4868 www.thehotelblue.com). 9462). · Bernalillo, 505- att.com ). also 11225 t. NW. 505-242- 05 . , - __ 755 or -725-2477, WWW. . NW, 505-343-1554). 1-25 at Tramway Blvd., 505-796-7500 or .sandiacasino.com J. nch (8900 Central Ave. :::;E, 505-275-1616). 09 Gold Ave. SW. 505-244- and Bistro (3009 Central A . . 505-254- Dive April WE DO IT DIFFERENT in Eureka Springs, Arkansas! At our hlatoric Auditorium • For GLBT• & their Stra Pals to I (ov•r .,. to ral•• our •plrlt• an e th• Ozarlc• hlll• with lau11hter and GAYETYI TICKETS ONLINE - LIMITED SEATING/ Plus more events TBAI For DIVERSITY info & Diversity health outreach prevention education, Inc. 1-800-535-AI DS (2437) Oklahoma's HIV/STD Hotline YOURSELF PROTECT YOl.:IR.PARTNER(S) * Free nonjudgmental HIV testing,· including the 20 minute OraQuick Test. * Free Sypht1/is screening at .the GLBT Community Centeron Tuesdaysf'roin 6-8pm H~O.P.E. :resting Clinic ; Mens·Outreach'P ..... In Tulsa at (918) . PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA or gays wanting to travel in the United States there are main gay cities, Palm Spri , California and Ft. le, Florida. Both cities ve a huge gay populah are extremely gay friendly. Both have at least f dozen gay resorts to stay and plenty of gay restaurants, bars and shops. n this column we will tell you about Palm Springs, Caliomia. It is located about 120 miles East of Los Angeles. hen flying in from the f:Aidwest or_ East you _can ei~her . y directly into Palm Springs or fly into Ontario, California hich is less expensive and is only about 50 miles \J\'est_ f Palm Springs. Since you will need to rent an auto It will ve you money to fly to Ontario. weather in Palm ngs is beautiful all r around except if you 't like weather over 100 grees then it is best not July and August. we love the dry heat we love going there in he summer when it is hot. ecember thru April it is very pleasant there. e dozens of gay stay however our is the TERORT (www.ter) and located st of downtown Palm Canyon toll free phone is: 1-866-837-7996. and hosts, Tom nd Doug Sems are of the best -'<'hen it to knowing how to their guests. he Terrazzo Resort has 12 guest rooms surrounding heated swimming pool, (clothing optional) of course, · · and tropical gardens. The resort has s that includes the finest of linens, dial phones, Lar TV, DVD, VCR CD player, indiclimate control, speed Internet access, pre- Judith Jackson bath amenities and wonderful soft oiquet robes for their guests. All rooms comes with a · , refrigerator, wet bar, hair dryer, iron and ironing rd. Don't have your lap top with you? Don't worry. you check your emails in their guest services room. Comentary breakfast is served each momin_g outside at _the . A complimentary gourmet lunch Is served daily lside. Complimentary beverages and snacks are available throughout the day. In addition to their Resort they also have a condoiapartment just a few blocks from the Resort which can rented on a monthly basis. Guests renting that can take full advantage of the Resort amenities including pool, etc. This is truly a fabulous resort for the gay traveler. It is the only gay resort in Palm Springs that we recommend. As we travel around the country we have noticed that many owners hire managers and that in itself can be a major problem. Tom and Doug are the owners AND managers and they control everything themselves to insure that each guest gets full attention. And full attention to every detail is what you at the Terrazzo. They have received many award and citations for their hi ality of service and accommodations. Tom and Doug ve their work and what they are doing and it shows! Be sure to check out their web site. Downtown is just a few short blocks from the Terrazz<? and is filled with major shopping, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and even an Indian Casino. They have about a doz bars in Palm Springs and they run the range from piano bars, disco bars and just about any type of bar you are looking for. The one great thing about staying in a major gay city is that the bars are always busy! And we do mean ALWAYS! So even if you are kinda shy you won't have any problems meeti someo~e in Springs. o left Melvyn' aurant) There is so much to see and do in Palm Springs. Lots of museums to visit, great restaurants and tons of ·ng to do. UST SEE is the FABULOUS PALM SPRINGS FOLLIES located downtown at 128 So. Palm Canyon Drive. It is a Las Vegas type show with singing, dancing and plenty of laughter. What makes the show so fabulous is that all the performers are over 55 and they are GREAT! There are numemus performing arts centers around the city and plenty of concerts to go to. There are dozens and dozens of restaurants in Palm Springs. After many years of going there our very favorite 1s still Melvyn's Restaurant located in the Ingleside Inn just a couple b!ocks West of downtown at 200 W. Ramon. It is just like stepping back to "Old Hollvwood". The food, the service and the atmosphere is PERF CT! Mel Haber, the owner knows how to keep h:s guests coming back year after year. According to Life Styles of the. Ric. and Famous it is rated one of the 10 best and we certainly agree! Continued next page: the STAR, Oklahoma's Premier GLBT Magazine. Page 10 GAY TRAVELERS: The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the largest vertical cable in the country and the view from the top is magnificent. Take your lunch with you and dine right in the mountains. Other options for Palm Spri are hiking, tennis or sightseeing in the Joshua National , the Living Desert or visiting the local Indian grounds. But of course the main reason to go to Palm Springs is for the people! And what a FABULOUS collection of friends we have made there over the years. Our best to Stefan, Millie, Jerry, Jim, Tyke and Wayne! Check out www.palmspringsgay.com before making your travel plans. For more information about traveling, email Donald and Ray at gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their webpage at: http://www.hometown.aol.com/gaytravelers. Willie Nelson Releases New Gay Cowboy Song. NASHVILLE, TN_Willie Nelson released his new song titled "Cowboys Are Secretly, Frequently (Fond Of Each Other)" on Valentines Day February 14th 2006. Are Secretly, Frequently (Fond Of Each Other)" wa in 1981 by Texas-born, NYC resident musician/ songwriter Ned Sublette, long before gay cowboys were the current topic of conversation. Nelson recorded the song last ar during an iTunes Originals session at his Perdernales, io. This is the first time Nelson's version has been released. Dolly Parton did a song for "Transamerica," Emmylou Harris cut a track for "Brokeback Mountain" and Willie Nelson released a gay Valentine's song. Is country the new gay genre? HIV positive participants, spectators to be welcomed into United States during the 2006 Chicago Gay Games 'Designated Event Status· clears U.S. entrance restrictions SAN FRANCISCO A U.S. federal blanket waiver has been approved allowing non-U.S. citizens living with HIV/ AIDS to travel to the United States to participate in or attend the Gay Games 2006. The Federation of Gay Games (FGG), an~ Chicago Ga~es, Inc. (CGI), announced today that the waiver comes with federal approval of Designated Event Status for Gay Games VII Sports & Cultural Festival set for 15-22 July 2006 in Chicago, Illinois. "Many people with HIV/AIDS and other life-affecting health issues have competed and set Masters-division records at past Gay Games, and we are happy that all participants from outside the United States once again will be able to travel freely to attend the Gay Games this summer," said Kathleen Webster, co-president of the international Federation of Gay Games. HIV positive p · · nts and attendees of Gay Games VII can now a a sin B-2 travel visa from their local U.S. consulate. isa, valid 8-28 July 2006, will be issued on a special form instead of being placed permanently in the person·s passport. "Achieving Designated Event Status demonstrates our dedication to the Gay Games principles of Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best™ and to our mission adfor full acceptance and recognition of all LGBT said Brian McGuinness, Gay Games Chicago Executive Director. "We are grateful to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (DIL) and the many CGI and FGG board, staff, volunteers and allies for helping us meet this important commitment to the HIV community." Information regarding procedures on how to apply for the B-2 visa at U.S. consulates in different countries will be available shortly on the FGG Web site at \~":N';N-~aygames. com) and the Chicago Gay Games eb site (www. gaygameschicago . .erg). For additionai information, lease contact Aimee Pine at the ~hi Ga~es, Inc. o,ffic:esat (773) 907-2006 or by email at mee.pme@gaygameschicago.org. Grand Opening ai Fort Smith's Newest Night Club. RED ROCK CITY By Bunky Walters The pizza delivery guy walked in just after 8 p.m. amid droningeleictnic drills, a symphony of cell phones and frenetic atter. But like an episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," everything was hammered, painted and plu in by midnight for the grand opening of Red Rock C Fort Smith's newest party venue, at 917 N. A St. · At 10 p.m., music was already blasting in beat to the din of finishing touches being made inside the historic two-story building with a red stone walls - hence the name of the club. It's attractive yet calm exterior was in sharp contrast, though, to the play pin being created inside. Leading the whip-quick renovation was owner Andv Osburn, who stayed cool as Crystal throughout the evening. Osburn, by the way, also owns Kinkead's, just a couple blocks away at 1004 ½ Garrison Ave. When he wasn't lending a hand or answering his cell phone, Osburn paused occasionally in the VIP lounge near the cool metal grate-floored DJ booth, ave the dance floor. By 11 p.m., some of his friend s and Kansas City had arrived, and they made themselves at home in the lounge, which was decorated with leather chairs and ottomans situated around a large, wide-screen TV. Roses and orchids were another elegant touch to the room. Out the lounge door several steps away was the upstairs bar area, which has a dance floor, as well. It was packed with le by 11 :30 p.m., slinging back beer and sipping them up alongside buttery nipple and cocksucker shots were bartenders in black dress shirts, with the word "Rockers'; spelled out in red on each one. Not long after midnight, a voice on the mic invited folks to "shake their tail feathers." They promptly obliged, spilling down the confetti-carpetted stairs to the new dance floor. The anced to everything from Salt 'n' Pepa to Depeche ,de, s1~oc1tina b,oots and scuttling about to the rhythm of the pounding bass. Every now and then, there were quick whooshes from the fog machine, blanketing the crowded dance floor. And it mig~t hav~ been chilly outside,. but it didn't keep a obv1ol!s gym _memberships from whipping o d shaking their bottoms under the dazzling disco lights of the club's exposed rafters. Not that but I had a ball and a half that night OK, two. te the nail-biting push of the midnight deadline, the club threw a flawless party. And I have no doubt they'!i continue to send folks in Fort Smith · and sweating to awesome beats and fabulous for many, many weekends to come. Speaking of coming, you should. Red Rock City is open 9 p.m.-5 a.m. Thursday-Saturday and 6 p.m.-midnight Sunday. · , either call (479) 242-CITY or visit _GLBT Magazine. . Page 1.2 .. NINTH ANNUAL RED RIBBON GALA, SET FOR TULSA MARCH 11, 2006. Above left to right: Kim Wood -Chairperson RRG, Shane Carter - Channel 2 Meteorologist and Master of Ceremonies, Pat Chernicky- President Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. TULSA, OK_Aa in the past, a sea of red wili encompass distinguished guests and friends of Tulsa C.A.R.E.'s RRG, as they arrive at one of Tulsa's most elegant and worthwhile affairs. Again this year, the event will be held at Southern Hills Country Club on Saturday, March 11th. Set in an atmosphere that only Southern Hills can create, the room will be ablaze with fabulous flower arrangements created by board member Toni Garner. Kim Wood, Gala Chairperson and Peter Walter, realtor extraordinaire, Gala Honorary Chairperson wiil welcome guests to a feast for the senses that will include the finest cuisine by Southern Hills Chef Devin Levine, complimented by fine wines. A portion of the festivities wili include both a silent and live auction offering stellar iist of antiques, furniture, original artwork, masterfully created jewelry, private dinner parties, special inteiest classes to name a few. A new feature this year, a special raffle of fine jewelry created by Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. board member Susan Sadler, wi!I be held during the event. Ali attending are encouraged to "just wear red" ... the color of AIDS awareness and a symbol of compassion for those affected by the disease. The Red Ribbon Gala is the largest fundraising activity for Tulsa C.A.R.E.S (Center for AIDS Resources, Education and Support). Ani:i, this year the event has received a tremendous "kick off'' for 2006 with the generous grant from the George Kaiser Famiiy Foundation and Bank of Oklahoma Foundation as Presenting Sponsor. A United Way agency, Tuisa C.A.R.E.S has been in existence since 1991. Executive Director , Sharon Thoeie, credits the generosity of the board members and donors of the difference they make for some of the community's most needy members. She states: "the best part of the Red Ribbon Gala is that it supports the ongoing efforts of Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. to provide a safe haven for low-income men, women and children with HIV/AIDS throughout northeastern Oklahoma. 2 marks the 15th anniversary of providing support services to the individuals no one wanted to serve. Without the proceeds from the Red Ribbon Gala our ability to provide these crucial services would cease." Board President, Patricia Chernickv, adds: "the RRG is not only a fabulous evening of food, fun and friends, but the money raised from the event provides the organization with the financial resources to serve over 450 individuals. HIV does not affect o up of people, it affects us all." RRG Chairperson, Kim also contributes: "A tremendous op · is provided through the RRG to provide support to Isa CARES so that the organization can continue to provide the services for those patients and families affected by the devastating disease." The Red Ribbon Gala begins at 6:30 p.m. with flowing red cocktails, stimulating conversation and a Ii silent auction and raffle. Dinner foilows at 7:30 p.m. w live auction commencing around 9:00 p.m. Dancing to music provided by "The Hero Factor" will begin at 9:45 p.m. Tickets are $150.00 per person. Sponsorship packages and reservations for priority seating are available. For more information, contact Bruce Lewis at (918) 834-4194. PRESIDENT'S BUDGET PRESENTS MIXED BAG ON HIV/AIDS WASHINGTON - President Bush's budget proposal, released yesterday, presents a mixed bag on HIV/AIDS, with modest funding increases in care and treatment programs, additional cuts in Medicaid and a dangerous increase in abstinence-only programs that keep thorough, scientific information out of the hands of those who need it most. "For the sake of hundreds of thousands of Americans living with HIV and AIDS, we can and we must do more," said Human Rights Campaign President joe Solmonese. "We welcome the president's attention to the critical needs facing HIV/AIDS programs, yet the new funding does not make up for the years of shortcomings and huge proposed cuts that may harm beneficiaries in other areas." The largest proposed HIV/AIDS increase is for the president's $188 million domestic AIDS initiative, with money split between the Ryan White CARE Act and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "We need a comprehensive and targeted strategy to combat this virus - particularly in at-risk communities and among people of color," said Soimonese. "Attention to this continually growing trend is long overdue." There are more African Americans among new AIDS cases, people estimated to be living with AIDS and H!V-reiated deaths than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States. Continued .. Aids Budget-page 23 IN RESPONSE 1'0 YOUR. PERSONAL AD LOOKING FOR. SOMEONE WMO CAN11' S1"AND GAYS AND LES&IANS. I L Fl E - ' Oklahoma City ur 5th Anniversary 3 Days of Quality Workshops, Vendors, Great Piains Olympus Contests, Cigar Smoker, Saints and Sinners Costume Contest, Many Free Prizes, Play Parties, other Social Activities, NLA-1 AGM and as always, a surprise or two! Only $125 if registered by April 21 ! Group Discounts for 6 or more! Vendor Market is FREE and Open to the Public www. ibalfire .com the STAR, Oklahoma's Premier GLBT Magazine. Page 14 I & THE BOYS Pack'em In At Club Maverick! by Greg Steele TULSA, OK_ Mary, Schellye, Brenda, Paula, & Valerie known as Tulsa's Moodswing Band certainly have the art of entertaining down pat. With st guitarist Betsy Smittle and the Boys, Brad in, Mark Dodson, Eric Daughtery, and Mike Busby, entertained a standing room only crowd at Tulsa's Club Maverick on January 27th. Just another example of the talent we in Oklahoma are fortunate enough to have in our GLBTA community. A five piece all female band, Moodswing has been together for two years. They have played at many events including Tulsa Pride Picnic, OKC Pride Picnic, Tulsa's Mayfest, The Women's Music Festival in Dripping Springs, Texas, the Sooner State Rodeo in Tulsa and Diversity Pride · Fall Festivai in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. And continue to draw big crowds at Oklahoma City and Tulsa nightclubs. They are currently working on their 2nd CD and hope to release it this summer. Their 1st CD "Moodswing" was cut two years ago. The boys were fantastic! Si · a variety of songs, delighted the crowd with their ta ent dUiing the band intermission. A very professional group and a wonderfully entertaining evening. Is there a Shelter agent for you? Call today to learn more about our services. Serving the community in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa and Indiana. Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Tel: (866)208-9480 gtainte helterinsurance.com Auto - Home - Life - Business Crystal Meth.u The Satanic Brew Crippling the Gay Communi By jimmy pa!mieri Crystal Meth ... The Satanic Brew Crippling the Gay Community Meth, Tina, speed, chalk, ice, rock, glass are all street names for the dnJa meth amphetamine. This noxious recipe of chemica s, that may include, but are not limited to. ephedrine, crystai drain cieaner, bleach, battery acid and nail poiish remover, among others, has the capability of destroying lives more quickly than any iilicit drug currently availabie. It is so addicting to some, that after the first try, so strong is the craving to use again, that all else becomes secondary. Seek Shelter Today! • urn Sales Associate ION DOLL.AR PRODUCER" 8)49~2252 .3Tl tc,1 (918,)491-~?t ' '.,.· ", •, ', ,·',' , Crystal meth has taken a strong hold on the gay and iesbian community, with a particular ven ance on gay males for a variety of reasons. The of meth make the user less inhibited, and more euphoric in mindset. This is particularly enticing to gay men, who may have been admonished by their families, not accepted by their peers at school, or have not fit into what even their own community deems acceptable. Society has continually isolated s and lesbians, leaving many with the desire or need into some type of adopted crowd or fa1 Meth is sadly, the common thread among many of the enfranchised. Meth a!so has the distinct capability of making men more libidinous, thereby making their feelings of inhibitions ali the more exaggerated. This has created a devastating paralle! between meth addiction, and HIV infection. www.Tulullaverlck.co111 9111 a Sllarldan, Tulsa, OK 918.aaL3301 THE T ith Sp iai Gu t E CEE John Pendal lnternatio I r. Leather 2003 Fri, Sat, & Sun March :I. 7th - :I.9th Fri - 10pm Meat & Greet @ Club Maverick Sat - 1.0pm Contest @ Club Maverick Sun - :1:l:30am Victory Brunch@ Metro Diner A History of Violence Anti-gay violence is on the rise -- not just in the U.S., but all over the world. !"- Swt:dish we~site lists 129 well-known gay individuals, 1~cluding pr(!minent actors, musicians, broadcasters, politicians and priests, and calls for their death. Despite having one of the world's toughest laws against the promotion of hate, Sweden's _chief prosecutor says he is powerless to shut down the site because it frames its death threats in the form of Biblical quotes. Britain is in the midst of a homophobic crime wave that has esc~lated to the PC?int that police have urged the LGBT ?ommurnty to u~e _caution when going out. A young man m Londonderry 1s rn danger of losing his eye after a recent attack, and it wasn't the first time he'd been assaulted. A g~y couf?le_ near London almost lost their home, and pos~ 1bly th_eir life, w~en they discovered someone had pushed 1nc~nd1ary maten~I through their mail slot, starting a fire in their hallw~y. Fortunately, they were able to extinguish the nre before 1t spread. In another incident a lesbian couple was pelted with snowballs that had sto~es and broken glass embedded in them. Police say they believe there have been dozens of other cases throughout the country that have gone unreported. Officials believe that the number of homophobic attacks on has increased with the publicity over civil partnerships, ich became legal in December. In_ New Bedford, Massachusetts, a community about 50 miles south of Boston, a violent attack rocked a lar gay club. A young man, 18 year old Jacot1 RcJbic struck a customer in the head with a hatchet before shoo two others. As I'm writing this, Robida is still on the run ile his victims remain in the hospital -- one in critical condition. When police searched Robida's room, they discovered Nazi a. The teen is being sought on charges of attempt murder, assault and civil-rights violations. What is behi~d this.increase in homophobic violence? Almost certainly, as the British officials stated it's due to increased publicity as gay rights issues have taken center stage in countries all over the worid. It's nothi new. Mankind h_~s a hist?ry of violence. especially concerns ~ trad1t1~:mally do~ntr?~d~n group trying to claim equality. During the 60 s c1v1I nghts movement it was violence ag~in~t blacks. '.he ignorant always resort to violence when their status quo 1s threatened. When the people the bigot has always demeaned and reviled suddenlv dare to stand up for themselves and demand rights, the bigot will lash out. It's no surprise th~ big~ts are worked up right now. Gay are one of tne biggest issues in the world right now. ng almost every state and country around the globe. Almost every political race is influenced by gay rights, and barely a day goes by when you don't see some LGBT-related story in the media. !n Canada_'s recent e_lec~ion, gay marriage was a crucial issue. Dun_ng campaigning, qonservative leader Stephen Harper claimed that overturning Canada's equal marriage law would be one of his first priorities. The Tory Party did win the election, but the results were less about rights than a country unwilling to trust a scandal-ridde ral ;. Fortunately, with a minority government even smaller he Liberals before them, the Conservatives will most likely be unable to change the marriage law. Continuing his homophobic policies, President Bush renewed his attack on gay families in his recent State of the Union Address. Addres · a joint session of Congress the p~esident said that "ma ericans, especially parents, still have deep concerns about the direction of our culture and the health of our most basic institutions. They are ' concerned about unethical conduct by public officials. and discouraged by activist courts that try to redefine marriage." "Trying to draw comparisons between the reprehensible ~cts of ~nethic~I politicians with fair and independent Judges 1s both ridiculous and wrong," said Joe Solmonese. president of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). · Not is it ridiculous, but by continually demonizing gay and ian families, President Bush and other outspoken ns fan the flames of hatred. if someone like Jacob a already believes that gays are evil sinners then hearing the president make antigay statements only confirms that belief in his mind. The crusading Religious t, with their fire and brimstone wailing, will I fL1rtt1er rce those feelings. If he is already unbalan or prone to violence, it's just a matter of time before that hate will build to the point that it erupts into violence. What can we do to stem the tide of violence? There's an old proverb that says something along the lines of "in order to avoid repeating history, we have to learn from the past." If there's anything we can learn from the Black civil rights movement, it's that we have to keep fighting for equality. We can't let fear defeat us. We have to stand up against the bigots and hatemongers and demand our rights. So how do we do that? Vote! One of the easiest we can do to make a difference is elect fair-minded, p ressive officials. The only way to stop the homophobic cians is to get them out of office. Support gay-positive legislation and defeat antigay measur~ s. Many st~~E:~ are brin9i gay i~sues to the polls. We caf'! t afford to sit 1dly oy while ant1gay forces muster !heir troops with military precision. State after state is passmg same-sex marriage bans while other states struggle to P'.3Ss.antidiscrimination laws. Our opponents are well-organized and we!i-funded, so that makes it all the more important that we pay attention, spread the word. and vote Also don't be afraid to contact your representatives and let the~ ~now your feelings_ o~ important issu~s. As HRC president Joe _Solmones_e sa1_? rn,.reterence to the ~tt~cks at the gay bar rn MassacnuseLts, When a man walKs rnto a bar, asks Continued next page HEART TO HEART if it's a gay bar and starts shooting, there couldn't be any more glaringly obvious and enraging example that we need uniform hate crimes law and that Congress has stubbornly failed to act." Come out and speak up! This is perhaps the hardest, yet most important thing we can do as gay men and women. Coming out is a powerful statement that has been proven to change hearts and minds again and again. If you're already out, speak up. If your friends, family, and coworkers don't understand how these issues affect you, then how can they care? The mor o know and understand how homophobia adversely s their loved ones, the more allies we'll have on our side. I don't believe we are doomed to repeat history -- not if we can learn from the past and work together to create a better future. In 1964, Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time; the need for mankind to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence. Mankind must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love." That message is as true today as it was then. Let's learn from our history and move forward in love. The views expressed in this column are my opinions only. You don't have to agree with them. I just ask that you read them \vith an open heart and mind. Isa's ouncil ak en's horale oncert eason 2006 "A Musical Feast" Thursday, May 11 Friday, May 12@ 8 PM Saturday, May 13 @ 8 PM "Summer in the City" Friday, August 25 @ 8 PM Saturday, August 26 @ 8 PM Williams Theater Tulsa Performing Arts Center For more information and ticket sa!es cai! (918) 748-3888 or go to: www.counciloak.org Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $26.95 v.rill be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: , Ozarks STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: _____________ _ ,~,ddress: ________________ _ City: ________ St: __ .Zip: ____ _ Phone: _________ _ Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: ______ _ FREE HIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS Testing the last Sunday of each month b::tween 5PM and 6PM. 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 Sundav Service 6PM Your Invited to our Communitv Dinner Everv \'(Ted. 0 ,.,. _\ ..._,. t _ d -· 6-pm Just ~4.0li. No one 1s curne awav. . Lesbian Notions by Libby Post MARCH 2006 "STRANGE BEDFELLOWS" The Bush administration's homophobia has gone international. At the United Nations recently, the United States joined with some of the most repressive governments to deny two international LGBT gro vernmental organization (NGO) observer status it comes to marginalizing the LGBT community, this administration will cozy up with anyone. Administration buddies like the American Family Association and Focus on the Family have been joined on the international scene by countries such as China, Zimbabwe, and Iran. Yes, you read that right - Iran. We may demonize that country publicly, but when it comes to privacy issues, George is a political whore. He'll become political bedfellows with anyone - an individual, an organization, or, in this case, a country he considers our sworn enemy - to further his radical°Christian right crusade against the LGBT community. Who would have been hurt if the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) and the Danish Association of Gays and Lesbians (LBL) were allowed to speak for the LGBT community at the United Natio.ns' Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which advises the international organization on economic and social issues? After all, there are 634 NGOs affiliated with ECOSOC. We're talking about groups like the Humane Society, the American Jewish Congress, and Greenpeace. But we're also talking ab like Focus on the Family, Feminists for Life of ica, the National Right to Life Education Trust Fund, and the Alliance for Marriage. I think it would only be fair tq balance out some of the homophobic political perspectives inherent in some of these organizations with a few LGBT voices But instead of a fair hearing - which ali othei NGOs who have requested representation have gotten - ILGA's and LBL's requests were summarily dismissed without any discussion. The dismissal, which was done by the ECOSOC NGO committee, happened after ILGA and LBL went through the rather exhausting process that got them to the point where they could even ask for a hearing. All of this was preceded by the behind-the-scenes maneuvering of Egypt and the Organization of Islamic Conferences to exclude the two groups. Rosanna Flamer Caldera, co-secretary general of ILGA, which ents a worldwide network of more than 400 LGBT zations, considers the exclusion "a clear violation of due process and an attempt to discriminate against LGBT NGOs on procedural grounds." Some may shrug their shoulders at the U.S. actions. But as 40 LGBT and LGBT-allied organizations pointed out to Secietary of State Condoleezza Rice in a Jan. 25 letter, the United States voted yes when the entire ECOSOC body voted in 2002 to include ILGA as an NGO. The groups, including the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Human Rights Watch, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and the National Black Justice Coalition, asked Rice if it was now our country's policy to "oppose consultative status for all organizations working to promote the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people." If it is, this flies in the face of the State Department's own reporting on severe human rights violations based on sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. The department's 2004 report on Iran chronicled the executions of men. Its report on Zimbabwe noted that President Ro Mugabe has consistently denounced gays and lesbians, blaming them for "Africa's ills." So the question begs to be answered - how can the United States recognize human rights atrocities against LGBT people in other countries, yet refuse to give those who are repressed a voice in bringing that repression to light? We were more than happy to give voice to the Chinese students in Tiananmen Square who bristled against the yoke of that country's communist regime. Today, we're all about building democracy in Iraq. But let LGB stand up and speak for themselves? Never. And how make sure LGBT people won't be heard? We get into bed with our political enemies. If ever there was a situation that shows how morally bankrupt this administration is, this is it. I don't think Condi's written a response yet. But this year, there will be two great opportunities for the international LGBT community to respond for ourselves and shed light on the United States' complicity. ILGA's next world conference will be in Geneva from March 27-April 3, the same time the U.N. Commission on Human Rights will be in that city, and where the Commission's on-going discussion about sexual orientation and human rights is sure to continue. Later, in the summer, some 2,000 LGBT activists from around the globe will converge in Montreal from July 26-29 for the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights, which is sponsored by OutGames, an international LGBT sporting event that takes place right after the conference. "Our ultimate goal with this conference is to adopt what we're calling the 'Montreal Declaration,' an unequivocal affirmation that LGBT right are human rights," said Louise Roy, CEO of the conference and OutGames. "Once passed, we will do everything in our power to bring that resolution to the United Nations." It may be easy for our administration to ignore the events in Geneva. But when thousands of LGBT folks g miles north of our border, it wili be a bit more d turn a blind eye to the injustices we face each and every day and our collective resolve to stop them. Or, at least, it should be. EDITOR'S NOTE: One of Libby Post's firms, OutMarketing. biz, has been retained by Outgames Montreal 2006 to coordinate the event's United States' public relations activities. This column expresses her opinion and not that of her clients. The 0zar1<s STAR since 2003 ast Out by Liz Highleyman MARCH 2006 Summary : Past Our is a retrospective of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT historv. Each , ' installment brings the past to life by exploring the diversity of the gay past and its impact on the queer present. February 1976 (30 years ago this month): British figure kater John Curry wins an Olympic gold medal. y is figure skating s As the most artisti etic events, figure skating is ely believed to be teeming with gay men - and, indeed, of the most renowned elite male skaters have been ·sexual. But the sport's fey reputation is I to the perceived gender nonconformity ants. It is impossible to know now whether early champion ater~ such as Jackson Haines, a ballet dancer by training o pioneered the modern artistic form of figure skating in 1860s, were queer. Lorrie Kim, creator of the Rainbow website, has compiled a list of 20 elite gay male skatrs, but only a few publicly revealed their sexuality while ey were champion contenders. American Ronnie Robertson, the 1956 Olympic silver edalist, was exposed as his former coach Mi- Kirby, in a memoir the of Robertson's (2000). The "Nureyev of the Ice, reat Britain's John reportedly made a little-noticed announcement that e was press conference shortly before winning e 19 c gold medal. The bronze medalist that r, Toller ston of Canada. mentioned affairs with men and women in his two- · :ihi,es; during 1973 World Championships, , he was se- Czech skater Ondrej Nepela, who went on to best red Cranston and win the title. In 1992, another was next after Cu come out during his competitive career; Hali ikely holds re skater to appear Fallen ngtime nadian champion Brian Orser was out when ex-boyfriend filed a palimony lawsuit. The best-known queer figure skater, Rudy Galindo - who "an openly gay trailer-trash ached the highest levels of pairs skating then-partner, Kristi Yamaguchi, when she decided on singles competition. After several years of , ances, a bout with alcohol and drug and the loss of his brother and two coaches to alindo went on to win the 1996 U.S. Nationals. his own HIV diagnosis and the cement of both Galindo has reoeatedlv challe, conservative rid - for example: performing to "Somewhere ainbov( and a medley of Village People songs, ueer ehte male skaters have included U.S. naRobert Wagenhoffer (who had long-term mmantic relationships with former junior champion Billy Lawe and professional show skater Sylvain Beauregard) champion ice dancer and choreographer Rob McCall, ' 1978-80 Canadian national champion Brian Pockar and former Dutch n~tional champion Edward van Campen; all but Beauregara and van Campen died of AIDS. Galindo once estimated that 98 percent of elite male skaters are ~traight. But "in the real trenches of show skating," according to openly gay skater Christopher Nolan, "guys are out all over the place." Many male figure skaters have described the harassment they received for pursing a sport considered to be queer. In reaction, skaters such as Kurt Browning, Philippe Candeloro, and Elvis Stojko emphasized a macho image and athletic .style !n the 199~s; others, including three-time U.S. champion Michael Weiss, regularly show off their wives and children. Current U.S. national champion and top Olympic contender Johnny Weir has tripped the gaydar of many with his flamboyant outfits and effeminate mannerisms, though he has yet to explicitly state his sexual orientation. Despite its queer reputation, the skating establishment has long mandated strict gender roles. Although things have come a long way since officials at the 1920 Olympics scolded Theresa Weld for performing an "uni ke" jump some judges still look askance at male skate o do too' many spins and spirals. So strict are the gender conventions that pie gold and bronze medalists Katarin mas provoked shock by performing in nontraditional costumes such as knee breeches and full-length leotards, p~ompting t~e spo.rt's st governing body, the International Skating Union (I to institute a rule that female competitors must wear skirts that cover their derrieres. While male skaters are often assumed to be gay, the sport's requisite femini renders queer women invisible. There are no openly le or bisexual women skaters among the elite ranks, though some of today's female champion contenders are so young that it may be premature to speculate about their sexuality. But a number of queer women participate in nonelite adult competition. including International Gay Figure Skating Union cofounder Laura Moore, who started skating at age 32 after divorcing her husband and coming out as a lesbian. Ironically, no sport emphasizes the appearance of hete~osexuality more tha~ competitive pair skating and ice dancing. The ISU regulation that teams must consist of "a man and a lady" has caused grief for elite skaters who wish to perform with same-sex partners. The ISU does not sanction events that do not adhere to its rules, but the inter nati?nal_ Ice Skating Institute and son:ie national governing ~odIes, _includ I S1:ateis Figure Skating Associat; on and offer sanctions or waivers for the Gay Games and similar events. "[T]he thrili of seeing a, op,enly gay pair team h_as nothi do with triple jumps," said Moore, who won tne 1994 y Games ice dance competition with her partner, Linda Carney. For further reading: Brennan, Christine. 1996, _Inside Edge: A Revealing Journey into the Secret World of Figure Skating_ (Anchor), Galindo, Rudy, and Eric Marcus. 1997. Icebreaker: The Autobiography of Rudy Galindo_ (Pocket Books). Rainbow Ice - http://www.plover.com/rainbowice/ Page22 CITY LIFE: 1930s and 1940s and their successors with 68 works by artists Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro S ros as well as related works by Luis Nishizawa and Gu r Gerzso. Mexican Masters expresses the hopes, desires, idealism, and culture of early twentieth-century Mexico through its artists. From the Mexican Revolution and Spanish Civil War to the Second World War, violent revolution and dramatic social change-both nationally and internationally-shaped the ideals of Mexico and its people. The Carrillo Gil Collection was molded by these principles, and the works it includes portray not only the artists' reactions to revolution, depression, and industrialization, as well as the impact of religion and need for social reform, but also the collector's. Mexican Masters pays humble recognition to Mexico's violence, war, and suffering, the United States Depression, and the artists' subsequent impression of inhumanity in an industrialized nation. For more information visit okcmoa.com. AIDS BUDGET: Among the president's proposals: Medicaid - our nation's largest provider of HIV/AIDS treatment and care - would face cuts of $5 billion over five years and $12 billion over 10 years, forcing those trimmed from Medicaid rolls to seek care through programs that are already overextended and under-funded. also pro cutting $15 million Nationa Institutes of Health and increases abstinence-only education funding by $28 million. State AIDS Drug Assistance Programs would receive $70 million under the president's plan to ease the waiting lists IDS program would receive a welcomed increase of $14 million et this is short of what is necessary to meet s needs. rge Congress to edicaid instead of weaken it, and put sound science over ideology in educational programs," added Solmonese. 1/12TH PAGE CLASSIFIED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE in the CALL FOR RATES 91 B.B35.7B87 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and Trust in Affordable Advertising Service. Advice Column! Kittens, as the whirlwind month of love has once more blown its course, Let us wipe the proverbial love awav from our chin, and move forward. Uncle spent most of the mont~ exhausted\y entertaining. A man briefly touched me; so briefly, uncle did not realize he had already reached the climatic point in the relationship. Alas Uncle finding himself once more on the hunt while looking for a aood man. Leaving me asking the uestion, how can someone be so bootylecious and such ty at the same time? Hmm I have to ponder that for a while. After seeing the much taiked about "Brokeback", Uncle f?und himself_ inspired to take riding lessons. After a positively productive week at the horse farm, while working with the trainer, Uncle has joined country riders everywhere. It took sweat, and teacs. One must be dedicated while working to achiev:3 ~ goal. ! have decided that next month, I may graduate to ndmg a horse. You know what they say Rome was not built in a day, baby steps! ' This mon~h Uncle has received several letters asking abo~t ~e~mg revenge on a lover's betrayal. Well, Kittens, Uncie Is Just shocked. A ay man, after revenge; it is just n?.t donea€l Snicker s · Kittens, taking the higher road w1il always allow you to mature into a well rounded. wonderfully developed, lo · responsible adult. Uncle ·encourages g~od karma, as w spiritual and personal growth. That said, karma helps those who help themselves. This month i dedicate my words of wisdom to a!I those ~ho h?ve found tha~ strange strap under the bed, hidden ooots m the closet, text message from the blonde Twink in the gym, who despite his physically delicious self, cant not seem to manage a sentence stiUcture. Since Uncle has given you pearls, let's get to the good stuff. The following is an actual list of carefully planned out exercises in revenge which uncle has used over the years. I am sure the men who each were carefully inspired by, will have a mo~ent of ~ecall whi!e reading a bit of their own history here m Uncles corner m Queerdom. Each one primed for specific levels of revenge. Kittens, a side dish served best when cold, I believe I feel a bitte; wind blowing in as we speak, bundle up kittens, it is going to be a rather frosty month of march. 12) Sleep with his best friends. Expected, yet sucker punch in the gut. 11) Take your self-shopping with his credit cards buying yourself that well deserved, while also delicious, little outfit you have always wanted. You have earned it. I mean the time on your knees alone warrants it. 10) Delivering a message to his co-workers that the clinic calla~ '.3nd you ~eed to speak to him _urgently, allowing all gossIpmg hags m ear shot to hear this, will defiantly deliver a certain message. 9) Informing the mother out of concern, of a horrible drug problem. Of course, this being the reason you have to leave him. • 8) Did I mention sleep with his closets and dearest friends? Oh, come now don't look at me that way. You have been eyeing them all along anyway. 7) Donate the bulk of his wardrobe to a nearby good will. Charity begins at home. 6) During conversations of the extreme vibe of hostility he is receiving from you, serve him a delicious cup of ex-lax cappuccino. This will allow for a few moments of him-time he so truly needs. 5) Go on Jerry and tell it all, going for the Emmy , for betrayed love interest. 4) Enter local hook up site under his name, hooking up with t~e _troll of all trolls,_ inviting h!m over unexpected by said vIctIm of course. Kitten, helping others is important. 3) Ciean the oven with his favorite label, leavina it in a pot on the stove. Cleanliness is next to cherliness. ~ 2) Announce to all of your friends, your inability of coping with on more night of his constant weeping after sex. ~) Deliver his t~ings, in a. box to his job with a note saymg good-bye, makmg sure his favorite sex toys are leaking onto the reception desk! Well there, it is in a nutshell. All is fair in love and revenae Kittens, I would wear a cup, this could be a full contact ~ sport d~pendinQ on the players involved. Those of you ?etermmed against bette~ advice, to foll~w this vengeful Journey, now have your flight plan. Sock !t and rock it, until the cockcrows, or feels your wrath, whichever one comes first. Until next time, smooches from your favorite guru, and Tlddles too! The Ozarks $TAR'slnce 20f)3 ·. Do Gays Have a Choice? Whether homosexuality is a genetic redisposition or a product of environmental factors haE; be,en hotly debated for the past several decades. The heart of the matter is: Does a person have a choice about his or her sexuality? Science att~mpts to answer this compelling question in the feature article "Do Gays Have a Choice?" in the February/March issue of Scientific American Mind. New York, NY (PRWEB) - Whether homosexuality is a genetic predisposition or a product of environmental factors has been hotly debated for the past several decades. The he~rt of the matter is: Does a person have a choice about his or her sexuality? Science atte answer this com · g question in the feature article ays Have a Cho . " in the February/March issue of Scientific American Mind. In addition to learning the science behind the matter, one may take the test and find out "How Gay Are You?" on Scientific American Mind's Web site (www.sciammind. com). According to the article's author, Robert Epstein, a Harvard- trained PhD, sexual orientation is not a black or white matter; rather, he concludes that sexuality falls on a continuum with heterosexuality and homosexuality at opposite ends. People may be attracted to members of both sexes b · determined by both genetics and their environment. n explains that genes determine wh~re '!"~ start but society exerts tremendous pressure on the md1v1dual to conform. Because the majority of people are "straight," most of us become heterosexual. The article also discusses the possibility of an individual changi sexual orientation. Whereas some people have as,serted that genes alone determine sexual orientation and that changing from gay to straight is not possible, others ha ued that homosexuality is a learned behavior and th 10ic:e.Epi;tein V11r,tes that changing orientation is possible for people whose sexuality lies toward the middle of the Sexual Orientation Continuum, but for most gay people such a switch would be very difficult if not impossible. "Do Gays Have a Choice?" presents a new school of thought that an individual's sexual orientation is not black or white, straight or gay. Instead an individual's sexual orientation falls along a continuum. To take the sexual orientation quiz visit http://www.sciammind. com, which will be available on Feb. 2, 2006 1 / 1 2TH PAGE CLASSiF"IED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F'□ R RATES 9 1 B.S35.78B7 or email: ozarksstar@sbcgiobaLnet Irish Soda Bread 1 cup curants 2 cups unbleached flour 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 2 teaspoons baking soda 3/4 teaspoon caraway seed 1 /4 teaspoon salt 1 cup nonfat yogurt 1 cup nonfat milk Heat oven to 375 degrees, soak curants in hot water for about 5 minutes and drain. In a large mixing bowl, mix both flours, baking soda, baking powder, caraway seed, salt and curants, mix well. In a separate bowl mix yogurt plus milk until smooth, slowly add wet ingredients to the dry mixture until we\l blended. Flour hands and divide dough into 2 !oafs, slightly flatten dou onto a non stick baki sheet a~out 8 inches. across. a X on top of each , bake for about 30-35 minutes or untii you can tap on it and it sounds hollow, and serve warm. lip: Serve with French Onion Soup, it's great! HAPPY SAINT PATRICKS DAY! Q Scopes by Jack Fertig MARCH 2006 "Pay your debts, Aquarius!" Mercury turning retrograde in Pisces spreads confusion, and he's squaring Pluto. This makes people dig in their heels, insisting they are right (which is usually wrong), or it challenges cooler heads to do research. Venus in Capricorn eases the stress; do your best to be mature and serene. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Avoid silly arguments by focusing on your own problems and cleaning out your baggage. The right balance of humility and confidence and support from a woman in charge will help you get ahead. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Dares, challenges, and temptations from friends should be considered very carefully, if at all. Better to rely on your usual common sense. If you're hu for a new experience, check out local museums or a fore film. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): If you must make any public presentations, double-check every detail, and be prepared to handle any screw-ups with good humor. If you come under attack, look for underlying motives. You could charm an apparent enemy into becoming a very good friend. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): You're better off listening to disputes than participating in them - unless you really want intense criticism. Still, arguments could be educational, and being very open-minded will make you look mighty attractive. LEO (July 23 -August 22): Refresh yourself on safe-sex information and techniques. Make sure to get the info first! Other fun and games are especially risky now. Be very careful of any sort of sporting injury. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Don't argue with your partner about probl~ms around the home. Take a creative approach and suggest constructive solutions, even if they're only only a temporary fix. Or agree to start analyzing problems so they can be solved later. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Most accidents happen around the house, but home looks more like your safety zone now. Still, be careful, and even more so out on the streets. Stay focused when you drive. Don't let problems distract you! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21 ): A creative biock could have · e repercussions. Write a letter to a sister or aunt - or no·t yc,u have one, and even if you don't maii. it. The exercise o writing wili help you to focus on whatever is hanging you up right now. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Your natural reaction to problems at home is to stand firm and counterattack. Resist that impulse. Shopping, preferably with housemates, actually helps! Think ahead about what you need, and take your time looking for it. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Although small disasters abound, do your best to maintain a calm, mature demeanor. Every problem has a solution. Track each one to its roots; consult with whomever you must. The clean-up process will uncover new strengths, and annoyances may then prove blessings in disguise. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Dig up receipts and records, but let any real work on your taxes wait until late March. Trying to collect on debts from friends can be even more contentious than usual. Let that wait, too! Paying your own debts will save a lot of trouble. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Be careful of what you say and where you say it. Your mouth could get you into trouble with the boss or other authorities. Letting off steam and preparing important arguments with friends will help. But avoid those arguments unless they are absolutely necessary! 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Grand Ave -501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - - -1021 Jessie Rd- - -501-664-2744 Diamond Stare Rodeo Assoc.- - • v.-v.-w.dsra.org Discovery- 1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - • - -501-666-6900 Sidetracks - 415 Main St - -N. L.R.- 501-244-0444 The Factory -412 Louisiana St.- - - - - -501-372-3070 Kansas,•Pittsburg (620) PSu-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- 620-231-0938 Kansas, Wichita (316) Our FantaS\'- 3201 S. Hiliside- -316-682-5494 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- 716 S. Main - - - - . 417-62'7-9035 MCC Spirit of Chris,-2902 E 20th, - -Sun-6pm Missouri, Kansas City (816) Missie B's- -805 W 39th St- - 816-561-0625 Missouri, Lampe KOKQ]'.fO Campg~ound- - - • - - - 417-779-5084 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonvilie P•.ve- - - • - --417-83;-4?!)') GLO Comm. Ctr- - -5i8 E. Commerical- 369-3978 Liquors & Kid,ers- -i i09 E. Commerciai- 873-2225 Martha's Vineyard- 2'.9 W Olive -417 -864-4572 Priscilla's - - -1918 S. Gkcstone .. 417-881-8444 Oz Bar - 504 E. Commercial - Ronisuz Place- --821 College- 4F-831-900l Oklahoma, Lawton riangles- - 29 SW "D" Ave- - 580-351-0620 Oklahoma, McAlester fcPride- - - - POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) merican Crossroads B¾B - POBox 270642-495-1111 om Room- 2807 NW 36th Sr- - 405-601-7200 lub Rox- - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy - 405-947-2351 risties Toy Box- 3126 N. May Ave - - 4 05-946-4438 stern Ave Video- 1105 S Eastern Ave- 405-672-6459 inish Line -2200 NW 39th fapwy- - 405-525-0730 ushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp - -4 05-525-0730 ollywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex- - - 405-947-2351 abana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- -405-528-2221 1221 NW SOth- - - - 405-843-1722 2200 NW Expwy- - - -405-524-5733 armers- - -2805 NW 36th St - - - 405-942-2199 riscilla's- 615 E. Memorial - - - - - -405-755-8600 d Rock North-2240 NW39th St- - - -405-525-5165 - - 2120 NW' 39th St --405-521-9533 405-528-4690 e Rockies-• -3201 N. May Ave - - - 403-947-9361 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) amboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine -918-836-8700 order's Book Store-2740 E. 21st- - 918-712-9955 order's Book Store -8015 S. Yale -918-494-2665 lub Majestic- - 124 N. Boston - - - - - 918-584-9494 lub 1faverick- 822 S. Sheridan -918-835-3301 - 8807 E. Admiral Pl - - 834-1051 ire Bookstore --814 S. Sheridan- - 918-838-85113 ,z's Lounge- - 426 S. Memorial- 319 E. 3rd- : -3007 E. Admi:al Pl ;iscilla's - - - 7925 E. 41 st - - · scilla's - 5634 \X'. Skc:Jy - risdla's - --1134 E. 11th - 918-743-4297 - -918-437-0449 -918-7 49-8378 -918-836-8544 - 918-584-3112 -- 918-834-3007 - - 918-627 -4884 -918-446-6336 918-438-4224 riscilla'~ 2333 E. 71 st - - - - -- -918-499-166 i negades- - - - 1649 S. Main 918-585-3405 b's Records- - -2909 S. Sheridan Rd- 918-627 -1505 ;,,Isa CARE~- -3507 E. Admiral Pl- 918-834-4194 c1isa Eag:e- - - - - i 338 E. 3rd - - - 918-592-1188 : 1T\ - . - - 2i14 S Memoriai- - - - - 918-660-0856 Jexton Jcwdrv - - -15 E. Brady 918-829-0824 trier Ne\VS Stand- 1 N, Le,vis- ~ -918-592-0767 'ellow-Bricic-Rd- -2630 E. 15,h- - 918-293-031'.i Yellow Brick Road 2630 E. 15th St, Tulsa, OK 918-293-0304 Yes Munchkins, Kevie is back as Manager! Po.ol Tournament- Mondays Dart Tournament- Thursdays Now Servitig Chimay Ale 5.00 LEASE ft.1 bed room Elect. 66th and Aprox 1800 sq ft 2 replace Sheridan Area sales price $128.000 Possible lease purchase. · Night Club for saleAprox 2500 sq ft. plus small house and large•storage building 11th mingo area Tracy 918-625"6377 Keller Williams I p 3007 E. ADMIRAL PLACE. TULSA, OK ~~- Llve Music March 17th, King Fish Band, NO COVER 50 cent. pool tables. Shuffle Board. 918.834.3007 Open Sunday @ 12:00 Noon Open Monday-Saturday 11 am HIDEAWAY 11730 E. 11th Tulsa, OK 918.437.0449 now 12noon to 2am ed Monday. MAGICAL MASSAGE Located in NW Oklahoma City Full body deep tissue massage. Call Mark 405-949-1991 Experience Total Relaxation EMPLOYMENT □ PP □ RTUNITY ADVERT,BINC3 BALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR WICHITA, OKLAHOMA CITY, MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS guaiifications to ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153 Tulsa, OK 74i45 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2006] The Star Magazine, May 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 5 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 01, 2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele Josh Aterovis Douglas Glenn Bunkey Walters John Patrick Michael Dee Paul Wortman Carlott Carlisle Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ray Williams Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Chaz Ward Vicor Gorin Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, April 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 4 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/223 The Star Magazine, June 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 6 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/229 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/240 A Day at the Legislature A Night Out Advice Column Alabama Lemonade Bamboo Lounge Bar BQ Pork Loin Bitter Girl Chelsea Boys Christopher Cabaldon classifieds Club Majestic Comic Strips Gay and Lesbian travelers Gayco Show Great Plains Rodeo Heart to Heart HIV testing HOPE Lesbian Notions Past Out Q Scopes Red Ribbon Star business center Star Distributors Star entertainment Star Scene travel Tulsa Rough Riders Uncle Mikey https://history.okeq.org/files/original/add271e8a2fd3d96a06c548388ed29dc.jpg 905a5370e5391a8069bda28d98cfd935 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2dc94699de93bed65557c27da47e22fb.pdf 868e70db4a82c8c2581c541f0dff185f Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document ,Ur • LS .. n ona ale Scott · row,· Man.:aging Broker Mc raw Davisson ew:art, R.ealtors • 1 Langley, Oklahoma s:cottCrow.mcgr,awok.com 918.782.3211 the STAR, Oklahoma's Premier GLBT Magazine. The most important direct-action you can do is vote. Local and state elections are this r, with many close ttles to be fought by our strongest allies. In rtnership with the nal Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Community Centers, the Tulsa GLBT Community Center annouces Promote the Vote. This program seeks to enhance the advocacy and organizing capacity of GLBT community centers by creating a visible, vocal and voting constituency. More importantly, it gives voice and power to the members of the GLBT community who are often made to feel invisible and powerless. Primaries are fast-approaching with local and state supporters of the GLBT community in close contests. If you aren't registered to vote - do it today. You can get registered to vote at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41 st Street in Highland Plaza. It's simple to do, the form is very short and we'll even send it in for you. Stop by today and r ter to vote in one easy step - then vote in every e action. It's important for you and future generations. ACLU ASK FOR DISMISSAL OF REV. LONNIE LATHAM'S CASE February 1, 2006 The American Civil Liberties Union filed a friend-of-the-court brief toda}'. urging an Oklahoma court to dismiss charges against a Soulhern · minister who was arrestea for soliciting private sex another male. 'The Supreme Court has made it crystal clear that, when it comes to their sex lives, ults are free to do whatever the 8 Bell, Executive Director of th klahoma. "Accordin to the police report, Rev. Latham did nothing more tha e another man to his hotel room for consensual sex. It is not a crime merely to invite someone to have completely lawful sex. If it were otherwise, every bar in the state may as well shut its doors." The Reverend Dr. Lonnie Latham was arrested on January ~. 2006,_ on the misdemeanor cha of "Off!:3ring to Engage m an Act of ice ne a ma! ted r back to otel room for oral sex. It is not alleged that Latham offered money in exchange for the sex act. The brief filed toda in the District Court of Oklahoma Coun argues , arges should be dismissed against because non-commercial sex between consentate is a constitutional! ACLU it is a violation s free speech guarantee for the state to criminal that is mereiy an invitation to engage in lawful Latham's arrest. which generated a s· of media attention, forced him to resig as a board member of the Baptist Generai Okiahoma. ut of To~n MARCH 2006 by Andrew Collins lbuquerque, New exico Q,Jt<::, Mexico's largest city, set dramatically at the base of the soaring Sandia Mountains, makes a great - and affordable - base for exploring the rest of the Land of Enchantment. Albuquerque lies just 60 miles south of Santa Fe and within an afternoon's drive of countless Indian pueblos, beautiful hiking and biking spots, and challenging ski areas. The "Duke City" (named for the city's founder, the Duke of Alburquerque - the first "r" was later dropped) enjoys a sunny, mild climate, and it's home to New Mexico's only gay bars as well as a handful of gay-owned B&Bs and restaurants. And thr9.ughout 2006, Albuquerque celebrates its tricentennial with dozens of performances, events, and museum instaliations that trace its rich and vibrant history. Albuquerque's once dull downtown has undergone an ambitious revitalization in recent years, with loads of new shops, restaurants, and bars along or near the main drag, Central Avenue between 2nd and 8th streets, and also along parallel Gold Avenue. From here, it's a five-minute drive to historic Old Town, which was laid out in 1706 and contains Albuquerque's earliest buiiding, the San Felipe de Neri Church, which fronts the serene, tree-shaded Plaza. The wares for sale at the more than 200 crafts and art galleries and boutiques in the area run the gamut from fine to kitschy, and a few very good restaurants are nearby. For an offbeat experience, step inside the small but venomous American International Rattlesnake Museum, which contains the world's largest assemblage of live rattlers. Within a short stroll of Old Town you'll find a handful of the city's most prominent attractions, including the recently expanded Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, which houses an astounding collection of Spanish Colonial artifacts, plus traditional and contemporary regional art. Exhibits on geology, volcanoes, and dinosaurs await you across the street at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. Also check out the Albuquerque Aquarium, Rio Grande Zoo, and Rio Grande Botanic Garden. It's just a short drive from Old Town to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center as well as the National Hispanic Cultural Center of New Mexico, both of which have exhibits, cafes, and performances related to their respective cultures. Much of Albuquerque's gay scene is focused in the retro-hip Nob Hill neighborhood, a short drive east of downtown along Historic Route 66 (Central Avenue), which glows with the neon signs of coffeehouses. bars, greasyspoon diners, galleries, and boutiques selling everything from cool home-furnishings to campy giftsCentral Avenue fringes the southern edge of the University of New Mexico (UNM), whose noteworthy attractions include the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology and the University Art Maseum. The city sprawls a bit, and you need a car to venture out to some of the worthwhile outlying attractions. On the west side of town, visit Petroglyph National Monument to view some 25,000 rock drawings inscribed as far back as a thousand years ago along the 17-mile-long West Mesa escarpment. Drive east across town into the city's lofty foothills for a chance to ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to the crest of the 10,600-foot Sandia Mountains. The 2.7-mile ride is the longest aerial tramway in the world. At the top are observation decks, hiking trails, a visitor's center. and the High Finance Restaurant. On the north side of Albuquerque, you'll find the giamorous new Sandia Casino resort, which in addition to extensive gaming areas contains one of the city's best restaurants (Bien Shur, on the resort's rooftop), a brandnew luxury hotel and spa, and a golf course of considerable acclaim. The casino is close to Bailoon Fiesta Park, home to New Mexico's most famous festival, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This colorful hot-air balloon gathering - the world"s largest - takes place the first two weeks in October. At any time of year you can visit the park's AndersonAbruzzo international Balloon Museum, which opened in fall 2005. There are also a number of outfitters throughout Albuquerque offering hot-air balloon rides year-round; one of the most reliable is Rainbow Ryders. Albuquerque's already very good dining scene has improved dramatically just in the past few years. in the downtown area, don't miss gay-popu!ar Artichoke Cafe for first-rate Continental cooking in a romantic yet casual ambience. Thai Crystal is one of the city's top Asian restaurants, while the cozy Goid Street Gaffe serves up some of the ........ Continued next page. . Atw:efflsingin lfi~ STAIR/sjustgood business cents. Page6 Out of Town best breakfasts around, plus iight lunch and dinner fare, designer coffees, and delicious desserts. When in Old Town, book a table at elegant Ambrozia Cafe & Wine Bar, known for its quirky and inventive dishes, such as duck meatloaf with truffted cream corn, and lobster corn dogs with chipotle ketchup. In Nob Hill, the swanky Zinc Wine Bar and Bis~ro serves a memorable Sunday jazz brunch and terrific French-inspired dinner fare - try the crisp uck-confit egg rolls or mango creme brulee. Next door, y Fish serves tasty proof that it's possible to find super-fresh and creatively rendered sushi right in the heart of the des~rt. Talented chef Jennifer James is one of the leading new culinary stars of the Southwest, and you can sample her deftly prepared food at Graze, which specializes in affordable tapas-style small plates (she also owns the more formal Restaurant Jennifer James, a few miles north). Across the street, the upscale Gruet Steak House is run by the city's acclaimed Gruet Winery, which produces S?me ?f the nation's most respected champagne-style sparkling wines as well as commendable pinot noirs and chardonnays. Pre-clubbing gays and straights mix it ~ sophisticate~ Martini Grille which is lauded as much its tasty Amencan fare as fbr the fancy drinks served up in the schnazzy cocktail bar. Hang out among UNM students and other local hipsters at II Vicino, which serves out-of-this-world wood-fired pizzas and filling calzones, plus a nice array of leafy dinner- size salads. Try El Patio for some of the most authentic (and fiery) New Mexican cooking in town - be sure to sit on the tree-shaded The no-frills Frontier Restaurant is a 24/7 institution for its breakfast burritos and heavenly cinnamon buns - it's a real scene after the clubs close. Another must-do in Albuquerque is coffee and dessert at Flying Star, a bakery, restaurant, coffeehouse, and wine bar all rolled into one, with five locations around town, the gavest and coolest in Nob Hill and downtown. Among Albuquerque's six gay nightspots, Pulse draws th gest and wildest bunch for cruising and dancing stive patio and compact but fierce dance floor. Fans of line-dancing and two-stepping head to sprawling Sidewinders Ranch, which is owned by the same folks as Sidewinders in Palm Springs. Low-keyed Exhale (formerly Renea's} is the only lesbian bar in the state, although it pulls in of guys, too. The expansive Albuquerque Mining ers to a diverse crowd with its several bars, small dance area, and full volleyball court. The Albuquerque Social Ciub, a garden-variety video bar across the street from Pulse, attracts a fairly local following; guests are pennitted in this private club but must purchase a "membership" ( one year). The parking lot at Foxes ith beat-up pickup trucks, hints rish, and horny guys inside. main entertainment ue's lodging landscape is domin hotels, you'll find some distinctive historic properties and art-filled B&Bs, too. the latter, the beautifully restored Mauger Esta sits within easy walkin distance of downtown and Old Town. Anne Victorian has an ornate exterior, period antiques, wallpapers, and fabrics. Another property is Hacienda Antigua, a f ,ldadc>be hacienda northwest of downtown, filled with claw-foot tubs, wood carvings and Indian art, and beehive-shape kiva-style fireplaces. the historic La p grand dame, opened in 1939 by Conrad Hilton (who honeymooned here with Zsa Zsa Gabor). It's a stunning 10-story hotel in the heart of downtown. A few blocks west, the art deco Hotel Biue has simple but affordable rooms and a great location, making it one of the city's best bargains. Of the city's chain properties, the 17-story Albuquerque Marriott is a commendable, upscale choice with great views of the mountains. It's close to two shopping malls and a short drive from gay nightlife. And a 20-minute drive north of Albuauerque in the town of Bernalillo, the posh Hyatt Regency Tamaya offers the most lavish accommodations in the region. Amenities at this 500-acre resort on the. ~anta Ana Pueblo include a world-class spa, horseback riding, tennis, golf, superb restaurants, and ca_sino gaming. If you're looking for sumptuous Palm Springs-style glamour in the laid-back Duke City, look no further than this stunning resort, the perfect place to celebrate an ultra-romantic Southwest getaway. The Little Black Book Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (www.balloonfiesta. com). Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau (505-842-9918 or 800-284-2282, www.itsatrip.org; www.albuquerque300. or deta que Tncentennial events). Al uerque 1 Louisiana Blvd. NE, 505-881- 6800 or 800-334-208 , www.marriott.com). uerque Mining Co. (7209 Central Ave. NE, 505-255- que Social Club (4021 Central Ave. NE, 505-255- Cafe & Wine Bar (108 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, 560). (424 Central Ave. 5-243-0200). 5 Central Ave., N 232-3474). arvard St. SE, 50 ' Flying tar 2 Centr;3I Ave. S 633; also downtown at 723 Silver Ave. SW 99). Foxes Lounge (8521 Central Av 5-3060). Graze (3128 Central Ave. SE, 50 . Frontier Restaurant (Cornell Dr. SE and Cen al Ave. SE, 505-266-0550). Gold Street Gaffe (218 Gold Ave. SW, 505-765-1633). Gruet Steak House (3201 Central Ave. NE, 505-256- WINE). Hacienda Antigua (6708 Tierra Dr. NW, 505-345- 5399 or 800/201-2986, www.hac~ier1da;ar ua). Hotel Blue (717 Central Ave. NW, 505-9 2400 or 877- 878-4868 www.thehotelblue.com). 9462). · Bernalillo, 505- att.com ). also 11225 t. NW. 505-242- 05 . , - __ 755 or -725-2477, WWW. . NW, 505-343-1554). 1-25 at Tramway Blvd., 505-796-7500 or .sandiacasino.com J. nch (8900 Central Ave. :::;E, 505-275-1616). 09 Gold Ave. SW. 505-244- and Bistro (3009 Central A . . 505-254- Dive April WE DO IT DIFFERENT in Eureka Springs, Arkansas! At our hlatoric Auditorium • For GLBT• & their Stra Pals to I (ov•r .,. to ral•• our •plrlt• an e th• Ozarlc• hlll• with lau11hter and GAYETYI TICKETS ONLINE - LIMITED SEATING/ Plus more events TBAI For DIVERSITY info & Diversity health outreach prevention education, Inc. 1-800-535-AI DS (2437) Oklahoma's HIV/STD Hotline YOURSELF PROTECT YOl.:IR.PARTNER(S) * Free nonjudgmental HIV testing,· including the 20 minute OraQuick Test. * Free Sypht1/is screening at .the GLBT Community Centeron Tuesdaysf'roin 6-8pm H~O.P.E. :resting Clinic ; Mens·Outreach'P ..... In Tulsa at (918) . PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA or gays wanting to travel in the United States there are main gay cities, Palm Spri , California and Ft. le, Florida. Both cities ve a huge gay populah are extremely gay friendly. Both have at least f dozen gay resorts to stay and plenty of gay restaurants, bars and shops. n this column we will tell you about Palm Springs, Caliomia. It is located about 120 miles East of Los Angeles. hen flying in from the f:Aidwest or_ East you _can ei~her . y directly into Palm Springs or fly into Ontario, California hich is less expensive and is only about 50 miles \J\'est_ f Palm Springs. Since you will need to rent an auto It will ve you money to fly to Ontario. weather in Palm ngs is beautiful all r around except if you 't like weather over 100 grees then it is best not July and August. we love the dry heat we love going there in he summer when it is hot. ecember thru April it is very pleasant there. e dozens of gay stay however our is the TERORT (www.ter) and located st of downtown Palm Canyon toll free phone is: 1-866-837-7996. and hosts, Tom nd Doug Sems are of the best -'<'hen it to knowing how to their guests. he Terrazzo Resort has 12 guest rooms surrounding heated swimming pool, (clothing optional) of course, · · and tropical gardens. The resort has s that includes the finest of linens, dial phones, Lar TV, DVD, VCR CD player, indiclimate control, speed Internet access, pre- Judith Jackson bath amenities and wonderful soft oiquet robes for their guests. All rooms comes with a · , refrigerator, wet bar, hair dryer, iron and ironing rd. Don't have your lap top with you? Don't worry. you check your emails in their guest services room. Comentary breakfast is served each momin_g outside at _the . A complimentary gourmet lunch Is served daily lside. Complimentary beverages and snacks are available throughout the day. In addition to their Resort they also have a condoiapartment just a few blocks from the Resort which can rented on a monthly basis. Guests renting that can take full advantage of the Resort amenities including pool, etc. This is truly a fabulous resort for the gay traveler. It is the only gay resort in Palm Springs that we recommend. As we travel around the country we have noticed that many owners hire managers and that in itself can be a major problem. Tom and Doug are the owners AND managers and they control everything themselves to insure that each guest gets full attention. And full attention to every detail is what you at the Terrazzo. They have received many award and citations for their hi ality of service and accommodations. Tom and Doug ve their work and what they are doing and it shows! Be sure to check out their web site. Downtown is just a few short blocks from the Terrazz<? and is filled with major shopping, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and even an Indian Casino. They have about a doz bars in Palm Springs and they run the range from piano bars, disco bars and just about any type of bar you are looking for. The one great thing about staying in a major gay city is that the bars are always busy! And we do mean ALWAYS! So even if you are kinda shy you won't have any problems meeti someo~e in Springs. o left Melvyn' aurant) There is so much to see and do in Palm Springs. Lots of museums to visit, great restaurants and tons of ·ng to do. UST SEE is the FABULOUS PALM SPRINGS FOLLIES located downtown at 128 So. Palm Canyon Drive. It is a Las Vegas type show with singing, dancing and plenty of laughter. What makes the show so fabulous is that all the performers are over 55 and they are GREAT! There are numemus performing arts centers around the city and plenty of concerts to go to. There are dozens and dozens of restaurants in Palm Springs. After many years of going there our very favorite 1s still Melvyn's Restaurant located in the Ingleside Inn just a couple b!ocks West of downtown at 200 W. Ramon. It is just like stepping back to "Old Hollvwood". The food, the service and the atmosphere is PERF CT! Mel Haber, the owner knows how to keep h:s guests coming back year after year. According to Life Styles of the. Ric. and Famous it is rated one of the 10 best and we certainly agree! Continued next page: the STAR, Oklahoma's Premier GLBT Magazine. Page 10 GAY TRAVELERS: The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the largest vertical cable in the country and the view from the top is magnificent. Take your lunch with you and dine right in the mountains. Other options for Palm Spri are hiking, tennis or sightseeing in the Joshua National , the Living Desert or visiting the local Indian grounds. But of course the main reason to go to Palm Springs is for the people! And what a FABULOUS collection of friends we have made there over the years. Our best to Stefan, Millie, Jerry, Jim, Tyke and Wayne! Check out www.palmspringsgay.com before making your travel plans. For more information about traveling, email Donald and Ray at gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their webpage at: http://www.hometown.aol.com/gaytravelers. Willie Nelson Releases New Gay Cowboy Song. NASHVILLE, TN_Willie Nelson released his new song titled "Cowboys Are Secretly, Frequently (Fond Of Each Other)" on Valentines Day February 14th 2006. Are Secretly, Frequently (Fond Of Each Other)" wa in 1981 by Texas-born, NYC resident musician/ songwriter Ned Sublette, long before gay cowboys were the current topic of conversation. Nelson recorded the song last ar during an iTunes Originals session at his Perdernales, io. This is the first time Nelson's version has been released. Dolly Parton did a song for "Transamerica," Emmylou Harris cut a track for "Brokeback Mountain" and Willie Nelson released a gay Valentine's song. Is country the new gay genre? HIV positive participants, spectators to be welcomed into United States during the 2006 Chicago Gay Games 'Designated Event Status· clears U.S. entrance restrictions SAN FRANCISCO A U.S. federal blanket waiver has been approved allowing non-U.S. citizens living with HIV/ AIDS to travel to the United States to participate in or attend the Gay Games 2006. The Federation of Gay Games (FGG), an~ Chicago Ga~es, Inc. (CGI), announced today that the waiver comes with federal approval of Designated Event Status for Gay Games VII Sports & Cultural Festival set for 15-22 July 2006 in Chicago, Illinois. "Many people with HIV/AIDS and other life-affecting health issues have competed and set Masters-division records at past Gay Games, and we are happy that all participants from outside the United States once again will be able to travel freely to attend the Gay Games this summer," said Kathleen Webster, co-president of the international Federation of Gay Games. HIV positive p · · nts and attendees of Gay Games VII can now a a sin B-2 travel visa from their local U.S. consulate. isa, valid 8-28 July 2006, will be issued on a special form instead of being placed permanently in the person·s passport. "Achieving Designated Event Status demonstrates our dedication to the Gay Games principles of Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best™ and to our mission adfor full acceptance and recognition of all LGBT said Brian McGuinness, Gay Games Chicago Executive Director. "We are grateful to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (DIL) and the many CGI and FGG board, staff, volunteers and allies for helping us meet this important commitment to the HIV community." Information regarding procedures on how to apply for the B-2 visa at U.S. consulates in different countries will be available shortly on the FGG Web site at \~":N';N-~aygames. com) and the Chicago Gay Games eb site (www. gaygameschicago . .erg). For additionai information, lease contact Aimee Pine at the ~hi Ga~es, Inc. o,ffic:esat (773) 907-2006 or by email at mee.pme@gaygameschicago.org. Grand Opening ai Fort Smith's Newest Night Club. RED ROCK CITY By Bunky Walters The pizza delivery guy walked in just after 8 p.m. amid droningeleictnic drills, a symphony of cell phones and frenetic atter. But like an episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," everything was hammered, painted and plu in by midnight for the grand opening of Red Rock C Fort Smith's newest party venue, at 917 N. A St. · At 10 p.m., music was already blasting in beat to the din of finishing touches being made inside the historic two-story building with a red stone walls - hence the name of the club. It's attractive yet calm exterior was in sharp contrast, though, to the play pin being created inside. Leading the whip-quick renovation was owner Andv Osburn, who stayed cool as Crystal throughout the evening. Osburn, by the way, also owns Kinkead's, just a couple blocks away at 1004 ½ Garrison Ave. When he wasn't lending a hand or answering his cell phone, Osburn paused occasionally in the VIP lounge near the cool metal grate-floored DJ booth, ave the dance floor. By 11 p.m., some of his friend s and Kansas City had arrived, and they made themselves at home in the lounge, which was decorated with leather chairs and ottomans situated around a large, wide-screen TV. Roses and orchids were another elegant touch to the room. Out the lounge door several steps away was the upstairs bar area, which has a dance floor, as well. It was packed with le by 11 :30 p.m., slinging back beer and sipping them up alongside buttery nipple and cocksucker shots were bartenders in black dress shirts, with the word "Rockers'; spelled out in red on each one. Not long after midnight, a voice on the mic invited folks to "shake their tail feathers." They promptly obliged, spilling down the confetti-carpetted stairs to the new dance floor. The anced to everything from Salt 'n' Pepa to Depeche ,de, s1~oc1tina b,oots and scuttling about to the rhythm of the pounding bass. Every now and then, there were quick whooshes from the fog machine, blanketing the crowded dance floor. And it mig~t hav~ been chilly outside,. but it didn't keep a obv1ol!s gym _memberships from whipping o d shaking their bottoms under the dazzling disco lights of the club's exposed rafters. Not that but I had a ball and a half that night OK, two. te the nail-biting push of the midnight deadline, the club threw a flawless party. And I have no doubt they'!i continue to send folks in Fort Smith · and sweating to awesome beats and fabulous for many, many weekends to come. Speaking of coming, you should. Red Rock City is open 9 p.m.-5 a.m. Thursday-Saturday and 6 p.m.-midnight Sunday. · , either call (479) 242-CITY or visit _GLBT Magazine. . Page 1.2 .. NINTH ANNUAL RED RIBBON GALA, SET FOR TULSA MARCH 11, 2006. Above left to right: Kim Wood -Chairperson RRG, Shane Carter - Channel 2 Meteorologist and Master of Ceremonies, Pat Chernicky- President Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. TULSA, OK_Aa in the past, a sea of red wili encompass distinguished guests and friends of Tulsa C.A.R.E.'s RRG, as they arrive at one of Tulsa's most elegant and worthwhile affairs. Again this year, the event will be held at Southern Hills Country Club on Saturday, March 11th. Set in an atmosphere that only Southern Hills can create, the room will be ablaze with fabulous flower arrangements created by board member Toni Garner. Kim Wood, Gala Chairperson and Peter Walter, realtor extraordinaire, Gala Honorary Chairperson wiil welcome guests to a feast for the senses that will include the finest cuisine by Southern Hills Chef Devin Levine, complimented by fine wines. A portion of the festivities wili include both a silent and live auction offering stellar iist of antiques, furniture, original artwork, masterfully created jewelry, private dinner parties, special inteiest classes to name a few. A new feature this year, a special raffle of fine jewelry created by Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. board member Susan Sadler, wi!I be held during the event. Ali attending are encouraged to "just wear red" ... the color of AIDS awareness and a symbol of compassion for those affected by the disease. The Red Ribbon Gala is the largest fundraising activity for Tulsa C.A.R.E.S (Center for AIDS Resources, Education and Support). Ani:i, this year the event has received a tremendous "kick off'' for 2006 with the generous grant from the George Kaiser Famiiy Foundation and Bank of Oklahoma Foundation as Presenting Sponsor. A United Way agency, Tuisa C.A.R.E.S has been in existence since 1991. Executive Director , Sharon Thoeie, credits the generosity of the board members and donors of the difference they make for some of the community's most needy members. She states: "the best part of the Red Ribbon Gala is that it supports the ongoing efforts of Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. to provide a safe haven for low-income men, women and children with HIV/AIDS throughout northeastern Oklahoma. 2 marks the 15th anniversary of providing support services to the individuals no one wanted to serve. Without the proceeds from the Red Ribbon Gala our ability to provide these crucial services would cease." Board President, Patricia Chernickv, adds: "the RRG is not only a fabulous evening of food, fun and friends, but the money raised from the event provides the organization with the financial resources to serve over 450 individuals. HIV does not affect o up of people, it affects us all." RRG Chairperson, Kim also contributes: "A tremendous op · is provided through the RRG to provide support to Isa CARES so that the organization can continue to provide the services for those patients and families affected by the devastating disease." The Red Ribbon Gala begins at 6:30 p.m. with flowing red cocktails, stimulating conversation and a Ii silent auction and raffle. Dinner foilows at 7:30 p.m. w live auction commencing around 9:00 p.m. Dancing to music provided by "The Hero Factor" will begin at 9:45 p.m. Tickets are $150.00 per person. Sponsorship packages and reservations for priority seating are available. For more information, contact Bruce Lewis at (918) 834-4194. PRESIDENT'S BUDGET PRESENTS MIXED BAG ON HIV/AIDS WASHINGTON - President Bush's budget proposal, released yesterday, presents a mixed bag on HIV/AIDS, with modest funding increases in care and treatment programs, additional cuts in Medicaid and a dangerous increase in abstinence-only programs that keep thorough, scientific information out of the hands of those who need it most. "For the sake of hundreds of thousands of Americans living with HIV and AIDS, we can and we must do more," said Human Rights Campaign President joe Solmonese. "We welcome the president's attention to the critical needs facing HIV/AIDS programs, yet the new funding does not make up for the years of shortcomings and huge proposed cuts that may harm beneficiaries in other areas." The largest proposed HIV/AIDS increase is for the president's $188 million domestic AIDS initiative, with money split between the Ryan White CARE Act and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "We need a comprehensive and targeted strategy to combat this virus - particularly in at-risk communities and among people of color," said Soimonese. "Attention to this continually growing trend is long overdue." There are more African Americans among new AIDS cases, people estimated to be living with AIDS and H!V-reiated deaths than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States. Continued .. Aids Budget-page 23 IN RESPONSE 1'0 YOUR. PERSONAL AD LOOKING FOR. SOMEONE WMO CAN11' S1"AND GAYS AND LES&IANS. I L Fl E - ' Oklahoma City ur 5th Anniversary 3 Days of Quality Workshops, Vendors, Great Piains Olympus Contests, Cigar Smoker, Saints and Sinners Costume Contest, Many Free Prizes, Play Parties, other Social Activities, NLA-1 AGM and as always, a surprise or two! Only $125 if registered by April 21 ! Group Discounts for 6 or more! Vendor Market is FREE and Open to the Public www. ibalfire .com the STAR, Oklahoma's Premier GLBT Magazine. Page 14 I & THE BOYS Pack'em In At Club Maverick! by Greg Steele TULSA, OK_ Mary, Schellye, Brenda, Paula, & Valerie known as Tulsa's Moodswing Band certainly have the art of entertaining down pat. With st guitarist Betsy Smittle and the Boys, Brad in, Mark Dodson, Eric Daughtery, and Mike Busby, entertained a standing room only crowd at Tulsa's Club Maverick on January 27th. Just another example of the talent we in Oklahoma are fortunate enough to have in our GLBTA community. A five piece all female band, Moodswing has been together for two years. They have played at many events including Tulsa Pride Picnic, OKC Pride Picnic, Tulsa's Mayfest, The Women's Music Festival in Dripping Springs, Texas, the Sooner State Rodeo in Tulsa and Diversity Pride · Fall Festivai in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. And continue to draw big crowds at Oklahoma City and Tulsa nightclubs. They are currently working on their 2nd CD and hope to release it this summer. Their 1st CD "Moodswing" was cut two years ago. The boys were fantastic! Si · a variety of songs, delighted the crowd with their ta ent dUiing the band intermission. A very professional group and a wonderfully entertaining evening. Is there a Shelter agent for you? Call today to learn more about our services. Serving the community in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa and Indiana. Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Tel: (866)208-9480 gtainte helterinsurance.com Auto - Home - Life - Business Crystal Meth.u The Satanic Brew Crippling the Gay Communi By jimmy pa!mieri Crystal Meth ... The Satanic Brew Crippling the Gay Community Meth, Tina, speed, chalk, ice, rock, glass are all street names for the dnJa meth amphetamine. This noxious recipe of chemica s, that may include, but are not limited to. ephedrine, crystai drain cieaner, bleach, battery acid and nail poiish remover, among others, has the capability of destroying lives more quickly than any iilicit drug currently availabie. It is so addicting to some, that after the first try, so strong is the craving to use again, that all else becomes secondary. Seek Shelter Today! • urn Sales Associate ION DOLL.AR PRODUCER" 8)49~2252 .3Tl tc,1 (918,)491-~?t ' '.,.· ", •, ', ,·',' , Crystal meth has taken a strong hold on the gay and iesbian community, with a particular ven ance on gay males for a variety of reasons. The of meth make the user less inhibited, and more euphoric in mindset. This is particularly enticing to gay men, who may have been admonished by their families, not accepted by their peers at school, or have not fit into what even their own community deems acceptable. Society has continually isolated s and lesbians, leaving many with the desire or need into some type of adopted crowd or fa1 Meth is sadly, the common thread among many of the enfranchised. Meth a!so has the distinct capability of making men more libidinous, thereby making their feelings of inhibitions ali the more exaggerated. This has created a devastating paralle! between meth addiction, and HIV infection. www.Tulullaverlck.co111 9111 a Sllarldan, Tulsa, OK 918.aaL3301 THE T ith Sp iai Gu t E CEE John Pendal lnternatio I r. Leather 2003 Fri, Sat, & Sun March :I. 7th - :I.9th Fri - 10pm Meat & Greet @ Club Maverick Sat - 1.0pm Contest @ Club Maverick Sun - :1:l:30am Victory Brunch@ Metro Diner A History of Violence Anti-gay violence is on the rise -- not just in the U.S., but all over the world. !"- Swt:dish we~site lists 129 well-known gay individuals, 1~cluding pr(!minent actors, musicians, broadcasters, politicians and priests, and calls for their death. Despite having one of the world's toughest laws against the promotion of hate, Sweden's _chief prosecutor says he is powerless to shut down the site because it frames its death threats in the form of Biblical quotes. Britain is in the midst of a homophobic crime wave that has esc~lated to the PC?int that police have urged the LGBT ?ommurnty to u~e _caution when going out. A young man m Londonderry 1s rn danger of losing his eye after a recent attack, and it wasn't the first time he'd been assaulted. A g~y couf?le_ near London almost lost their home, and pos~ 1bly th_eir life, w~en they discovered someone had pushed 1nc~nd1ary maten~I through their mail slot, starting a fire in their hallw~y. Fortunately, they were able to extinguish the nre before 1t spread. In another incident a lesbian couple was pelted with snowballs that had sto~es and broken glass embedded in them. Police say they believe there have been dozens of other cases throughout the country that have gone unreported. Officials believe that the number of homophobic attacks on has increased with the publicity over civil partnerships, ich became legal in December. In_ New Bedford, Massachusetts, a community about 50 miles south of Boston, a violent attack rocked a lar gay club. A young man, 18 year old Jacot1 RcJbic struck a customer in the head with a hatchet before shoo two others. As I'm writing this, Robida is still on the run ile his victims remain in the hospital -- one in critical condition. When police searched Robida's room, they discovered Nazi a. The teen is being sought on charges of attempt murder, assault and civil-rights violations. What is behi~d this.increase in homophobic violence? Almost certainly, as the British officials stated it's due to increased publicity as gay rights issues have taken center stage in countries all over the worid. It's nothi new. Mankind h_~s a hist?ry of violence. especially concerns ~ trad1t1~:mally do~ntr?~d~n group trying to claim equality. During the 60 s c1v1I nghts movement it was violence ag~in~t blacks. '.he ignorant always resort to violence when their status quo 1s threatened. When the people the bigot has always demeaned and reviled suddenlv dare to stand up for themselves and demand rights, the bigot will lash out. It's no surprise th~ big~ts are worked up right now. Gay are one of tne biggest issues in the world right now. ng almost every state and country around the globe. Almost every political race is influenced by gay rights, and barely a day goes by when you don't see some LGBT-related story in the media. !n Canada_'s recent e_lec~ion, gay marriage was a crucial issue. Dun_ng campaigning, qonservative leader Stephen Harper claimed that overturning Canada's equal marriage law would be one of his first priorities. The Tory Party did win the election, but the results were less about rights than a country unwilling to trust a scandal-ridde ral ;. Fortunately, with a minority government even smaller he Liberals before them, the Conservatives will most likely be unable to change the marriage law. Continuing his homophobic policies, President Bush renewed his attack on gay families in his recent State of the Union Address. Addres · a joint session of Congress the p~esident said that "ma ericans, especially parents, still have deep concerns about the direction of our culture and the health of our most basic institutions. They are ' concerned about unethical conduct by public officials. and discouraged by activist courts that try to redefine marriage." "Trying to draw comparisons between the reprehensible ~cts of ~nethic~I politicians with fair and independent Judges 1s both ridiculous and wrong," said Joe Solmonese. president of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). · Not is it ridiculous, but by continually demonizing gay and ian families, President Bush and other outspoken ns fan the flames of hatred. if someone like Jacob a already believes that gays are evil sinners then hearing the president make antigay statements only confirms that belief in his mind. The crusading Religious t, with their fire and brimstone wailing, will I fL1rtt1er rce those feelings. If he is already unbalan or prone to violence, it's just a matter of time before that hate will build to the point that it erupts into violence. What can we do to stem the tide of violence? There's an old proverb that says something along the lines of "in order to avoid repeating history, we have to learn from the past." If there's anything we can learn from the Black civil rights movement, it's that we have to keep fighting for equality. We can't let fear defeat us. We have to stand up against the bigots and hatemongers and demand our rights. So how do we do that? Vote! One of the easiest we can do to make a difference is elect fair-minded, p ressive officials. The only way to stop the homophobic cians is to get them out of office. Support gay-positive legislation and defeat antigay measur~ s. Many st~~E:~ are brin9i gay i~sues to the polls. We caf'! t afford to sit 1dly oy while ant1gay forces muster !heir troops with military precision. State after state is passmg same-sex marriage bans while other states struggle to P'.3Ss.antidiscrimination laws. Our opponents are well-organized and we!i-funded, so that makes it all the more important that we pay attention, spread the word. and vote Also don't be afraid to contact your representatives and let the~ ~now your feelings_ o~ important issu~s. As HRC president Joe _Solmones_e sa1_? rn,.reterence to the ~tt~cks at the gay bar rn MassacnuseLts, When a man walKs rnto a bar, asks Continued next page HEART TO HEART if it's a gay bar and starts shooting, there couldn't be any more glaringly obvious and enraging example that we need uniform hate crimes law and that Congress has stubbornly failed to act." Come out and speak up! This is perhaps the hardest, yet most important thing we can do as gay men and women. Coming out is a powerful statement that has been proven to change hearts and minds again and again. If you're already out, speak up. If your friends, family, and coworkers don't understand how these issues affect you, then how can they care? The mor o know and understand how homophobia adversely s their loved ones, the more allies we'll have on our side. I don't believe we are doomed to repeat history -- not if we can learn from the past and work together to create a better future. In 1964, Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time; the need for mankind to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence. Mankind must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love." That message is as true today as it was then. Let's learn from our history and move forward in love. The views expressed in this column are my opinions only. You don't have to agree with them. I just ask that you read them \vith an open heart and mind. Isa's ouncil ak en's horale oncert eason 2006 "A Musical Feast" Thursday, May 11 Friday, May 12@ 8 PM Saturday, May 13 @ 8 PM "Summer in the City" Friday, August 25 @ 8 PM Saturday, August 26 @ 8 PM Williams Theater Tulsa Performing Arts Center For more information and ticket sa!es cai! (918) 748-3888 or go to: www.counciloak.org Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $26.95 v.rill be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: , Ozarks STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: _____________ _ ,~,ddress: ________________ _ City: ________ St: __ .Zip: ____ _ Phone: _________ _ Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: ______ _ FREE HIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS Testing the last Sunday of each month b::tween 5PM and 6PM. 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 Sundav Service 6PM Your Invited to our Communitv Dinner Everv \'(Ted. 0 ,.,. _\ ..._,. t _ d -· 6-pm Just ~4.0li. No one 1s curne awav. . Lesbian Notions by Libby Post MARCH 2006 "STRANGE BEDFELLOWS" The Bush administration's homophobia has gone international. At the United Nations recently, the United States joined with some of the most repressive governments to deny two international LGBT gro vernmental organization (NGO) observer status it comes to marginalizing the LGBT community, this administration will cozy up with anyone. Administration buddies like the American Family Association and Focus on the Family have been joined on the international scene by countries such as China, Zimbabwe, and Iran. Yes, you read that right - Iran. We may demonize that country publicly, but when it comes to privacy issues, George is a political whore. He'll become political bedfellows with anyone - an individual, an organization, or, in this case, a country he considers our sworn enemy - to further his radical°Christian right crusade against the LGBT community. Who would have been hurt if the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) and the Danish Association of Gays and Lesbians (LBL) were allowed to speak for the LGBT community at the United Natio.ns' Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which advises the international organization on economic and social issues? After all, there are 634 NGOs affiliated with ECOSOC. We're talking about groups like the Humane Society, the American Jewish Congress, and Greenpeace. But we're also talking ab like Focus on the Family, Feminists for Life of ica, the National Right to Life Education Trust Fund, and the Alliance for Marriage. I think it would only be fair tq balance out some of the homophobic political perspectives inherent in some of these organizations with a few LGBT voices But instead of a fair hearing - which ali othei NGOs who have requested representation have gotten - ILGA's and LBL's requests were summarily dismissed without any discussion. The dismissal, which was done by the ECOSOC NGO committee, happened after ILGA and LBL went through the rather exhausting process that got them to the point where they could even ask for a hearing. All of this was preceded by the behind-the-scenes maneuvering of Egypt and the Organization of Islamic Conferences to exclude the two groups. Rosanna Flamer Caldera, co-secretary general of ILGA, which ents a worldwide network of more than 400 LGBT zations, considers the exclusion "a clear violation of due process and an attempt to discriminate against LGBT NGOs on procedural grounds." Some may shrug their shoulders at the U.S. actions. But as 40 LGBT and LGBT-allied organizations pointed out to Secietary of State Condoleezza Rice in a Jan. 25 letter, the United States voted yes when the entire ECOSOC body voted in 2002 to include ILGA as an NGO. The groups, including the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Human Rights Watch, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and the National Black Justice Coalition, asked Rice if it was now our country's policy to "oppose consultative status for all organizations working to promote the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people." If it is, this flies in the face of the State Department's own reporting on severe human rights violations based on sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. The department's 2004 report on Iran chronicled the executions of men. Its report on Zimbabwe noted that President Ro Mugabe has consistently denounced gays and lesbians, blaming them for "Africa's ills." So the question begs to be answered - how can the United States recognize human rights atrocities against LGBT people in other countries, yet refuse to give those who are repressed a voice in bringing that repression to light? We were more than happy to give voice to the Chinese students in Tiananmen Square who bristled against the yoke of that country's communist regime. Today, we're all about building democracy in Iraq. But let LGB stand up and speak for themselves? Never. And how make sure LGBT people won't be heard? We get into bed with our political enemies. If ever there was a situation that shows how morally bankrupt this administration is, this is it. I don't think Condi's written a response yet. But this year, there will be two great opportunities for the international LGBT community to respond for ourselves and shed light on the United States' complicity. ILGA's next world conference will be in Geneva from March 27-April 3, the same time the U.N. Commission on Human Rights will be in that city, and where the Commission's on-going discussion about sexual orientation and human rights is sure to continue. Later, in the summer, some 2,000 LGBT activists from around the globe will converge in Montreal from July 26-29 for the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights, which is sponsored by OutGames, an international LGBT sporting event that takes place right after the conference. "Our ultimate goal with this conference is to adopt what we're calling the 'Montreal Declaration,' an unequivocal affirmation that LGBT right are human rights," said Louise Roy, CEO of the conference and OutGames. "Once passed, we will do everything in our power to bring that resolution to the United Nations." It may be easy for our administration to ignore the events in Geneva. But when thousands of LGBT folks g miles north of our border, it wili be a bit more d turn a blind eye to the injustices we face each and every day and our collective resolve to stop them. Or, at least, it should be. EDITOR'S NOTE: One of Libby Post's firms, OutMarketing. biz, has been retained by Outgames Montreal 2006 to coordinate the event's United States' public relations activities. This column expresses her opinion and not that of her clients. The 0zar1<s STAR since 2003 ast Out by Liz Highleyman MARCH 2006 Summary : Past Our is a retrospective of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT historv. Each , ' installment brings the past to life by exploring the diversity of the gay past and its impact on the queer present. February 1976 (30 years ago this month): British figure kater John Curry wins an Olympic gold medal. y is figure skating s As the most artisti etic events, figure skating is ely believed to be teeming with gay men - and, indeed, of the most renowned elite male skaters have been ·sexual. But the sport's fey reputation is I to the perceived gender nonconformity ants. It is impossible to know now whether early champion ater~ such as Jackson Haines, a ballet dancer by training o pioneered the modern artistic form of figure skating in 1860s, were queer. Lorrie Kim, creator of the Rainbow website, has compiled a list of 20 elite gay male skatrs, but only a few publicly revealed their sexuality while ey were champion contenders. American Ronnie Robertson, the 1956 Olympic silver edalist, was exposed as his former coach Mi- Kirby, in a memoir the of Robertson's (2000). The "Nureyev of the Ice, reat Britain's John reportedly made a little-noticed announcement that e was press conference shortly before winning e 19 c gold medal. The bronze medalist that r, Toller ston of Canada. mentioned affairs with men and women in his two- · :ihi,es; during 1973 World Championships, , he was se- Czech skater Ondrej Nepela, who went on to best red Cranston and win the title. In 1992, another was next after Cu come out during his competitive career; Hali ikely holds re skater to appear Fallen ngtime nadian champion Brian Orser was out when ex-boyfriend filed a palimony lawsuit. The best-known queer figure skater, Rudy Galindo - who "an openly gay trailer-trash ached the highest levels of pairs skating then-partner, Kristi Yamaguchi, when she decided on singles competition. After several years of , ances, a bout with alcohol and drug and the loss of his brother and two coaches to alindo went on to win the 1996 U.S. Nationals. his own HIV diagnosis and the cement of both Galindo has reoeatedlv challe, conservative rid - for example: performing to "Somewhere ainbov( and a medley of Village People songs, ueer ehte male skaters have included U.S. naRobert Wagenhoffer (who had long-term mmantic relationships with former junior champion Billy Lawe and professional show skater Sylvain Beauregard) champion ice dancer and choreographer Rob McCall, ' 1978-80 Canadian national champion Brian Pockar and former Dutch n~tional champion Edward van Campen; all but Beauregara and van Campen died of AIDS. Galindo once estimated that 98 percent of elite male skaters are ~traight. But "in the real trenches of show skating," according to openly gay skater Christopher Nolan, "guys are out all over the place." Many male figure skaters have described the harassment they received for pursing a sport considered to be queer. In reaction, skaters such as Kurt Browning, Philippe Candeloro, and Elvis Stojko emphasized a macho image and athletic .style !n the 199~s; others, including three-time U.S. champion Michael Weiss, regularly show off their wives and children. Current U.S. national champion and top Olympic contender Johnny Weir has tripped the gaydar of many with his flamboyant outfits and effeminate mannerisms, though he has yet to explicitly state his sexual orientation. Despite its queer reputation, the skating establishment has long mandated strict gender roles. Although things have come a long way since officials at the 1920 Olympics scolded Theresa Weld for performing an "uni ke" jump some judges still look askance at male skate o do too' many spins and spirals. So strict are the gender conventions that pie gold and bronze medalists Katarin mas provoked shock by performing in nontraditional costumes such as knee breeches and full-length leotards, p~ompting t~e spo.rt's st governing body, the International Skating Union (I to institute a rule that female competitors must wear skirts that cover their derrieres. While male skaters are often assumed to be gay, the sport's requisite femini renders queer women invisible. There are no openly le or bisexual women skaters among the elite ranks, though some of today's female champion contenders are so young that it may be premature to speculate about their sexuality. But a number of queer women participate in nonelite adult competition. including International Gay Figure Skating Union cofounder Laura Moore, who started skating at age 32 after divorcing her husband and coming out as a lesbian. Ironically, no sport emphasizes the appearance of hete~osexuality more tha~ competitive pair skating and ice dancing. The ISU regulation that teams must consist of "a man and a lady" has caused grief for elite skaters who wish to perform with same-sex partners. The ISU does not sanction events that do not adhere to its rules, but the inter nati?nal_ Ice Skating Institute and son:ie national governing ~odIes, _includ I S1:ateis Figure Skating Associat; on and offer sanctions or waivers for the Gay Games and similar events. "[T]he thrili of seeing a, op,enly gay pair team h_as nothi do with triple jumps," said Moore, who won tne 1994 y Games ice dance competition with her partner, Linda Carney. For further reading: Brennan, Christine. 1996, _Inside Edge: A Revealing Journey into the Secret World of Figure Skating_ (Anchor), Galindo, Rudy, and Eric Marcus. 1997. Icebreaker: The Autobiography of Rudy Galindo_ (Pocket Books). Rainbow Ice - http://www.plover.com/rainbowice/ Page22 CITY LIFE: 1930s and 1940s and their successors with 68 works by artists Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro S ros as well as related works by Luis Nishizawa and Gu r Gerzso. Mexican Masters expresses the hopes, desires, idealism, and culture of early twentieth-century Mexico through its artists. From the Mexican Revolution and Spanish Civil War to the Second World War, violent revolution and dramatic social change-both nationally and internationally-shaped the ideals of Mexico and its people. The Carrillo Gil Collection was molded by these principles, and the works it includes portray not only the artists' reactions to revolution, depression, and industrialization, as well as the impact of religion and need for social reform, but also the collector's. Mexican Masters pays humble recognition to Mexico's violence, war, and suffering, the United States Depression, and the artists' subsequent impression of inhumanity in an industrialized nation. For more information visit okcmoa.com. AIDS BUDGET: Among the president's proposals: Medicaid - our nation's largest provider of HIV/AIDS treatment and care - would face cuts of $5 billion over five years and $12 billion over 10 years, forcing those trimmed from Medicaid rolls to seek care through programs that are already overextended and under-funded. also pro cutting $15 million Nationa Institutes of Health and increases abstinence-only education funding by $28 million. State AIDS Drug Assistance Programs would receive $70 million under the president's plan to ease the waiting lists IDS program would receive a welcomed increase of $14 million et this is short of what is necessary to meet s needs. rge Congress to edicaid instead of weaken it, and put sound science over ideology in educational programs," added Solmonese. 1/12TH PAGE CLASSIFIED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE in the CALL FOR RATES 91 B.B35.7B87 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and Trust in Affordable Advertising Service. Advice Column! Kittens, as the whirlwind month of love has once more blown its course, Let us wipe the proverbial love awav from our chin, and move forward. Uncle spent most of the mont~ exhausted\y entertaining. A man briefly touched me; so briefly, uncle did not realize he had already reached the climatic point in the relationship. Alas Uncle finding himself once more on the hunt while looking for a aood man. Leaving me asking the uestion, how can someone be so bootylecious and such ty at the same time? Hmm I have to ponder that for a while. After seeing the much taiked about "Brokeback", Uncle f?und himself_ inspired to take riding lessons. After a positively productive week at the horse farm, while working with the trainer, Uncle has joined country riders everywhere. It took sweat, and teacs. One must be dedicated while working to achiev:3 ~ goal. ! have decided that next month, I may graduate to ndmg a horse. You know what they say Rome was not built in a day, baby steps! ' This mon~h Uncle has received several letters asking abo~t ~e~mg revenge on a lover's betrayal. Well, Kittens, Uncie Is Just shocked. A ay man, after revenge; it is just n?.t donea€l Snicker s · Kittens, taking the higher road w1il always allow you to mature into a well rounded. wonderfully developed, lo · responsible adult. Uncle ·encourages g~od karma, as w spiritual and personal growth. That said, karma helps those who help themselves. This month i dedicate my words of wisdom to a!I those ~ho h?ve found tha~ strange strap under the bed, hidden ooots m the closet, text message from the blonde Twink in the gym, who despite his physically delicious self, cant not seem to manage a sentence stiUcture. Since Uncle has given you pearls, let's get to the good stuff. The following is an actual list of carefully planned out exercises in revenge which uncle has used over the years. I am sure the men who each were carefully inspired by, will have a mo~ent of ~ecall whi!e reading a bit of their own history here m Uncles corner m Queerdom. Each one primed for specific levels of revenge. Kittens, a side dish served best when cold, I believe I feel a bitte; wind blowing in as we speak, bundle up kittens, it is going to be a rather frosty month of march. 12) Sleep with his best friends. Expected, yet sucker punch in the gut. 11) Take your self-shopping with his credit cards buying yourself that well deserved, while also delicious, little outfit you have always wanted. You have earned it. I mean the time on your knees alone warrants it. 10) Delivering a message to his co-workers that the clinic calla~ '.3nd you ~eed to speak to him _urgently, allowing all gossIpmg hags m ear shot to hear this, will defiantly deliver a certain message. 9) Informing the mother out of concern, of a horrible drug problem. Of course, this being the reason you have to leave him. • 8) Did I mention sleep with his closets and dearest friends? Oh, come now don't look at me that way. You have been eyeing them all along anyway. 7) Donate the bulk of his wardrobe to a nearby good will. Charity begins at home. 6) During conversations of the extreme vibe of hostility he is receiving from you, serve him a delicious cup of ex-lax cappuccino. This will allow for a few moments of him-time he so truly needs. 5) Go on Jerry and tell it all, going for the Emmy , for betrayed love interest. 4) Enter local hook up site under his name, hooking up with t~e _troll of all trolls,_ inviting h!m over unexpected by said vIctIm of course. Kitten, helping others is important. 3) Ciean the oven with his favorite label, leavina it in a pot on the stove. Cleanliness is next to cherliness. ~ 2) Announce to all of your friends, your inability of coping with on more night of his constant weeping after sex. ~) Deliver his t~ings, in a. box to his job with a note saymg good-bye, makmg sure his favorite sex toys are leaking onto the reception desk! Well there, it is in a nutshell. All is fair in love and revenae Kittens, I would wear a cup, this could be a full contact ~ sport d~pendinQ on the players involved. Those of you ?etermmed against bette~ advice, to foll~w this vengeful Journey, now have your flight plan. Sock !t and rock it, until the cockcrows, or feels your wrath, whichever one comes first. Until next time, smooches from your favorite guru, and Tlddles too! The Ozarks $TAR'slnce 20f)3 ·. Do Gays Have a Choice? Whether homosexuality is a genetic redisposition or a product of environmental factors haE; be,en hotly debated for the past several decades. The heart of the matter is: Does a person have a choice about his or her sexuality? Science att~mpts to answer this compelling question in the feature article "Do Gays Have a Choice?" in the February/March issue of Scientific American Mind. New York, NY (PRWEB) - Whether homosexuality is a genetic predisposition or a product of environmental factors has been hotly debated for the past several decades. The he~rt of the matter is: Does a person have a choice about his or her sexuality? Science atte answer this com · g question in the feature article ays Have a Cho . " in the February/March issue of Scientific American Mind. In addition to learning the science behind the matter, one may take the test and find out "How Gay Are You?" on Scientific American Mind's Web site (www.sciammind. com). According to the article's author, Robert Epstein, a Harvard- trained PhD, sexual orientation is not a black or white matter; rather, he concludes that sexuality falls on a continuum with heterosexuality and homosexuality at opposite ends. People may be attracted to members of both sexes b · determined by both genetics and their environment. n explains that genes determine wh~re '!"~ start but society exerts tremendous pressure on the md1v1dual to conform. Because the majority of people are "straight," most of us become heterosexual. The article also discusses the possibility of an individual changi sexual orientation. Whereas some people have as,serted that genes alone determine sexual orientation and that changing from gay to straight is not possible, others ha ued that homosexuality is a learned behavior and th 10ic:e.Epi;tein V11r,tes that changing orientation is possible for people whose sexuality lies toward the middle of the Sexual Orientation Continuum, but for most gay people such a switch would be very difficult if not impossible. "Do Gays Have a Choice?" presents a new school of thought that an individual's sexual orientation is not black or white, straight or gay. Instead an individual's sexual orientation falls along a continuum. To take the sexual orientation quiz visit http://www.sciammind. com, which will be available on Feb. 2, 2006 1 / 1 2TH PAGE CLASSiF"IED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F'□ R RATES 9 1 B.S35.78B7 or email: ozarksstar@sbcgiobaLnet Irish Soda Bread 1 cup curants 2 cups unbleached flour 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 2 teaspoons baking soda 3/4 teaspoon caraway seed 1 /4 teaspoon salt 1 cup nonfat yogurt 1 cup nonfat milk Heat oven to 375 degrees, soak curants in hot water for about 5 minutes and drain. In a large mixing bowl, mix both flours, baking soda, baking powder, caraway seed, salt and curants, mix well. In a separate bowl mix yogurt plus milk until smooth, slowly add wet ingredients to the dry mixture until we\l blended. Flour hands and divide dough into 2 !oafs, slightly flatten dou onto a non stick baki sheet a~out 8 inches. across. a X on top of each , bake for about 30-35 minutes or untii you can tap on it and it sounds hollow, and serve warm. lip: Serve with French Onion Soup, it's great! HAPPY SAINT PATRICKS DAY! Q Scopes by Jack Fertig MARCH 2006 "Pay your debts, Aquarius!" Mercury turning retrograde in Pisces spreads confusion, and he's squaring Pluto. This makes people dig in their heels, insisting they are right (which is usually wrong), or it challenges cooler heads to do research. Venus in Capricorn eases the stress; do your best to be mature and serene. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Avoid silly arguments by focusing on your own problems and cleaning out your baggage. The right balance of humility and confidence and support from a woman in charge will help you get ahead. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Dares, challenges, and temptations from friends should be considered very carefully, if at all. Better to rely on your usual common sense. If you're hu for a new experience, check out local museums or a fore film. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): If you must make any public presentations, double-check every detail, and be prepared to handle any screw-ups with good humor. If you come under attack, look for underlying motives. You could charm an apparent enemy into becoming a very good friend. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): You're better off listening to disputes than participating in them - unless you really want intense criticism. Still, arguments could be educational, and being very open-minded will make you look mighty attractive. LEO (July 23 -August 22): Refresh yourself on safe-sex information and techniques. Make sure to get the info first! Other fun and games are especially risky now. Be very careful of any sort of sporting injury. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Don't argue with your partner about probl~ms around the home. Take a creative approach and suggest constructive solutions, even if they're only only a temporary fix. Or agree to start analyzing problems so they can be solved later. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Most accidents happen around the house, but home looks more like your safety zone now. Still, be careful, and even more so out on the streets. Stay focused when you drive. Don't let problems distract you! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21 ): A creative biock could have · e repercussions. Write a letter to a sister or aunt - or no·t yc,u have one, and even if you don't maii. it. The exercise o writing wili help you to focus on whatever is hanging you up right now. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Your natural reaction to problems at home is to stand firm and counterattack. Resist that impulse. Shopping, preferably with housemates, actually helps! Think ahead about what you need, and take your time looking for it. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Although small disasters abound, do your best to maintain a calm, mature demeanor. Every problem has a solution. Track each one to its roots; consult with whomever you must. The clean-up process will uncover new strengths, and annoyances may then prove blessings in disguise. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Dig up receipts and records, but let any real work on your taxes wait until late March. Trying to collect on debts from friends can be even more contentious than usual. Let that wait, too! Paying your own debts will save a lot of trouble. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Be careful of what you say and where you say it. Your mouth could get you into trouble with the boss or other authorities. Letting off steam and preparing important arguments with friends will help. But avoid those arguments unless they are absolutely necessary! You cm :find. oopk-5 c-f ti:...:: S 'J'A Ji :i r rh er.e -1 .mm:!li AR"'AN:'" .... ~ ICA.N!'tA;t Arkansas, Eureka Springs Diversity Pride EYem - www.diversitypride.com A Byrd's Eye Vie..- 36 N. Main- -479-253-0200 CaribeRcstaurante- -309 W VanBuren-- 253-8102 Henri's- - -19 1 /2 Spring St - - - 479-253-5795 Lumberyard Bar&Grill-105 E VanBuren- -253-0400 MCC Linng Spring - - 870-253-9337 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Condom Sense - -418 W. Dickson- -479-444-6228 Curry's Video 612 N. College Ave- 479-521-0009 Passages 930 N. College Ave- - 479-442-5845 Tangerine Club - -21 S. Block Ave- -479-444-6100 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 1004 1/2 Garrison Ave- - 479-783-9988 Red Rock City - - 917 N. "N' St. 479-242-2489 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Jesrers Lounge 1010 E. Grand Ave -501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - - -1021 Jessie Rd- - -501-664-2744 Diamond Stare Rodeo Assoc.- - • v.-v.-w.dsra.org Discovery- 1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - • - -501-666-6900 Sidetracks - 415 Main St - -N. L.R.- 501-244-0444 The Factory -412 Louisiana St.- - - - - -501-372-3070 Kansas,•Pittsburg (620) PSu-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- 620-231-0938 Kansas, Wichita (316) Our FantaS\'- 3201 S. Hiliside- -316-682-5494 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- 716 S. Main - - - - . 417-62'7-9035 MCC Spirit of Chris,-2902 E 20th, - -Sun-6pm Missouri, Kansas City (816) Missie B's- -805 W 39th St- - 816-561-0625 Missouri, Lampe KOKQ]'.fO Campg~ound- - - • - - - 417-779-5084 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonvilie P•.ve- - - • - --417-83;-4?!)') GLO Comm. Ctr- - -5i8 E. Commerical- 369-3978 Liquors & Kid,ers- -i i09 E. Commerciai- 873-2225 Martha's Vineyard- 2'.9 W Olive -417 -864-4572 Priscilla's - - -1918 S. Gkcstone .. 417-881-8444 Oz Bar - 504 E. Commercial - Ronisuz Place- --821 College- 4F-831-900l Oklahoma, Lawton riangles- - 29 SW "D" Ave- - 580-351-0620 Oklahoma, McAlester fcPride- - - - POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) merican Crossroads B¾B - POBox 270642-495-1111 om Room- 2807 NW 36th Sr- - 405-601-7200 lub Rox- - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy - 405-947-2351 risties Toy Box- 3126 N. May Ave - - 4 05-946-4438 stern Ave Video- 1105 S Eastern Ave- 405-672-6459 inish Line -2200 NW 39th fapwy- - 405-525-0730 ushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp - -4 05-525-0730 ollywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex- - - 405-947-2351 abana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- -405-528-2221 1221 NW SOth- - - - 405-843-1722 2200 NW Expwy- - - -405-524-5733 armers- - -2805 NW 36th St - - - 405-942-2199 riscilla's- 615 E. Memorial - - - - - -405-755-8600 d Rock North-2240 NW39th St- - - -405-525-5165 - - 2120 NW' 39th St --405-521-9533 405-528-4690 e Rockies-• -3201 N. May Ave - - - 403-947-9361 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) amboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine -918-836-8700 order's Book Store-2740 E. 21st- - 918-712-9955 order's Book Store -8015 S. Yale -918-494-2665 lub Majestic- - 124 N. Boston - - - - - 918-584-9494 lub 1faverick- 822 S. Sheridan -918-835-3301 - 8807 E. Admiral Pl - - 834-1051 ire Bookstore --814 S. Sheridan- - 918-838-85113 ,z's Lounge- - 426 S. Memorial- 319 E. 3rd- : -3007 E. Admi:al Pl ;iscilla's - - - 7925 E. 41 st - - · scilla's - 5634 \X'. Skc:Jy - risdla's - --1134 E. 11th - 918-743-4297 - -918-437-0449 -918-7 49-8378 -918-836-8544 - 918-584-3112 -- 918-834-3007 - - 918-627 -4884 -918-446-6336 918-438-4224 riscilla'~ 2333 E. 71 st - - - - -- -918-499-166 i negades- - - - 1649 S. Main 918-585-3405 b's Records- - -2909 S. Sheridan Rd- 918-627 -1505 ;,,Isa CARE~- -3507 E. Admiral Pl- 918-834-4194 c1isa Eag:e- - - - - i 338 E. 3rd - - - 918-592-1188 : 1T\ - . - - 2i14 S Memoriai- - - - - 918-660-0856 Jexton Jcwdrv - - -15 E. Brady 918-829-0824 trier Ne\VS Stand- 1 N, Le,vis- ~ -918-592-0767 'ellow-Bricic-Rd- -2630 E. 15,h- - 918-293-031'.i Yellow Brick Road 2630 E. 15th St, Tulsa, OK 918-293-0304 Yes Munchkins, Kevie is back as Manager! Po.ol Tournament- Mondays Dart Tournament- Thursdays Now Servitig Chimay Ale 5.00 LEASE ft.1 bed room Elect. 66th and Aprox 1800 sq ft 2 replace Sheridan Area sales price $128.000 Possible lease purchase. · Night Club for saleAprox 2500 sq ft. plus small house and large•storage building 11th mingo area Tracy 918-625"6377 Keller Williams I p 3007 E. ADMIRAL PLACE. TULSA, OK ~~- Llve Music March 17th, King Fish Band, NO COVER 50 cent. pool tables. Shuffle Board. 918.834.3007 Open Sunday @ 12:00 Noon Open Monday-Saturday 11 am HIDEAWAY 11730 E. 11th Tulsa, OK 918.437.0449 now 12noon to 2am ed Monday. MAGICAL MASSAGE Located in NW Oklahoma City Full body deep tissue massage. Call Mark 405-949-1991 Experience Total Relaxation EMPLOYMENT □ PP □ RTUNITY ADVERT,BINC3 BALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR WICHITA, OKLAHOMA CITY, MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS guaiifications to ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153 Tulsa, OK 74i45 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2006] The Star Magazine, March 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 3 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource March 01, 2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd. Tulsa, OK. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele Josh Aterovis Bunky Walters John Patrick Paul Wortman Carlotta Carlisle Libby Post Andrew Collin Donald Pile Ray Williams Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Andrew Hicks Chaz Ward Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, February 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 2 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/2https://history.okeq.org/items/show/23926 The Star Magazine, April 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 4 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/223 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/239 A Couple of Guys Advice Column AIDS American Civil Liberties Union Bitter Girl budget Business and organizations cartoons Choice City Life classifieds Club Majestic Club Maverick Crystal Meth Fat Cat's Gay Games Gay Oscar Night Heart to Heart HIV Irish Soda Bread Lesbian Notions Medicaid Cuts Mr. Right Past Out Q Scope Red Ribbon Star entertainment Star Scene Uncle Mikey vacation violence Willie Nelson https://history.okeq.org/files/original/053aed28888defcd37c9ddaaa6443882.jpg 15cd6958befd6ef5d13043ed41062330 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/8dbbb33fe9d546552ee7cc8b4b2d6b57.pdf 4fff70c1bab4245d3f1e590230feb801 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] Diversity Celebration Interfaith Service Program Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Program from 2003's Diversity Celebration Interfaith Service Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 8, 2003 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Program Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2003 Interfaith Service 2003 Diversity Celebration 2003 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/dde6d3f5e243ff56019e79cc541bcd8f.png 3246402a7ff61a47dc7f13cd04aa5896 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/fbe697bdfc2b49747e7d80e857801a61.pdf a84e2c8e6fc44986176785b560fd58bb Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] Sign on for the World! Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Advertisement from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights soliciting signatures to feature in an ad in the Tulsa World calling for equal protections for LGBTQ folk in the City of Tulsa. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2003 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Advertisement Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Pride 2003 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/ed6aa7b1edb964ea3dd339ec3cb2b31e.png f4b77cb93a46791037d35870a2047559 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/970c6cfd36449fd2f5a659c4d1f187d7.pdf 7b8f76a65c30ef629f7e564d5e11dc47 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] The Torch Volume 1 Issue 4 Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Newsletter created and distributed by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. Covers issues relating to gay life in Tulsa. This issue mainly focusses on upcoming Pride celebrations. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Summer 2003 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newsletter Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2003 Diversity Celebration 2003 Sodomy laws James C. Hormel Stonewall https://history.okeq.org/files/original/c31b66215d19fec52093635284e536e5.png 1628e2658178443fa576302202dedfac https://history.okeq.org/files/original/5b0cb22c740d2a90ff7bde486b5b6d5b.pdf 819464b5f91db9a7edf8ea4df1587248 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] Jim Verraros at Tulsa Pride Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Flier advertising American Idol contestant Jim Verraros as grand marshal of Tulsa's 2003 Pride Parade. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 14, 2003 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Flier Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2003 Pride Parade 2003 Diversity Festival 2003 Jim Verraros https://history.okeq.org/files/original/984b2ddd7bca6589b2c7199e18f8dd7a.png 8bcdb4cd25100a0cf61718dcd5546d0e https://history.okeq.org/files/original/b37f38bb72177ee91774dae5fef942d1.pdf 3a8276fe37a0ef11ab8a0fd56be8d03f Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] Pride Schedule of Events Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Schedule of events for 2003's Pride celebrations. Includes dinners, interfaith service, art exhibits, film screenings, concert, parade, and festival. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 6-14, 2003 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Handout Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2003 Diversity Celebration 2003 Kick-Off Spaghetti Dinner Paragraph 175 Interfaith Service Art Exhibit and Silent Auction Daddy and Papa Council Oak Men's Chorale Diversity Gala 2003 Tulsa Pride Parade 2003 Tulsa Pride Festival 2003 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights https://history.okeq.org/files/original/adfb94be1aa7b9e0db819a46456d1bd2.jpg 6adb773497756f46669e86cce7ccca20 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/4bfcb0d1b43a2abfc0b17c449e79825f.pdf 4e78cd608e7c1960940d0e9eae47a0d1 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document Little Rock, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Fayetteville, Sprmgfield, Conway au, • • • • ~ct!} CCfufil@ STA.R Tra, Familv Pride Spaghetti Dinner Friday, June 2 @ 6 PM Fellowship Congregational Church UCC Gav Dav@the zoo Saturday, June 3@ 11 AM - 3 PM Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum wcocancert Saturday, June 3 @ 8 PM Fellowship Congregational Church UCC Interfaith Senice Sunday, June 4 @ 4 PM All Souls Unitarian Church Fish Can't Flv Monday, June 5 @ 7:30 PM Circle Theatre East Village Art Show -Tuesday, June 6 @ 5 - 9 PM Tulsa GLBT Community Center Dressed to a T Wednesday, June 7 @ 7 PM OpenArms Youth Project Singing with Pride Thursday, June 8 @ 7 PM Tuisa Central Library Diversitv Gala 2006 Friday, June 9 @ 6 PM Gilcrease Museum Tulsa GLBT Pride Parade Saturday, June 10@ 11 AM Cherry St. to Main St. to Veterans Park Tulsa GLBT Pride Saturday, June 10@ 12 PM Veterans Park 187 5 S Boulder Advertising in the STAR is just good business cents. 3 l I I I I I II ii I Iff,l ( 1 ) -5 6 Proudly serving Tulsa & OKC's GLBT cornmu,1ir;cs since 1982 4 Arkansas & Oklahoma's Most Read GLBT Magazine. Deadly Silence We've all heard it before, but have you e-ver really stopped to think how true it is? In so many cases, silence can be literally lethal. Think about unreported abuse, an o-,erlooked cry for help, an ignored genocide. In the Darfur region of Sudan, a human tragedy is taking place and there has been precious little said or done about it. So far, that silence has taken 400,000 lives. How did it get to this point? In 2003, warfare broke out in the African nation when two loosely allied rebel groups attacked militarv installations. \X'hile these atta~ks were quickly followed by peace ag~eements, brokered by the Cnited States, the government funded militia groups called the "Janjaweed" to eliminate those considered disloyal to the S!.!danese government. Over the next three years, the rest of the world has largely ignored the atrocities committeci by the government-sanctioned Janjaweec:. Thus far, according to reports by the World Food Program, the United Nations, and the Coalition for International Justice, 3.5 million people are now hungry, 2.5 million have been displaced due to violence, and 400,000 people have died in Darfur. Rape has become one of the most common ,vavs to artack the women ar,d children of Darfur, once they have be;n driven from their homes. Now, the threat of famine is dosing in or, the already desperate people of Darfur. Meanwhile, the government of Sudan does nothing ~o stop the genocide. Many Janjaweed have been integrated into the army and police. No one has been charged with any crime, and their actions are not being challenged. There remains a state of total impunity. In 2005, the United Nations finaEy took action ag~.inst Sudan, referring the situation to the International Criminal Court. Howe-;er, nothing more has happened since chat m!!e, and tb:: US nas ~raved scraogeiy siient for a country tha;: daims to stand against :yrarn{y and injustice. Our media has said very litt:e about th.c conflict, :md it hasn't bee:1 a high priority for our go;,ernmem, although Ccmgre,s is considering humanitarian and peacekeeoing funcling. The silence has indeed been deadly. ,. ' · " That silence wiU be ending on Sundav, 1\pril 30~ ho~:.le\~er. /\ R.alh: to Stop Genoc:de is planr{eJ for 2 4:30 pm on rhe National J\.J:;il between 3rd and 4th Streets in front of the I.JS (~apttoL S01nc of the speakers scheduled to appear at the rally jnclude Barack ()barna, Nancy Pelosi, (;eorge (]ooncy, Russell Si1nn1ons~ l(\\a~si ~lfume, and many more. Il1e e,.7ent is intended ro dnr,.\' attention to the critical ~iri1arion in I)arfut- ()rganiz•.::rs are expecting hundreds of thousands to ;1ttend, after ()prah \"'Cinfrey rhe raUy on her talk sho\1--. This bre~king o~ the silence is only the !1rst step, however. We must continue to pmh President Bush and ::he internati(mai community to take the steps necessary to end the genocide and builci a lasting peace. What does ali this ha,·e to do ,,·ith gay issues? Personally, I believe the LGBT community should be acti,·e in this battle. After all, who knows more abour the poisonous effects of silence tl1an us? \Y/e\·e been forced into silence for centuries, and the results have often been fatal. \\?e'l'. never know how m~ny gay and iesbian people chose to end ti1eir lives rather tnan continue living in the dark silence of tl:e closet. How many more haYe been killed directly because of their refusal to stay quiet? · I1:_ fact, we kno\J: so much about tl1e subject, ~en years ago a group ot college students started :he National Day of Silence to protest rhe silence most gav students and teachers are forced into, and the ignored history and contributions of LGBT people. The students refused to speak for an entire ciay. The evem quickly grew from year to year. On Wednesday, April 26, 2006, ten vears after the Dav of Silence began, an estimated 500.000 students.at 4000 colleges · and high schools participated. Ir has become the largest student-led protest in historv. How does it work) Participants usually wear red shirrs, often stickers identifying ,hem as participants, :me! always hand our papers called speaking cards, which explain why they are not speaking. The card~ read: "Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I am participating in the Dav of Silence, a national vouth movement protesting the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexu~l and transgender peopie and their allies. My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by harassment, prejudice, and discrimination. I believe that ending the silence is the first step to\vard fighring these injustices. Think about the voices you are not hearing todav. What are you going to do to end the silence?" ·· · Whiic things have certainly improved for LGBT teens, even in the ten years since the Nationai Da\· of Silence srarted, we still cannot afford to be silent. The co~servaci\·e antigay forces are hard at work to drive us back into ~ne closer. In fact, last year, they began a program called the Day of Truth. lJnjike the National Dav of Silence, the Christian organizers of the Day of Truth encour~ge their par:icipants to speak out -- against the gay and lesbian students and their aiiies. Their goal is to "coumer the promotion of the homosexuai agenda anci express an opposing viewpoint from a Christian perspecfr;c." Strate611cally, the Day of Truth i$ heid the daY after the Dav of Silence and, as of this year. has become an a,nnual e\"ent. Their participants arc also encouraged to \Vear t-shirts and pass out cards. 'rheirs reads: HJ arn speaking the 'Truth to break the silence. Silence ~;~~::e~;::":,-r:::~1ac::;;::;.~~:~-~~t::::i:~t,::>~~::i:i:~::;~~~By proclaiming the 1'ruth in hurts \Vill be halted~ hearts ,vill be healed~ and hves ....-viH be s~P'lccL'~ ironic that that silence is not freedo1n .. but a constraJnr -- an the missed the point of the Day of Silence. tbc in their nJsh tr) R V Advertising in the SIAR is just good busine,.5s cents. Heart to Heart The good news is, as the Day of Silence continues to grow, I firmly believe our opposition ,vill fail. Sometimes it takes a ·while for justice and equality to take hold, bm: in the end, it alrr,ost always does. It can only happen when enough people refuse to remain silem. One voice crying in the \vilderness is easily overlooked. Many yoices raised together are much harder to ignore. Speak up. Speak out. Silence is deadly. * This is an official Reportable Health Information and Notification in Oklahoma (RHINO) Health Alert Network Advisory ercen ge O ~asesTnlYfSIDnTuTsa'" Reaches 91% The Oklahoma State Departmeni of Health (OSDH), HIV/STD Service, continues to identify an Increased number of syphilis cases in Tulsa County among men who have sex with men (MSM). From January 1 to March 10, 2006, 11 early syphilis cases were identified in Tulsa County. Of those cases, 10 (91 %) occurred in MSM. In addition, Tulsa Couniy likely will see an increase In the annual number of Syphilis cases for the second vear in a row. In 2005, Tulsa County reported 14 cases of which 8 (57%) were In MSM and in 2004, 13 cases of which 7 (54%) were In MSM. 65% of cases diagnosed with syphilis were co-infected with HIV. This increased activity in the MSM population of Tulsa County continues to be a significant concern for public health officials and suggests a continued demographic shift in the populations most at risk for developing syphilis in Oklahoma. Early detection and treatment prevents further damage syphilis may cause to the body and may also reduce the risk for HIV transmission. Consequently, persons at high risk need to be aware and seek testing. Risk factors Include having multiple sexual partners, using intravenous drugs, having sex without barrier protection, and being infected with HIV. Health care providers should consider expandIng their screening and prevention efforts particularly among the MSM population. Prompt reporting by providers to the Oklahoma State Department of Health is essential in preventing further spread of syphilis. Since January 1, 2006, six of the eleven (55%) new early syphilis cases have been identified through OSDH's contact investigation. Early syphilis cases can be treated with single doses of Benz:athine penicillin, which is avaiiable at the Tulsa Health Deoartmeni. Health care providers may contact.the OSDH HIV/STD Service at (405) 271-4636. Quotable Quotes Tom Reilly a Democratic candidate for Massachusetts governor, initialiy opposed gay marriage, but later became a supporter. saying he has seen that the samesex unions have not hurt the State More than 7,000 gay couples have wed in Massachusetts since same-sex marriages 1Nere aliowed beginning in May 2004. TheSTAR 7 8 Sanctioned Events "Pride First Night" Monday, June 19th Featuring the comedy of Danny McWilliams, Doors open at 6pm, Dinner at 7, show at 8 at the Copa - $35 with Silent Auction - Proceeds go to OKC Pride. Sponsored by Oklahoma Leather Guard. Leather Pride Night Friday, june 23 Phoenix Rising Sponsored by NLA-OKC -, Herland Sisters Picnic Saturday, June 24 5 pm at Herland standout Pride Festival Saturday, June 24, noon - 10 pm 25 Featured Band - Betsy and The Edge, 8 pm Sunday, June 25, noon - 5 pm Large Children's Play Area, Two Stages of Live Entertainment, PRIDE IDOL Contest on Saturday, Dog Contest Sunday, Great Food, Refreshing Beverages, a Host of Pride Items! Parade Step-Off Sunday, 5 pm www.OKCPride.com Sponsors as of May 10 ~' A!! rights reserved. OKC Pride, !nc copyright 2006 Advertising in the ST,4R is just good business cents. ooloun Be seen with the STAR. Advertise with us! 9 Lesbian Notions by Libby Post JUNE 2006 "Do The Paoerwork" The man who sat across from me was good-looking and in his mid-30s a corporate type who was crying as he ate his bagel. Almost six momhs after losing his 41-year-old partner, Rich Janulis, to a bad heart, Jim Salengo's pain is paipable. I couldn't keep from welling up myseif. They had been together for 13 years. They owned a house together. Rich, who worked at the New York State AIDS Institute, listed Jim as his domestic partner so that the latter could o-et health insurance from the state while between jobs. . b Thev, had built a life that was full of friends, family, , and fabulous times together. Thev had even taken the steps necessary to protect each other in the event one of them would die. Thev took the steps but never completed the journey. The day Ri~h died, none of the paperw-ork the v.rills, the power~ of attorney, the medical proxies had been signed. In the eyes of the law,Jim didn't exist as Rich's partner. Through Jim's tears came the anger he has felt for the past six months. He's not angry with Ri.ch for dying; he's angry because, despite 13 years together, their relationship wasn't valued by anyone or anything "official." Because Rich died at home, the police had to be called. "They asked me if I was his roommate," Jim told me. "I told them, 'No, we're partners.' \Vhen I read the police report, it said roommate." Jim's tear_;,; fl.owed. Then it was dme to determine who was Rich's next of kin - because the legal paperwork bad never been completed, the designation went to Rich's mocher, who told Jim not to ,vorn;, she would make sure he got what he deserved. If 't-v1om thought Jim dc'>er,cd hcarta~hc, pain, guilt, confusion, and frustration,, ";v/cll, she made good <)11 her word. Instead of ::;~r:;;~J;,::~ ~tl:~~s~l;n;):~~1~:;~;);~J:~o:c;i~~:~ti~~~~ back pay and unpaid vacation. She also just left him tv/isting 1n the \Vlnd crnot1onally. has been clearheaded She 10 the STAR Comptroller's office whicl~ would be distributing what the state owed Rich would be a sympathetic ear. ,-1is resourceful as a \voman on a mission can be, Jackie worked the svstem, and those funds went to the ~state and not to the m;ther. Since Jackie was appointed by the court as the estate's co-executor, there's some hope Jim will get what he reallv deserves - the same benefits and respect rhat ;,, heter-osexuai'survivor would have gotten in a similar scenario. ~ Much more complex and internecine than there's space for in rhis column, the story comes back to Jim, who continues to wipe his eyes in between bites. He tells me of their best friends from Massachusetts two gay men who \Vere planning a big wedding with Rich and Jim as their best men. They called it off. It just wouldn't be the wedding they had hoped for \Vithout both Rich and Jim to share in the special day. He looked at me and asked why. \X'hy has it been so difficuit for him to be seen as Rich's legal partner? \X'hy have he and Jackie had to jump through hoops? \X'hy aren't our relationships valued? We all know the answers to those questions, and so did he. He wanted to know what he could -do with his anger. I rold him he could be a poster child for the same-~ex marriage fight. "Maybe it's time to get involved," i1e said. Jim's story is the story of so many in the lesbian and gay community. Together for years, we never take the rime to put our affairs in order. We think "nothing is going to happen," and we figure we can cake care or it next month, after we get back from vacation, after Christmas, when we find a supportive attorney, when we have the time. \'fell I sav there's no rime like the present. If vou love each othe~ ancr'are in it for the long haul, do yours;lf a favor - get the paperv..-ork done. As the community continues to grow and we get older, having all the iega! and estate-planning work compiet~ is essential if we are going to protect each other. If you own a home together, make sure both cf your names arc on the deed. Luckily for Jim, both his and Rich's names were. Othcnvise, he could have los: the house Sit down with your partner and have the discussion -· \vho gets what in the event either of you die. :\fak:: sure part::1crs ~xc listed as beneficiaries on pensions and !ifc insurance poiicies, Do the research needed in your state to rnakc sure ~rrangen1cnts are iron-clad. Candidates: Jim Roth Candidate for Oklahoma County Commission Jim Roth is running for re-election for the position of Oklahoma County Commissioner for the 1st District, for which he was first elected in 2002. He was the first openly gay candidate to be elected to public office ir, Oklahoma Coumy,Jim has served as the President of the National Association of Civil County Attorneys, and is the only person in Oklahoma County hisrory to serve as a board member of the Nati~nal Association of Counties. He is also a member of several other professional and civic organizations including the Oklahoma, Kansas and American Bar Associations, Kiwanis Club, Rotary International, and the Chamber of Commerce in Choctaw, 1\fidwest Citv and the Capitol area. · \X'hile in office Jim has had many accomplishments. Jim, along with other members of county government, implemented a nondiscrimination policy for Oklahoma Coumy employees tha.: incl~des gays and lesbians. · Jim is also fighting to prevent Oklahoma County Public Libraries from deleting gay themed books from their shelves. He co-chaired a committee that brought the United States Holocaust 1-fuseum's traveling exhibit, The Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals, to O~Jahoma City. In addition he also sanctioned a five year road and bridge construction program that ,vill repair infrastructure ,vithin his discric:, and while his predecessor only got one direction District One has built 8. Looking to the future, Jim has begun an initiative program, CURE (County Urban Rivitilization Effort) which \vill heip increase home o,vnership by first time home buyers. Jim has also ·worked tirelessly to assist our senior citizens and ensure their golden years. Jim's reputation as a person of integrity, honesty, trustworthiness and professionalism has garnered support from his constituents. His positi,·e attitude and deep-rooted values add to his success as a commissioner. The Victory Fund is proud to support Jim in his re-election effort. Help Jim continue his effective and positiYe fight for equality and a better Oklahoma County. Individuals interested in helping Jim Roth win in 2006 may contact the Campaign at: roth4commissioner@cox.net or go online at ·wwV1.roth4commissioner.com * Oncourse f ark & reakfast jOO ]Seni:on f)lvd. Kansas City, Mo 6+12+ 816-2Jl-1196 health outreach prevention educationr Inc. 1-800-535 IDS (2437) Oklahoma's HIV/STD Hotline . ·• .PROJtCT YOURSELF .·. AAOTECTYQU~.F'ARTNER(S) ,,,' IV testing, including the 20 · screening at t'1e GtBi Community sda -from (j.1fuw. . . . ··•· .¥8 VF'· · Jt.o . .,~e. Testing Glinic llef'JS Oetrec1cll 'Program · In Tulsa at {918) 812-7845 concoursepa1rkbb@ 1 al.net Grand Victoria Historic No Check Us Qut! & I{egister- f~~ Starlif?;ht Theatre tickets lust t\/4inutes -- K'r- . ~ roudly accept the f~) Call for rates, weekend specials, or extended stay arrangements VvWV·✓-CONCOUK5LFAR.i(5AND5-COM the STAR 11 WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign's fight against the Federal Marriage Amendment hit full swing this week as the date for the Senate vote approaches. With a vote scheduled the week of June 5, HRC launched an ad campaign in press targeting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans, urged more than 250,000 fair-minded Americans to act against the amendment, released an online video aimed at encouraging action by highlighting the radical right's discriminatory campaign and continues to lead the Coalition Against Discrimination in the Constitution, a coalition of more than 120 groups in fighting the amendment. "This June the right wing will attempt w make GLBT people second-class citizens forever. Fight the Federal Marriage },mendment. Scheduled Vote June 5." With ads set to run as soon as this week, the campaign features ads in ar least 26 publica- The e-mail Action Alert, titled ''Countdown Bay Area Reporter (San Francisco), San Francisco Bay Times, Seattle Gay News, Washington Blade. to the Vote," begins: "In five weeks, the United States Senate will decide whether or not to make gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans second-class citizens in our nation's Constitution. Where do your senators stand? "One month and counting until the Senate wastes more time on singling out a group of Americans for discrimination. The time to act is now and every day to the vote," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "Our ads and posteard campaign are just pieces of the puzzle M1..;, .. .1utiite-,-..~ ... -.,;it•oe--..OIML lllo\lUIIA/ila-tNll•NT.--'--"90 THE RIGHT WING "As early as June 5, d-1e Senate will vote on the discriminatory Federal Marriage Amendment in an attempt to write discrimination into the Constitution. The Human Righrs Campaign has launched an aggressive campaign to stop them. Click here to take action now .... ...iw_oW_w.J ___ t,;p,,b WILL ATTEMPT TO MAKE --•-~.rt.~\l!Qt•ia~btiliof•tbt bl•....._, GLBT PE PLE "Despite the fact that the American people want Congress to focus on skyrocketing gas prices, the war in Iraq, and health care, -,,,. H_, R,g•i, Cor.pojg• • ~ ""c.-. Hli and -.c:rca tbe~ln l'IQltff 1w ~Mir• _l _ ,,..111-IIIINIIIIOH••:ht SECOND-CLASS CITIZENS v.a. Ctai,1(1:~ 8t.c ..,_ Qlllll' do 11 .-.:-. ,ott. tt U)QON Jo~ t.)W'JO'M....,,.,_i:i,ta#ld "Pf--t.,..~u..,..,__..,..,......,, •ntmpC to PA Olll;ftlllil'.-,10., lrJtio .,.._~IQll'l. 2)AI.I.RT~ tri.fllldltMdflp,ly'1o N ~ •Ad• !h•mloWIMl~a....a, 311'110111 rr IN°" - 1\,ad,J"1 E-~-i'>"' t~ QC of,_. to ~,-.r IIVH ~-...,_WI Cot,gt._ W.-:iiot ye# oppci,allio,, ¥ 20l/2:2 .. 4!21, 'IOIJR.V-Ill Cllrnc.1.1 HUMAN RIGHTS . right-wing leaders in in motivating fairminded Americans to take action against the amendment. While we're on Capitol Hill day in and day out lobbying against any www.hrc.org SCHEDULED VOTE JUNE 5 ; Congress continue t0 pursue a discriminatory anti-GLBT agenda. Prompted by anti-gay Senator Rick Samorum. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist announced his intention t0 force a vote on the so-called Federal !vfar:iage Amendment during the week of hme effort to put discriminatibn in our Constitution, it's vitai that oack home aH fair-mincied Americans are doing their part to make their voices heard." The online video features clips of anti-gay rhemric from President Bush. Sens. Ri~k · Samorum and John Cornyn, the Rev. Pat Robertson anci Bill O'Reillv. among 'Ot~1er~. in reference to the amendmern and a:;ks viewers to go to HRCs website to fight back. View tne video. The print ad includes a of Sens. !lick Santorum and l~iU Frist \dth the foHo\ving text: 12 the STAR rions in two dozen cities acro~s the nation, including: Tne Advocate (nationwide). Southern Voice (Atlanta), Bay Window~ (New England), Q Notes ;,Charlotte, N.C.), Windy City Times (Chicago), Outl•Jok News (Columbus), Dalias Voice, ()uc Front (Denver), Bct\'vcen the lines (Detroit) .. Houston \ 7oice, Frontiers (Los Angeles), Lavender :Viagazine (Minneapolis/ St. Paul), Gay i'-~c\vs (1'-..Je .. \,v York), Ne,,; York Blade, Orange County Blade, \J?a.tennark (()rlando)~ Bottom t,inc (Palm Springs), Philadelphia c;ay ~~e\VS, J::cho {)?hoenix/Tucson)~Just Chn land), Q Salt Lake, Pillar & L,esb1an l~inics 5. _-'\moag the grassroots efforts :n which the e-maii asks s;,ipporters w participate is a campai1:-,rn asking indi0:iduals to sig,1 pr>stcards that. the Human Rights Campaign will hand-deb·er to senators and representati.-es asking then1 to vote no on the Federai lVfar·~ riage :\mcndment. The Human Right, Campaign a;so continues to lead the efforts of the (:oalirion Discrimination 11.1 the a coalition (Jf rr1orc tl1an 120 civil crvi! 1iberties; labor and nrganizations d1at are to defeat the a1nen<.1rrn.:.nt. * ast Out by Liz Highle:1nan JUNE 2006 Summary : Pasr Out is a retrospective of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT history. Each installment brings the past to life by exploring the diversity of the gay past and its impact on the queer present. Who was Aileen Wuornos? Despite her grisly crimes, Aileen Wuornos branded bv the media as a lesbian serial killer garnered sympathy from som~ due to her tragic life and her futile quest for love. I 11 1989, \X'uornos found a new ,vay to ob:ain money killing and robbing middle-aged men who pickd ner up for sex along highway I-75. She first mardered eiectronics-shop owner Richard Mallorv in December, shooting him multiple ti~es ,vith a .22-caliber pis~o~. O;·er several months in 1990, she killed at least nve more men, including a sausage salesman, a police officer, and a missionary. On July 4, \vuornos and ~vfoore ran off the road in a stolen car oelonging co one of the dead men; they flea on foot, but were identified by witnesses. Police traced the women through motel receipts, a bloody handprint on the abandoned car, and thumbprints Wuornos lefr on file when selling victims' belongings at pawnshops. Two detectives cornered \'vuornos on Jan. 9, 1991, at a Port Orange biker bar called the Last Resort and arrested her on an outstanding warrant. The next day, authorities located Moore, who was visiting her sister in Pennsylvania. She agreed to coopera.:e, persuading \X'uornos to confess to the murders during taped telephone conversations. r-Ioore never contacted \X!uornos in prison, and ~he las;: rime they saw each other was when Ivfoore testified against ',Y,Iu ornos l. !l court. \'<7uornos' arrest set off a media circus. Within two weeks, she and her first attorney had sold movie rights co her storv, while three leading investigators in the case were also negotiating with Hollywood. After hearing about Wuornos on the news, a born-again Christian woman, Arlene Pralle, said Jesus told her to contact Wuornos in prison. Praile appeared on talk shows pleading on Wuornos' behalf, and eventually legaily adopted her. Wuornos was born Feb. 29, 1956, in Rochester, Mich. Her father, whom she never knew, was a convicted child molester who hung himself in prison. Her teenage mother abandoned Wuornos and her older brother, leaving them in the care of their maternal grandparents. Subject to emotional and physical abuse, W'uornos beca!De sexually. active at an early age, trad- ..----------------------- Wuomos initially claimed ail the killings ·.vere ing sex for money, cigarettes, and done in self-defense. In particular, she said drugs. At age 14, she gave birth to Mallory had raped, sodomized, and tortured a baby whom she was forced to put her. A.x her January 1992 trial, however, her up for adoption. Her grandmother testimony was inconsistent and prosecudied soon after, and Wuornos tors cast doubt on her credibility. She was dropped out of school, left home, found guilty and sentenced to death, despite and began eking out a living as a expert testimony that she was mentallv ill. In prostitute. the months ahead, she pleaded guilty ;)r no comest to five other murders. It was nor until the following November that an investigative reporter reYealecl that Mallorv had served time for vioieat ~cxual assault. \'i/uornos was arrested repeatedly for violations such as drunk driving, assault, and theft, once holding up a convenience store clad only in a bikini. When her brother died of cancer in 1976, Wuornos received a $10,000 life insurance payment, which she soon squandered. She was married briefly to a wealthy elderly man, but h~ had the m;rriage annulled due to her abusive behavior. By age 20, she had settled in Florida, ,vherc si·,c crmtinuec! to commi:: increasin.e:lv serious crimes under a varierv of :iliases. In the sun11ner of 1986, \\i/uornos - kncAvn a~ I~ee - 1net Moore at a Daytona gay bar. !vfoore, then 24, had left her hon1~ town 111 Ohio due w friction with he;- iamih· on:r her sexuality_ 'Though \X'\1ornos did not consider herseif ~ lesbian, the tv?o ~vorn- :;,:;:~Jt:~,::;;J~~i 1~:t ,~:~a;:;1~::·;~5c~!~~:::i:a~1::~i;;~:;~:~::1 ' fiv~ years: W:.:ornos regarded ~1oorc a, her wift~ ~nd ~..-., ".,.,,,, her as best she could \Vith earnjngs frcnn prostitution. biographer~ue Russell~ wil1c real driYtng force in L,ee}s life \:vasn't 14 the STAR Afrcr nearly a decade on death roVJ, Wuo;:nos sought to end her appeals. She dropped her earlier clairns of sc:f-defense, writing :n a 2001 :ettcr tc, the Florida Supreme C,;ur::""I'm oac \ 1/ho seriously hates hurnan life and ,.vould kill ;!gain.'' She died bv icthal injection 0:1 Ocr. 9, 2002. ·n:,Jut~u;.~:~;;t~::t~~~:!:~i,:/;~~ ;~;:~1~;~B~1 ;:;~:~~~~) 1 ;:: 1:Yr~:1~~~~r. of rjme 11~~:~~:::' :i;:~1~.~~;·~ti):2~~~:t::~1:~:~:~:~ ;~:~;;,:~ ~:~;~;~l though 1nost r1f ht:r had been ~,J/ith rncn. Some defcnd·- cr~ n1aintaln that '(fuornos \1 .. +:1s a Ylctirn r)f her abusiv-c chHdhood, predator}- ,.,-~,-,,,, __ ,, rnedia~ and an uniust legal system. ()rhher 1.~ain search for lo-,,.~c. Phom: Cast of the Bobby Page Sho,,, Steve's Hideaway, Tulsa Bene£tSJlo'Ys;;!5ag~an;,J~und-rai$er's,,thcs~·gitls w6rlc their 1:footie · · · · · · .. · · · · · · · bt:.t the , r·,\\"' six Iser «.. ~ .. beautiful with each rl.i· ,, ,',, ,',' ',' •/'</:',., ' 'i'p' ,:: ,,,, :,,:, \\:~:-'",;",:~ Wener~ 111 Okiahoma·~t2Ull}~' fabulous divli's. So okk yorirlocai Girl muJio~ist. cOmmunity.· Orleans, .. ·· thebrag For the past fo,.Jr years. and support td tb support our 'fi'''" ~. "' •-1 .,, .. ,,,.. ,;:,, ',,,•' N ",·:·,•.,',',l,>",,/h' '"·1 l·,:i 1 ~ '~/~ .!~~~~ fO~p~~ .tP~ ~9il?Ffll~-~~~~.·.~.e; ;~B~~~-· s1:1p,vs.1n O~at,o·nj~. :(:ity~ ·~lS~t a~.~·: f}a~~ .·9}1~.~~~>"'p¢?t~~r~~tee · ~Lie aCcurat.j. dUc 'ti,. t~~trurri~.I?v-e gOr..a:.1)~2<!iChe ':t.Ji1 ·.dori~f have a BAMBOO LOUNGE: Kriss Kohl and friends the 3rd Sunday of each month at 8pm. CLUB MAJESTIC: Caria Lee Lo\·e on Sunday's 10pm. .\liss Oklahoma Continental Pageant June 2nd 9pm. STEVE'S HIDEAWAY: The Bobby Page Open Talent Show \'\;ednesday's 10:30pm RENEGADES: Tabitha TaylC>r, Caria Lee Lcwe, Liberty Leigh check wiri1 Ciub Renegades for dates and times. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK BOOM ROOM: J\lis~ Ginger Lamar, Sunday's 10:30 PM. CLUB ROX: The ;\lison Scott Sho,;,; 2nd Saturday each momh, 9:30 P:vl, Shantei MandDclay Show follows. !\Iiss Arnold Lee l)resents, !st and 3rc! Sunday's each month, 7:30 PivL Hilo CLUB: The Tony Sinclair Drai! Show, EYery Frida\· 10:30 PM. LAWTON, OK TRIANGLES: Vicki('. Dillard, Isabe!ia V,,:1eartier, l\Iici1a Eriks and Kia Paige, Every Friciay and Saturday 11:30 PM drag time. Be y Smi le Forms ew Band pc:·?:·crn1cd hLr ia3t ,1.-ith the grc•up ar (Jub :rvia ... ,~ericks 'fuisa on ?viay 19th. liets\~\ nc\v band \\.·iH be ·'"13ets\- and 'The -rh~ hand 1ncff;bcrs are~ of course. Bcrsy on •.. - ocals and bas::- guitilr~ for \\\nonn;1) on Yoc2!'.'1 .c1nd nounccd. 'The frJnncd Juth.' uf fun and the STAR 15 AUG 4, 5 & 6 2006 FRI SAT SUN DIVERSITY WEEKEND " Eureka Springs, AR Calling All DORIS DAY & ROCK HUDSON LOOK-A-LIKES! cash prizes! • MK . tl>'.A. Jtf£! . . Ya/I Gotta Wear somtJ PINK on SAT Night! ea . w. S uctions! and Annual Pool Party • BBQ aea'r-cuii:or1ii1y CONTEST S d nee & social o d! Donna Summer! Hd fr,a co••11a#ty PILLOW FIGHT/ DJ's JANE & MARY KING & Guest SINGERSt PLUS MORE EVENTS TBA! & DiversityPride Tulsa's Diversity Gala 2006 TULSA OK IMAGINE the most elegnnt party, set in the 1920's in the beautiful Osage Hiils of Tulsa. for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) celebritries from around the world. Well, that is what Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) will be hosting Friday, June 9, 2006 at the Gilcrease Museum. The evening will in part serve to recognize State Senator Bernest Cain for his lifelong commitment to protecting the human rights of ail peop! of Oklahoma. Senator Cain will be receiving TOHR's Lifetime Achievement Award, a special honor for those wt-io have provided ongoing leadership and support in the GtBT & allied community. Lynn Jones, retired Major with the Tuisa Pol!ce, as thi~ . year's event chair and Nancy and Or. Joseph_ Mc£?ona,a ~s Honorary chairs, would love to welcome you to this grana evening. The evening benefits the community programs and services of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. Twenty-six years ago. a smali group of individuals started an organization seeking equality for gays and lesbians. Thanks to you and others, TOHR has grown into the largest and oldest GLBT organization in the state of Oklahoma. Thls year. 2006, will find us in the permanent TOHR-owned Tulsa Glenpool Flowe~ GP Gifts Earl Wheeler 437 E. 141st Street Glenpool, OK 74033 918.291.EARL {3275) Floral Arrangements For .•\I! Occasions & Hoiidays Serving the Tulsa Metro Area for over 21 Years with PRIDE! CUSTOM DECORATING * HOLIDAY SPECIALS prders by 12noon guaranteed same day delivery. Your order is treated with the upmost confidentiaiity. GLBT Community Center, an 18,000 square foot facility at 4th & Kenosha in Tulsa's East Village, within walking distance to downtown and the Brady Arts District - all vibrant urban spaces. TOHR will provide even more community-oriented services in the new Tulsa GLBT Community Center. Director Greg Gatewood, Oklahoma's only full-time GLBT advocate, with the help of an ever-increasing number of volunteers, supervises over 20 programs i~cluding the Tu_lsa G_LBT Community Center (the Center). The Center 1s on track to welcome over 10,000 individuals this year. The Tulsa GLBT Information Line fields over 3,000 calls annually while the Nancy McDonald Rainbow Library now has over 4,000 GLBT titles on the shelves. The David Bohnett CyberCenter, with 10 on-line computers, provides free internet access and computer use to over 250 people per month. The expanded Center wiil allow for additional programs and iarger events to serve not only the GLBT & allied c~mmunitv, but the entire Tulsa metro area. The expandea Center will include leased retail space, creating the potentiai for a GLBT neighborhood - something our community has been seeking for years. •'imaaine." You can reserve a table for your friends and family or business associates. as weil as indi~~dual se~ts here. Please feei free to cail 918.743.4297 With questions or for more information, 16 ~4dverlising in the ST4R is just good business cents. CHICAGO: HOST GAY GAMES New Asian Gay and Lesbian Travel Guide - page 22 The Caribbean, Homo-Phobia In Paradise! By Douglas Glenn With e,·eryone traveling these days one would think chat most everyplace would be very gay-friendly ..... or at least one would think that would be the case. Most small foreign countries have travel as their main source of revenue. They like to fill up their hotels, bars, restaurants and shops with American tourists. Did anyone read the Time magazine article a few weeks ago calling Jamaica the "most homophobic place on Earth"? According to Rebecca Schiefer of the United States based Human Right Watch, ''.Jamaica is the worst any of us has ever seen". Not only is Jamaica homophobic but nearby Islands of St. Maarten and the Bahamas have had their fair share of gay bashing. If this were just an isolated event we might look upon it differently but it seems as though the governments of these Islands are absolutely doing nothing about it. 0~ April 6, two CBS Nev,'!) employees were attacked and severely beate2. by a group of men on the Cario::)ean island of St. Maarten where they were vac:,tioning in what is described at as homophobic attack. WFOR television in I',fiami reports tbat Richard Jefferson, a senior prod~ccr for che CBS Nightly News and his friend R::an Smith a prociucer-researcher for 48 Hours were attacked as they left a pcpular bar after an altercation with the men earlier that night inside the dub. The :mackc:rs allegedly hurled homophobic insults at the two and they were beaten ,vith a tire iron. Both n1en were rns?ed to a iocai ho:piraL ~eff:r_S')D susta.1.qect severe cuts on the baci( ot hts head and his lov~1er back. Smith suffered a 18 fractured skull and possible neurological damage. Io Jamaica, Jamaican Aids activists, Steve Harvey, an openly gay man was abductive from his home and police reported his body was found miles away in a wooded area with gun shots ro his head and back. In ~hssau, Bahamas the Bahamian government banned Brokeback Moutain from showing in theaters. The Rainbow Alliance, a gay rights group, called the ban a "farce," and said most Bahamians reject the idea that a "small group of appointed individuals ? can provide the moral compass for the entire country.'' All Americans need to be protected when traveling, not only gays a;;d lesbians but everyone. ·'\/./e have a right to travel in a safe environment, after all this is the 21st centu::y! Life is too • short te> take a chance on going somewhere vour not wanted. Gays and lesbians simply need to take their travel doHars elsewhere. There are reallv pientr of places ri211t here in the !Jni:ed St;tes t~> tra~·d wher~: we can enjoy ourselves without being haras$ed. If you really need to go to an Island, then Ha· :~~:5~v~:::~;1~~t:~;,::~~!e;~/,~~c;·~~!~J~;;;n bars~ restaurancs as \vell a$ gay and lesbh1n accomn1odations including several Bed and Breakfasts. Gays cerrainly don)t haYe to to go on vacation 1:his year but it the STAR, TRAVEL SECTION won't be Jamaica or St. Maartens or the Bahamas! I want to have a stress-free travel vacation and don't ,vant to !rn,·e to worrY about anything! · * Which islands are gay-friendly Planet OUT TtaYel Columnist Kenneth Kiesnoski reporrs, while a chain of gayfriendly island destinations encircles tl1e globe, there has traditionailv been one missing link any Caribbean isie. That is, until now. Despite a welJ-deser·,:ed reputation for entrenched homophobia, frequent discrimination against gay citizens, and even open hostility to gay and lesbian travelers, there are signs that at least a handful of Caribbean destinations are changing their tunes. Gay-friendly-isn Caribbean: Whether prompted by economic consider· ations or internal or external pressures -- or, in some cases, ail three -- island nations such as St. Lucia, the Netherlands Antilles and the Cayman Islands arc, if not openlv courting gay travelers, at least chalie~ging reputations for rampant homopi1obia. The U.S. Territories of Puerto Rico, St. Croix and the GS Virgin Islands still offer the closest approximations of gay life in the Caribbean. Caribbean travel veteran Alan Chastanet, o-wner of S,. Lucia's Coco Resorts and vice president of the island's hotel and tourist board, said that as far as he and his hospita;ity colleagues are concerned. homosexualitv is a "non-issue." But even in hospitable Ca~ ribbcan island destinations. gay-specific or gay-exciusive resorts and nightiife tend tu be thin on the grcund, save perhaps in Puerto Rican metropolis San Juan. f-fere are a fe\1/ of the report card grades from Ed Sah·ato and Ke'r,neth Kie~noski Caribbean travel ,,Titer. St. Barts: /\- St. Kitts/Ncv1s: B-· Puerto Rico: 137 Cayn1an Islands: c: + Curac,:ao: B+ S~. L:cia: C + (;uadcloupc: B Lvlartinique: J) ~\rnh~~· FL Br~ti~~h c;rcnada: C ~ llil ffi:©[&Y~~ by Donald Pile and Ray Williams "CAMPING IT UP" "Camping it up" got a whole new meaning after we discovered the CAlvIPIT OUTDOOR RESORT in Fennville, Michigan, just 7 miles south of Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan. It is about a 2 hour drive from Chicago and is just a couple miles from Lake Michigan. Campit is the :tvfidwest's largest and nicest gay and l outdoor resort. Campit was establis 40 years ago and bec;me a gay and lesbian campground 27 years ago. The currem owners, Sally Howard and :Michael O'Connor purchased rhe campground in 2000. To clarify things, :tvfichael ;s a wonderful gay man and his business partner Sally is a wonderful lesbian. They are excellent hands-on owners. The owners KNOW how to treat their guests and that is the reason their guests keep coming back year afi:er year after year. The owners are constantly making new and exciting changes including remodeling to the Outdoor Resort. They added a privacy fence all around and another 3 dozen camping sires ha-:;e been aclded. A couple of years ago they added a large swimming pool, bath house and recreation hall. Campit Campground is completely secluded from the rest of the world and you could easily stay there for days without ever leaving che grounds. But if you wish to, the gay villages of Saugatuck and Douglas, Michigan are just 7 miles north where there are numerous gay businesses including antiques shops, gift ships, gay bars, a fitness cemer and gay restaurants. Campit Campground is composed of RV and tent sites. In addition to tl1e Bunkhouse Bed and Breakfast you can rent a log cabin or a traiier. There are total of over 50 "seasonal" RV, trailer and tent sites. The Band B has 5 rooms, air-conditioning and serves a contintntal breakfast. Guests choosing to stay in the Bunkhouse B and B have ful] use of the campground facilities. In addition there is a iog cabin that is available f~; renting. There are more than 23 acres of wooded and open areas, a bath house with toilets and showers. ~rails and a piayground. They have an "adult's only" policy except on "Family Pride \\:'eek". They are special tenting areas for nudists, women. leather, etc. They have a camp store with snacks, beer, firewood, ice and propane. The Campit is PERFECfL Y SPOTLESS! You won't find any trash, bottles or beer cans thrown around the grnunds. AU of a:he guests ::hink of this as r:heir second home. Can yeu possibly think rJi a better way to have a great vacation than ro g'l to :m all gay and lesbian campground resort? Getting back ,o nature? Buiklmg a campfire, roasting marsh mellow~? Snug- Yvith yGnr lo·ver in a tent under the stars? Isn't that romantic? TRAVEL Taking a hike in the woods? Swimming at their huge pooi or sun~ bathing? Even it you were not really into camping this would make an ideal alternative for your next trip. \X'hen we toured the campground it was unbelievable how many people were there. Hundreds! Everyone was so Eriendiy. There is truly a camaraderie going on there between all the guests. Many of them are "seasonal" guests that park their RV's and trailers all year long and come only on weekends from miles away and many of their guests comes from Detroit, Chicago and Indiana as well as ocher States. They have special theme weeks each summer including Summer \X:'omen's Weekend, Bears in the Woods, Commitment Ceremony, Leather weekend, Seasonal Gardening/ Landscaping, Family pride week and of course their famous Christmas in Juiy weekend. The summers on Lake :Michigan are exo:emely cool and at night you will neeci a blanket. Since this is a private resort, membershio is mandatorv. However memberships can be purchased fo~ as little as ${0.00 a year. The~ have over 3200 members! Sally and Michael have put the emphasis on their guests, making them feel like a family. The guests are what it's all about. How many .times have you stayed at a resort or ho:el only to be treated like a number? Not here! le is like a close-knit fum:ly. It is the friendliest place that we've ever been. All of the guests enjoy being around other people. It is certainly not a bar-like atmosphere where everyone just stands around looking at each other. Everyone here TALKS wich everyone and interacts. The personality of the owners and staff of course play a large pan in all of this. As most of our readers know, we are NOT "campers in the ·woods" however the next time we go co Saugatuck/Douglas, }\fichigan in the summer we will certainiy stay ar thei:: Bunkhouse B and B or in one of their log cabins. The Campit is open from mid-April chru October. Their roll free telephone number is: 877-CAlvfPIT 1. Check om their website at: ,v,vw.campitresort.com or email ::hem at reservacions@campitresort. com. On a personal note, we recommend the CAi\IPIT very highly. Everything is done the ngn.t way there. The owners arc extremely professional and conduct tl1eir busmesf in the righ, '-CW. Arkansas & Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine 19 b:-he Gay Games are expected to draw more than 11,000 participants land countless more spectators to the vibrant city of Chicago in July. Chicago: Host of ames II. ay For one week beginning on July i 5, Chicago will host what has become rme of the most prominent gay and lesbian gatherings in the worid, the Gay Games, which are expected to draw more than 1 1.,000 participants and countless more specta.:ors. America's i:hirdlarges: city. Chicago has become one of rhe top gay destinations in the country, known for its cxception,cl museums, restaurants, hotels, arcnitecture, and performing ar.:s. Even i[ you're in to·.\·n primariiy to play in or '.v:itch tl:e Games, try to sec aside at least an afternoon to visit a fe,v il:ey attracrions in the Loop, :he central business district ,hat ccmains Chic,gc's most notev.ortny mu~et1:ns and archtectural mauels, including the k~•.•iathan ;\farshaii Field & Co. department store, the Chicago Architecture Foundaticn Shop and Tim;- Center (which gives ex.cellcnt waikmg tours). and Grant Park. Don't miss the superb Art Imrjn:,:: of <:hicago, \vhosc a~tonishingly cotnprehensive collection spans ~~~;c~::::1t;~ :~;~it;::::_ ;~1~):.:;~~:~i: ii:\1~(,;s:)~1:E~:;::r~~1:1i~i~!~;~.;;· {)ther (;rant Park tnusts include the John (1. Shedd 1\quariurn and the sirniiariy hurnongous Field Ivluscutn f)f T'.Jatural 1-listory. I~orth of the J.,OOf\ you'll find a collcctit.n1 of lively and eclectic neighborhood~ - sorne nch •:.,:ith_ and others kncnvn for shopp1ng and fancy ;ipartmtnts and hotels In R.i•.Tr f,Jc.,rth~ l\1icb1~an ATenuc rhe ?v1agnificent i\1i1c) cornparcs \Vith the finest ~-\1ncrica.n ;ind I:uropr:~;.u1 shopping districts. Still f:1rthcr north hnci 1 l~!OO-acre Lin.cn]n P::u:k, \vbich ha~ St:\-cn;J n1t1scu. 1ns ;;~ \vcH as the sn1all but arts and ofthcat ane1 Chicago's gayest neighborhoods, Lake·.'iew and 1\ndersonville, lie '.vell north of dowmown and pulse with hip shops, see-anci-beseen restaurants, and chic iounges and clubs. In hopping Lakeview, J\Iatsuya sen-es excellent sushi and Japanese fare, includine- such knock~out ,tarrers as deep-fried chicken ,vings a~d whitefi~h with smelt roe. Although many imitators have opened nearby, \Iia Francesca remains the best place in the neighborhood for sophisticated but simple Northern Italian fare. HB is a cozy spot that features the crearive dowr~home cookin' of the Food Network's much-loved "Hearty Boys," Steve McDonagh and Dan Smith. X/0 is a s,vanky newcomer that serves up a tantalizing three-course champagne brunch, plus such innova.:ive crearions as grilled short ribs with Vietnamese cabbage salad, and seared sea scallops with pumpkin dumplings. ~!oxie is a trendy place for tasty tapas, designer cocktails, and great people-watching it draws a mix of the neighborhood's gay and straight folks. You could survive solely on the flaky, freshiy baked cinnamon rolls tnat accompany every meal at the haliowed Swedish diner Ann Sather, which ha~ several gay-popular locations. Athietes seeking healthy food should head for the Chicago Diner, which specializes in creative vegan and vegetarian fare and serves delicious baked goods. An attracti;-e little Thai restauram where the rice and noodie dishes are delicious and cheap,Joy's Noodles serves a terrific ginger chicken with a iragram bean sauce. If you're a jaya junkie, keep in mi!1d that the cozy Lai;:cvie,\· outpost of the Caribou Coffee chain is known ioca!iy as "Cari-bo," and "Queeribou" tlia, snould cell you all you :1eed to know about the crowd. Boys' Town is the heart of the city's gay-male nightlife scene. The guppie bar Roscoe's is practically a Chicago institution, fun for dancing and cruising any night of the week. A 6:iuy 5'Uzzling Bud longnecks and another sipping cosmos can feel right at home cogether at Cocktail, an intimate storefront bar where friends often meet up before heading out to larger clubs. Chicago's classic standand- model ,.cideo bar, SideTrack has plenty of rooms for mingling. Hydrate is one of the hippest gay bars in town, great for after-work ccc;.,_taiis or late-night dancing and cruising. A swank, smoke-free lounge k:10'.\'n :or its colorful cocktails and slick crowd, ivtinibar orened in fall 2005 and has become a favorite after-work spot. A circuit-bov fr.,orite on \Veekends, Circuit pulses with a feverish late-nigh~ dance crmni c•:en at midweek, ·.vhen ! ,atin nights are a hit. T1~~ srdish Berlin disco draws a decidedlr fonkic:- a;d mor..: altcrnati·n::- cro\vd than most of the preppy haunts in J,,ake-vie\\ ... ~carby Spin is an eclectic gay ciub \vith an aU-Jges crO\\,.d and fun oance rnus1c C:hadic':--: brings 1n fan5 c>f cou:ntry-\vcstcrn n1usic, \,vhilc the Gent:r\' ;~:r IIaJ~,ed is ,, B(::s~~~~;~-~~l~:~~;;1:1~fS~~::·:~:~v:r,~~i:~:~k!~~~o Con1tTiodities Exchange~ check out the ab(>Ut this -I ~C:\-l's types cruise the C:cH Block. l'~orth of Boys' 'To\1/n friendliest and rnost diverse bars, 20 Arkansas & Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine restaurant, Tweet, which is known for its festive brunch and for tasty organic fare. Another fun Uptown hangout is the Crew Bar, which draws sports fans (there are 16 televisions airing big games) and serves delicious food, too One of the granddaddies of Chicago clubs, the Jeffrey Pub anchors the South Shore African-American gay community. In the artsy, alternative Bucktown and Wicker Park neighborhoods, virtually all of the area's smoky, hipster-infested bars draw a share of the lavender set, especially the Rainbo Club, a favorite of art students, rockers, and slackers. Cafe Absinthe draws a grunge-y bunch but ranks among Chicago's most esteemed neighborhood eateries. Francophiles swear that Le Bouchon cooks up tl1e most authentic French bistro fare this side of the Atlantic. For delicious Cuban and Latin American food, book a table at kicky and gay-popular Cafe Bolero. And head to hip del Toro for tasty, relatively affordable Spanish tapas in an snazzy space v,;:ith Art Nouveau-inspired decor. Funky Andersonville is the heart of the lesbian scene as well as just being an all-around-cool neighborhood with a fast-emerging dining repurarion. A lively and atmospheric bistro with a decidedly queer following, Tomboy serves tempting fare like pan-seared duck with crimini mushrooms and a port glaze. T's is a friendly, gay-popular restaurant and bar - its Retro '80s Women's Night on Tuesdays is a hit. You could spend the whole night at Star Gaze, the neighborhood's top lesbian club, which serves dinner and also has DJs on weekends, lesbian comedy and live-music nights, and a convivial beer garden. And there's Atmosphere, a lively Andersonville dance bar and lounge with a mixed gay male and lesbian crowd. The neighborhood also has a few men's (mostly hard-core) leather bars, such as the Chicago Eagle, which is attached to a bathhouse and decorated like a motorcycle garage. If you have a place in your heart for fitted jocks and Tom of Finland drawings, don't miss the city's Leather Archives and Museum, which is packed \I.1th erotica, fashion, and fascinating memorabilia from various international leather contests. Until recently, standard chain hotels dominated the lodging landscape in Chicago, but quite a few hip hoteis have opened in the past several years, including three run by the gay-friendly Kimpton group: the French deco-inspired Hotel Monaco, the stylish and musically themed Hotel Allegro, and the swell-elegant Hotel Burnham, which is sec in the histodc 1894 cast-iron Reliance Building. The superb Atwood Cafe occupies the ground floor. Another option that offers style and luxury plus a fun attirude is the Hard Rock Hotel, which is se~ inside the landmark 4(Lsrory Carbide and Carbon Building, a fashionable property that's also home to the popular China Griil. lip near Boys' ·ro\l/11 there are fev:cr lodging options., but an excellent resource 1s the gay-friendly ':'~eighborhood Inns group, which runs a trio of boutique hotels ~wid1 charming roo1ns and great locariom, City Suites sits along busy Belmom Avenue, closest to the dming and club action, ~vhHe the more ron1anric f,1a1estic and ~ 7illo\-vs hotels are set along peaceful resldential streets a fe\\~ blocks from the accion. The city also has a handful of great inns and B&Bs, including the gay~o,;vned Flemish f1ousc of Chicago, :.i restored 1890s ro\v house with fiye handsomelv furnished bedrooms in the tony r:old ('1:v1~: 1· ne1g11!),xJ-,o,:x1 Ultimately, the Gay Games will provide a wonderful opportunity for Chicago to show off its world-class attractions, and for travelers to get w know - or become reacquainted with - the great "City by the Lake." * Arkansas & Okiahoma's most read GLBT A4agazine 21 I 1· ! New Gay and Lesbian Travel Guide To Singapore, Malaysia & Indonesia. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia_The l.'topia Guide to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, launched in late April, is the first such guide for the three countries, said Utopia Guides editor John Goss. 'We are simply shining a light on an aspect of society that exists in every country around the globe, but one that has been mostlv in the shadows here in Asia," Goss told The Associated Press via e-mail from the Thai capital, Bangkok, where l'topia Guides is based. The first e,:er travel guide to gay and lesbian life in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Listings include organizations, bars, discos, accommodations, spas, restaurants, and more. A speciai seccion of the book highlights groups, clubs, and businesses that are especially welcoming for women. Enjoy hundreds of san·y comments and recommendacions from local Utopians and gay travelers alike. The Utopia Guide to Singapore, I'vfaiaysia & Indonesia offers a landmark first iook at Southeast Asia's vibrant gay and lesbian scene. Although there are many unigue a!tracttons for the gay and lesbian travel in Asia, the following travel advisory is listed on Utopia Guide's web-site. Advisory: Gay life in Malaysia, as in other Asian countries, is blossoming despite conservative religion-based discrimination and outdated colonial-era laws. Former Deputy Prime :Minister, Aff,var Ibrahim, was famously removed from office by a ~rumped-up sodomy conviction that was reversed by Malaysia's high court in 2004. Muslims, both locai and visitors, are also subiecr to religious law which may (though rarely does) punish gay or lesbian sexual activity with flogging and male trans,·estism with imprisonment. Even though religious law does not apply to non-.Muslims, Isiam is the state religion under Malaysia's constitution and thas homosexuai citizens face official discrimination. Police may arrest any person (Muslim or not) for sex in a pubiic place .;i.e. cruise spots), so visirors are well-advised to respect Malaysian law and customs while they are guests in the count:y. Having said that, police generall;· have not de:ained forfigners ciuring raids on :ocal gay businesses, focusing instead on ethnic Maiay customers, almost 1 orJ\ n of ·.vhom are considered :t,foslim a: birth by :a,,·. For more information go to: ,vww .. utopia~asia.com * 22 the STAR rs akrast )OO 5enton . ansas C,t.9, Mo 6+ l 2 + 816-231-! 196 concoursepark.bb@ bal.net Grand Victorian s1:9le in KC's Historic · NorthE_ast ~ & egister for S Theatre tickets fZiverdance 6/)o Dr. Doolittle 7/1+ c;rease 7/28 Rent 8/18 Hairspra~ 9/22. Ga_y owned and we proudi_y accept the DECAKD Call for rates, weekend specials, or extended stay arrangements WWW.CONCOUR.SE.F AR.K5AND5.COM In Kansas City HYDES K Gym & Guesthouse 816.561.1010 www.hydeskc.com www.40thstreetinn.com The STAR since 2003 FREE HOME DELIVERY 5 Mile Service Area 918. 734.6847 tmai\ lrrol>o~aol.c.om COMING SOON! ,,,i{d 6l'ldseed 23 .y urn Sales Associate ION DOLLAR PRODUCER" ce: (918) 496-2252 625-6377 fax (918)491-6351 5555 E. 71st SL, Sldk 9102 Tlllu,, OK 74136 b,dq,e,,daa.Member Brolter_ Have a great birthday on June 4th from Stan, Terry, Loren, Chaz and ail your friends at the BOO! Salutations ... Kittensl Uncle Mikey here with the Queer Yiew. Summer is upon us. It is time once again for a more meaningful social season. The ·white parties, raves, and galas, ,vhat wil1 I wear kittens? I hope that my imported baby gamr swimsuit is ready in time. I know what vou are thinicing, but he gaye his life willingly. Now for the mailbag'. Dear Uncie i\likey, I ha,·e been seeing this guy for some time now and though 1 really like him, I do not see a future for us. He wants to settle down and I do not want to settle for anything less than fabulous, fast and flirty. I have asked him to join me in rhe party know!l as my life, but he wm not even try. I think that men were meant to single their earthly pleasures. Should I just drop him, or continue to sway him my ,vav? Hopeless Sex Da·wg Dearest Pooch,· Unlcasheci, Kitten it sounds as if the two of you are oil and water. You should respect yourself as weil your man and tell him, your true imentions, so that he will realize he is not going to change you, as he obviously must fee!. This will a1lo·.\· him to search for a meaningful relationship, whilst you concur your next boo:y-cal:. Smooches, U:1cle Mikey HeyBigM, I think \'OU are :,o fonny \vith you:- advice. Howe\·er, you seem to ride the· fence \Vith mu;· advic~, Sometimes ,·::)U sav it is ok to play and then other tin1es you act as though you are for the monogamy thang. What gi\·es) \X'here do nm stand on this i~:::ue, Just curious Dearest Cufrms, How did v(•u knov.c thn called i,. err l 1~1ca!l me. Big \.i? An.:: ,;ou a ~t~~~ i:::· ~~~!';tb:~:at7:,t:~~~~~~:~;~~r~;~~;: t~i~~c;_ ~~;;_'.~~a;ti;ecs Queerdon1 ,,,.hen you ,vcrc but a men.:: drip on your daddy'~ leg. lincle lives his life his O\V!l rules and an~:.:;,1,rers t() no one, Tn oti1er· ,vords .. until B1g !vfikey inv·ites vou rn-erJ the ;Joor. ·\X'c'H caH SmotJches. T.Jncie 26 the STAR Dear Cncle, My friends are giving me crap because I have dropped out of college. I ,vas tired of school and don't see why I should even iirijsh ,vhen I am making a killing as a bar entertainer/stripper. When I'm in my g-scring, th; older ~en just fling their money ar me. I don't feel that college is for e,uybody and :hink my time is better in the field rather than studying abo:it it. \'<'hat do you ~hink? • The Tv,inkstcr Dear Twinkstcr, Kitten, you might ·want to come from under that disco ball to hear this. \•?hilst the reward of youth mighr be favoring you now, realize this to shall pass. The skin does wrinkle; the •;ouch does fade, and ves - young 1)layer, time will trump your spade! Falling back on tha~ college degree does not sound so bad when you think about it. I mean I suppose even rhe retirement gay villas need some form of entertainment, rhough I fear the dollars v.1.ll siow, and ~he change ·,,,jll jingle the bails. I would suggest tha;: you give some serious thought to this matter, whilst you are shaking that monev-maker. Smooches, Uncle Mikey Dear Uncle, \\'.'hat do vou think about Gav cruises? Are :hey really •,vorti1 it=' I am thinki~g abou;: going on ~ne, our am re!ucram to spend chat kind of money, only .:o have a bad time. What do you think? Man on a cruise Dearest Kitten, All aboard! Kinen, Uncle has seen his si1are of sunsets over the horizon through the waves of the watery front. I can honestly say I ne,;er had a bad one yet. I ha\·c had my share of loved shipmates; hell, I have even had a fe\v seamen. I would suggest that if you have never been, you go prepared, and ready ro party dl the ships whore blows ashore1 Smooches Uncle Dear .i\fikev, Can you h~ve too much pride? I have a friend who is a walking rainbow parade. They see him coming from a mile away: l iusc don't see why someone neecis to make everything a gay issue. I mean that oniy gives the straight v.:-orki ammunition at our community. Righti;POV Dear lligh:y, There is a reas,m whr rigbty is :ighcy and lefty i:, looser One can ne,;cr !,ave enm:gh pride. As far as gi,0:ng ammunition, this ;s a ~~:i;;:ti/J;~~i<~:>~ fc::l~,}j:;~js~~~i;:;,~ tl~c;!~;~ ~;::;~!!:~ t!:~;l;:se (;then;~ icss you rake their Yery funda1nental freed()m 4'";.vay. In other \'•.:ords tighty, and let the sun shine on those pasty of vours. 1 tis sun1n1er - t\Yinks for l 1ncle \X'cH kitt::ns thai .• ,~Jout\;:f~1pb t,p ~:.~~~ :._f:.sicn v, :.,h \UL11 {~uee·n- J(itr-en~\ loYt one another, and rer:nernber in bulk. Grilled Rosemary Chicken w/ Drunken Mushrooms. 1 Whole fryer chicken. 6 large portabello mushrooms. 3/4 cup white wine. 1 /2 stick of butter. 1 teaspoon rosemary (Prefer Fresh) 1 /2 teaspoon lemon pepper. Fire up the grill, split chicken in half, melt butter in saucepan, baste chicken with butter. Mix spices together and season the chicken. Take a strip of foil and make a packet, chop mushrooms into quarters, place into packet and pour wine over mushrooms, set on the grill. Cook chicken for about 25 minutes or when temp ieaches 165 degrees. Remove chicken and mushrooms. In a large plate, plate both chicken halves, pour mushrooms and wine on top and serve. "CELEBRATE GAY PRIDE 2006" We have worked hard & we're not going back! How about a drink recipe this month that is light and refreshing. Made with chardonnay this goes very well with poultry and pastas. You can mix up a whole Pitcher for get togethers and be all set for Enjoy this one for laid back evenings at home with good friends. WHITE WINE COOLER (4 oz) Chardonnay (4 oz) 7-Up (1/2 oz) Pineapple juice (1/2 oz) Grapefruit juice (1/2 oz) Lime juice 1, Mix all of the above and stir well with ice 2. Pour into a highball glass. 3. Garnish with a fresh lime wheel. SUPER SIZE YOUR PRIDE CELEBRATION THIS JUNE ! Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine 27 Q Scopes by Jack Fertig JUNE 2006 "Review your budget, Pisces!" Venus just entered Taurus, drawing our attention to sensuality and comfort. Soft and comfy is in, and shock value is out - or so says Venus. But the Sun is in Gemini aspecting Jupiter in Scorpio, drawing out secrets and offering titillation. Ideally, it's time to invite some friends over for a cozy evening with an early John Waters movie. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Trying new looks on impulse is fun, but now shop for quality you can count on. Your wit is turning quite wicked, sure to get you into a steamy situation or just hot water. A time and a place for everything, love! TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Thrift shops serving charities hold hidden treasures for you. Economy is good, and may be difficult to discuss with your partner, but the two of you need to sort out financial issues. Just outline the situation now, and answers will come later. GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Bringing treats or favors to a meeting is obviously manipulative, but it works, especially now. Don't bother being coy or discreet. Joke about it and put your aims up front. Honest manipulation works better than subterfuge. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Your reputation is strong, but it wouldn't hurt to focus on appearances. Charity work opens opportunities for pleasure. That doesn't mean mercy sex! People who share your passions for improving the world can share ottier passions as wel!. LEO (Juiy 23 ® August 22): You are very persuasive now, more through gentle charm than the force or logic of your arguments. New friends can shake up your perceptions of who is "family." Be flexibie and open to that lesson! VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Your erotic sensuality, usually underrated, comes to the foie now and could become quite a topic of discussion! SUil, it's not what you want to hear about over the water cooler. Pay attention. and keep the talk at work focused to your advantage. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Little arguments or critiques easily get under your skin and dig up very deep issues. Accept the chalienge to deal with them constructively. Now is the time to iron out any problems in your relationship and/or strengthen any commitments. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Good health habits and exercise regimens started now will be easier to maintain. Results come in time, although slowly. Good safe-sex habits will come in handy! Erotic adventures will offer interesting challenges, so don't be shy. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Listen for hidden motives, but be careful you don't go over the edge into paranoia. A romantic retreat or an artistic, constructive outlet will help you stay grounded and keep perspectiye. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Your instincts for teamwork are unusually sharp now. Trust your intuition, but be very flexible and accommodating in the actual task at hand. Reward your efforts with cozy comforts and homey treats. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Playful impulses at work should be sublimated to creative labors. You're being watched more than you know, and your actions can be easily misinterpreted. Don't explain your efforts unless asked, but allow every opportunity to be asked! PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Your ethnic roots are showing. Affecting the accent of your forebears could be very seductive or lead you into an interesting exchange of ideas. Review your budget and financial plans. 28 Advertising in the STAR is just good business cents. Arkansas, Bentonville (479) NWA GLBT Ctr - PO Box 1161 Bentonville-72712--479-586-1062 Arkansas, Eureka Springs 9) Diversity Pride Event - - - - - - - - - - - -www.d ersitypride.com A Byrd's Eye View- - - - - 36 N. Main- - - - - - - - - -479-253-0200 Caribe Restaurante- - - - 309 W VanBuren- - - - -479-253-8102 Henri's - - - - - - 19 1/2 Spring St - - - - - - - - - - -479-253-5795 Lumberyard Bar&Grill- - - 105 E VanBuren- - - - - -479-253-0400 MCC Living Spring - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Swiss Holiday Resort- Hwy 62 at Hwy 23 So.- - - - 888-582-8464 Spexton- - - - - - - 17B Spring Street - - - - - - - -918-829-0824 Tiki Torch- - - - - - - - 75 S. Main Street- - - - - - - - -479-253-2305 Tradewinds Lodge -141 W. VanBuren- - - - - - - 800-243-1615 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Common Ground Restaurant- - - 412 W. Dixon - - 479-442-3515 Condom Sense - - - - - - - 418 W. Dickson- - - - - -479-444-6228 Curry's Video - - - 612 N. College Ave- - - - - - - - - -479-521-0009 Passages - - - - - -930 N. College Ave- - - - - - - - -479-442-5845 Pride Street Live- - 523 W. Poplar St-- - - - - - - - - - 4 79-587 -0557 Tangerine Club - -21 N. Block Ave-- - - - - - - - - - -4 79-587-9512 • Arkansas, Fort Smith (479j Kinkeads- - - - - - -1004 1 /2 Garrison Ave- - - - - - - 4 79-783-9988 Red Rock City - - -917 N. "A" St. - - - - - - - - - - - - - 479-242-2489 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Jesters Lounge - - - 1010 E. Grand Ave - - - - - - - 501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - - - -1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - - - - - - - - -501-6642744 Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - www.dsra.org Discovery- - - - - 1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - - - - - - - - -501-666-6900 Sidetrncks - - - 415 Main St - -North LR- - - - - - - -501-244-0444 The Factory - - - - - - 412 Louisiana St.- - - - - - - - - 501-372-3070 Kansas, Junction City (785) Xcalibur Club- - - - - - 384 Grant Ave. - - - - - - - - -785-762-2050 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - - - - - - - - - -620-231-0938 River of Life Church.- - 1709 N. Walnut- - - - - - - - -Service 11 AM Kansas, Wichita (316) Our FantasyiSouth40- - - - - 3201 S. Hillside- - - - - 316-682-5494 Priscilla's- - - - - 6143 W Kellogg Dr- - - - - - - - - - - 316-942-1244 Club Glaciei- - - - - - - - 2828 E. 31st South- - - - - 316-612-9331 Missouri, Ava (417) Catus Canyon Campground - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- - - - - - - 716 S. Main - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -417-627-9035 MCC Spirit of Christ- - -2902 E 20th, - - - - - - - - - - - -- - Sun-6pm Missouri, Kansas City (816) 40th Street Inn- - - -www.40thstreetinn.com- - - - - -816-561-7575 Concourse Park B&B - - 300 Benton Blvd -- - - - - -816-231-1196 Hydes KC Gym & Guest Hs -www.hydeskc.com - 816-561-1010 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -816-561-0625 Missouri; Lampe (417) KOKOMO Campground - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 417-779-5084 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- - - - 424 Boonville Ave- - - - - -- - - - - - 417-831-4 700 GLO Comm. Ctr- - -518 E. Commerical- - - -417-869-3978 Martha's Vineyard- - - 219 'N Olive - - - - - - - - 417-864-4572 Missouri, Springfield (417) Priscilia's - - - - 1918-S Glenstone - - - - - - - - - - -417-881-8444 Ronisuz P!ace- - --821 College- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - --1109 E. Commercial- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Enid (580) Hastings Books- - - -104 Sunset - - - - - - - - - - - - - 580-242-6838 Priscilla's- - - - - - - - -4810-A West Garriott- - - - - - - 580-233-5511 Oklahoma, Lawton (580) Triangles- - - - - - - - - -29 SW "D" Ave - - - - - - - - - 580-351-0620 lngrids Bookstoie- - - - - 1124 NW Cache Rd- - - - - -580-353-1488 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - - - - - - - - - POBox 1515, - - - - McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) American Crossroads B&B - POBox 270642- - - - - -405-495-1111 Boom Room- - - - - 2807 NW 36th St- -- - - - - - - -405-601-7200 Border's Books- - - - 3209 NW Expressway- -- - - 405-848-2667 Club Rox- - - - - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy- - - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Christie's Toy Box- - - - -3126 N. May Ave - - - - - - - 405-946-4438 Eastern Ave Video- - -1105 S Eastern Ave- - - - - - - -405-672-6459 Fat Cat Bingo- - - - - - 3130 N. May Ave - - - - - - - - -405-942-8875 Hollywood Hotel- - - - 3535 NW 39th Exp - - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Hi-Lo Club - - - - - - - 1221 NW 50th- - - - - - - - - - - - 405-843-1722 Partners- - - - - - - - - 2805 NW 36th St - - - - - - - - - -405-942-2199 Pec's- - - - - - - - - - -3535 NW 39th Expw - - - - - - - -405-942-2199 Priscilla's- - - - - - - - 615 E. Memorial- - - - - - - - - - - 405-755-8600 Red Rock North- - - 2240 NW39th St- - - - - - - - - - - 405-525-5165 Rudy's Place-- - - - -3535 NW39th Expw- - - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Phoenix Rising - - - - 2120 NW 39th St- - - - -- - - - - -405-601-3711 The Park- - - - - - - - 2125 NW 39th St - - - - - - - - - -405-528-4690 The Rockies- - - - - 3201 N. May Ave - - - - - - - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- - 3535 NW 39th-- - - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Tramps- - - - - - - - - - -2201 NW 39th-- - - - - - - - -405-521-9888 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) · Bamboo Lounge- - -7204 E. Pine - - -- - - - - - - - - -918-836-8700 Border's Book Store- - - 2740 E. 21st- - - - - - - - - - - 918-712-9955 Borde;'s Book Store - - - 8015 S. Yale - - - - - - - - - - 918-494-2665 Club 209 - - - - - - 209 N. Boulder - - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-9494 Club Majestic- - - - - - - 124 N. Boston - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-9494 Club Maverick- - - - - 822 S. Sheridan - - - - - - - - - -918-835-3301 Dreamland Bks -- - - 8807 E. Admiral P! - - - - - - - - -918-83.1.-1051 Elite Bookstore - - - - -814 S. Sheridan- - - - - - - - - - 918-838-8503 GLBT Comm. Ctr- - - - 5545 E. 41st- - - - - - - - - - - - 918-743-4297 Hideaway Lounge- - - - - 11730 E. 11th- - - - - - - - - -918-437-0449 HOPE Clinic- - - - - - - 3540 E. 31st - - - - - - - - - - - - 918-749-8378 Jazz's Lounge- - - - - - 426 S. Memorial - - - - - - - 918-836-8544 Midtown- - - - - - - - - - 319 E. 3rd- - - - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-3112 Nite Spot - -- - - - - -3007 E. Admiral Pl - - - -- - - - - - 918-834-3007 Priscma·s - . - - - - - - -7925 E. 41st- - - - - - - - - - - -918-627-4884 Prisci!ia·s - - - - - - - - 5634 W. Skeiiy - - - - - - - - 918-446-6336 Prisci!ia s - - - - - - - -11344 E. 11th - - - - -- - - - - -918-438-4224 Pr:sciJla's - - - - - - - - - 2333 E. 71st- - - - -- - - - - - -918-499-1667 Renegades- - - - - - 1649 S. Main - - - - - - - - - 918-585-3405 Rob1s Records- - -2909 S; Sheridan Rd- - ,. ,. - - - - - 918-627-~1505 Tulsa CARES- - - - 3507 E Admiral Pl- - - - - - - 918-834-4194 Tulsa Eagle- - - - -1338 E. 3rd - - - - TNTs •· - •· - - - 2114 S. Memorial- \Vhittier News Stand- - , N. lewis- - - - •· •· - - •· Yellow-Brick-Rd- - - - 2630 E 15th- - - ·· - - -- - 918-660-0856 - - - 918-592-0767 - 918-293-0304 ,9~~~tl~~S ~van~gt~ 'd.iSttibute ,~'~, toP,i~~. Of th~ ~Ti,,R, 1~,~~5;7887 9am to 4pm n1on - fri-or email: ozar-ksstar@sbcg!obal.11et 29 30 BABY, AH COUI-DN'T BE:1-IENE: WE:1-1-, OF COUl-tSE: I WANNA SUPPORT SKY. AND I THINK 11"5 A PE:RFE:CT JOB FOR HIM! AS WE: 80TH KNOW, HE:'S NE:VE'R HAD ANY PROBI-E:M ~y GI.EN HANSON and ALLAN NEUWiR'fl-t IT v.'HE:N YOU AGRE: TO SKY'S NI.IOI: SKY, I KNOW YOU'RE: GONNA BE: A ;:'ABllf.OllS INST!-tUCiOR! YOU JUST HAVE' TO SE:ND OUT THAT NATUAAI-, WONDE:RFUIE: NE:RGY OF YOURS, KE:SP BRE:ATHING, AND DON', WORRY--111-1- BE: RIGHT HE'RE: THROUGH THE: v.'1-1O!.-!: Cl-ASS. DOING YOGA IN NL/DE. Be Seen With The Star I i'OOK MY 5110!?6 o;,F. I ME:AN, l'M PA YING FOR THIS Cl-ASS ... IT'S MY CHOICE TO Night club for sale Aprox 3000 sq. fr. occupancy around 200 has storage building and small house on the propenv. $210.000 Great entertaining home on 15th street by fair Grounds 4 bedroom 1.5 baths Large Sunroom with !0 person Hot Tub Hard wood floors crown molding Large ~aster Bedroom Aprox. 2050 sq. ft. House is li:.e :1ew. $159.500 3 Bedtoom 2 Bath 2 Living 2 Car Totally Updated in South Tuisa 58th Sheridan area For Sale or Lease $145.000 or $1,200 per month Rental. 3 Bedroom 2 Bath 2 L:ving 2 Car with Pool 58th Place and Sheridan aprox 1850 sq. ft. $140.500 Conclo"s for rent 66th and Peoria area ! Bedroom 1 Bath with small Den SS00.00 Fireplace cover parking montn pius eclectic. Condo'·s for rent 66th and Peona area 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Fireplace covered parking $550.00 plus eicGric. Tracy Whyburn Keller Williams Realtors 496-2252 Cell 625-6377 12th page classified CALL FOR RATES 91 B.B3S.78B7 11730 E. 11th - Tulsa, OK 918.437.0449 OPEN AUDITIONS FOR 1'L'\LE DANCERS EVERY \X'ED. 10:30PM Congratulations to our own Bobby 1st runner up in Miss T of America. Open Tues-Sun 2pm-2am Closed on Monday' S OPPORTUNITY ADVERTISING BALES REPRESENTATIVE F'OR WICHITA, MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS qualifications to ozarksstar@sbcgiobal.net or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 Get results with STAR Classifieds! by David Evenings & Weekends In Studio or Out Calls Credit Cards Accepted ( 405) 830-3679 ssified CALL FOR RATES 91 B .. B35.7B87 31 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2006] The Star Magazine, June 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 6 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 01, 2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele Josh Aterovis Douglas Glenn Bunky Walters John Patrick Michael Dee Paul Wortman Carlotta Carlisle, Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ray Williams Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Chaz Victor Gorin Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, May 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/240 The Star Magazine, July 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 7 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/228 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/229 Advice Column Betsy Smittle Caribbean Club Majestic Comic Strips Diversity celebration Diversity Gala Federal Marriage Amendment Gay and Lesbian travel Gay Games Grilled Rosemary Chicken w/ Drunken Mushrooms H.O.P.E Heart to Heart homophobia Island Hospital-ity Jim Roth Lesbian Notions Night clubs Past Out Q Scopes Quotable Quotes Star business center star classified Star Distributors Star entertainment Star Scene Star travel syphilis Tulsa Pride Uncle Mikey vacation White Wine Cooler https://history.okeq.org/files/original/df46b0b6350819e0539ea3d9b4718e1f.jpg 409eb6e6fa72b2d593d6aca46efd01f7 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/64a224f15f6b4b4ac4ed428f8666b2dc.pdf db29791b0f530020f1b86a8bf4d4d91f Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document 4 CONGRATULATIONS To Our Tulsa Pride Festival Give-A-Way WINNERS! TULSA, OK_ \Xlhat a rantastic turn out for Tulsa Pride held June 10, 2006. In spite of the sweltering heat thouFands turned out to celebrate Tulsa's "Pride Not Prejudice" Festival. Thanks to th& hundreds who stopped by the STAR booth to say hello and to those who entered our Pride Give-A-Way drawing. The $40.00 Gift Certificate donated by Earl Wheeler of Glenpool Flowers and Gifts in Glenpool, OK who has served the Tulsa Metro area for 22 years went to Tom Votaw of Tulsa. A 540.00 Gift Certificate from St. Michael's Alley Restaurant, a wonderful dining experience located at 3324L E. 31st Street in Tulsa was won by Da\·id Bryan of Tulsa. The RCA DVD Player contribution from Michael Leach and the STAR went ro Aaron Christensen of Tulsa. Thank you 1ficnael for all your help and contributions. Ralph Smith's name was drawn for the free 1 year subscription ;:o the STAR. * ( 1 ) - 6 l2roudly serving 1UJsa & OKCls (Jl.,B''f communities since 198 Arkansas & Oklahoma's Most Read GLBT Magazine. Stonwall Responds to lnhofe · "No Gay" Claims (\'.\'edm.:sday,June -::, 200:j) "As you see here, and I think this is maybe the most important prop we'll have during the entire debate, my wife and I have been married 47 years. We have 20 kids and grandkids. I'm really proud to say that in the recorded history of our family, we've never had a divorce or any kind of homosexual relationship." -United States Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK) "Championing family values means more than repeating rhetoric. It means that we must value ail members of the American family," said Jo Wyrick, NSD Interim Executive Director. "I remember being taught by scripture that love is kind, it does not boast. Unfortunately, the Senator's words were nor kind and through his boasting, Senator Inhofe has further demonstrated that Republicans are choosing to only offer political rhetoric designed to appease campaign donors rather than serve to actually secure the stability of the family." Senator Inhofe made his statements late yesterday on the floor of the United States Senate as pan of a Republican effort to lobby public opinion on the issue of the Marriage Protection Amendment (MPA) which the Senate will vote on today. The measure is expected to fail, and is opposed by the majority of Americans according to recent opinion polls. Tnis is not the first time tha~ Senator Inhofe i:tas issued aggressive anti-gay srarements from the Senate. In 2004, the Republican from Oklahoma made it clear to reporters that he ·.,ouid never hire an openly-gay Republican. Responding to allegations rhat a member of his staff was g:w, Senator Inhofe toid the C:iicagc Trib~.ne that the allegations were fab:e since he wouldn'~ hire a gay applicant .a due to the possibility of a conflict of agenda.'' J\i2ny prornioent Republicans have been noted t(J include openly-gay members of their imn1ediate family including 1/ice and Alan Keyes. the STAR 5 What Does Pride Mean to You? Every June, the debate begins: Is Gay Pride still imponant? Do we need the parades and festivals? Is a month to celebrate homosexualitv really necessary? Many claim that these public dispiays of all thi~gs ga)· do more· harm than good. Yet, in these times of widespread, government-sanctioned homophobia, pride events are more popular rhan ever. What gives? The simple answer may be that pride is empowering. Many gays and lesbians feel isolated in a heterosexual world, bur pride eYents remind rhem that the\· are far from alone. Being surrounded by thousands of other p~ople like them is an affirming feeling. The answer really isn't that simple, rhough. The truth is pride means different thine:s ro different people. Pride doesn't last for only one monrh a vear ~and it isn't always about waYing a rainbow flag. \'l~'ith this in mind, I decided to inte~iew four young, openly gay men. The conversarions were informal and far from scientific, but I discovered some interesting similarities in their answer~. Ley came out between the ages of 13 and 14, Brandon at 14, Matt at 15, andJonarhan at 17. All four boys reported that thefd always ;ust know rhev were gav from their earliest memories. "I ngured J • V 0 something was different around fifth grade," Ley explained, "but didn't put a word ro it umil sixth or sevenrh grade, and didn'! accept that it really applied to me unril eighth grade.'' Their experiences are far from unique. According to Caitlin Ryan, director of adolescent health initiative~ at San Francisco State Universirv, who is conducting a long-term study of gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths and their families, the average age for coming out is dropping at a rapid rate. For many years, most gay men came out between the ages of 19 and 23. Some srndics report that age has dropped ro 14, and it's getting younger ail tl>e time. A recent Time Magazine article offered more insight. Forty vears ago, most gay males said they knew :hey were gay at age 14. Mal? teens today say they've known since they were at least 10 years old. What bro ugh~ about tJ::iis drastic drop? Experts disagrez on_ t~e details, but most agree it's a resuit of incrca5ed exposure. K;cts are aware of what it means to be gay much car:ier today ti1an m d:e past. That means, as Ley described, they are able to put a name to their feelings of being differe<J~ at rou!1ger ages. :\fatt said he had labeled himself ··gav'' by the time he was 10. Still, e"',rcn in his case "lvherc he had no quahns about gay, it rook him five vcars to come out \'\fhy th<: delay? E,\'en though kids are ccnning to terms '\.Vith their sexuality a.t n1uch :~,:~~~: :::~, (:~,:~:;: t::!~onside/~h: 1 ;i!:::;~:~e,:/f it's s~;;:n~:r and fan1ily., thlnk ho\\' rnuch harder it is for a young teen. ,..rhc prospect of getting kicked our of your horne ar t".vel .. \,~t· or thirteen i~:. rnuch more young "! was just sick of holding the secret in;' Matt told me. "It felt like a giant weight on my shoulders that was constantly forcing me to lie and cheat the people I loved. I finally cold myself that people's opinion of me might change, but only for the better. The friends that I might iose (which happened ro be none, rhankfully), would nor be missed because they obviously did not love me in the way that I loved them.'' Jonathan, who brags he was almost kicked out of first ~ade for kissing a boy, came out for similar reasons he wanted to be honest with his friends about who he was dating. "I didn't want to be someone who couldn't be happy about a date and giggle with my friends because I wasn't out. I wamed rhem to cheer me on, and tell me that it ,vas gonna be fun, and ask me questions about the guy." Brandon boiled it all down to a simple: "It just felt right." The key to each of these boys coming out at such an early age was pride. They were confident enough in who they were to share that with those around them. W1rnt I found most interesting, however, was the way pride :neant something slightly different to each of them. To Ley, it meant not being scared ro be who you are. for Brandon, being proud meant standing up for a worthy cause. To him. pride was more about celebrating our accomplishments and looking forward to where we want w be. Jonathan took a more personal approach. "Pride means living life - with all its obstacles and hardship and stereotypes and still have the abil.itv to look in the mirror and tell yourself that you're still here. No· matter who vou love or what brand of clothing you use to define yourself, nothi~g can change you. You are you -- and if I can say that to myself, that's pride." Matt's response perhaps best sums up the changing attitudes about pride. "Pride, for me, is a very important thing. No matter what asoect it is, you have ro be proud of who you are. If they had an' "Americ~n Mutt" Pride Month, or a "Brown Hair and Brown Eves" Pride Month, I'd be out waving my flag. Gay Pride Month i/no different. It's ;us;: another aspect of myself, a tiny portion of ·Nhat makes me unique. r\ lot of peopie don't see the necessiry of gav pri~11 e b ecausc 1· r t,s e1' rh er too out t h ere (.t o o queeny, •, oo " g ay " , wi1atever), or it's not necessary because throwing a rainbow flag around doern't accomplish anything. Bu~ being proud of who you a:e is1,'t nccessarilv about proactively accorr:plishing something. h's about letting the public know that you are happy with yourself aad cvernl:ing about \"<>u. But it's not reaiiy about other peop:e I'm 1Jro,~d of ·:,,.+10 I a~. reg-ardless oi h<Jw others feel. Cnfortunatdy, I\·~ become ·-:en· mud; rer:10.-ed from a lot of the "traditioaal'' gay pnde. l no longer attend the meetings of the Pride 1\lliance at my ... nor d\) I 1;articioate in the Pride Parades. lt's not that Pm no longer proud -- l;elt I'~ here and I'rn queer, baby! Ifs much more ab(;{Jt the fiicr that rm at a po1nt in 1ny life .., vhere rm trying to ~:~);:~:;n other ~::~:.~c;:~~:dl~;:s;:~·r!:Y:~:~ll:,!;}~t;~~;v~~~~ ::~ ;;~~ ,.. 0 Advettising in the STAR is just good business cents. Heart to Heart Pride means many things to different people. The parades and festivals are still meaningful to many, while others prefer a more personal approach. \Vhatever it means to you, find a way to celebrate it! * Tulsa Rough Riders Fundraise For AIDS. TULSA, OK_Tulsa Rough Riders through various fund-raising events during ;:he month of June raised $236.00 for charity. The events proceeds will be given to St. Joseph Residence organization of Tulsa. St. Joseph Residence is an assisted living cemer for low income people living with AIDS. The group presented the proceeds to the Director of St. Joseph Residence during Pride Month 2006. Tulsa Rough Riders recently presented "colors" to the Tulsa Eagle, making it the "HOME" bar for the club. \'fay to go RoughRiders!!!! "Homophobia is a crime," An estimated 2.4 miliion peopie took to the streets of Sao Paulo (wer :he weeicenci to celebra:e the Brazilian city's 10th annua] Gay Pride paracie, the Associated Pres~ reported. l~he thetne for this year's event \Vas ''J:iomophobia i~ a ,. to highiight propo,ed anti-discrin1ination la~.vs. Discritnination is still widespread across Brazil. Eighty-enc Brazilians '\Vere ki!led 1a~t ';:,7ear because of their sexual orientation} activ'"ists say, Proposed la,;;vs vlou]d aHo\v san1e-sex civil uni~ns throughout Brazil; are nu\1,~ permitted ortly in the southernmost state of Rio CJrande do Sul. Salt Lake City Police Set Up Recruiting Booth at Gay Pride Event. by Tonya Papanikolas SALT LAKE CI1Y, UT_From baton-like performers to floats that encouraged wlerance, the Gay Pride parade was a colorful affair. "The parade is a chance for people to get up and express who they are in a very public way." Law enforcement agencies were there not tO keep the crowd under control, rather they used the festival as a recruiting wol. For severai years now, police officers and gay community members have joined together to work on a public safety committee that addresses issues of understanding between the two groups, but this is the first time police agencies have formally recruited at a Gay Pride event. Police officers told us they've traditionally been weak in recruiting from the gay and lesbian community and they want this community w feel comfortable with law enforcement. To do that, they say gay, lesbian, bisexual and cransgender people need to be represented. The Gav Pride Festival ar the Citv and County ·building boasted music, food and a lot of different vendors. This year, police officers wanted a booth. Capt. Kyle Jones, Salt Lake Police Department: "The iirsr purpose is to let the gay and lesbian communitV know that police departmen~ s in this valley are gay-friendly. Our :,econci purpose is to do some recruiting." Seven different police departments and dispatch centers sent representatives to give out information and talk t0 people about iobs manv in the g·;r,1 and lesbian community have traditionaliy·;b\ed av.-:-ay from or feit ~ locked out of. Brian Reeder: ''The police force, it's gener~ lly somethi?g y::;u don~t _fe~l is frien~ly rt) the gay< and 1esb1an populanon. But tney seern to be. S<J that7s a Capt.. Kyie Jones: "I think t'.1ere's an impression that police officers are homophobic. Years ago that may have been the case, but it's not tl1e case now.'' The booth drew a lot of people curious to see what police were doing there. Todd Crane: "I think it's awesome. I think we need to have more community im-olvement with the police." Others were truiy interested in law enforcement jobs. Terry Reid: "I'd apply. I'd apply for a dispatcher." Brian Reeder: "Now that I know they're willing to openly accept gay and lesbian people, it's definitely a career option I wouldn't rule out." Terry Reid: "I applaud them. That's great. That is great. I think we need to break down these walls and get diversity" The police departments say the more gay and lesbian officers they have working for them, the more the gay community will feel its issues are represented. Police want ro send a clear message. Capt.. Kyle Jones: "We don't care about who you are or who your partner is. We care about, can you do good police work?" The festival coordinator said that the Gay Pride movement began in New York in 1969 when gay people got fed up with police harassment in bars and started rioting and fighting back. So, he said to haYe officers here at the Festival this year sho-ws how far the reiationship has come. * Quotable Quotes In ]\iash-,-ille, 16 billboards went up \Vtth this quote: '-(Jay and lesbian people have families, and their families should haYe protections, v.rhether by marriage or civil union. :\ constitmionai amendment banning sarne~sex marriages is a forrn of g;.1y bashing, and it '\Vou}d do ar all ro ntotect traditional marriages."' ...... . Coretta Scott King 2004 theSTAR 7 Con atulation to andy Cayne, MISS OKLAHOMi\ CONTINENTAL 2006-20070 by Greg Steele Photo's by Chaz ; .::::::/ ,:, 0;.f)6ti~·}J~ . TULSA, OK_Held at Club Majestic in Tulsa, OK, this years · · Miss Oklahoma Continental pagaent wasn't just another · drag show. With the Eiffel Tower as a back drop, the show . had a definite Gay Parisian theme. The opening number · displayed more feathered ladies than the Moulin Rouge. .. It was quite spectacular! The five contestants competed · in four categories. Talent, Swimwear, Evening Gown and Question-Answer. Kandy . · Cayne, a native Tulsan residing in Dallas, TX swept three of · the four catego- . ries with Mendigan !man Star winning a well deserved talent · trophy. Mendigan Iman Star from Arkan- . sas won First Alternate. Second Alternate winner was Mya Mokha · Iman from Oklahoma. A special award was given to Tulsa's own Miss G~y Oklahoma America 2006, Tabitha Tayior for the best show production, an episode of Twisted Theatre. · Billed as the most fascinating pageant in Oklahoma, the Miss Oklahoma Continental Pageant is open to contestants from all states to compete. Contestants in this years show hailed from Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma. The pageant is a franchise of JF Enterprises of Chicago Illinois and is in it's 27th year. Oklahoma Continental is owned and operated by promoters James and Monica Freeman of Tulsa. If you missed this years show it will be avaiiable on DVD soon. The 2004 and 2005 pageants are currently available on DVD and can be purchased through the website listed below, Previous years Oklahoma Continental winners were: Miss & Mr. Oklahoma Continental 2005 - 2006 Ebony Hall - Daniel Xavier Miss Oklahoma Continental P!us 2004-2005 Domonique Daniels, For more information visit the Miss Oklahoma Continental website at: www.okcontinental.etechsolution.ca Ph,;t;J L.·fL w Right. ;'\[iss Oklahoma r:cntmental 2005 !fall, ~\f1,, ( lldai1om:, Conrinentii 2006 "Kandy Cavne'·, ,'\,f1s, Continentai 0i2.::ionaL 21;!1!, "Dunani(pe Shappelle" NE DI SPRING FIE ION FOR MO. PRIDE. By Kay Massey Springfield Pride Block Party, Photo by Teresa Goodrich. BENTONVIILE, AR~The Northwest Arkansas (N\X'A) GLBT Community Center, a newly formed community outreach organization in Bentonville/Rogers, decorated their van for the drive from Rogers, AR to Springfield, MO on June 18th to prove their community pride, as ,;veil as to advertise Springfie!d1s Pride Festival tl1at ended pride week "'Nith a bang . .l\. Block Par~y was staged on Commercial street which is also the location of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of the Ozarks (GLO). The event was well attended by over 2,000 people. There were drag Icing and queen shows all day long. Some of the speakers addressing the crowd were the Mayor of Springfield Thomas J.. Carlson and Midge Potts, a transsexual running for US Congressional seat in Missouri's 7th district against Roy Blunt, as well as many others. 'While all of the action was going on in the street, inside the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of the Ozarks (GLO) a silent auction was being held to financially support the Center. Another fund raiser earlier in the week for the GLO Center, by Queen City Cab3:tet. Queen City Cabaret brought in $8,000 for the community center. The money will be used for the organization's operating expenses. The GLO Center took over the Annual Pride festival recentiy after ShoMeMoPride, the previous organizer, went defunct and turned the Festival over to the GLO Center. The GLO Center and Springfield MO Pride coordinated efforts to put on one heck of a show this year in support of Springfieid Pride. NWA GLBT Community center had a large banner for e,eryone in attendance to sign as a pledge of suppor: to t,'Je GLO Center for the nexr 12 months. The banner was filled ',virh signatures by attendees throughout the day and \Vas presented to the centers nev.r Director Bill Harmon by Kay Mas$ey and CaroI Ri,;crs, Co-Directors of the NWA GLBT Commi.:.nity Center, at the end of the event. The banner ~~vill hang inside of the GLl) (:enter until next :fear's Pride Event as a reminder of Pride 1n Springfield, and as a pledge of support tcJ the GL() CenteL Be seen with the SIAR, Advertise with us! 9 Lesbian Notions by Libby Post JULY 2006 TWO Is Better Than, "Won"! If Wayne Besen has his way, the "ex-gay" myth will be no more. The author of Anything But Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth_ launched a new organization recently, Truth Wins Out (f\X'O), at the National Press Club in \'vashington, D.C Named as a direct challenge to the Love Won Out conferences sponsored by Focus on the Family, 1WO's mission is to expose the lies and deceit of the "ex-gay" movement and to strip the Radical Christian Right of its "love the sinner, hate the sin" facade. "The ex-gay ministry is the heart and the Achilles heel of the Christian Right," Besen told me in a recent interview. "They use these ministries - like Exodus International to shield their hate. By [TWO] showing the ex-gay movement for what it really is, the Christian Right wiil have to return to fire and brimstone. We want Americans to know this is a hoax like selling swampland to senior citizens in Florida. Right now it's a monologue, and they're doing all the talking. We're going to make our ,·oices heard to the American people loud and clear." With the White House in the pocket of the Radical Christian Right, the rhetoric of "ex-gayness" has become a GOP political truth. \'vhen Bush held his press conference in early June to push for the Marriage Protection Amendment, which would codifv discrimination into the U.S. Constitution, Alan Chambers, Exoclus' president, and Randy Thomas, its director of membership, stood by his side. Their presence increased and solidified the political capital of their lies and deception. In a press release issued after being invited to the Wnite House but before tl1e oress evem;,Chamoers said, "The lives of thousands of former homosexuals, like me, verifv that homosexualitv is not an immutable trait, therefore marriag; is not a civii right r~ be casuaily granted to any group who demands it. Nor is it a rdationai right of passage w Ix: awarded to those demonstrating a comrnitted, emotionai bond. t;bmatdy. tbs debate is about nothing !es, than tile preservation of future gcnerations.H ~' 01;1~one needs' :. ~o 1l et ('' • . • • 'd' r .. ~nam.bers 1n o~ a secret - \Ve~ve: bec~1 a~ 1ng to tuture generations tor qu1te some nme no\V :and haYe r:.1.1sed son1e ~:,;:71~ek:1:s·s:~:;:>;;~~;l:::e:;,;;~~:~\ 1~J1 ;(:~ !'.:;;~~:~:t:l~:~d that deny gays and lesbian$ \vho are out and proud the abiJity to \Valk do,vn the aisle? Belie\'(' rnc., I7rn for him Ch·1rnber~; i:.:: one of those folks \vhosc I,,(;J~T re;.-okc iong ag<;, 10 the STAR card I'd h,ri.'c liked to But it seems to me that Chambers is realh- it!St a cioseted bisexual clearly, he can do it with men and wom~:1, - and that's his prerogacive, But by telling gay men and lesbians that we can enjoy "freedom from homosexuality through the puv.rer of Jesus Cl:rist:' and bv making a political crusade our of it, he has crossed ~t proYerbia: line in the sand and needs to be met '.vith equal ferocity. TWO and Besen are definitely up w that task. "I think we need to get a lot more aggressive in tl1e movement,'' said Besen. "\Ve hai.e a tendency to ignore the attacks under the premise of raking tl1e high road. I think our community is fed up with being swift-boated [a referen,ce to how John Kerry's campaign was sabotaged bv Republican operatives who claimed to be Viet Nam vets and undermined the senator's war record]. "TWO is the group that will fight back. We'll make sure our community cannot be collectively character-assassinated," said Besen. "\Ve wam to be rhe war room for our movement to resnond to the Radical Right." • Right now, TWO is just Besen and some volunteers \vho soend their rime researching and gathering the information they ~vill need to continue to debunk rhe fallacy of ex-gayness. He intends to move the operation to Washington, D.C., bur keep his-present Miami office so he can maintain what he calls "the Florida turnpike connection" between T\"(10 and Exodus' headquarters in Orlando. Not wanting to become an LGBT organizational behemoth, 1WO still needs to be supported by rhe community go to www.truthwinsout. org, watch some of the unbelievable video clips of "ex-gay," born-again therapist Richard Cohen, and then click on "contribute" and do the right thing. "Truth Wins Out will put a laser-like focus on this issue things will happen because we cause them to." Spoken like a man who believes in the poy;er of the LGBT community a power that still has not been fully realized, but with Besen's help will stop the insanity of people nati!1g themselves because of whom they love. When tl:at happem, then love and truth reallv do win! · * OKLAHOMA JULY 25TH DIVERSITY EEKEND Eureka Springs, Arkansas Aug 4-6, 2006 Swiss, Holiday Resort No Surprises Staying with , , , Rodeway Inn Ozarks Family Owned! Great Sunday - Thursday Rates • Visitors center and area attraction ticket center • jacuzzi king rooms for two • On-site weddings and wedding packages ® Close to restaurants and attractions • Small pets allowed • Family reunions • Ozark Mountain Motorcycle Tours of popular area destinations • Picnic and barbecue area • Group rates and package plans • Church group packages available • Friendliest atmosphere in Eureka Springs • Family owned and operated• Trolley stop• Free tanning bed for guests • Continental breakfast • Meeting room to hold 80 with full kitchen • On-site massage therapy center • Guest laundry • Center of all attractions Call for toil free reservations: 1-8 - 4 P.O. Box 430 • Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 479-253-9501 www.eurekaspringsresort.com the STAR 11 th" ampa~ n New Epidemic NEW YORK, NY_On rhe discovery of AIDS 25th anniversary in June, the gay community is grappling with a new epidemic a dramatic increase in the use of what many consider to be the most dangerous drug in the United Stares Crystal Meth. In an effort to combat abuse of this highly addictive drug, New York City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (the Center) announced the launch · of a new ad campaign with the message: "Silence= Meth." The phrase "Silence=Meth'' is a slightly modified but equally haunting reinterpretation of ACT UP's famous "Silence=Death" campaign during the 1980s AIDS crisis, when posters bearing the words "Silence=Death'' were plastered throughout New York City. The posters became a wakeup call to action for those most vulnerable to AIDS - gay and bisexual men. "Twenty-five years ago our community refused to be siiem about AIDS," said Richard Burns, Executive Director of r;1e Center. 'Just as the ACT UP caippa;gn a;erted tl1e gav community to AIDS in the 1980s and ✓ ✓ 90s, the Ce;:iter's 'Silence=Meth' campaign will focus attention on the danger of Crystal Meth and what the entire community mt.st do to he'.p prevent abuse and addiction to ,his drug." 1\ffecting all races, age~ and sexual onent:.1~ cions, <:rystal IV1eth is a po\\.·erful rnood •alteriag stimulant that has been ~weeping through com1nunitics across the United States" In Niarch 2006, (~ongrcss passed the (~ombat r"letharnphctamine 1\ct, ,..vhich restricts the sale nf nver--the-courner coJd and cant pseu<loephcdrinc~ an 12 the STAR med to illegally manufacture Crysta! Meth. Although seizures of "Moonshine Metn" labs ha,-e slowed slightly under the new law, the drug still holds a right grip on many commwtities across the country including New York's community of gay and bisexual men. "The ACT UP ads put our government on notice that the gay and lesbia!1 communir:,· would no longer tolerate its silence on the devastation of AIDS. Today, we need to keep talking within our community about hm01 co address rhc impact of meth use and we also need to hold government accountable for giving us the necessary resources to effectively implement meth prevention and ,reatment," said Barbara Warren, the Center's Director for Organizarional Development, Planning and Research. "Crvstal fvieth nor only affects the user, but eve;vone in the user's iife friends, family, cow~rkers, community and society. No one can afford to be sile:1t about Me:h." "The 25-year separation of rbe t\vo campai<' ns is panic;.;.larlv relevant because the epidemic; are so ci~>sely connected;· Burns said. ''The relationship between Crysta! ;\!eth and HIV/AIDS has become clearer o;·er the past fevv years with studies showing that Crvstal Meth u~ers are :11ore likely w engage· in unsafe sex and that f1 IV-:___positive n,1:.::n are 1nore likely to use: c:rystaJ ,~..,,feth." In a 2006 survey of gay and bisexual 1ncn in approxitnatcly one in four indicated the use of C:rystal ~feth in the period of srx r11onth$ pnor to tlie assessn-1(~nt In a "~.,, •. ,n,• 0 In addition to its counseling services, the Center has addressed the Crystal Meth crisis through its community forums, education campaigns, public polic~ advocacy efforts, and independent research. Congress demonstrated in 2005 its support of tr..e Center by allocating federal funds for the expansion and enhancement of the Center's Crystal J\Ieth prevention and counseling programs. The announcement of the "Silence=Jvfeili" campaign came just before June's National Gay Pride Month - an event marked by the annual parade through New York City on the last Sunday of the month. * New Nutrient-Based Approach Shows Promise Against Deadly Bird Flu Symptoms Clinician and Researcher Dr. Tim Guilford is investigating a promising new treatment for bird flu, which has potential for substantially reducing the mortality rate associated with H5N1 infections. Dr. Guilford explains his strategy in layman's terms during interview with Dr. Shoshana Zimmennan of Bird Flu Beacon. Los Altos, CA (PRWEB) June 6, 2006 -One of the main causes of concern about HSNl Avian Influenza (bird flu) is that approximately 1/2 of the confirmed cases have died. Experts attribute this mortality rate to an unfortunate immune response called a "cytokine storm." This ofte:1 fatai side-effect is triggered when a virus gets past ~he frontline defenses and rhe immune system over-reacts. Dr. Guilford iikei;s this occurrence to urban v,1arfare, in \Vhich the ,veapon:.-; used to take our the enemy also inflict hca·v}~ civilian casualties. •~"Without instructions tc back <Jff, the immune system not only destroys the virus but the tissues around the virus, causing such acute respiratory distress (/tR~DS) that the i1ninunc sysrcrn can readily kill the infected indi\tidual as ..._-,,.~eJi as the ,-irus.'~ the process in sorne\vhat more ciinlcai tern1s, l)L (;uilford says~ '~In pan- Continued next page . .. Your Health: TNF (tumor necrosis factor) from immune and epithelial cells to help kill the virus. However, the virus produces a protein that causes the energy producing mitochondria of the cell, located in the cell's nucleus, to become suddenly sensitized to TNF. This causes the mitochondria to break down and release substances that trigger rapid cellular death. While fighting a virus, excessive TNF can simultaneously attack cellular membranes and inrercellular biochemical machinery. When enough of these mechanisms are compromised in the lungs, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) occurs, and it is ARDS that can lead to death from bird flu." Dr. Guilford notes the need to both strengthen the body's frontline defenses and to inhibit the damaging effects of a largescale release of cytokines. He points out, "There is accumulating e,--idence indicating TNF is modulated by antioxidants in normal tissues, especially the antioxidant called reduced glutathione. People \¥1.th acute respiratorv distress svndrome have been test~d to be low in reduced Rlutathione in lung fluid.'' ~ These findings have put Dr. Guilford onto the trail of a potentially effective treatmem for the disastrous effects of HSN1 infection. He is currently investigating the use of liposomal encapsulated reduced glutath.ione to maintain normal glutathione levels. He says, "Medical research w date has previously focused primarily on stopping replication and proliferation. However, if glucathione can be shown in clinical studies ro modulate the cytokine storm, it will prove to be an effective and inexpemive approach to dealing with virai infect.ions. Currently we have ver: few medical tools for the cvt;kine storm. , and tbs approach appears promising." · * Photos Needed for World AIDS D Remembrance Service OKLAHOMA CITY, OK_\Y/o:dd AIDS l)ay P~men1brance Service v1iU be held Thursda); 1'1overnber 30, 2006 at l\1avflo'..ver Congregational Church 3901 N\:\' 6.3rd Street, Oldahoma City, OK 73116. There ,;viU be a reception foUo,.,-ving the service. or colleague of yours has died of AIDS, please send a photograph(s) of this special person in a jpeg or TIF format to the following e-mail address to be added to this presentation: patta1@cox.net For more information about this presentation, please e-mail Pat Hernandez at patta1@cox.net. Startling statistics- - Nearly 5,000 Oklal1omans are currently living witl1 HIV/ AIDS. This number d~es not include those individuals who are infected but unaware of their infection. - 15- to 24-year olds make up the largest number of HIV infect.ions in the world. - African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV: thev account for 33% of total AIDS cases in the U.S., while comprising only 11 % of the U.S. population. Approximately 40 million people worldwide are living with HIV/ AIDS. - More tnan 25 mill.ion people ,vith HIV/ AIDS have died since the first AIDS cases were identified in 1981. - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevent.ion (CDC) estimate that more than one mill.ion people in the U.S. are living with HIV infect.ion, one-quarter of whom are una,vare of heir infection. Join our efforts for a healthier Oklahoma. For more information about World AIDS Day and how you can become involved, go to ,vww.aidswalkokc.org. * MISSOURI AUGUSTBTH COMMENTARY by Michael Dee '.'Different strokes for different folks'' is· the old .saying that my grandmother used to teli me sometimes. This is.altfine and dandy but if you do want to be all that diff ercnt then you have to stiffer. the consequences. You can wear any kind of hairstyle that you want but if you can't find a decent job due to your hairstyle then perhaps you need. to re-evaluate your self The same thing about clothing .What employer wants to hire · somebody who doesn't fit into .their idea of what they Wa.D;t t:hen: company to· represent. The same widigoing out to din!"lei: or to a · bar. . t:hing to weai: to a' Jot Of QUVS • ·.· . and gals:wea~gWetnto H:te··oars: ~r one . . . :r for. mpubμci us: ·most , . . . yrhor~~;!;~~tt l:Ioestb dress shabbv. . . . . ·• · . . . ~~. · t'waiit 'to fort·to. thetitselves lbl)kS~er. ' ... ·.. ... ) .. ,;'.: I doti't care if vour · dragor"dr~ir' · .best. As a ma in ieath(ll' and E~~r notice • · feans? It nsed ~e .t~ :go to th gr<:at I ~~;..is· o noticed that . ~ndlooks HOT!' Wh, .. in the Mid:w:est? · ,', ,,', ' ;,'' ::>, ', ,;',~i' ,,,,':',:< ,,: »;'};to wnnts to go t.o a hru: and see a burich of ~!eazy q..~ssedpeople withbasebill d:ps on (and sometipies bac'.kwa!i:ls) . .Guess .. thattlicy ~e ttving · · ·. , · · Well, th~y are ~otl enough reputation the .,,.ray it is without us · contributfo£ to it more. Be nroua of who , ',' ':' '. i: ..-. 'j:. '1./", ,,,'~y ,,', ''.',',,"t:" :>>,;' ';::., ' you are anct maxe tne Dest out of lite.. Arkansas & Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine * 13 ast Out by Liz Highleyman JULY 2006 Summary : Past Out is a retrospective of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT history. Each installment brings the past to life by exploring the diversity of the gay pasr and its impact on the queer ptesent. How queer was the Weimar era in Germany? The era of ti1e \X'eimar Republic (1918-1933) ,vitnessed a flourishing of the arts, liberalization of sociai attitudes, and the emergence of a vibrant queer culture in Berlir. and other German cities. But a conservative backlash, economic depression, and the rise of the Nazi regime reYersed this progress after little more than a decade. Like much of Earope, Germany was devastated by \X'orld \Var I. Hungry for peace and cager for change, the country ousred the monarchy of Kaiser \Vilhelm II in November 1918 and instituted a parliamcman· democracy led b:i the Socialists. The following year, the legislature drafted a ne,v comtiturion granting gender and class equality, prirncy rights, and indi\·idual liberries such as freedom of speech and assembiy. Thus beg;m an era of rcmarirnble artistic and intellec.:ual ferment. The realms of literature, drama, music, architecture, and ,he new medium of iilm expioded. Philosophy and political theory enjoyed a renaissance as weil. and medicine and science flourished, with new advances in fields ranging from psychology to physics. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, a:1d transgender people were in the thick of these de,·eiopme!lts. By this rime, G~rn{any already had the strongest gay righ,s mm·emcnt in the worid. In 1897, Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld and ethers had founded the Scientific ffomanitaria!1 Commit:ec the first:-c\·er i10me,sexrn,; rights group devoted to ~eform of Paragraph 1 the (;cnnan ]a\v criminalizing sex ben.veen men. In 1919, Hirschfeld opened the imtirnte for Sexual Science in Ber~i:1, which h(,used i library, rnuseu;n, .1:1d c;inic. The mcvemc!·:t \Vas even large (~nough t<, have internal schis1ns: 1\dolf Brand's Gemeinsc!uft dcr Eigenrn (Comm;;nitv •.if Seif-( hvners), tot;ndcd in 1903, cckbratcd :~;;sculmc culture a~d rejected Hi;·schfdd'~ medicaiizcd Yicrr of hon1osexuality. c;ay social life fiouri~~hcd dunng the 1920~. \X>'hilc there v;ere hubs of activity in cities such as :\.lunich, and (:olognc'.} Berlin ",.l?as \Virhout doubt rbc center of cp.1ecr culture. ;\nracted by the heady attnosphere ,c1nd a ">;~vcak currency that n1ade li\~ing relatively cheap, gay::: and lesbians flocked to the capital frorn across (;ennany and around the \vorld. one --•en""''''' there ~~\~ere 35!\000 gay men 14 the STAR pher Isherwood's Goodi)yc to Berlin (1 ?39\ \vhich inspired the play and film _Cabaret_. Berlin boasted dozens of g:1y, lesbian, and transvestite nightclubs, leading Hieschfc1l'd to note thar "Cranians [his term for homosexuals] }ia;-e been $Ceo arri,·ing frcm the depths o: the provinces weeping rears of JG,· ,,t the sight nf rhis spectacle." Manv sue!: Yenues ·.,ere concentrateci in the Schoneberl! and Nollend~ rfpiatz neighborhoods, which ,emain centers elf g,~y lire today. One of these, the Eldorado :~ightc!ub on :;\fotzstrn,se, sported large signs over the entrance announcing "\·ou've ;:()und it1" and "It's OK Herc!'' In addition, there were numer<ms cafes, bathhouses, fetish clubs, bookstores, theaters, anci hotels rn,,m- op::::ated D\' gay entrepreneurs as well as an c:stimateci 2,00() male, pr~1srimtcs. · Lesbian and bisexual '.':omen ,,·ere acfr,c in mixed-gender homosexual organizatiom such as the League for H .. 1man Rights, ac' well as in the burgeoning \,·omen's mo\·ement, '.wirkicg for cduca!ional reform and the right to employment o .. :tside the l;<!me. B:; one estimate, there were some 50 lesbian \Tm1es and organizations in Berlin, including bars often frequented by burch/ t'em:ne couples - salons, bowling clubs, and li-,-ing collecti-,es. Se0:cn'il well-kn,rwn lesbian literary figures called t!:e city home, 1Ecluding w:iter Christa \'('insloe (author of the noYei that .._,:as r.he basis of the Elm \fa[dchen in Cniform) and American joumaiist Don rhy Thompson. The new press fo:edorn enc<ll!ragec rhe cstablishn:em of some 3(1 queer iiternry and political publicatioGs, ,d1ich were sold Oj)enly on newsstands and boasted a combiced circulation in the millions. Among these \.Vere Branci\, Der Eigene (One's Own1 thought to be the first-eYer gay mag .. zinc - Die freundsd:aft (Fncmisbr:), Die Insel (fbe Island), Frnucnliebe ,.1.Xomen's LmT), a,1d Garconne. But many Germans, disturbed b,· the era's cuh,ral chan(.'.es and economic h;rciships. yearned for a ;eturn t,J uad:tiona! -.-ah;cs. Religious conservatives decried si1ifting gender roles and pcrcei-.:.:d \ ices ,uch as homosexuality, pornography, and abortion. "'T'hc nation's problems were blamed on Communists, f c·x,, feminists, and hcmosexuals. · · Adolf Hitler exploited these fears and preiudices to consolidate his political power, aided by factionalism on ,he left. He was appointed chance!lor in January 1933, a:1d the staged Retch~tag tire the folkr, ving momh pro;·1ded a pretext for su,pcndin,',': ci·:•il hbcrtlcs. Ir: Iv1ay, the Inscitute for Sexuai Science was ,ackcd ard its :rnnerials burned bv right-wing: youth. Homosexual pabhcations ,,ere banned and venues \Vere shurtert:d; the F~ldorado ~,.vas conYcrted into a Kazi propaganda ccn:er. In l 935~ Paragraph 175 \vas strcngtl1\.~ned. An cstin1atcd 5J)00 to ~5,(~(!0 a~cu:ed ho1n,?~cxual r:1cn ,·vcre sent tn conccntrauon carnps. /\mid this ciltnate ot tear and an untt)ld nun1.ber of gutcr grated to safer ccn.uurirst or con-H11ittcd suicide. Yanishcd into a srili greater s Brief s Possible" HAIR SUIT EXHIBIT by Steve of Oklahoma. ELECTION REMINDERS Bv Victor Gorin In order to vote in the upcoming July 25 Oklahoma Primary election, you must be registered to vote bv JL,ne 30. If you are registering by mail your card must be postmarked that day or sooner. Oklahoma has a closed primary system, so Democrats can only vote for the Democratic candidates, and Republicans may only vote for Republican candidates in that election to choose their respective nominees for the General Election. Within Oklahoma County there are 2 GLBT candidates running for office in the Primary Election on the Democratic side, Rhonda Rudd for State Senate District 46 and Al McAffrey for State House District 88. If there are runoff elections, they will happen August 22. In order to vote in tha:: election you must be registered by July 28. In order to vote in the November 7 General Election you must be registered by October 13. Remember that you can register at any county election board or tag agency in Oklahoma, and other locations as well. Registration has never been easier, and after registration you \\'ill receive your voting card in the mail which will have your polling place on it.. If you have been convicted of a felony you can still register ro vote if you are not serving time either in lockup, probation or parole (off paper). Other than that, you only need to be a US citizen ,vho has attained 18 years of age or will turn 18 before the next election. If you are already registered, you don't need to register again unless you have moved or haven't voted for 4 years. If you have moved since you last voted and registration is still open you may register for your new address, or you can vote in your last polling place and register for your new address at thi1t time. Remember that within the same county voting system you cannot change your party affiiiacion bet'.veen June l and August 31. Also be aware that if y.:,u register Independent, you belong to no party and will not be abie w v(ne in primary elections. If in doubt caJJ your county elec-• rion board :and can confirm your status. /tiso remen1ber that even if registration is closed before an election, you may rnaiJ or n..1rn in a voter application card and -...-ote in elections foHow~ing the one \'{lith each state\v-ide tJt co1nes before those elections you may Yote at your Election Board H a.n1. until 6 p.1r1. 1 the next day Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. and the following Monday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Polls are open on election days for 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Other assistance is available in the form o!' absentee voting and other forms of speciai assistance if that is needed. Your participation is vital, especially ,vith the current political climate in America. Please exercise your right and duty to vote. * Creating Community for People living with HIV/AIDS Non Profit (}rganization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for peop!e who are HIV+ and or living 'Nlth AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry fur those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS 'Nho cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone V✓ho wouid iike to voiunteer or provide fi .. nancial assistance to piease contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail hanismmjr@yahoo.com. the STAR 15 / By Greg Steeie Micah Barnes JULY2006 Singer, Musician, \/'✓ riter Micah Barnes to headline "Summer Diversity Weekend" in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. EUREKA SPRINGS, AR_lf you missed the Spring Diversity Festival in Eureka Springs with the GAYCO show, this is another great opportunity to get out of town and enjoy some fantastic entertainment, good food or just relax for a very fun weekend. The Summer Diversity Weekend kicks off August 4th and runs through the 6th. Micah Barnes will headline the weekend with a performance at the Old Auditorium in downtown Eureka Springs, Sat. August 5th. The LA Weekly said Barnes is ·'Bowie meets Brecht in a dark alley". The Bay Area Reporter rote "Barnes' vocals combine the dramatics Freddie Mercury, the passion of Eddie Vedder, the mournfulness of Morrissey with the sweetness of Micheal Stipe". "Micah Barnes eludes all the musical cliches. His lyrics, often dryly comic, are a product of his quick intelligence, a mischievous sense of humour, and a bubbling show biz savvy." - The Globe and Mail. For more information and updates on Diversity Weekend go to: www.diversitypride.com or www.eurekapride.com Tulsa's "PRIDE NOT PREJUDICE" GLBT Festival, A Musical Success! TULSA, OK_What a line up of entertainment at Tulsa's Pride Festival or: June 10th. The talent was awesome. exceeding rnost performances that I've paid to see! Th;s years entertainers will be a hard act to follow for next years troops. Tulsa·s Tabitha Tayior (photo at right) 'tv1iss Gay Okiahoma Ame~ica' is a sor:gstress we ca:i a!i be proud of. A tremendous entertainer· Fro,n r'oon to five o ciock they sang and p!ayed in unbearable heat ~rhe Council Oaks VVornens Chorale. Council Oaks lv1ens c:11t>· cale, !v1ary King1 iviark [)odson and rnany CJthers ,,11; io 1.:;11~ei tairh-jc'. a:12 crovvci ~ ~ ANCHORAGE,ALASKA by Donald Pile & Ray Williams ay men's resorts seem to be everywhere and it is often very hard to find a resort that is strictly for Lesbians. We have found two really great ones and they are located on both ends of the country. For Lesbians wanting to get a way from it all and travel we highly suggest these two places. PEARL'S RAINBOW, the Distinctive Resort for Women in Key West, Florida, offers the perfect escape from the everyday world for lesbians and gay-friendly women. Just two blocks from the southernmost point in the continental United States, they offer guesthouse ambience, bed & breakfast chann, and resort amenities in a collection of historic, renovated buildings set amid tropical landscaping . . . ... . . . . . .. . . . Continued page-18 Out on Vacation "LESBIAN RESORTS" Photo: Pearl's Rainbow Lesbian Resort And their superb staff will make vour vacation unforge~table. The,' offer 38.rooms and suites in their 5 historic buildings. They have 2 heated swimming pools and 2 outdoor hot ~ubs. The extensive sunny and shady decks. The Strand Restaurant serves breakfast daiiy with Brunch on Sunday and Chef Lisa's Dinner in the Strand on weekend e,0enings. Tl:ev also ha,·e Pearl's Patio which is :heir outside poois1de bar and grili. Their :ooms range from the simple re the debxe, 2E v.,ith features you'd expect in any hotel. Thick, thirst;towe,~ and quality tropical t(Jiictries pamper ycu. 1\ C()mplirr1entary light continental breakfast starts yuur tnorning, and fuli cooked breakfasts are al~~o a"',.,~ailable daily. J\ .. poolside bar 18 pools rejuvenate you. Hot cubs melt your cares away. Chef Lisa Haas prepares breakfast in The Strand restaurant, and dinner on Friday and Saturday e·.,enings featuring her eclectic island cuisine. All in a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere just for women. They are located at 525 United Scree;: Key West, Florida 33040. Their toll free ;;umber is (800) 749-6696 and their website is: V>'WW. pearlsrainbo\\,com. To get to Key \X,'est, iris best to fly into Ft. Lauderdale (rather than rvliami) and then rent an amo and take off for a fabulous scenic (and scarv) drive thru all the Keys until you finallv K~v West. After arriving in Key \'{fest, park you~ auto and you can walk anywhere in town. On the West Coast, try the Casitas Laquita in Palm Springs. Owned by Denise Roberson and Joanna Funaro, this ~vomen's resort is wonderful. Once you enter the gate you are in a different world of peace and tranquility. It is located on 12 acres of private spiritual grounds. The mountain views are truly breathtaking'. They have several choices of accommodations including casitas or one and two bedroom suites. Photo: Casitas Laquita in Palm Springs the SIAR, TRAVEL SECTION Ail accommodations comes with T\~ phone, a Full kitchen and data ports so vou can check your email or surf the web. The rooms are decorated with tribal arcifacts and each room is different and it would reallv be hard to decide which to s!ay in. Everything here is spotlesslv clean. They have a total of 15 ditlerent ;ccommodations m choose from. Our favorite was the one bedroom suite with its own prirnte backyard for your own personal use or for your guests. Doreen is the manager when the owners are out of tO\vn and she is EXCEPTIONAL! She is a real dear! For more informacion about Casitas Laquitas, check out their website at:www.casitaslaquirn.com. Their toll free number is 877-203-3410. And when in Palm Springs, BE SURE and dine at ~feb:yn's Restaurant located in the Ingeleside Inn just west of downtown. The owner, Mel Haber and his srnff are extremely gayilesbian friendlv. For all of our Lesbians sisters, we HIGHLY recommend these tv,ro resort~ where vou will feel VERY comfortable and retu;n home with memories forever! The staff of both of these resorts will be more than happy to give you any and all information O!l what is happening in the towns. For any questions about gay traveling, email Donald and Ray at gaytravelers@ aol.con1 or 'l .. ~isit their \1,rebpage at: http:// \V\l/Vv: hometown.aol. com/ gaytravelers 0 ~ 1m ill©oo~~ by Donald Pile and Ray Williams "Dania Beach, Florida" Visit the "New and Exciting" Dania Beach, Florida ,vhich is a GREAT alternative to Ft. Lauderdale and South Beach and just minu~es from either. Reiax and party in Dania Beach and enjoy their small town atmosphere. Dania Beach is fast becoming THE place to stav in Southea~t Florida and for gays the LIBERIT SUITES is the ONLY place ~o stay! Dania Beach locateci right on the Atlantic Ocean is a wonderful geta- way for people living in the Midwest. It is just a close drive ~o Ft. Lauderdale or to South Beacn but much iess expensive than either. The city of only 28,000 is extremely gay friendly and filled with lots of antiques and gift shops. With its ideal location, warm and sunny climate and wide range of ameniries and attracrions, the Greater Dania Beach area has something for evervone. Situated between' Ft. Lauderdale and Hollywood, Dania Beach is minutes from class arc museums, con- certs, plays, festivals, and other cultura'. events. Professional sports ranging from football to hockey to rodeo are also readily avail;ble. DaniJ Beach itself hosts a Jai Alai fronton, a local perfor~,i~g arts theater, a natural hisron· museum and rhe IGFi'>.Fishing Hallo~· fame. Dania Beach is int:ernationaJJv kno,vn for its marine industrr l\1annas, · reoair and storage facifaics, prominent shipbuilding compan,::s. a!1d d;ckage for crnioe lines and other vessels are found all o·:er Dania Beach'$ numerom waterways and canal~. Port Everglade~. which spans over 2100 acres and occupic, part of Hoih'wood, Dania Beach and Ft. Lauderdale, i~ (;!H: ,he 11;1.tio:1's ;:cp ,eaport:0, ~:t:~e~~:(~:·!~~:a~~~~:-T.~~~:::t;i\::~:~~~~;~:(:~~?:/~:~;;:,;:~;l~;~t( lfl I)an1a Beach area plays ho~t to the largc~t nautlcal SY,iap shop, the Dania ?vfarine Flea \'iarket. ~TRAVEL Thanks to Joseph Van Eron and Jack Zimmerman who own the Libert\· Apartments & Garden Suites, it h:as even gotten more gayfriendiv. These two e-entle!rcen ha-;e literally turned the enrire cir, a:ound in it's th.inki;;g a, far as a gay tourist center. The Libert, Suites is locared at 1501 and across the street at 1500 S. \v'. Seco~d Avenue w~1ich is just one block \'fest of :he main rughway thru the center_ of to':vn. It is the pe~frct p~ace for gays ,in the Midwest to go to relax and haYe a great nme. \X-e get so urea of "simple rooms" when ,ve travel. But at the Liberty Suites, all rooms are aparcmen:s complete with kitchens, full size refrigerators, ovens, microwave, dishwasher, coffee maker, cooking utensils and complete with desk, linens, china, housewares and anything eise oossible that vou wo'.l!d need. The bedrooms are huge and so are tlle living ro~rns and they are decorated beautifully. Just fly or drive dm.vn and you can move right in for a week, a month or e. Your suitcase l of bathing suits is all you need. Every apartment mes with your wn private teiene and Cable VCR. For than wl:at t accommoons charge a simple mat the u can get a huge apartment for less than that! Grocery and liquor stores are within walking distance. We always go to the fresh produce market~ and buy the freshest grapefruits and ora:1ges. Since almost e:erybody in Florida loves to walk, 1t ts about a mile from che beach and what .1 ;vonderful walk it is. And most important, the Liberty Suites is pet friendiy so bring your pets wifi~ you. Did we mention about their off street parking?_Dici ~ve mentio,. their on-site laundry facilitiesr _l(,e and Jack r:.ave cione C\'ervthin_g perfect S() that you \Vill ha~,,rc a \-ery relaxed and carefree stay. \X'e baYe staved at the Liberty Suite5 fo~ i:he past fe,,.' years and it iust keq)$ e;~mng better :;ni lx:tter The grea;:est thing is that you ;;~,~~;1;~:~~~;;7~1::::: ;::~;'ri:r.::::::~~ii::'.l!.'.:i'.:~~::: ~c~";-;/>t:~:·a I2: ~~'.:i~~:~;i~,~~~,:~:;~ ~~'. ~;,~~~;~a~e;~e;,l~::1 :~:~/:~:;:.~::at~ ~;~e ti~:.i~:~~~~r~~:~~ ~1~~!~~;~:·~~;,~~,~~;,::,:;_<,_~,:;:t: ,ibm~-1 ;:::::e;e!~:~7s i\1 pL1cc to lire 1.vher; ;nv:1y fron1 hornc'·. Joe and Jack ..... ,. .... C(J~·rr1·--~l:r1:I) page 22 Arkansas & Oklahoma s most read GLBT Magazine 19 Photo below; A view of one of the several glaciers you'E see while traveling on the Alaska Railroad's Glacier Discovery Train. (Photo by Andrew Collins) July 2006 by Andrew Collins Anchorage, Alaska Although it's a bit less than a century old, Anchorage has deveioped into Alaska's largest city, with a population of about 260,000. It's also an excellent jumping-off point for countless adventures into the surrounding wilderness, from sea kavaking in Prince William Sound to hiking at Denali National Park to skiing at i\lveska Prince Resort in nearby Girdwood. But don't overlook the city itself, a lively cultural hub v.'ith great shopping and dining and immediate access to tl1e great outdoors. It's also the heart of the state's relativelv nascent but increasingly Yisibie gay scene. Summer is the most popular time to come, ·.vhen Anchorage abounds with flowers in private and public gardens as well as in wi!1dow boxes and hanging baskets on porches. The sun ri~e~ around 4:30 in the morning and doesn't set again umil almost midnignt, allowing for ample time eacl: day to ~ec the sight~. But snowsports Eans and bargain-seekers migh1 wane to consider 2 winter ,·isit, when hotel rates drop precipitouslv along ,.vid1 temperatures (expecr January highs tif about 2G to 25 degr::c:s, Ycrsu,; 60- to 65- degree high~ in July). J\.nchoragc -...von't likely dazzle you~ dcAvnto\vn '\Vas largely destroyed aunng a mar:sive 1964 ca:thquake, and much c,f the reconstru~ tion leaves a lot to be desired aesthetically. But it's nonctheiess ;h~u~:;~~;::~ ~;:t::::t~~~~~~ t~,:;ed:~t~:;~:tj !\la~ka ~~~~~;1!or J\nchoragc Syrnphony ()rchestra~ 1\nchoragc ()pcra, and J\laska Chamber Singer~ 'The A.nchorage Ivfuscurn of }1istory and J\rt is a \vorld-class facil\ Vith an extensive tro,te of art and artifacts th~n trace the of the region perform2nces. UF '""hrcugh th<~ rr-c,rl:•rr- ·1,;n. ·\n,J the /\.. hi.ska you can learn abcjut rbc state's csbii)ir·,s rki-:;.:r•.: v;d .::en11n:lf"-. and Anchorage has long drawn outdoorsy types, as there are plenty of ways to get your blood pounding ,vithin city limits, and you're also ,vithin driving distance of many great destinations for recreation and nature-watching. You can hike miles of trails at Chugach Staie Park, which fringes the city and extends for some 60 miles into rhe wilderness to the south, offering climbs to numerous peaks with elevations as high as 8,000 feet. Another grea~ venue is Eagle River Narure Center, which offers hikes, naturalist programs, and bird-watching outings among many o~her activities that showcase the region's abundant flora and fauna. And that's just scratching the surface don't overlook the Alaska Zoo (an excellent place to see black bears up close) and the Alaska Botanical Gardens. From a culinary standpoint, Anchorage has truly blossomed of late. There are certain foods that appear routinely on area menus, parricularly reindeer (often in the form of sausage), eik, and other area game along with plenty of local seafood, from wild salmon to raw ovsters to fresh berries. Kincaid Grill has been a pioneer in creatIYe r~gional dining, as chef Al Levinsohn is constantly coming up with excitine: new takes on Alaskan cuisine, from Kodiak scallops sen-ed with a;; Asian ponzu sauce and stir-fried veggies to roasted balibut Nicoise with olive tapenade. Another top choice is Sack's, a slick contemporary dining room filled ,vith modern art and ser-·ing such inno·,ative creations as pan-seared New Zealand rack of lamb ·.vith blueberry-port demig!ace. Grab a table along the sidewalk in good weather. You'll find sophisticated contemporary cuisine at Mick's at the Inlet, including a knockout elk chop ,vith goat cheese brioche pudding, Bearnaise sauce, and a berry relish, and roasted skatefish wing with blood oranges, fennel, chives, and olive oil. Drop by Cafe Savannah, a cool little capas restaurant and wine bar with authentic Spanish cooking, for the likes of Portobello mushrooms stuffed with chorizo and Manchego cheese, and calamari with lemon-garlic aioli. For a light meal and great people-watching and mingling, check our Glacier Brewhouse, which is known as much for its delicious house-brewed oatmeal stout and red-currant Iambic beer as for tastv comfort food, such as seared ahi runa and Thai chicken pizza. Ga-;-friendlv Sassafras Coffeehouse is a fine spot for a ligh! meal, coffee. and ·free wireless Internet - it's right across the street from Nord;trom's, by downtown's 5th Avenue Ma!L Try the rurkey-bacon- avocado wrap. ;\Jso a block from the mail, Cyrano's Theatre Company cc)mprises a performance space, arty bookstore, and pctic cafe (calied Twig's) ,;vhere you can grab a chicken-pecan salad or a ci.;p ()f seafood chowder. The ,.heater p:oduces ,;.,ell-acted piavs throughou: the y;car and has a strong gay following. The queer nightlife scene 1s limired ~~f ~~;;,:Eif £~:v!~i~!;~;::i::~:::::~'.:'.:,:~:~:;.1.~, male-oriented and cruisy Raven~ ,vh.ich is JUST arc,uncl the corner. I"herc arc several accomrnodations here that 1narkct to gay n,:1wr~, among 1hem the i\laskan Leopard B&~~-;:;,1,:.::;t~~)i~:~sc: crepes and sourdough \t,~affies arc a1r1ong the and delicious breakfasts for \1/hich the inn bas a 20 Arkansas & Oklahoma ·s mo.st read GLBT Magazine loyal following, and the owners can also organize a wide range of wildlife tours throughout the surrounding area. Just on the edge of downtov;n, the gay-owned \X'ildflower Inn contains three guest rooms wit!:: sophisticated but comfy furnishings, including a beautiful J\ifission-style bed in one and TV /VCRs in all of them (plus Wi-Fi throughout r.he house). It's a great choice if you want to be within wa!bng distance of museums, restaurants, and nightlife. Another highly popular gay-owned property downtown is the Copper \X'hale Inn, an urbane late-1930s house (a rare survivor of the '64 quake) with 15 rooms, most of them affording panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and Cook Inlet. Of larger mainstream properties, one of the most luxurious is the Marriott i\.nchorage Downtown. This airy, contemporary high-rise offers dramatic views of the distant wilderness but also affords easy access to local sights and restaurants. You can make a number of excellent day trips or short overnights from Anchorage. One of tne best full-service resorts in Alaska is the luxurious ,'\lyeska Prince Resort, in the small village of Girdwood, a 45-minute drive south of the city. In winter, it's the state's top venue for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snow-tubing, and sledding. You can also take the aerial tram up to ;\ft. Alyeska, ·.vhich has a restaurant at the top. In summer, you can book a tandem paragliding ride off the rop of the mountain. Anorher option is the two-and-a-half-hour drive m Seward, a slightly gritty old fishing town on the Kenai Peninsula. It's gradually developed into a popu.iar cruise port and leisure destination, thanks to its proximity to aarure and also the Alaska Sealife Center, a marine-life research facility where visitors can observe the habitats of 2,000-pound Sre!lar sea lions, diving puffins, and dancing King crabs, among other creatures native to this region. Just outside of Seward, you can visit Exit Glacier - in facr, you can practically drive your car right up to the edge, as it's the most accessible glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, which encompasses more than 900 sguare miles. From the parking area it's a flat 15- minute hike to the foot of the glacier. where you can get some great up<lose pnotograph~ of this hulking, slowly retreating mass of ice. Downtown Se,;rnrd has a handful of restaurants and som·e1ur shops, mostly aiong 3rd and ~th .JTem,es. anci the community also has plenty of tour oper,,tors offe:ing kayaking trips, fligh::seeing excursions, and sailing ad\'cntures. Perhaps the n1ost dramatic ,,vay to get ar<)und the region, especially if you're a fan of "Vintage trains1 is to book {:>ne of the popular sightseeing runs on the Alaska Railroad. There are extensive wurs lasting frotn t\VO to 10 days through the J)eoali National Park's backcountry and up into the /\.retie Cjrcic, as \veU as easy day trips that depart ,Anchorage :ind take you through rugged Chugach Forest, past soar .. ing glaciers and 3cross \vildHo,ver-stre~v.;n meado\vs. f'vfany of these trains ha~.re giass-dome alloYving incredible photo ops. These coiorfu1 jaunts n;1rratcd by experienced naturalists offer the perfect chance to Arkansas & Okiahoma 's most ;ead GLBT Magazine 21 GAY TRAVELERS: are true gay icons in the community and they deserve e~·ery bi~ of recognition that they get. They have both worked extremely hard ar building up Dania Beach and the whole communiq-, both gay and straight, are so proud of them. So the next time you are ready to take off for a week or more, check out the Liberty Suites at: http:/ f,,vww.LibertySuites.com. Their toll free telephone number is 877-927-0090 and their fax number is 954-342-8944 or you can email them at: JJ@LibertySuites. com * Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $26.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: Ozarks STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) Check e!'ldosed Money Order Start Date: 22 the STAR Travel Plans by Dougias Glenn As much as I like ;:o talk to a real person it just doesn't pay anymore to do so. Take booking flight for instance. When I callee! my favorite airlines recently to book a flignt I was told rhat if I booked on line there would be no charge but if I did book over the phone that there \Vould be a $10.00 charge. And this was the airline company I was talking with! Talk about a rip-off! They want me to fly with them, give them my hard earned money but then they \Vant ro charge me for calling them and purchasing a ticke~! Well, needless to say, I DID go on-line and book the flight and saved myself S10.00. However it really irritated me to no end to ha\·e to do that. \'\'hen I did go on line I was amazed at the different prices for different times of the day. First and last flights of the day \\:ere iess expensive and flying in the middle of the week (Tuesday, \\'.'ednesday and Thursday) had cheaper rates also. Saturdays seerns ~o have cheaper rates also. But forget about flying out :\1onday morrijng or Friday afternoons as that is \vhen ail tbe businessmen do there traveling. I have found to always book directly \vith the airlines rather than going thru a second source such 2.s a booking site. linles~ you read the small print you wind up paying services charges that completely wipes any savings tha, you think that you arc getting. When I was going traveling overseas I sometimes use a m,vcl agency but they also charge anymore. \Vhat happen.ed t0 sen-ice? A good \veb• site to check out for best air fares and that is: http:/ iairconsumer. ost.dot.gov / publications /bestfare.htm It used to be that flying was so much fun but now it is such a hassle, with parents and their children screaming and yelling and shoving and pushing and well, guess you kinda get mv drift. Now it is a total nightmare to just get a seat. But, since other than d,+,ing that is the only alter:1afr1e I just ha,,e to grin and bear it. I alwa;·:, taKe a good book or a couple of good magazines to read because you never know when there might oe a delay. (Jood luck v1ith your flight'. * Earl Wheeler 437 E. 141st Street Glenpool, OK 74033 918.291.EARL (3275) Serving the Tu!sa Metro Area for over 21 Years with PRIDE! CUSTOM DECORATING* HOLIDAY SPECIALS ~rders by 12noon guaranteed same day delivery. F'R!!:E HOM!!: OEt.lVERY 5 Mi!e Service Area 918.734.6847 11mail lrrol>ol:8aol.t0m Your order is treated with the upmost confidentiality. nd 111lxed. and 6a,~ed. JVLld 6ltzdseed ite:,:1-.00 73:j,f~ · TheSTAR 23 Salutations Kittens--Uncle Mikey here fresh from the pages of yet another fabulous pride season, and what a season it is. Ende Mikey is hurriedly gathering his second wind in time for the fourth. I would like to rhank the many men who made this season so enjoyable, and will be sending out thank vou notes accordingly. To all those tasty treats ready for the independence celebration- heyyy! Dear Uncle Mikey, My boyfriend and I attended pride as a couple this year for the first time. We agreed that we were building a monogamous relationship which went straight out the window two hours into it. He acted as if I were keeping him from having a good time and then we got into a fight in the middle of the after pride events. I feel as though this is a sign and that he is not that serious about me after all. He ended up in our suite with another man, and asked me to join as if there was nothing going on. What's the deal, am I wrong to think he crossed a line? Pride drama Dearest Pride-drama, Kitten, Uncle feels your pain but aliow me a moment to giYe you another POV Even the ~ost -.veil intentio!l men in the world can fall Drey to the OYer abundant bou:;r,c at a oride event. Fact: He oro~ght his game home to shire wi:h his beloved, which oi:rvious!:, suppor~s a lack of coRJmi.:nicacion here. \'fhat man is going ,o bring home a trick- Unle~s he i$ simply a drama seeker, this action tells r:1e tnere needs to be more cohc~iYe communication. Kitten, I couid nor help but catch that mu didn't teE the nory o+ rejecting this blunder, feeEng that it was a night tc remember for all., not thac 1 am judging. I \Vouid rnost assuredly address this J~sue ho,;_1f·e·\"er, if it \Vere me~ 1 \Vould haYe taken pictures for our anniversary a]bu1n, Smooches- t :. Mikey Dear l]ncle l\1ikey~ ~v~t~;::;l~~::;~t:e!~;;i;:1 1:~.~;~}~;~s:~L:::c;/;~;:~,c;~~~:i1r!:,.-:~~'.1 :nforgettable places. f-le \1.ras passionate, attentive, grv'ing, intense sexy and sc; romantic he absolutely rook 1ny breath. L.ooking into hi5 eye:::. 1 feit alive. ;lnd :as if \VC \\~ere S(•tne h.o\v C(:.innected. J feH 26 the STAR name, and do not know where to 6nd him. I don't'k.now ,vhat to do? My friends think I am making it up, but this man took me mind body and soul. What can I do? Lookjng for Gabe Dearest Looking, Kitten, you have fallen pray ro '.vhat Cncle c,;lls, rhe goiden-boot1·call. The hottest, sweatiest, most passion you have ever felt before as in your fe,·erish adolescem dreams. Hown·cr, this was a one time shot-~ao pun intended. You have to except this and move on holding this night as cherished moment in time. Kitten, I have known this occurrence before. Uncle had a friend we will call Steve, well Steve hGoked up with a one name woeder who rook him w such pas$ionate heights he acruaHy cried recalling the night t0 me. He became obsessed wicl1 finding this trick in the night while losing site cf realty. He neglected his job, his friends, his entire existence became a search for this man of many orgasms. It was so sad, we tried e~;crything including an intervention, when we realized ,ve lost him to this unknown sende~ of passions embrace. \'?ell, iong story short, be lost nis jobs, ignored his friends, his apartment! Kitten, it was rent comrolleci., I swear it brings a tear to my eye still yet. 3'foral: Kitten, if this man is meant to be than he shall return, i10we\ ·er do not get hung up no matter ho\;• nung he was. I ,et it go while moving forward chalking the nig!:t up for what it was, a wonderfu: Golden-booty-call, you shali tell generations to come Queerdom. Kitten, it is better to ha,-e hit that than to neYer ha,:e known it at all! Smooches-U. Ivlikey Uncle :,Iikey, Is a threeso~e with your brother-in-law and boyfriend wrong? Seriously considering it. Dearest considering, Not with the right lighting and mocivation. Bon appetite! Ki~tens- A quick noteworthy mome::11:. Look ~o the right of Uncles corner here. Al! I can say is yummy! Hey john and Paul...A delicious recipe for a tasty meal, a sweet drink to wash it down and !wo cute d , h - . . d 11 csserts, ,v at a recipe 1n eea: Kittens, Uncle mus, once mo:-e take m,· leave, (1uicker than a trick dot,:n the fire escape. I have to send n1y faithful house-boy to get Cacies buli-; deln-er•, of Gatorade. [ swear sm~1mer heat has such an effect <)11 lJncle. S01ne say sununcr furt~ I say summer ioYe. lJncle \\~ant~ to remir1d one and aH to piay safe during the stunmer sizzic. Remember to iove yourself, and luve one another; se':~:-cral times a day if you ~. .v ;,inr to get really gc,od! I-iappy fourth (}uccrdorn--1 salure yc,u, in more \vays than one. Sn1ooches l]ncle :vljkey and 'Tiddics too. * 10 Large Potatoes. 1 cup chopped Celery. 1 cup chopped red onion. 1/2 cup chopped sweet pickles. 4 Boiled Eggs. 1/2 cup Real Mayonnaise. 1/2 cup Ha!f & Half cream. 1 Tablespoon Season Salt. 1/2 Tablespoon White Pepper. In a large pot boil potatoes until tender. Rinse with cold water, peel potatoes and cut into cubes. In a large bowl add potatoes, seasoning, mayonnaise and cream. Mix very weil, then add celery, onions, pickles, Mix together boiled eggs then add to bowl. Chill for about 2 hours and serve. "HAVE A GREAT 4TH of JULY" This months recipe is a delicious martini. Serve these up some evening for a nice cocktail hour (or 2 or 3). Jazz r music goes very well with martinis so I suggest a little Diana Krall on the stereo and you'll have a great and enjoyable LEMON DROP MARTINI (6 parts) Absolute Citron Vodka (2 dashes) Dry Vermouth Fresh Lemon Granulated Sugar 1 Rim a chilled martini glass with sugar. 2. Combine Vodka, Vermouth and fresh squeeze of !emon with ice in shaker and shake well. 3. Strain into martini glass and garnish with a !emon twist 4. EN,JOY !!! HAVE A SAFE JULY 4TH CELEBRATION! Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine 27 Scopes by Jack Fertig JULY 2006 "Be ready for adventure, Cancer!" Mars opposing Neptune makes chemical overindulgence easy and dangerous, especially when you're showing off. Venus in Gemini encourages flirtations, but she's square Uranus in Pisces, so confused signals can build false expectations. Or maybe you reaily do want more than you admit. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): You can't win in games or investments now, but you can have lots of fun with the former if you aim for idealistic benefits rather than mere victory. Idealism in community service will make you a winner in ways no game can match. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Trying to look good at work will backfire. Just do your job and let accomplishment speak for itself. Calling in o!d debts could yield some happy surprises. It's also a great time for new pen pals or oniine contacts. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): You're suddenly looking awfully good, and you can use that for promotions or raises. Take pride in your listening skills and flexibility, and stay out of arguments! Anything you say will be held against you. CANCER (June 21 00 July 22): No insurance or real estate deais for you this week! Sex mixed with booze or drngs is a dangerous combo - isn't it better when you're really all there? Be ready for adventure in both flesh and spirit. The world is opening to you in new ways. LEO (July 23 $ August 22): Your adoration of the limelight is annoying your co-star and aggravating misunderstandings. Humility is your best feature, when you can manage it. Discretion and social service wiil prove surprisingly beneficial to your-sex life. V!RGO (August 23 - September 22): Calm down, meditate, and re!ax your fraglle nerves. Work is going better than it seems. and you're sure to get noticed with some support from your colleagues. Even if you're having some awful snafus, others will understand and forgive. LIBRA (September 23 00 October 22): You're ready for adventure, but it could easily be a misadventure, and that's a drag. Focus that urge for innovation at work where it's more likely to make you shine. ~ SCORPIO (October 23 00 November 21): Past or present issues with your parents seem especially complex now and can creep into dealings with authority figures. Sexual role play can shed some iight on those dynamics. Otherwise, the boss isn't your mommy or daddy, and vice versa. Stay present in the moment. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 $ December 20): You're especially prone to exaggerate now and overwhelm people with stories. Keep the truth clean and simple, but freely regale your friends with wild yarns and jokes. Your spin on legends and folk tales can be surprisingly seductive. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Your sexual charm is strong, but has to be played carefully. Knowing the right time and place for it is the trick. Your current attack of klutziness may actually help a bit, giving you an endearing, vulnerable quality. AQUARIUS (January 20 $ February 18): Your partner's wishes are much clearer than yours. That's making you feel put down, but you just need to articulate. Sing out, Louise! Pleasures that seem indulgently expensive are really accessible if you budget and plan. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Be careful of hubris. Fall back on your usual modesty at work. Fun and games at home are where you now excel and can crow shamelessly. Surprise some friends with new recipes and afterdinner entertainments. ., < SPIRIT OF CHRIST JOPLIN, MO FREE HIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS Testing the last Sunday of each month between SP},f and 6PM. 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4'11 Jc)plin, :\.fo 64803 Sunday Sernce 6P\1 Wed. 28 Advertising in the STAR is Just good business cents. Arkansas, Bentonville (479) NWA GLBT Ctr - - - - www.nwaglbtcc.org- - - - - - --479-586-1062 Arkansas, Eureka Springs Diversity Pride Event - - - - - - - - - - - - - -www. ersitypride.com A Byrd's Eye View- - - - - 36 N. Main- - - - - - - - - -479-253-0200 Caribe Restaurante- - - - 309 W VanBuren- - - - -479-253-8102 Henri's - - - - - - -19 1/2 Spring St - - - - - - - - - - - -479-253-5795 Lumberyard Bar&Grill- - - 105 E VanBuren- - - - - -479-253-0400 MCC Living Spring - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Swiss Holiday Resort- Hwy 62 at Hwy 23 So.- - - 888-582-8464 Spexton- - - - - - - - 17B Spring Street - - - - - - - - -918-829-0824 Tiki Torch- - - - - - - - 75 S. Main Street- - - - - - - - -479-253-2305 Tradewinds Lodge -141 W. YanBuren- - - - - - - - - 800-242-1615 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Common Ground Restaurant- - - 412 W. Dixon - -479-442-3515 Condom Sense - - - - - - - - 418 W. Dickson- - - - - -4 79-444-6228 Curry's Video - - - 612 N. College Ave- - - - - - - - - -479-521-0009 Passages - - - - - -930 N. College Ave- - - - - - - - - -479-442-5845 Pride Street Live- - 523 W. Poplar St-- - - - - - - - - - 479-587-0557 Tangerine Club - -21 N. Block Ave-- - - - - - - - - - -479-587-9512 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- - - - - - -1004 1i2 Garrison Ave- - - - - - - 479-783-9988 Red Rock City - - -917 N. "A" St. - - - - - - - - - - - - 479-242-2489 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Jesters Lounge - - - - 1010 E. Grand Ave - - - - - - - 501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - - - -1021 Jessie Rd- - - - - - - - - - - - -501-6642744 Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - www.dsra.org Discovery- - - - -1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - - - - - - - -501-666-6900 Sidetracks - - - 415 Main St - -North L.R.- - - - - - - -501-244-0444 The Factory- - - - - - 412 Louisiana St.- - - - - - - - - 501-372-3070 Kansas, Junction City (785) Xcalibur Club- - - - - 384 Grant Ave. - - - - - - - - -785-762-2050 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - - - - - - - - - -620-231-0938 River of Life Church.- - 1709 N. Walnut- - - - - - - -Service 11AM Kansas, Wichita (316) Our Fantasy/South40- - - - - 3201 S. Hillside- - - - - 316-682-5494 Priscilla's- - - - - 6143 W Ke!iogg 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) Ree's- - - - - - - 716 S. Main - - - - - - - - - - - - - -417-627-9035 MCC Spirit of Christ- - -2902 E 20th, - - - - - - - - - - - -- - Sun-6pm Missouri, Kansas City (816} 40th Street Inn- - - -www.40thstreetinn.com- - - - - -816-561-7575 Concourse Park B&B - - 300 Benton Blvd -- - - - -816-231-1196 Hydes KC Gym & Guest Hs - 1.-N.w.hydeskc.com - 816-56H010 Missie B's- - - -805 W 39th St- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -816-561-0625 Missouri, Lampe (417) KOKOMO Campground - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 417-779-5084 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- - - - 424 Boonv!HeAve- - - - - - - - - - -417-83i-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- - -518 E. Commerical- - - - - - - -417-869-3978 Martha's Vineyard- - - 219 W Oiive .. - -- - - - - - - - - 417-864-4572 Missouri, Springfield (417) Priscilla's - - - - 1918-S Glenstone - - - - - - - - - - - -417-881-8444 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - - - - - - - - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - --1109 E. Commercial- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Enid (580) Hastings Books- - - -104 Sunset - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 580-242-6838 Prisciiia's- - - - - - - - -4810-A West Garriott- - - - - - - 580-233-5511 Oklahoma, Lawton (580) Triangies- - - - - - - - - - -29 SW "D" Ave - - - - - - - - 580-351-0620 ingrids Bookstore- - - - - 1124 NW Cache Rd- - - - - -580-353-1488 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - - - - - - - - - POBox 1515, - - - - - McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) American Crossroads B&B - POBox 270642- - - - - -405-495-1111 Boom Room- - - - - - - 2807 NW 36th St- -- - - - - - - -405-601-7200 Border's Books- - - - - 3209 NW Expressway- -- - - 405-848-2667 Club Rox- - - - - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy- - - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Christie's Toy Box- - - -3126 N. May Ave - - - - - - -405-946-4438 Eastern Ave Video- - -1105 S Eastern Ave- - - - - - - -405-672-6459 Fat Cat Bingo- - - - - - 3130 N. May Ave - - - - - - - - -405-942-8875 Hollywood Hotel- - - - 3535 NW 39th Exp - - - - -405-947-2351 Hi-Lo Club - - - - - - - 1221 NW 50th- - - - - - - - - 405-843-1722 Partners- - - - - - - - - 2805 NW 36th St - - - - - - - - -405-942-2199 Pec's- - - - - - - - - - -3535 NW 39th Expw - - - - - - -405-942-2199 Priscilla's- - - - - - - - 615 E. Memorial- - - - - - - - - - - 405-755-8600 Red Rock North- - - 2240 NW39th St- - - - - - - - - - - 405-525-5165 Rudy's P!ace-- - - - -3535 NW39th Expw- - - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Phoenix Rising - - - - 2120 NW 39th St- - - - -- - - - -405-601-3711 The Park- - - - - - - - 2125 NW 39th St - - - - - - - - - -405-528-4690 The Rockies- - - - - - 3201 N. May Ave - - - - - - - - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- - - 3535 NW 39th-- - - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Tramps- - - - - - - - - - - -2201 NW 39th-- - - - - - - - - -405-521-9888 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- - - -7204 E. Pine - - -- - - - - - - - -918-836-8700 Border's Book Store- - 2740 E. 21st- - - - - - - - - - 918-712-9955 Border's Book Store - - - 8015 S. Yale - - - - - - - - - - 918-494-2665 Club 209 - - - - - - - 209 N. Boulder - - - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-9494 Club Majestic- - - - - - - 124 N. Boston - - - - - - - - 918-58'i-9494 Ciub Maverick- - - - - 822 S. Sheridan - - - - - - - - -918-835-3301 Dreamland Bks -- - - 8807 E. Admiral Pl - - - - - - -918-834-1051 Elite Bookstore - - - - -814 S. Sheridan- - - - - - - - - 918-838-8503 GLBT Comm. Ctr- - - - 5545 E. 41 st- - - - - - - - - - - 918-743-4297 Hideaway Lounge- - - - - 11730 E. 11th- - - - - - - - - -918-437-0449 HOPE Clinic- - - - - - - 3540 E. 31st- - - - - - - - - - - - 918-749-8378 Jazz·s Lounge- - - - - - 426 S. Memorial - - - - - - - - - 918-836-8544 Midtown- - - - - - - - - - 319 E. 3rd- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-3112 Nite Spot - -- - - - - -3007 E. Admiral Pl - - - -- - - - - - 918-834-3007 Our House, Too - - - -203 N Nogales Ave- - - -- - - - -918-585-9552 Prisci!la's - - - - - - - -7925 E. 41st- - - - - - - - - - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla's - - - - ·· - - 5634 W. Skelly- - - - - - - - - - 918-446-6336 Priscilla's - - - - - - - 11344 E. 11th - - - - -- - - - - - - -918-438-4224 Priscilla's - - - - - - - - - 2333 E. ?1st- - - - - -- - - - - - -918-499-1661 Renegades- - - - - - - - 1649 S. Main - - - - - - - - - - - 918-585-3405 Rob's Records- - -2909 S. Sheridan Rd- - - - - - - 918-627-1505 Sterling & Co. Saion- - -1606 E.15th St- - - - - - - - - 918-742-9999 Tulsa CARES- - - - 3507 E. Admiral Pi.- - - - - - - - - - 9"18-834-4194 Tuisa Eagie- - - - -1338 E 3rd - - - - - - - - - - - - -918-592-1188 TNT's - - - - - - - 2114 S. Memoriai- - - - - - - 918-660-0856 Whittier News Stand- - 1 N. Lewis- - - - - - •· - - - - 918-592-0767 ~le!iO\\f-Brick-Rd- - - - - - - 2630 E. 15th~ - - - - - - ~ ~ 918-293-0304 ute FREE copies of the ST:.A,.R. -.· email: oxarksstar@sbcglobal.net 30 •v 6f.Et.t HAN;!.Ofll ·~" AU.AN N6UWiltTH NATHAN WAITS TO ME:E:T i<ICHARO FOi< A SATUl<DAY t..UNCH DATE: ... 't)l:'-AR PA-<'f?ot-15, ,MJo1"1-\CR' Yic..TiM oF Ri,,;i NG Ff,oM"'r',s:, C.AFi O L-AY HAS C:..tOS~P i-rs PooR'S'' -(tlAMt<S f'oR Yo'-'FZ, ,,, BuSiN~$. rH.t'F, 15 >'OVR FAVt.V.'." Y ARE: TURNING OUR GAY UPPER WE:ST 910 OSHKOSH' OU Be Seen VVith The Star OH, NH!i-E, YOU ANO RUBEN WE:R!: AWAY HAViNG TONS OF GROVP SEX ON THAT M!:01- T!:RRAN!:AN CRUISi:: Night club for sale Aprox 3000 sq. ft. occupancy around 200 has storage building and small hou,e on the property. S210.000 Great entertaining home on 15th street by fair Grounds 4 bedroom 1.5 baths Large Su:uoom with 10 person Hot Tub Hard wood floors crown moiding L'1-rge Master Bedroom Aprox. 2050 sq. 5:. House is like new. $159.500 3 Bedroom 2 Bath 2 Edng 2 Car To~ally Up· dated in South Tulsa 58,b Sheridan area For Sale or Lease $145.000 or $1,200 per month Rental. 3 Bedroom 2 Bath 2 Livi,ig 2 Car with Pool 58th Place and Sheridan aprox 1850 sq. ft. $140.500 Condo"s for rem 66th and Peoria area 1 Bedroom I Bath with small Dea $500.00 Fireplace cover parking month plus eclectic. Condo"s for rent 66th and Peoria area 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Fireplace co,·ercd parking S550.00 plus eiectric. Tracy Whyburn Keller Williams Realtors 496-2252 Cell 625-6377 NWA GLBT CENTER The Northwest Arkansas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Community Center is a group of !Ike-minded individuals who have come together to create a nonprofit GLBT Community Center in Northwest Arkansas. www.nwaglbtcc.org 11730 E. 11th - Tulsa, OK 918.437.0449 Wed. Showtime with Bobby e, Miss Tulsa of America Special Guest 10:30PM Open Tues-Sun 2pm-2am Closed on Monday's OPPORTUNITY ADVERTISINl3 SALES REPRESENTATIVE F'OR WICHITA, MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS qualifications to ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 Get results with STAR Classifieds! ,',',', ','' ,,,'" ,.,. ports, Hot Stone oqtScrubs liriic ·· ... ··. ings an,:f We:~kends Oklahoma City business owner and beloved community friend Gil Ray passed away peacefully on Friday June 16th at 3:42 AM after a long illness. He had requested cremation. 31 , , , , ,, " ~, ,..,..,.,~_,,_,._~,,~'fi'i,•i("•'ff•..-.-•H ...... ,.._,,.,,,11•"ll'~lo•"""""•'••.,..,.,◄~·-.1 __ ,, •• ,,,.._,..,_ • ..,-• .,.~ ......... .: • ..,.~ ... ._...,¥,.,,..,._,...,_,~,,,.,..,_..,..,___..~ ... I JEXPllit:S:) ~OHOLIC BEVERAGE LAWS ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION) ~ 1■ 111 I I 111111 11111 ■111111 ( UCENSli NO. C :id 4 j2 ".,rj i ·1 ! I I I 11 II I I I I EFFECTIVE Oo/ 11./2006 j. } I I I I I I I i \ LICENSEFEE ;4,riO.Q.; 4 I I 111111 I 1111 I I I 1 I I I I Ill I I Ill I I I l I Ii I I I • • • lJ I II I I I I Ii DIii 11111 Ill ■ID 111111 11111 I i ,,--ISSIIED TO: J PRl:MISE: 1 riULLV'..JOGO HUHL AND SUllt:S .S535 NOirft!WtST 39nt ull~HJMA ~ITV, JK 751!2 ' MAll.lN<i: J5J:J .Wl<TiHJESi ~;'}fH OKL,'.\HtJHi\ C HV,_;,;_ . tJK /Sll2 ____________ LEWI:i 1:WR,.;ICK GROUP I NC • 1 11 ( ) STA1E crOOAtOMA. • Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2006] The Star Magazine, July 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 7 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 01, 2006 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Josh Aterovis Douglas Glenn John Patrick Micheal Dee Kay Massey Paul Wortman Carlotta Carlisle Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ray Williams Micheal Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Chaz Ward Victor Gorin Teresa Goodrich Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, June 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 6 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/229 The Star Magazine, August 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 8 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/224 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/228 Advice Column AIDS Avian Influenza Bamboo Lounge Bitter Girl Chelsea Boys Comic Strips Crystal Meth Happy Family health Heart to Heart HIV/AIDs homophobia Kandy Cayne Lemon Drop Martini Lesbian Notions Miss Oklahoma Continental Momma's Summer Potato Salad One Big Past Out Pride Not Prejudice Festival Primary Election Q Scope Quotable Quotes star classified Star Distributors Star entertainment Star travel The Star Scene Tulsa Pride Festival Uncle Mikey vacation World AIDS day https://history.okeq.org/files/original/7e62147d1ef12d2ef3452f3d1244ddcb.jpg a073bb24c0afc100d73e5cb123f7b05e https://history.okeq.org/files/original/be92ffffc6b299f694cd956dbe3f4df8.pdf d43ff5f9547bf3c3190d8bc89ef17b2d Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document Sco,tt Crow, lVlanag.ing .. 0'£u~ker ~CG·raw Davisson ;Stewa,rt, Realtors. - - 1 Langley, Oklahoma ScottCrow.:tttcg;raw.ok.con1 91B.782.3211 · Quality web newsprfat at affordable prices 405-478-4009 • 6725 N. Mir--a.rna.rBlvd. Okla City, OK 73111 Fading by Carlotta Carlisle omance way? When was the last time you went on a date without having sex with your date? Have you or do you read romance books, such as Harlequin-style gay romance novels from Romentics gay romances? Has gay life become just sex, disco and sex? Where have the days gone when you dressed to the hilt and went to a nice dimly lit restaurant with your partner or date, listen to some soft music and looked into the eyes of the person across the table and said, whow you are beautiful? It seems to me gay life has become fast food, weird cloths, drugs, loud music and sex, sex, sex! Now some may say, that sounds like fun, that's the life. When was the last time you sent your partner flowers for no special ocqision, but to say I love you? Tulsa is strategically situated in an area that has close access to beautiful iakes, mountains, smali romantic towns like Eureka Springs, AR. Cities with totally gay restaurants and lodging such as, Kansas City, Dallas, Oklahoma City. Many weekend get-a-ways at our door steps. There are severai all gay camp grounds for those who want to get back to nature. There are numerous places to just go be romantic with your partner. With valentines coming in February and spring just around the comer why not make a date, get those fine threads out of moth balls, step out and do some star gazing and iots of smooching. Get the candles out, put on the white table c!oth, by some flowers and invite your favorite man or women over for a intimate dinner and suck some face. Whow! I'm in the mood now. olitics of tal eth A non-profit executive, governmentalemployee, financial advisor, travel agent, student, fashion designer - what these gay men have•in common is a knowledge of pain, obsession, despair, degradation, and finally freedom from the one element that connects their stories: crystal meth use. Dr. Ken Cimino reveals the intimate and horrifying nature of math abuse and presents ten inspiring true life dramas of math use and recovery in The Politics of Crystal Meth: <;;ay Men Share Rersonal Stories of Addiction and Recovery (www.gayitics.com). He describes the many reasons why gay men use methamphetarilines, from gay oppression to homophobia to building self.esteem to HIV issues. From addiction to resolution, he then shares ten personal and motivating stories of meth use and recovery. In The Politics of Crystal Meth, experts such as Kathy Rebak, Walter Odets and Lucianq Colonna talk about issues and problems created by gay men who use meth. · .~ .. Gay men addicts bear a social stigma that straight men · don't, for example, making it hard for them to admit their addiction and seek treatment. The Politics of Crystal Meth also answers the difficult questions, "Am I an addict?" and "T;c>'.whom do I turn?" It describes the principles of the n1ost successful treatment programs and lists the experts currently bringing help to gay men who have meth and.other addiction problems. The Politics of Crystal Meth will educate you, possibly scare you, and.alert you to math addiction as experienced by ordinary, respectable, average gay men. Whether you think you may be an addict, know someone or IQve someone who is, or work with gay addicts, this book offers self he!p through understanding and support. Dr. Kenneth Cimino has written for numerous publications including Advocate.com, GFN and CBS Marketwatch. His first non-fiction manuscript, Gay Assimilation: The Group Consciousness of Gay Conservatives, is forthcoming next year. He is a graduate of Claremont Graduate University with a Ph.D. in Political Science and also has a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Southern California. Quotable Quotes "When people show you who they are, believe them the first time ............. .. MAYA ANGELOU Reconsiders, dve ise in ay By Ross von Matzke o. ill edia Dearborn, Ml_ Representatives for the Ford Motor Co. have announced advertisements featuring the company's eight vehicle brands will ryn in gay publications, responding to complaints from gay rights groups when Jaguar and Land Rover pulled their spots. In a letter addressed to the groups, Ford said not only will it resume buying corporate ads featuring Land Rover and Jaguar, it will begin advertising Ford's other brands in gay-:themed publications as well. In the past, Ford had not purchased advertisements for the Ford, Mercury and Lincoln brands in gay-oriented publications. "I think we're back in gear with Ford," Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Taskforce, said Thursday. "They responded to each of the concerns we raised in a positive way. It's a great outcome." Last week, Ford cited a need to cut marketing costs as its primary reason for pulling Jaguar and Land Rover ads from several gay publications in 2006. The announcement came days after the conservative American Family Association announced it had reached an agreement with Ford and declared victory. In May, the AFA threatened Foid with a boycott because it objected to the automaker extending partner benefits to gay employees and because Ford supported gay events and advertised in gay publlcations. Ford officials denied that pressure from the AFA had any effect on their decision. But gay groups questioned the timing of the ad Withdrawals and the decision by the American Family Association to cail off the boycott. On Wednesday, Ford wrote the gay rights groups that the luxury brands "made a business decision about their media plans and it wouid be inconsistent with the way we manage our business to direct them to do otherwise." Instead, Ford pledged to run corporate ads in the publications that would include its full lineup. "It is my hope that this will remove any ambiguity about Ford's desire to advertise to ail important audiences and put this particular issue to rest," wrote Joe continued page-10 Out of Town Sydney has emerged in recent years as one of the world capitals of inventive dining - there are great restaurants all over town. For a truly special occasion, few restaurants in Australia deliver more ·wow• factor than Rockpool, a temple of creative modem Australian (aka "Mod Oz") cuisine, where you might sample such innovate fare as stir-fried squid and King prawns with squid-ink noodles, smoked bacon, tomatoes, chilies, and coriander. Another must for gourmands is Altitude, which sits atop the ritzy Shangri-La Hotel (on the 36th floor), affording unrivaled views of Sydney Harbour and serving stellar Mod Oz fare. For more casual dining and drinking, stop by one of the city's quintessentially old-school pubs, such as the warm and festive Lord Nelson Hotel, which serves a nice array of ales arid lagers as well as superb Aussie wines and tasty pub food. And for incredibly delicious Thai•food, look to Sailors Thai, an elegant restaurant on one of the Rocks' busiest streets. If Asian cuisine il3your weaknes.s1 you've come to the right city. For the ultimate experience, venture a bit farther east into the Surry Hills n.eighborhood to Bniy;Kwong, an intimate restaurant wher~. international · Kylie Kwong dreams up magically modem takes on Cantonese food. In the heart of the main gay district, for inexpensive, homestyle food, drop byfaid-back Betty:!> Soup Kitchen, which is known for its huge, meal-size bov.,iin:if soup, from lentil to gazpacho, .plus simple pastas and,hQmemade desserts. The Grumpy Baker is a cute coffeehouse with delicious :baked goods and a typically delicious-looking clientele, too. On Taylor Square, Lure Fish Cafe and Oyster Bar serves up some of the best chow i.n the area. It's a hip space with clean lines and minimalist decor. Wok on ll)n and Don Don are side-by-side cheap and handy Asian restaurants, the first specializing in noodle bowls and the second in sushi. Nearby in trendy Paddington, Toko Sushi on Oxford turns out some of the most inventive sushi in town, in an uber-trendy dining room. In the up-and-coming Inner West part of Sydney, the Newtown and Glebe neighborhoods have become popular for funky shopping and ethnic dining. Great dining spots in these districts include Kilimanjaro for inexpensive, delicious African fare; Sumalee for tasty Thai treats; and lku Kitchen for vegetarian victuals. Sydney has a number of inviiing accommodations, most of them downtown, which is either a pleasant 20-minute walk or a relatively qllick cab ride from Oxford Street. Directly facing Sydney Harbour, you'll find the stunning Park Hyatt, a fourstory hotel with unbelievably cushy rooms, round-the-clock butler service, and a loyal celeb following. If you get a chance, eat iunch in the hotel's open~air dining room overlooking the harbor and opera house. Up tM street, The Establishment, run by Aussie design guru Justin Hemmes, turns heads with its 33 super-stylish rooms and chic public spaces, such as Tank nightclub, Est restaurant, and Sushi e cafe. For the ultimate in style, book one of the sleek rooms at the W Hotel Sydney, where Russell Crowe is said to have an apartment. There aren't too many accommodations right along Oxford Street, but one iove!y and relatively affordable option is Sullivans Hotei, just east of Darlinghurst in Paddington. This intimate and friendly property has 64 reasonably priced rooms plus a pool and exercise room. Right on Hyde Park, there's the Sheraton on the Park, a thoroughly upscale lodging with about 550 sleek rooms and a great health club, pool, and spa. If you're seeking a little extra leg room, try the nearby Southern Cross Suites, whose spacious and relatively affordable.- studio rooms have kitchenettes. Another smart Darlinghurst option is the Medusa, which has just 18 rooms, col.ors and mod furnishings. . . downt9.wn Sydney but right by the ocean, consider staying arDiyi:I Hotel, which is in Coogee Beach and just steps from the sand.This intimate 14-room hotel is done in cool blacks and w~it,es with striking modem furniture. In fact,·even if you don'tovemight out in this direction, at least plan a bi:iefexcursion. Sydney's fashionable seaside neighborhoods h~ve loads of character plus intriguing shops and restaurants. ·· · :.:: ·· You might plan to watch the.sun set from Bondi Beach's hottest restaurant, lcebergS'; a futuristic, glass-walled cantina overlooking the ocean and'serving·such memorable Mod Oz fare as char-grilled quail with gni,pe salad, and smoked eel with creme fraiche, arugala, and horseradish. The dessert of vanilla panna cotta with chocolate sauce and chestnut honey is a marvelous way to finish off a perfect Sydney evening. Tli.~ llitle Black Book . (the country code for Australia is 61) Altitude (Shangri-La Hotel, 176 Cumberland St'., 02/9250-6123). ARQ (16 Flin:aers St, 02/9380-8700, www.arqsydriey.com.:m). Bank Hotel (324 King St., 02/9557-1692). Betty's Soup Kitchen (84 Oxford St., 02/9 .. Kwong (355 Crown St., 02/9332- 3300). BridgeCJi~lt~ 4-"c7777, www.bridgeclimb.com). Colombian Hotd,(Gxford .and Crown Sts., 02/9360-2151). Dive Hotel (234 Aiden St., 02/9665-5538, www.divehotel.com.au). Don· Don (80 Oxford_ St.; 02/9331-3544). The Establishment (5 Bridge La.! 02/9240-3100; ~.esfahlishmenthotel.com). Exchange Hotel (34-44 Oxford St., 02/9331-1936). Grumpy Baker (151 Oxford St., 02/9380-4177). Icebergs (1 Notts Ave., 02/9365-9000). Iku )(itchen (25A Glebe Point Rd., 02/9692-8720). Imperial Hotel (35 Erskineville Rd., 02/9519-9899). Kilimanjaro (280 King St., 02/ 9557-4565). Kinsclas Hotel (383-387 Bourke St., 02/9331-3100). Lord Nelson Hotel (Kent and Argy:leSts.; 02/9251-1532). Lure Fish Cafe and Oyster Bar (381 Bourke St., 'J'.aylor Square, 02/9361- 3366). Manacle (b~sement .of Taylor Square Hotel, 1 Flinders St., 02/9331-2950). Medusa (267 Darlinghurst Rd., 02/9331-1000 www.medusa:com'.au). Midnight Shift' (85 Oxford St., 02/9360- 4319). Newrown Hotel (King and Watkins Sts., 02/9557-1329). Oxford Hotel (134 Oxford St., 02/9~~1-3467). Pm Hyatt (J Hickson Rd., 02/9241-1234, · · · om). Rockpool (107 George St., 02/9 . . (106 George St., 02/9251-2466). Sheraton on the P.aik(t61 Elizabeth St, 02/ 9286-6000, www.sheraton.com/syd · · · ,,· · · · · s (Wentworth and Goulbnrn Sts., . Stonewall Hotel (175 Oxford St., 02/936Q-1963). S~s Hotel (21 Oxford St., 02/ 9361-0211, www.sullivans.com.au). Sumalee (324 King St., 02/9565- 1730). Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mildi Gras (www.mardigras.org.au). Toko Sushi on Oxford (362 Oxford St., 02/9380-7001). W Hotel Sydney (6 Cooper Wharf Rd., 02/9331-9000, www.whotels.com). Wok on Inn (80 Oxford St., 02/9332-4554). oo,n To Eurelm. S~s. Amensas $ GET ROMA.NT/Cl C.O.U.J.U.8.I, ~sPEEO-DATING'PARTYI . ~MIMOSA BRUNCH'/ VALBJITllfB'8 DDIKBR • DAJICE AtleNI,_.,,. CMilU' ~ye.- DINE W/11{ YOIIR COIIIIIJNITY BEFORE THE DANCE! ... DMCII ...... CM,' If~,_, ............ For detalla & other DIVERSITY Info: lurekaPrlde.oom and To Buren Sprinqs. ArR8DS8.S '~ GET ROMANTIC! COUPWI SIIOLEJI 'SPEED-DATING'PARTY! "MIMOSA BRUNCH'/ VALBRTJKB'S DllflDtR & DAWCB At loNJ ,-votHt, CARIBE' Raaurante y C.mina DINE WITH YOUR COMMiJNJTY BEFORE THE DANCEi IPII DAJICR • 1aTIIIWII ClllafN' to 1i,d,y1, 11111/ I At our hl9torks Auclltorlu• A bpbtrlcal ooalHly troupe, ,..,,,.,, to ,.,.. o•r -,, db lavfllNr a11 For detalla & other DIVERSITY Info: EurekaPrlde.com and ACLU Urges Arkansas Supreme Court to Uphold Ruling Overturning Anti-Gay Foster Care Ban LITTLE ROCK - Joined by an array of national child advocacy organizations, the American Civil Liberties Union.flied a brief.today asking the Arkansas Supreme Court to uphold an ear1ier court decision striking down a state regulation that banned gay people and anyone living in a household with a gay adult from being foster parents in the state,: The trial court had found that living with gay or lesbian parents doesn't hann children. "This anti-gay foster parenting ban goes against the recommendation of every major ctiildren!s health and welfare organization in the.country," said Rita Sklar, Executive Director of the ACLU of Arkansas. •These experts understand all too well how this policy hurts the many children in Arkansas in need of safe, stable homes: The la\1/suit was flied against the state in 1999 on behalf . of four prospective foster parents. In addition to today's brief from th.a ACLU, several other groups have submitted friend-of-the-court briefs in the case, including the Child Welfare League of America, the National Association of Social Workers and its Arkansas chapter, and the American Psychological Association. ·one thing that the proponents.of this policy can't seem to explain is, 'How do they expect the state to find homes for the children in Arkansas who need foster care when you diminish the already small pool of potential parents?'" said Rob Woro11off, a program manager with the Child Welfare League of America. "Policymakers should heed the advice of the child welfare professionals who know that the best way to meet the needs of foster children is to assess all prospective parents on a caseby- case basis: Four friend-of-the-court briefs, representing a broad range of support for ending the foster care ban, were flied today in support of the ACLU's lawsuit. These included: A brief signed by the Child Welfare League of America and the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute explaining how all major child welfare organizations oppose categorical bans like the one in Arkansas because they deprive child.ran of.qualffied caregivers. A brief signed by the American Psychological Association, the Arkansas Psychological Association, and the National Association of Social Workers and its Arkansas chapter detailing over two decades of social science research showing that gay people·are equally capable parents who raise healthy children and that these facts are well-established and accepted in the scientific community. A brief from an assortment of Arkansas law professors and religious leaders explaining ttiat basing government discrimination against a group of people on nothing but moral disapproval is not a legitimate basis for the government to disadvantage a group and that different religious groups have diverse moral views about lesbian and gay people. SENATE APPROVES MEDICAID CUTS, HARMS HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF AMERICANS LIVING WITH HIV/ AIDS 'On HIV and AIDS, Congress handed over authority to extremists with the potential to hann thousands of Americans,' said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. December 21, 2005 WASHINGTON- Tl)is morning in a vote of 50 to 50, with Vice President D.ick Cheney casting the tie-breaking vote, the U.S. Senate approved the budget reconciliation conference report containing billions in cuts to Medicaid that put at risk the lives of hundred of thousands of Americans living with HIV/AIDS; however, due to a Democratic point of or:c1er, the conference report will now be sent back to the H9(Jse of Representatives. The budget package permits new premiums and deductibles, and higher cost-sharing on Medicaid beneficiaries who already find themselves on the edge of being able to seek quality care and treatment for their HIV/AIDS. Medicaid is the nation's largest payer of HIV/AIDS care. ·on HIV and AIDS, Congress handed over authority to extremistswith the potential to hann thousands of Americans," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese."lt is unacceptable to pull tlie rug out from under hundreds of thousands of our neighbors living with HIV/AIDS and simply say your government is not there for you. We should be focusing on ways to improve these programs, not shoving them onto the cutting room floor." A provision in the Senate's version of the reconciliation bill was stripped out in conference that would have given some states the option to extend Medicaid coverage through a demonstration program to chiidless adults with HIV who are currently ineligible for Medicaid until they develop AIDS. Currently, the law requires that all Medicaid beneficiaries be treated fair1y and have access to all of the medically necessary Medicaid services their state provides. The budget reconciliation package changes current law to provide new "flexibility" to states by allowing states to discriminate against groups of Medicaid beneficiaries. States will now be allowed to provide more services to some beneficiaries than others, based on political or arbitrary considerations - instead of relying on the professional judgments of health care providers about the necessity of Medicaid services. What Republicans Have Accomplished for the Gay Community! Dear Editor: Many Gay activists mockingly ask an important question that is rarely answered honestly in the gay press. · What have Log C_abin Republicans accomplished with their loyalty to the GOP? In the evolution of gay rights, the Republican Party has proven capable of making a place at the table for gay people, and stopping or opposing destructive legislation toward gay people, In 197 4, conservative GOP icon Ronald Regan opposed a California state amendment to outlaw the firing of homosexuals in public schools. The amendment failed with Reagan's help. Had toe amendment passed, it would be legal to fire any public school employee for being gay. In his retirement, the 1964 GOP Presidential nominee Barry Goldwater spoke out in support of gays in the military. ''Yqu don't have to be straight to shoot straight," he famously said. In 1996, Presidential Republican nominee Rol:>ert Dole returned a $25,000.00 contribution check to the Log Cabin Repuglicans. For several years now, Robert Dole now gives an annual $25,000.00 personal check to a New York-based disability group for PWAs. The Massachusetts Supreme Court majority in support of gay marriage was made up ENTIRELY of Republican appointees to the bench who were appointed by Republican governors. A fact that has little or no prominence in gay media coverage. Why? Does it not fit into the bias of many gay writers? Passage of the Connecticut civil unions law was primarily l~d by Republican Governor Jodi Rell. Across the country most gay writers were very muted in underscoring the Republican Governor's partisan identity. In Ohio,,the Republican Governor, GOP Attorney Generai, GOP U.S. Senators George Voinovich and Mike Dewine and the C9lumbus area GOP Congresswoman Deborah Pryce- the fourth ianking Republican in the U.S. House all publicly opposed state amendments to outlaw gay marriage. State Legislators in Michigan, Kansas, Minnesota, and Idaho opposed for the record amendments denying gay marriage. None of the gay friendly Republicans were defeated for re-election. Severai Republican Congresspersons from South and Centrai Florida voted to support federal hate crimes legisiation; repeal "Don't Ask.Don't Tell"; and have received local awards for their efforts in AIDS advocacy. At the same time,-traditional gay activists need to realize that not all is well in the Democratic Party of Inclusion. John Kerry pollsters determined that 45% of his voters voted AGAINST gay marriage, including 60+ percent of Hispanics, African-Americans and labor union households - pillars of the Democratic Party. Gay activists must not allow themselves to be uninformed ideologues: all venomous emotion, and little substantive research knowledge except for ghetto propaganda. Nor can they make themselves feel better by pretending that gay legislation can pass without GOP support. Historical land mark legislation requires large numbers of votes from both parties: · Gay Democrats, get a grip. Get the facts Bob Ruyack & Matthew Tsien Florida Gold Coast Log cabin Republicans atrimony! "Can you believe it?" Spence said. By Cam Lindquist "Yes I can believe it. You are always telling me about some conquest or another. This is a small town ... now hu~_h, some~ne might hear you," I replied. "But that 1s crazy. There are only two hundred or so people here. Half of them must be family. co-workers straight, or lesbians. So when you take them out the fact ~h~t I have slept with fifty two guys here is amazing. That 1s Irk~, more than half of the gay men in this room right now. Spence seemed amazed and proud of himself all at the same time. ":ine Spene~. Hush now, his momma could be right behind you talking smack at her son's wedding. You think knowing how many of the guests you slept with is how she wants to remember today?" I said. "Oh quit being such a granny, Cam. Besides, no one can hear ~s, we are whispering. Anyway, I have slept with the bnde and the groom so either one of their Mommas can chew on that piecE:' of fatback!" Spence was silent, for now, but the smug look of satisfaction plastered across his face was not going anywhere. Spence's notched headboard wasn't the onlv drama that came up at the nuptials of Hugh and Barry.' Hugh and Barry are two British blokes who met in London almost fifteen years ago. They crossed "The Pond" and the Mason-Dixon Line almost five years ago when Barry's employer asked him to become the director of ?pera~ions .ova~ th~ir U~ distribution. Three years ago Lhey_ a,most cahed 1t qu,ts but therapy was cheaper than moving all of Hugh's stuff back to the UK. So several months of couples counseling and many boxes of tissues iater (for crying oniy since the therapist was one of the guys Barry, Hugh, and Spence hadn't slept with) Barrv and Hugh professed their undying love for each other' and promised eternal monogamy. T~is was a disappointment to many, many gay men in our httle town. Barry and Hugh had the most open of open relationships. If you didn't mind, they didn't mind. They were both extraordinarily gorgeous, smart, witty, and the accents usually sealed the deal. They threw ~uge partie~ that even prudes like myself had a great time attending. And after I went home along with all the other guys who didn't "do orgies" the party raged on - no pun intended. But our little town in the South had to say goodbye to those days well over a year ago. And after they hit the • " year mark of fidelity they wanted to do it the old fas~ioned way. So they planned a shindig, ball-andchain- style, complete with matching tuxes and a white wedding cake. . _The drama all around us was people whispering and going on about how these two would never make it. Even some of their fellow countrymen and -women were hovering around the punch bowl at the reception placing be~s on everything from which bloke would stray first to which one would end up with their seaside home. B~t ironically: it was neither Spence nor the couple's gossip-worthy history that stole the show; it was Barry's you~ger bm_ther Bart. Bartwas a beefier, more rugged version of his older, more refined sibling. While his brother was tall, lean and looked like an International male model, Bart was .about three inches shy and twenty pounds heavier than Barry. But it looked good on him and every guy in the place thought so. Bart didn't seem too friendly at first. But•after several trips to the punch bowl his frown flipped upside down. He bec~me ~he_life of the party, floating from group to group, flexing his biceps for attentive groups of queens who oohhed and aahhed! I think he even let a few of the drag queens grab his butt to prove he had the best rear in the whole place. Of course the sisterhood agreed wholeheartedly. Barry and Hugh found his behavior quite amusing. He was the best man and gave a heartfelt, lovingly supp?rtive speech a~out love, their parents, and years of happiness. The dancing began and as I listened to Spence halfheartedly, I noticed my eye candy had been gone for a while. Less than five minutes later he reappeared, John Travolta style, on the dance floor -sliding across the floor , on his knees. Then he got up and twirled his jacket off ,. · trying to toss it to one of his adoring fans but it didn't make it because it appeared to be caught on his cufflink. He shook and swung, completely loosing his suave ?O's king of the disco tech air in exchange for a delusional schizophrenic who's off his mads thing. Finally the attached garments came undone. The "cufflink" in que~tion actually turned out to be a tiny pair of pink panties. The whole room was silent, even the music had stopped because the Dj had been waiting to restart it when Bart regained his composure. Bart stood iooking at continued page-23 HA~PY NEW'YEARI . . . - ' Welcome to a new year of possit)iHties and wonders for you and your garde.n. Your probably thinking it's ten degrees and she'stalking about gardening? True, butto ensur,e your garden comes back with strength ana (lJatLtrify itne~ds, there are a few musts, even when the;ter:rip~ ytailt to keep you inside. First thing first. Trim your bush! Prune deciduous shrubsfor i(ijtial shape and for restoration. Also prune deciduous shrubs that flower on new shoots. Prune bush roses, inpluding hybrid teas, floribundas and miniatures, repeat flowering roses and china, bourbon and portland old roses. You may have a huge bud, but who can see the blossom for the bush? Preve.nt snow damage to conifers by brushing it off immediateiy or tying the plant with twine Oi panty hose, you know you have a pair or two, to preserve the shape in heavy snow areas. Don't forget the vines. Prune established climbers and wall shiubs that flower on the current seasons shoots. Thin overgrown clematis and cut back. Check supports and renew them if necessary. Finish planting containerized and container grown shrubs. Give them an initial pruning after planting and stake if needed. Cut back hardy grasses an.d l;>amboos that have been ieft over winter to the ground before they start into growth. And the list goes on. With aii that done if your sitting looking out the window at the baron trees and dormant iawn, there is a fix for the gardening goddess who must have blossoms all year. Take it from a girl with huge forced bulbs, that's right forced bulbs, you know like paperwhites, tulips, hyacinth, and daffodiis to name a few. All you need is a groovy container that is water tight . a few stones, pebbles, marbles, rocks or whatevei it takes to keep your bulbs up and sunlight. You can find most of these easily at your local garden center quite cheap this time of year. Simply place the rooting end of the bulb into the water supported by the contents. Keep in a sunny window and before you know it you will have beautiful indoor blooms to help keep the winter blues away. Don't forget our woodland friends this season, as they also bring something to the winter garden by the way of flight and song. Keeping bird feeders, whether seed or suet, will bring hours of enjoyment for you and much needed nourishment for them. Water is also a welcome treat when temps fall below fre~zing. So put out water whenever possible for our·winged friends. No I didn't mean fairies. Auntie is a busy girl forcing her bulbs and trimming bushes and all, so until next time, and remember, in these cold temps the only difference between pink and purple is your grip. See ya in the dirt! ''You can lead a hor-to-culture, but you can't make her think" ~o FlowezS ~Gifts Earl Wheeler 437 E.141st Street Glenpool, OK 74033 918.291.EARL {3275) the Tulsa Metro tvea for i:11er 21 Years with PRIDE! CUSTOM DECORATING * HOLIDAY SPEOALS Congratulations to Elton John and David Furnish who were married in a civil ceremony in the royal town of Windsor December 21, 2005. The long time couple of twelve years tied the knot at Guildhall, the same building where heir-to-the throne Britain's Prince Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles this year. Elton had married once before to a women Renata Blauelin 1984. They separated and divorced in 1988. He was engaged once before to Linda Woodrow in the ?O's, but nothing came of it. He tried to get out of it, and even tried suicide. That is where the song, "Someone Saved My Life Tonight", came from. He has no children. New Travel Company for Women Launches with 2006 Slate of Cruises and Tours Press Release: Exploring the Emerald Shores of Turkey with a marine archaeoiogist, watching the sun set over Capri and sipping Limoncello on a culinary cruise or teeing off at St. Andrew's with an LPGA tour.ing pro. 12 Muses, a New York-based travel venture catering to lesbians and open-minded women, announces a maiden year line-up of five women-only itineraries to these destinations and more~ Margo Mallar, a travei-industry veteran who has spent more than a dozen years leading small-ship educationai cruises for alumni and cultural groups, founded the company to provide intimate travel experiences to women who want both physical comforts and intellectual stimulation. The five programs for 2006 include a Culinary Cruise to Southern Italy and Sicily in April, the Greek Isles in late May/Early June, Golfing in Scotland in July, Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest in September and Southern Turkev in November. Cruises accommodate up to 34 passengers who will interact with a powerhouse line-up of guest lecturers including women's studies pioneer Lillian Faderman, poet Honor Moore, marriage historian Stephanie Coontz and LPGA touring pro Patty Rizzo, who accompany groups offering their insights and observations. The rates for 12 Muses cruises and land programs range from $3595:-5295 per person; ten percent of the proceeds of three of the trips go to support the efforts of the Pride Foundation, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. The company has also released a CD entitled 12 Muses, Live from the Drylongso, a collection of 12 singersongwriters including Patty Larkin, Catie Curtis, Mary Gauthier, Jennifer Kimball and Grammy-nominee Bill Morrissey, the proceeds of which go to benefit New England Equality organizations. For more information, check out the website at www.12Muses.com or call 1 866-926 MUSE. The Ozarks STAR since 2003 Will Show in Tulsa? 'TIJLSA,OK _ Confiding reports where everywhere surrounding the opening of "Brokeback Mountain• in Tulsa and if AMC Southroads 20 would allow it to be shown here. The rumor mill had the movie opening Dec:ember 9th. Then the movie was canceled because of content. The Star reported in our December issue the movie would be opening in San Francisco, Chicago and New York on,oecember 3rd. At that time there was not a release date for Tulsa. • The ST AR contacted Senior Manager of the the~ter complex Troy Sagaser and he graciously responded with this comnieht. 'We were originally told. wee.ks ago that we would be tentatively opening Brokeback Mountain on 12/9, but since then, Focus Features decided to go into this platform release, pushing off the date. At this time, we don't know what the date might be. It could be as early as 12/16, or as late as mid".'January, depending on how Focus Features wants to roll it out. The movie exhibitors, like AMC Theatres, have no say on how this is done; it is solely up to the distributor on dates that their fiim opens. The idea that AMC Southroads 20 was thinking about not playing it because of its subject matter or content is not true at all. We have played several gay-theme films over the years, and we have hosted a portion of the Out OK Film Festival for the last three years. We (and I) have avidly supported and played hundreds of independent fiims that show several different points of view. After this explanation, I certainly hope that you will not think ill of me, AMC Southroads 20, or AMC Theatres as a whole Troy Sagaser has beenfarifastic with the Tulsa GLBT community. He has brought many GLBT related movies here. Sagaser evidently has no problem with communicating with the GLBT press and in. a communique dated December 15th Troy updated us with a possible opening date for Tulsa. •we have heard from Focus Features that we will tentatively be opening the film on February 3rd• Considering how well the film did this past weekend at the few theatres it played in, I personally wouldn't be surprised if it opened earlier than that". KRISS KOHL •. " AN OKLAHOMA LEGEND by Greg Steele . TULSA, OK_ Thirty :years of entertaining the Oklahoma · · · GLBT community and the four states · region.A female illusionist, Kriss Kohl is also known for his tireless fundraising efforts.for non-profit organizations who benefit people with ,HIV and AIDS.•Knss has the ability to stage a show equal to, or exceed most 'female impersonator 'productions we are exposed to in the GLBT community. . . It's not just another drag show! As a Diva amo; . he can ~ring together the best entertainer's available in our area. Star's like Tabitha Taylor, Matthew Heath Fitzgerald, Catia Lee Love just to name a few. Former owner of the old Playmor Club and Miss Okia.homa USofA 1999, Kriss has earned the respect of his piers and fans aiike and just keeps on running! Be sure and catch his show at the Bamboo Lounge Tu!sa every 3rd Sunday of the month, 8pm. You won't be disappointed. Serving the community in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa and Indiana. Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Tel: (866)208-9480 gtainte helterinsuranee.com Auto - Home - Life - au.tness Seek ShelerTodayl urn · lation Both winners will be repiesenting Oklahoma at.the Mis~ Gay USofA PageanNn Dallas in May of 2006. The. pageant was held in Oklahoma City at the Copa on December 11-12. Category Winners were: Interview • Victoria. Weston, Evening Gown. Isabella Vancartier, Talent- Kirsten Grey, Contestants * # 1 • Raven DclRay • repre11enting Lawton USofA. # 2 • Rhapsody DeMilJe • repretenting N.E. Oklahoma USofA /I 3 • Kirsten Grey• representing Capitol City USofA ii 4 • Jodyn Welch• representing COPA USofA II 5 • Bobby Page • representing Tulsa USofA Ii 6 • Aurora LeKohl • representing N.E. Oklahoma USofA II 7 • Mya Mokka • representing Capitol City USofA # 8 • Josie Lee • representing OYP Oklahoma USofA If 9 • Baija T. Towers• representing Tulsa USofA #10 • Sama Kovalinskiy • representing OYP Oklahoma USofA 111 · Adrianna • representing Oklahoma City USofA #12 • Lace.y St. James•. representing COPA USofA N13 • Lacie Dawn • representin,. Sooner States USofA 11-4 • Taylor Bryan's * representing MidWcmrn Plains USofA 115. Isabella Vancartier • representing Lawton USofA #16 * Victoria Weston• rep:esendng Oklahoma City USofA PromotenrRagfin Productions of Dallas, Texas. For more information visit: MrW ITUJHlQ/$ a omausofa,com Few ave. "Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship• Enterprise, Its five year mission to explore sfralJ!J~ new worlds, to seek out new life, and new civilizatic,ns, to boldly go where no man has gone befbre ... " Almost forty years ago; acto·r George Takai v.ras a part of something gi1>llndbreaking. He was cast as Mr. Si.Jiu on the beloved original Star Trek series. With a racially diverse cast, the show tackled difficult issues such as racism and. intolerance, and even featured TV's first interracial Jdss. It was challenging sJuff for the '60s. George Ta~f:3f is still tackling difficult issues. He recently made . .headlines in the national news when he came out p4bUcly at age 68. In an interview with Frontiers, a biweekly gay and lesbian Web magazine, Mr. Takai talked openly c1bout his 18-year relationship with his partner Brad Altman. Technically, Mr. Takai wasri't really coming out, since he has made public appearances with his partner in the past, but he was making a very public statement to the press for the first time. •rve been 'open,•· Takai said in his interview, "but I have not talked to the press: He described it as a process, •more like a long, long walk through what began as a narrow corridor that starts to widen.· Just days before Mr. Takei's interview was published, another prominent celebrity came out, WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes. Considered by many to be the greatest female basketball player in history, Swoopes has been named the WNBA's Most Valuable Player a recordbreaking three times, and helped lead her team, the Houston Comets, to win four National Championships in a row-something no other team has ever done. She was also the first female athlete to have a Nike shoe named for her. By coming out on Good Morning America in late October, Swoopes added another first to her list She became the first major athlete to come out at the pinnacle of a career in a pro team sport. She decided to come out because she was tired of hiding who she was and lying about her seven-year relationship with partner Alisa "Scotty" Scott, a former assistant coach for the Comets. "I feel there's been a huge weight that's been taken off my shoulders," Swoopes told the Advocate in a recent interview, "and I feel I can inhale, I can exhale: · These celebrity •outingsa are significant for more than just the headlines or the future Jeopardy questions they will surely inspire. I have a confession. I'm addicted to Fark.com. Fark is an irreverent community news website that allows readers to comment on stories collected from around the world. When I heard about Swoopes and Takei coming out, I was eager to read the forums to gauge reactions. For the most part, those posting were supportive of both, but there was one sentiment that kept popping up that caught my attention. As one farker put it, ·why do homosexuals feel the need to tell everyone they are homosexual? I don't know of any hetero's who make press announcements that they are straight. I mean really. Who caresr On the one hand, you could take this as a positive sign. Besides the fact that there's no need foi a straight person to •come out" since we live in a predominantly heterocentrist worid where most people are assumed to be straight, this person obviously considered the news of a celebrity coming out as a nonevent. That implies that he or she views being gay as completely normai, or at least not newsworthy. Unfortunately, many do not share that view, which is exactly why it's so important for celebrities to keep coming out publicly. As evidenced by the anti-gay backlash that has spread across the US and world in recent months, gays and lesbians are not yet accepted. We are far from equal. We do not share the same rights as our HEART TO HEART heterosexual counterparts. Our relationships are not recognized in most of the country. Our families are not valued or respected. Every time a celebrity comes out, it helps put a face on gay rights. One of the reasons George Takei came out was Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's veto of a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in California. When the Governator vetoed that bill, he wasn't just taking marriage right away from a bunch of faceless queers, he was denying Mr. Sulu the opportunity to have his relationship legally recognized as equal to that of heterosexuals'. Openly gay and lesbian celebrities serve as ambassadors to the straight world. The more people who come out, the more chances there are that someone will relate to at least one of them-something that could make a difference in how they think about gay rights. It's great that Ellen DeGeneres and Melissa Etheridge are out, but while Ellen's everyman humor and Melissa's recent victory over breast cancer have made each of them more relatable to many, not everyone can identify with these women. As Sheryl Swoopes said in her interview, " ... I was trying to figure out what gay AfricanAmerican woman has come out and can represent the gay African~American community. And I can't really think of one." L.ikewise, there are very few out Asian-Americans. GeorgeTakei joins a very short list consisting of actors BO Wong and Alec Mapa. We need more closeted celebrities to come out in every field-actors, musicians, politicians, athletes-and of every race. Of course, celebrities aren't the only ambassadors, and they shoulgn't be expected to shoulder the entire burden. While it's grectt when someone famous reveals that they are gay, oftentimes, knowing someone personally will make an even bigger impact. It's one thing to deny Rosie, Ellen, or George Takai the right to get married, it's something else entirely when it's your best friend, coworker, or relative. Maybe one day the sexuality of celebrities really won't be an issue. Maybe stars won't have to come out because they'll never have been in the closet in the first place. Maybe it really won't matter wha der they love. That is what we're all working for, er all. Unfortunately, we're not there yet-as the fact that Congress is once again considering an anti-gay federal marriage amendment proves. In the meantime, we welcome Sheryl Swoopes and George Takei with open arms, thank them for having the courage to do what so many fear, and we will keep fighting for the rights that we are unjustly denied. We wiB continue our mission to change the world, to seek equal lives and better civilizations, to boldly go where few have gone before ... The views expressed in this column are my opinions only. You don't have to agree with them. I just ask that you read them with an <YfJen heart and mind. Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $26.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelo he 1st of each month. Complete the orm below and send with a check or moneyorder to: Ozarks STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: ______________ _ Address: _______________ _ City: _______ St: ___ Zip: ___ _ Phone: ________ _ Check endosed Money Order Start Date: ______ _ FREE HIVTESTING, NO NEEDLES! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS Testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. 2902 E. 20tn St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 Sunday Service 6PM Your Invited to our Community_ Dinner !,very _Wed. just $4.U0. No one ts tum away. Lesbian Notions by Libby Post JANUARY 2006 "Today's McCarthys" awfew weeks back I went to see Good Night and Good Luck. George Clooney's excellent film about how Edward R. Murrow, who set the standard for what journalism could be, brought down U.S. Sen. Joseph McCarthy and his anticommunist witch hunts. · It all happened in 1953 and 1954. After years of McCarthy accusing everyone - including President Eisenhower - of being a communist or a sympathizer, Murrow and his boys at CBS said enough was enough .. They exposed McCarthy by showing him in action. McCarthy's rants and raves in his Senate subcommittee hearings were broadcast on television, and within months his reign of terror on freedom of thought was over. So much has changed in the 50 or so years since those witch hunts, yet so much has also stayed the same. The need to scapegoat one group for the problems in our country and our society has not gone away. The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community is today's Communist Party. We're not necessarily accused of a wholesale takeover of the U.S. government. Instead, we're blamed and scapegoated for everything today's McCarthys see wrong with our culture. Did you know that our community is responsible for ruining heterosexual marriage, or that we've destroyed the family because we have kids, or that we are to blame for every youth that comes out as 14, 15, or 16, if not younger? Today's McCarthys are Donald Wildman and James Dobson and their organizations, the American Famiiy Association and Focus on the Family. They are Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, members of the clergy who use their positions to demonize us. They are Baylor University and Seton Hall University, religiously affiliated schools, which purge gay aiumni, faculty, staff, and students. Today's McCarthys are Kari Rove and George Bush, who used our desire to marry to hoodwink the nation and re-elect a poiitically and morally bankrupt administration. They are the Pope and his cardinals with their new directive against gay priests. They are the high school principals who confiscate the student newspaper simply because there was an ad for a LGBT support group or an article about LGBT students. Today's McCarthys are all around us, and some of their witch hunts are like McCarthy's - threatening to expose and purge - and some have taken on new and unusual forms. For a good old-fashioned witch hunt against the LGBT community, you don't have to look any further than the military. Its tactics are straight out of the McCarthy playbook - exploit someone you know to be gay, and get them to name names. The military has "don't ask, don't tel!" to hide behind, but now that we're at war, the amount of LGBT purging has dropped precipitously. But don't for a minute think they actually want us. If it were feasible, they would continue their LGBT witch hunts with fervor. Then there's the witch hunt of harassment that has gone on unchecked at Penn State University for years. It seems the school's women's basketball coach, Rene Portland, really hates lesbians. This might be an "I think she doth protest too much" situation, but nonetheless Portland's rants and raves over the years have effectively either kept the lesbians on her squad deep in the closet or purged them. But she went too far and kept accusing a straight player, Jennifer Harris, of being a dyke. Harris in turn has gone public and filed a suit with Pennsylvania's Human Rights Commission. Her actions gave other former players the courage to speak about their experiences as well. But Portland is still the coach, and her reign of terror against lesbians continues. And then there's the witch hunt that doesn't look like a witch hunt. Instead of purging us from this year's White House Conference on Aging, the administration simply refused to let us participate. Once every 10 years, aging experts gather for this· conference to meet, present papers, and make recommendations to the president and Congress on national aging policies. The last conference took place during the Clinton administration, and while our concerns never made it into any resolutions, at least there was discussion. But Bush ar;Jd his people even refuse to entertain that we exist and that there are issues specific to us as an aging population. A haif century ago, Murrow had the guts to stand up to McCarthy's demagoguery. Fifty years later, there may not be one person in the mainstream media willing to foilow in Murrow's footsteps and expose the sham and shame of today's McCarthies, but, thankfully, there are plenty of us in the LGBT community who are. anadian ou ules roup x Legal. December 22, 2005 OTTAWA "Consensual conduct behind code-locked doors canhardly be supposed to jeopardize a society as vigorous and tolerant as Canadian society," said the opinion of the seven-to-two majority, written by Chief ~fl Justice Beverley Mclachlin. ·~ The decision does not affect laws against prostitution because no money changed hands among the adults having sex. Group sex among consenting adults is neither prostitution nor a threat to society; the Supreme Court of Canada ruled on Wednesday as it lifted a ban on socalled "swingers" clubs or gay bathhouses. The court was reviewing an appeal by Jean-Paul Labaye, who ran the L'Orage (Thunderstorm) club. He had been convicted in 1999 of running a "bawdy house" - defined as a place where prostifl.1tion or acts of public indecency took place. Labaye - who is still running L'Orage despite his earlier conviction - said he was relieved, and would now go ahead with a new venture with backing from a group of Florida investors. "We hope clients will be more calm. This will probably lead the way to a good future," he told reporters, saying he was looking at adding a Jacuzzi and a swimming pool. . Labaye said he had a6out 2,000 regular clients who paid around C$20 ($17) a year for a membership card. The high court threw out Labaye's conviction and affirmed the Kouri decision. "Entry to the club and participation in the activities were voluntary. No one was forced to do anything or watch anything. No one was paid for sex," Mclachlin wrote in reference to the Labaye case. In indecency cases, Canadian courts have traditionally probed whether the acts in question "breached the rules of conduct necessary for the proper functioning of society". The Supreme Court ruled that from now on, judges should pay more attention to whether society would be actively harmed. · lfGPN -to OE1" MIDDLE 1'MERICA 1b SSE. '-'SROKE&ACK MOUN,-AIN" ast ut by Liz Highleyman JANUARY 2006 Summary : Past Out is a retrospective of key moments, .personalities, and subjects in LGBT history. Each installment brings the past to life by exploring the diversity of the gay past and its impact on the queer present. (104 years ago this month): Bisexual screen legend Marlene Dietrich is born in Berlin. Who was Marlene Dietrich? Marlene Dietrich, one of the premier stars of Hollywood's Golden Era, was infamous for her masculine dress and her numerous affairs with both women and men. Unlike many of the screen and stage divas beloved by gay men, Dietrich was queer in her own· right. Maria Magdalene Dietrich was · · · born December 27, 1901, to a bourgeois family in suburban Berlin; she adopted the name "Marlene" as a young girl. One of her earliest romantic relationships was reportedly with a female music teacher at her all-girls high school. Forced to give up playing violin due to a hand injury, in 1921 Dietrich enrolled in a drama school run by renowned director Max Reinhardt. Taking small roles in stage plays and films, she immersed herself in the decadent Weimar-era Berlin social scene. At ·age 22, she married director's assistant Rudolf Sieber; she gave birth to her oniy child the following year. After director Josef von Sternberg saw her in a cabaret performance, he cast the thenobscure actress to star in Germany's first major sound film, Der Blaue Engle (The Blue Angel). Dietrich's iconic portrayal of Lola Lola - a cabaret singer who seduces a repressed professor with oerformance of "~ailing in Love Again" - catapu her to fame. On the day of the film's German debut in April 1930, she departed for the United States to accept an offer from Paramount Studios, which positioned her as a rival to Swedish glamour queen Greta Garbo. In her American debut, Morocco (1930), Dietrich donned a white tailcoat and top hat and kissed a woman on the lips. That "masculine attitude" would increase her charm, van St~rnberg later explained. "I didn't only want to show a lesbian scene, but Marlene's own special sexuality." Though fondly remembered for this androgynous role, she mostly played femmes fatales - often prostitutes - in movies such as Shanghai Express (1932) and _Blond Venus (1932). By the mid-1930s, she was the most highly paid actress of her day. Off screen, Dietrich lived up to her image as an independent, sexually liberated woman. Remarked British critic Kenneth Tynan, "Marlene's masculinity appeals to women and her sexuality to men." Indeed, though she remained married to Sieber until his death in 1976, Dietrich had numerous affairs with both sexes. "In Europe it doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman," she once said. "We make love with anyone we find attractive." Dietrich's many male lovers - documented or rumored - included Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Yul Brynner, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, Ernest Hemingway, General George Patton, and both President John F. Kennedy and his father, Joseph. But according to her daughter and biographer, Maria Riva, Dietrich was seeking romance and companionship, and didn't enjoy sex for its own sake. As such, she reportedly had a special fondness for men who were impotent (such as writer Erich Maria Remarque) or queer (like Maurice Chevalier and Noel Coward). Dietrich was part of a group of lesbian and bisexual Hollywood women referred to as the •sewing circle." Her female lovers reportedly included actresses Tallulah Bankhead and Claudette Colbert, chanteuse Edith Piaf. and French author Colette. In the · · 1930s, Dietrich had an unusually .open relationship with SpanishCuban writer Mercedes de Acosta, after de Acosta was dumped by Garbo. Many have speculated on .the possibility of a sexual liaison between Dietrich and Garbo, both of whom - somewhat implausibly, given the incestuous nature of their circle - denied they had ever met before 1945. Former Washington Post society columnist Diana Mclellan, for one, asserts that the two women had a brief affair in 1925 while working together on an obscure flim, The Joyless Street. But in a 2002 interview, Riva toid The Advocate "No matter how much your readers might wish it we;e so Dietrich never had a relationship with Garbo." ' .... continued next a e. The Ozarks STAR since 2f}f}$. Past Out: After parting ways with van Sternberg in the mid-1930s, Dietrich switched to more comic roles, including saloon hostess Frenchy in the Jimmy Stewart Western _Destry Rides Again_ (1939). Having become a U.S. citizen in 1937, she rejected an invita~ion from Adolf Hitler to return to Germany during World War II to make . propaganda films (and perhaps to be his mistress), opting instead to entertain American Gls near the front lines in Europe and North Africa. While some Germans long regarded her as a traitor, she called this "the only important work I've ever done.". . Dn1wing on her USO experience, Dietrich embarked on a career as a cabaret singer in the 1950s, performing in Las Vegas, on Broadway, and at venues throughout the world for the nexttwp decades. In the 1970s, she began drinking heavily, suffered several o.n-stage accidents, and started overusing pain medication. After breaking her leg in 1975, s.he finally retired. Unable to maintain her glamorous-image, she thereafter lived a secluded life in her, Paris apartment (although sl)e wrote hundreds of lette115 and spent thousands of dollars on phone calls). Dietriclidied in her sleep in 1992 and was buried next to her rnother in Berlin. Far from ruin reer, Dietrich's gender".' bending . ed to ner: allure; H - as mucfr.as her Jfnqrogyridus atilte .: helped change society)iJmage of femininity. .· ..... ,, . . . For·turther readlfig: . ·, ·; ~ '::<,·., Bach, Steven. 2000. · Marlene Dietrich: Life and Legend~ (Da Oapo ). - McLellan,.Diana;2000. _The Girls: Sappho Goes to Hollywood_ (St.'Martin's Press). Riva, Maria. 199A. _Marlene Dietrich_ (Ballantine). Ford: Laymon, .Ford's group vice president for c9rporate human resources. · · A spokesman for the American Family Association said the group. had no c.o.mment on Ford's reversal. The group owns 200 radio stations under the American Family Radio name and claims more than q million supporters. Last month, the association canceled its boycott after meeting with Ford officials and dealers. A dealer who attended the meeting said he initiated the summit because he. and other Ford dealers in the South feared that a boycott would hurt sales. Gay Matrimony the pink panties a bit confused, as if he didn't know where they came from. Then a huge gasp of embarrassment followed by footsteps racing away came from the caterf ng table as a cute college girl ran off covering her face. in shame. Bart's reaction was a "oh yeh, that is where I got these" grunt which he promptly followed by discarding t.hem with the jacket. Though by now no one caught either one. The entire room laughed out loud.hysterically and Bart was unmoved by the reaction. A~ .. the music played he began dancing. Within .a few moments everyone else returned to what they had Ileen c:fping.,. . Everyone except.tfi~ 91,,t}tmen who had been salivating over Bart, all dissipated throughout the room . knowing he was straight, good looking, and accepting wasn't enough to overshadow the reality of the. situation. Yes, you may grab his posterior or his. bicep, but it is the cute browneyed girl who ends up in the coat closet with him! Not that I blame them at all. Doesn't everyone do the same thing? Somet~ing is shiny, intriguing, or interesting until the reality of the situation slaps us in the face. Like having a crush on the foreman of a building crew that you pass everyday on your way to work until that fateful Friday morning when a stop light catches you and you catch him picking his nose. Or that Land Rover you really, really want until you find out a bulb for the headlight, which you can only get at the dealer, is sixty eight dollars. Because nothing and no one in life is reaily perfect. Everything has a catch, a string. or a flaw. You either realize you love the flaws as part of the whole package or move on and find a deal that fits you better. The ironic thing is that those who choose to move on find themselves continuaily at this crossroads, having to choose ... again and again. But, as Barry and Hugh discovered the secret to real happiness is to stop running and choose to iove what you have and cherish the one you are with. So as my grandfather used to say, "play the hand you were dealt, my friend." After all, in poker isn't a true that two pairs beat a straight? January 1 , STAR Is on . the streets. 8 15 22 29 9 10 16 17 23 24 30 31 11 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 Deadline for February STAR 25 26 February2] 28 STAR ship date to 4 states Advice Column! January 2006 Hello Queerdom! Welcome 2006 ... It will be a new year of the fabulousness Queer. Yes Kittens, Uncle rocked in the New Year on the waves of fabulousness with a Twink and a wink. It was a record setting time. Uncle arrived on the stroke of midnight ready to blow in the New Year. I assure you my date, Blake Worthington, was ever so grateful. The Doctor's have assured me that he will make a full recovery. He should regain the use of his legs soon. Uncle made his night most memorable to say the least. Dear Uncle Mikey, My New Year's.pate was a man i met online. I thought .we were ready to meet face-to-face. It was a night of love and lust. We danced, laughed, and had a wonderful time. I thought, Finally, i have met someone worth meeting. A someone that wiH hang around longer than the tricks that i have met in the past. I was looking for something more. Now, after all is said and done he has avoided me by not answering his phone or my emails. i am at a lost. I don't know what went wrong. What should !do? Lost in Love Dearest Kitten. What went wrong is that you were ordering off the wrong menu. While Internet iove has sprung upon us all like wild flowers in the mist, it is not without the old· fashioned risk of meeting outside of cyber-land. It sounds as though your midnight lovin was just that. Sorry but your Prince Charming was really your Midnight Minuteman. Kitten it is easy to get caught up in the moment of the world ~lebration, feeling the new unknown time at hand, of a new year. Allowing oneself to be carried away ever so blindly into the arms of false love. Uncle would cherish the night of the whirlwind romance and leave it at that. Do not become this poor misguided man's stalking reminder that he drank from the forbidden fruits. Celebrate the fact that in that moment you felt the passion of a special time and utilize that goodness to fuel your search for Prince Charming. Kitten, love will find a way, if you allow fate to guide your heart. Smooches Mikey I swear Kittens; it is as if my words run as ,a fountain of pure inspiration. If I was not a modest soul, I might point that fact out! Dear Uncle Mikey, Is sex wrorig if you are almost related? Cousin in Love Kitten, like your short letter, I found myself shortly hearing banjos in. th~ Bdyot.l. Uncle is just afraid of that question! Almost nothing has ever proved to be an uneasy topic for Uncle. It is all or nothing and in this case, unless you-know how to play a banjo, Uncle would have to say to leave whatever devilish ideas of kissir,g cousins you have going on, in that dangerous fork in the road. Turn back now, while you can still hold your head up at family reunions. Talk about a near miss, Aunt Pearl would never stand the shock kitten. Smooches Uncle Dear Mikey, I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH A WOMEN I HAVE BEEN SEEING FOR A FEW MONTHS. She has literary come into my life like a storm. She says she loves my daughte, and wants to be a family. However, she is jobless, and makes minimal effort to find a new one. She sits on my couch, while I go to work, and than acts like it is too much to pick up my daughter from school for me, I am having serious doubts about her intentions. However, it is also nice again having a companion for myself. Am I just being narcotic here? Looking for Mrs. Right Dearest Kitten, You words convey such an innocent, if not perhaps ignorant view. It seems that if ms. Couch potato, was even half as worried about the relationship as you, she would at the very least, happily help out in any way she could. I think you better watch your food stamps with this one. It is easy to convince oneself it is better to live with irritable circumstances, verse a cold bed. I mean Kitten, if Uncle met a man, who thought he wouid move Continued next a e .. ......... . Ask Uncle Mikey: onto my couch with his jobless wonder well, kitten, the laughter would be heard around the world. Throw this one back, and find one worthy of you and your daughter. It is better to love the employed, than suffer the trail of debt the homeless wonder will create for you. Smooches-Uncle Well Kittens, Uncle shall take his leave once more. Queerdom remember, sometimes love.is not enough. Do not settle for someone out of desperate reasoning. Accept someone equally fabulous while worthy of your love. Also, a footnote, it helps if. you do not swim in the same gene pool, kittens. Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too! Want more of Mikey? Visit Mikey's comer at www.askunclemikey.com. Free/ande w.J1ter Michael Hinzman, joining communities throughou{Queerclom ... NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR .CALL F'CR RATES 91 B.B:35.7Bl;S7 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and 1tUst in Affordable Advertising Service. "Fiesta Pa Dip" 2 pounds ground Italian Sausage or hamburger meat. 1 can cream of mushroom soup. 1 can cream of chicken soup. 1 large jar Pace Picante sauce (medium or hot) 1 small'white onion chopped. 1 bell peppei chopped. 1 small tomato chopped. 1/2.ppund Velveeta cheese. 3-4 green onions chopped. Salt and pepper to taste. Brown meat in large sauce pan over medium heat, pour off excess fat, add cream of mushroom and chicken soup (do not add milk). Add 1/2 jar picante sauce, white onion, bell peppers and tomatoes: You may add more picante sauce if the sauce is to thick. Cook about 10-15 minutes, then add veiveeta cheese and simmer until cheese is melted. Pour dip into a crock pot on low to keep warm. serve warm. Serve with tortilia chips and pita bread. Chef john wishes you a Fabuious Food Year 20061 Seo es by Jack Fertig • J JANUARY 2006 ··"Try a different approach, Capricorn!" · With the Sun in Capricorn, of course we focus on goals and improvements in the new year. The Sun in harmony with Jupiter and Mars gives your resolutions some extra dedication and momentum. Some of them just might make it this year! ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Sex and shopping are especially d1str1:1cting. Focus instead on human and material resources that can help you get ahead. Your reputation is at stake now. Your sexual reputation is already made, so focus on the professional. TAURUS (April 20- May 20): Usually your charm lies in your beauty and sensuality. With that as a given, reach out beyond your sexuality and be willing to embrace new ideas. The latter is a bit of a challenge, but you'll find the stretch exhilarating. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Sex releases stress, but what's causing the stress? If questions of sexual integrity, values, and self-worth are at the root om, acting out will only feed a cycle of tension. Now is a great time to clarify those issues! CANCER,(June 21- July 22): Adapt your current efforts to serve your long-range purpose. Invite and graciously accept any critical support. Your partner - even a partner du jour - brings luck and feeds creativity. Welcome any and all suggestions! LEO (July 23 -August 22): Work, work, work ... It's the key to success, so keep your nose to the grindstone. Your inner reserves and inherited talents will come to the fore if you apply yourself. Your efforts are better seen and appreciated than you know. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Get into some good debates, or if you're too shy, just listen. New ideas will open your brain and your heart to new possibilities. The more you open up, the more you - and others - will realize how much you have to offer. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): It's hard to teli what's important for you personally, and what social concerns you need to address. Ask yourself how Mother would solve the dilemma. If that doesn't provide the answer, it wiH at least serve as a springboard. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21 ): Don't be afraid of arguments. It's an ideal time to take on the tough issues in your personai ielationships. Be willing to let go of your present stance so you can be open to deeper truths and stronger partnerships. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Worries, doubts, and general fretting undermine your health. Regular meditation helps, as does a spa retreat. Focus on priorities and values. Decide what matters in your life, and your worries will evaporate. CAPRICORN (December 21 · January 19): The more you find pleasure in your efforts now, the more you will see the rewards down the road. If you're not having fun, you're doing something wrong. Try a different approach! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Demands at home and at work are taxing, but the real work you need to do is internal.. Take a little time out to be clear about your motivations, fears, dreams, assumptions, and habits, and your tasks will be much easier. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Peace-loving, open-minded Pisces is now some other fish - a barracuda with a s~rong opinion, or a shark in an argument.Good quarrels are not about who's right or wrong, but about learning from the other person! You can find copies of the STAR at these 4 states business & organizations. ARKANSAS KANSAS Arkansas, Eureka Springs Diversity Pride Event - - :www.diversitypride.com A Byrd's Eye View7 - 36 N. M~n- - - -479-253-0200 CaribcRestaurante~ -309 W VanBuren-- 253-8102 Henri's-·· -19 tf~ SpringSt. - - - - - 479-253-5795 Lumberyard Bar&:<irili-i OS E VanBuren-253-0400 MCC Living Spring .: - - - - • - - • - - - 870-253-9337 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Condom Sense, - c.;4,18 W. Dickson- -479-444-6228 Curry's Vjdeo :. - 612iN. College Ave- 479-521 70009 P11.ss11.ges - ~ 930 Nd:Zollege Ave- - - - 479-442-5845 · Arkansas, 'Fort Smith (479) Club 1022 -'·-'1022 D6dsori Ave. - - - - 479-782-1845 Kinkeads-1004112.furri~~nAve~ 479-783-9988 ;\r~11n1as, Hot Springs (501) Jesters Lounge: : 1J)10 E. Gnmd Ave -501-624-5455 Arkansa_s, Little Rock (501) Back Strc~t - - - ~1021 Tessie Rd- -- - - - -501-664-2744 Diamond State ~;cji;~·,6.ss6~:- - - - - www.dsra.org Dis~overy- - - 102tfessit- Rd- -- - - - - -501-666-6900 Sidetracks - 4151iairi Sti -N: LR.- 501-244-0444 The Factory - -412 L:misiJtnJtSt- - - - - .srJl-372-3070 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) River of Life Church - 1709 N Walnut - -11AM PSU-QSA- - 17oi'·S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938 Kansas, Wichita (316) Club Glacier - - 2828 E. 31st South - 316-612-9331 J's Lounge - - - - • 513 .E. Central - - - 316-262-1363 Our Fantasy- - - - 3201 S. Hillside- - -316-682-5494 The Otberside- - -447 N. St Francis- - 316-262-7825 Shatai - - - - - - - - 4000 S. Broadway- - 316-522--2028 Sidestrect Mens Bu -1106 S. Pattie-~ -316-267-0324 South 40 - - - - - 3201 S. Hillside - - -316-682-5494 Trends Bar - -1507 S. Pawnee-• - 316-262-453(' Missouri, Ava Cams Canyon Campground - - - - - - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- - - 716 S. Main - - - - - - - -417-627-9035 MCC Spirit of Chrisc-2902 E 20th, - - -Sun-6pm Missouri, Kansas City (816) Buddie~ · - · - 37 15 Main St - - - 816-561-2600 Club NV - - 220 Admiral Blvd- - 816-421-NVKC DB Warehouse- 1915 Mai11 St- - -816-471-1575 Missie B's- - - -8()5 \X'. 39th St·. - -- - 816-561-0625 Sidestreet Bar - -413 E. 3rd- - - - 816-531-1775 Sidddck5 Saloon - - 3707 .'.fain St- 816- 931-1430 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground • - - - Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - --417-831-4 700 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 Liquors & Kickers- -1109 E. Commercial-873-2225 Manha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - 417-864-4572 Priscilla's - - - - 1918 S. Glenstone Oz Bu - 504 E. Commercial Ronisuz Place- --821 College- - - - Rumor5 --1109 E. Commercial- - - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- · - - POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- - - - -405-601-7200 Club Rox- - -3535 NW 39th Expwy. 405-947-2351 Criscies Toy Box- - 3126 N. May Ave - 405-946-4438 Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- - 405-525_-0730 · Gushers RestJturant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 HollywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex- 405-947-2351 Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- 405-528-2221 Hi-Lo Club - - 1221 NW SOth- - -405-843-1"22 Jungle Reds - 2200 NW Expwy- . - 405-524-5733 Partners- - - -2805 NW 36th St - - - - - 405-942-2199 Pri5cilla's- 615 E. Memorial- - - - -405-755-8600 Red Rock North-2240 NW39th StSisters- - - - · 2120 NW 39th St - - The Rockies- -3201 N. May Ave 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th-- 405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine - - -- - - 918-836-8700 Club Majestic- - 124 N. Boston - - - - 918-584-9494 Club MJtverick:- - 822 S. Sheridan -918-835-3301 DreJtmland Bies -- - 8807 E. Admiral Pl - -834-1051 Elite Bookstore --814 S. Sheridan- - End Up Club- - - 424 S. MemorialGLBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 41st- - Hideaway Lounge-11730 E. 11th- Midtown- - - 319 E. 3rd- Nite Spot -3007 E. Admiral Pl Priscilla's - - 7925 E. 41st - - - - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla's - - - 5634 W. Skelly Priscilla's - - - -11344 E. , 1th - - - -- - -918-438-4224 Priscill11.'s 2333 E. 71st - -918-499-1661 Renegades- - - - 1649 S. Main 918-585-3405 Tulsa CARES- -3507 E. Admiral Pi- - 918-834-4;94 Tulsa Eagle- - - - -1338 E. 3rd - 918-592.-1188 TNT's - - - - 2114 S. Memorial- - - - -918-660-0856 Underguy.com - - -15 E. Brady Whirtier News Stand- - 1 N. Lewis-~- eliow-Brick-Rd- - -2630 E. 15th- - TOU &Lunch £C.IAL'5 HIDEAWAY 11730 E. 11th - Tulsa, OK 918.437.0449 1 /1 .2TH PAGE CLASSl.;IED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR C~LL F'OR RATE:S · 91 B.B35.78B7 or etnail: ozarkss Delivering Quality, CHECK OUT. l,INIQ(Ji:>; .. EUREKA sp" ,,,G;s,. ARKAN OPPORTUNITY ADVERTISING SALE~ REPREBE:NTATIVE , F'OR WICHiTA, OKLAHOMA CITY, TULSA, MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS qualifications to ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2006] The Star Magazine, January 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 1 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 01, 2006 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Josh Aterovis John Patrick Matt Brooks Steve T. Urie L.H. Garey Carlotta Carlisle Libby Post Paula Martinac Andrew Collins Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Chaz Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, December 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/216 The Star Magazine, February 1, 2005; Volume 3, Issue 2 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/227 advertisement Anti Gay Foster Care Ban Arkansas Supreme Court Aunt Mattie Brokeback Mountain Business and organizations cartoons Corralled Cruises Crystal Meth Elton John Fiesta Party Dip Ford Motor Co. Gardening Tips Gay Matrimony Group Sex Heart to Heart HIV/AIDs Kirsten Grey Kriss Kohl Lesbian Notions Medicaid Cuts Miss Oklahoma Past Out Q Scope Quotable Quotes Short Stories Star Scene Uncle Mikey vacation https://history.okeq.org/files/original/d81268b4532043d3033810b59185b509.jpg 38272b932f20257bad24e3c5a837710a https://history.okeq.org/files/original/e5e34eb01c62b0a420aaebcb503252f0.pdf 9955487f200d97828a32dec15c570b0b Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document 'VilJJJtines Day. February 14th 'Hiitot¥ of St;Valentines Day ,... · · · page~11 fierfifer .GLBT Magazine." ,:,/>\'::,~·:, ,, '\,\,\,'.", ', ,, ,·<·' ' , lenp wets Earl Wheeler 43 7 E. 141st Street Glenpool, OK 74033 918.291.EARL {3275) Serving the Tulsa Metro Area for over 21 Years with PRIDE! CUSTOM DECORATING * HOLIDAY SPECIALS rs by 12noon guaranteed same day delivery. Your order is treated with the upmost confidentiality. NOW OPEN y - Sunday 12noon Closed Monday's alent Sho by Page E ed.10:30 ur ran a e - - lS n on cale IW£S cott c raw .row, anagi• ng roKer avisson · tewart, Realtors • • 1 Langley, Oklahoma ScottCrow.mcgrawok.com 918.782.3211 •'"-,:. FEBRUARY, 20 □ 6 ©Copyright 2006 Publisher Star Media, Ltd. The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan,# 153 Tulsa, OK 74145-7627 ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net www.ozarksstar.com Editor in Chief C. D. Ward Contributing Writers: Greg Steele, josh Aterovis John Patrick, Matt Brooks. Paul Wortman, Carlotta Carlisle Columnist: Libby Post, Paula Martinac, Andrew Collins, Donald Pile, Ray Williams, Michael Hinzman, Jack Fertig, Liz Highleyman, Andrew Hicks Photography: byChaz Advertising: Tulsa Office - - - • • • • • -918-835-7887 or Email: ozarksstar@sbcgloba!.net National Advertising Representative Rlvendel! Media (212) 242-6863 · .. ·. Deadline for all advertising, articles and payment is the 20th of · · each month for the next months issue. Subscriptions 12 issues $26.95 / singles $3.00 Check or Money Order The Ozarks Star or the Star is p;;biished & distributed monthly as a community · Ltd. of Joplin, Missouri. Publication of the name, photograph business or organization in this publication is not to be conall'Oed. as any indication of sexual orientatlcn or preferences of such person, bul!fM:113 or organization. Opj,nloos expressed by columnists, advertisers or Letters to the Editor are not nooe~sarily the opinion of The Ozarks Star, its staff. the publisher or it's advertisers. C~o~nt of advertisements and articles are the sole responsibi'.iiy of the advertiser and /Qr;aiilhor. The Publisher of the Ozarks Star or Star reserves the right to refuse advertising material for any reason what so ever. The Ozarks Star or Star and ail likenesses there of are sole properties of Sta, Madia, Ltd. Al! material ii; copyright 2008 the Ozarks S(a;. Daily Specials ? s a week 6 •. ~yA the STAR, Okiahoma's Premier GLBT Magazine. Page4 2005 A RECORD YEAR FOR GA LESBIAN, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER STATE LEGISLATIVE VICTORIES 'The road has potholes but equality is on the horizon,' said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. WASHINGTON - Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans scored big wins in 2005, according to a new report from the Human Rights Campaign. The report "Equality from State to State: GLBT Americans and State Legislation 2005" details record-setting and historic state legislation affecting the GLBT community over the past year. "The road has potholes but equality is on the horizon," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "This report proves that as the national conversation over equality continues, Americans come down on the side of fairness." More state anti-discrimination bills passed in 2005 than in any other year. Eleven bills were passed in state legislatures that established or strengthened statewide anti-discrimination protections for the GLBT community. While last year, 13 states amended their constitutions to ban the protections and responsibilities of marriage for same-sex couples, this year 15 states defeated attempts to write discrimination into their state constitutions. Another two states are likely to defeat marriage amendments before the year ends. "Last year saw same-sex couples and their families disgracefully used as a political wedge issue," said Solmonese. "When the fog of divisive politics recedes, the real stories emerge of hard-working GLBT Americans seeking equality and fairness wins." California b.ecame the first state ever to pass a bill to extend the freedom to marry to same-sex couples this year. Unfortunately Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed this important legislation. Another historic milestone occurred in Connecticut as well, where the instituted civil unions to provide statelevel rights and responsibilities to long-term, committed same-sex couples. The bill was signed by the state's Republican governor, Jodi Rell. Maryland and Colorado became the ninth and 10th states to include gender identity and expression, and the 30th and 31st states to include sexual orientation in their hate crimes laws. Again, both bills became law under the states' Republican governors. "The tremendous progress we've seen crosses party lines and proves fairness need not have partisan boundaries," said Solmonese. HRC partners with statewide GLBT advocacy groups across the country to advance pro-equality legislation and beat back attacks on our families. In 2005, HRC provided more than $820,000 directly to state organizations, ballot campaigns and other work in the states in addition to drafting bills, testifying in statehouses, activating our members and providing strategic assistance. "Until every state treats its gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens with dignity, respect and equality under the law, our work as a community will not be done," added Solmonese. FEBRUARY 2006 by Andrew Collins n oming Back to Louisiana Just months after Hurricane Katrina wroughc severe damage upon New Orie.ans, many of the city's neighborhoods have sprung back to life, including Uptown 's Magazine Street. (Photo by Andrew Collins) azed out the plane window on the final approach into Louis Armstron New Orleans lnterna I Airport, the suburb er, and I immediate d thousands roofs. Kenner lies several miles west of New Orleans, and it was largely spared the full brunt of ust's devastating H cane Katrina. But even this far west, roug 100 days after the rm, protective blue tarps covered the roofs of thousands of homes beneath me. Still, I also saw neon restaurant signs, cars speeding al Veterans Boulevard, airport hotels with full ing lots, and plenty of ene of America's most dynamic, and gay ities. New Orleans looked w atso very much alive. I had flown in for a quick four-day visit, because I'm about to update and revise my guidebook Moon Handbooks New Oileans, which actually covers all of southern Louisiana. I pianned one night in St Tammany Parish (aka New Orleans North Shore, because of its iocation on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain), which sustained major Katrina damage especialiy in the easternmost town of Slide!i. Then I set aside a night to visit Lake Charles, at the opposite end of the state, which was pummeled by Hurricane Rita just 25 days after Katrina. And finally, I saved my last two nights for New Orleans. Before ! get into the specifics, let me assure anyone who ioves visiting Louisiana: Hurricane Katrina may have itself.forever altered the appearance and even personality of New Orleans, but the city's tourism-driven neighborhoods - the French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny, Uptown, the Garden Distiict, and the Central Business District - have already bounced back with admirable, in some cases amazing, vigor. The city is absolutely ready for visitors - hundreds of hotels and B&Bs, restaurants, shops, bars, and even quite a few attractions are up and running, and dozens reopen each day. And if you're interested in the rest of southern Louisiana, Baton Rouge and Lafayette were spared by the storms, Lake Charies has almost fully rebounded, and St. Tammany Parish is also making rapid headway. Now for the specifics, as of December 2005: Hurricane Katrina leveled the greatest wind and storm damage upon eastern New Orleans, and as I drove east devastation is unbelievable. from Faubourg Marigny into the adjacent (and historic) Bywater neighborhood, I noticed a dramatic difference in the severity of damage. The floods that resulted from levee breaks caused untold damage to all of eastern New Orleans, but flooding also destroyed huge swaths of the city north of 1-10. I spent a full afternoon driving through the worst of the flooddamaged areas, and the magnitude of The perception seems to be that New Orleans' poorest neighborhoods received the heaviest damage, and the upscale ones were mostly spared, but this is a vast oversimplification. In reality, the parts of the city that have been decimated are largely residential, but they include lower-income, middle-class, and upscaie areas, and they encompass ali races. What this means for visitors is that, indeed, the parts of New Orleans you're probably most familiar with are the parts now in the best shape" i sti!I noticed plenty of moderate to miid hurricane damage in the French Quarter, Uptown, and other prominent tourist-oriented areas, but most of the worst messes had been cleaned up. indeed, the citv has even olanned a scaled-down but stiil ambitious Mardi Gras celebration for the last week of February (Mardi Gras Tuesday falls on the 28th). For details on this event log on to www.mardigrasneworieans.com, an exceilent resource . ., .... continued nex page Advertising in the STAR is just good business cents. Out of Town Understandably, plenty of visitors to the city are curious to learn about Katrina's wiath, and in December, Grny Line New Orleans began offering a "Hurricane Katrina - America's Worst Catastrophe" bus tour. This is not some ghoulish romp exploiting the misery of others. Many Gray Line employees lost their homes to the hurricane, and the company is taking a sensitive approach to these tours, which aim to educate visitors about the storm, and the region's vanishing coastline, controversial levee system, and oil and gas pipelines. As for the city's fabled gay scene, most bars are up and running, drawing plenty of big crowds. Famed bars like Bourbon Pub, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Oz, and Good Friends are packed with revelers these days, and the lovably raffish Clover Grill diner, long a fixture in the gay community, had resumed 8 a.m.-to-mldnight hours as of this writing. Other great gay-popular restaurants, such as Marigny Brasserie, Peristyle, Bayona, and Elizabeth's are serving up the same tantalizing New Orleans fare they weie before Katrina. And Rue de la Course coffeehouse is still a favOiite spot for a cup of java. Finding a place to stay in town is becoming increasingly easier, as more hoteis reopen, and fewer properties are booked solid with relief workers. Gaypopular mainstream hotels such as Hotel Monteleone, International House, the Royal Sonesta, and the Renaissance Arts Hotel (to name a few) have resumed operations and have widespread room availability. Another excellent option is to book a room at one of the city's many gay-friendly B&Bs and inns. During my two nights, I stayed at the delightful Elysian Fields Inn. Owners Leigh and Jim Crawford bought the inn in summer 2005, and despite missing revenue during a nearly threemonth closure and losing their beautiful sundeck to a fallen tree, these folks have done a commendable job reopening the inn and welcoming guests. Leigh and Jim are gradually filling this handsome inn with music memorabilia and local artwork. Other great gay-friendly lodging choices include the historic Rathbone Inn, the cozy Arts B&B, and the funky Fourteen Fifteen Creole Gardens. The North Shore of New Orleans, which consists largely of St. Tammany Parish, has made a valiant comeback, although parts of the town of Slidell will have to be entirely rebuiit. The artsy community of Covington, with its downtown of galleries, cafes, and cool shops, looks better than ever. in nearby Abita Springs, Longbranch had been slated to open the day after Katrina hit and still managed a heroic September 16th opening. It's quickly developed a reputation as one of the state's hottest culinary venues, thanks to young star chefs Slade and Allison Vines-Rushing. Most of the state's Plantation Country (along the Mississippi River) and Cajun Country were spared severe storm damage and are going strong, including the bustling city of Lafayette. Lake Charles, although it sustained plenty of wind and water damage from Hurricane Rita, looks good. The city did iose one of its top casinos, Harrah's, indefinitely. But the L'Auberge du Lac casino resort. which opened to much fanfare in 2005, has set a new standard for gaming properties in the Gulf. This Vegas-style stunner overlooks Lake Chailes, has severai excellent restaurants, and draws plenty of top-name entertainers. And although Lake Charles doesn't have a tremendous reputation as a gay destination, the city does have several "family"-owned businesses. You can dance and mingle at the gay disco, Crystal's. And you can enjoy a gi0at dinner at gay-popular Pujo Street Cafe & Market, whose owners also operate Aunt Ruby's B&B, a charming bed-andbreakfast. Lake Charles is very much a city on the up, and as it sits right along 1-10 between New Orleans and Houston, it makes a great stopovei on any road trip through southem Louisiana. What does the future hold for New Orleans and other storm-damaged parts of the state? Right now, if you ask 100 locals, you'll probably get 100 different answers. Many speculate that New Orleans will never be quite the convention destination and business powerhouse it was before the storm, nor will the population mturn in fu!I. But as a leisure destination, and one of the nation's fabled gay getaways, the city's future looks good. There will be obstacles to be sure, but New Orleans' inimitable spirit and its tolerance of the unusual and the unexpected will sureiy make it a wonderful vacation destination for decades to come. In ef ense of Broke back f; ounta1n By Josh Aterovis You might find it strange that I would be defending a movie that has been almost universally lauded by mainstream critics and has been a surprising box office smash, even in rural areas. The film has been called "groundbreaking", "landmark", and "unforgettable", and it's raking in the awards - including the Golden Globe for Best Picture. It's on the fast track to bring home a few Oscars as well. So why does Brokeback Mountain need defending? I've noticed a phenomenon over the years that you may have noticed as well. Some people just don't want to like something everyone else likes. They have to be different. They like to feel they are somehow superior to the general public. I've seen people who once championed an underground band suddenly lose interest when the band becomes successful. "They sold out," is the usual lame excuse. Then there are those who love a TV show until it climbs into the top ten in the Nielson ratings, ihen suddenly, all they can do is find fault with it. It seems they only want to root for the underdog. If something becomes too popular, you can almost guarantee a backlash. That backlash has begun for Brokeback Mountain, but surprisingly, it's not coming from the mainstream press. The most virulent criticism isn't even coming from the Christian press. It's coming from the very people who would have been crying from the rooftops if this movie hadn't been well-received - the LGBT press. In recent weeks, I've seen a raft of negative reviews surfacing, almost all of them from gay movie critics. So what's their beef? Some have griped that they're tired of hearing the movie and its actors described as brave. Let's be honest here. It was brave. No matter what we wish the world was like, we're in a BushCo controlled America right now, currently featuring a walloping good anti-gay backlash. It was brave for these two young heterosexual leading men to make a movie about gay love. It would be wonderful if we were living in a world where Ennis Del Mar was just another role, but realistically, we're not. It was brave o(Heath Ledger to take the'role and devote himself so wholly to the character. He deserves all the awards that come his way. There have been a host of other complaints - everything from the slow pace to the perceived lack of chemistry between the leads - but from what I can gather, it all boils down to the fact that the movie doesn't have a happy ending. Have they read the book? The movie is based on a short story written by Annie Proulx and first pubiished in The New Yorker. The story is set in the herding country of Wyoming and opens in 1963, a time before the word gay was even used in the mainstream and cowboys certainly weren't supposed to love other cowboys. The filmmaker. director Ang Lee, could not be true to the story he was telling and have a happy ending. It's a tragedy, and while it isn't a true story, it certainiy reflects many people's real experiences. Soon after the movie opened, I heard from a dear friend of ours who has lived in Texas -and in the closet- all his life. He grew up on a ranch during the decades in which Brokeback Mountain is set. He had been to see the movie and it had affected him deeply. It was a haunting reminder of his youth, or as he put it "the pre-Stonewall era when so many of us [like the characters] were forced to build our closets during a period when hate crime laws were not even thought about." You know what? I think most of the criticism stems from a lack of understanding about that period, the preStonewall era. Recently, on a discussion list for LGBT authors, someone posted one of these negative reviews. A lively debate sprung up, and eventually the discussion came around to the fact that far too many gay people know nothing of the struggle gays faced in the 60s and ?Os. Author Lori L. Lake stated it best when she wrote, "It seems a sad fact that once a battle has been won or changes made, the descendants of those who made sacrifices and fought so hard do not always know of the cost or the facts. Often the historical repercussions are completely lost on a new generation. Some young women nowadays have no clue about the struggle for rights that women had to go ihrough for most of the 20th century. Young blacks are often amazingly unaware of much of the civil rights movement. And both gays and lesbians have been known to look at me and say things like, 'Yeah, that Stonewall stuff ... everyone talks about it, but I really don't get what happened.' In defense of those in 'minority' groups who do not know their own history, I would have to say that it's all made more complicated by the fact that it's not like the mainstream does much to promote the knowledge. It's left to us to try to find out about the past and make sure we don't have to repeat it." And that's where I think Brokeback Mountain can be invaluable. This film simultaneously shows us how far we've come as a society ... and how far we still have left to go. Yes, in most areas of the U.S., gay and lesbian couples can live openly, but there are still many areas where homophobia rules supreme - and I'm not just talking about geographic areas. Think about professional sports or the military. Many states have already passed or are in the process of passing same-sex marriage bans, and even our president advocates a Federal ban on gay marriage. What I think Brokeback Mountain portrays very clearly is the to!I homophobia takes on gay men and women. We can use this film as a teaching tool to help people understand our past and ensure our future. You have to be a very cold person to waik out of the theater after seeing this movie and not feel affected. It has the potential to change hearts and minds, but we can't just sit back and hope it accomplishes this on its own. We need to get out there and talk about how homophobia has affected our lives. We've all had our Brokeb·ack Mountains in our lives. Some of us have overcome them - we climbed to the top and we've seen the Promised Land - and some have been dashed against the rocky slopes. Each and every one of these stories is important. They make up the grand and beautifui quilt that is the LGBT community and, for that matter, America In the end, what one thinks about Brokeback Mountain, !ike any movie or book or television show, is nothing more continued page-17 CREATING YOUR OWN BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN With all the wonderful "hype" about the new movie, Brokeback Mountain, perhaps it's time to head for the .hills and mountains and do some "cowboying". Perhaps you too can find your "Jack or Ennis" except not have it finish as it did in the movie! Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Arizona, New Mexico and even Texas would be great places to begin. Most of the major cities in these States have western/cowboy bars and on weekends they are a "hopin and a dancin". As we all know there are two types of cowboys ... the drug store type and the real type. The real types can be found at rodeos and on the ranches far from the city life. A great place to start would be to go to the Cheyenne, Wyoming Frontier Days Rodeo which is billed as the "Grandaddy of them all". We were there several years ago and they do have hundreds of real cowboys that attend the event. Cheyenne is a rather small city so you either need to book a room far in advanced or camp out at one of the local campgrounds. This year it will be held July 21 thru the 30th. It all began in 1897 and just keeps getting bigger year after year. You can check for information at: http:// www.cfdrodeo.com/. Wyoming is one of the very few States that does not have any gay bars but during the big rodeo days, everything and anything goes! The International Gay Rodeo Association, ( http://www.igra.com/) is a great website to start looking for individual State rodeos. Gay Rodeo had its beginnings in 1976 at the National Reno Gay Rodeo in Nevada. Over the next eight years local rodeo associations were formed in Colorado, Texas, California, and Arizona. In 1985, these four Gay Rodeo Associations along with Oklahoma founded the IGRA. From these beginnings, the IGRA has spread the Rodeo spirit across the United States and into Canada. Through a Convention of its Member Associations, the IGRA has evolved a code of fellowship and good sportsmanship including the provision of standardized rules and resources for the production of rodeo events. IGRA-sanctloned rodeos are hosted by local associations each year and culminate in an IGRA Finals Rodeo where the top 20 contestants in each event compete for the title of IGRA International Champion. The IGRA has expanded its enrichment activities to include social Country & Western activities. Throughout the year, the regional associations sponsor dance competitions in preparation for the IGRA's annual International Dance Competition featuring the best men and women dancers from across the country, The Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association, http://www.okgayrodeo.com/ just completed their 20th Annual Great Piains Rodeo last May and they are the 3rd largest rodeo with the IGRA association. Congratulations to them! The Texas Gay Rodeo Association (http:// www.texasgayrodeo.org/) will have their Cowtown Rodeo March 3 thru the 5th. For Colorado check out their website at: http://www.cgra.net/ For New Mexico, check out www.nmgra.com/. For Arizona go to: http:// www.agra-phx.com/ and for Nevada go to: http:// www.ngra.com/. And the Missouri Gay Rodeo's website is: http://mgra.us/ Here are some dates for the different gay rodeos coming up for 2006. Road Runner Region,,! Rodeo Phoenix, Arizona -January 13 - l 5, IGR:\ University L:,s V cgas - February 1:' 19, Cowtown Rode(> Fort \'(/orrh, Texas - !vfarch 3 5, Sunshine Stampede Fort Lauderdale, Florida April 7 - 9, Rodeo in The Rock Little Rock, Arkansas - J\prii 28 30, Greatc:r San Diego Rodeo Lakeside, C\ :\pril 28 30, Gate,vay Regional Rodeo St. Louis, Missouri May 5 - 7, Heartland Rodeo Omaha, Nebraska - May 20 - 21, Great Plains Rodeo - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma May 26 28. Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo - Dem·er, Colorado Julv 7 9, Zia Regional Rodeo • Albuquerque, l\;;\1 - ,i\ugust 18 • 20, MGRA Show i\ic Stare Rodeo l'.ama, City, September l 3, Bay Arca Ga\' Rode<> San Frnnci,co, Cf\ - September IS • I - , Bighorn Rodeo - LJs Vegas. -"c,:ada - ()ctobcr 6 - 8, So, whether you like to participate or just watch this might be something new to do this year. And, you just might meet your new Jack or Ennis! And always check out www.purpleroofs.com to find the finest and best in gay owned and gay-friendly accommodations, Always have fun when traveling and for any questions on travel, email Donald and Ray at gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their webpage at: http:/www,hometown.ao!.com/ gaytrave!ers the STAR Oklahoma's Premie" GLBT Magazine Page ~o The History of Saint Valentine's Day Valentine's Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, February 14th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia.The lives of young boys and girls were strictly separate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl's name from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the childrnn lasted an entire year, and often.they would fall in love and wouid I a t e r marry.Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that roman men did not want to leave their ioves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. · The good Saint Valentine was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II. He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, about the year 270. At that time it was the custom in Rome, a very ancient custom, indeed, to celebrate in the month of February the Lupercalia, feasts in honour of a heathen god. On these occasions, amidst a variety of pagan ceremonies, the names of young women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed.The pastors of the early Christian Church in Rome endeavoured to do away with the pagan eiement in these feasts by substituting the names of saints for those of maidens. And as the Lupercalia began about the middle of February; the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine's Day for the celebration of this new feast. · So it seems that the custom of young men choosing maidens for valentines, or saints as patrons for the coming year, arose in this way. co,nin I To Eurella Sprin~s. Arllansas s GET ROMANTIC! ,6 COUPLES/ Surprise your true lovel SINGLES! Find your true love?! $SPEED-DATING'PARTYI 1MIMOSA BRUNCH'/ VALENTINE'S DINNER & DANCE At local favorite CAR/BE' Restaurante y Cantina DINE WITH YOUR COMMUNITY BEFORE THE DANCEi 8PM DANCE ~ 'Golden Oldies' to Today's Hits/ I Diversity Weekend April 7-9, 2006 ! At our historic Auditorium A hysterical comedy troupe, born from "Second City" members in Chicago/ They are determined to raise our spirits and shake the Ozarks hills with laughter and gayetyl For details & other DIVERSITY info: EurekaPride.com and DiversityPr' RSVP Vacations Introduces RSViP, the First Rewards and Loyal Program Exclusively for Gay and Lesbian Travelers. Minneapolis, MN,_RSVP Vacations, the leading presenter of gay and lesbian travel events, proudly announces the first frequent traveler program designed for LGBT travelers. RSViP rewards guests with points based both on the dollar value of their travel packages as well as the number of RSVP cruises, land tours and resort vacations they have taken. Guests redeem points for upgrades and free cabins on future sailings. Most revolutionary is the RSViP program's Refer-a-Friend feature. Frequent travelers who refer a first-time guest to RSVP Vacations earn the same number of points as their referral. The full RSViP program launched on November 15, 2005. Membership levels are based on the number of vacations a guest has taken with RSVP since January 2002. Exciting member benefits range from priority notice of new events at the Bronze level to celebrity cocktail parties, concierge service. and members-only travel opportunities at the Platinum level. Fu!I details of the program can be found at www.rsvpvacations.com, where 500 free bonus points are available for signing up for your RSViP number. "The RSViP program is unprecedented," said Thomas Roth, President of Community Marketing, Inc., a San Francisco-based gay market research and communications firm. "I commend RSVP, the original gay vacation specialists, for retaining the competitive edge in this increasingly competitive marketplace." Roth also applauded the research that shaped this new program. "RSVP asked and listened to their customers, and RSViP is the result. Earning loyalty is perhaps the single most important element in successful LGBT marketing, and this new RSViP program takes the industry to a whole new level." "RSVP has consistently been an innovator in the field of gay and lesbian travel," said Paul Figlmiller, RSVP's President. "RSViP is designed to recognize the thousands of loyal guests who travel with us year after year and reward them when they bring their friends along. I hope it inspires new guests to discover the unique camaraderie and exceptional service of an RSVP event." About RSVP Vacations - Established in 1985, RSVP was the originator of the gay and lesbian cruise concept, and offers distinctive travel packages designed for gay and lesbian travelers. More than 80,000 men and women have participated in RSVP's big and small ship cruises, riverboat cruises, land tours, and resort vacations. Destinations in 2006 will include the Caribbean, Central America, the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, Ireland, Mexico, Tahiti, Peru, and Thailand. RSVP has offices in Minneapolis, MN and London and is available through travel agencies. ay at the Legis ahoma ure Sponsored by PFLAG Oklahoma by Greg Steele Tulsa, OK_After several date changes, Nancy McDonald has announced a new date of May 9th, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. "The Capitol has been reserved for our Day at the Legislature", McDonald said in a recent communique. Tweive tables have been reserved and GLBT groups, yout groups. HIV/AIDS groups are encouraged to attend and bring materiai. Council Oaks Mens Chorale is expected to entertain, food and drink will be available. Estimated cost is $20 - $25 per Chapter. The purpose of the lobby is to give legislators and opportunity to learn more about the GLBT community. Group leaders wili aiso be meeting with state senators and representatives. For more information contact Nancy at: Nancymcdo@aol.com Tu!sa PFLAG meets every 2nd Monday of each month at Feiiowship Congregational Church. located at 29th and Harvard. on the street just south of Bra urn's. Program time is 7:30pm, social time 6:45pm. More information is available on their website: www.pflagtulsa.org Iha STAR, Oklahoma's Pmmier GLBT Magazine. Get Your Best Easter Bonnet Out and Go To Washington! WASHINGTON_ Outrageous bonnets and dresses may not be ail that gets attention this Easter, when thousands of children including those with same-sex parents wil! gather on the White House lawn for the annual Easter Egg Roll. A group of gay rights organizations is urging gay and lesbian parents to join the Aprii 17 event, to highlight the similarities between themselves and heterosexual families. While the event is months away, the potential participation of gay famiiies has already garnered White House attention. Sponsored by The Family Prlde Coalition. rial: ew pill bests standa I regimen From PlanetOut Net\vork: A new once-a-day HIV antiretroviral pill does a better job of suppressing the virus, restoring immune function and preserving body shape than the common treatment of Sustiva plus Combivir, according to findings published in the jan.19 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers found the new pil!, which combines Viread, Emtriva and Sustiva, did a better job in a three-year study of HIV-infected subiects in reducing their viral load and increasing CD4 celi counts without being as toxic to patients as the combination of Sustiva and Combivir. The finding is the first to show that one combination regimen is superior to the other for initial HIV infection treatment. Gilead, which produces Viread and Emtriva, funded the study. rne 0zsr1<ss.i1AR sinc:e 2003 · 10 eys to by Deepak Chopra, M.D. Provided by: Chopra Blog app1• ness Physical well being is inseparable from emotional well being. Happy people are healthy people. The wisdom traditions of the world tell us that happiness does not depend on what you have, but on who you are. As we begin the new year, it may be worthwhile to reflect on what really creates happiness in us. The following ten keys, gleaned from the wisdom traditions, may give us some insight. Listen to your body's wisdom, which expresses itself through signals of comfort and discomfort. When choosing a certain behavior, ask your body, "How do you feel about this?" If your body sends a signal of physical or emotional distress, watch out. If your body sends a signal of comfort and eagerness, proceed. Live in the present, for it is the only moment you have. Keep your attention on what is here and now; look for the fullness in every moment. Accept what comes to you totally and completely so that you can appreciate it, learn from it, and then let it go. The present is as it should be. It reflects infinite laws of Nature that have brought you this exact thought, this exact physical response. This moment is as it is because the universe is as it is. Don't struggle against the infinite scheme of things; instead, be at one with it. Take time to be silent, to meditate, to quiet the internal dialogue. In moments of silence, realize that you are recontacting your source of pure awareness. Pay attention to your inner life so that you can be guided by intuition rather than externally imposed interpretations of what is or isn't good for you. Relinquish your need for external approval. You alone are the judge of your worth, and your goa! is to discover infinite worth in vourself, no matter what anyone else thinks. There is great freedom in this realization. When you find yourself reacting with anger or opposition to any person or circumstance, realize that you are only struggling with yourself. Putting up resistance is the response of defenses created by old hurts. When you relinquish this anger, you wi!I be healing yourself and cooperating with the flow of the universe. Know that the world "out there" reflects your reality "in here." The people you react to most strongly, whether with love or hate, are projections of your inner world. What you most hate is what you most deny in yourself. What you most love is what you most wish for in yourself. Use the mirror of relationships to guide your evolution. The goal is total self-knowledge. When you achieve that, what you most want will automatically be there, and what you most dislike will disappear. Shed the burden of judgment - you will feel much lighter. Judgment imposes right and wrong on situations that just are. Everything can be understood and forgiven, but when you judge, you cut off understanding and shut down the process of learning to love. In judging others, you reflect your lack of self-acceptance. Remember that every person you forgive adds to your self-love. Don't contaminate your body with toxins, either through food, drink, or toxic emotions. Your body is more than a life-support system. It is the vehicle that will carry you on the journey of your evolution. The heaith of every cell directly contributes to your state of well being, because every cell is a point of awareness within the field of awareness that is you. Replace fear-motivated behavior with love-motivated behavior. Fear is the product of memory, which dwells in the past. Remembering what hurt us before, we direct our energies toward making certain that an oid hurt will not repeat itself. But trying to impose the past on the present will never wipe out the threat of being hurt. That happens only when you find the security of your own being, which is love. Motivated by the truth inside you, you can face any threat because your inner strength is invulnerable to fear. Understand that the physical world is just a mirror of a deeper intelligence. Intelligence is the invisible organizer of all matter and energy, and since a portion of this intelligence resides in you, you share in the organizing power of the cosmos. Because you are inseparably linked to everything, you cannot afford to foul the planet's air and water. But at a deeper level, you cannot afford to live with a toxic mind, because every thought makes an impression on the whole field of intelligence. Living in balance and purity is the highest good for you and the Earth. THE L WORD: THE THIRD SEASON SOUNDTRACK Silver Labelffommy Boy Entertainmeni Release Date: January 24, 2006 Ecleciic, Exclusive New Songs Enrich Show's Third Season Soundtrack Just as "The L Word" lights up over 6 million screens weekly with its cast of vibrant. vivacious and vital characters, so. do the show's soundtrack albums fire up the iPods and CD players of loyal fans. Working closely with Tommy Boy Entertainment executive and Silver Lab~I co-founder, Rosie Lopez, the show's creator Ilene Chaiken delivers yet another smart, sensuous and soulful soundtrack, 'The L Word: The Third Season." The two-CD set - which includes a sixteen page booklet - embraces twenty-foUi songs by a cherry-picked roster of stellar lesbian and lesbifriendly artists, deftly incorporating a refreshing variety of genres: folk, electro, country, soul, pop. classical. NOTE: "The L Word: The Third Season" premiers January 8 and airs through the end of March! TULSA TIME AT THE BOO! by Paul Wortman TULSA, OK_Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald took the stage Friday night December 16th at the Bamboo Lounge Tulsa with a show opener of "Living on Tulsa Time". He was fantastic as always and the crowed agreed with roaring applause. Oklahoma's cowboy crooner filled the house with his country music and exceptional good looks. This was his first performance at the Boo, but has performed at Tulsa's Club Mavericks, Renegades and Club Majestic. You can catch his show in Oklahoma City at Club Rox and the Boom Room. He performed three sets with such hits as "All Jacked Up'', "Who's your Daddy" and brought down the house with "Live Like You Were Dying" Matthew also did a melody of Cher hits and was fabulous. Also performing their hearts out were his special guests, Kris Kohl (our own Tulsa diva) bringing in the holiday season with "Silver Bells" and Tiffany Adams from Oklahoma City, who was hilarious with his costume's. Both were in full holiday spirit and made the evening very festive. All three made for a wonderful night of entertainment. Matthew resides in Krebs, Oklahoma with his partner Jason. He has entertained the gay community for many years and recorded three CD's. They can be purchased from his website, www.matthewheath-fitzgeraid.com. Is there a Shelter agent WO for you? Call today to learn more about our services. www.shelterinsurance.com Inc Serving the community in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa and Indiana. Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Tel: (866)208-9480 gtainte shelterinsurance.com Auto - Home - Life - Business Seek Shelter T odai 0 hyburn Sales Associate ION DOLLAR PRODUCER" e: (918) 496-2252 625-6377 fax (918)491-6351 5555 E. 71st St, Suite 9102 Tulsa, OK 74136 n Independent Member Broker tliti'ST,/{R is',just good business cents. , -I I To .Eurel2a Sprinqs. Arbansas $ GET ROMANTIC! COUPLES! SINGLESf 'SPEED-DAT/NG'PARTY! 'MIMOSA BRUNCH'! VALENTINE'S DINNER 81 DANCE At local favorite CAR/BE' Restaurante y Cantina DINE WITH YOUR COMMUNITY BEFORE THE DANCEi 8PM DANCE ,. 1Golden Oldies' to Today's Hits/ p I Diversity Weekend April 7-9, 2006 ! At our historic Auditorium A hysterical comedy troupe, born from "Second City" members in Chicago/ They are determined to raise our spirits and shake the Ozarks hills with laughter and gayetyl For details & other DiVERSITY info: EurekaPride.com and Divers Brokeback Mountain: than personal opinion. I left the theater deeply moved. I felt almost overwhelmed with sadness for the !ives of the two men portrayed on screen. but I also felt a sense of thankfulness and hope. i was thankful for how far we've come, that I am ab!e to openly live my life with partner Jon, and i was hopeful that we might one day even be able to get married legally. As i write this column, e-mails are streaming into my inbox with news about a Maryland Judge striking down the State's gay marriage ban. in her decision, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Brooke Murdock wrote that "while tradition and societal va!ues are important," they're not enough to justify a discriminatory iaw. Whiie the appeals process will last for at least a year, and I'm sure there will be a renewed call fo, a constitutional amendment and cries of activist judges, it stili gives me a sense of hope that we are progressing. Maybe one day, we'll iook back at Brokeback !vfcuntain and wonder what all the fuss was about. Battle of the Sexes Men are from Mars, women are from Venus. We've all heard this little gem, implying that men and women are just inherently different, and that difference extends beyond mere plumbing. It's almost like we're from different planets. Gay men have often bridged that gap io form close relationships with straight women, but that gulf still tends to exist between gay men and lesbians. Why is that? Why can't we all just get along? I think it was worse in past generations. The women had their hangouts and organizations, the men had theirs, and rarely did the twain meet. I do see improvements, especially in the younger generations, but I still see separation as well. That division bothers me. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is a gay-friendly beach resort not far from where Jon and I live. We go there quite often, especially during the summer. The last few times we've gone to bars there, though, I couldn't help but notice they targeted very specific groups. We went to see a good friend's band, Red Letter Day, play at the Frogg Pond a couple months ago. The Frogg Pond tends to be somewhat of a mixed crowd, but it's known as a lesbian bar and that was the primary clientele. Our last trip to Rehoboth, we went to see a friend perform in a drag pageant at Cloud 9. We saw a lot more dresses there, but they were all on men. The boys far outnumbered the few women present. Lesbians have been a big part of our life. In fact, we've always had more lesbian friends than gay male friends. I even wrote a tongue-in-cheek column once about why lesbians make better friends than gay men. That's why it bothers me that there are few places we can go as a group and none of us feel at least a little out of place. These days, our circle of friends tends to be very diverse. As I was.Jooking at pictures from our New Year's Eve party, it ieally struck me what a varied bunch we are. We had gay men, lesbians, and straight people; couples and singletons; young and old - all mixing and mingiing and having a ball. Jon and I value this diversity; each and every person brings something unique to our lives. ! can't imagine it any other way. This is maybe why I can't understand the tendency for people to separate themseives into neat, homogenized segments, where everyone in their immediate circle looks and thinks just like them. I get it that some people like to be around others who are like them - birds of a feather and all that - but I think sometimes, we carry it too far. Over and over, I notice that, at least in the area in which we live, our diverse group is pretty unique. Most of the cliques and circles I see others form tend to be almost all-male or all-female. This separatist attitude is even affecting the way we talk and write. I recently read an article about the increasing use of the phrase "gays and lesbians" in the media. It used to be that the word "gay" was an umbrella term that included both gay men and women. Some women, however, felt that "gay" had come to be more associated with men and felt that "lesbian" needed to be included as well. Why? Do we really need more divisions within our community? Why are we so divided? To discover one possible reason behind our separatism, we may have to look back at oui LGBT history. According to an article on glbtq.com, which bills itself as an encyclopedia of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer culture, lesbian feminists decided to create spaces over which they themselves had autonomy after encountering misogynistic attitudes and practices in the gay liberation movement and antilesbian discrimination in the women's liberation movement. These lesbian separatists subscribed to a "radical feminist" philosophy that views gender difference in terms of essentialism. Unlike the liberal feminisfs of the mainstream women's movement, who argued that gender was a social construction, lesbian separatists contended that the differences between men and women are rooted in nature. Thus, women naturally possessed a female energy characterized by its warmth, nurturing, and pacifist qualities. On the other hand, due to their male energy, men were hard-wired to be aggressive, competitive, and destructive. Because men could not, or would not, ever change their ways, lesbian separatists believed that it was necessary for women to exclude them from their lives. Could these beliefs and attitudes still linger today? I'm sure they do, at least in some circles. I suspect, however, that today's separatism is less about deliberate exclusion based on sex and more about maintaining the status quo. This is the way we've done things for decades and no one wants to rock the boat. Well, i say it's time to iock the boat. It's time gay men and women come together as one. Now, more than ever, we need to be united. Our opponents are working together to ensure we do not receive equal rights. Even the most disparate groups have joined forces to keep us from enjoying equal protection under the !aw, marriage rights, Oi even something as simple as the right to visit our sick or dying partners in the hospital. Surely, we have much more in common than these fundamentai, conservative religious groups. We certainly have more to lose. We will never win equality unless we learn how to work together toward our common goal. Continued next page HEART TO HEART It's not just about gays and lesbians, either. We also need to embrace and accept our bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters. LGBT needs to be more than just a ubiquitous acronym. We need to stand together against our common enemy - bigotry and hatred. Yes, obviously men and women are different. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that. But I think it's high time we stop obsessing over our differences and focus on our commonalities instead. The first step will be to end the separatism. Who will take the first step? How about you? Don't wait for someone else. What about me, you ask? I'm thinking about calling up some of my lesbian friends this weekend and heading out to the Frogg Pond and Cloud 9. It's time to break down some barriers. The views expressed in this column are my opinions only. You don't have to agree with them. I just ask that you read them with an open heart and mind. By Marc Shoffman PinkNews.co.uk The Los Angeles Police Department has become the first law enforcement group to sponsor the Gay Games after announcing its support for next summer's competition in Chicago. At least 12 officers have signed up to compete in the 2006 Gay Games VII and plan on wearing their police uniforms during the opening ceremony, scheduled for July 15. The LAPD wili also be using the games as a recruitment drive. Officer Michael Jolicoeur, who oversees the department's gay and lesbian recruitment said: 'There are two messages, we are hiring and they can be whoever they are, no matter what that is." Events wili include tennis, squash, racquetbail, diving, water polo and wrestling. Meanwhile the games, which aie open to anyone, have already started courting controversy with gmups threatening to boycott sponsors. The 2006 Gay Games VII in Chicago is expected to bring more than 100,000 people and millions of dollars in tourist revenue to the city. Federation of Gay Games co-president Robert Mantaci said: "Progress in Chicago is on track with more sponsors, thousands of athletes already registered, and. for the first time, television coverage of a Gay Games." Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $26.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: Ozarks STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd .. #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAi.v1E: _______________ _ Address: _______________ _ City: ________ St: ___ Zip: ___ _ Phone: ________ _ Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: ______ _ FREE HIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS Tes ting the last Sunday of each month betwee:1 5PM and 6P1L 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 41 11 Joplin, Mo 64803 Sundav Serv1ce 6PI\1 four Invited to_ our Conymunit:;. Dinner Every .Wed. 6pm ;ust $4.u0. No one is turned away. The;Otatks S:TAR.sinca 2003 Page 19 . ' Lesbian Notions i by Libby Post ! 1 FEBRUARY 2006 "My Generation, Your Generation" ... lillilillililailoiliiiiliiioi.._ ..... _____ _ I had my first LGBT generation gap encounter about 20 years ago. I was at a lesbian bar in New York City. I looked around and didn't see anyone who looked like me. No longer were jeans, button-down shirts, and vests the lesbian fashion statement. These younger dykes were in stiletto heels, designer clothes, and makeup. "Lipstick lesbians," I thought, shook my head, and tried to make the best of it. I dismissed them as apolitical, only interested in being social, live-for-the-next-dance-party gay girls. What can I say? I was young. But they were younger. As I've gotten older and hopefully a little wiser, I've come to appreciate lipstick lesbians - who, by the way, aren't always younger lesbians. Thirteen years older than me, my partner, Lynn, wears makeup; I have to admit it's one of the things that drew me to her. But beyond that, her almost never leaving the house without at least a little lipstick and powder has helped me to appreciate the diversity of the lesbian community - young, middle-aged, and senior, we all have something to bring to the table. Recognizing we all have something of value as members of the LGBT community regardless of our age is at the crux of the very real generation gap our community is experiencing today. On one hand, an LGBT generation gap is one more indicator that we really aren't any different than our straight counterparts. Just as there has been a gulf in understanding between straight generations, there is one between and among our various generations. On the other hand, an LGBT generation gap speaks to much more pressing issues than what today's LGBT fashion trends. The Institute for Gay and Lesbian Strategic Studies (IGLSS), based at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst Oust a stone's thmw from Lesbianville, a!so known as Northampton), says we must overcome specific communication challenges in order for all of us in the LGBT community - across the spectrum of age - to work together for positive change. In the December 2005 edition of _Angles_, the lnstitute's policy journal, Glenda M Russell, Ph.D., and Janis S. Bohan, Ph.D., detailed their findings in an article entitled "The Gay Generation Gap: Communicating Across the LGBT Generational Divide." Not surprisingly, they found that LGBT adults tend to project their own experiences and beliefs onto our youth, and that our youth think they've got all the answers. The researchers singled out gay proms as one of the ways us aider folks have projected our wants and desires on our youth. These events, they say, seem to be designed to meet the needs of the adult organizers who missed their own proms, rather than the needs of today's LGBT youth. One event was billed as 'The Night You Never Had,'' and when a group of teens was asked about their same-sex prom, one teen said the highlight of the evening was seeing a newly out lesbian teacher dancing with her life partner. One of the other things we adults tend to do is to presume that LGBT youth have been victimized. This is not to say there isn't a lot of harassment of LGBT students in our schools, but all you've got to do is read the story of Kerry Pacer, the Advocate's Person of the Year, to see how things have changed for our youth. Here's a lesbian teen who took on her small, rural hometown of Cleveland. Ga., and won. · The gay-straight alliance (GSA) Kerry started has since been disbanded because the school board suspended all extracurricular activity - presumably because of the GSA - but Kerry has gotten her whole rural community talking about LGBT issues. Kerry became a very real face of the LGBT youth in her town, where everyone knows everyone. Her organizing brought Fred Phelps to town. After his hate-filled visit, the local church leaders were forced to rethink their abject homophobia, and her classmates their own prejudices. Her sense of purpose and drive is summed up in the Advocate article when she says, "I have to do this for the people that come behind me and the people that can't do it.'' Kerry has set an example for her LGBT generation and those that follow. She has also shown us veterans of LGBT activism that our youth can stand up to the bullies and the homophobes in a way that creates positive change for all ofus. The IGLSS study also detailed LGBT youth's role in our community's generation gap. Kerry's actions show us how our youth, who have grown up with a different LGBT reality (_Will and Grace, Queer Eye, same-sex marriage debate, civil unions - you get the picture), can bring a fresh perspective to the challenges the community faces. They may be less bound by what we think works, but they also don't necessarily have the historical perspective, relevant experience, and access to resources that LGBT adults have. Of course, they think, as all youth do, that the world started when they became conscious of their surroundings and that older people meddle. When LGBT aduits and youth work together. talk together, and move forward together while valuing each other's experiences and opinions, a true bridae can be built. What this study shows, what Kerry's achievements show, and what the work of anyone who has done organizing in the LGBT community shows is that ciear, respectful, inclusive communication is the key to breaking down this generation gap and moving our community forward. Page20 ... year event organizers wiil welcome g .. play ball and dance the night away. . •· .bas.eball ouffit and come to play h.ard . fec1tur~s.prizei;, food and fun. Tiokets · aHheTulsa GLBT Community Center around the city $15 Advance and $20 Altf.i€f the Sleeping Beauty is an enchanting choreographed by Russian Marius Petipa, who worked · Tchail<pvi5,ky:. Tchail<ovsky he compg~ed the bctllet hi , his benefactress; Mme. poetic, s~ in~pir~tidn~I to c ..... ··by .it.# w'ijen it was. finisfiecfin. 3,000 rubles and a bonus of 2 .. -_ ,:·.. . /··- ·-- ,. such an excellent ut b ,. ) Liz Highleyman FEBRUARY 2006 Summary : Past Out is a retrospective of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT history. Each installment brings the past to life by exploring the diversity of the gay past and its impact on the queer present. What was Germany's Paragraph 175? In eff~ct to~ ~or~ than a century, Germany's Paragraph 175, which cnminahzed homosexual activity between men, sent thousands to their deaths and ruined the lives of countless others. In 1871. King Wilhelm I instituted a new penal code after unifying several kingdoms to create the country of Germany. Taken from the old 1794 Prussian code. Paragraph 175 made "unnatural fornication between persons of the male sex or by humans with animals" punishable by imprisonment; the law never applied to women. Paragraph 175 was repeatedly debated by legislators and opposed by early gay rights pioneers such as Karl Heinrich Ulrichs and Magnus Hirschfeld. Arguing that homosexuals should not be punished for their innate nat~re, Hirschfeld gathered 6,000 petition signatures against the law. In early 1898, Social Democratic Party leader August Babel introduced a repeal measure before the Reichstag, but it failed by a large margin. During the Weimar Republic era, a burgeoning queer subculture developed in Berlin and other German cities. Yet even during the "roaring '20s," some 1,000 men were arrested under Paragraph 175 each year. In 1929. a Reichstag judiciary. committee recommended liberalizaton of the iaw, but the changes were still pending when Adolf Hitler was appointed chancellor in January 1933. Espousing traditional values and exploiting the oub!ic's existing prejudices and fear of social change, Hitler soon ?onsolidated his poiitica! control. According to the Nazi ideology of ~ationalism and racial superiority, homosexuality was a symptom of decadence and a danger to the state because it did not lead to procreation. But the Nazis' homosociai cult of masculinity attracted considera~!e su~picion. A?cusations of homosexuality were empioyed in turf batties between various Nazi factions, and were used by political opponents to discredit the regime. Hitler banned homosexual organizations, ordered the closure of nig~tclubs that catered to gay men, 1esbians. and transvestites, and haited the sale of publications with h?_mophile or sexual content. The regime encouraged c1t1zens to denounce suspected homosexuals, cultivated a network of informants, and forced arrested men to name others. An untold number of queer men and women went into hi?ing, entered sham marriages, emigrated to safer countries, or committed suicide. In June 1935, the Nazis imposed a stricter version of Paragraph 175, subjecting any man who "commits lewd and lascivious acts with another male," or "permits himself to be abused" for such acts, to 10 years of penal servitude. In section 175a, the revised law defined forced sex sex with a dependent or subordinate, sex with a youth ~nder age 21, and prostitution as "severe lewdness " while sect!_on 175b prohibited bestiality. Previously,' "unnatural acts· had usually been interpreted as anal or oral intercourse, but the revision prohibited any type of homoerotic interaction. In the ensuing years, convictions for homosexuality increased ten-fold, reaching a peak of more t~an 8,500 in 1938, and an estimated 100,000 during the entire Nazi era. . While m~st men convicted of homosexuality were held m regular prisons, others - especially repeat offenders - were remanded to "preventive custody." Some received reduced sentences if they agreed to undeigo castration. B one estimate, between 5,000 and 15,000 men accused of h?mosexuali_ty were sent to concentration camps,.where about two-thirds died. In the camps, these men were marked with the letter "A," a bla?k dot, the number "175," or a pink triangle. They were subJected to harsh conditions, including forced labor in quarries and munitions factories. Former inmate Heinz H~ger iater_told how he was made to watch a young gay prisoner being tortured by drunken SS guards. who sodomized him with a broomstick. Pierre Seei' saw his lover Jo ripped to shreds by dogs. Some "175ers" were used in medical experiments, including infection with typhus fever and implantation of testosterone capsules to "reverse hormonal polarity." In April 1945, Allied forces defeated the Nazi regime, but the ordeal was not over for men charged with homosexuality. The Allied Military Government sent some to regular prisons, while others were freed and later rearrested. In 1950, East Germany reverted back to the pre- 1935 version of Paragraph 175, and the law was eliminated in 1988. West Germany retained the Nazi version untii 1969; the law was revised in 1973 to criminalize only sex with minors under age 18. Paragraph 175 was voided entirely on March 10, 1994, when East an West German laws were reconci_led following reunification. For many years following World War 11, homosexual ~urvivors of the Nazi regime remained invisible, largely oecause homosexuality was still iliegal. Not only weie thev d~nied reparations, but many found it difficult to obtain jobs with Paragraph 175 convictions on their record. With the success of the gay rights movement in the 1980s and 1990s, however, some survivors began to speak out and demand justice. On May 17, 2002, the German parliament pardon~d all men convicted under Paragraph 175 during the Nazi era - of whom only a handful were still alive - but ieft intact an equal number of convictions imposed betwee; 1946 and 1969. .... continued rio:xt page. The Ozarks STAR since 2003 Past Out: "I suspect that some people prefer to remain silent forever, afraid to stir up the hideous memories," Pierre Seel said a few years before his death in November 2005 at age 82. "As for myself, after decades of silence, I have made up my mind to speak, to accuse, to bear witness." For further information: Epstein, Rob, and Jeffrey Friedman. 2000 (documentary). _Paragraph 175_ (Telling Pictures). Heger, Heinz. 1980, 1994. _ The Men with the Pink Triangle: The True, Life-and-Death Story of Homosexuals in the Nazi Death Camps_ (Alyson). Grau, Gunter, and Claudia Schoppmann (eds). 1995. _Hidden Holocaust?: Gay and Lesbian Persecution in Germany, 1933-1945_ (Cassell). United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. "Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals, 1933-1945." Online exhibit at www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/online/hsx. , '<< •" ' As Valentine's Day approaches we begin to plan that special surprise for that special someone (or to find that special someone). This months recipe is perfect for a quite romantic evening. It worked well on my fifth husband and I have · the bling to prove it! It's pink, festive and a bit tropical, a perfect seduction specimen for a fun evening with that heart throb. Try popping an old classic movie into the .... DVD and sipping this love potion with some tasty snacks.! You may be amazed at the results. · VALENTINE COLADA 1 1./2 oz. dark rum 1 oz. cream of coconut 2 oz. pineapple juice 1 oz. cranberry juice • 1. Fill mixing glass with ice . .. 2. Add rum, cream of coconut, pineapple and cranberry ewell. r into a highball glass filled with ice and garnish • with a cheny. Fort.he virgin version, simply leave out the rum. But .· ·don't expect the same results. · Love and cheers to all. Have a very successfui and happy Valentine's Day. Photo's by Chaz Advice Column! February 2006 Salutations Kittens Once more too Unc!e Mikey's take on all things Queer. February here again, bringing us another chance at being a twinkle in that someone's special eye, this Valentines Day. While some believe in saying it with roses, Uncle has aiways been fond of unconventional tokens of affection. A bouquet of flavored lubes and massage oils always brought a iittle warmth my way. Yes, however you choose to say I love you, or what was your name again, whatever the case may be, Tis the month of lovin'. Let's see what others have on their mind this chilly February. Dear Uncle Mikey. I am seriously thinking of asking the man I have been with for a year now to marry me. I know a lot of guys do not think even a commitment ceremony means much since we lack the rights as those in the straight world; however. I truly am in love with this man. He has brought so much into my life, and I am ready to settle down and spend my life with him alone. How should I pop the question? Ready to Pop Dearest Jiffy, Kitten, have you come to the right place. You know you just would not believe how many times I have used that line. The key to a successful proposal is romance. This is a serious question in which you want to convey the intense love and commitment you hold for this person. Personalize the moment with an activity you two share, making it an unforgettable moment in time, one the two of you will always share. Most of all do convey the love you have in your heart for him. Ali other matters will fall into place. Smooches_ Uncle Mikey Uncles third husband popped at the bathhouse. Imagine my surprise in the shower room, when he handed me that shiny steel ring. That was a night, I will never forget. I asked the gentleman I was entertaining in that moment to hold the ring while I rewarded that man of mine. It was a night the three of us never did forget. I swear I get all misty just thinking of it. Uncle Mikey, I am twenty-four years old and an avid fan of the rodeo. I want to work the circuit one day. However, none of my friends shares my lust for the pastime and they give me a hard time for it. I do not care for club hoping or the typical gay lifestyle. How can I show them the pride and adventure of this lifestyle? Rodeo boy Dear Rodeo Boy, Kitten, the rodeo is an adventuresome good time.-You cannot allow others to dictate your likes and dislikes. Sometimes a man must stand-alone for what he desires or believes in. If you want them to except your choices, than you must have a solid conviction, which will magnify your confidence through inner self. Uncle has loved many a cowboy in his time, and yes, Virginia the south will rise again! Saddle up young one its rodeo time. Smooches Uncle Mikey Uncle Mikey, I feei like no one in the gay world understands me. I am looking for someone to share my life. I want someone who can find contentment in loving only one. I have been hurt so many times, and so many men have walked over me using me as their doormat. I do not think there are truly any monogamous men left in the world, no wonder the straight world sees us the way they do. We bring it on ourselves. Am I the only one seeing this? Tired of being gay Dear Zinfandel, Darling, may I offer you some serious to go with that Wine? Sweetheart and I say this with all of the love in Uncles heart, (taxes and fees not included. Excluded in some states), you have to stop sounding like such a victim if you truly want people to stop treating you as though.! mean just by the time I finished your words; I was ready to sleep with your best friend and steal your escalade. Sometimes we must heip ourselves before we can look or expect others to see us for who we really are beneath the emotional mess we have allowed ourselves to become. Of course, uncle means you by us. as I am too fabulous to aliow victimization here. It sounds as if you seriously need a makeover. Also, one last matter. Kitten, we are not being gay. We are gay, don't allow . ... comim,ed next page. The Ozarks STAR since 2003 Page26 Ask Uncle Mikey: self-loathing to become the next cross you carry. Smooches- Uncle Mikey Well Kittens, I fear I have just exhausted myself. i must refresh, maybe have a twinky or two. You know, I am a manabectic. It is important prescribed by my personal physician of love, that I keep my romantic strength up. Yea, that is it. Proving my love for Queerdom one man at a time-Next! Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too! Want more of Mikey? Visit Mikey's corner at www.askunclemikey.com. Freelance writer Michael Hinzman, joining communities throughout Queerdom. .. 1 / 1 2TH PAGE CLASSIFIED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN City Life: THE STAR CALL FOR RATES 9 1 B.B3 S.7B87 or email: m:arksstar(cvsbcglobal.nct Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and Trust in Affordable Advertising Service. To Be Or Not To Be Oklahoma City Theater company presents Shakespear's twisted comedy A Midsummer Nights Dream running through Fe_bruary 19th• Catch performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday's at 8 pm, Sundays at 2 pm. Shakespeare's comedy about two couples in love with the wrong partners, and how they are finally brought together rightly, thanks in part to the bungiing work of Puck, Shakespeare's famous mischievous fairy. Chaos abounds in this most famous of Shakespeare plays. For more information and ticket prices check out http://www.okctheatrecompany.org/ Valentine Dinner for Two "Shrimp Pilaf Florentine" 1 tablespoon olive oil. 1 small red bell pepper chopped. 3 green onions chopped. 2 cloves of garlic chopped 1 1 /2 cups ORZO 2 teaspoons fresh dill weed. 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel. 1/2 teaspoon salt. 1 can chicken broth. 1 cup water. 2 cups shredded spinach. 10 oz frozen cooked shrimp, thaw and remove tails. 1i4 cup fresh grated Romano cheese. Heat oil over medium heat, add bell peppers, onions and garlic until ·vegetables are tender. Stir in past, dill weed, lemon pee! chicken i::imti~ and water. Heat to boiling, :·educe heat. cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes unti\ pasta :s tender. Stir in sr::inacl1 and snrinm. Cook 2-3 rn;nutes :i,ore Plate it 2nd spri,·1<:!e 'ii!th Romano cheese. Serve with ;.i\vocado r1alves. Tf,e Ozarks STAR .since Q Scopes by Jack Fertig FEBRUARY 2006 ''Trust your instincts, Aries!" The Jupiter-Neptune square of late January continues until April 6. That opens us to philosophical mysteries and intuitive knowledge. It also invites ill-considered experiments with drugs, and codependent excess. This week, the Sun and Mercury conjoin Neptune, offering some clarity on how you can make these next few months more positive. ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Are friends taking advantage of you - or vice versa? There is a difference between "benefits" and exploitation! In a generally confusing period, this is the time to trust your instincts. Difficult actions should be taken right now. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Relationships with colleagues are going to be tricky for a while, and you may easily be taken advantage of. Now is your time to be clear about what you want and what you can rightfully expect. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): You can't win any arguments now, but you can heed the arguments of others to see where your own reasoning could stand improvement. Ideals need not be rational, but how you spell them out must be. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): The stars promise fantasy sex - but is it your dreams coming true, or just all in your dreams? Being openly playful with your partner is easy - up to a point - but you need to articulate your secret desires if you want them to be fulfilled! LEO (July 23 - August 22): The next few months are generally confusing with regard to your relationships. Family traditions offer insights, but there will be more confusion along the way. What you learn right now in this moment of clarity can help you through the upcoming muddle. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): The rest of this winter sees you being very vulnerable to infections - anything from sniffles on up. Be careful whom you play with and how! Now is the time to see where your weak spots are and how to care for yourself better. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Can you afford your amusements? This is the time to get creative and figure out more economicai pieasures. Harness your talents, and your fun need not seem extravagant. it could even prove lucrative. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21 ): Family problems loom large. First question: Who (or what) really is your "family"? Second question: Why? Those aren·t easy to answer, but this week offers clear insights to start working from. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): A door to the Twilight Zone has opened in your brain, and will be around until April. If you need help coping, ask a Pisces friend. Now is the time to articulate things that wil! at other times be very hard to express. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): This is the time to clear through any financial muddle. The next few months are going to be a monetary maze, so get what insights you can right now. They will help you get through the rest of it. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Who are you? What are you? You're used to others wondering, but now _you're_ in a season of quandary. New insights and answers this week will open up more questions, but they'll be better questions than the ones you're struggling with now. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Inside your head is a dangerous place for you to be, even at the best of times. Now there's a light in that darkness. What you figure out now may be key to solving the next few months of relative confusion. You can find copies of the STAR at these 4 states business & organizations. ARKANSAS KANSAS OKLAHOMA Arkansas, Eureka Springs Diversity Pride EYem - - www.diversitypride.com A Byrd's fa·e View- - 36 N. Main- -479-253-02(10 CaribeRestaurante- -309 \X' VanBuren-- 253-8102 Henri's- -19 1 /2 Spring St - 4-;9.253.5795 Lumberyard Bar&Grill-105 E VanBuren- -253-0400 MCC Lidng Spring - - 870-253-9337 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Condom Sense - -418 \'C Dickson- -479-444-6228 Curry's Video 612 N. College :\ve- 479-521-0009 Pass~ges 930 N. College Ave- - - - - - 479-442-5845 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinke2ds- 1004 1/2 Garrison A,·e- 479-783-9988 Red Rock Citv 917 K "A'" St. 479-242-2489 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) _Jesters Lounge 1010 E. Grand :\vc -501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street -lll21 Jessie Rd- Diatnond Srntc Roden As.soc.Discovery- - i021 Jessie Rd- - - -5( 11-664-2744 \·n\~,v.dsra.org - -50 i -666-6900 Sidetracks - 415 ~lam St -k LR.- Slll-244-0444 The Factory -'112 Louisiana St.- -501-372-3070 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Bro3dway- - Kansas, Wichita (316) Club Glacier 2828 E. 31st Sc,mh 316-612-9331 J's Lounge - 513 E. Central 316-262-1363 Our Fantas;·- - - - 3201 S, Hillside- - -316-682-5-,94 The Otherside- -447 N. St Francis- - 316-262-7825 Sharai 4000 S. Broacl\1.:ay- - .316-522--2028 Sidcstreet I\lens Bar -1106 S. Pattie- - -316-267-0324 South 4(1 - 3201 S. Hillside -'16-682-5494 Trends Bar - -15(17 S. Pawnee- - - ::' I 6-262-<l53C Missouri, Ava CanJs C,!:1yon Catnpgrc,und Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- 716S.i\iain Missouri, Kansas Ci~ (816} Missouri, Lampe K( )K( ):,.1() C::,mpJ!rnund # .. MISSOURI Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boom·ille A,·e- - --417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 Liquors & Kickers- -1109 E. Commercial-8-:'3-2225 il!arrha's Vineyard- 219 \X" Olh-e - 417-864-4572 Priscilla's - - 1918 S. Glenstone 417-881-8444 Oz Bar - 504 E. Commercial - - - - 417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - --1109 E. Commercial- - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, McAlester J\!cPride- - POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- - - - -405-601-7200 Club Rox- -3535 N\X" 39th Expwy - 405-947-2351 Cristies Toy Box- 3126 N. May Ave - 405-946-4438 Finish Linc -2200 N\X' 39th Expwy- - 405-525-0730 G,1shcrs Restaurant-2200 N\X' 39Exp405-525-0730 HolkwoodHotel- 3535 t'I\X' 39th Ex- 405-947-2351 Habana Inn - 2200 !'l\\" 39th Exp- - 405-528-2221 Hi-Lo Club - 122! N\X' SOrh- -405-843-1722 Juni!k Red$ - - - 2200 NW" Expwy- 405-524-5733 P.:rrncrs- - -2805 N\X" 36th St 405-942-2199 Priscilb's- 615 E. Memorial -405-755-8600 Red Rock North-2240 N\X'39th St- - -405-525-5165 Sisters- - 2120 N\'\' 39th St - - - - -405-521-9533 The Rockies- - -32!11 N. May Ave - - - 405-947-9361 Top.mg.1 Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th-- 405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine - - -- 918-836-8700 Club :\lajc<tic- 124 N. Boston 918-584-9494 Club Ma,·crick- 822 $. Sheridan - -918-835-3301 Dreamland Bks - 8807 E. Admiral Pl -834-1051 Eii1e Bookstore --814 S. Sheridan- - 918-838-8503 GLBT Comn1. Ctr- -5545 E. 41st- - I lidn.,·ay Lounge-11730 E. 11th- \lidtov;n- 319 E. 3rd- N1te Spot - -3(,l)7 E. Admirnl Pi Pnscilla·, -,925 E. 41st 5634 \X Skdh· P:tiscilla's - -11344 F·:. ti th 918-743-4297 -918-'137-0449 918-584-3112 918-834-30()7 -9 i 8-627-4884 - - -918-446-63<1, -9 l 8--!38-422'1 -9 18--199-1661 1649 S. \lain - - - - 9i8-585-3405 Ti.l!',a EagkT::'..: T\ i~3B F. 3rd 21 ;.j S. ~lc,n::rial- - - J18-"J2-l !B8 -918-660-0856 918-829-0824 918-203-0304 Business or Organizations wishing to distribute FREE copies of the STAR, contact us at 918.835.7887 9am to 4pm mon - fri or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Page29 ti"FS . . ·Qrhood STEVE'S HIDEAWAY 11730 E. 11th· Tulsa, OK 918.437.0449 now 12noon to 2am d Monday. ••••••,wa•-,... ~a•f e 7240 East Pine - TULSA, OK 918.836.9777 open 6am to 2pm mon - sat. Breakfast & Lunch ~y OU~ DAILY 'b'P€:.C.IN...'b 9re.at home.st1\e. food. I E 3007 E. ADMIRAL PLACE. TULSA, OK ~da!t. Check out our POOL TOURNAMENT TUESDAYS@7pm OPEN ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY! 918.834.3007 Open Monday-Saturday 11 am EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY .AOVERTISIN13. !!!SALES REPRESENTATIVE . ;~R wlc:;..1TA, ,;, ',;·' ,,,, 01"-LAHOMA.' Cl:i"Y, TULSA, ... ,esb&JR, o; ARKANSAS . •. · quilificatlons to cnarksstar@sbcglobal.net or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 * Full Body, Sports, Hot Stone * Hand.and Foot Sc~bs * ln,.House Clinic * Dc3ys, Evenings and Weekends · Ca/I.for an appointment and rates. 918-857-2805 CHECK OUT UNIQUE EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS www.diversitypride.com and www.eurekapride.com 1 /1 2TH PAGE CLASSIFIED 1 /l 2TH PAG.E.CLASBIF'IEb AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE A. D SPACE •i,.i1:1~ AVAILABLE '' ' ' ' ,,: ,,, .,, ''' "·,',,•' . ,, IN THE IN THE: STAR STAR CALL FOR RATES C:Al.!,:: f,~¢,lfi'·'.~T,!;S: 91 B.B35.78B7 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and Trust in Affordable Advertising Service . • 1/1:i,f.J;:l;P~~E:: CLASSIFIED AD 11,::.;Jei Jaw AVAILABLE ·• .::•t~THE · •,sfAR CALL. F.EJR ,RATES ~- -~ ,_ .'',' i '_,' ' :- ',,_-\} :_\' ;·, ·,'' ' .91 s.J33S:7as7 or email: ozatksstar@sbcglobaI.net Delivering Qua!ILY, Value, Integrity and Trust in Affordable Advertising Service. Get results with STAR Classifieds! EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR WICHiTA, OKLAHOMA C!TY, TULSA, MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS qualirications to ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net or mail co: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153 Tub, OK 74145 Page PAGE 32 THE STAR FEBRUARY 2006 dve ising Sales epresentatives Successful andidates will be: * Self motivated * * ut going anized Part-time and full-time positions available. Applicants should have reliable transportation Candidates should forward their resume to: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net or 5103 S. Sheridan Rd, #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 T H E Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2006] The Star Magazine, February 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 2 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 01, 2006 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Josh Asterovis John Patrick Matt Brooks Paul Wortman Carlotta Carlisle Libby Post Paula Martinac Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ray Williams Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Andrew Hicks Chaz Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, January 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/227 The Star Magazine, March 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 3 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/239 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/226 10 keys to happiness A Couple of Guys Bamboo Lounge Battle of the Sexes Bitter Girl Brokeback Mountain Business and organizations Cartoon Christopher Meloni classifieds Club Majestic Gay Games Heart to Heart HIV regimen HIV/AIDs Jake Gyllenhaal Lesbian Notions Past Out Q Scope Shrimp Pilaf Florentine Star Scene Uncle Mikey vacation Valentine Colada Valentine's Day https://history.okeq.org/files/original/1d83dd312b49dd3e9bc3a48f8d62741c.jpg 627a3bb469150bff9de1fce15aff2133 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/9ffdd433544ea0d5ea7ac58a9b3e2770.pdf 381e7de93626e21c6ab81a48621030cb Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document This issue of the STAR marks a milestone not only for our magazine, but for GLBT news publications as well. We have seen five regional community papers come and go since ou; inception, most only in publication for a few months. Weil, this month is our 3rd Anniversary issue. With the beginning of our fourth year January 2007, we plan to make some changes, add new features and continue to bring you our readers, local, national and world news that affects the GLBT community. A new feature in this issue is our "AFTER DARK" calendar which list events and special function announcements from our advertisers. A good reason to keep the STAR on your coffee table all month. The Star was launched in December 2003 in Joplin, Missouri. Our first issue was a digest size black and white GLBT news and information magazine of just twelve pages. Our first printing was under 1000 copies and distributed to Joplin, Springfield, Fayetteville and Tulsa. Needless to say, the Ozarks STAR had a very meager beginning with just three advertisers. I have worked very hard the past 3 years to make this magazine a vlabie source of community information, news and entertainment. Our readers are traveling the region to places that were unknown when we began. I have personally made many wonderful new friendships and acquaintances because of this magazine. You are sincerely appreciated. A big KUDOS to the efforts of our contributing writers Donald Pile. RayWilliams, Michael Hinzman, Paul Wortman, John Patrick, Greg Gatewood, Victor Gorin, Josh Aterovls, Steve Urie and many others who have kept us informed and entertained. Also to our sales agents Michael Leach, Victor Gorin, Devre Jackson and Kay Massey who have contributed tremendousiy to our success. Last but not least a big thank you to our advertisers and readers. WE'VE COME A LONG WAN BABY! Sincerely, C. D. Ward Publisher/Editor in Chief 'tlvv-...,.ozarksstar.com Dear Chaz: We notice that your publication, (The Star) is approaching its 3rd Anniversary and we are very proud of you. You have brought to the Midwest a very intelligent and professional gay publicarion that is now one of the main gay/lesbian publication in the tv1idwest. Long are the days when so many gay pubiications were merely "sleaze rags" Your content, articles and columns keeps everyone abreast about events in the state, the Midwest, the country and the world! As we travel around the country, we always take extra copies of the STAR with us to show other gays and they are amazed at the quality of your publication. Congratulations on your 3rd Anniversary and we wish you continued success with your splendid work for many, many years to come. We are very honored to be a small part of your success. Respecdul!y, Donald Piie Ray Williams .',<,<\',:·,,,'\/;,, ·. I.lei us help! (91 ) - 6 the STAR 3 4 the STAR Victor Gorin interview with newly elected 2nd term Oklahoma County Commisioner Jim Roth. Election 2006 By Joe Solmonese. HRC President. Solmonese examines the effects of the 2006 election on the GLBT community. litfi HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA'S We did some shopping for you! Something unique, something cheap and some bling. Travelers "Savannah, GA" 0 of Town "Fort Lauderdale" Uncle Mikey finds a Twink that wants co be fabulous, while a queen ponders the afterlife. INDEX An Interview with Jim Roth ..... 6 Book Review. . . . . . . . . . . ... 11 OUT in Arkansas ........... 12 Past Out. ................. 14 Tulsa GLBT Centei News ..... 15 Holiday Gift Idea's. . . . ... 16 Ciao Travel. . . . ........... 17 Lesbian Notions. . . . . . 22 Star Scene. . . . . . ..... 24 Uncle Mikey. . . .. 26 After Dark . . . . .. 27 Horoscopes.. . .......... 28 Distributors. . . . 29 Cartoons. . . . . . . ...... 30 Classifieds. . 31 STAR DISTRIBUTION: Jolie Justice in Lesbian Notions "Christmas in November''- page 22 Progressive Church Shakes Up Norhwest Arkansas. - page 12 -~•,!!,.~.!';'!~.-. History of gay motorcycle clubs in ~~pi\ST ()lIT~~ - page 14 OKLAHOMA C!TY .. TULSA"' LAV'/TON ~ t-.,lCA.lESTER ~ EiHD • UTTLE ROCK" NORTH LITTLE ROOK., FAYETTEVILLE i' FT SMITH " EUREKA SPRINGS • HOT SPRINGS * BENTONVILLE ~ ROGERS ~ KANSAS CITY~ SPRlNGF!ELD ",JOPUN " BRA~JSON AREA:!, VVlCHlTA,.. PiTTSBURG • JUNCTION CITY \/'.f'vvvv.ozarksstar.corn AN INTERVIEW WITH OKLAHOMA COUNTY COMMISSIONERJIM ROTH. By Victor Gorin Phoro: Left Viaor Gorin and Jim Roth In 2002, Jim Roth ran againsr anti-gay incumbent Beverly Hodges in the race for Oklahoma County Commissioner of District One, and become Oklahoma's first op~nly gay county commissioner. . He made the most of rhis opportunity to do an excellent job in this position, winning the respect of Oklahoma County voters from many walks oflife. This year his Republican opponent, Dave Mehlhaff, waged one of the most single issue, anti gay campaigns ever, and yet Jim was re-elected. Now he shares with us how ir's been, and the vision he has for che future Victor: Well Commissioner, you ran a very strong and imeresting campaign that always looked successful, but did you still feel a sense of relief when it was over? Jim: Absolutely. You never know until the last vote is counted. \ve felt confident, we worked hard, but we didn't want to take anything for granted. Victor: Wdl, I'm sure you feel much better now. What do you feel were the major factors.~hat made your victory so resounding? Jim: Two things--First and foremost was our job performance. We worked very hard and deiivered on what we promised, anci I don't chink anyone has ever done better in District 1. Second, my opponent's bigotry was rejected by a great number of people that I think arc tired of that mean spirited side of politic;. l think people realized from his approach rhat he had lirde to offer. 1/ictor: Truly over the past 4 years, v.rhen one considers the duties of v;hat a county cotnn1issioner is supposed to do, you have a record you can be proud of, including a balanced budget. Jim: 1hat's right. Although all 3 discricts of ()kiahon1a (~ounty get tht: sa1ne a111ount of n1oney for roads, I have the 1nf)St road n1ileage 6 the STAR and still was the only one wirh a baianced budget. The pubiic in my district is now driving over 54 miles of new road and 8 new bridges with safer conditions. !vfy predecessor, Beverly Hodges, only built 1 bridge during her term. Victor: You were instrumental during 2004 in impiementing and keeping, despite a repeai attempt, a poiicy of nondiscrimination for Oklahoma County employees that indudes sexual orientation. Even now iI is the only government protection pertaining to sexual orientation in the state of Oklahoma. Jim: I serve this office with the premise char all peopie deserve respect and dignity, and a public employment simation, of all places, should be free of discrimination of any kind. We changed the current policy to expand coverage in 3 areas, physical disabiliry, political affiliation, and sexual orientation. I worked w implement this policy for 3 reasons, to protect taxpayers from liability from officials doing stupid things, attracting talent, and because it's the right thing to do. Victor: What do you hope do accomplish during your next term? Our district is on a great rrajectory of improvement with a very aggressive road and bridge program, a number of major projecrs. We are also bringing a focus to senior citizens issues. Vie have to be sure that we are that safety net so that their golden years are truly that. Also I want to work on issues co help our memally ill in this county so that they aren'r kept in the county jail without treatment. Victor: Do you have future aspirations after .:his term of office? Jim: Not right now, bur maybe in future years rhere will be something I'll feel challenged w try. Victor: \V'e!l, you obviousiy won the confidence of the voters in Oklahoma County. Besr wishes and looking forward to four more years! * Two Night Tulsa Event Benefit For Tulsa Cares Food Pantry. By Greg Steele TULSA, OK_Billed as Tulsa's Social Event of rhe year, the Bamboo Lounge staged a two night benefit show hosted by Kris Kohl. The 5th annual Miss Bamboo Pageant was held on Saturday November 18th and the following night with Kris Kohl's show, The Bamboo & Faces Present "REMEMBER OUR FAMILY". The two night extravaganza packed the nighrc'.ub both nights and raised do;;:: ro $500.00 for the Food Pantry. The Miss Bamboo Pageant histed by Terry Hood and Stan Smith dub co-owners is only one event out of 111any that the couple stage each vear to benefit non-profit organizations in the Tiilsa area. 'The out g~ing ~1iss Ba1nboo 2006. Mona Lott n:iuctandy reiinquishcd her crown to Miss Bamboo 2007, Holly Rose, a newcomer to the scene. Holly Rose campaigned extensiv~!y v.lith her slogan "!es 'Time For l1 l'~c",,v Generationn and sources say her ,veaithy husband donated quite a sun1 to her success. lvfona Lott, J\.-1:iss Bamboo 2006 in a rage l~Jf despair crov,rned herself "E1npress of the Ban1boo'1 \Vhich amounrs to nothing bur a cheap ploy to 1nainrain royal sratus in her aging state! P.._ great time vva.s had by all and for a very gcJod cause. Photo on page 25. v1v,.;•.v,ozarksstar.com Worl Dece i /-,, . i l_r,,,CJlj}OOtJ o/1'f.o0 ,-L--/o1~, Lr:i !,•~ R~"L p/'~_?-/r: -1 )j •'ThYJJ (Jr)g} ~ uikiff@ L1JJ'@:~?Jff i;J Y'ailif1 ORDERS BY 12NOON GUARANTEED S,'l.J,lE DAY DELIVERY Glenpool Cleaners (inside Glenpool 1.'i,:w:-crsl 91S-29r-3275 Wear the Red Ribbon on Dece111ber 1st. Show th<: ,xorld ,-'.)ll c:rc that HIVi AIDS is srill among us ,rnd du, people, including manv ,·nuns people, arc cv<:!i nov.' getting inf~•t'tcd. Let rhosc afF(·c(cd knO\\' that you undcLStand .. 1nd support thcn1 and the: figbt ~1gainst l-lI\/"f 1\I [)S. HAP C 3rd l (/ from all your pals in Eureka Springs, Arkansas ,\~ Amber Bock Sun--Thurs 1 pm---Midnight~ Fri ,-Sat 1 prrl~,,._ 2am :·,:~:, t..· .2..c,,1., N.- ., M~ a·..1J s/:}--·iV -•~p.. -:,.~ on 'h1p. New Tulsa Organization For Diversity Business DBAT Means Business TULSA, OK_Business is all abom connections and growth, and the newly formed Diversity Business Association ofTulsa (DBAT), a program supported by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), is working to help GLBT business owners and professionals in green country form those connections and succeed in today's competitive marketplace. DBAT's mission is to provide a forum to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender business and professional community and its allies for ,he purpose of networking. professional development, creating increased visibility and strengthening relationships among business and professional community members. The group meets monthly for the purpose of networking, development and quarterly workshops as well. Socials are being planned for next year. D BAT membership is an affordable investment at $30.00 annually for individuals and $50.00 annually for~ business entity. Members receive: A copy of the annual business guide with inclusion of a business listing and advertising opportunities within the business guide. DBAT Newsletter TOHR Membership Reduced fee at quarterly workshops A listing on the DBAT web site and banner advertising opportunities. Join us and connec, with other locai GLBT business owners and professionals within your community. For 1hform,1tion contact Susan Hartman at 918-274-1699 or through e-mail at slr:artrnan@cox.aer. * Wear the Red Ribbon on December 1st. Show the world you care that I-flV/;\I!)S is still a111ong us and that people, inc:iuding rhen1 ::tnd tht against 10 the STAR Oklahoma Ci Couple Exchange Vo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK_Paula Schonauer & Pam Trotter were united in a Holy Union ceremony on the lovely grounds of the Backdoor Coffeeshop October 7, their wedding officiated by the Reverend Scott Jones of the Oklahoma City Cathedral of Hope Church. Paula is an Oklahoma City police officer and Pam is a floral designer. Together they reside in Oklahoma City. * Tulsa Group Forms Womens Supper Club. TULSA, OK_Heather Hartman and a group of other iadies have formed a new club calied "LesDine Supper Club ofTulsa''. Heather told us, "We meet the first Friday of every month at Tulsa-area restaurants at 7 PM. For December we will be eating at Jamil's Steakhouse, and in January we will be eating at Caz's Chowhouse. For information, peopie can emaii Lesdinesupperclub@ yahoo.com or visit v,ww.myspace.com/lcsdinesupperc! ub . LesDine is for lesbianidentified women in NE Oklahoma who like to socialize and eat good food. \,X,'e have been meeting for 6 month, now and have had a great turn-om. Peopk are finding out via ~ord-of-mou.t:h ancf thru -.lahoof chat groups. Last n1onth \VC had 26 \von1cn attend. The New Oklahoma Mr. Leather 2007 By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY~James Hollingwood captured the tide of Oklahoma's new fvfr. Leather at Oklahoma City's Pho~nix Rising October 21, It was a festive occasion emceed by California titleholder Mark tvfalon who kept the evening lively and entertaining with earchv humor, and even treated us to his musical prowess with h1s priceless rendition of a Shirley Bassey dassic, "Dildos are Forever." Attended bv;;. capacitv crowd of leather folk and th~ir friends,' the contest featured not only entenainmcnt but also education and wonhwhile fundraising, the highlight of which was the raffling of;; Garth Brooks \Yiorld Tour Jacket that will be autographed by the man himself. Proceeds for that raffie went to Tulsa's Open Arms Youth Project. David Tempie~on won the tide of First Runnerup, and the reigning currelt Mr.Leather, James Dean Scudder ofTi,is:,, passed the tide on to Mr.Hollingwood. James wiil go on to con1petc in the lntcrnationai l\-1r. Leather Comest held in Cbicago during the Memorial Day Weekend. l() the cornrnunity Jarocs. had this to say/' J fCci very honored that n1y peers have honored n1c 1:1vith the ti tie of ()kiahon1a ~vir Leather, and l \vill do rny unnost to support the leather comrnunitics of'Tu!sa~ ()klahorna (~ity and statevvide. I ;:1111 looking fon.vard to the Jntcrnational lV1r. Leather contcsc but 1 an1 still in ~hock, letting this vvin sir1k in. /tgain I say I ~un. honored that the cornrnu•~ has supported rne in rhis vvay A Face in the Crowd celebrates the and challenges of those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. The book, "A Face in the Crowd: Expressions of Gay Life in America," edited by John Peterson and Martin Bedogne, presents a diverse group of people living their lives filled with iove, hope, and happiness as well as fear and oppression. Highlighting stories and profiles of gay men and women who share tales of families and challenges, "A Face in the Crowd" poignantly illustrates that gay life in North America does not fit a single stereotype. Sponsored by the Matthew Shepard Foundation, ''A Face in the Crowd" seeks to educate and empower today's youth w actively take part in developing solutions to problems that are rooted in ignorance and hatred. In the book's introduction, Judy Shepard, whose son, Matthew, was the Yicdm of a gav hate crime, convevs, "A Face in the Crowd is a reflection of Matthew's dreams. He id1ew that judging people bdc,re knov;ing chem was rhe loss of an opportunity." "A Face in rhe Crowd" can be ordered di,ectly from the ;\1atthcw Shepard Foti!ldation, which will be signed by Judy Shepard and includes the benefo: single "W'hat Matters" by Randi Driscoll. 'Ihe mission of the ?vfanhew Shepard Foundation is w support divcrsirv programs in education and ;o help youth organizatio;1s es.:ablish · environments where young people can fed safe and be themselves. The goal of rhc !vfatthe,v Shepard Foundation is to replace hate ,vith d ,. . . d .. . . ,. . un erstanct1ng, compassion an acceptance. t-·or n1orc 1r1torn1at1on ;~~:,~;t~~:;~~;;~_Shepard Foundarion, visit their ·website: www.mar- John Peterson created rhe initial concept for"~,\ 1:;ace in the (~rtnvcr· and further developed and published the book to rr1eet the goals and tnission of the ?viatthew Foundation. orders and discounts on group saies arc availabic through the pubHsher. For rnon~ inforn1<.,tion~ visit d1(:ir •.vcbsirc at corn . .., ,,..,_,w,.ozark.sstar.corn Election 2006 By Joe Solmonese, HRC President Tuesday was a watershed moment for our comrnunity. A wave of pro-equality candidates was swept into office, from Philadelphia to Fort Lauderdale and from Minneapolis to Tucson, and are now the majority in the United States House and Senate. To date, 93 percent ofHRC-endorsed candidates have won their races (210 of225), with a handful of races still pending. Perhaps most exciting of all, we had a first-ever win against a discriminatory, anti-GLBT constitutionai amendment. While we had heartbreaking losses in seven states, with a near-win in South Dakota, Arizona made history this week by defeating a ban on domestic partnerships. We salute everyone who worked to defeat these discriminarory measures and we especially congratulate Arizona Together for its successful campaign to defeat that state's discriminatory initiative. HRC was proud to play a role in helping to achieve this historic victory. Steve May, co-chair of Arizona Together, had this to say about HRC's help in the campaign: "When we first got started, no national organization thought we could win ... except HRC. They believed in us and we thank them so much." \Ve have an incredible slate of amazing trailblazers coming to Washington - people like Congressman-Elect Harry Mitcheli, Senator- Elect Amy Klobuchar and Senaror-Elect Sherrod Brown. We fought to get them elected, and now they wil! fight for us. Congress promises to be much friendlier now that bigots like Rick Santorum are gone. With your help, we raised more than $375.000 for Santorum's opponent, Bob Casey, and spent an additionai $200,000 to mobilize hundreds of volunteers to guarantee Santorum's defeat. It paid off. Here is what Senator-Elect Casey had to say about us: "HRC got behind my campaign early and has been a tremendous help. The energy and commitment they put behind our campaign was exrraordinary. I iook forward to working with HRC's incredible staff and membership, especially to advance hare crimes legislation in the Senate." All over tht country, anti-GLBT candidare$ and campaign tac.:ic, were rejected by vorers. Scapegoating and anacking GLBT Amc:ricans is no longer a winning campaign strategy. At least 21 Houst: n1embers --~vith O percent votine: records on (;LB1-- issues ~,,vili not be returning to ·wa.~hingron, and in the Senate, five Fcderai Marriage A~ 1 .. 11 t r;.or i •,r•• .... nn,e1ia1nen. suppo, ...... s .. c,.,, , h.e ,•r b,'d, <•- .,.fo ,r ,-~n· t...• ih,..., .. .~-1d-·,.v, ... ,~ "•' . ..... Other races aiso mark in1pon::ant shifts in the debate about our relationships. Supporters of fuH marriage equality \von the governorships oft~c .. N ~{ork and 1v1assachusetts, and Jodi Rell ;vas rcst}undingiy re-elected governor of Con.necticut: after signing ~~ civil union~ bilL Furthern1orel no candidate in f'1ev<l Jersey, or '"''·"''•"'·,. in rhc country for that 1nar:t:erl appears r,,1 ha•le suffered from the f~c;;v Supre111e Court's decision requiring and benefits Progressive Church Shakes Up Northwest Arkansas. by Kay Massey BENTONVILLE, AR_ Amid the conservative religious congregations in Northwest Arkansas, an entrepreneurial deacon is offering something ... a iittle different for Gays, Lesbians and their allies. In July 2006, the Rev. Roger Joslin moved to Bentonville from Los Angeles to start the Episcopalian Community of Bentonville. Roger is a native Texan, receiving both a BA and an MA from the University ofTexas at Austin. He did additional graduate work in International Relations at the University of Sussex in Brighton, England. After working for many years in the architectural woodwork business, Roger graduated from the Episcopal 1beological Seminarv of the Southwest in Austin Texas in 2005 ·.vith a Masters of Divinity degree. Roger's bhck o:.nfic .md white clerical collar mm heads wi11:rever he goes, and for now, he's everywhere. His mission is dear: Find a diverse group of people ~o form an Episcopal congregation with radical hospitality at its core. Joslin hopes :o offer a progressiv..: aiternative to other churches in the ilrca. HI think it 1.vill "vork here in t'Jorth\vest 1\rkansas/J he said of the radical hospjrality, which focuse5 on meeting p;:<ople':, physical and spiritual needs. <iit's a ·very friendly place.'' ~❖7hile h:1s been treated ,vell here~ he's not sure the reception \Vouid he as ~narn1 for a black, hon1oscxual or 12 the STA.R poor person. "Ours is the kind of church where everyone is welcome," he said. That focus must start from the beginning. Rather than creating a core group of white, middleclass people, then expanding the group, Joslin wants to start wirh a mixed core group from the beginning. That is exactly what he has done so far. One of the local group members says, "What makes this really special is that we arc defining what we feel our church needs to be about. We're all accepting, that's very important, that ali backgrounds arc welcome, all types of people, ro be very hospitable and community- oriented." Joslin's church-planting plans are moving quickly. The plan is to create small groups of roughly 12 adults until the total reaches about 300 people, which could take about a year, Joslin said. Currendv ·there are 4 groups of adults that meet weekly, a "Walk and Talk" group for exercising and meditating adulr.s, and a group of children who are exploring the "Godly Play" progran1. Roger stresses that a person need nor be an Episcopai ro parricipate in any of the groups. Study is designed for people of any faith. 'Ihere are people from all backgrnunds involved in the groups. These are truly diverse groups of people on a spirimai journey rogei:her. Roger is continuously seek;ng out Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendcred group and individuals in the area. hoping to welcome :hem into the fold. "Many have been raised in churches and have hj_d devout upbringings~ yet most churches have reiected themn, Jos_Hn said,-_ Gay's and Lcsb~a1:s arc an integral part ot our groups, anct tt1e soon to be church. l\1any are already attending the "\Ycekly meetings and becorning invoived t)!,~r?~:~~:~a~~~11~~~1:;;~:;:;;(~ Benwr; other Episcopal churches in rhe area there is a church in Henton ··~Lz. progressive Episcopaiian church interprets the Bible in terms of context and in light of the times, he said. He believes fundamentalists interpret the Bibic rno literally. The Episcopalian church has liturgical services like a Carhoiic Church, bu: Masses and Sunday Communion ser✓ices - Eucharists - arc in English, Joslin said. The Diocese of Arkansas has been rhinking about a church in Bentonville fOi about 15 years. Joslin seems rhe perfect fit. "I have a strong enrreprcneurial bent," he said. "I do like to create and start things. 'This is abour creation." After many years of being involved with the Church, Joslin was ordained as a Deacon in May 2006. He will be ordained as an Episcopal Priest on December 2, 2006 at St. Paul's Episcopal; Church in Fayetteviiic, Ar. Roger is aiso rhe author of Running the Spiritual Path: A Runner's Guide to Breathing, Meditating, and Exploring the Prayerful Dimension of the Sport. He wrote the book while a seminarian. He continues w run and write in Arkansas as a dimension of his spiritual practice. He is a ,'creran of several marathons and thousands of miles of solitary running on trails and back roads throughout the United States. Rev. Joslin's book emerged from a running journal he maintained over the course of the iast decade. Many years of meditation pr:1.ctice, punctuated wfth the nurturing rnlitude of periodic visits to numerous retreat cemcrs ~nd monasteries, led the author, quite naturally, to combine his love for running with his spiritual search. Roger is borh an experienced ,cacher and a:1 engaging speaker and is ;;!ways eager to tab, on the rask of avvakcning a wider audicnc,· ~o the value of spiriruai pracrict. For n1orc infonnation about the ,-,,,,,,,,u,_,.., c=o1n1nunity of Benton C:ounry, contacr the IZcv. R,ngcr Joslin at 4?9-1~26-1 ')() j or rogcrioslin@sbcg1obal.net . V'l\-VV·J_ozarksstar.corn The show went on and on and on .... and oh, how we loved it! ByD. Norman EUREKA SPRINGS_AR~On Saturday November 4, 2006 during FALL Diversity Weekend in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, ANT and Sabrina tvfatthews flew in from Los Angeles, California to headline Diversity Pride Events' first 'LOL Dive;:sity Comedy' Show and simply awed everyone at rhc Al.JD! Sabrina kjcked ofF the evening ddighting the very diverse crowd of Glbti, straigi~t fricncis and allies. Both men and women were laughing and nodding chcir heads in agreement at her hiiarious observations of our lives. Her humor was down to earth and true to life, covering everything from skim. p1.,rses, pets, job interviews and of course, love lives. By the time she left the stage, you feit like she v1as one of your pals. ANT hit stage in an incredible spar~ling Hight suit covered with rhinestones, setting the pace for a high energy non-stop ride to hysterical bughre~. His jokes had u:; roar;ng, and he was at his absolute bes: ribbing and n•·,.,..,, .. ,, .. ,, v,itb ,he audience. He pulled people up on stage gettiag thrn1 to say and do things that had us failing out of our seats and ('l:~tn ht~ ~cerncd an1azed at the quirky Siories he brought out of Eurckans and her 'Vishors. He told us he just had to use sorne of then1 ¥h:i-<~:•: Tl '>Vf" r"•~rtf~riranro •·n ,..h,::. "fon1oht 'hov.1 .i ,C_rs.,. {J"'-,. l•-•~. :h,.. .._._ '"' L, ,._., . •t,c" ...__, ,. ,vith Jay Leno us he and rhanked us for i\nt i1rvited Sabrina to and the audience- can1c w,l,fr-•l'i.ozarksstar.com tne cen1ctery to end. He toid h fun toe, stop. con-1plin1ented stand-up. their ap~ It ''--Vas Conservative Christian Group Boycott almart. By Staff Reporter Donald E. \Vildmon, Fotmder and Chairman of American Family Association, a Tupeio, MS conserntive Christian organization ordered a mass-emailing to about 3 million recipients, on November 9, 2006. The petition was circulated because of Walmart's support of GLBT organizations and GLBT equality in the workplace. W'almart recently donated SS000 to N\'1/l\ GLBT Community Center in Bentonville, AR. Below is the communication sem to \'1/almart byWildmon. Dear President Scott, This will let you know that I will not be shopping at Wal-Mart or Sam's Club on the Friday or Saturday following Thanksgiving. Your decision to financially support groups promoting homosexual marriage is very unfortunate. You could have remained neutral but decided to join the battle on the side of homosexuai activist organizations. With great disappointment, I will help spread the word to my friends and family about your decision. * t GoldC8stle "At Century 21 Gold Castie our •. BEST properties are our PEOPLE'' 4301 NW 63rd, Suite 100 pklahoma City, OK 73116 405.840.2106 the STAR 13 Summary: Past Out is a rerrospective of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT history. Each instailment brings the past to life by exploring the diversity of the gay past and its impact on the queer present. Photo: Madon Brando in The W'ild One (1953) November 1954 (52 years ago last month): The Saytrs motorcycle club is founded in Los Angeles. What is the historv of gay motorcvde clubs? · ,i Motorcvcle dubs, a ~ainsrav <,f gav culture since rh~ 19'i0s, ushered in ; ne; brand of queer masculinity and gave rise to today', leather.1SM co:wnunity. Motorcyck culture 1:merged in the ·united States in the l 920~ and i 930.,, ofteE revolving around racing, ,viih enthusiasts "'Nho forn1ed ciubs and vvore distinctive unifonns and "colors.:,~ The popularity of n1otorcycles grev; <luring \~1orld War JI - as n1otorcyclists \vere regarded as son1ething of a n1odern-day cavalry ~ and cheap n1ilitary surplus becamt: available after the 1.var. lJpon leaving n1i1itary si:rvicc in the late 1940s, n1any gay 1ncn in port cities 14 the STAR ra,her than returning to their hometowns. Just as the Hell's Angels were purpon:ediy started by furmer bomber pilots and pararroopers unwilling to settle into mainstream life, gay men aiso sought an alternative. "Only in the swashbuckling motorcycle culture,'' argues author Guy Baldwin, were they abie to retain the ''easy camaraderie. the stress and thrill of real risk raking, and the 111ascu!ine sexuality that they had kno1.vn during their n1ilitary da:rs." (;ay and straight n1cn alike einbraced the irnage of the outLnv biker as a frcc~spirired rebel, as r.:xen1piified by the Marlon Brande, fi!n1 The Wild ()ne inspired by an infirnous riot at a n1ororcycie con1lcntion in Hollister, in 1947, The first gay motorcycle dub in the United States was the Satyrs, founded in Los Angeles in 1954; the second, Oedipus, was an offshoot started in 1958. The eariiest Norrhern California club was the \Y/ariocks, founded in 1960, fo!!owed by the California Motorcycle Club (CMC). By the mid-1960s, San Francisco's Somh of Market district had become a hotbed of the gay motorcycle scene, home to clubs such as the Constantines and the Barbary Coasters. While California - with irs climate conducive to year-round riding - continued to host the greatest concentration of gay motorcycle clubs, similar groups cropped up around the country, including, in 1963, the Second City Motorcyde Club in Chicago, an early hub of rhe gay ieather scene. 1he Empire City Motorcycle Club of New York City, founded rhe following year, claims to be the oldest ongoing GLBT organization east of the Rockies. Gav motorcycle culture also crossed over to Eu~ope, starting with London's 69 Club. As motorcycle clubs grew more numerous, they formed imerdub organizations such as rhe Atlantic Motorcycle Coordinating Council. , Gay motorcycle clubs provided an outlet for socialization · and often for sex. The earlv biker scene was closely allied with the <;m;rging "Old Guard" lea;her/SM culture, and the clubs watering holes became some of the first leather bars. Stylized biker gear became a son of uniform for a segment of rhe gay community, feamring engineer boors, crotchless black ieather chaps (designed by D.L. Sterling in 1960), and military- style caps. The look - which caught on even among men wbo had never sat astride a motorcycle - was embodied by e:av artis, fom of Finland s characters. Pere; Berlin in the movie _Nighrs in Black Le:nher (1973), ana' ("1l enn J1'u ~g.h es o f t he d.i. sco group t he VilL,ge Peopie. ~vfotorcycle club outings. known as runs, typically involved n1anly activities such as can1ping trips. But \vhilc bikers esche·.,vcd ;:~~ era. their ever~;:,·~~'.:!~:::::;~:•;~~~~ pageantry and can1p of a different sort) including drag shov.-'s. Events such as the annual (]v!(~ (~arnival becainc popular even arnong nonbikers, and n1any n1en organized their social H·ves around annu;-11 runs such as vvw~lv. ozarkssta r. corn Photo: lhe new community center coming soon. Community Celebrations ]he end of a year brings things we all usualiy like par.:ies, gathering wirh friends and family, once-;,-year food and drink - celebrations of all kinds. This year is no differem. Special events, holiday dinners, and concem fili foe momh of December on the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexuai, Ti:ansgender (GLBT) and allied Community Calendar. A month full of acrivities begins in Tulsa on Friday, December 1, 2006. 'w'ith the theme, "Stop AIDS: Keep Ihe Promise," the annual Wori<l AIDS Day Interfaith Service remembers those losr r; HIV/ AIDS while renewing o~ir cornmiunent to stop HIV/AIDS. The candlclighr service, scheduied for 7:00 P?vf ar All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S Peoria, v.1iU f(~ature rhe n1usic of Council C>ak Iv1cn's Chorale ((~(}fv1C) and guest speakers Dr. 1v1clanie Spector and Iarnara LcBak~ l\ssistant lviinister of/\H Souls lJni-· tarian Church. !'~ext up on the 'fulsa (~01nn1uniry C:alendar is the [)inner on Monday; l)eccn1ber 11th. ]he annual din~ ner features the presentation of the S..,·J?/t!"~J .:~wards an.d the rnusic of the \Y/or:nen of (:ouncil ()ale A. 6:30 PJv{ reception kicks c:fF the at feilcnvship (:ongregationai 2~100 S I-1t1rYard. ~111e ~u 7:00 Pivt fr:atnn.:~ holiday entree~: and harn1 drinks and r:~srive table~ ~V\.vvv.ozarksstar.corn side, or dessert. You'll wam to arrive early as over 200 individuals, coupies and families are expected for this annuai event co-sponsored by Tulsa PFLAG and TOHR. Music of A Snowv Starlit Nie-ht. the annual COMC Holiday Cone~(, will thriE you with seasonal fa;orites, as well as new ~unes to warm your heart. SRO crowds are expected for the performances on December 12th, 15(h & 16th, 8:00 P1v1 each night at All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S Peoria in Tulsa. The Tulsa GLBT Community Center will celebrate the end of the leased space era with the 41st Finale on Sunday, December 17, 2006. The evening, featuring a free concert, free food and drinks, and door prizes will be the last event held in the current Center at 5545 E 41st Streei:. Ihe 41st Finale features the music of recording-artist Amy 5(einberg of Orlando, Florida. With irreverent humor and crafty intelligence, Amy uses her original music to promote tolerance, openness and diversity. Combining a sassy sensibility and loquacious socio-political and spiritual awareness, Amy brings forth a fresh and solid energy. The winner of several honors, including Songwriter of the Year from the Songwrirer Showcases of the Year and Best Individual Performer bv the Orlando lvlusic Awards, Amv tours ;u over the countrv. Notable sho~s include performances ~ith Ani Defranco, Alix Oison, Lisa Loeb, Melissa Ferrick, Meredith Brooks and Vonda Shepard, as well as many others. Classically trained on the piano since age 4, with a degree in rheaue (from studies at Boston Conservatory, American Musical and Dramatic Academy and ?\.farvmount Manhattan) and sclf-t;ught on the guitar, Amys shows display ,.viid!y inaovative musicality combined with extraordinary perfonnance skills to create an arousing ;~nviron1nent like none other. 'Ihen1cs ~f her 1nusic include sexuality, ,von1an po~,ver, ~-·.: 1 j~·h•.~.".!~~~.-. , ~~:~b~~.~1s~!~,o~1 1 .. ~d love. ·nie audience . ~-: .. :~ ~;_:;:; ;::-.:. t -· _, ~.. sings along, an(1 laughs untH they cry. a soul-shifting and original n,.r,nnn nt,t "..V,dlt tu rniss this FR .. EE concert 1.vith 1be 41st Finale marks the last day the Tulsa GLBT Community Center will be open before we pack-up, move-our and re-open in the new location in downtown Tulsa! The Tulsa GLBT Communitv Center will close on December 18, 2006. and remain closed through the end of the year. During this time, we'll be packing up the last items, loading up the moving trucks and heading to the permanent location of the Tulsa GLBT Community Center at 621 E 4th Street. We'll then re-open in January, celebrating the Oklahoma-Centennial year of 2007 - in a new, permanent home for the Tulsa GLBT & allied community. 1itlsa Okiahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) seeks equal rights for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances and the operation of the Tulsa GLBT Community Cmter. Creating Community for People living vvith HIV/AIDS Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HP✓+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. ·we provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or lh:ing ,,,;Ith AJDS \•Vho cannot afford to purchase these items for themsei\.res. \/Ve invite anyone \,vho vvould Hke to \1olunteer or provide fi-nanciai assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-•rnaH harrismrnjr@y·ahoo.corn. \,•. . ._ _________________ / the STAR 15 BOOK: i<A FACE IN THE CROWD" Mart Fore Introduction 132 pages (150+ images) · 12" x 12" ISBN:. Price: $24.95 ~\. ngle "What Matand a personal mesISBN 0-9719618- Can be purchased at any major bookstore, Prospect Publishing: www.prospectpublishing. com or www.matthewshepard.org 1 6 the STAR Give a subscription rn the STAR. 12 issue $29.95. Check or Money Order to: Ozar~s STAR 5103 S Sheridan Rd #i53 Tt:!sa, CK 7 4145 ping for you! ng Unique, Something eap and some Bling. "6-Stripe" Stainless Steel and Gold Ring Handcrafted stainless steel ring by Spexton. Wide brushed finish band with 22k gold stripe inlay. Sizes 5-15. Arrives gift-boxed. Order on line at .spexton.com or 479-981-6060 "Baked, Hammered" Wrist Band Coior & Depth. Handcrafted stainless steel cuff by Spexton. This wide cuff features hammered edges and a.baked surface adding depth and color. The cuff can be bent open or closed, but choose your wrist size and they will shape it for you. Arrives gift-boxed. www.spexton.com or 479-981-6060 $259.00 Product Dimensions: 3/4 Inch Wide ssaoce Marines with perieoce. Nooe are profesSome of tnc hottest hunks in the i\Iarine CorJJs are posing for the America's Heroes 2007 Calendar to raise money for •.vounded service members and their families. Sergea::it Rodolfo "Rud/' Reyes, and 9 other !T!ember, of the elite Reconnaissance ?\farincs arc lea1/: ng \\:omen pantin,2; and :nen wanting ,o enlist. 1◄ hc rcn 1nen ~vho p()~e in rhe :-\rnerica:s f-Icrncs 200--:- c:alendar arc all current or fonner models (but they could be!) So move o,·er Matthew McCooaughey ;;nd Patrick Dempsey, "sexiest men ali..-e'', you ma,· nave some stiff competition. SKl:: G1-00C,1 Pnce: S14.Ci9 Freedom ls Not Free (Not-Profit) Tel: 858-847-9999 \V\V\\•:freedomisnotfree.com 1n fo@freedomisootfree.com www.ozarksstar.com 1 cups 1/2 stic er (melted) 3 eggs (beaten) 3/4 cup light Karo Corn syrup 1 tsp. salt 1/2 cup pecans (chopped) 1 /2 cup milk chocolate chips 2 Tbs. Bourbon -mix pecans, choco1ate chips and bourbon and let soak for 1 /2 hour. stirring occasional1y. -blend meited outter into sugar unti: fully irtegrated. -add beaten eggs and biend. -add corn syrup and sait and blend ful 1y -fold in pecan/chip mixtJre. -pour into pie shei! with edges crimped (we nake an old fashioned Crisco pie crust for '.his recipe. but you can use ...vhatever ;::ie :.:rust you 11refer to rna~e \ -bake at 350 for approximately 45 minutes unti center o: pie rises and c0acks. -let coo!. best se~ved slightly v,a:n: with eith0r f,esi· whipped cream or vaniiia :ce crean: enjcy1 ~TRAVEL by Donald Piie and Ray Williams "SAVANNAH, GA" Savannah, Georgia (better known as Savannah GA) is one of the most historical cities in che country dating back to it's founding by General James E, Ogiethorpe in 1733, It has a wealth of history and archircccure that few American cities can match. Savannah has managed to prcscrvc it', Southern Colonial grace and charm. The ciry's many rich, green parks are blooming legacies of che brilliance of it's founder. \¼'hat was already a remarkable city was re-invenc,d when our friend John Berendr, che author wrote his fabulous book, MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEi\! OF GOOD AND EVIL about iifr in Savannah a frw years ago. John Berendt's book takes the reader through all che very colorfi.d characters in the town, in particular with the late Jim \Villiams, the gay amiqt!Cs dealer who was said to have shot and killed · his lrnsder/lover. He owned the house that fonnerlv wa:, owned by the song writer Johnny Mercer. Clint Eastwood later made the book into a wonderfol moYic by the same name .. SaYannah sito on the Atlantic Ocean and has a population of about 140,000. "fouri,t, Hock to the city to cake adYantagc of all the historical and architectural highlight,. Savannah i, known :1, the QUEE:-,.,.: CITY of rhc Snuth, \vhcr~ you enter ,ome<me's home, d1l' FIRST thing t!\l'\' ask i, "\\'hat cio vou w:mt w drink?'' Everyone there is t·xtrcn1cl:· h<lspi1ablc. [\,...: I Iisi<ni-.. i'>i:-itrict of \;1_•:annah i~ buzzing \Vith crcatiYiry) ~HI \~',:~:.~;/:::j :\\~;lJ~:;~l.'\tl:~~j~,:::~)t:\\~~:'/;~;\''.\'.~:;· ::;~l:~:::i~!;\;:l\;'._,,_, \Vith .).h':ii1il:ih ~~nLt tilO\'C there to li":t' in or!C or rh\.· oldc:-it ... :iti..:s in , \111cr1c1 :1 site oi' !11:1nv L1n1lHt> H~z:~·ohllin11~HT &· ( ~ivli \\1ar B~lt., ' . Uc:-. }-lund_rcd~ o( int;,.Tl'.,tirq; ~it,_·s :_(1 sec includ;:-., tnon: :h;~c t\'.'cIH~n1onu1n'-'! lI-'. p~nkl,, l ]i.stnri;,.· 1-•lornc,'l) ( 'hurchc:-i & i:(;rt;, :<~nion.;~ 1-li;-;tc:·ic l :tr~liin;,1rk l )i~tr(c! in 1hc t "\,;\. n1ixcd Cr<)\\·d and Blaine·~ Backd, )1 B,!r, l :i l :, p,_ ,,:,, St. 1~ rn< }re , )f _: Cf0\V(1. ,\il th~ h: an: extrt:1nch· fun and fricndh'. Tk:; LOVL their tour ists in Sav,tnnah, ~rhcrc arc 22 original p:lrk:::. in do\,·nto\\·n ~J;·.u; · g1ganuc n1t ,~:---. draped u:,ks ,.nd surrounded i)\" statch· hornc:-- :1:·1t.i husinc;,:~(·~< '['his 1s :; great .. ,\·aJking" lU\\'O \•.:hen: c\·cry, )thcr hlnck~ ukc~ you into :u1othcr ir11ercsting and hi~torical aspect o( the cny. Ye 1u '.\·ill :iced td ~pend three or r-our day--: to ukt: tn c·-.;cryihing:. ~fht: hnn1c tqur"- :,n: r:.:.dl~- cxccptic;naL Special pbcc:-, t1 i ,:isit slv)~;ld include the i\1erccr ! louse whcrc the \ruic.JUC~ l)c,1lcr, Jirn \\-iili:l!H'.', ii\-cd, t !le ( h\·cn-T~1Pin,l~ hou~c. ! c::1uh I ).1\-cnp{ 1n l iou~;: Jnd t!h: (;n.:l'.n.\ L-iurii:1 I h)us1~-. The {:It'. ccn1ctcnc-~ ;~re "TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD" "Carlos Fernandez on Bravo TV's TOP CHEF" By Donald Pile and Ray Williams In our travels all over the country we are so fortunate in that we meet so many wonderful and exciting people. A few years ago in Florida we met Carios Fernandez and Chuck Smith who are life partners and co-owners of the Hi-LIFE CAFE which is a very upscale restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale. It is located at 3000 North Federal Highway. Chuck Smith who is the excellent host of the restaurant and his partner Carlos Fernandez, the extremely talented Chef opened the restaurant 11 years ago and they have developed a very strong following of devoted follmvers over the years. \Vhen we were there last time they were celebrati~g their 10th Anniversary of the Hi-Lit~ Cafe. rlheir hours are Tuesday-'Thursday 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, Friday & Saturday, 5:30 PM - 11 PM and Sunday, 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Their website is: www.hilifecafe. com. After laying in rhe sun all day at the beach and before heading off for the night to party, be sure and dine there. You won't be sorr1. It is a must-do for almost all the gay tourists that goes to Ft. Lauderdale. www.ozarksstar.com Carlos is a fantastic Che£ Actually he is now on the top rated Bravo TV sho\v; TOP CHEF! Filmed in Los Angeles he is one of 15 chefs from ail over the country that was chosen to be on the shmv. It airs on \'v'ednesdav nights on Bravo. Stay tuned to see just how far he gees on the show One Chef is eliminated each ,veek. The TOP CHEF a.: the end receives $100,000.00l It's ahv,l\'s g-- reat to see a .g..,,.,. av_, coup- le own a business together. \'fc (,_ wiil be down in Ft. Lauderdale at the season's finale and what a grand pany it will be if he gets the top prize: He will alwavs be our Number 1 Top Chef in Florida! l ,ast January ,vhen ,ve were 111 Ft. Lauderdale we presented Chuck and Carlos with a special crystal plate engr:r.. cd with gold to help them ceiebrate their 10th c\nni,:ersar:, of the Hi-Life. the ST/\R 19 Fringing the ocean, Starwood Hotels' glimorous and gay-friendly Adantic resort has been a key feature of Fort Lauderdale's stunning redevelopment. (Photo ~y Andrew Collim) December 2006 by Andrew Collins Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdaie, which has transformed itself into Florida's leading gay vacation destination over rhe past decade, continues to turn heads with the spectacular redevelopment of its stunning beachfrom. 1his neighborhood with a number of gay resorts has seen - or will soon see - the opening of several upscale, gay-friendly hotels, include the Adamic, the St. Regis, the W Hotel, and the Trump International. New bars, restaurants, and attractions also continue to open throughout the city and in the neighboring community of Wilton Manors, helping to make the region a vibrant and exciting gay destination year-round. In deciding where to stay in Fort Lauderdale, consider whether you'd prefer a gay, dor.~ing-optional resort or a ia:ger mainstream provertv. Among the latrer is the charming Riverside HoteL set ;lo~g f;shionable Las Olas Boulevard. Ih; natty 1936 property recendy complered a stunning, multimillion-dollar makeover. ~nw first of Starwood Hotels' snazzy new beac:1front properties to open here, rhe dashing Atlantic offers ucobHructed ocean views from the majority of its spacious, airy rooms, aII of them with Bose CD-stereos, lovely patios, and small kitchens. Starwood's St. Regis, with a mid-December 2006 opening, is even more sumprnous: Jviost roon1s overlook the ocean or Intracoastal \XlarerwayJ and they con1c "'Nith such deluxe perks as burler service~ a f3.buious spa, and leather furniture. Starwood·s next big project, th..: W Hord Fort Ltudcrdale, is expected to open in [)ecember 2007. LL..:: ~ay resorts, the upscale pro1=1erty that I .... :1uderdale's gro\vth into a iT1ajor and it continues hotels. Perks hen.: ]ndudt' 20 the STAR and beer, CD players and VCRs in many units, glass-brick showers with high-end bath amenities, and dedicated top-notch service. Guests can relax all day around the stunning pool with a waterfall and fiber-optic lighting. There are several other fine upscale resorts of comparable repute, including Pineapple Point, a handsome l 930s spread that has the grace and st:yie of a Caribbean plantation. and the Flamingo Resor;:, opened by the former direcwr of Paris' famous Ritz hotel; it resembles a luxury boudque hotei on an exclusive British West Indies isle, with its hand-carved dark-wood furniture and sumptuous linens. Relatively new owners have continued ro upgrade the reson: with improved furnishings and amenides. The more reasonably priced Eiysium Resort, just 200 yards from the beach, has p::rfectly comfortable rooms. Here you'll always find friendly guys lounging on the expansive sundeck, with its hot tub, hammock, and tropical bar - there are nvo heated pools. Even the simplest rooms at nearby Villa Venice are warm and attractive, with refrigerarnrs and microwaves. With its friendly staff and an extensive pool area where breakfast is served, the resort draws an energetic fun-in-the-sun bunch. The similarly priced Worthington Guest House ranks among the cruisier resorts in town, wi,h a playful vibe and attractive grounds for sunning and swimming au naturale. 1he same owners opened the neighboring Alcazar Resort in 2006, also featuring a frisky ambience and lovely rooms. Mode:ateiy priced Coconut Cove, just a short walk from the beach, is another reliable choice in the neighborhood. The gav-resort scene in Fort Lauderdale is constantly evolving, with rrend/new properties opening seemingly every few months, and oider ones receiving massive makeovers. A great example of the latter is the elegam Nev, Zealand House, which was vin:ually rebuilt in 2003; now its sleek rooms have flat-screen TVs, DVD/CD piayers, cordless phones, and Wi-Fi. Orhcr highly recommended properties include the Grand Resort, whose urbane decorative scheme contrasts markedly with the tropical beachy ambience of Fon Lauderdale beach; it's one of the few gay iodgings with a gym. With about 30 rooms, the Schubert Resort, fashioned out of a rerro-cool l 950s hotel compound, affords a similar level of opuience and alluring facilities, including a cafc with a full bar. Although it's set a shon drive inland from the beach, the Coral Reef Guest House is a worthwhile option thanks to its attractive g.1rdens, massage offerings, and eight cheerfdly furnis'."!cci, reasonably priced rooms. One of the dosest resorts to the mar:y gay bar, and restaurants in Wiiton ~Aanors, Cabanas Guest House appeab w social butterflies, with its l 0-man Jacuzzi and eight-man aroma,herapy steam room. The posh rooms h~tvc goose-dov~rn con1fcH·ters~ Wi-I:i, and (=I)ifviP3 players. Fort Lauderdaic is les~ about sightseeing than ~v1iami or ()rlando - people come hnc ro relax in rhe sun :-u•~"''""-· and shop. This latter activity you can enjoy at the fiuncd Sawgrass J\.-iills J\r1a1L whosr more than .300 designer outlets include l)onna Karan) Saks, Ann 'riy1or; and ()r stroll along Las_ 1 _;:~];:;_"_,,:, •• J-\ 1~.'-,bich •~.~.. ~~_;:,:~r: 1 •~_:, 1 :: \",'ith fashion boutiques and __ .~ ..,__ --" c__ -~ ~ --- and around 1-vatcr, and then: are sightseeing cruises, and :-;ailing rnany <)f the local :Jccornrnodations ,vork closely outfitters, But if you do have a hanker-- of }\rt Fort I..,auderdaic vvt.lvvv.ozark.sstar.corn is also a great place to while away the occasional rainy afternoon. It's known for its first-rate collection of works by leading American impressionist painter Wiliiam Giackens. The city's dining scene continues ro evolve. For creative contemporary cuisine, it's hard to beat stylish Mark's Las Olas, which has a chic decor and A-list clientele. Perhaps the hottest venue in town is Johnny V, helmed by celeb chef Johnny Vinczencz - at this hip Las Olas restaurant you might try ancho-cinnamon-grilled pork t~nderioin or corn-dusted yellowtail snapper with smoked-pepper relish. At the Atlantic hotel, Trina has become a favorite for its signature Trinatini cocktails (with vodka, lavender syrup, and pomegranate and lemon juices), such tempting Mediterranean-inspired fare as Moroccan chicken pizza and tagine-baked grouper with almond couscous, and the awesome ocean views. Or consider one of Fort Lauderdale's several gay faves, such as HiLife, a homey bistro with delicious, sensibly priced pastas, salads, and seafood and poultry grills - try the grilled bacon-wrapped jalapenos stuffed with shrimp and cheese. Kitchenetta Tratroria serves some of the best Italian food in rhe region, including knockout ricotra cheesecake for dessert. A favorite piano cabaret in Wilton Manors, Tropics offers above-average Continental fare, such as a prosciutto-pocket starrer - a pastry stuffed with prosciutro, apples, walnuts, and mozzarella. \v'ilton Manors is also home to Rosie's, a former Hamburger Mary's restaurant that's still a convivial spot for casual pub fare and socializing, and Galanga, known for its outstanding sushi and weil-prepared Thai food. For dessert, coffee, and wine, or delicious sandwiches during the day, be sure to stop by breezy and hip Stork's Bakery. There's also a Stork's on Las Olas Boulevard, from which you can book a romantic gondola tour along rhe Himmarshee Canal. A great, relatively new addition to Wilton Manors is the Naked Grape, a handsome iittle wine bar with light food and live music most nights as well as a nice selection of microbrew beers to go along with the vino. Fort Lauderdale pulses with gay bars. If you're in the mood to cut loose at a big-time warehouse disco, head to rhe Coliseum, a glitzy megaclub with a variety of parties and theme nights. The elegant China White nightclub has a number oflively parties throughout the week, and has become quite famous for its giant elephant sculpture and distinctive leopard-prim carpets and lavish Buddha ~tatuary. Learher bars like the hard-edged Sr.eel lounge and dance dub and the dungeoncsque Ramrod, with its Tom of Finland artwork, always dra1.,v big crcn,vds. BHfs Fiiling Station is a quintessential neighbor~ hood hangout and home t0 one of the city's top happy hours, especially an1ong the 35~and-older cro-\vd. \Xfilton Manors, a l 5-111inute drive fro!n the beach resorts, has several appealing nightspots, . ' •. ~ l 1 ., ~~ 1nclu~1ng a te\~l n:at_cate: ne.a:11r to r'ort .T.. _,au•~ erd' a. .1. _ e•-s CO!lS•H ' .1era• bI. e over-)0 gay populatton. ln th1s latter group, (_,hardees, a restaurant and lounge: is queen of the hill; its nightly piano cabaret is always hie Sidelines Sports Bar dra"'.,v-s a great 1nix of folks to shoot and vilatch sports on T\1~ and the lesbian-popular i-...Jev1 J\.,1oon~ a neighborhood joint -.~vith great on Vr'eekends, (:lub \AJV\.n.v~ozarksstar.com Boom, Elements, and Georgie's Alibi are slick, happening video bars nearby, ali three of them good places to meet locals and converse with friends. There's something for everybody in this constantly growing gay resort community. Photo: White-faced (capuchin) monkeys frequently cavort in the trees behind the beach in Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio National Park. (Photo by Andrew Collins) the STAR 21 DECEMBER 2006 "CHRISTMAS IN NOVEMBER" Jolie Justus, newly elected member of the Missouri state Sena,e I'm still a lirrle dazed - I was up pretty late on election night - but I'm cerrainiy not confused. And neither is rhe country. No longer content to be sv.-ayed by the politics ~f fear and hare, 1 middle Americans came our in record numbers lasr Tuesday ana shoured from the rooftops - "We want change!" And change is what they got. President Bush and the Republican Party have been put on notice. The Democrats have raken control of the U.S. House of RepresentatiYes, a change that was 12 years in the making. And the improbable is no-w reality - both Montana and Virginia have turned blue, giving the U.S. Senate to the Democrats as we!L "I11e election is welcome news certainly for us tried-and-true Dems, but also for rhe lesbian and gay commc:nity. i'fothing was more satisf1ing than to see Rick "man on dog" Sar,torum, one of Pennsylvania's two Republican U.S. senators, become history. Santorum is one of the most disgustingly homophobic elected officials of ail time. He's been a wp Bush apologist, who carried the radical Christian right's warer, and he w:11 now be replaced by Bob Casey, the son of a forn1er Pennsylvania governor. lust as sweet as Santorum\ exit from office is the fact that his chief ~f staff and coinn1unications director, Robert T'raynham, an openly gay Af'rican-i\meric:m man, wiH soon b~ om of,,. jo~. L for one, don't kno,v hovv 'Tfaynham can get up in the morning knov✓1ng he helped elect and put ·\vords in the ffiouth of one of this counrry:s biggest gay~haters. '•X'hen you look at the cndors~:rricnts 1nade the l-!11n1an :Rights C:an1pajgnt '\VC did pretty ·w·elL ()f !-1R..C:'s 231 endorsecs, 208 22 the STAR won, while only 16 losr. (At press time, seven races were still undecided.'! \Y/hen vou break down the numbers, rhere were 18 senators, 179 ~embers ~f r:he House, and 11 governors elected ,vho purportedly support our issues. Of the 51 key Congressional and Gubernatorial races tha.: HRC identified, 15 candidares ,von in the House, and nine were successfui in the Senate. HRC's president, Joe Soimonese, told me the day after the election that his group's top priorii:ies were thre<:' Senate races - Casey in Pennsylvania, Sherrod Brown in Ohio, and Amy Klobuchar in Minnesota. All three won. But HRC's strategy went beyond those top races. "The greatest hope for our community resred in our ability to be a powerful polirical force in key races and do ir in a way ,ha;: people felt our oresence," said Solmonese. "We iooked within those states, and as a 'national organization, considered what else we could do in each of them to effect change for our community.'' In Minnesota, HRC pm: considerable resources into the state bod1 raising and spending money to organize the community and impact the race. Klobuchar beat her Republican challenger, Mark Ken:1edy, in an open race with 58 percent of rhe vote. Tim \Y/a!z, a Democ,r_at endorsed by HRC, defeated an incumbent U.S. Congressma;:i, Gil Gutknecht; and furthermore, according to HRC's website, thar state's legislature will have a "fair-minded majority in 2007 .'' ]be Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDNJ did a bit of its own election analvsis and concluded that all the co-sponsors of the bill to repeal "Do;1't Ask, Don't Tell" who sought re-~lection were successful except for one outstanding race in Connecticut. SLDN also said that no one was thrown out of office for supporting the repeal, and that, according to a recent Gailup poll, nearly four in f.ve Americans support gays and lesbian serving openly in the milh:ary. Perhaps with the new Congression;,J leadership and rhe polii:ically expedient exit of Secretary of Dei:ense Donald Rumsfeld, we'll actually see some movement on rhis issue. The military is already hardpressed to Eli its quotas, so not letting us serve is just plai1: sn:pid. Unfortunately, all but one of the same-sex marriage bans passed. i\rizona turned away from hatred and dcfca!ed its anti-gay-marriage baliot measure, and Sourh Dako,a's vote was surprisingiy verv dose - 52 percent for, 48 percent against. Virginia passed its measare, but not after a long, hard fight and the organizing of a terrific coalirion that \Vill hopefnlly continue ro battle for our rights. ,.;v~hile n1uch attention has been placed on the national scene. 1..ve can\ forget that politics is aiso local, and that 1.ve did pretty ~~vell on that levei, too. v,.11,v,N, ozark.sstar. corn performed charitable work, sponsorino holiday toy drives for children and fi.u~draisers that originally assisred injured riders and iater helped people ·with AIDS. While early gay motorcycle clubs were men-only, some lesbian~ also embraced the lifestyle, forming women's clubs such as the Moving Violations in Boston (19851 and the Sirens in New York Citv 0986): The m_ost well-known queer wo.men motorcyclJSts are the Dykes on Bikes. 1he original group, which rode in the 1976 San F~ancisco Pride parade, became a nonprofit offici~lly known as the Women's Mororcycle Contmgent. After the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office twice rejected the oroup's application - claiming the word "dyk~" w;s derogatory and vulgar it finally registered the name 'Dykes on Bikes" in 2005. Over the years, the nature of queer motorcycle culture has changed. With the advent of gay liberation in the iate 1960s, m.my men no longer felt the need for secretive fraternal organizations, and liberal activisrs rejected the hierarchy anci militarism of the early clubs. In the 1980s, rhe AIDS epidemic devastated the gay male motorcycle com~unity. With the emergence of groups specifically devoted rn leather/SM, motorcycle riding and fetish sexuality diverged as, accor~ing to Bald"".in. ~ome .serious riders were embarrassed by the irotic visibiliry of the kinky crowd." · w'hile motorcycle dubs no longer plav as prominent a role in rhe gav world, the cuiture continues to thrive, 2~1d new dubs emerge, such as the Stonewall Kniohts in -Ft. L aua' erd a l' e and t I1 e '1--,:"va•l iers o~°- New Orleans, both founded '11 2002. Mirroring trends in the larger GLBT comnumitY, many of today's motorcycic dubs wclcon;e members of all genders and scxuai orientations. In the words of ,he organizc:s of the annual Queer Biker Invasior; of Dead~ Valley~ being queer is "a state of n1ind~ and vou know if it fits you." ' For further information: Baidwin, Guy. 1993. ~~fies ~!hat (Daedaius). Bloom, Scott, 2005. Satyrs iv10torcycie (]ub _ Guggenheirn iv1usetu11. 1998. fvianhi: 'The Biker Book _ . w-NW.ozarksstar.corn All in all. HRC flexed its political muscle in unprecedented ways. We invested more than $5 million in these elections and mobilized our more than 650,000 members and supporters to participate in campaigns and to rnte. We placed 84 staffers in 30 races in more than 18 states and we sent 22 HRC Youth College campaign workers all over the country. We also dramatically expanded our field operations this election cycle, playing key roles in coordinated progressive efforts and helping fair-minded leaders take back the New Hampshire state House and Senate, the Iowa House and Senate, the Indiana House, the Minnesota House, the Oregon House and the Michigan House. \'i/e were literally on the front lines in dozens of states. (For a more extensive analysis on what HRC accomplished, check our HRC ":ice President David Smith's insider postelection analysis memo here:http:/ /www.hrc. org/election2006/) With a new fair-minded leadership in both the United Srates House and Senate, the Federal Marriage Amendment is dead! And we look forward to working strategically · with our allies on the Hill to build momentum and support for passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and making hate crimes protections the law of the land. A truly exciting new chapter of GLBT history is beginning. I ~vant to offer a very special thanks to all ot you. Your ongoing belief in rhe work we ?o made these historic vicrories possible. Your contributions, the time vou rnok to volunteer and your participation in HRC evems and HRC-endorsed campaigns are the reasons we were able to secure a more pro-equality 11 Orh Congress and Senate. I feel very iucky to work with such a talented team at HRC ar;d, as I rravei around rhe cmmtrv, I am inspired bv vour commirm~nr to our ·rn.arch t<Y,,;ard full ;quaiitv. i·h~pe ~· · vou will rake some time to ~deb~atc o~r ~.,vins. because it trulv is a ne½~ dav for the (;LR1. con1n1unity ;nd for our c~untry. * ((3 OZ)GREY GOOSE voott\ (1 OZ) CHAMBORD (1/2 OZ) PINEAPPLE JUICE.:___. ~~ 1. Chill a martini glasses with ice and water. 2. Add aii ingredients with ice in shaker 3. Shake well. 4. Strain into the chilied martini glasses. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU ! TheSTAR 23 Salutations Kittens and welcome to Uncle's corner of the world once again. Like a friend with benefits, Uncle shall continue to provide enjoyment to all that seek. Uncle Mikey finds a Twink that wants to be fabulous, while a queen ponders the afteriife. Never a dull moment in Uncle's corner, Kittens. Dear Uncle Mikey, Wby does everyone think that just because you are deeper than a basket of hair products. you are a drag? I am so sick of this plastic existence, where the most important matter of discussion is where the next piece of ass is coming from. Can't we just pretend there is more to life than just a selfserving int~rest? Seeking Depth Dearest SD, Kitten, it takes all kinds to keep this world turning. I agree with your plight of mind-candy. It was just this morning kittens that Uncle, while sitting on the balcony. was pondering real life issues affecting us ail. Ifl wear my blonde wig to the winter carnival, will the queens forgive me? Yes, Kitten as you can see, Uncle Mikey is a twin soul; one seeking fun while the other is seeking wisdom. Maybe I should call Ru! Smooches, Uncle Mikey Dear Uncle, I am beginning to wo,,der what comes in the afterlife. I am dating a man of the church, who is in const211t deniai. He lies to himself, his wife, and his church. I sit there, 01;. the sidelines in love, with a man who cannot even walk with me in the light of day. I am wondering if there really is anything after this !if-:. I mean, every day we hear from those in the church who are noth:ng more thar, :mpostors living a life oflies. What is to come? Seeing the jaded gates '\ Dearest Jade. Kitten, I understmd t:hc bbrn::d iine between iife's happiness and moments fillt:d wit!1 a fairhfoi search. I myself recall my first love, which happened to be a priest, at« locai parish. He was the man who taught me passion, romance, and commitment. A romance that gave uncie Mikey the first taste oflo,·e and pass1on i,1 the southern skyway. It was the toughest break up of my life. 'That vear was such a time of change for Uncle, the break up wi.:h Father Flanagan and starting rniddlc schooi ail in one year. It was rough but taught 1ne to be strong to say the lease Smooches, Uncle [)ear lJnde fvfikcy, 1-io~~l do you tell someone you just want a booty call so they do not uy to get aU hon1cn1akcr on your ass? Booty-Boy 26 theSTAR You could say something like, ·'Booty; parry of one!" Keep it simple young player. Uncle Uncle Mikey, I am surviving a breakup after ren years ofioving th:: s;ime and onl, man. Now I find mvsdf in a world that has chane.ed in that de;::ade of bliss. 1he men are so m{believably outrageous about tl1eir ways and desires. I fear time has passed me ieaving me to remai!1 alone. I just do not know how to be "so'' out there as it seems co be the protocol. Am I just destined to be alone? Party of One Dearest One, Poor love, iife is on a fast tr2ck rhac ;::an oe a bit unnerving at first. Uncle has watched the times change, ar!d fads co;ne ;;nd go. \veicome to the drive through of the booty age. wl1ere or.ce we had to seek out iove in midnight hidden embraces, we now can't walk a park mile without rripping over someone's throbbing desire. 111at reminds me of a walk Uncle took the ocher dav, Kittens. This man was absolutclv Matthew fine! Well he approached ·me with his! Oh sorry One! Uncle.got lost in the moment. Back to rhe issue at hand! Kitten, buy a new ,vardrobe, and don a new look. Tnen hit the town. Just think of the wonders tbat wait. Kitten, this too shall pass, pd! up a ~cat to Twink :If]. and enjoy the new found,freedom! Smooches Uncle Uncle Mikey, Do you think it iS, wro~f ro ask a_ coapi~ to have a th,eesome, when you're related ro one of tnem, tb(:y an: JUSt so not. Looking for family .:ime Kitten, I swear I am hearing banjos again. Let us step out of the trailer court when looking for a hook up - shall we Darling? Remember there are branches on the Famiiv Tree for a reason. Smooches Mikey · Uncie Mikey, ' What do you tell a friend who is really getting to be: mer weight and chinking they are still hot? I do not icnow what he sees when he looks in the mirror, but people are talking. He jt!st seems no; :o care anymore. He never works out anymore, and he eats anything ar;d evcryrh;ng. l am almost embarrassed of him. What c,m I do; Friend of chubby A fdl-iength mirror v,ith overhead lighting should do the cick. " Smooches r,1ikey •Disclaimer - Looking at: oneself in a full-length rnirrnr \vich overhead lighting may be hazardous to :{ou heahh. l}nck rccornnH:nds having a good stifF one before doing this. \Ou do not ,varn to go into shock. Be afraid be very afraid. (~onsult a queen near Unde discovered an overhead mirror JS you has been there ev,:r since! look best v.ri,Hc looking J.t yoursdf fron1 ( 1!: ,r( ?fr ;),cn ... k, 1'.Jccdkss to say lJnde tJnde is out of sight once nHHe, Until rnake of itJ so and. -i Hlct!es too. v-rvi\N.ozarksstar,corn FRIDAY December 1 THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6.6-12 THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm PEC'S: .\faie Dan~m, 9pm SATURDAY December 2 THE ROCKIES: OGRA Benefit Shew 8:30gm TH~ COPA: Maie D:rncers 9pm GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfas: Buffet 1 arn.~.3:30am THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12 PEC'S: Male Dancers, 9pm SUNDAY December 3 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Fr~e Brunch 2pm, Danc~rs 4pm CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Show 8:30pm. CLUB MAJESTIC: Caria Lee Love Show 10pm THE CO!'A: Raci,ac! Erikks Show 10:30pm THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12 MONDAY December4 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9om THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm TUESDAY December 5 PEC'S: Well cirinks 2.50 from 7-9pm ,vcar lc•thcr. THE COPA: Stip-Off Contest 12am THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm WEDNESDAY December 6 BAMBOO LOUNGE: K:uaoke 9pm. PEC'S: Well drinks 2.50 from 7-9om wear lcad:er. • TNT'S: Karaoke 9pm THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pm FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament l 0pm THE ROCKlES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm THURSDAY December 7 CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show ,viRachad Erikks :!,;at=;i:t;:;~ drink~ 2.50 from 7•9pm THE COP~-'\.: ()pen Taienr ~NiShcrnoanc ~I~;~~;i~};/~f~:~ fotm,amcn, lGp:li LEDO: Kari-,Okic host. Pancho 9orr: THE ROCKJE..5: Beer Bust 'lpm~7pm FRIDAY December 8 TBJ::. COPA: t .. {a!c l)ancers 9prn THE ROCKIES: Beer Busr 1-6.6-12 CLUB ROX: Alison Scott. 9:30pm PEC'S: ~\1Jlc l)~u1ccrs, 9pm wNw.ozarksstar.com SATURDAY December 9 THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm PEC'S: Maie Dar!cers, 9pm GUSHERS: Lare Niehr Breakfast Buffe, lam-3:30am ,. THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12 SUNDAY December 10 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pm, Dancers 4pm CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Show 8:30pm. CLUB MAjESTiC: Catia Lee Love Show 10pm THE COPA: R;,;.chad Erikks Show i0:30om THE 'ROCKIES: Beer Bu!t 1-6,6-12 MONDAY December 11 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm TUESDAY. December Ii PEC'S: Wdl drinks 2.50 from 7-9pm wear leather. THE COPA: Seip-Off Contest 12am THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm WEDNESDAY December 13 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm PEC'S: Wei! cl.inks 2.50 from 7-9pm wear leather. TNT'S: Karaoke 9om. THE COPA· Variety Show i0:30pm FiNISHLINE: Dart Tourn;smem 10pm THE ROCKIES: Beer Bun 4pm-7pm THURSDAY December 14 CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show w/Rachael Erikks PEC'S: Wdl dri:-.ks 2.50 from 7-9om wear leather. · THE COPA: Open Talem w/Shcmoanc Somemore ! 0:30pm FiNISHLINE: 6an ·fouroamcm 10L>m LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9p::; THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm FRIDAY December 15 CLUB MAJESTIC: Majestic Kings Show 10pm. ·· Tl-iE COPA; J-..1:ak Dancers 9prn THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12 PEC'S: Male l)ancers, 9prn SATURDAY December 16 -rNT's: fundraiscr for Susln c; Komen BreEr Cm1e<::r Foundation, l0;)m Tl-IE COPA: ~1:.tlt l)311e.:-rs 9i,m GCSHERS: 1..1,a larn-J:30am Brcakf1st Buffer PECtS: fvfa.k D.1n-..:cc . c;t,,,·,. THE RC)CKIES: Beer Bust l-6;6 .. 12 SUNDAY December 17 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pm, Dancers 4pm Kris Kohl Show 8pm CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Show 8:30pm. CLUB MAJESTIC: Catia Lee Love Show 10pm THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show 10:30pm THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12 MONDAY December 18 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm TUESDAY December 19 PEC'S: Well drinks 2.50 from 7 - 9pm wear leather. THE COPA: Sc;p-Off Comest Midnight. THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm WEDNESDAY December 20 BA..\fBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm PEC'S: Well drinks 2.50 from 7- 9pm wear leather. JNT'S: Karaoke 9pm. THE COPA: Variety Show I 0:30pm FINISHLINE: DanTournament 10pm THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm THURSDAY December 21 CLUB MAJESTIC: Taienc Show w/Rachad Erikks PECS: Wdl drinks 2.50 fcOJ:: 7-90::, wear leathe,. · THE COPA: Open 'Ialmr wiShemo;;.nc Somemore i 0:30pm FJNISHUNE: Darr ·1ournamcnc l (1pm LEDO: Kari-Okk host Pancho 9om THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm~7pm FRIDAY D«.ember 22 THE COPA: Maie Dancers 9pm PEC'S: lvfoJe I)ancers, 9pm THE ROCKiES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12 CLUB ROX: Alison Scott Show9:30pm SATURDAY ~mber 23 TNT?s: Chrisrn1as P.anv. Raffle Benefit for Childrcns f·iospitaL· 1-HE COPA: t.. ..i alc I)anccrs 9pm GUSHERS: Luc l"J.ighr Bre:1kfasr Bufl{:1 J aJ11-3:30am PEC'S; :v1ak Dancers, 9prr: THE ROCKIES: Beer Bmt i--6.6-12 SUNDAY December 24 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pm. Dancers 4om CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Sh°'" 8:30pm. CLUB MAJESTIC: Caria Lee Love Show 10pm THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show 10:30pm THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12 MONDAY December 25 CHRISTMAS DAY BAMBOO LOUNGE: Christmas Din: icr Se:-vcd 3pm. Karaoke 9pm. THE ROCKIES: Beer Buse 4pm-7pm TUESDAY December 26 PEC'S: Well drinks 2.50 from 7- 9pm wc;;.r leather. THE COPA: Seip-Off Comest Midnight. THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust ,ipm-7pm WEDNESDAY December 27 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm PEC'S: Wdl drinks 2.50 from 7-9pm ·wear leather. TNT'S: Karaoke 9pm. THE COPA: VarietJ Show 10:30pm FINISHLINE: Dare Toarnament l 0pm THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm THURSDAY December 28 CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show wi Rachael Erikks PEC':".: Weil drinks 2.50 from 7-9pm v;car buher. THE COPA: Open Taicn, w/Shemoane Somcmorc 10:300::1 FINISHLINE: Darr Tournamcn~ I 0pm LEDO; Kari-Okie host. Pancho 9pm THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm FRIDAY December 29 THE COPA: ?,fale Dancer,; 9pm PEC'S: Male Dancers, 9pm THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12 SATURDAY December 30 Buffer Lan-3:30am PEC'S: \faie l);u1et:rs, tJpm THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust i-6,6-12 SUNDAY December 31 t'1£~1YEARS E'✓-E E'IERY()l~E P1\R1-IES!'. }i()i~LYWOO[: HOTEL: Ddarnore, f\1a!c Dan.:e Revm.:. aHy i{ncnvn Surprise SiJ)gr.:r. the STi\R 27 "Welcome criticism, Gemini!"" Venus aligns with Pluto (yes, to astrologers he's still a planet!) drawing us to erotic confrontation and artistic or financial challenges. Both planets trine Saturn in Leo, grounding us to more secure personalities or others without a need to prove themselves. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Embrace new adventures like your life depends on it. The quality of your life depends on a catalytic change; familiar pleasures aren't cutting it. Don't be afraid of a challenge. There's more to fear if you don't go for a big one! TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Review your mortgage or debts to see if you can get a better deal. New erotic opportunities will push your boundaries and rouse parental or cuitural voices - all the better to face them down and be free. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): If you want perfection, it's best to work on yourself, not your partner! Even efforts at self-improvement may come off as annoying to others. Perhaps that's a clue to how you realiy need to adapt. Welcome supportive criticism. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Be careful of your health, especially when it comes to erotic and culinary indulgences that could affect your liver. Hard work sustains you - up to a point. Overwork is very dangerous. Know your limits and err on the side of caution. LEO (July 23 - August 22): You need some recreation to steel yourself against life's challenges. Some light, fluffy _divertissements_ will not do the trick, but a powerful creative or athletic challenge is needed to provide the required release and reinforcement. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Famiiy or roommates will drive you mad if given half a chance. Take time out and away from them to be centered and clear on your own priorities. Then you can stand your ground with unwavering assurance. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Your nOimally famous diplomacy seems to be on vacation. Despite your best efforts, you tend to come across as forceful and locked onto an immutabie goal. That can be good in the right time and place, but use your forcefulness wisely! SCORPIO (October 23 w November 21 ): Having a crisis of values is just a process of maturing. How you face and resoive it is more important than the crisis itself. Your approach to the problem will be on view and couid affect your career. 28 the STAR SAGITTARIUS (November 22 ® December 20): You could seduce almost anyone you want now. The trick may be keeping away those you don't want. !f you really want to turn the seduction up, a mature, slightly exotic look will work for you. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Erotic dreams (nightmares?) are suddenly very vivid. They may shake up familiar patterns, but isn't that a!i for the better? Embrace the challenges and someone, perhaps with more experience, who can share them with you. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You love a good debate, now more than ever. You are especially sure of yourself, but learning is bettei than conquest. The greater victory would be in keeping an open mind and respecting whatever authority your opponent may have. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Hard work now can have transformative effects on your career. Expend some effort, but don't push too hard, to make sure your accomplishments are noticed. Standing up to the boss may be necessary. Be calm and open to criticism while holding firm when you know you're right. SPIRIT OF CHRIST JOPLIN, MO FREE HIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES SPIRIT OF CHRIST J\{CC SPONSORS Testing appoimme:1: 417-529-8.d.80. 2902 E. 20th St.. PO Box 4711 Joplin. I\fo 64803 SA1TRDKY Service 9:?ll:\~\f Your lnYited to our Cornmunin· Dinner w·cd 6pm iust $4.00. No one is rurned a-.:.JJav.~ Vv\'-Nrozarksstar.com rokeback (''B (verb) to brokeback; the act of affection between two men in pubiic. Best done while wearing cowboy hats. ex. "Aww, look, they're brokebacking. Isn't. that cute?" Celebri.Vom rn ("sel-EB-ra-vom") (noun) fast acting \ 1 .,_ 1 new diet pill; very ' ,,.__ :; o,-:. 1 -c_.; /. Popu ar t ./ ""',:. all h / . ~ 0 t c youn p, , · ; , - blonde, anorexic ::: O - and bulimic / 1 \' Hollywood starlets. w.vw,joanh!lty.net 30 the STAR (verb) to hatch; sentenced azenly cheating on your income taxes. Also see: fat, hairv; naked prison bitch. •rovtan (adjective) the act of being evil, porcine, and manipulative. ex. "Jed, that pig's done gone all karlrovian on us. Better go git th' gun! onna("ma (verb) to madonna; technical term used in the magazine industry for digitally retouching the hell out of deeply wrinkled faces of middle-aged ceiebrities. wv.,w.ozarksstar.com ~ NW Arkansas GLBT Communit.y, Center "Linking Together as One" For more information: WWWNWAGLBTCC.ORG r--------- i V.'\VW.ozarksstar.com Jay Whiteside 918.902.1461 Tulsa Metro PROFESSIONAL SERVICE JJall fqr: an -appointment tmd rates. ;,'; i :';'",•, 9~1: .. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ADVERTISINC3 SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR OKLAHOMA, KANSAS MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS qualifications to ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #~53 Tulsa, OK 74145 the STAR N B R RILL Sunday Champagne Brunch All you can eat soup and salad bar 1 lam-2pm $8.99 Monday & Tuesday Well Martinis $2.50 4pm-7 pm Best Prime Rib in Town' Friday & Saturday Nights Bar fa\orites. restaurant favorites and many !lC\Y item~ for your enjoyment pleasure NEW WINTER RATES - $45• ,:, Plus tax. excludes suites '1 I· ,- ' -,,.,r ~ i j' , . p 'S A LEATHER/LEVI BAR CLOSED MONDAYS Sun 7pm - 2am, Tues-Thurs 7pm-9pm wear your leather and get your well drinks for $2.50 Sun - Thur. 7pm-2am R Fri and Sat. 4pm-2am 'S PL CE PIANO BAR Rudy's Place is a non-smoking establisthment Early for cocktails, late for a night cap NEWYEAR$ EVE R Delamore, Male Dance VJ:y-.Known , .'Surprise Sin"ger. CLUB CLOSED MONDAY SIZZLIN' SUNDAYS With Whitney Paige ALISON SCOTT SHOW December 8th & December 22nd 9:30pm Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2006] The Star Magazine, December 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 12 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 01, 2006 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Josh Aterovis Douglas Glenn John Patrick Michael Dee Kay Massey Paul Wortman Carlotta Carlisle Victor Gorin Greg Gatewood Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ray Williams Michael Hinzmn Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Chaz Ward Victor Gorin Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, November 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 11 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/241 The Star Magazine, January 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/206 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/225 Advice Column Bamboo Lounge Bitter Girl books Border Activity Chelsea Boys classifieds Comic Strips Diversity Business Association gay motorcycle clubs HIV testing Holiday Gift Ideas horoscopes Jim Roth Lesbian Notions LesDine Supper Club of Tulsa marriage MCC church Miss Bamboo Pageant mixology Mr. Leather Our House Q Scopes Red Ribbon Star Advertisers Star Distributors Star Scene Too travel Tulsa GLBT community center news Uncle Mikey Walmart https://history.okeq.org/files/original/0c8df105d73cb6996da784dabcad6623.jpg 95236ac6539ae57d128911a29cb5e611 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/60f94ba1cf602f7b825dc951e5dbbaf3.pdf c78acfa197947304180821d86bac8076 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Magazine Text Any textual data included in the document lahoma's most read GLBT Magazine ~M@M~ ~@@@ ~@ ~[3@ ~~ 2114 S. Memorial Dr. * Tulsa, OK * 918.660.0856 2 the STAR, Ceiebrating our 3rd Year 2006. ontents 06 HEART TO HEART It ain't easy being green. Or blind. Or gay. Let's work together to make it a little easier on all of us. I O LESBIAN NOTIONS Tennessee Burning! Used to be that cross burnings were the KKK's calling card against African Americans. Now cross burnings have a different use. 14 PAST OUT A retrospective of LGBT History. This month "How queer is science fiction?" I 7 CIAO TRAVEL Gay Travelers "OGUNQUIT, 1-1AINE" & Out of Town "Philadelphia" 4 INDEX Heart to Heart .......... 6 Lesbian Notions ..... 10 People ................... 12 Past Out... .............. 14 Entertainment... ..... 16 Ciao Travel. ........... 17 Star Scene ............ 24 Uncle Mikey .......... 26 The Bistro ............. 27 Horoscopes ........... 28 Distributors ............ 29 Cartoons ................ 30 Classifieds ............. 31 (}av men and lesbians face .... ~, , ', , ,,, , ' situations, whether single oras couples. Let us help! I ( 1 ) 7 -5 6 ,4rkansas & Ok/ahoma1s 1\Aost Read GLBT ftAagazine :Executive Director, y ru::1d Lesbian Task Force YORK, NY_I never expected New ,~ court to rule for us o:1 marriage, solid legal reasons, New York the first tier for marriage test remember task 10 years ago of from going to court to ,en I read the stimmary Friday momtha- c the state constitution doesn't the recognition of same-sex mar- . I expected the body of the decision to b~ scholarly and well-reasoned, I also · · · · it :would express sympathy for · hardships gay · couples face and that it would ~ge die Legislature to act to add, tcss these jnjustices ... :\<Boy, ~was ! ~n& The o~inion w~s m~re ,. ·· poorly.wtitten, illogical and 10sultmg · · · • d;. it was olainlv homoohoppme ex~mple'of .th~ failur; of . . alitgedlf thinking straight people ,• .. · futbis·case judges - to grasp that we .... f:tfe:fiilly andemially.liwnan.· Sentences like: :Ji::?,· .. :., .ii::a~~~t:i~<;e sQgg~;t that a · ·· · his or in n cd they can ult of acci.dent or {the inajonty of the New ·Yoi1c.Court6f Appeals sb:ould feel the rest of their lives. * F AGAIN! NOW BY THE US HOUSE OF REPRESNTATIVES WASHINGTON,July 18 _Right-wing zealots are coming up empty-handed when they aim to push discrimination into our nation's Constimrion. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment bv an.o-vcrwhelmiog margin. With 187 Repres;ntatives v~tiog agl!,lllst the FMA, the extremists pushing the amendment fell far short of tl;tc two.:tliirds ~ajority needed co write discrimination 1nto th; Constitution. You and thousands.of committed Human Rights Campaign §tipporters.have spoken up time and time again, urging our elected officials to stand on the side of equality and fairness. Together, bur work to combat discrirrunatlon.has' made a difference. ive .. nalGay "Task Force "Once ag~ii, a bipartisan bloc has soundly rejecteq · stimtional iunenclment . . . . gay Americans andt:hcir families:.In spite of intense to getdris . . . . the House-just as.it failed in the Senate. Clearly, thet:e's· no· traction itl this issue. . . . ''We i::o . Leader Nancy Pelosi, Min y Hoyer and the entire minority leadership, and especially Reps. Tammy Baldwin, Jei:!,'old Nadler, James McGo~ern and Barney Fr,-..nk for their work in otgaoizix.ig oppositi~n to this,am,~qd.ment. as well as all r.l}e others wno stood up ,, : , , ,' -> ,i , ,'' : ~' 1 - ' ' ·-· for our community ana our tamtl1es. "We hone this vote today will be the basis for a w~rjqng majority iri Congress to press forn"ll.rd on basic fairness for lesbian, gay, · bisexual and transgender people, including protection from bate crimes and disc~nation and access to the same protect:J.ons enjoyed by all other families. "Finally, as we move beyond yet another sound defeat of this un-American proposal, we hope all members of Congress and the American people think hard about. what truly is at stake here: Denying one · group of Americans the family recogni- . rion granted to others would r~erse the . . course of our nation's history oi: expanding equal rights. It would condemn one group • to a lesser citizenship and deny them the · social support our society has c<;>nsttucted to help families and children flourish. Gay and Ie'°sbian families need and deserve the. kind of protection and support we currently· extend to other families. Let's start acknowledging that truth. Let's start talki~g abo'.1tfrj . and let's start doing it because it 1s the right · thing to do." Creating Community for People iiving with Our House. Too offers a variety of activities for peopie \A/ho are HI\/+ and or living vvith' AIDS to help cornbat the social lsoiat!on that rnany of our dE;f ;1;,~~.!:1o~~~1~1=ti::~:s~I~· and or !!v!ng \.V!th ,A.!OS \.tvho cannot afford to purchase these !ten1s for themselves . ..,/Ve invite anyone \Vho \Vouid like to voiunteer or provide fi·nanciai assistance to piease contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrisrnrnjr,gyahoo_co!T1. the STAR 5 It Ain't Easy Being Green It ain't easy being green. The plaintive lament of Kermit the Frog became this year's theme at the annual meeting of Blind Friends of Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual People, BFLAG for short. The message was one of selfacceptance, but the group is also fighting for another kind of acceptance: inclusion in the gay is to provide for the betterment of the lives of those who are visually impaired and who are lesbian, gay, bisexuai or transgender. Specifically, they're working to help blind gay people integrate into society. "LGBT disabled individuals have the same problems as straight disabled individuals," reports BFLAG president Butch Arnold. "Sometimes we're totally accepted but, more often than not, we're assumed to be different and are not accepted on an even playing field. With the closet factor added to the mix, disabled people, especially those who are visually impaired or blind, have major problems fitting in or simply being accepted by other LGBT individuals. This makes socializing difficult under many normal LGBT circumstances." Jason Perry, vice president of BFLAG and a law student at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, agrees that handicapped people are often excluded from gay culture. 'There's a fear, number one, of just 'Goodness, what do we do?"' Perry explained. "The task iooks so monumental. The second issue is just logistical. A lot of gay bars aren't handicapped accessible." So how do we work together to change that? The first step, everyone agrees, is education. "Once a visually impaired or blind individual gets to be known, most barriers tend to disappear,'' Arnold asserted. •Educating the general public helps immensely with the acceptance of all disabled people." Perry advocates integration. "I'm a firm believer in getting blind gay people out in the community, in both the gay and straight community, because if community. Many people with disabilities feel isoiated from society, but gay people with disabilities often face further challenges. It ain't easy being green. Or blind. you put a human face on what the problems are, you help connect the discussion. The issue becomes tangible now. It's something people can relate to." ;The LGBT community is not reaily inclusive when it comes to the disabled," says Ken, a41-year-oid blind gay man. "While that's not a problem Or gay, Let's work together to make it a little easier on all of us. "Disabled individuals don't bite and our disabilities are not contagious," stressed Arnold. "People need to get to know us. As a visually impaired exclusive to the gay community, it is made worse with their fixation on beauty and perl'ection. A disability, no matter what it is, makes you imperfect." BFLAG started out as an inforrna! support group for people who are gay and blind. They first met in 1996 at the nationa! convention of the American Council of the Blind (ACB). it was the first of several annual meetings, with attendance continuing to grow year by year. The group became an official affiliate of the ACS in 2000. They've grown from a handful of attendees to about 150 active members Today, BFLAG states on their Vv'ebsite that their purpose individual, I'm often perceived to be a snob when I don't see someone wave or make eve contact with me. If i don't know a person is attempting to communicate with me, I can't respond. I have iost several potential friends because of this. We al! must !earn to communicate better and simply do more communicating." Perry reiterated the importance of eye contact and body ianguage, especialiy in American gay culture. He reported that he found it easier to meet people in other countries because it seemed they valued conversation over the complex system of eye contact and flirting used in the US. (:ontinued next page 6 Advertising in the STAR is just good business cents. Heart to Heart "Everyone must realize thai visually impaired and blind people simply can't communicate with body language and such," Arnold pointed out. "We still say and feel the same things, but many of us simply can't communicate in a visual manner." Another unique challenge is transportation. "Mobility seems to be of paramount importance," Perry said. "My friends like to go places and I don't drive, of course." Then there's the common stereotype that, as Ken put it, "disabled people are not thought to be sexual." Perry added, "Whenever I hang out at a gay bar, particularly if I've never been there before and people don't know me, a lot of times people look at me as a casual friend, but not much else." BFLAG is working hard to educate the LGBT community. This year alone, four cities saw a BFLAG contingent march in their pride parade: Baltimore, MD; Tulsa, OK; Houston, TX; and Washington, D.C. BFLAG helped organize a gay pride event in Columbus, OH, and they've also been accive in Katrina relief efforts doing everything from providing housing to collecting food and supplies. BFLAG is also reaching out to visually impaired LGBT people. They are currently working on organizing affiliate chapters in Baltimore, Houston, and Columbus. Arnold hopes that there will be even more group,s formed in the next couple years. They're also hoping to expand the website (www.bflag.org) and produce a radio web show. It's not just up to BFLAG, however. LGBT organizations and individuals need to be more proactive in reaching om to our disabled brothers and sisters. More bars and clubs need to be handicapped accessible. If you see a blind person at a bar, stare a conversation with them. If you know a blind person, invite him or her along the next time you're going out. Most importantly, let's not forget ::hat blind :ncn and woman have the same feelings, needs, and desires as anyone else. "We're just people," Ken :nsists. "I can accept it if I'm :10t liked fo: my personality, bat it ticks me off when someone won't talk to me just because I'm blind.'" It ain't easy being green. Or blind. Or gay. Let's work together to make it a little easier on all of us. * c Pride Announces 2nd nnual Family Picnic. by Carlotta Carlisie McALESTER, OK_McPride, a McAlester based non-profit GLBTA organization who's mission is to create a support group and provide help for the GLBT community of Southeast Oklahoma as well as heterosexual allies v;,ill be hosting the 2nd annual McPride Family Picnic on Saturday, September 23rd, 11 am to 5pm at Chadick Park, 6th and Delaware in McAlester. In addition to picnic space there will be space available for all pro GLBTA organizations to sell or display thier resources. This space must be reserved in advance. Sign up forms are available at www.mcpride. org or contact pau!@mcpride.org for more information. A donation is requested for this space. This event is a great opportunity for the GLBTA community of Oklahoma and Western Arkansas to get out and meer new people and show your support for this Southeastern Oklahoma organization. Although McAlester is a relitively small town there is a vibrant GLBT community in the Lake Eufaula area. Food and drink vendors are also invited and shouid contact Elizabeth at 918-423-7015 * Quotable Quotes A.rka?Jsas Gov. Mike Huckabee said Friday he hopes the Legisiature considers reimpos~ ing a ban on gay foster parems, struck down a day earlier by the state Supreme Court. Arkansas G,n-. Mike Huckabee said !:n.e state high court was more concer:1ed abom looking out for gay couples than foster chjldren. arm Yery disappointed that the court seems more interested in v,,rhat's good for gay couples than \vhat's good for children needing foster care," Huckabee said through his spokes"..voman ,,;-\Jice Ste\·vart. a diffaren~• ct Oklahoma I E JOiN US FOR McPride's 2nd Annual Family Picnic Saturday September 23rd 11AM to 5PM Chadick Park 6th and Delware, McAlester Oklahoma. Organizations Reserve your display table now. Contact paul@mcpride.org Food and Drink vendors Contact Elizabeth @ 918- 423-7015 www.mcpride.org McPride"' PO Box 1515, f\.~ci\iester, OK 74502 the STAR 7 DVD Review n Legend of Jackie Curtis" Donald Pile and Ray Williams We have run across one of the most interesting and touching biographies that we have seen in years! SUPERSTAR In a Housedress is a biography of the late Jackie Curtis of New York City. It is both a lmok and a DVD. Buv the book and the DVD comes with it. Everyone should order one and you can order so easily at amazon.com. Craig B. Highberger the writer/ director was a close friend of the late Jackie Curtis and he has produced a very touching biography/ documentary. The critics LOVE it! "Bright and entertaining'' writes Stephen Holden of the New York Times. "Bitchy, catt:y, moving and hilarious" writes the New York Magazine. Jackie Curtis was a poet, a playwright, and an Andy Warhol Superstar. He lived and the STAR . ;, '· I .,/ performed ... sometimes as a man, sometimes as a woman, but .ALWAYS performed! We think that the Village Voice summed it up best when they wrote, "A fabulouslv fond and entertainjng tribute." The DVD has so many wonderful and delightful imen·iews with such noted personalities as actor Paul Ambrose; Penny Arcade the performance artist; Harvey Fiersrein; Joe Franklin, the TV legend; Silvia Miles, actress; the extra-ordinary photographer, Jack lvfitchell; Michael Musto, entertainment journalise; Holly Woodland, superstar herself; Lily Tomlin; and our -very dear friend, the Countess Alexis Del Lago, artist and STAR ! who now resides in West Hollyv.rood. We always see her when we are in California. She is indeed the last of a dying breed of ELEGANT personalities. Director/writer Craig Highberger has touched on so many wonderful aspects of Jackie's life and the many interesting people around him. Craig was a close friend of Jackie's from 1972 until Jackie's death in 1985. This biography is certainly a true labor of love and it shows. Craig and his partner Andy of over 30 years lives in Ohio. Craig is coming out with a new biography on the life of photographer Jack Mitchell. We can't wait to see that one. If you want to read and see a DVD about a very interesting and colorful character then run out and· buy SUP ERST AR In a Housedress. You can check out th~ biography at: http:/ /www.jackiecurtis.com/ and · Craig's new project on Jack !vfitchell at http:/ /www. jackmitchellmovie.com/ Congratulations to Craig on not only one but great biographies. · Photo above: Coumess Alexis ol Arkansas (501) 525-12 or Toll Free 1-800-537-3714 www.carpetcleanersofarkansas.com COMPLETE CARPET CARE ADDfflONAI.. SERVICES • PET ODOR REMOVAL • CARPET PROTECTION • CARPET REPAIRS • RESTRETCHlNG • UPHOLSTERY CLEANING • PRESSURE WASHING I • ORIENTAL RUG CLEANING • QUICK DRY • - L--~~~~!~~~! ______ .-. NWA GLBT Community Center To Host Picnic BENTC)N1/ILLI~~ ,\R. _ ]]1e i'-~\X./\ c;LB-i·· (~canrnanity (:enter \vill ho]d a HMeet and c;reet'' event 12th from noon to 4pm at :tvlcCinre Park in Lo\veH. ~.Jc(]ur<:: Park 1::- across tb.e street frorn the Lowell Elemcntan· Schoc,L It -xill be BYOP (Bring your Ow:~ Picnic) and there \viH b:..: ::1 :n·2jlable. fyfc(]ure Park 1~~ an excel• ~ s l ,r t lent p1aygrounc1 tor tne MISSOURI AUGUST 8TH Be seen with the STAR, Advertise with us! 9 Lesbian Notions by Libby Post AUGUST 2006 Tennessee Burning Used to be that cross burnings were the KKK's calling card against African Americans. Now cross burnings have a different use. Just ask Brandon Waters. He and his partner, Brian Harmon, were having a quiet evening at home on Thursday, June 29, when Waters iooked out a window and saw a 7-foot cross burning on the front lawn of his Athens, Tenn., home. They rushed out and doused the fire. In the morning, they went back out to videotape the remains. On one of the bricks used to prop up the cross was scrawled "Better Leave Now Fags." Waters called the Meigs County sheriff's department, which started an investigation and cailed in the FBI to see if the incident would be considered a hate crime under federal statute. The feds said no, because under the federal hate crimes law, there is no provision for crimes against gays, lesbians, or the transgendered. Clearly, Sheriff Walter Hickman isn't familiar with the law - the nation's or his own state's. Tennessee has a hate crimes law that _does_ cover sexual orientation. "Why did they call in the FBI when they should have called in the state?" Waters asked me rhetorically in a recent interview. •·something doesn't sound right. It seems like the police are not taking it very seriously." ! couldn't agree more. Even though hate crimes against the LGBT community decreased siightly in 2005, the anti-LGBT rhetoric that characterizes this nation's political debate sends a clear message that we are and should continue to be seen as second-class citizens who don ·t deserve full protection under the law. According to the 2005 report by the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, the number of anti-LGBT hate crime incidents fell 13 percent from 2004, and the number of victims who were tracked fell neariy at the same rate - 12 percent The number of offenders. however, decreased only half that rate, by 6 percent. This paltry decrease. says the report. "signals a truiy retrograde environment in which years of progress resuiting in 10 the STAR fewer people willing to violently act out anti-LGBT bias has been substantially reversed. With respect to hate-related violence, we are in fact 'back to the future."' That's certainly true for Waters and Harmon. "We've had many incidents with people yelling at us - fags, queers. I can't even sit out on my porch," said Waters. Clearly, there's no reason for him to have any faith in the local sheriff's department. "I feel like they're just blowing us off. This is not the first incident I've reported to the police." Waters had a hit-and-run with one of the local "yellers." "When one of the policemen took the report, I told him my name. He asked, 'How do you spell Brandon? Brandony?' I was born and raised here, they all know me." With local law enforcement not taking any of these incidents seriously, Waters says he is fearful for his life. He and Harmon have left their home and moved in with Waters' mother. "I have been waking up in the middle of the night, having nightmares and smelling smoke that's not there," said Waters. "I'm really depressed. I just feel like my civil rights have been violated, like the police are oot doing what they're supposed to do, and I really don't know who to turn to." Despite all this, Waters is willing to fight. His family has no resources to hire a lawyer, but he is willing to "pursue this as far as I can take it." if there was ever a case where nationai organizations could and shouid come in as knights in shining armor, this is it. To my mind, this is a perfect opportunity for Lambda Legal or the ACLU Lesbian and Gay Rights Project to make their iegal presence known in Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's home state. With both sides gearing up for what will no doubt be a bruising campaign over the state's proposed Amendment 1, which seeks to ban same-sex marriage, the Task Force and the Human Rights Campaign should work side by side with the Tennessee Equality Project (TEP) to turn this hate crime around to the LGBT community's political advantage. Not doing so would certainly be an opportunity lost! In fact, TEP is now organizing a "Vote No on 1" campaign against the amendment. !t's time for us to play hardball. Why not use the image of a burning cross and the story of discrimination expeiienced by these two men who just want to iive their lives to underscore the need for marriage equaiity in Tennessee? i guarantee you that if the radical Christian right in Tennessee had visual ad copy like this to use to further its antisame- sex-marriage agenda, it would certainly use it. Newly ed's Test klahoma Tax ommission. Photo: Matt and Afichae! at the Cape Cod Wedding Ceremony. TULSA, OK_ Like most married couples in Oklahoma, Matt Brumley and Michaei Oaks struggle everyday: they struggle with the bills, with the children, and with the State of Oklahoma. But Matt and Michael's struggles are different in many respects to other married couples in Oklahoma: they are married to one another. While they hold a marriage certificate from the state of Massachusetts, they are not recognized by the State of Oklahoma. Until Tuesday. The pair decided the family needed a new car to accommodate both Matt and Michael's new jobs. Inevitably, paperwork needed to be dealt with, and that included going to the tag agency. When they produced their marriage license, the State of Oklahoma waived the state excise tax on the title of their car - a tax usually waived for family members. They met at their former jobs, as empioyees of St. Michaels Alley in 2001. Both had children when they met. Daniel, 11, and Lillian, 6, live with Man and Michael. As a family, ,hey take Daniel and Lillian on fumilv trips. The fumilv relishes holidavs as time to spend with their kids. · · , "I like decorating for the holidays," Matt said. "I love having fun with the kids.r They have struggled in the pasr five years, like aH couples do. They occasionally found working together frustrating, but they managed to overcome those difficulties. "V.10 11 '; e got to 1o e _a~ goo ct' coup1i e ,.~r, y~u :-vorK1 togct'n e: an~d: ~,,~ ve together and not klll each other1 said Kasey Cunun1ns~ a !'ormer coworker of the couple. 'Td kill my husband if I ,vorke:d with him. On l',1emorial Dav weekend, l',fatt and Michaei traveled to the East Coast. During th~ir trip, they traveled to Barnstable, Massachusetts to tie the knot. First, they flew into Providence, and drove to Newport, R.I. They stayed at ,Rivera Beach Resor:. After checking into the resort, the two performed a "tes: rm:" of Ihe trip to where they would marry. 1he next day, they of course - had ro stop to buy a oattery charger for their cell phone. After which, they saw the sites in Plymorh, Salem, and Boston. Finally rhe next day they went to the village of Barnstable. They were then referred to the town of Barnstable; they were referred back to a judge in the village of Barnstable, who would grant a waiver for the marriage. Once they received the waiver, they went back to the town of Barnstable, which issued the marriage license. "The whole process rook about four hours," Michael said. "The lady was so helpful," Matt said. "She ran her butt off for us." Although their families were not present, they did gather at .:he ceremony in Juiy. This time around, about 90 family and friends joined Matt and Michael v,hen they exchanged vows. The Reverend Diane Varner officiated. In addition to attending, Marr and Michael's friends also macie sure things ran smoothly with the ceremony. One friend, Susan Johnston, catered the evem. The wedding was a prototype for future enterprises; Johnston and the couple plan to he!p others in planning their weddings. Although the pair lived together for quite a whiie before marrying, rhey are still making preparations and attending to family business. Recently, both made the decision to pursue different jobs. 1he transition is a little bumpy, but with the addition of a new car, that transition has become that much e:~sier. The couple decided ::o add Michael to rhe title of the old car, and this task required the tag agency. When they went to th1: first tag agency-" 17th and Harv:nd - tag agen;,:}' employees wuald add Michael to rhe tide, but d1cy \vould be required to pay the stare excise tax) vvhich ,vas $244. f~Jo.,,vever., the st3te ~.;;a!ves the fee fi)r family members. !viatt explained I'vfichacl -...vas his husband, ;;.nd tht the state does not recognize n1arriage. ()n advice the couple then tra_·,.,weled to t<:ig agency at 9isr and Sheridan. 'Ihe employees' response \Vas different. vvere asked fiJr their rlbey vvere rc~ld •·w,:e advised sht: -:.:vould ntx'd to STAR 11 Josh ■ rov1s Artist, Author, Columnist. From the Editor: As recognition for the 18th "Heart to Heart" column published in the STAR, we wanted to introduce the author to you. The Aterovis column has become one of the most popuiar with our readers and hits on many issues important to our community. 'rhe honesty, sensitivity and hard truth style in which josh covei's the subject matter in each Heart to Heart issue fits weil with the philosophy our magazine. This young man of 20 something, is dedicated to the never ending equality and everyday struggle of GLBT people. The evidence 1s in his writing. Josh Aterovis, a twenty-something artist-author, was born and bred on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and lives there with his husband. Jon. Aterovis is a Latin pseudonym meaning "black sheep." Whenever anyone asked Josh what he wanted to be vvhen he grevv up, he aiways said an author. it got him plenty of strange looks. but he never really expected it to come true: 12 the STAR it was just one of those things a kid says. In 1999, Josh's wishful dream became reality when he began to write a story and post it on the Internet. Bleeding Hearts resonated deeply with readers, who encouraged him to seek publication. In 2001, the story was published by Renaissance Alliance Publishing, !nc. Named the Best Whodunit of 2002 by the Stonewall Society, Bleeding Hearts became the first book in the Ki!iian Kendall mystery series. Reap the Whirlwind, his second book featuring amateur sleuth Killian Kendall, was published in May of 2003 and the Stonewall Society promptly awarded it the Best Whodunit of the year. Josh has completed five books in the series and is currently working on a rewrite and edit of All Lost Things, the third book on the Killian Kendall series. He has won numerous awards for his writing and for his web site, which also features his well-received art gallery. "In addition to my writing, my primary income is through my artwork. I work in transparent watercolor. I paint in the purist form. Sorry to disappoint, but that doesn't mean I paint in the nude. It means I don't use any white paint. Any white areas you see in a painting are the white of the paper. I do take commissions, which means if you don't see-what you want, tell me and I'll paint it just for you." Josh wrote. In August of 2003, Josh and Jon publicly celebrated their commitment with a wedding ceremony. it is not yet recognized by the state of Mary!and or the United States of America, but they live in the hope that one day it will be fully legal. Thank you Josh for your contribution to the STAR and for the eighteenth issue of "Heart to Hearf, on the not much talked about issues confronting disabied LGBT people. ast Out by Liz Highleyn:an AUGUST 2006 Summary : Past Out is a retrospective of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT hiscory. Each installment brings the past to life by exploring the diwrsity of the gay past and its impact on the queer present. How queer is science fiction? A few well-kno\;·n science fiction '.vtiters are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgcndered, and many who are not han: included queer themes in their work. For GLBT and strai,,ht authors aiii<.e, the C genre lends itself to exploration of new possibilities in the realms of sexuality, gender, and intimate relationships. Science ficrim, is ofren stereotyped as a genre for "geekr'' straigh~ men, and indeeci, much of the ,.vork has historically been sexist and i1omophoi)ic. Among the first stories to portray horroscxuality sympatheticaUy was Theodore Sturgeon's "The \X'orid WclJ Lost" (! 953), ·.;,·hich featared a gay male alien couple \Vho land on a represfr;e Planet Earth. \X;ith the ci,·ii rights mo,:ement and sexua; ~evo!uti()n •)f the 1960s and 1970s, science fiction began to boldly explore sex,.iaiity and gender. ;\JO[ed (jUCer authors who started writing during this period include Samuel D:c!an}~ Joanna Ru,s, and Octavia Butler (who died in Februan' 2006), all of whom received science fiction's i1ighe,t awards, the Hugo anci Nebula. Russ was among several feminist writers of :l:e era who exp!ored futuristic sepa!atis~ societies witi~out men, a~ in "When It Ch;.nged" (197 2) and Ti1c Female Man (1 Lcsb!an author Marion Zimmer Bradiey recalled that an agent introduced her to the Daughters of Bilitis after detecting hints of sarnc-sex croticisn1 in her science fiction and fantasy; i11 the 195th; and 196Us} she ,vro(e f,,c~r the group\ rnagazinc, 'The I ,,adder, ,1nd authored lesbian pulp ficrjon. _Arthur C:. C]arkc, one of the fathers of tht: genre, neady can1c ot1t in a 1986 Playbuy i11tcr,-ie\v; \J~~hen directly asked if he \Va~ gay, ho'-1,,,-evcr, he replied that he \\:\lS cheerful.'" and i\1ciissa Scott. \\Titers farnous for other Fenres havt· also dabbled in science fi(tion, Fellce Picano and Katherine \.1_ I::orre~;t~ ~,,.l·hosc ftatured 14 the STAR norm. In other cases, the tables are turned on heterosexuality: In joe Haldeman'~ The Foren:r War (197 4), for exam1:!c, sr:aigh: time-tra.-elers return to Earth ;1fter an interplanetary war, only t0 discm·er that homosexuality is no'.v the norm due '" m·crpc>pularion and they are considered perverts. Gay male rdarions!1ips haYe fascinated the straig!1t women authors of ''olash" fiction, who envision liaisons bet\vec:: ch,ssic characters such as Captain Kirk and ;\fr. Speck from Star Trek. ;\!any authors have explored various a!ternariYe reiariu:1ship srr~JCtL:res, such as the multi-partner marriages in Robe::t A. Heinleh's S~r«nger in a Strange Land (1961). "Geniuses and superge,1:uses always make their o,vn rules on sex as on e\~erything: else," a Hein;ein character says in Friday (1982). Gender nriance is also an enduring morif in science fiction; the Jame~ A. Tiptree Award (named after the pseudonym of author Alice Sheldon) was created for science fictio;; ur fanusy that ex;nncls or explores understandings of gender. Sex ci1;111ge is a common theme, either permanent or back-and-forth as the :nood s:rikes. Lrsula Le Gui:i's The Lefr Haed of Darkness tl 969) features ;, race of mutated humans who are i1,>ngcndered except d,:ring brief mating periods '.vhen they randomh· take on the sexual charac!erisrics of males or females; Le Gi.iin later said d:e regretted he: failure of ,magination in omitting same-sc:x reh,rionships. In Delany's Troub!e on Tritc-n (1976), a maci1<> !nan p:.u'.~ucs an unattainable woman in a sexuaily egalirnriaa society, at>d later ends up as a woman searci;ing for the kind of man he '>nee xas. .\Iany works feature aliens ·.vith more than t·.vc sexes, such as lsaac Asimrx,'s The Gods Themsel-ves (! 972). In Scott's Shadow :vla:1 (1995), most advanced ·.vorlds recognize fiyc lntr.an sexes, but individuals on the isolated plar:et Harn arc forced to live a~ either male o;· female. ,\fany autl1ors have explored teciu~olof,rical inno•:ations in the realms of sex and reproduction. As early as 1932, Aldous Huxley's Braye New \'{iorld portrayed a high-tech society m ·xhicr1 babies y,:ere grown in bottles in factories. Cloning anci parthenogenesis allm,· humans to abandon sexuai reproduction as in Charlotte Perkins Giiman's Berland (1915), about an all-fema:e utopia - ,ind inevitably proc:uce talcs of individua:s having sex \.,,;th them~eh·es. Time travel alkrHs charac~ers to go backwar(::, or fonvarl:s in time, often having sex with their ancestors or dcscendcnts. 1\urhors have alsc cn-n~ioned cross-breeding be0.veen species; in BL!tler's ''Blo()cichild" 11984), for example, a ma:e human is impregnated an insc:ct-Ekc alien. Several authors have explored s:,1do1nasochisn1 or the sex trade of the future. I)elany included an interspecies gay bathhouse sce:ie in , __ Stars in lv!y Pock:c-t Like (Jrains of Sand (1984), \vbiic Storrn c:onsrantinc's F1crn1ctech (]991) featured a ~\£rec~ tc, ha-ve his body \1.·itb 1nultiple ~ex nrgart~, /'1.uthor and editor >,;icob (irifhrh has \1,,Tlncn th:tt tjLlfl' rcaclers different fu.:e:ristic or dcnv:n1:-::tratt: their Photo: The new community center coming soon. The Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center, 5545 E 41 st Srreet in Highland Plaza, is the place to be this August as events, acti:,ities and concerts keep pace wit!: the heat of Summer. The highlight of August is the Summer Concert @ the Center featuring Amy Steinberg of Orlando, Florida. l\. veteran of performing with Ani DcFranco, Lisa Loeb and many others, Amy visits the Tulsa GLBT Communitv Center on Sundav, August 13. 2006. Am}· takes the stage a(7:00 PM. A cionation or SS :o $i0 is requested at the door. The Community Resource Kiosk is filled with infor1nadQn on comtnunir-v organizarions, health issues and businej~es tl1at support the GI.BT & allied communicv. FREE 20-minute HI\r rests are available t:~7"erv Tuesd,ay (6 t:i 8_ P:\t) an~ Saturday (4 t;, 7 PM). lt you·re hunting for bu1nper stickers~ je,Nelry, fla!:,tS, "'"vindsocks, item~ and more you'U find them at the Pride Store. The David Bohnctt ,.:vith 10 flat-panel co1nputer stations is FRJ~l~ for you to chat \vith friends, finish that research paper or sin1ply surf the \vcb, 'The f,,fcf)onald Rainbo\V w;{ 1 s libraries of its kind in the Midwest - all FREE to check-out. You can learn more about all the above by caliing the Tulsa GLBT Information Line at 918.743.GAYS (429'). twentySomething, a social group for young adults, the newest addition to the Tulsa GLBT Community Center and the future of the communitv, meets on the 2nd Monday of th.e month at 7:00 P.M. The group joins the community at the PFLAG Family Picnic on Monday, August 14th at Whiteside Park, 41 st and Pittsburg !between Harvard and Yale). The Tulsa Arca Prime-Timers, for mature men and their admirers, meet at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM. Gender Outreach, a social and support group for Transgendcr & Intersex individuals and their friends, meet even· \X'ednesdav of the month at 7:30 PM. Lockers and · changing rooms are provided for your pnvacy. The Tulsa Two-Spirit Society, a NativeAmerican GLBT group, meets on the 1st Wednesday of the month at the Tulsa GLBT Community Cemer. Thursdays bring the Lesbians of Tuisa to the Center for a rciaxing evening of socializing. Kick back and visit \Vith friends or inakc nc\v ones, surf the ,v-eb or catch a movie. The last Thursday of the month is the ~rC)HR_ Board of Directors n1ecting. ()pen to the public, the meetings gi,;c you rhc -=>pportunity to become n1ore invob.,,-ed 1;virh tht.: cornmunity, proYiding ·vision for the future. -You're fabulous ~ and you ha·ve 1he chance to przy,;.~e it .., :vith r7J\.B! Friday i\ftern{)OD 11ridge is your chance to sbo\\1 your skills :lnd 1neet other;; in the senior~·--------·-···--· (:ards and refreshments arc ,1, ailalJle for :11; Kick your weekend off in style with Center Cinema every Friday evening. The FREE GLBT films are shown on a 65" HDTV, gi,·ing you the opportunity ro get up close and personal ,vith the scars. Action kicks in!o high gear on Saturdays and Sundavs. The I st Saturday of the momh welcomes the Tulsa U~iform & Leather Seekers Association (f.U.L.S.A.). The Board of Directors of TU.LS.A meets at 4:00 PM while the general membership meets at 5:00 PM. The Tulsa Deaf GLBT Group meets quarterly at the Tulsa GLBT Communitv Center on Saturdays. Look for a new videophone at the Center soon, providing another opportunity to get and stay connected to the community and your family and friends. Dinner and entertainment are featured during Ol3T on the Town on the 2nd Saturday of the month. You can join the communin· for an evening of fun whether it's a night ;t the theatre to a night of bowling. Faith piays an important role for many in the community. Ekklesia rhe Gathering, featuring worship and song in a living-room setting, meets every Sunday at 10:30 AM at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. TOHR welcomes all in the community to visit and enjoy the Tulsa GLBT Com~unity Center, 5545 E 41 st Street in Highland Plaza. Your Center is open Monday through Saturday, 3:00 PM 9:00 PM. Log onto www.tohr.org to learn more of whar's going on at the Center, the additional programs of TOHR and to sign up for free TOHR cncws and Advocac,· Flashes. MISSOURI AUGUSTBTH the STAR 15 TL;LSA, OK_ If rnu caught Bets,· and the Band in ( )kLlhonu Cin·'s Pride h:stival performing their first gig as Bersr and the Edge, \·uu kn<N: the music sizzled tn match the HOT weather! Some Blues, a little Rock and a whole !1Jt of Countrr made the show a roaring success. to a delighted crowd. Thri\·ing from Tulsa, ( )klahoma. Bctsr Smittle is most we!! knmn1 f1 ,r the ::; years she toured worldwide exclusffeh· with brother Ganh Brooks. She performed on Saturdm· \light Li\·c,J;n Leno and mam· ocher 0'.BC speci:ils. Orhcr artists that hare depended l)t1 Bet s\·'s numerous musical rakrns arc: Gus Hardin, 1\1111 Bell and Phoontz and Ronnie Dunn (of Brooks & Dunn). Her own album released in [ lJ(J4 on the !\orthSr,uth/ ;\,! antic label Bets\ "Rough r\mund tht: Edgt:s'·. ,ms criticalli· accbimed worldwide. Betsy's fa·,r,rite n·cnt in her career \vas ha,-ing her O\\'rl float a1 the i 9<14 i\lacr's Da\· P,!ra,k. BcLs~· is far frorn tr~;in.~ t, J ndc her brother's ~hin L!ib. :--;he i> ,l ruggedly in dependent Lid: dct ... -n~1in1-:d t() car\·c ;t career nt. he;-, J\\'!l. Like li:t lebrother (_!;1r;h, it i\ 1l1l- \Urcnor (l( Bl·l~r\ \-{)ict.- :ii:~t '-l'!;s: l:c:.:r ;ir•;tr1 • !lHi~ic:,tn ::nd ~it:,1.~cr i~\ tTi\h::-., :L·r .,-, ,:c·t. b;t:.; i)t:t.'t: c- •uq,:tr-__ -d ·ur b(HI-hr!_·;irh :-,;, ,ur11.! - ·1 H, ,:1::ic R.1'.;:: :tnd AND THE dge B, Greg Steele grmds. teases and demands in all the right places. She rocks out as few women or men can and when she murccrs on.:r tht: fade of the song Draggin' it Back say ing, "Drag ir back om· hea' honey, bring it back to mama,'' you know thar she means it1 ;\nwme who apprcciares a gut:-:,· female mice will LO\'!-: Bcts\·1 ::inct' t'.n· ,1gc of S. ~!tc hcL:,!!J !1~_:r f:t1.nily'--: ,i!uspcl uri ,~ip :tnd ,~rh:. : hr, \l,tEh{)ur her childh, :r ;d Bili Guinn is :1 na,i,c of Tulsa OK ,md has been playing the gunar since r:hc age of I 2. l ic is J product of ::ccing the J-k,1tk-s on J-:d ::-:ulliY,:r1 and knC\,· rhc \\"ouk! he ;! gu!r:H· player fro!n rhat point on, Pla\·intr in ,·:ulous locai bands since he \\.a'.' I-~ he grc\\. up cxp(Jscd to The Beatles, Rolling :-;1oncs. Cn:arn,Jimi Hendrix. (rosh\·, Sti!b. '.',ash. & Young etc. y.;hcn thl'!r n1u:.:ic \\·as fresh on ~;Jr1\1 \lcJst of hi~~ teen years ,,·ere spen1 in front of :1 rccnrd pb\·cr \\·lth his guitar h:tnging out ch< 1rd:-: and copyjng lyric:-: for hi~ hand'.-,: tu pla:· :-:o:rll· of the grcatcsr rock and roll in his.tor\·. ~ TRAVEL by Donald Pile and Ray Williams "OGUNQUIT, MAINE" . gunquit, Maine is an artsy resort village (located 66 miles north of Boston) that has been welcoming gay and lesbian visitors and their families for over 100 years. Ogunquit has three miles of white sandy beaches, dance clubs and restaurants for every taste and budget. In summer and even winter, there is always plenty to see and do! We will begin with the lodging. Gay and locally owned gay Guesthouses, Inns and B&B's offer a variety of choices and values for the gay traveler. Whether you're looking for an exquisite luxurious suite, condo rental, or an affordable summer vacation at an in town B&B close to the beach - Ogunquit Maine has it all! We stay at Moon Over Maine Bed and Breakfast (Photo right) which is located at 22 Berwick Road. It is located in the center of town just a block from the nightclubs, shopping, restaurants and a 5 minute walk to the beach. It features al! private baths, oalcony rooms, par~ing. cable, dvd/vcr, refrigerators, ale, iight breakfast and an outdoor hot tub. John. the owner is extremely friendly and can give you any tips or suggestions about the area. It is in an oid New England house and is just wonderful. Their toll free 1umber is Cail 800.851.6837 and you can check out their website at: http://www. rnoonovermaine.com. There are numerous other gay ownea B and B's in the area ana you can check them ai! tnd il:c :irc,t (;!-(er:-: ~'nr!c' 1;( the h·.:s;;'. .'.tHil],it ·ri1c j t,;y) l· 1:-rrL:r~ \];n:1n:,c 1dcntitic~. thi~ ,( ~!!,.: bcttt-r !~nn\\-~~ :-:!1, :trc.1-: ic. 1~1t· l :1itcd :'it.l!t5. ·rhr;.,·c ~ndc~ 1-1f hc:u.ni(~d \\·hue ~.incit." hc~ich. r~ttl·d a:; on~·:;; iishinF. Dock Square i, as cute a wwri square as one will find in ~cw England. Tber:.:: is an exccilent seicction or· restaurants and it's ()nly 20 minutes awa\·. The Kittery Outlets arc just !5 minut~s aw~y, with l2(; different stor:.::s, including Banana Rcpui)lic. Calvin Klein: DK,\;Y and The Gap. Ir· pu like LL Bean, the Frceoorr Outlets l arc about an hrmr ~orrh. 1\ short walk from downtown is Perkins ~on:, which is rmc of our ,·cry fan>rite places. Ir is a quaint New Engi.rnd co,-c -_,.-ith bu,n,, shopping and wonderful restaurants. \X'e arc alwa\·s thinking ,hat Jessica S.n-age from Murder She \Xfrote is going n, be waH~ing around the corner at am· giYen rime. ,\ walk along the cliffs with dramatic views of the ocean the i\!arginal \X·;y srart,. on Shore Road. From the center of ~own it's just _a t:ew block, to the Sparhawk Motel. The Marginal Way srarts behmc! rhe 5parh;;wk. You'!! see a iittle sign on the left side of the street that sa,·s ·'Marginal \\'ay" and has an arrow. 1\s you follow the path, be rnrc w look at the Sparhawk's flower gardens. They haye an incredible number of flowers, and each type is labeled! The Marginal Way speaks for itself. It has beautiful views of the ocean and the rocky cliffs. t ,·arious points so ou can sit and enjoy e beauty'. It's a worth noting. plicably, each ne has the name f a virrue printed nit. The Marginal y ends at Perkins ve. When we are Ogunquit we walk e Marginal Way very morning and Nightlife in the . . . smali town of Oguoc] LHt !S rcaliv 5pccracu!ar to say the ;east. In this sleepy Little town (,nc could univ imagine one tiny Ettlc bar, but you are in for a grand surpri:-::d 1~1.·crythjng is nghr do\vntO\\>-n and you can \Valk from any .1cco1nrnodation lo do\'-'l1tO\\.~n. ~rhc Front Porch Piano Bar at 9 · Shor-..'. Ro;:HJ ha:,;; been in business for O\~Cr 20 vears. Their \Vebsite 1s http:, /\\'YV\\:.thcfronrporch.ncr. 'Their cafc is open for l.,unch & l)lnncr day:-; a ..._,:eek '\vith a late night rncnu a;·ailablc. Piano LPU'.'((c open ~ d:ffs fr01°: 0lpn~ :iil ~ .im. h ,,id S,:rv1Cc now available up~I;lir~. \ 11<..:0).: >;.;:n~:r rcccndy tt1ok ,JYcr and fron1 all reports he is :1 F:\Bl · L< 1l 'S ]: ;h at tiic Front Porch! 'The ~IaincStreet Bar is 11 •catcd _it l 3 1 :-;~>u:b \lai:1 ~trccr (Route l; ;n do\vnto,vn ()gunquit. 'l'hcir \\-t:hs.t!c i:~: , -.-~.,. ~ .. -• · , - l)J·-~ · K 1('; J: 1,, '.',j,i, !in .. i ::l~'(::·:,'.:i:::c{;~1t1r~1~~;~;~~·;,;t,.l~d;;.:il .\L1inc:--;:tc~·t > rttY\\' ~>;,u1 ;U . l·cAP_lrine: I Route 1 18 )Arkansas & Okiahorna ·s rno.st read GLBT i\t1agazu1e GAY TRAVELERS: W'e have been to both of these wonderful bars and they are indeed wonderful! John Lane's Ogunquit Playhouse is one of Soutnern Maine's most important cultural landmarb and ·will celebrate 74 years of Broadway at the Beach in 2006. Opening in 1933, the work and vision of Walter and Maude Hartwig brought an outstanding, star-studded performing ans company tG Ogunquit. Continuing this tradition for aimost five decades, John Lane, owner and producer of ~he Playhouse, sought to pwvide his audience with the finest professional theatre in our region. In doing so, he successfully placed the playhouse on the narionai cultural map. The Ogunquit Playhouse Foundation, formed in 1995, is now the proud owner and trustee of the Playhouse. This year the;: are featuring BEEHIVE, Andrea McArdie in CABARffl~ Sally S:ruthers in HELLO DOLLY, Leslie Uggams in CINDERELLA and MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Their website is http://www.ogunquitplayhouse.org. There are dozeas of small res~aurants in and around Ogunquit and most all of them are iocaliy mvned. fr is a sea lovers delight! If you are im:o sea food you wiil ha,·e a marvelous time. We have been going ,o 0 6TUnCjuit for se,,eral years and it just keeps getting better and be0ter and be,ter. It is far better than Ptown, Fire Island or any of the other gay resort places in New England. We just can't wait to return. For more information on. Ogunquit go to: http:/ /www.gayogunc1uit.com. This column is warmly dedicated to our dear friend Crystlli Chandelier who lives near Ogunquit. He just happens to be one of the most sincere, honest and fun people that we have met in oμr tra·;e!s and SO ELEGANT ! We are so l:!appy that he has found the LOVE of his life. * WHAT OUR READERS ARE SAYING! We enjoyed reading your travel article about Dania Beach in the STAR July 2006 issue, you were right on point. it is all that you say and much more. We discovered Liberty Suites a couple of years ago & wouldn't dream of staying anywhere else. The accommodations are fabuious and the guys are just great. We have been looking for a home in Dania Beach and plan to retire there. By the way, ladies are also welcome at Liberty Suites. Jack & Joe are the best!!!!!!! Annie & Shorty health outreach prevention a<fucatlon, inc. 1-800-535-AIDS (2437) Oklahoma's HIV/STD Hotline PROTECT YOURSELF PROTECT YOUR PARTNER(SJ * Free nonjudgmental HIV testing, including the 20 minute OraQuick Test KNOW YOUR STATUS • Free Syphiflis screening at the GLBT Community Center on Tuesdays from 6-8pm H.O.P.E. Testing Clinic Mens Outreach Program In Tulsa at (918) 812-7045 Arkansas & Oklahoma ·s most read GLBT Magazine 19 Photo: A view up Broad Street (aka "the Avenue of the Arts'') toward Philadelphia's distinctive City Hall. (Photo by Andrew Collins) Philadelphia o city in the United States played a more critical role in the nation's founding than Philadelphia, and this progressive metropolis of about 1.5 million people has also been a pioneer in gay and lesbian rights. The Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force, formed in 1978, guided passage of the 1982 Philadelphia Fair Practices Act, one of the country's earliest gay civii rights measures, and countless other gay-positive laws and policies have been passed or implemented since tl1en. Additionally, the city's office of tourism was one of the first to enthusiastically court gay and lesbian visitors. But apart from a warm welcome, what else about the "City of Brm:herlv Love" makes it ideal for a summercime·•visit? Here's a list of just a fe'.v notable things to see or do, chronicied in no particular order, that make Philad~lphia so appealing: 1. Rittenhouse Square Park City-planning guru Jane Jacobs called this tiny patch of paradise tl1e most successful urban park in the United States; indeed, Rit~ enhouse Square is picturesque, socially diverse, highly sak and 1argdy unsullied by post-\'forld War II ,irchitecrurc. Off the Square•~ southeast comer is the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, -;vhere Samuel Barber, Leonard Bernstein, and Ned Rorem studied, as well as the Philadelphia .i\,rt 1\Jiiance, -.;,.vhich presents outstanding exhibits and art sho\vs The square is also the site of the gay-friendly Rittenhouse Hotel, a sumptuous 98-room property that hosted the cast of the movie _Pbladelphia_ during filming. Rooms here are downright ca·:ernous, averaging more than 500 square feet, and all have iarge windows framing the park or the city's dramatic skyline. A short walk from the square, romantic Astral Plane has been a favorite gay-date restaurant since it opened in 1973 (it's also drawn such fab celebs as Bette 1,fidler, Liza Minnelli, Barry Maniiow, and Tommv Tune). From the eclectic menu you might choose slow-roasted pork shank ,vith asiago potatoes, or grilled scallops ,vith lemongrass-and-ginger butter. It's the perfect spot for a special dinner. 2. Clubbing in the Gayborhood The city's compact gay district, nicknamed the Gayborhood, contains the bulk of the Philadelphia's gay bars as well as quite a few gay-popular shops, restaurants, and hotels. It's right in the center of downtown, about as convenient to attractions, transportation, and entertainment as any gay neighborhood in America. Highlights include the city's premier lesbian club, Sisters, a three-floor establishment with a restaurant and disco, and long-running \X'oody's, a youthful video bar that pulis in a mostly male, some\Vhat cruisy, stand-and-model crowd. The ultra-swank Bump Lounge offers a more cosmopolitan ambience and is a great piace to chat witl1 friends, sip martinis, and dine on fine contemporary cuisine. Serious revelers head to Pure, the city's top gay warehouse disco. Tavern on Camac is a charming gay piano bar, with a cozy restaurant in the basement. Other friendly options in the neighborhood include Uncles, popular with players on Philly's lesbian and gay softball teams; 12th _l\.ir Command, a cavernous cruise bar with fun drag shows and dance parties; and the Venture Inn, tl1e oldest gay bar in town, set in a historic cavern. There are plenty of places to stay nearby. Particularly charming and well-priced, the gay-owned Alexander Inn is a fine boutique hotel right in the center of the action. The 48 rooms have a contemporary look with sleek furnishings and muted tones - other bonu;es include satellite TY, Wi-Fi, and Continental breakfast buffet. Practically across from Woody's, the Holiday Inn Express ,\fidtown has well-kept rooms and reasonable prices. Another excellent choice that's just steps from gay nightlife is the upscale Doubletret: Philadelphia, a handsome, contemporary high-rise whose rooms afford superb city views. Tne hotel is a blocK away fro;n tl1e Kimmel Center for the Performing .Arts, a magniticem 5-year-olci space designed by seminal architect Rafael Vinoly. 3. Brunch at the White Dog There's nothing more rciaxing on a sunny weekend mornini! or afternoon '.ban .. enjuying brunch :it a lin:l~· w,taurant with g;ear food and, ideally, some outside seating. Near the campus of the lipjversity of Pennsy+vania, the gay-popular YXlhite Dog Cafe fits the bill perfectly. This bric-a-brae-filled eatery set in t¾rce adjacent \ 1ictorian to,vn houses ser ..... ·es such delicious brunch fare as lemontnascarpone pancakes '\i/ith raspberry--n1aple syrup, and biack-pcpper- seared organic beef salad -."vith crurnbled blue cheese and balsamic "tinaigrette. i\Jso keep in mind that /\stral Plane restaurant~ mentioned above~ scrYes a t,:::rrific brunch on .- ....... -·······-········(=ont1nucd next page: 20 Arkansas & Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine 4. Cheesesteaks at Geno's or Pat's It mav sound a bit cliched to search out a cheesesteak in this citv that's, famous for them. But you're here - and you may as well h;ve a bite of Philadelphia's quintessential treat. Many connoisseurs favor two neighboring joints a bit south of downtown, Geno's and Pat's (of course, plenty of ardent critics deride these two places as rourist traps and prefer other holes-in-the-wall around town). Pat's is said to have invented this delicacy in 1930 - the restaurant serves 'em slathered with Cheez Whiz ~d fried onions, and the steak is finely chopped. Across the street at Geno's, the steaks are not shredded, and instead of Cheez Whiz, they come topped with provolone. Which one is better? You be the judge. 5. The Philadelphia Museum of Art One of the nation's most esteemed art institutions, the Philadelphia Museum of Art sits within a dramatic Greek Revival building amid 10 landscaped acres. Standouts in the permanent collection include contemporary masterpieces by Picasso, Braque, and Matisse as well as works by a number of post-World War II artists. The outstanding Marcel Duchamp collection includes renditions of his _Nude Descending a Staircase_ (fhe "nude," people often overlook, is male). Check out the fine collection of photos and paintings by gay artist Thomas Eakins of young, virile men crewing and boating on the nearby Schuylldll River. There's also an excellent display on Shaker furniture. And that's just scratching the surface. The museum is adjacent to lushly landscaped Fairmount Park, which straddles the Schuylkill River and comprises nearly 9,000 acres of picturesque gardens, walkways, and bildng and bridle paths, plus about a dozen historic (mostly Colonial} mansions, which are open to the public. 6. Reading Terminal Market For a century; the more than 80 stalls at the cavernous Reading Terminal Market have sold tantalizing, market-fresh foods, ranging from local oroduce to international dishes from around the world. There are (oo many great dining options to mention, but try not to miss the regionai Mexican fare at 12th Street Cantina, the ddi items at Saiumeria, Amish treats at Beiler's Bakery, ice cream at Bassetts, the Pennsylvania Dutch breakfasts at Dutch Eating Place, Italian hoagies at Carm~ds, and heavenly mac-and-cheese a, Delilah's. But wherever vou end uD eating, you won': go wrong - around every corner yo~'ll see, s:~eli, and have the cnance to taste delicio'.ls food. 7. Independence National Historic Park Even if you're not a big history buff, you can't visit Philadelphia and not soak up at ieast a whiff or ;:wo of the city's amazingly rich heritage. The Old Ci:y neighborhood con:aim the bulk of :he pre- 1800s attractions, most them centered around Independence National Historical Park, which celebrates the verr birth of our nation. Most famous is the Liberty Beil Pavilion. si:e of America's be!o,·ed and cracked 2,000-pound bell. Although commonly thought to have played a significant role in Colonial history, the Jjberty Bell actually rose to prominence during the 1830s as a symbol of the n1ovement to abolish slavery. Nearby Independence Hall is where the Second Continental Congress met in 1775, the Dec!aration of Independence "·as adopted in 177 6, the Articles of Confederation ,;verc signed in 1778, and the Constitution was adopted in 1787. It \,;as also tl1e site of the cirr's first major civil rights· demonstrations (which included the co1:c~rns of lesbians and gays). The list of important sights within the park goes on and on - you could easily spend a full day here. 8. Giovanni's Room In an age when independent bookstores are struggling to keep their doors open, this wonderful GLBT bookswre that's been going strong since 1973 is a true marvel. The homey two-floor shop on the edge of the Gayborhood has hundreds of queer titles plus a wealth of (Woody's has long been one of Philadelphia's hottest gay bars. Photo by Andrew Collins) feminist works. There are several community bulletin boards, a \Vidc range of periodicals, and a handful of skin mag,, too. The staff is extremely helpful and has a real knack for finding out-of-print, import, or hard-:o-find titles. 9. Coffee Kiatch ;\rguably .the ~ayeft j;,.va )oin_t_ in tuwn~_Yillage Coffrc House anchors the (_7ayborhooc1, otrertng carte1ne add1cts a cozy 1ntc:rior space as ,veil .as a ;=harniing cncl(:sed pa_ti:> tha: c~vc~ioo~~~ a .. borhood garden. 1~{ere you can $1p spec1aJty dnnks (n1ao~: \\~uJ1. Fair 1·radc coffee beans\ cute patrons, and nosh on cr,okics, cheesecake, and tasty sand-.xichcs. 1\ short v.walk a~;vay, the has been a fix.ture in the 'hood fur insist is the best apple ~~!!~~;: i~~; t~:::::~ ,~~;;\;::t:~~•.,·,d1v0 , and plenty of coffee ~1nd tea drink·~. [t\ the bc:sr \V!-1.ile a,1.·a,,- ~a af. C· ;l( _;{z, Liuie BhKk Book: Cr;ntzrmed page 22. Arkansas & Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine Want the STAR delivered to vour home or business? 12 issues for $26.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send wirh a check or monevorder to: Ozarks STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) Phone: ___________ _ Check enclosed 1V1oney Order ~tart Uate: _________ _ 22 the STAR Commission would accent Matt and .Michael as family. 1he empioyee then checked with the Commission. The couple called the next morning, anci ,hey paid $32.50 for the ovmer transfer title fee and administrative costs. The State of Oklahoma had waived 1 • me excise tax. \Vhile Matt and Michael are excited about the situation, ;:hey are uncertain abour what h means. They realize legally, their marriage is only recognized in Massachusetts. But this fact raises questions for the couple, those of family rights and recognition. Both have chosen to share their experience with others; with Johnsron, the trio plans to help other gay and lesbian families come together by offering wedding pianning. They are both ordained ministers, and Michael also offers therapy of the soul and counseling. For more information, please go to rhe couples' myspace page at http:/ /www.myspace.com/equal_luv. "All should have the right ro experience die joy and happiness that :Michael and I have experienced," lvian said. "We wane to nelp them do that." As this issue of the STAR goes to press Matt and !vlichael are anxiously waiting for the original auro title to arrive in the mail. Hoping the state did not disallow the family exemption. * 437 E. 141st Street Glenpool, OK 74033 918.291.EARL (3275) Metro Area for over 21 Years with PRID ORATING * HOLIDAY SPECIAL ame day delivery. Your order is treated with the upmost confidentiality. DIVERSITY WEEKEND Eureka Springs, Arkansas Aug 4-6, 2006 FREE HOME DELIVERY 5 Mile Se.vice Area 918. 734.6847 email lrrol:>o~~aol.,om COMING SOON! 11Jlld 6Lzdseed Salutations Kittens' \X'elcomc once more to an unruly addition of Vncle. Uncle :,like\· suffin:d another faiJulo,1s fourth. This year Uncle was on a mission to enio:,· the !oYe of the community, and 2J! I can ~ay is '.vhew - Uncle enjo\'i.:<l the Joye of the communitv! Au1:,>1.1st is blowing in like a bitter qu.:cn <1t the cad of her reign forced to release her crown. Cn6e prepares fot the cclebratio:1 of Fall. Linde has agreed robe th!: speaker at ~cveral celestial e\·ents this year. Cnclc's left ·vonckring if my thong sbmld be more in the earth tones for the c,·ents, I shall se<.'.k m:,· fashion guru just to be sure. Dear l.inc!e Mikey, My boyfriend and i have bcec rogether ffJr several years now. \'</hile we age. I expected changes to take pkcc, howe,·cr :10t to ~he point where I am embarrassed to be seen \\'ith him. liis fashion se:1se ha5 just been absence for some time no'.v, bur he is really being ro scare me. He has been adorning tragic r;utfits rhis season of the sun. I love him, ho\,'eYer not his blataEt disregard for g;.y fashion. Hu\· can I te1l him about thi~ issue without seemin~ like a birch? Li,·ing wirh a ia~hion ·.vasrela:1d. Deare$t F\'( Bitcn away bttd:! Ir is not only :-·,,ur dut}, bur abo rnur obligation to queers everrtvhcrc. \X?c arc not kno\1.-n in society for n1any positiYc attributes~ hcr\VCYe'r our i1npeccable taste and style happens to be 1no~:.r recognized. \'Ct: 1nust readily ln\~asion of bad taste. I ha\T: strict orders ft1r thcn1 to if (]1er forbid~ I eYcr louse mv fashion sen.st·. l kno\1: \vhat you arc thinking~ it could neYer happen! _Darling I have seen rn<n·e then one: 1night think,. 1 rncan the bad don1 couid choke a horse. Stn<.lochcs-l}nc!e ])ear lJncle \likey. !\Iv fficnd ha5 been 26 the STAR a 1on:h f< n· this jf he can con1c out Dearest Closeted L.oYc. Ir is all about mu Eve. Your kner screams self-serving motives. Ki,:ten, if ,·ou trah· hav; fce!ings for this man ,hen you first need to realize d1ac you :nust decide if you are v:illing to s:and supporti\·cly by, whilst he makes his way through the \Valk-in. You haYe your way with him if he so agrees after the emotional task at hand. Besides, sex is alway~ better with a bit of drama in the recipe. Smooches-Cncle Mike,· Dear Cncle, 1 ha\"C been seeing this guy for several months no\,: The orher day while in che shuwer, I noticed t;1at he has some kind of sores on h1s genital area. I was too embarrassed ro point this our to him. ! am now worried and do not kno·,,· about continuing a physical relationship with him, as i am afraid he mighr have some kind of STD or something, what should I do? Looking for the free clinic Dea~est Kitten, While I sir here holding your lertcr with my old sa!aci tongs, ] find myself cGnfuscd. Kmen, if Uncle l\likey c;-er suspecred, I would have an agent form ,he CDC cxamimng my little playmate. Ler me put ir simpler, CSI ain't got nothing on me, w'1en I was done with the black ligh, search, I would ~now what I was dealmg with. Cncle does not play when it comes to safecy. i\n old \vise queen once told rr.e, "If ym1 hear the drums of the Congo e<;ming from a tricks pants, its tune to reach out and wuch your own self." Good luck to you and rnur enchamed member. Smooches Hand shakes, Unck 1,!ikcy Dea:: C ncle :vlikey, Would you da,e your ex-boyfriend's new ex; Kitten, Shon and sweet. That reminds Uncle of his 6t!. husbanci. Ok, back on track why haggle? Date them both'. Smooches Dear Uncle, I am having an affair \,;th my mo:her's boyfriend. I know ,-;hat you're ti1inking. but j, was an innocent night with too much drink. My feelings for him !um: deepened. however I ca;rnot deal with what I am dQing. Should I walk a•.v,iy for hl'.r, or sbo.;ld I tcii her, rhat we are going to be rogethcr? Am I gcing to hell) I ,,uvin' \fotn's i\ian D:.:arcst Jean, l ~.vanred to kt you knO\\~ your rcscr~:arion is confirmed and rhat you ,v!Jl be ;ibk· ro get the stnoking ~cction, ~or only is the ans\vcr to your question yts1 it is undoubtedly yes, in a gasoline Speedo. What planer arc you living on? .\.for~l rnuch? Thar poor \VOt11en birthed you ,vhi1c also giving you the bl'.st year.s of her •;..,·astcd Efc. \'ou in turn take her rnaa, •~vho '\Vou!d be your Step i)addy. \'fell !10'\V, l kno\v that l)eliverancc is 1nore than an urban legend. l(irten, sec;~ proft'ssional help, and that docs not rnean sleep \\"ith your Unde'. rncrnber fatnily reunions arc not the Snuthern version of Bob tdls you'. lJntii ne:•:t tirne. P.S. * Asparagus Stuffed Dover Sole. 4 Fillets of Sole 1 Bunch of fresh Asparagus 3 TBLSP Real Butter 3 TBLSP Flour 2 Containers Heavy Cream 1 Container Plain Yogurt ½ TBLSP Dry Dill ½ Cup Real Butter ½ TBLSP Lemon Zest Preheat oven to 375 degrees Cut off ends of Asparagus and roil five spikes in each fillet and lay in a shallow pan. In a heavy saucepan melt 3TBLSP butter and add flour to make roux, add cream, and cook until thickened. Add yogurt, dil!, and lemon zest, while simmering adds ½ cup butter. Once done, pour over sole in pan, baked 15-20 minutes (until asparagus is tender). Plate so!e, pour extra sauce on top and garnish with sprig of rosemary to serve. "UNTIL NEXT MONTH, STAY COOL!" This months recipe is a twist on a summer classic. Have an outdoor party with appetizers and pretty cocktails instead of the same old bar-b-que and beer. You can find seasonal plastic glasses in fun colors for a festive gathering. Serve up this recipe for a good time. Enjoy ! SUMMER MELON MARGARITA (2 OZ) SKY VODKA (1 OZ) MIDORI LIQUEUR (1/2 OZ) TR!PLE SEC (1/2 OZ) SWEET & SOUR Fresh LIME JUICE 1. Chilled a martini giass. 2. Combine all ingredients with ice in shaker and shake very weiL 3. Strain into martini glass and garnish with A fresh lime wheel. CELEBRATE The Long Hot Summer With A Cool Drink! Arkansas & Okiahoma's most read GLBT Magazine Q Scopes by Jack Fertig AUGUST 2006 "Stick to a budget, Libra!"" Sun in Leo squaring Jupiter in Scorpio shows flamboyance, generosity, and libido all cranked up high. Venus in Cancer quincunx Neptune in Aquarius boosts generosity, but dulls judgment in favor of the easiest option. ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Your playfulness can easily get the better of you. Be careful! Getting out of a situation is a lot harder than getting into it. Some community work may channel that energy more safely. . TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Stay home as much as you can, playing with your partner or a good partner-prospect. Work, on the other hand, requires a serious hand and some finesse. Listen for hidden agendas, and be only as conciliatory as you need to be. GEMINI (May 21 * June 20): Showing off, or feeling you need to prove yourself, can lead to spectacular accidents. Stay focused on the job at hand! Arguments over money come too easily, and you're both wrong. Shelve those issues until next week, at least. CANCER (June 21 a July 22): Being as sexy as you are right now can get expensive. Be clever and resourceful instead of extravagant. Getting high opens you to dangerous risks. A clear head and a steady hand are better fun anyway. LEO (july 23 * August 22): Your birthday bash will be all the more fabulous if.jt's a bit more intimate and takes place at home. Think quality, not quantity. In an even cozier setting, you and your love can open up to deeper sharing that can change your relationship. VIRGO (August 23 * September 22): Rosy notions about where you'd like to be in the future clash with current frustrations in your work. You need to adjust both ends of the problem. Meditation and in-depth conversations with a trusted friend can help. LIBRA (September 23 • October 22): Charm and creativity can further your goals. Focus. which comes on!y with difficulty nov,1, 1Nou!d a!so heip. Set aside some money for frivoious games or shopaholic indulgences - but stick to the budget! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Blowing your own horn will look overbearing, but it's no time to be shy either. Your work speaks loudly and clearly for itself. Distant older relatives can shed light on family mysteries, but will you like what you learn? SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): You are not to be trusted with other people's secrets now. Better to explore your own and share the deepest and darkest ones with a counselor or teacher who can help you work them out - or play them out - with an anonymous trick in a different town. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): It's time to reevaluate the whole "friends with benefits" business. What's really important to you in any relationship, especially your primary partnership? It's too easy to lose track of values right now. Let your partner remind you of what's really important! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You're a bit fuzzy in your self-perception. And, although work offers some comfort, it doesn't give you any more certainty. Cooperation, now more than ever, is the key to success. Developing culinary skills can also bring clarity . PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Creative efforts heip to draw out your inner demons. Dealing with those demons remains a challenge, but you're up for it. Your inner conflicts can make you touchy and argumentative. Don't shy away from debate, but stay focused on what the disputes are really about! , < SPIRIT OF CHRIST JOPLIN, MO FREE HIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS Testing appoinrment 417-529-8480. 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 joplin, Mo 64803 SATURDAY Service 9:30Aiv1 28 Advertising in the STAR is just good business cents. Arkansas, Bentonville/Rogers (4 NWA GLBT Ctr - - - - www.nwaglbtcc.org- - - - - 1062 Barnes & Noble Bks - - 261 N. 46th St., Rogers- - -479-636-2002 Arkansas, Eureka Springs (479) Diversity Pride Event - - - - - - - - - - - - - -www.diversitypride.com A Byrd's Eye View- - - - - 36 N. Main- - - - - - - - - -479-253-0200 Caribe Restaurante- - - - 309 W VanBuren- - - - - -479-253-8102 Henri's - - - - - - - 19 1i2 Spring St - - - - - - - - - - -479-253-5795 Lumberyard Bar&Grill- - - 105 E VanBuren- - - - - -479-253-0400 MCC Living Spring - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Swiss Holiday Resort- Hwy 62 at Hwy 23 So.- - - - 888-582-8464 Spexton- - - - - - - - 178 Spring Street - - - - - - - -479-981-6060 Tiki Torch- - - - - - - - 75 S. Main Street- - - - - - - - -479-253-2305 Tradewinds Lodge -141 W. VanBuren- - - - - - - - - 800-242-1615 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Common Ground Restaurant- - - 412 W. Dixon - - 479-442-3515 Condom Sense - - - - - - - - 418 W. Dickson- - - - - -4 79-444-6228 Curry's Video - - - 612 N. College Ave- - - - - - - - - -479-521-0009 Passages - - - - -930 N. Coliege Ave- - - - - - - - - -479-442-5845 P;ide Street Live- - 523 W. Poplar St- - - - - - - - - 479-587-0557 Tangerine Club - -21 N. Block Ave-- - - - - - - - - - - -479-587-9512 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- - - - - - -1004 1/2 Garrison Ave- - - - - - 479-783-9988 Red Rock City - - -917 N. "A" St. - - - - - - - - - - - - - 479-242-2489 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Jesters Lounge - - - - 1010 E. Grand Ave - - - - - - - 501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - - - -1021 Jessie Rd- - - - - - - - - - - - -501-6642744 Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - www.dsra.org Discovery- - - - - 1021 Jessie Rd- - - - - - - - - - -501-666-6900 Sidetracks - - - 415 Main St - -North LR.- - - - - - - -501-244-0444 The Factory - - - - - - 412 Louisiana St.- - - - - - - - - 501-372-3070 Kansas, Junction City (785) Xcalibur Club- - - - - - 384 Grant Ave. - - - - - - - - -785-762-2050 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - - - - - - - - - - -620-231-0938 River of Life Church.- - 1709 N. Wainut- - - - - - - -Service 11AM Kansas, Wichita (316) Our Fantasy/South40- - - - - 3201 S. Hillside- - - - - 316-682-5494 Priscilla's- - - - - 6143 W Kellogg D;- - - - - - - - - - - 316-942-1244 Club Glacier- - - - - - - - 2828 E. 31st South- - - - - 316-612-9331 Missouri, Ava (417) Catus Canyon Campground - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ- - -2902 E 20th. - - - -Sat Service-9:30AM Missouri, Kansas City (816) 40th Street !nn- - - -www.40thstreetinn.com- - - - -816-561-7575 Concourse Park B&B - - 300 Benton Blvd - - - - -816-231-1196 Hydes KC Gym & Guest Hs -www.hydeskc.com - 816-561-1010 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - - - - .. - - - - - - - - -816-561-0625 Missouri, Lampe (417) KOKOMO Campground - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 417-779-5084 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- - - - - 424 Boonvil!e Ave- - - .. -- - ........ 417-831-4700 GLO Comm Ctr- - -518 E. Commerica!- - - - .. - - --417-869-3978 Martha's Vineyard- - - 219 W Olive - - - .... - - .. - 417-864-4572 Missouri, Springfield (417) Priscilla's - - - -1918 S Glenstone - - - - - - - - - - - -417-881-8444 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - --1109 E. Commercial- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Enid (580) Hastings Books- - - -104 Sunset - - - - - - - - - - .. - .... 580-242-6838 Priscilla's- - - - - - - - -4810-A West Garriott- - - - - - - 580-233-5511 Oklahoma, Lawton (580) lngrids Bookstore- - - - - 1124 NW Cache Rd- - - - - -580-353-1488 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - - - - - - - - - POBox 1515, - - - - - McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) American Crossroads 8&8 - POBox 270642- - - - - -405-495-1111 Boom Room- - - - - - - 2807 NW 36th St- - - - - - - - -405-601-7200 Border's Books- - - - - - 3209 NW Expressway- - - - 405-848-2667 Club Rox- - - - - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy- - - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Christie's Toy Box- - - - -3126 N. May Ave - - - - - - - 405-946-4438 Eastern Ave Video- - -1105 S Eastern Ave- - - - - - - -405-672-6459 Fat Cat Bingo- - - - - - 3130 N. May Ave - - - - - - - - -405-942-8875 Hollywood Hotel- - - - 3535 NW 39th Exp - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Hi-Lo Club - - - - - - 1221 NW 50th- - - - - - - - - - - -405-843-1722 Partners- - - - - - - - - 2805 NW 36th St - - - - - - - - - -405-942-2199 Pec's- - - - - - - - - - -3535 NW 39th Expw - - - - - - - -405-942-2199 Priscilla's- - - - - - - 615 E. Memorial- - - - - - - - - - - 405-755-8600 Red Rock North- - - 2240 NW39th St- - - - - - - - - - 405-525-5165 Rudy's Place- - - - -3535 NW39th Expw- - - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Phoenix Rising - - - - 2120 NW 39th St- - - - -- - - - - -405-601-3711 The Park- - - - - - - - 2125 NW 39th St - - - - - - - - - -405-528-4690 The Rockies- - - - - - 3201 N. May Ave - - - - - - - - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- - - 3535 NW 39th- - - - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Tramps- - - - - - - - - - - -2201 NW 39th- - - - - - - - - -405-521-9888 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- - - -7204 E. Pine - - -- - - - - - - - - -918-836-8700 Border's Book Store- - - 2740 E. 21st- - - - - - - - - - - 918-712-9955 Border's Book Store - - - 8015 S. Yale - - - - - - - - - - 918-494-2665 Club 209 - - - - - - - 209 N. Boulder - - - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-9494 Club Majestic- - - - - - - 124 N. Boston - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-9494 Club Maverick- - - - - 822 S. Sheridan - - - - - - - - - -918-835-3301 Dreamland Bks -- - - 8807 E. Admiral Pl - - - - - - - - -918-834-1051 Elite Bookstore - - - - -814 S. Sheridan- - - - - - - - - - 918-838-8503 GLBT Comm. Ctr- - - - 5545 E. 41st- - - - - - - - - - - - 918-743-4297 Hideaway Lounge- - - - - 11730 E. 11th- - - - - - - - - -918-437-0449 HOPE Clinic- - - - - - 3540 E. 31st - - - - - - - - - 918-749-8378 Jazz's Lounge- - - - - - 426 S. Memorial - - - - - - - - - 918-836-8544 Midtown- - - - - - - - - - 319 E. 3rd- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-3112 Nita Spot· -- - - - - -3007 E. Admirai Pi - - - -- - - - - - 918-834-3007 Our House, Too - - - -203 N Nogales Ave- - - - - - - -918-585-9552 Priscilla's - - - - - - - - -7925 E. 41st- - - - - - - - - - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla's - - - - - - - - 5634 W. Skelly - - - - - - - - - - - 918-446-6336 Priscilia's - - - - - - - - 11344 E. 11th - - - - -- - - - - - - -918-438-4224 Priscilla's-- ------2333 E. ?1st--- ------ --918-499-1661 Renegades- - - - - - - - 1649 S. Main - - - - - - - - - - - 918-585-3405 Rob's Records- - -2909 S. Sheridan Rd- - - - - - - - - 918-627-1505 St. Michaels Allev- - - - - -3324-L E 3ist- - - - - - - - 918-745-9998 Sterling & Co. Salon- - -1606 E.15th St.- - - - - - - - - 918-742-9999 Tulsa CARES- - - - 3507 E. Admiral Pi- - - - - - - - - - 918-834-4194 Tulsa Eagle- - - • -1338 E. 3rd - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -918-592-1188 TNTs - - - - - - - - - 2114 S. Memorial- - - - - - - - - 918-660-0856 Whittier News Stand- - 1 N. Lewis- - - - - - - - - - 918-592-0767 Yellow-Brick-Rd- - - - - - - 2630 E. 15th- - - - - - - ·· ·· - 918-293-0304 30 Gt.ttJ HAIC,OH '#M AUAN NWllliITTH Gay Marriage, .. SO NOW THE: GCN''f IS -ri:zYING -ro i<E:Wl-!lre THI! CONS'fl1U'flON AGAIN AND 01./rt.AW GAY MAl<l<IAGE: .•• WHY SHOUl.-0 Y,,'f. N!:!:D -ro ASK P!::l<M!SSION Of' S'fl<AIGH'f SOCl!:'fY 'TO G!:i Ml\1<1'11!:Df:" WHO Al<E: T'H/iY'TO .JUDGE: THE: VAl.-101-rY OF OUR 1.:!:f..A 'flONSHIPS!:" l Gl'l!:W UP WITH AN l'fAf..lAN MO-rHE:R WHO WAS Pl-ANNIN' MY ,\IE:ODING SINCE: THE: DAY I WAS 801'1N •.• SO IT 'TOOK Mi:: A WHIL-!: 'TO GE:'f OVl,l'I MY FEAR OF WE:OOiNGS! su-r I KNE:W I WANreo -ro BE: WITH THIS FOi.: THE: RE:S'f OF MY f..lFc: •.. I i ---------, r-we WE:N'f AH!:AD AN' Gar H/'f'CHl:0/ OF COURSE: I WAN, MY BROTJ-1!:1'1 ,o B!: HAPPY •.• BU'f 10 BE: HONEST, I THINK GOO Cl'IE:AT!:D MARl'l!AGE: AS A GACREC> UNION BE:'TWEE;N A MAN AND A 1-\-0MAN. OOGMA, IFJCATlO AND f..!:S ~'ARl'IY! TOTH!: 'flONO /~lf:fCDMPl!ri'/ 1Wif c.«i$,-l'T 1:-'IJO',•✓ ADA~Tl-l!~ABDUT -\OV!2NAf..l~M, 11,;e. {:;E!:r-l U'>l~l'1Hi5.A t.(W6 Tl11;, 1.l!:.S5 Be Seen With The Star NWA GLBT CENTER The Northwest Arkansas Gay, Lesbian, Blsexuai and Transgendered Community Center is a group of like-minded individuals who have come together to create a nonprofit GLBT Community Center in Northwest Arkansas. www.nwaglbtcc.org 12th page classified CALL F' □ R RATES 91 B.B35.78B7 11730 E. 11th Tulsa, OK 918.437.0449 Wed. Talent Show with Bobby Page, 11PM Girls Nite Out w/Kris Kohl Sun August 13th 10PM Open Tues-Sun 2pm-2am Check out our new Patio! CHECK OUT UNIQUE EUREKA.SPRINGS, AR.KANSAS www.diversitypride.com and www.eurekapride.com EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR WICHITA, MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS gualifications to ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net o: maii to: 5103 S. Sheridan, # 153 Tulsa, OK 74145 ' '',',', ' ; C~L:L r-OR RATES 9lta.S:35.7E1B7 Get resuits with STAR Classifieds! LICENSED ·MASSAGE Tulsa, OK * Full Body, Sports, Hot Stone * Hand and Foot Scrabs * In-House Clinic * Days, Evenings and Weekends Cali for an appointment and rates. 918-857-2805 HAPPY BIRTHDAY STANLY SMITH AUGUST BTH - L . IL Jay Whiteside 918.902.1461 Tulsa Metro PROFESSIONAL SERVICE ** OPEN AUDITIONS FOR MALE DANCERS.** Saturday's 5pm. Must be available to dance Sunday's. Compensation plus tips for successful candidates. 31 D 'T RRY ... hat happens at Hollywood stays at Hollywoodl POOL HOURS 10AM - llPM POOL PASS So A OAi' AL'1 D t:35 A MONTH SAT HOT DOGS 2PM"6PM Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2006] The Star Magazine, August 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 8 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 01, 2006 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele Josh Aterovis Douglas Glenn John Patrick Michael Dee Kay Massey Paul Wortman Carlotta Carlile Victor Gorin Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ray Williams Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Chaz Ward Victor Gorin Teresa Goodrich Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, July 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 7 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/228 The Star Magazine, September 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 9 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/243 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/224 Advice Column Asparagus stuffed dover sole Bamboo Lounge Bitter Girl Book/DVD Review Chelsea Boys Club Majestic Comic Strips Family Picnic Heart to Heart HIV/AIDs Lesbian Notions marriage equality Matt Foreman Oklahoma Tax Commission Our House Out of the Line of Fire Past Out politics Q Scopes Quotable Quotes recipes Shantel Mandalay Star business center star classified Star Distributors Star entertainment Star Scene Summer Melon Margarita Too travel Tulsa Community Center Uncle Mikey https://history.okeq.org/files/original/542facc2f8f58ff9f34ef8d6800cd880.jpg c0624236680e4eb7b21d1904b207cb3a https://history.okeq.org/files/original/a28b0cfed9db2dcc1ee9d2af32017721.pdf 44dbe60b1d290b15c52995ef224d48d1 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Magazine Text Any textual data included in the document cover photo eu Lou - 0 ~ CG!'f1&1111JiiJ:'1Jfi_,.,,t'ii'tl'-Nl . ~ i3 ~~ lnsideij this Issue o 35 YEARS OF ll.QV.6 ..... page-21 "I don't give a your religious were elected to u constitution.'' Read it in Heart to Heart ..... ~[& in the s-n this month, comic " Chelsea Boy• ............. page-30 · ::- $1.1n-4:oo ~l'oddy Mary _ 1.75 L9ngn~fks . · :~ Mon-1.50 Longnecks ::- 'tues-1.50 Longo.eeks ::- ·w ed.:4.50 Blasters .50 Draw· ::- Thurs-Ladies Night 1.00 Longnecks C. O· m e. b y & m e· e· t . 0 u r s f . t a f UT n • n on ,, cale Scott Crow, lVlanaging Broker lVlcGraw Davisson. Stewart, :Realtors 1 Langley, Oklahoma Sco1:1:Crow.mcgrawok.com 918.782.3211 Advertising in the STAR is just good business cents. n a~sbians"4fce maftV situations, whetlier sin 3 4 Come Lay an Egg \vith us on Easter! Egg f-Iunt Sunday April 16th. 2630 E. 15th St. Tulsa, OK 918.293.0304 MONDAYS: Pool Tournament THURSDAY: Dart Tournament 6.50 Chimay Ale 1.50 Longnecks Every Sunday. the STAR, Oklahoma's Premier GLBT Magazine. Oral Roberts Universit sends mixed mess gays: "We love you do not come onto our campus" SOULFORCE PRESS RELEASE: March 20, 2006 TULSA, OK - The frigid air in Oklahoma was symbolic of the welcome Oral Roberts University extended to the Soulforce Equality Riders today, after repeated refusals for dialogue with ORU officials resulted in more than 25 police officers waiting at the entrance of the school. Before the Riders were even allowed off the bus, a member of the Oral Roberts police force and an officer from the Tulsa Police Department entered the bus to talk with them. Summing up the school's response to the Ride and to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students, the Oral Roberts University officer told the Riders, "We love you all; do not come onto our campus." Speaking to media before leading the group to trespass onto campus, Equality Ride co-director Jacob Reitan said, "Colleges teach history, it is time for them to start reflecting on what history has done to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The time for this conversation has come. We have a group of people who care enough to at least try, and Oral Roberts does not want to welcome them." ................... Continued page-16 F'REE HOME OELIVl!:RY 5 Mile Service Area 918. 734.6847 .tmail lrrol>o~~ao\.(.Om COMING SOON! Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine mixed and 6a,,;ed 111ild biulseed 72 Hours in San Francisco San Francisco may just be the most talked-about and dynamic gay and lesbian destination in the world. But with so much to see and do, how do you make the most of a short visit to the City by the Bay? You'll want to soak up the culture of cool neighborhoods like the Castro and the Mission. You can't leave without glimpsing the must-see attractions, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the beautifully redesigned de Young Museum. And then there are the incredible restaurants, serving everything from fresh-harvested oysters to bountiful organic salads to decadent chocolate desserts. Here's one approach to enjoying a long weekend in San Francisco, ideal for both first-time and repeat visitors. You might begin by purchasing a San Francisco CityPass, which you can order online before you go. The pass, which costs $42 per person, provides free admission to several of the city's most prominent attractions as well as seven days of unlimited travel on the Cable Car and Muni bus and train network (a $24 value in itself) and sightseeing boat excursions on the city's Blue and Gold Fleet. Friday Night Hayes Valley, a central neighborhood that's easily reached from downtown or the Castro, has several fun, low-keyed restaurants, perfect for your first evening in town. One of the best is Cafe Delle Stelle, which serves superb, reasonably inexpensive lt~lian fare. Although you could survive on the rich Tuscan bread that comes w!th your meal, you'li want to sample the delicious homemade pastas and traditionai Italian dishes, ranging from polenta with roasted portobello mushrooms to roasted pumpkin ravioli with sage butter. From here it's a 15-minute walk to the Castro, where you can check out the dozens of lively gay bars and clubs, including such neighborhood faves as the bustling and youthful Cafe, the sleek and intimate Bar on Castro, the laid-back and friendly Pilsner Inn, and the festive Metro, which has a large balcony that's perfect for people-watching. Or if you're walking back toward downtown, you can peek inside one of the bars that still line Po!k Street, a longtime gay-nightlife hub in the '?Os and '80s that has only a few nightspots left these days. Good bets include the Cinch Saloon, a mellow neighborhood joint, and N'Touch, which is especially popular among Asian-American men and their admirers. Saturday In the morning, head to the Castro to explore this famous gay neighborhood during daylight hours. The best way to learn of the area's rich history is by taking a walking tour with Kathy Amendola, of Cruisin' the Castro Historical & Cultural Walking Tours. Amendola leads visitors past the Pink Triangle Park & Memorial, the residence of slain gay icon Harvey Milk, and the ornate and historic Castro Theatre - there's also a break for lunch at Firewood Cafe, a very good local restaurant. The tours leave at 1 0 a.m. and are also offered Tuesday through Friday. After the tour, set aside some time for shopping. The Castro has grown up over the past decade as a sophisticated retail neighborhood, with everything from high-end clothiers and boutiques (such as Diesel and Brand X Antiques) to adult gift and bookshops with saucy names like Auto Erotica and Castro Gulch. Then walk (about 30 minutes) or take Muni over to lush Golden Gate Park to visit the de Young Museum, which received a stunning makeover in 2005 and now has a distinctive copper exterior and a dramatic 145-foot observation tower that looms high above the park's leafy trees. Spectacular collections of American paintings and sculptures, African art, and textiles fill this beautiful building. Saturday Night The Mission District is a great neighborhood for dinner, with the Slow Club ranking among the top picks. Here in this dark, seductive space you might order the juicy burger slathered in balsamic-marinated onions, or a crispy-crust pizza topped with montasio cheese, oyster mushrooms, leeks. and thyme. Limon is another superb choice, serving kicky Latin fusion fare and tangy sangria. If you're up for nighttime fun, you can always head back to the Castro, but the Mission is also home to the best lesbian hangout in the city, the Lexington Club. Or If you're a serious clubber, take a cab to the trendy SoMa neighborhood, 6 Advertising in the STAR is just good business cents. Out of Town where you'll find the famed Stud disco as well as raunchy fetish and leather bars like the lovably sleazy Hole in the Wall Saloon and the rough-and-tumble Eagle Tavern, which brings in live bands many evenings. Sunday Walk or take Muni northeast along Market Street for a leisurely late breakfast or early lunch at the Ferry Building Marketplace, a gorgeous 1898 former transportation hub that was converted a few years ago into fabulous food shops and restaurants (there's also a farmers market held on the grounds on Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., spring through fall). Order a tender ahi burger and garlic fries at Taylor's Refresher, before devouring a few scoops of Scharffen Berger Chocolate gelato at Ciao Bella. Next, take Muni along the Embarcadero to Pier 41. This is a touristy part of the city, adjoining Fisherman's Wharf and its slew of annoyingly kitschy shops, but from Pier 41 you can use your CityPass to take a free one-hour Blue & Gold Fleet boat tour of San Francisco Bay. This is the quickest and easiest, and arguably the most interesting, way to get a sense of why San Francisco ranks among the most beautiful cities in the world. These narrated tours pass under the Golden Gate Bridge, by the tony towns of Sausalito and Tiburon, and around the infamous former prison, Alcatraz. Sunday Night Head to one of the Castro's hottest gay-date spots, Catch, which serves addictive trench fries tossed with Parmesan cheese and white-truffle oil as well as a dandy grilled monkfish with herb-mushroom risotto. But save room for a dessert of Valrhona Chocolate molten cake with toffee ice cream and almond butter across the street at 2223, which also has a fine list of after-dinner cognacs, ports, and liqueurs. This lively, handsome restaurant is also a great place for dinner. Monday Depending on the exact time of your departure, you can set aside Monday to check out a neighborhood you hadn't sufficient time to explore, such as SoMa, home to outstanding San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). Or perhaps spend a little time browsing Macy's, Gump's, or any of the hundreds of fine shops around Union Square. You can break for lunch at the super-cruisy Wolfgang Puck Express Cafe in the cellar at Macy's or enjoy a more substantial meal at Town Hall, a superb contemporary American restaurant set inside a vintage SoMa warehouse, where you might sample duck-confit enchiladas with tomatillo sauce, or a poached-shrimp club sandwich with bacon and heirloom tomatoes. Where to Stay A splendidly restored 1909 Edwardian mansion straddling the Castro and Mission neighborhoods, Parker House is the Castro's most spectacular inn. Guests make considerable use of the lavish public areas and appreciate the antiques, rich fabrics, and modern conveniences (WiFi, voicemail) in the 21 sun-filled rooms. Paths wind through · extensive gardens and lawns. A more affordable Castro option is the Willows Inn, whose 12 cozy, warmly furnished rooms share four bathrooms and four separate shower rooms but have all the other charms and comforts you'd expect of a far pricier small hotel. Both properties draw a mix of lesbians and gay men. If you'd prefer to stay downtown, consider booking a room at one of the several hotels run by the gay-friendly Kimpton or Joie de Vivre hotel chains. Favorite Kimpton properties include the richly furnished Serrano Hotel, which is decorated in Moroccan and Spanish style, and the more moderately priced Hotel Triton, a hip and whimsical property that's also one of the most eco-friendly hotels in the country. Joie de Vivre has hotels in all prices ranges, from the bargain- priced Commodore Hotel, whose basic but pieasant rooms come with Aveda bath products and deco-inspired furnishings, to the ultra-chic Hotel Vitale, which opened in 2005 across from the Ferry Building Marketplace and is best-known for its nifty Panoramic Suites, with 180-degree views of San Francisco Bay. A mid-priced option that's noteworthy for its stellar Cortez restaurant and stvlish contemporary interior, Joie de Vivre's Hotel Adagio occupies a restored 16-story building just up the street from the high-end shopping of Union Square. !n this city known for its swank and sumptuous hotels, the biggest challenge you may face during a three-day visit is finding the motivation to leave your cushy guest room. The Little Black Book Baron Castro (456 Castro St., 415-626-7220). The Cafe (2367 Market St., 415-861-3846). Cafe Delle Stelle (395 Hayes St., 415-252-1110). Catch (2362 Market St., 415-431-5000). Cinch Saloon (1723 Polk St., 415-776-4162). Commodore Hotel (825 Sutter St., 415-923-6800 or 800-338-6848, www.jdvhospitality. com). Cruisin' the Castro Historical & Cultural Walking Tours (415- 550-8110, www.webcastro.com/castrotours). de Young Museum (Golden Gate Park, 415-863-3330, www.deyoungmuseum.org). Eagle Tavern (398 12th St., 415-626-0880). Ferry Building Marketplace (Embarcadero at Market St., www.ferrybuildingmarketplace. com). Hole in the Wall Saloon (289 8th St., 415-431-4695). Hotel Adagio (550 Geary St., 415-775-5000 or 800-228-8830, www. jdvhospitality.com). Hotel Triton (342 Grant St., 415-394-0500 or 800-800-1299, www.hoteitriton.comJ. Hotei Vitale (8 Mission St., 415-278-3700 or 888-890-8688, www.hotelvitale.com). Lexington Club (3464 19th St., 415-863-2052). Limon (524 Valencia St., 415-252-0918). Metro (3600 16th St., 415-703-9750). N'Touch (1548 Polk St., 415-441-8413). Parker House (520 Church St., 415-621-3222 or 888-520-7275, www.parkerguesthouse.com ). Pilsner inn (225 Church St., 415-621-7058). San Francisco CityPass (888-330-5008, www.citypass.com). San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau (reservation service, 888-782-9673; www. sfvisitor.org). Serrano Hotei (405 Taylor St, 866-289-6561. www. serranohoteLcom). Siow Club (250i Mariposa St., 415-241-9390). Stud (399 9th St.. 415-252-7883). Town Hall (342 Howard St, 415-908-3900). 2223 (2223 Market St., 415-431-0692). Willows Inn (710 14th St., 415-431-4770 or 800-431-0277. www.willowssf. com). Wolfgang Puck Express Cafe (Macy's Union Square. 170 O'Farrell St., 415-296-4858). the STAR, Celebrating our 3rd Year 2006. 7 8 snack r 7204 E. Pine Tulsa, OK Corndogs COLDEST BEER IN TULSA! Open 12Noon to 2am Daily. ATTN WOMEN/ ET A l>OLLAR FOR EVERY Y M N YOU BRING TO 6AYCOI N ■W IIV■NTS ADD■DI PRID -:Y 1r1t RI Swiss Holiday Resort No Surprises Staying with,,. Rodeway Inn Ozarks Family Owned! Great Sunday• Thursday Rates • Visitors center and area attraction ticket center • Jacuzzi king rooms for two • On-site weddiDgs and wedding packages • Close to restaurants and attractions • Small pets allowed • Family reunions • Ozark Mountain Motorcycle Tours of popular area destinations • Picnic and barbecue area • Group rates and package plans • Church group packages available • Friendliest atmosphere in Eureka Springs ° Family owned and operated • Trolley stop • Free tanning bed for guests • Continental breakfast • Meeting room to hold 80 with full kitchen • On-site massage therapy center • Guest laundry • Center of all attractions Call for toll free reservations: 1- 8- 2-8464 P.O. Box 430 • Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 479-253-9501 www.eurekaspringsresort.com Advertising in the STAR is Just good business cents. ' 1r· 7204 E@ Pine - Tulsa, OK 1 Ill 0 Oklahoma's Oldest Gay Bar (come check out our new system) .,/-~ ! £vtr'f "Dunda'{ A Bamboo Lounge Tulsa Tradition ncldrive:ies~ ihan one mile and your into Ft. lauderdalEJ; iii~· ·> port is the EASIEST airport in the U.S to fly out of. Or you can do like we do and just dri there. · There are dozens of gay resorts in Ft. Lauderdale but very favorite is the GRAND RESORT ANO SPA which is located just steps away from the beach. It is the largest men's resort on Fort Lauderdale Beach and the finest. one! They are beyond a doubt tfie .. number one preference for the discerning gay traveler accustomed to fine travel destinations worldwide. Their multilingual staff is ready to assist you in whatever your plans are. The Grand offers spacious, super cl~,1::m accommodations featuring cable TV, VCR's, DVD's, Hi-Fi CD Music Systems, Voice Mail, irons .. • and ironing boards, safes, hairdryer, refrigerator, gourmet !7;,, pan ' and coffeemaker. Accommodations have ;l},. lnterrfet access .. They offer a wide .. · . . . . ..... . guest room, deluxe guest room, deluxejur:i~or suite; deluxe one b~droom, deluxe · · · · .wise the . . and truly care about theirgue$; The·entire staff of.the Grandis the same way. We simply have never hadsuch a. wonderful experience at any resort that we have stayed in. EVERY staff member cares about the guests and are super friendly and hospitable. Why can't all resorts operate in this manner? While we were staying there in January one of the guests was involved in a minor auto accident. He had forgot to take his wallet with ID with him. He called the Resort and one of the staff went to his room, got his wallet and ID and drove it to him. Talk about service! We have stayed there several times and it just keeps getting better and better each time we stay there. has a 30 foot fountain splashing in can. soak in their 10 man Jacuzzi. view~urideck for sunbathing. On to 7 PM join in their Social Hour . chips and salsa on Fridays and wine and cti~ese on Saturday. This js a great way to meet all the gti$st~L Tlieftl;ts alwa · of social activity going .· . . · .. · . .. her guests and meeting people atttlE!;beach IJ)any of their guests never leave·the property, except fo(lcinch and dinner. We alwaYt,,rn,eet such fun, interesting, wonderful and fab . . · we stay there. Many of their guests have. ·arthe Grand many times and would never think of §laYi!}g anywhere else .. When you have found the best, \liby;:look any fi}rther? • 4,. Tiley have aw sp~¢iality faci .m anicures an ·. calming, nurturing and are constantly bei techniques. J.D. G has been a licensed expertise in Swedis. ~ ,., Re-Education and Trigger . a licensed Esthetician, J. D. aiso specializes in a number of body treatments that includes body wraps, scrubs, waxing and faoials. Besides taking advantage of the Spa ourseives we have talked with dozens of people who have taken advantage of the Spa and everyone of them said that it was the finest that they have ever been to. You do not need to be a guest of the Resort to make an appointment at the Spa. When you get hungry, there is only one place in town that we highly recommend and that is the HI-LIFE CAFE. Chef Carlos Fernandez and Host Chuck Smith have created this fabulous restaurant that features a truly great dining experience in a unique atmosphere. Located at 3000 North Federal Highway, they serve dinner nightly, Tuesday thru Sunday and are closed on Monday. They recently celebrated their 10th Anniversary for their restaurant and they have a huge loyal following who KNOW that they are the best restaurant in the city. Check out their website at: www.hilifecafe.com. Chuck and Carlos are two of the nicest and most sincere men that you would ever want to meet. Their entree selections are Salmon, Crab cakes, Chicken, Pork Osso Bucco, Duck, Steaks and they always have wonderful specials of the day. They also have a Pre- · Theatre Price Fixe Menu. (Photo right ''The Beautiful Grand Resort. 'JTheir dessert offerings are tremendous but we prefer their Southern Derby Pecan Pie which is to die for! Visitors to Ft. Lauderdale have been coming here for that past 10 years. Be sure to call ahead to make reservations. Their phone number is: 954-563-1395. We GUARANTEE that you will love this restaurant! We GUARANTEE IT! No Ft. Lauderdale is complete there. trip to unless you dine Okay, so your accommodations and dining experiences are taken care of in Ft. Lauderdale, now it's time to either head for the beach and lay in the sun or to the bars to party. From the GRAND RESORT just walk two very short blocks and you are right at the beach. Walk about another 4 blocks South and you will be at Sebastian Beach which is the Gay Beach where you will encounter hundreds of other gay men in ali shapes, sizes, ages and ? What a way to spend your morning or afternoon! Downtown Ft. Lauderdale is iust a few blocks away from the Grand and they have lovely· and interesting shops to visit there. Lots of touristy things abound in Ft. Lauderdale. Just pick up some of the many packets, magazines and brochures at the front desk of your resort. Always read a copy of the local newspaper in the Club Room at the Grand to see the many entertainment and cultural activities going on. So now you ready to go to the bars and party. There are dozens of gay bars in Ft Lauderdale. Way too many to talk about in one column so we will basically just tell you what kind of bars there are. Into Leather? Well, they have a couple of leather bars that you need to check out: Ramrod's and the Jackhammer. They have great piano bars including the Tropics and Dudes. Our very favorite piano entertainers in Ft. Lauderdale are Tony and Gloria who are a piano/guitar duo. They entertain at both the Tropics and Dudes bars. And be sure and pick up a copy of their latest CD. There are plenty of strip bars if you are into that. Lots of neighborhood bars and plenty of dance/disco bars are found there. HOT SPOTS magazine has been publishing their fine magazine weekly in Ft. Lauderdale for years and it is a MUST to read to find out where all the gay bars are located and what their schedules are. Before you go to Ft. Lauderdale check out Hot Spots at: www.hotspotsmagazine. com . And be sure to read Rich's Corner which is in each and every issue of HOT SPOTS. Rich is a great writer and keeps up on what is happening. Our very favorite entertainer in Ft. Lauderdale is AUNTIE MAME who is the best of the best. Such a dear person. She. is OUTRAGEOUS! which is the way that drag queens should be! Fun, funny and always a very caring person is what Mame is. You can check her out at: www.auntiemame.biz So, next time your bored and wanting to go someplace, why not call the Grand Resort and Spa in Ft. Lauderdale and book a few days with them. We promise you that you will have fun, Fun and more FUN! That is the ONLY place to stay in Ft. Lauderdale and don't forget to dine at the HiLife! Chuck and Carlos are the best. Quotable Quotes "For me, 'Brokeback' isn't rebellious at a/i. It's a ve,y ordinary movie. Peopie call it groundbreaking or what not. It puts a lot of pressure on me. But I didn't feel this way when I was making the movie. This is the way gays are. It's just that they have been distorted. When two people are in love and are scared, that's the way they are." ............... . Oscar winning director- Ang Lee the STAR 11 ly pie Diving Champion reg Louganis Co-Host "100 Champions" ay ames Benefit at Soldier Field Olympic Gold Medalist becomes International Gay Games Ambassador Chicago, IL - Olympic diving champion Greg Louganis will serve as co-host of "A Night of 100 Champions," a gala to benefit the Chicago 2006 Gay Games. Scheduled for Saturday, 22 April 2006, the event will honor top U.S and international sports legends and top artists at the Cadillac Club at Soldier Field. Louganis also will join the "Gay Games Ambassadors," an international group of prominent individuals supporting the goals and principles of the quadrennial Gay Games. Ambassadors include Elton John, Melissa Etheridge, Billy Bean, Billie Jean King and many other notable celebrities. Greg Louganis will travel to Chicago to co-host "A Night of 100 Champions," the first of two events at Soldier Field's Cadillac Club the weekend of 22-23 April 2006. More than 100 individuals and organizations will be honored for achievement in sports, culture and support of the GLBT community. The event will include a silent auction, awards presentation, VIP cocktail reception, celebrity concert, and dancing on multiple stages. The next morning, Sunday, 23 April, the Cadillac Club will again be the site of "Breakfast with Champions." A brunch buffet with entertainment will be followed by an intimate Meet the Champions Panel Discussion hosted by a surprise guest celebrity with the opportunity for questions from the audience and autograph signing, Tickets are $75 for "A Night of 100 Champions," $65 for "Breakfast with Champions" or $125 for both events. Patron Tables of Thn are available at $1,500, $2,500 and $5,000 levels, each offering a VIP Reception, preferred seating and benefits according to donation levels. Sponsorship levels starting at $10,000 provide upgrades to premiere seating. distinctive recognition opportunities, and specially crafted sponsorship packages. Ticket and sponsorship information jS available at v1ww. GayGamesChicago. org About Greg Louganis Greg Louganis is more than just an Olympic Champion -- he stands out as an exceptional human being who has led an extraordinary life. Greg's introduction to the world of diving was at the age of ten, when he first began competing. By age 16 he had won his first Olympic medal, a silver, on the platform in the 1976 Olympics. In 1984, at age 24, he became the first man ln 56 years to win two Olympic gold medals in diving by winning both the platform and springboard events. In 1986, Greg · won both the platform and springboard events at the Championships. Two years later at the 1988 Olympics, competing against divers half his age, and despite a near disastrous injury during a dive, he became the first man to win double gold medals for diving in two consecutive Olympics. Louganis' connection to the Gay Games is a special one. He used the occa.sion of the 1994 Gay Games in New York to first publicly acknowledge his sexuality and his status as HIV itive. More recently he served as the narrator of the y Games documentary, "Take the Flame," by filmmaker David Secter (2005). "We continue to be amazed at the life of this extraordinary man," said Kathleen Webster, co-president of the international Federation of Gay Games. "He has been a staunch supporter of the Gay Games for more than a decade and we are grateful for his continued support as the Gay Games returns to U S. for the first time in 12 years.·· 12 the STAR Oi<lahoma's Premier GLBT Magazine. IS DEMOCRAT KATHY TAYLOR THE CANDIDATE OF CHOICE FOR TULSA'S GLBT COMMUNITY? YOU DECIDE. From the STAR Editor: Kathy Taylor for Tulsa Mayor website ask this question for Tulsa voters. "How can I make your life better?" The STAR's answer was. Bring equal rights to all people in Tulsa including the GLBT community. And we posed this question. Question: Are you seeking the Gay/Lesbian vote in Tulsa? The following is the response we received from her staff. 'Thank you for your message. Kathy Taylor believes in diversity and in equal rights -- she has built a 25-year career on those values. She doesn't ask her employees about their personal lives, their political affiliation, their religion ... You get the idea. Kathy Taylor hires people based on their ability to do a job and she treats everyone with the respect and dignity they deserve. She will be the same woman if elected Tulsa's mayor. I hope you'll help make that happen by voting for Kathy Taylor for Mayor on April 4." Lesbian crowned college King. FREDERICK, MD. -- Hood College is reviewing its homecoming rules after a lesbian was crowned king, a college official said. Jennifer Jones, the 21-year-old senior who beat out three men for the ciOwn, said it was a positive step for the private liberal arts college. "It is cool that Hood allows people to be themseives," Jones said. "If people didn't want me to be king, they wouldn't have nominated me and voted for me:· More than two weeks after Jones was crowned, criticism and praise were still rippling through the 2, 100-student campus in western Maryland. Santo Provenzano, 21, who competed for king, said Jones· selection made the event seem like a joke. "It discourages guys from wanting to take part in the future," Tulsa r. Leather 2006 nd The inner Is! Photo left: winner "Tulsa Mr. Leather 2006" James Hollingswood. Right: Jay Whiteside, 1st Runner Up. by Greg Steele TULSA, OK_ Tulsa Mr. Leather contest climaxed on Saturday March 18th at Club Maverick with James Hollingswood coming out on top. James will now advance to the Oklahoma Mr. Leather contest to be held in October. The Okla- · homa Mr. Leather organization is franchise of "International Mr. Leather" headquartered in Chicago. Title holders must be present at as many community functions as possible and must represent "Leather" in a positive manner throughout the community. They must promote unity, camaraderie, brother/sister hood. Winners must also actively participate in at least 3 charity benefits during the next 12 months. The group heid a meet and greet party on Friday March 17th and ended their weekend event with a Sunday brunch at the Metro Diner, Tulsa. The STAR since 2003 13 14 I L Fl E - ' Oklahoma City ur 5th Anniversary 3 Days of Quality Workshops, Vendors, Great Plains Olympus Contests, Cigar Smoker, Saints and Sinners Costume Contest, Many Free Prizes, Play Parties, other Social Activities, N LA-I AGM and as always, a surprise or two! Only $125 if registered by April 21 ! Group Discounts for 6 or more! Vendor Market is FREE and Open to the Public www.TribalFire KC.com the STAR, It's your community, we deliver it. ''A hysterical GLBT comedy troupe born from members of Chicago's famous "SEC D CITY". They are determined to raise our spirits and make the Ozarks hills shake with laughter with a show GLBTs and their straight friends & families can enjoy together!" EUREKA SPRINGS, AR._Diversity Pride Events is proud to present GAY-CO as part of our commitment to produce quality events for GLBTs (gays, lesbians, bisexuals a der) and their Allies. This comedy show will e Spring Diversity Weekend in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, April 7-9. On Saturday April 8, there will be two performances of GAY-CO at a 2pm Matinee and at 7:30pm at the historic Auditorium. GayCo Productions is a notfor- profit theatre ensemble that specializes in creating sketch-comedy revues based on gay/lesbian themes. An award winning ensemble that was established in 1996 as The "Second City's" first lesbigay and straight outreach program. Ed Garza, former Administrative Director of The "Second City'' Train- Ing Center, brought together nine performfrom the training center was to be c!n experimental workshop. Irreverent spirit is just one reason why Rob Chambers, executive director of The Second City Training Center, counts himself a fan. "Given the current political and social climate, I can't wait to see what they come up with ... 11 he says of the company that can put its comedy chops next to those of more esta names. GayCo is no less funny than, say, the cast on the Second City main stage. They've amassed an ever-growing fan base since their debut in 1996. HI think they really touched on something that was needed," Chambers says. Additional events during Diversity Weekend include a 'GOLDEN OLDIES' Dance & Socia! featuring dance hits from the 1940's to present day, an 'OVER 16' Diversity Dance, sponsored by Eureka Kid and another local charity, and a DIVERSITY BIKERS 'Show 'n Shine'. A WELCOME MIXER, co-sponsored by Diversity Pride Events and Eureka Pride, with a Raffle to benefit the Food Bank, will be held Friday night from 7pm - 9pm. And other local businesses will be nouncing many events. See Eureka Pride. ureka Springs, sas prides on it's diverpecially on ity Weeks, GLBTand LAG visitors me from all the world to ittle village e heart of. activither attractions, ants geared toward i Along with 0thvents invites you to visit Eureka year rou on FALL, SPRING, SUMMER & VALENTIN WEEKENDS for concerts, dances & other Pride Events. D.P.E. is committed to producing and supporting quality events for GLBTs (Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, Transgender) and Parents, Friends, Families of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAGs) ... of ALL ages to enjoy together! "Our mission is to create intelligent and thought-provoking sketch comedy based on Gay and Lesbian themes that will entertain, educate and/or enlighten our audience." For more information go to: www.diversitypride.com or www.gayco.net The STAR since 2003 The Riders stood off campus hoping that the university administration would have a change of heart: but when the time came to attempt to have a conversation, their hopes were met . with handcuffs. While the arrests were taking place, fellow Riders waited across the street holding portraits of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who committed suicide or were killed because of religious messages that portrayed them as sick and sinful. In all, eight individuals were arrested when they attempted to gain entrance to the campus -- 6 Equality Riders and 2 community members. Moving across police lines toward the school's massive sculpture of praying hands, they carried Bibles and quoted scripture passages that reflected why they felt called to talk with students at Oral Roberts about ending the school's policy of religion-based discrimination against LGBT people. Speaking about why she felt motivated to be arrested, Jessie Sullivan said, "I had seriously considered going to Oral Roberts for college; but when I came to campus to visit I did not feel welcome. It was that unease that made me feel as if I should make a statement about why colleges should be welcoming to everyone, because we are all one in Christ. God loves 1:1s wholly for who we are." Several Orai Roberts students have contacted Riders by email and phone to try to set up meetings and dialogue off campus. ORU students have stated that the university has blocked the Soulforce web site from web browsers of resident students. Nathan Bengtson, one of the Riders in charge of the Oral Roberts Univeisity stop, has vowed to find ways to reach out to students regardless of the administration's tactics. "We've met obstacles at every school we've visited so far; and in every instance we have found ways to dialogue with students. It is time for this issue to be discussed." y ur1JL Sales Associate ION DOLLAR PRODUCER" ffice: (918) 496-2252 625-6377 fax (918)491-6351 · . . 91.02 ".ilS6 t-!,3-". ',, . . . . 16 Advertising in the STAR is just good business cents. 8l6-231-1196 concoursepa ;oo _5enton _5lvd. Kansas Cit_y, Mo 6+12+ Ga,Y owned and operated we proudl,Y accept the . FKIDE.CAKD fl ook now for Memorial Dag Weekend and tht! Gag/ ride Festival!! t-ANY ONE sta_ying in April will be entered to WIN Depeche Mode Tix!! Just inutes h-om most KC ttractions L ven the little ones will sleep well with us! Call for rates, weekend specials, or exten 437E. 141st Street Glent,,ool, OK 7 4033 918.291.EARL (3275) Serving the Tulsa Metro Area for over 21 Years with PRIDE! CUSTOM DECORATING * HOLIDAY SPECIALS prders by 12noon guaranteed same day delivery. Don't forget Momma for Easter! Floral Arrangements For All Occasions & Holidays Your order is treated with the upmost confidentiality Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine. 17 The Cancer of Fundamentalism What is going on with the world right now? When did hate become so acceptable? It's getting to the point where reading the news is almost too depressing to handle -and that's just the mainstream news. God forbid I should check the LGBT news outlets. For a while, in the 90s, it felt like things were looking up. There were progressive governments in place in many countries, and bigotry and discrimination were largely seen as bad things. Then all that changed. You can pretty much pinpoint the exact day: December 14, 1999, when the Supreme Court ruled 5 to 4 in favor of Bush and stopped the Florida recount. It was all downhill from there. When Bush became president, the Fundamentalist Christian Right took power. Bigotry and discrimination went from being negative qualities to presidential policy. As Episcopal priest and former Republican Senator John C. Danforth said in a 2005 editorial for The New York Times, "Republicans have transformed our [the Republican] party into the political arm of conservative Christians." Danforth went on to say, 'The problem is not with people or churches that are politically active. It is with a party that has gone so far in adopting a sectarian agenda that it has become the political extension of a religious movement." In other words, the United States is fast becoming a theocracy. The danger with fundamentalism, whether we're talking about Christians or Mus!ims, is that they aren't content to simply believe a cer'tain way; they feel they have to force their beliefs on everyone else as well. You must believe the way they do or eise. That would be bad enough if they simply ranted and raved and protested at funerals, but when they start controlling politics to the point that they are legislating their personal beliefs, the reai trouble begins. Need examples? Look no farther than the Federal Marriage Amendment, or any one of the myriad states following suit. As of February 16, 2006, thirteen states had constitutional amendments pending that would limit or prohibit same-sex marriage and/or other forms of reiationship recognition. Six other states had approved such amendments and were awaiting ratification by voters. My own home state of Maryland is one of those with antigay legislation pending. Last month, state Democrats outmaneuvered Republicans in the House to kill a proposed amendment that would have banned same-sex marriage and civil unions in the state. A few weeks later, the Republicans bounced back with another version that would permit civil unions while prohibiting marriage. This week, during testimony advising the proposed amendment be dropped, Republican Senator Nancy Jacobs interrupted American University constitutional law professor James Raskin to assert, "As I read Biblical principles, marriage was intended, ordained and started by God - that is my belief. For me, this is an issue solely based on religious principals." Well golly gee, Ms. Jacobs, ever hear of something called separation of church and state? I don't really give a rat's ass what your religious beliefs are. You were elected to uphold the Constitution, not your interpretation of the Bible. This is the part that always gets me. Why should your religion be more valid than say Judaism? Or for that matter, why should your version of Christianity be more valid than any other? After all, not all Christians are opposed to gay rights. If legislating based on personal beliefs is okay, then what if a Jehovah's Witness was elected? They don't believe in celebrating birthdays or exchanging gifts at Christmas. Imagine the national outcry if they introduced legislation outlawing birthday parties and Christmas piesents. The Fundies would be right at the forefront, once again raising their ridiculous "War on Christmas" banners. My point is, while it's unreasonable to expect that an elected official's personal faith will have no influence on their decision making process, it should never come before Constitutional law. Moral codes are variable and, despite what Conservatives would like to believe, no one belief system has a lock on the Truth. There is no basis under civil law that can legitimately be used to outlaw same-sex marriage. Historical precedent wasn't good enough for woman's rights, black rights, or interracial marriage, and it's not good enough for gay rights, either. The only argument they have is based on religion, and the fact is that's not valid. Fundamentalism is like a cancer. It's eating away at the United States, and, just like cancer, we can't afford to ignore it. It's not going to simply go away. We have to cut it out in order to start healing. Yes, damage has been done, but none of it is irieparable. It's not too late, but we have to wake up and start fighting back. We have to get the slaves to the Fundies out of office. !t won't be easy, especially in the South. They've been slowly entrenching themselves there for decades now. The Conservative Christian movement controls many Senators and (~ontinued ncxr page 18 the STAR, Oklahoma's Premier GLBT Magazine. HEART TO HEART Representatives, contributing millions to their campaigns. They are well-organized in getting the votes, using the pulpit to spread their propaganda. It's high time we organized against them, and it's finally starting to happen. Many states have formed strong LGBT political lobbyist groups in the last few years. These groups are at long last getting the LGBT community and our allies together. If you're not already involved in one of these groups, or at the very .least on their mailing list, what are you waiting for? 'Tm not political" is no longer an acceptable excuse. This is about more than politics. The cancer is spreading and if we don't do something soon, it will be too late. Now that many states have won their war against gay marriage, the Fundies are encouraged. They're moving on to bigger and better things. Their newest issue is gay adoption and, currently, there are 16 states addressing differing levels of restriction. First marriage, then adoption. It doesn't take much imagination to see where this is leading. We can put a stop to it, however, by electing fair-minded men and women as our senators, representatives, governors, mayors, and, yes, president. 2006 is a midterm election year. It could very well set the tone for the next presidential election. Be sure to know your candidates, get involved, and most importantly, get out there and vote! It's the only way to stop the cancer of Fundamentalism. health outreach prevention education, Inc. 1-800-535-AI DS (2437) Oklahoma's HIV/STD Hotline PRO PROTECT YOUR PARTl\l~R(S) * Free nonjudgmental HIV testing, inoiudirig ffie '20 minute OraQuick Test. * Free Syphillis screening at the GLBT Comrrlunlty Center on Tuesdays from 6-Bpm H.O.P.E. Testing Clinic Mens 01Jtreach Progra,n In Tulsa at(918) 812-7045 Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $26.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: Ozarks STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: _______________ _ Address: _______________ _ City: ________ St: ___ Zip:. ____ _ Phone: ________ _ Check enclosed Money Order Starr Date: ______ _ FREE HIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS Testing the last Sunday of each month benveen 5PM and 6PM. 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 Sunday Seffice 6PM Your Invited to our Communitv Dinner Every \Xled. 6pm just $4.00. No one 1s turned away. The STAR since 2003 19 I Lesbian Notions by Libby Post APRIL 2006 "JUSTIFY OUR LOVE" Leah Crask and Teresa Weeks met like many lesbians meet - through some friends. One of Teresa's friends actually asked Leah out first. But, as the saying goes, love always finds a way, and now Leah and Teresa are happily ensconced in their San Francisco home with a 9-month-old son. When San Fran's mayor, Gavin Newsom, decided it was only fair for lesbians and gay to marry, Leah and Teresa walked through the doors of City Hall and took their vows on March 1, 2004. · "Getting married was a huge difference," said Leah. "All of a sudden my parents acknowledged that, 'Oh, you're gonna be together forever.'" Leah and Teresa's marital bliss did not last that long, but they didn't break up. By the end of the month, the California Supreme Court enjoined Newsom from granting any more marriage licenses to same-sex couples, and nullified the 4,000 or so same-sex marriages that took place while those licenses were being granted. Instead of being legally married, Leah and Teresa only have their domestic partner registration to prove the validity of their relationship. Not to be taken lightly, having domestic partner laws are better than not having them, but just imagine how hurtful it must have been for Leah, Teresa, and the thousands of other couples who one day celebrated the love they always knew to be true and the next day were told, "Sorry, you really don't count." According to a new ~dy entitled "I Do, But I Can't: The Impact of Marriage Denial on the Mental Health and Sexual Citizenship of Lesbians and Gay Men in the United States," being denied marriage rights has had a tremendous negative impact on our mental heaith and well-being. Whiie we have creatively taken the "defining our own family structure'' situation firmly in hand, the study found that our inability to marry creates "the mental distress of second-class citizenship." The "I Do, But I Can't" study is co-authored by Gilbert Herdt, Ph.D., an anthropologist and director of the National Sexuality Resource Center at San Francisco State University, and Robert Kertzner, M.D., a practicing psychiatrist who is also an adjunct associate research scientist in Coiumbia University's Department of Psychiatry. When it comes time for the Christian Right to try to discredit the study, the authors' academic pedigrees should give the findings some insulation. So what did Herdt and Kertzner find? When comparing married straights to unmarried straights, they found that married individuals have better mental health, more emotional support, less psychological distress, and lower rates of psychiatric disorder than unmarried folks. They found that hetero social networks support marriage. A case study in rural Oregon showed how married hets can comfortably rely on their churches, local schools, and neighborhood visibility to secure or enhance jobs, form political alliances. and access social support such as childcare. A same-sex couple iesiding in the same town was shut out of these opportunities because ... they weren't a straight, married couple. When looking solely at gay and lesbian couples, the study found, among many things, that the lack of legally recognized marriage may cause couples not to value their relationships as legitimate expressions of commitment and "intimate sexual citizenship." Not being able to marry also deprives many of us of social and family support. According to Herdt and Kertzner, having this type of support counteracts stress and social isolation. Remember, Leah's parents didn't consider her relationship with Teresa as real until they got married. While Leah and Teresa's legal marriage may be null and void, they haven't fallen victim to devaluing their relationship. Yet, they do struggle every day with having to prove to the world that they are in a committed, loving relationship. Leah became pregnant with Caden after their marriage was voided. When it came time to make sure their son's birth certificate listed both of them. Leah pre-packed their domestic partner certificate so she had it when her delivery time came. "It's usually not the first thing you think of when you go into labor," she said. When it actually came time to fill out the certificate, the state hadn't kept up with its own legislative changes, and the birth certificate still said mom and dad. "There was no appropriate form to recognize a domestic partner on a birth certificate." said Teresa. Leah was surprised that they had to cmss out "mother and father" and put down "parent 1 and parent 2." But, in order to guarantee that Teresa is iegally Caden's parent, they are going through the second-parent adoption process. Teresa pointed out that if a married couple had to go to a sperm bank in order to conceive, the husband wouldn't have to go through this process, even though he is not genetically related to the child. "It's a little hard to swaliow that we have to go through a different process that's more invasive and more expensive," said Teresa. "It's painful to have to adopt your own child." But the pain is even deeper. "It's always, 'Is your relationship enough?' 'Can you prove it enough?"' 20 The Ozarks STAR since 2003 ast Out by Liz Highleyman APRIL 2006 Summary : Past Out is a retrospective of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT history. Each installment brings the past to life by exploring the diversity of the gay past and its impact on the queer present. Who Was John Preston? Author John Preston is perhaps best known for creating the archetypal leatherman, Mr. Benson, but he was also a pioneering gay rights activist. Born Dec. 11, 1945, Preston grew up in Medfield, Mass. He discovered the gay community as a teenager, escaping as often as possible to Harvard Square in Boston to purchase physique magazines, and visiting the gay resort of Provincetown. After graduating from high school in 1963, Preston moved to Chicago to attend Lake Forest College. He became involved in civil rights activism, traveling to Alabama as a freedom rider and tutoring students in Chicago's slums. Having moved to Boston in 1969 in search of a gay community, Preston chose to "come out with a vengeance" after an early lover committed suicide. After this, Preston moved to Minneapolis, where he co-founded Gay House ( one of the first gay community centers) and Gay Community Services. He was also a progressive Christian activist, serving as a member of the National Council of Churches' Task Force on Gay People in the Church; though he aspired to become an Episcopal priest, he abandoned the idea due to what he saw as the '<hurch's hypocrisy concerning homosexuality. · In the mid-1970s, Preston moved to Los Angeles, where he was hired as editor of the national gay publication, The Advocate_, a position he held for about a year. in a quest to become "the ultimate gay man," he then worked as a hustler in San Francisco before moving to New York City in 1978, where he immersed himself in the S/M underworld. He later recalled that his first bondage scene was with a New Jersey state trooper who tied him to a tree in a deserted nature preserve. In his East Viliage basement apartment, Preston wrote his best-known work, a short story featuring the imperious master Aristotle Benson and his slave Jamie. He submitted the story to _Drummer_ magazine, and soon received a call from the publisher asking if he could turn it into a serialized novel. "Mr. Benson" first appeared in the May 1979 issue, and before long fans were eagerly awaiting each new installment. To the surprise of many, Preston left New York's bustling gay scene a year later, donning oxford-cloth shirts and loafers and settling into small-town life in Portland, Maine, where he could often be found walking his dog, Vlad the Impaler. He had moved to Portland with his lover and slave, Jason Klein, but Klein soon returned to San Francisco: he died not long after as a result of an autoerotic asphyxiation accident. Due to the success of his Mr. Benson stories (published as a book in 1983), Preston himself was cast into the role of the archetypal Topman. But he eventually grew apart from the leather scene, which he felt had been "overtaken by sightseers." He later acknowledged that in writing about that world, he helped popularize it. "Once the gates were open, the mystique began to erode," he wrote. "Leathersex has gone the way of all politics, it's lost its edge." In 1987, Preston, who had become a safer sex educator, learned that he himself was HIV-positive. Dismaye_d at the diagnosis, he could barely write for more than a year, but then went on to edit _Personal Dispatches: Writers Confront AIDS_ (1989). "I certainly found my own imagination rightly constricted by the idea of a deadly virus that was spread by sexual intercourse," he wrote. Preston brought sex writing into the realm of serious gay literature, always resisting pressure to recast his pornography as "erotica": 'The only difference is that erotica is the stuff bought by rich people; pornography is what the rest of us buy," he said. But while much of Preston's work was devoted to sex, he wrote widely in other genres, including a 1984 novel, _Franny, the Queen of Provincetown_, a series of adventure tales featuring gay undercover ex-Marine Alex Kane, and a syndicated column about gay life in Maine. He also edited numerous anthologies, including _Hometowns: Gay Men Write About Where They Belong_ (1991) and _ Sister and Brother: Lesbians and Gay Men Write about Their Lives Together_ (1994, with Joan Nestle). He regularly attended the annual OutWrite conference, was an active member of the National Writers Union, and mentored younger writers. His 1984 collection, I Once Had a Master and Other Tales of Erotic Love_, was among the works confiscated at the border by Canadian customs; he supported the iawsuit of Vancouver's Little Sisters Book and Art Emporium, but died before he could testify at the 1994 Canadian Supreme Court trial. Though quite i!I from complications of AIDS, Preston continued working on his final two anthologies from his hospital bed. He died at his home in Portland on April 28. 1994. A decade after his death, Preston's impact on the leather world endures - in the words of columnist Jack Rinella, "He gave it existence in the minds of thousands of readers, gave image to the dreams we all thought and to the men for whom we searched. 22 Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine What puzzles me about this whole thin with Fred Phelps in a, Kansas by DOUGLAS GLENN I get really get disgusted when I read or see in the news about the idiot, Fred Phelps in Topeka who does all of these bizarre things that he does in the name of "Christianity". He has been around for a long time and has caused so much havoc in the world and especially in Topeka, Kansas where he lives. We all need to know who our enemies are and he is indeed one of the worst. Even thou his website is total garbage you need to go to it once in a while just to see what kind of hate he is spewing: www.godhatesfags.com. After reading all the crap that he is putting out, then go to www.godhatesfredphelps.com to get another version of exactly what he is doing. The one thing that really irks me is that when he used to picket gay funerals the local and State governments just stood by and watched and wouldn't do anything about it. Only when he began to picket the funerals of American soldiers coming back from the war in Iraq did the local and State governments finally step in and hurriedly enacted laws keeping him at a great distance at funerals. It's great that they finally enacted this law but why didn't they do it before now? We have made a LOT of progress in these past few years and I do mean a LOT! But we need to continue the progress each and every day. In many parts of the country, being "gay" is just a part of life. Even in many cities here in the Midwest gays lives in the suburbs and have no problems with being gay at all: The teaching profession which used to be a no-no for gays now has an open door policy for "out'' gay teachers and they do not encounter any problems. Seems as thou it is just in the major cities in the Midwest that things are really changing and fast for gay equality. Just like being black or Jew, almost any minority still faces problems all the time. Will this ever change? I would certainly like to think so but am afraid that we are still a long way off. Sure gays can "pass" whereas blacks cannot. Jews used to change their last names to "pass" and it worked. But who wants to "pass" anymore? I certainly don't! I am a single gay white male and proud of who I am. I honestly believe that if there is a God, that God made me the way that I am. Why shouldn't I be proud of who I am? Is the cup half empty or half full? Each individual must make that decision for themselves. I have taiked with many older gay men in the community and they are amazed how open it is to be gay now. Their dreams of long ago has arrived and they are proud of what they did to encourage it. I just hope that in the next few years that it will be completely different than it is now. But we do have a lot of straight allies in our community who along with us are fighting for our rights. Always piaise them for what they are doing. We need them and they are so nice to help us. The STAR since 2003 23 Rs Salutations and welcome once more to sluts "R" us, err something like that. This month Cncle Mikey recovers from a love affair of epic proportions. I mean whew, that man was just too much. It was like being at rhe DQ and trying to take that extra dip, knowing your body. just won't handle it. I mean; it just was not right. While appealing, some mountains just are not meant to be climbed. Sadly, I had ro cur that stallion loose, sending him back into the wild. I hope he does not do any damage; talk about putting your eye out. I bet the censors are just on the edge of their seats. I guess, I do sound a little like a prom date gone bad. That man of substantial lovin' made more of an impression than I realized. Kittens, I tried, really I did. You just can't get a twelve in a size ten; I don't care how you work ir. Dear Uncle Mikey, At the college I attend, I have met, well kind of mer, this man. He is in some of my classes and all I can say is he is fine. He makes me perk up every time I see him. I have seen him with several females, assuming that he is straight. To teil you the truth that just makes the attraction stronger. I want him only for a short rime. These are my college years, I'm supposed to experiment. So, should I just get him drunk so ne can eqjoy my tale!.'lts? I realiy want this guy, so bad I have been ignoring the' guys who would giadly enjoy my company. What should I do? Frat-boy-lecious Dear Kitten, A.K.A. butter, you kaow what you want, and I would even say, you have already greased the Kegger nozzles, awaiting your frat boy knight. Uncle cautions howeYt:r, as though some straight wayward boys may let pu play~ some may not. Ob' who are .,,·e kidding, order rum a pizza and seal the deal. A straigh: colJege boy is like a walking drive through; you can have it your \Vay, if there is a good supply of beer and pizza. That's Amour' Smooches-Michac Uncle Mikey, I think my boyfriend of ten years has been seeing someone on the side. I have no real proof per say, just a nagging feeling in my gut. Sex has become strained, and I figured it was just because we had become so routine in our ways. I now see him acting like he is getting ready for a hook up though he tells me, working late, going on errands, ect. I do not want to be one of those jealous types, questioning every move. I also do not want to be living with someone else who is living with everybody. Know what I mean? What would you do? Suspecting in Ohio Dearest Suspecting, Kitten, I tell this repeatedly. If they are not getting ir at home, they are getting it somewhere. Via, liaison, hand-to-hand combat, somewhere, a man is a man after all. Secondly, if you feel something is amiss than more likely than not, there is. I would sit your man down and confront him with you feelings, prepared to hear whatever it is awaiting for you. Communication can be taken for granted after being with someone for a while, though never does the importance change in any relationship. He may be wondering why you rwo are not doing the bunny mambo across the front lawn anymore. Take ir a step at a time, as anything and anyone worth having is worth working for. Smooches-'Mikey Dear :Mikey, Where did your site go? I really enjoyed it and miss going there every week. A fan of Mikey's Kitten, You have touched me; moreover, I am willing to touch back. Kitten, The world is not ready for an entire corner of Mikey, lets break them in slowly shall we? Smooches- :Mikey Dear Uncle Mikey, My friends all give me a hard time telling me that I am stuck in the eighties. While, this is a joke to some, it is a way of life for me. I belong to that rime, style, and music. It was a rime that meant something more than found in the hallow music and style of today. Bring back the eighties'. Mrs. Garret's boy Dearest Kitten, Gimme-a-break! A virgin you are not, while time has turned and the beat goes on. You must accept the, facts of life, if you really want to enjoy tne good-times. This is a serious condition even if spoken through ca::eless whispers. Hanging on to the past can only prevent you from seeing the new and exciting rimes of today. You may be missing opportunity if you are looking behind yot.:. If you want to :1ear anyone say, I want your sex, ~han you must nip it in ci1e bud ;o to speak. Like a prayer, I send you good thoughts. Let go and let Cheri ... Smooches-Mikey Get with it, don't you wish your Guri was Hot like me? Yes, Kittens, Uncle Mikey is time:ess, whi!s~ my flame shall lead yet another generations of young queers evernvhere. \'{'ell Kittens, I guess that is all the time for this month. Until next, time. Smooches-l'ncle Mikey 26 The STAR since 2003 Easter Blackberry Wine Cake 1 White cake mix 1 pkg (3oz) Royal Blackberry gelatin. 4 Eggs. 1 cooking oil. 1 lackberry wine (use real blackberry wrne, not blackberry flavored.) 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine dry cake mix an latin, add eggs, oil and wine. Beat mixer on low speed until moistened, then beat on Medium speed 3 minutes, scraping bowl frequently. Grease and heavily flour a Sundt cake pan. Sprinkle pecan pieces in bottom of pan. Pour in batter and bake 45 to 50 minutes. Make aze while cake is baking. When cake is done, take from oven and pour f glaze over warm cake while still in pan. Let cool 30 minutes, turn cake out of pan. Add more powdered sugar glaze until thickened and pour glaze over cake. GLAZE 1 Cup powdered sugar. 1/3 cup butter or oleo. 1/2 cup blackberry wine. ~~to all. ... and it's time for a spring party. The April drink is a punch to make for Sunday Brunch or any get together. It's fruity delicious with the taste of passion fruit and raspberries. Mix up a pitcher full and enjoy. PASSION FRUIT PUNCH 1 oz. Parrot Bay Passion Fruit Rum 1/2 oz Chambord 2 oz Orange Juice 2 oz Cranberry Juice 2 oz Pineapple Juice Fill tall glass with ice. Add all ingredients. Garnish with lime, orange and cherry. Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine 27 QSco by Jack Fertig APRIL 2006 "Write polemics, Aries!"" es Mars opposing Pluto boosts stamina and determination, but also raises tempers and belligerence. With Mars in Gemini and Pluto in Sagittarius, it's more bark than bite. Keep longrange goals in mind, and you can achieve almost anything. Venus entering Pisces doesn't help you focus, but she does bring more accommodation and gentleness. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Write polemics, take up a challenging study, or do whatever you can to keep your hyper- charged brain productive and out of useless arguments that will quickly get very nasty. This is an ideal time to go in drag as Ann Coulter. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Your sweetness and sensitivity will boost your image and your career. Tangling with banks, insurance, or tax offices is not a good idea right now. Tangling with someone who knows how to talk dirty is a much better option. GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Although you believe in ideals of sweetness and light, you are too tempted to get down and dirty in the trenches. That makes for vicious arguments, but fantastic, passionate sex. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Worry can make you sick. Calm your mind and strengthen your body with some gentle physical activity, such as hiking or tai chi - or sex. Dancing is also helpful, and it makes you especially sexy. LEO (July 23 -August 22): The fun just doesn't stop. Yo~ may want to apply that energy to some artistic brilliance - if you can figure out what to do. The one you love offers great inspiration, but no focus. If you can pick a goal and stick with it, you can shifle! VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Try to find purpose and elegance in whatever task is at hand. This will calm your furiously busy brain and help keep you out of trouble. The boss may appreciate some of your ideas, but not nearly all of them! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Despite your i.ntention to make things agreeable, your sense of justice can push you to be very provocative. Sometimes that's necessary, but now you tend to go overboard. Try to think of life more as a creative game than as a struggle. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21 ): Although your sex drive is especially high, thinking distracts from doing. What are the actual value and cost of erotic fun? Traditional ideals may offer grounding or confusion, but need to be dealt with at some level. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Arguments with your parlner are hard to avoid. Poetry, music, movies, and arl all offer pleasant diversion. Just having it out and clearing the air may be the better course, and the make-up sex should be terrific! CAPRICORN (December 21 -January 19): Remember that your strength is in advancing carefully. Sudden frantic bursts of activity threaten to undennine your work and your health. Stay focused on your goals and don't get ahead of yourself! AQUARIUS (January 20- February 18): Harebrained schemes are screaming for you to invest your time and money. Put time into pleasure and future hopes, but guard your money carefully! When friends let you down, remember they are only human. 28 Adverlising in the STAR is just good business cents. 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Hillside- - - - - 316-682-5494 Priscilla's- - - - - 6143 W Kellogg Dr- - - - - - - - - - - 316-942-1244 Club Glacier- - - - - - - 2828 E. 31st South- - - - - 316-612-9331 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's---- --716S.Main- -------------417-627-9035 MCC Spirit of Christ- - -2902 E 20th, - - - - - - - - - - - -- Sun-6pm Missouri, Kansas City (816) Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -816-561-0625 Concourse Park B&B - 300 Benton Blvd -- - - - -816-231-1196 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 417-779-5084 Missouri, Springfield {417) The Edge- - - - - 424 Boonville Ave- - - - - -- - - - - - 417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- - -518 E. Commerical- - - - - - - -417-869-3978 Liquors & Kickers- - - - - 1109 E. Commercial- - - - --417-873-2225 Martha's Vineyard- - - 219 W Olive - - - - - - - - - - 417-864-4572 Priscilia's - - - -1918 S. Gienstone - - - - - - - - - - -417-881-8444 Oz Bar-504 E Commercial- - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - -821 College- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - -1109 E. Commercial- - - - - - - - - - - - - -417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Enid Hastings Books- - - -1_04 Sunset - - - - - - - - - - - - 580-242-6838 Priscilla's- - - - - - - - -4810-A West Garriott- - - - - - - 580-233-5511 Oklahoma, Lawton Triangles- - - - - 29 SW "D" Ave- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 580-351-0620 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - - - - - - - - - POBox 1515, - - - - - McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) American Crossroads B&B - POBox 270642- - - - - -405-495-1111 Boom Room- - - - - - - 2807 NW 36th St- -- - - - - -405-601-7200 Club Rox- - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy- - - - - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Cristies Toy Box- - 3126 N. May Ave - - - - - - - - - - - 405-946-4438 Eastern Ave Video- - -1105 S Eastern Ave- - - - - - - -405-672-6459 Fat Cat Bingo- - - - - - 3130 N. May Ave - - - - - -405-942-8875 Finish Line - - - - - - - 2200 NW 39th Expwy- - - 405-525-2900 Gushers Restaurant- - - - 2200 NW 39Exp - - - - - - -405-525-0730 HollywoodHotel- - - - 3535 NW 39th Ex- - - - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Habana Inn - - - - - - 2200 NW 39th Exp- - - - - - - -405-528-2221 Hi-lo Club - - - - - - - 1221 NW 50th- - - - - - - - - - - - 405-843-1722 Jungle Reds - - - - - -2200 NW Expwy- - - - - - - - - - -405-524-5733 Partners- - - - - - - - - 2805 NW 36th St - - - - - - - - - -405-942-2199 Priscilla's- - - - - - - - 615 E. Memorial- - - - - - - - - 405-755-8600 Red Rock North- - - 2240 NW39th St- - - - - - - - - - 405-525-5165 Sisters- - - - - - - - - - 2120 NW 39th St- - - - -- - - - -405-521-9533 The Park- - - - - - - - 2125 NW 39th St - - - - - - - - - -405-528-4690 The Rockies- - - - - - 3201 N. May Ave - - - - - - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- - 3535 NW 39th-- - - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- - - -7204 E. Pine - - - - - - - - - - -918-836-8700 Border's Book Store- - - 2740 E. 21st- - - - - - - - - - 918-712-9955 Border's Book Store - - - 8015 S. Yale - - - - - - - - - - 918-494-2665 Club 209 - - - - - - - 209 N. Boulder - - - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-9494 Club Majestic- - - - - - - 124 N. Boston - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-9494 Club Maverick- - - - - 822 S. Sheridan - - - - - - - 7 - -918-835-3301 Dreamland Bks -- - - 8807 E. Admiral Pl - - - - - - - - -918-834-1051 Elite Bookstore - - - - -814 S. Sheridan- - - - - - - - - - 918-838-8503 GLBT Comm. Ctr- - - - 5545 E. 41st- - - - - - - - - - - - 918-743-4297 Hideaway Lounge- - - - - 11730 E. 11th- - - - - - - - - -918-437-0449 HOPE Clinic- - - - - - - 3540 E. 31st - - - - - - - - - - - - 918-749-8378 Jazz's Lounge- - - - - - 426 S. Memorial - - - - - - - - - 918-836-8544 Midtown- - - - - - - - - - 319 E. 3rd- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-3112 Nite Spot - - - - - - -3007 E. Admiral Pi - - - - - - - - - 918-834-3007 Priscilla's - - - - - - - - -7925 E. 41 st- - - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla's - - - - - - - 5634 W. Skelly - - - - - - - - - - - 918-446-6336 Priscilla's - - - - - - - 11344 E. 11th - - - - -- - - - - - - -918-438-4224 Prisciila's - - - - - - - - 2333 E. ?1st- - - - - -- - - - - -918-499-1661 Renegades- - - - - - - - 1649 S. Main - - - - - 918-585-3405 Rob's Records- - -2909 S. Sheridan Rd- - - - - - - - - 918-627-1505 Tulsa CARES- - - 3507 E. Admiral Pl- - - - - - - - - - 918-834-4194 Tulsa Eagle- - - - -1338 E. 3rd - - - - - - - - - - - - - -918-592-1188 TNT's - - - - - - - - 2114 S. Memorial- - - - - - - - - - - 918-660-0856 Whittier News Stand- - 1 N. Lewis- - - - - - - - - - - - 918-592-0767 Yellow-Brick-Rd- - - - - - 2630 E. 15th- - - - - - - - - - 918-293-0304 TULSA EAGLE 1338 E 3rd, Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 * Leather, Levi, Fetish * Hottest Local Men * Karaoke Wensday 1 0pm * Male Dancers Fri & Sat * Members Party Every Sun 6pm PROPERTY FOR SALE OR LEASE Condo for rent 980 Sq ft.1 bed room plus den $500. pius Elect. 66th and Peoria House for rent or sale Aprox 1800 sq ft 2 bedroom 2.5 baths 2 I replace $900.00 Month plus Sheridan Area sales price $128.000 Possible lease purchase. FOR SALE: 6711 E 58th Pl. 3 Bed 2 Bath 2 Living Swimming Pool $140.500 Tracy 918-625-6377 Keller Williams 3007 E. ADMIRAL PLACE. TULSA, OK LADIES NITE 1.25 LONGNECKS 3- 8 50 cent pool tables. Shuffle Board. 918.834.3007 Open Sunday @ 12:00 Noon Open Monday-Saturday 11 am HIDEAWAY 11730 E. 11th Tulsa, OK 918.437.0449 now open 12noon to 2am C,osed Monday. Get results with STAR Classifieds! * Full Body, ~ports, Hot Stone *- Hand and Foot Scrubs * In-House Clinic * Day~, Evenings and Weekends Call for an appointment and rates. 918~857-2805 MAGICAL MASSAGE Located in NW Oklahoma City Full body deep tissue massage. Call Mark 405-949-1991 Experience Total Relaxation Jay Whiteside 918.902.1461 Tulsa Metro PROFESSIONAL SERVICE 31 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2006] The Star Magazine, April 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 4 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 01, 2006 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Josh Aterovis Douglas Glenn Bunky Walters John Patrick Michael Dee Paul Wortman Carlotta Carlisle Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ray Williams Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Chaz Ward Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, March 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 3 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/239 The Star Magazine, May 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 4 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/240 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/223 Advice Column Bamboo Lounge Bitter Girl Cartoon Chelsea Boys classifieds Club Majestic Club Maverick Comics Distributers Easter Blackberry Wine Cake Fred Phelps Fundamentalism Gay Games Greg Louganis H.O.P.E Heart to Heart John Preston Kathy Taylor Lesbian Notions Mr. Leather Oral Roberts University Out of Service Passion Fruit Punch Past Out Q Scopes Soulforce Equality Riders Star entertainment Star Scene The Gay Travelers Uncle Mikey vacation https://history.okeq.org/files/original/1453e09b8524b3f446859b0b3d845442.jpg 65c3b7764a6caca1809f866458f3a56a https://history.okeq.org/files/original/b913661c9cd978fc896085ea9e4c8edc.pdf 1dfb0d2e13624011bbb7682629a7c3cd Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Magazine Text Any textual data included in the document VOLUME 2, ISSUE 9 FREE Ooe:hundred people protested outside the Iranian Embassy in London 11 August 2005 coinciding with simultaneous US· and European , protests against !rans tyrannical, homophobic, misogynistic and . fundamentalist regime. . · . We cooqcililn the execution of two teenage boys in Iran on charges !fi.volving hOtQosexual acts. One of them was a minor at the time of !-Js · . ; lioth were minors when they commitrcd. t&ifr offences. OutRage! ~s ah end•k> the death penalty. We express o_ur soliijarity with Iranians · democracy and human rights, said protester Aaron Saeed, LGBT human rights group OutRagc!, f five simultaneous iocernational Dublin. Sao Francisco, Paris and · st Irans use of the death penalty and i , gay and bisextial peopje. don protesters were membem of LGBT, 5oda!ittt and human · n left-wingen, exiles and asylum seekers; induding an brother was executed and his body dragged ------ . . Openly Gay Candidc,te to run for Tulsa Mayor's 0ft:ie::e.! ... Wouldn't those headline_s .send a few heads into a Linda Blare spin~arofo:id? . But wouidn't it be a pro · · r ill of us if it were true? With the 2006 Tulsa City efectionf ·•· . coming tip, why haven't_ openlycgJLJ arid lesbian candidates voiced in ,.·, · running for elective office? I · are many qualified peopl~ in,, gay community that would mainstream good ole hors . for their money. Could be, we haven't enough or ignored enough we just don't give a daJ?O content with our third d,ass. We do have the right to vot~, . • many of the GLBT .cornmunity,arf~ot registered or just donlt vote becaustw~ have no representation. · • •: · The GLBT community of the ci Tulsa and Tulsa County deserve represented by someone who fo; equality. A son ' .. be who they are ancl ... intimidated by Ottf,l many solid citizeru;, who are qualified,.ti:> . We encourage then{ torstand up and say to all who will li~nf;f!J am a gay citizen and I am running £of the· office of Mayor for the City oftr\jl~a'.'' ............. AMEN! C D. Ward/ Editor in Chief National Gay and lesbian Task Force study finds that Social Security privatization will dlsproportlonately harm lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans 'Social Security privatization is a gamble with the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender elders. It is a gamble our community simply cannot afford. · -National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 The National Gay and Lesbian Task :Force released a report today that finds that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans will be disproportionately harmed by President Bush's plan to privatize Social Security. According to Selling Us Short: How Social Security Privatization Will Affect Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Americans, LGBT Americans, on average, have lower incomes than their heterosexual counterparts, which translates into lower Social Security benefits when they retire. In addition, same-sex couples are not eligible for Social Security's spousal and survivor benefits provisions, making the LGBT community disproportionately vulnerable to the benefit cuts and risks inherent to the president's plan. 'There is a widespread myth that gay people are economically advantaged compared to heterosexuals. U.S. Census data and other national surveys indicate the opposite. In fact, gay and bisexual men earn anywhere from 13 percent to 32 percent less than heterosexual men," said Sean Cahill, director of the Task Force's Policy Institute, which published the study. "If we earn less, we receive a lower Social Security payment in retirement. Any proposals that cut retirement benefits will dis ·onately hui;t gay people." Us Short finds that LGBT people of color, in particular, face an income disadvantage that ieads to lower Social Security benefits. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, black same-sex couples earn roughly $2,000 to $9,000 less in median annual household income than black married opposite-sex couples, and Hispanic same-sex couples earn roughly $1,000 to $4,000 less in median annual household income than Hispanic married opposite-sex couples. Discriminatory government policies, meanwhile, place gay people in an even more economically disadvantaged position, increasing the critical need to maintain the economic safety net Social Security is intended to provide. "Gay people have to report domestic partner health insurance as income to the IRS, but married spouses don't have to report their health coverage as income," explained Cahill. "Gay people can't inherit their partner's pension plan, while a heterosexual widow or widower can be a beneficiary. Not only do we earn less, we are 1ess able to keep what we earn. These are among the many inequities that make same-sex couples particularly vulnerable to cutbacks in Social Security benefits." Added Many Hu, author of the report: "The federal Defense of Marriage Act continues to deny same-sex couples access to more than 1,000 federal benefits and protections of marriage that opposite-sex married couples currently receive, including Social Security spousal and survivor benefits. Even though LGBT Americans pay in to the Social Security system at the same rate as evervone else, our families and children receive fewer benefits, often in times of crisis. If Social Security is to be changed, it shouid be changed so that all families are treated fairly." "Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are more likely to age alone and iess likely to have children than their hete:tpse,cual counterparts," said Amber Hollibaugh, the Nationai Gay and Lesbian Task Force's senior strategist and specialist on LGBT elders. "This, coupled with a lower rate of earning makes them particularly reliant on Social Security." Selling Us Short finds that LGBT elders could be negatively ..... cont pg-8 Page 5 SEPTEMBER 2005 by Andrew Collins "Off Beat Washington, D.C." It's sometimes difficult to think of America's capital as quirky. This is the land of buttoned-down politicos and staffers, stately and somber monuments, dignified oldworld hotels, and mahogany-paneled restaurants. It's a city of grand traditions and regal architecture, and with a discernibly preppy personality. But if you dig a bit beneath Washington's surface, you can easily discover a city with a surprisingly high funk factor, from its several hip (and gay-popular) boutique hotels to tour operators that allow you to see the city from perspectives you've probably never imagined. If it's been a while since you visited D.C., or you're mired in the habit of visiting the same old museums, bars, and neighborhoods, try thinking outside the box the next time you're headed to Washington. Here are just a handful of ways to get in touch with the city's offbeat attractions. _ Learn to be a better spy._ You haven't seen D.C.'s weird side until you've spent an afternoon touring the International Spy Museum,. which offers an intriguing glimpse into the secret world of espionage. Permanent exhibits offer an eye-opening introduction to the art of professional espionage, display dozens of spy gadgets, and consider the challenges secret agents face in today's topsy-turvy world. _ Kayak your way through the capital._ , Here's a novel way to explore Washington and admire its monuments: Rent a kayak from Jack's Boathouse in the tony Georgetown neighborhood, and paddle your way along the historic Potomac River. You can stop and admire the greenery on little-visited Roosevelt Island, enjoy close views of the infamous Watergate building and stunning Llncoln and Washington memorials, and watch herons and cormorants fly across the water. Jack's provides instruction and equipment, and when you're finished with your adventure, you can return to Georgetown and spend some time checking out the neighborhood's slew of upscale shops and fine restaurants. _ Stay at snazzy hotel._ The San Francisco~based Kimpton Group has six ultra-chic boutique properties in the District. Kimpton's dashing Hotel Rouge sits just off classy Embassy Row, an easy walk from gay nightlife on: R. Street, and contains 137 spacious rooms bathed in reds and yellows and a swanky lounge serving such memorable co4tails a:s the Madonna (Cuervo, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, and fresh orange ru;id lii:o;e juices). Near up-and-coming Lo~ Circle, the pop-art-inspired Ho~.}lelli:- '\VOWS · · with bold colors (lime-green honor bars, orange-porcelain bathio~m,,flxtures; · . blue settees and ottomans); a, few rooms are outfitted with bunk htrds, making this the ideal locale for a crazy slumber party • .Other D.C. Kimptons iAclud~ the Hotel Madera and Topaz Hotel, both near way-gay Dupont Circle; tn,e .Hotel George, near Capitoi Hill; and the Hotel Monaco, which is downtown. . . Typical in all the Kimpton properties, in addition to stylish .decor and personalized service, are minibars stocked with fun snacks (from Bugles to Pop Rocks), Aveda bath products, flaMcreen TVs, free high-speed Internet, cordless phones, and evening wine receptions - all of these hotels are pet-friendly, too . ........ continued next page. Page 6 Out of Town _ Catch a Nats game._ After more than a 30-year absence, major-league baseball returned to Washington in 2005 with the Nationals, formerly Montreal's beleaguered Expos. For now they play in frumpy RFK Stadium (plans are underway for a brandnew stadium, which should open in the next few years), but the Nats have been playing great baseball thus far and drawing huge crowds. So you're not a baseball fan and can't see the fun in watching a Nationals game? You obviously haven't yet seen talented (and hunky) rookie outfielder Ryan Church in uniform. _Nosh someplace new._ Washington's long-revered dining scene keeps improving thanks to the bevy of admirable new restaurants that have opened here in recent years. On Capitol Hill, within walking distance of several gay bars, Sonoma has brought superbly crafted contemporary American fare and a dazzling wine list to this upand- coming neighborhood. Try a sampling of fine cheeses with a glass of pinot noir, or opt for something more substantial, like cedar-plank wild salmon with white beans and pancetta-leek compote. Another great see-and-be-seen option that also happens to serve outstanding food, Zaytinya opened in 2002 and remains trendy as ever. This downtown favorite serves dozens of Middle Eastern-inspired mezes (similar to tapas), such as scallops with yogurt-dill sauce, seared lamb chops with rosemary syrup, and olive oil-marinated baby eggplant stuffed with walnuts and tomatoes. The snazzy David Greggory RestauLounge has a strong following with the city's queer community and presents stellar Mediterranean fare, such as truffle-scented pizza with three cheeses and roasted garlic, and seared halibut with braised fennel, ,spaghetti squash, and shellfish stew. Another gay fave, the fabulous pub-grub cnain Hamburger Mary's dishes up plenty' of attitude plus great food at its Washington branch. The - hefty ground-beef patties are legendary try the Blue Boy (topped with bleu cheese and bacon).'Finally, for an all-out magicai dining experien:ce, book a tabie at CityZen, inside Wasnington's newest iuxury hotel, the exquisite Mandarin Oriental. Inventive standouts like pantoasted squab with pumpkin, baby leeks, and cinnamon jus, and chestnut soup infused with quince and chopped ham have made CityZen and its star chef, Eric Ziebold, famous. _ Make a detour to Alexandria. Just 6 miles down the Potomac River from Washington, the historic city of Alexandria, Va., beckons with a beautifully maintained Old Town historic district and loads of enchanting shops and charming restaurants. Area highlights include Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House, Alexandria's Black History Museum, the Torpedo Factory Art Center, and the newly opened U.S. Patent & Trademark Office Museum, where you can learn about all kinds of inventions, from the computer mouse to the helicopter. Be sure to wander off the beaten path a bit to the up-and-coming DelRay neighborhood, where Mt. Vernon Avenue is lined with independently owned boutiques and funky cafes. Don't miss businesses like Eight Hands Round (for smart antiques and contemporary home furnishings), Eclectic Nature (for cool garden gadgets and gifts), Del Ray Dreamery (for addictive Wisconsin-style frozen custard), and Monroe's (for delicious regional American and Italian cooking). _ Cruise D.C.'s coolest gay bar. In the rapidly gentrifying Logan Circle neighborhood, Halo definitely has the slickest look of any gay bar in town. The futuristic second-floor space with a backlit bar stocked with premium liquor draws a well-dressed, eclectic crowd of men and women of all ages. Grab a seat in one of the cushy lounge chairs, listen to the mod pop tunes, and soak up the smoke-free ambience. Browse the stalls and catch breakfast at Eastern Market. Just a fow block; beyond the U.S. Capitol building you'll find the wonderfully coiorful Eastern Market, whose food hall abounds with enticing vendors selling everything from artisanal cheeses to fresh-caught Maryland seafood. You can also enjoy a fabulous down-home meal at Market Lunch, a greasy-spoon diner serving tantalizing blueberry pancakes and crab cakes Benedict. Additional draws include a Page 7 SOCIAL SECURITY from pg-5 affected by privatization. By 2030, the estimated population of LGBT seniors will range from two to eight million. LGBT elders may be especially dependent on public services for the elderly, including Social Security, because they may be without the same familv support systems as heterosexual seni~rs. "It is would be wrong to support privatization in exchange for opening a portion of Social Security to same-sex couples while overlooking the fact that marriage equality - which the Bush administration vehemently opposes would guarantee all Social Security benefits to all same-sex couples. We are unwilling to trade illusory benefits against the benefits and rights of other Americans," said National Gav and Lesbian Task Force Executive· Director Matt Foreman. Cherokee lesbians face new legal hurdle Ann Rostow, PlanetOut Network Thursday, August 11, 2005 Two Cherokee women are again under legal assault because of their marriage, just days after winning a victory before the tribe's highest court, the Judicial Appeals Tribunal in Tulsa, Okla. Dawn McKinley and Kathy Reynolds obtained a legal marriage certificate from tribal authorities last year. They married in May of 2004, but before thev had a chance to register their marriage with a lower tribal court clerk, a local attorney, Todd Hembree, stepped in with a challenge. Aided bv the National Center for Lesbian Rights, McKinley and Reynolds argued that Hembree lacked standing to contest their marriage. In .the interim, the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council voted to define marriage as a union of a man and a woman, guaranteeing that same-sex couples in the furore could not obtain a marriage certificate to begin with, let · alone register a marriage with the coui:~. Obtaining a marriage certificate in Cherokee law is the equivalent of obtaining a marriage license in the U.S. system. After a ceremony is held, marriage licenses are signed by the officiating party and filed with the appropriate state office. Last week, the Judicial Appeals Tribunal ruled that Hembree indeed lacked standing to intervene in the marriage procedures, stating that he "has failed to show that he will suffer individualized harm" as a result of the lesbian union. On Tuesday, members of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council acted preemptively to block the couple from again trying to file their certificate, petitioning the high court to issue a declaratory judgment confirming that the law against same-sex marriage applies retroactively to the McKinley-Reynolds wedding. According to the Tahlequah Daily Press, the petition was signed by eight of the 15 council members. The members also asked the court to issue a temporary injunction preventing the lower court from accepting the women's paperwork, insisting that the Cherokee Nation will suffer irreparable harm if the documents are allowed to be submitted, and possibly accepted, by the court. · "Those of us listed on the petition believe we were in a situation where we could do one of two things," said member Audra Smoke-Conner. "We could either sit back and wait to see if the couple tried to file the certificate, and if they did, wonder whether the court clerk would accept it. Or, we could act swiftly to block the filing of the certificate." rt for Marriage Equal Rises ain Gaywire Release: New York, NY (August 5, 2005): A recent national poll, released Wednesday by the Pew Research Center, reports that support for marriage equality is at its highest point since July 2003. For the first time, a majority of Americans (53%) are in favor of legal recognition for lesbian and gay couples that would offer many of the same rights and responsibilities as non- gay married couples, while support for ending discrimination in marriage itself has "rebounded" and continues to grow. In a shift from some of the dips in the past few months, fully 35% of Americans said they support ending discrimination in marriage and allowing committed same-sex couples to marry, while only 53% oppose. "This is exactly what the right wing is afraid of," said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry, the gay and non-gav partnership working to win marriage ' equality nationwide. "If we stick with the conversation and persist in engaging the non-gay public on marriage equality, the public will move to fairness." ''People have had a year of legal marriage in Massachusetts to see how ending marriage discrimination helps gay and lesbian families and hurts no one," continued Wolfson, author of Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality, and Gay People's Right to Marry, which was recently re-released in paperback by Simon &. Schuster. "The long-term trend in Atμerica's civil rights discussion, including this recent rebound of public ~upti9.,:t for marriage equality, which follows the ferment and barrage of the past several months, demonstrates the pO'~'.~t;of engaging the public and showing t.Kem the realitv of marriage equality, fail:i~r than rightwing rhetoric and scare tactics. When it comes to opening h~~s. ~d minds on fairness and reaching the middle, seeing is, in fact, believing.•,.~·~·- - According to the Pew poll, support for the freedom to marry, as well as for civil union and other steps toward marriage itself, has also increased among most religious groups, especially among white evangelical Protestants, from 26% in December 2004 to 35% today. Polling results show a continuing decline (from 35% in August 2004 to 29% today) in support for a constitutional amendment to permanently exclude lesbian and gay couples, and their families, from the rights, responsibilities, and protections of marriage. Freedom to Marry is the gay and nongay partnership working to win marriage equality nationwide. Launched in 2003, Freedom to Marry is headed by Evan Wolfson, nationally recognized as a central "architect of the marriage equality movement." Freedom to Marry guides and focuses this social justice movement on a natiomvide level, serving as a strategy and support center for national, state, and local partners, a catalyst that drives and shapes the national debate on marriage equality, and an alliance-builder fostering support from non-gay allies. Some Marriage History 1948: Perez v. Llppold - Despite public opposition, the California Supreme Court became the first state high court to declare a ban on interracial marriage unconstitutional. 1965: Griswold v. Connecticut - invalidated a Connecticut law prohibiting the use of contraception by married couples. 1967: Loving v. Virginia - U.S. Supreme Court overturned laws prohibiting interracial marriage. Polls showed 70 percent opposed. " 1971: Baker v. Nelson - (Minnesota) The · first case for ending discrimination in marriage is brought in the United States. 1993: Baehr v. Lewin - In a landmark ...... continued page 12 Page 9 Page 14 Serving our community in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Illinois & Colorado This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Auto -Home Life Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Tel: (866) 208-9480 gtainter@shelterinsurance.com www.shclterinsurancc.com to3pm closed sundays. Subscribe to the S Want the STAR delivered to your home or office? 12 issues for $27.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Just complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: Ozarks STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 NAME: ___________ _ Address:. ___________ City: _____ St:_Zip: _ _ Phone: ------- Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: ---- N ..... .r.-... If"\ ..... N.... ...... ] tll .u£ ""O V (I) 0 N ... ""O V (I) 0 N ] (I) 0 0 Page 15 •Momma always 'said, Don't say you don't like it until you've tried it!" BAKED CRABMEAT SPREAD 2 tbs. Butter 1 I 4 cup Sliced green onion 1/2 cup Chopped red bell pepper 1 Garlic Clove - minced 2 tbs. Flour 1 / 4 tsp. Black pepper 1 cup Mille 1/4 cup Fresh grated parmesan cheese 3/4 cup Fresh crabmeat 2 oz Shredded cheddar cheese Heat oven to 350F. Grease 9 inch pie pan. Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Add bell pepper, onions and garlic. Cook till tender. Stir in flour and pepper. Cook about 1 minute. Gradually add milk until mixture boils. Remove from heat and add parmesan cheese. Fold in crabmeat. Pour mixture in pie pan. Top with cheddar cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts. Serve with toasted pita bread or your favorite cracker. TIP: Want it spicy - add a chopped jalepeno pepper. Chef john Patrick grew 11p in an Italian /amiiv and !of.led to watch his mother cook. She' ' inspired him to attend culinary school Che( John's most recent position was with Desen Oaks Country Club in OKC and now resides in T11/s4. FREE HIV TFSTING,NO NEEDLES! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 Sunday Service 6PM conjunction with AIDS Project of the ks, MCC Joplin offers free HIV Sunday of each month d 6PM, For your onvenience you can also call 206-6179 for appointment. We use the Ora-sure ethod which does not -iequire the use of edles and we offer i::'omplete nfidentialify. You ni'afalso request oklers on AIDS for People of Faith ugh the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Jopli,i "Serving A Healthier CommHnity" Page 16 Page 17 Saturday, September 24, 2005 FORT SMITH TURN-A-BOUT 2005 WE'RE DOIN~ IT ALL FOR YOU AT ~LUB 1022! 1022 Dodson Avenu:e,,c ,cc,,.- C--: -L- .--.- B- ---Op-en- F-rid-ay- & -Sa-tur-da-y Fort Smith, AR 72901 1I .-. ..-a ..-a 9 PM until 5 AM (479) 782-1845 ..., ...-. ....-. www.club1022.com ;·ij,,~lity web newsprint at affordable prices 405..:478-4009 ~ 6725 N. Miramar Blvd, Okla City, OK 73111 Rodney Burgamy www.c21goldcastle.com 405.840.2106 Joe Brennan Page 18 The Post-G Debate Openly gay writer David Leavitt, author of The Lost Language of Cranes, stirred up quite the maelstrom with his recent opinion piece in The New York. Times. In his column, Leavitt posited the idea that gay books and bookstores are a relic of the past, no longer needed by or relevant to today's LGBT community. He writes, "More and more, gay fiction is giving way to post-gay fiction: novels and stories whose authors, rather than making a character's homosexuality the fulcrum on which the plot turns, either take it for granted, look a_t it as part of something larger or ignore it altogether." He goes on to claim that gay novels and bookscores are, in fact, "obsolete." Needless to say, that didn't go over well with gay bookstore owners. They countered that LGBT bookstores are very much still needed, that while major chains like Barnes and Noble or Bord~rs may carry gay titles, they don't have the vast selection of a gay bookstore nor does their staff have the familiarity and knowledge of those books. As Kim Brinster, manager of the Oscar Wilde Bookshop in New York City wrote, "My staff and I coun: ourselves very lucky ;:o encounter people throughout the day from all over the world and our own country wno come through the store and are happy to be in a place where we read the books we seH, know where to find them, know what to recommend and take the rime to be helpfu!." Leavitt's opinion and the follow-up from Brinster sparked quite the debate on Rainbow Readership, an online LGBT book group to which I belong. Some agreed wholeheartedly with Leavitt while others argued vehemently in defense of gay bookstores. Some argue that gay culture has changed, and because of that, our books have changed as well. As gays and lesbians become more accepted and increasingly mainstreamed, our books no longer have to focus so much on being gay. For many, it's just not the issue it once was, so books about coming out or accepting your sexuality are not as needed. The new "post-gay novel" is about someone who just happens to be gay. His or her sexuality is not the central focus of the story. Whether gay or post-gay, LGBT authors are currently experiencing a level of acceptance we've never seen before. Gay romance authors and reai-life partners Scott Pomfret and Scott Whittier (better known as ~ are enjoying scads of mainstream press, getting interviews and articles in everything from the New Yor~ Times to the Boston Herald. Brem Harciogs:r, author of the bestselling Young Adult novel b and irs sequd The Oak, has enjoyed mainstream success and recognitio[! for his nm·els. Two of the five finalists for this vear's Booker Prize were gay-themed nove"is, The Master by Colm Toibin and The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst, which actually won. There's no doubt that some gay novels are generating interest and sales, and in turn, finding shelf space in mainstream bookstores. Unfortunately, these success srories are the exceptions, not the rule. For every Brent Barringer there are ten more authors whose books will probably never find their way onto a shelf at Barnes and Nob!e - no: because qf.any lack of talen~, but simpiy bec;ause they're not on B&N's radar. You can, however, find them all at your neiM\;>orhood LGBT bookstore. · , .. So what does an author like Brem Hartinger, someone who has experienced mainstream success with his books, think about tne need for gay. bookstores? "Independent booksellers discover "smaller" books, or idiosvncratic ones, or ........... continued next pai,_e - Page 19 HEART TO HEART ones with less obvious media hooks," he explained. "They are not confined by corporate business plans, which see everything in terms of the bottom line, and which, frankly, want to dumb everything down for as mass an audience as possible. Independent bookstores are the HBO and Showtime of the literary world: they're willing to take chances on far more risky offerings. "Gay bookstores do this same thing for gay books, which are almost by definition "small" books, because they target a niche audience. It's true that it's now possible to find the higher-profile gay books in some chain and non-gay independent bookstores these days, and I think that's great. But the market niche is so small that gay titles are not something the chains or online booksellers are ever going to really champion. There's just no big bucks in it. And what about the niche-within-theniche fringe gay titles? Forget 'em. The chains will almost completely ignore anything about transgender folks, or bi folks, or leather dykes, or radical fairies. "My first novel, Geography Club, had a publicity budget of zero. It broke out because gay and other independent booksellers read it, preordered it, and pushed it aggressively. As more and more people read it and wanted it, word filtered out ro the chains. But I give all the credit to the independents for getting the ball rolling in the first place. "I don't fear the closing of gay bookstores because of the loss of a safe community space, or the ending of an era. I fear the closing of gay bookstores because it might very well make gay books more generic, less diverse, and just plain worse." I can remember the first time I walked into the Lambda Rising store in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. It was an amazingly affirming experience for a young, recently-out gay boy. To see all those books and rainbows in one place like that was almost overwhelming, but at the same time, I felt a part of something bigger. Sure, there are some people who don't "need" that experience, but there are many who do. For those who are out and have grown comfortable with who they are, or for the growing segment of kids who don't have to come out because they're already comfortable with who they are, maybe gay bookstores and books about "being gay" aren't needed. But let's not forget the many thousands of people, kids and adults alike, who are not out or who are dealing with their sexuality. There are plenty of people for whom a LGBT bookstore is still an affirming and comforting place. Not to mention those who just like shopping in a safe environment where they can ask questions and get recommendations from a knowledgeable staff. Books about "being g:i.y'' are still needed. That's not to say that I don't enjoy books about someone who just happens to be gay, but I also enjoy books about coming out. I don't think it has to· be either/ or. We still need gay bookstores for a variety of reasons, but especially to insure the continued quality and diversity of our books - whether gay or post-gay - so get out there and support your local LGBT bookstore! Buy-In ancl 25 cent draws! all your ,-quests. Doors Open at 8 PM. Page 21 ut by iz Highleyman ______ ..._ _____ ,....._ Sufnmttry;:· Past Out is a .retrospective ·. of key moments,. · and subjects"inLGBrt h~to,&: Each .. . installmen ·· ':'Mt:tt>life by exf?lori . . .. ;6f ih~gaypast and.its• impact ori:;~e'queerjn:eseht.. prosp.tuteflfec~u~6 tlfey,:ia'illdti?rge · other jol5s. l'The Tcnaerlofa was Jm:o as the place Jo go for sex, · , and late-night fun," · · schol~r Di. Susan. Stty:k~ · e others had l:lie freedo · · · · · · · · thb transgeilder 'worn· Turk Street was · Tenderloin's transge. "Turk Sa#t was o .recalled Amanda· S · · the ro! I-Iotel, .~aywar girls" wi A'.t tiie co . between tricks 'and take tcmpor11ry.s refuge from the violence they faced on the streets. "Compton's was a great place to meet," said Tamara Ching, who, like St. Jaymes, was a frequent patron. "It was our own little fairyland." · By 1966, San Francisco had a wellestablished homophile community that included the Daughters of. Bilitis, the Tavern Guild, the Society for Individual Rights, and the Council on Religion and th~ Homosexual. While these gay and lesbian organizations had had some success in .reducing police harassment of gay bars and had made inroads into the city's political establishlnent, the street que~ns and.disadvantaged queer youth were largely left out of the picture. In response, the. youth - with. the help of progressive niinisttrs fro,m Glide Memorial Methodist Cliurcb'. ~ formed i .radical guecr group called Vanguard, wliicb held. its. meetings at Compton?s. ·. In the spmig;9f 1966, new nianageineti~ at Compton's began to disco~ageth · · · ·· ~fyoung queens and hustlers,. · y and often monev - s~arid ,. t:B.cse for transgcnder rights; "There was a lot of .......... contintieil ne:trpage Page 23 joy after it happened," recalled St. Jaymes. "A lot of people went to jail, but I don't give a damn. It needed to happen." Following the alteration, Compton's began closing earlier and its business never fully recovered; it was replaced by a porn shop in 1972. But the event proved to be a turning point for the local transgender community. In the wake of the riot, the police began leaving the queens alone, and a sergeant in the department, Elliot Blackstone, helped get the laws against cross-dressing changed. A new network of social services was established, including city-funded health clinics. The city began issuing new ID cards reflecting transgender women's preferred gender, enabling them to enroll in school and get jobs. A variety of social changes came together in the late 1960s to set the stage for the Compton's Cafeteria altercation and. the later Stonewall riots, including the civil rights movement, urban renewal, the antiwar movement, and the rise of youth counterculture. At about the same time, the new availability of sex reassignment surgery in the United States and a better understanding of transsexualism pioneered by Dr. Harry Benjamin, who had an office near the Tenderloin.- gave transgender people new hope for a brighter future. "Gender itself became a form of politics," argues Stryker. The riot at Compton's was "part of the same social upheaval that gave us unisex fashions, glam rock, gay liberation, and radical feminism." For further information: Carter, David. 2004. _Stonewall: The Riots That Sparked the Gay Revolution_ (St. Martin's). Gay and Lesbian Historical Society. 1998. "MTF Transge1lcler Activism in the Tenderloin and Bevond, 1966-1973: Commentarv and I~t~ew with Elliot Blackstone!' _GLQ:'/4.),urnal of Lesbian and Gay Studi.cs_. Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 349-372. Stryker, Susan and SiJ:vJ=ro:ian, Victor. 2005. _Screaming QuC;,fn.i;.:. The Riot at Compton's Cafeteria,.,..,(fiim). International Metropolitan Churches Denomination (MCC) Condemns Expulsion of New Orleans Church Group From Roman Catholic facility News Release: August 12,2005 New Orleans - An intern;nu Christian church group hm~ ,t, voice to the current contron : • surrounding a decision by 1.h: ,-:: 11,:u, Catholic Archdiocese of Ne,\ ( :11 kano 'u evict a predominantly-gay d,•:r from meeting at a Roman 1 , • hospice. Despite a signed rental le?""· the facilities, Metropolitan 1 Church of Greater New Ork:i::' (MCCGNO) was evicted bY _Archdiocese because the sm:d: , 1 •.1,•:1: group believes in same-sex •n,rP '::•:. The Reverend Dr. Troy D i'::r, , Moderator of Metropolitan i ,, !',·,:n;,,,. Churches, a Christian denon,1n with churches in 23 countric:, 1 i"' parent denomination of MU , : ··,i ; said, "I am saddened that dK Archdiocese is expelling the n:n t lease-holding congregation, n,:-: 'r• church building, but from ;,n \ DS hospice. They are sending a du,· to people with HIV that the Er:;,u,, Catholic Church welcomes yrn! or dying person, but not as, a loving person. We've grown church that will condescend 1;, ~•:- but not have the simple cou•·t,,: marry us." "In fact, this is the contirnv'.:•,;, pattern of hostility against ga:c• .rnd lesbians by the }\rchdiocese," ,tkkd Perry. "In 1973, in the afternu:1, ,h,.: Upstairs Fire in which 12 nwd"r'. Metropolitan Community Church·, died, the Archdiocese refused , , the doors of any Roman Cath• Church for us to hold memon.,' services." Perry was not the only !\,I( 3 ,, 11,1,·: to speak out on the controvn .\ The Reverend Jim Mituhk:, D:,,:,;t, ,r of I..caciership Development and Seminary Relations for the ,\iC' denomination, added, "Here i,; \, , another act of overt hostility :1• .1H1<c ,c!i ···········-•·····'ontinut!d page-27 Page24 _Libby Post is the founding chair of the Empire State Pride Agenda and a political commentator on public radio, on the Web, and in print media. Lesbian Notions by Libby Post SEPTEMBER 2005 Walk Like a Girl In all of my 47 years, I've never forgotten that day in sixth grade. During recess, a group of girls, whom I considered my friends, were determined to make me walk like a girl. It was 1970. I was a self-avowed tomboy. The Stonewall riots may have been already happened, but I didn't know from gay, straight, or anything in bertveen - I was 12. But it seems mv friends knew better. · They said I walked like a boy, carried my books like a bov, dressed like a bov. Thev · were trying to change who I was. Who, as it happens, I ;tiU am. It was one ~f the , most devastating events of my young life. I broke down in class after recess. Thankfully, my teacher took my fri~ds to task and not me. I can only imagine the pain of 16-year-oid Zach Stark when his parents, not his peers, were the ones telling him. he didn't walk the right way. Zach is a young gay triari who created a small tidal wave with a blog entry that said he was being sent by Mom and Dad to a "we can make you nor gay" camp run by Love in Action International. He wrote that his parents "tell me that there is something psychologically wrong with me ... I'm a big screw up to them ... who isn't on the path God wants me to be on. So I'm sitting here in tears ... and I can't help it." Love in Action's website (www.loveinaction.org) is clear about what was in store for Zach. The group's goal is to erase Zach's realit'j. Under the heading of '~Exploring the Homosexual Myth," I read the following: "There is no such creation as a 'gay' or 'homosexual' person. There is only homosexual attraction and behavior; accordingly, there can be no change for a sexual identity that never existed in the first place." Love in Action's rhetoric mirrors that of groups like Exodus, one of the first exgay organizations to tout the psychobabble of repararive therapy (the practice of trying to alter one's sexual orientation), and Focus on the Family's "Love Won Out" conferences. What these groups believ~ is that acting on same-se~ attraction is just a behavioral problem, and with reparative therapy and finding the love of Christ, all can be cured. Who are they kidding? No reputable therapist or medical pr today buys this hogwash. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association, the n Psychological Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Medical Association have all agreed that reparariv~ therapy does not work and is harmful to the mental and physical health of lesbians and gay me.a.. But more frightening is the political traction the "ex-gay" mo:v,ement has achieved. Just as the Christian Right's antigay agenda has been absorbed as fact by the majorit\' of Republican elected officials and policy-makers, the fiction of ex-gay policies h;s · wound its way into our schools. Consider this. Maryiand's Montgomery County p:.::b!ic sci.10ols wanted to develop a health curriculum that provided pos:tivt; information for LGBT studems. Once the word got out about the new curriculum, a group calJed PFOX, Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays (how original), went to court saying the school district was "denigrating" ex~gays. Bad enough that the school district '.Vas providing its srudents with oositive information, but what got PFOX's knickers in a ~ea! tw:sc was that the stud~ms were Lesbian Notions given a list of LGBT positive re~gious groups such as Dignity, More Light Presbyterians, and Lutherans Concerned. PFOX sued to make sure churches teaching that homosexuality is wrong would be included in the curriculum. Their suit accused the school board of "an irrational phobia of the ex-gay community" and said that it "urges censorship of ex-gay materials i1:- 01:11' schools." Astoundingly, U.S. District Judge Alexander Williams agreed with PFOX. Well, I'm sure the folks at Montgomery County schools attempted to do what professional educators do. They sought out information that would help their students, information that has been supported by credible organizations with good reputations. I'll bet they didn't even know there was an ex-gay "community." And that's because there isn't one. All this ex-gay rhetoric and action is just another front for the Christian Right's constant bombardment of our right to exist, let alone gain th_e_ rights aJ?.d responsibilities of other c1t1zens. This suit is just another.example ofthe lengths to which the right will g~ to support their rhetoric that there 1s a "war on Christianity" in this country. But the realitv is this - for kids like Zach, despite his, parents' efforts, his sexual orientation is his sexual orientation. No amount of reparative therapy is going to make Zach walk a different path in life. He knows he's gay and doesn't have a problem with it. Perhaps it's his parents who need some therapy - to accept their son and love him the way he is. Quotable Quotes "Any time you get four or five really strong women doing desperate, dastardly things, I think gay men get a big kick out of it. The moment you put a woman in an evening gown mowing the lawn, it's just gay." - "Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherrv to AP Television News, July 16. The show received 15 Emmy nominations this year, more than any show except 'Will & Grace," which received the same number. Out of Town w~ekend farmers market, a Saturday arts and crafts fair, and a Sunday flea market. See Washington by Segway._ - In case you haven't yet laid eyes on one of these quirky yet ingenious contraptions, a Segway Human Transporter is a two-wheel, sel~- . balancing, personal transportation device that moves according to the way you move. Lean forward, it zooms ahead. Lean back sharply, and it stops. City Segway Tours offers incredibly fun fourhour sightseeing excursions through the District. These efficient little machines are remarkably easy to use, and the company's amiable staff gives everyb~dy a helpful training session prior to settm? off. Just keep in mind that passersby will find you and your group of fellow Segway-ers more interesting than most of the city's sights - be prepared to pose for plenty of pictures. When you're riding around on a Segway, you become one of Washington, D.C.'s, most offbeat attractions. The Little Black Book Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association (703-838-4200 or 800-388- 9119, www.funsideofthepotomac.com). City Segway Tours (877-SEG-TOUR, www.citysegwaytours.com). CityZen (Mandarin Oriental Washington, 1330 Maryland Ave., 202-787-6006). David Greggory RestauLounge (2030 M St. NW, 202-872-8700). Eastern Market (7th St. and North Carolina Ave., www.easternmarket.net). Halo (1435 P St. NW, 202-797-9730). Hamburger Mary's (1337 14th St. NW, 202-232- 7010). International Spy Museum (800 F St., 202-EYE-SPY-U .or 866- SPYMUSEUM, www.spymuseum.org). Jack's Boathouse (3500 K St., 202-337- -9642, www.jacksboathouse.com). Kimpton Hotels (800/KIMPTON, www.kimptonhotels.com). Washington Nationals (http:// washington.nationals.mlb.com). Sonoma (223 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, 202-333- 2912). Washington, DC Convention & Tourism Corporation (202-789-7000, www.washington.org). Zaytinya (701 9th St. NW, 202-638-0800). Page 25 Page26 Ask Uncle Mikey Advice Column! SEPTEMBER 2005 Well hello kittens-welcome back to uncle Mikey's corner. Uncle spent this week attempting to spend some much needed quality time with delicious. As you all know, he is skillful, yet remains in need of training. The drink factor Kittens, if you are .. going to be my boy, than you damn well better be able to handle a drink order, as Liz would say. His drinks leaves uncle feeling like a sour puss. Lets hope t..hat boy gets it right, or else uncle ·will be forced to vote him off the island. Dear Uncle Mikey, My best friend is a female, who is divorced and has one child. We have been friends since high school more than ten years now. We have never let anything cC>me in-between our friendship, until now. I have tried to help her since she is a single mom. She has a spoiled rotten child, who torments anybody who comes within ten feet of him. He lies, whines, and in general aggravates and brings nothing but drama. She is completely blind to his behavior. I do not know how much more I will be able to take from this monster. I am really afraid this demon child will ruin our friendship. Any thoughts? Friend of Sam. Dear fom, Kitten, I am afraid you are in a most difficult .position. If you address this issue as you have here, I am sure you will lose your friend. Uncle has learned through the years you do not mess with their young, they will eat you alive. If you seriously want to stick it out, than I would suggest genuine and compassionate communication about her spawn of Satan. You must remember the feelings and bond of motherhood. Good luck-Uncle Uncle Mikey thought of children years ago when he was with his second husband, who adored the little ankle bitters. However, I tried and tried, yet could not accessorize a little darling for my own. Alas Mr. Tiddles shall be uncles only child. Until they come out with a fashionable model of child who can mix a martini the way uncle likes it that is. Uncle Mikey, I have been with my partner now for six years. When we got together, we were like twins sharing the same interest. As time has progressed in our relationship, he has become more. feminine in character, while he continues to become more of a flamer every year. We joke about it but deep down, I wish he could cut back a little of the dramatics in his personality. How can I tell him this without hurting his feelings? Burned by the flame. Dearest Burned, Kitten, I would think about this wisely before discussing this. Your partner obviously has achieved the comfort in your relationship where he feels he is truly able to be himself. As individuals go we all age different while evolving into our own. Allow the light of his flame to light your way through your journey, remembering that he is still the man you feel in love with. Smooches-Uncle Uncle Mikey docs sex on the first date make me a slut? Curiously guilty Dearest Guilty, ............................... continued next page Page 27 Only if you do it right puddin. Sex on the second date with multiple partners, now were talking. Smooches-Uncle Mikey, I have a secret, which I feel it is time to tell. I have been sleeping with the mister at our church now for some time. He has been my youth minister for sometime now, and my feelings for him have grown. I told him I loved him and he tells me that he is guilty of misleading me, and insist we pray together to be delivered. Well, I pray but I pray that he will come to his senses and be with me, and just except that, he is gay. He always comes back for more, and I am sure he loves me, and just confused. I believe in fighting for what I want, however feel like I am wrong somehow. What would you do? The minister's boy Kitten, I have not smoked for ten years, now comes this future porn epic. Hold on I need to get this damn thing lit. Assuming all players here are old enough to be playing, uncle give you props. I think you misunderstood their line about brotherly love kitten. I can feel the shifting in the land of right wing everywhere. He is confused, you are picking men up in church and he is confused? Seriously kitten, if you love him than only you can decide if this is healthy for you. Chances are that he will never overcome his guilt, and remain in his double-minded ways, leaving you to sit in the pew of no sex. Uncle encourages to remember the old saying. If you love, someone set them free, and if they return they were yours, if not, get out while the getting is good! Kitten, I will pray and ask mother Cher to be with you. Smooches-Uncle Well Kittens, that was better than chocolate. Uncle shall take this time to wrap up yet another session of here in unclesaTM comer of Queerdom. Kittens as you go, remember this. Judge not lest you are in f.i.bulous form to do sol Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles tool Unck Mileey is 1t ch1tr1tcter from Fru'4nu writer Mich1tel Hinzman. Mich.ul has hem writing/or ten years. Utilizing his stsuim, and life expmmct to hdp others in his community, through humor and sound advia. Mich1tel applied his study oj psychology and cre.tive writing, as well his o:tmsive badtground in menu! health Dirn:t e1tre to bring a new styk and 1tpproach to helping others. Michael's other works e1tn be 'Uie'llled at 'W'Wfll.gaylinkcontent.com. · MCC from page-23 affirming gay people. I doubt the Archdiocese would expel a congregation affiliated with the United Church of Christ or the Episcopal Church, qoth of which accommodate the blessing of samesex unions. It's time to stop using religion as a mask for prejudice against gay people." Mitulski, a long-time AIDS activist, added, "As a person living with HIV/ AIDS, let me say loud and clear: If the Roman Catholic Church won't honor our weddings, don't insult us by offering to conduct our funerals." Perry, who has championed ecumenical relations and who met Pope Benedict XV1 - then Cardinal Ratzingcr - at the Bilateral Dialogue held during Pope John Paul H's visit to Columbia, South Carolina in 1987, said, "This type of decision contradicts the Roman Catholic Church's own commitment. In 1987, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops published its own statement, The Many Faces of AIDS, and addressed the stigma too often associated with people with HIV/ AIDS. The statement said, "Made in God's image and likeness, every human person is of inestimable worth. All human life is sacred, and its dignity must be respected and protected." The Archbishop of New Orleans should apply these same principles of respect and protection to the congregii.tion of MCC of Greater New Orleans, which includes people living with HIV/ AIDS." "We send our love and prayers and support to the Reverend Dexter Brecht, senior pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans, and to all of the congregii.tion there," said Perry. "This action by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese is yet another reminder that the important work of Metropolitan Community Churches is not yet done," Perry said of the predominantly-gay Christian denomination. "I am challenging our brothers and sisters in other faith communities around New Orleans to receive a special offering this Sunday to help Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans iocate and move into a permanent worship space. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people of faith in New Orleans need to know they have a permanent space in which to worship in openness and authenticity, and free from the prejudice and whims of homophobic bishops." --------- Page 28 Below: Mahmoud Asgari (16} and Ayaz Marhoni (18} were hanged in Eda/at {Justice) Square in the city of Mashhad, in north east Iran, on 19 July 2005. Some reports say the youths were hanged for gay sex. The Iranian government claims they were hanged for the rape of a 13 year old boy, reports Ramzi Isalam of the LGBT human rights group OutRage!. Fact: Iran executes lesbians and gays. The Iranian government has executed 4,000 homosexuals since 1979, according to estimates in the rnid-1990s by the exiled Iranian gay rights group, Human. Fact: The Iranian government often pins false charges on the victims of its murderous policies in order to discredit them and discourage public protests. "We are not prepared to give the violently homophobic Iranian government the benefit of the doubt. It has previously lied to justify public executions. In any case, the death penalty is a disproportionate punishment. It is barbaric and should be abolished," added Mr Isalam. "OutRage!s sources for this story include clandestine gay and lesbian activists inside Iran, members of the democratic and left Iranian opposition, and the websites of government-sanctioned news agencies in Iran," added Aaron Saeed of OutRage! The Islamic fundamentalist regime in Iran enforces Sharia law, which dictates the death penalty for gay sex: variously including hanging, stoning, beheading or dropping from a high place like a tall building or cliff-top. The teenagers admitted to having gay sex, probably under torture, but claimed in their defence that their crime was common and they were not aware it was punishable by death. . Prior to their execution, the teenagers were held in prison for 14 months and severelv beaten with 228 lashes. Th~ir length of detention suggests that they committed the so-called offences more than a year earlier, when Mahmoud was 15 and Ayaz was 17. In other words, both youths were minors at the time of the offence. Ruhollah Rezazadeh, the lawyer of the youngest boy (16), had appealed that he was too young to be executed and that the court should take into account his tender age. He was quoted by the IRIN news agency as saying that "the judiciary had trampled on its own laws, explaining that the Iranian courts usually commute death sentences on children to five year jail." Despite his pleas, the Supreme Court in Tehran ordered Mahmoud to be hanged. Under the Iranian penal code, girls as young as nine and boys as young as 15 can be hanged. "Three other young gay Iranians are being hunted by the police in connection with the same so-called crime. They have gone into hiding and cannot be found. If caught, they v,-ill probably also face execution," said Mr Saeed. The allegation of rape may be a trumped up charge to undtrmine public sympathy for the youths. The Iranian regime often resorts to smears and false allegations to discredit people it has executed and to undermine human rights campaigns, continued OutRage! campaign coordinator, Brett Lock It couid be that the 13 year oid was a wii!ing participant but that Iranian law (like :he laws of many western nations) deems that no person aged 13 is capable of sexual consent and that therefore even consensual sexual contact is automatically deemed in law to be stamtory rape. The use of rorture is routine in Iran .. These tw~ boys were violently abused in prison, receiving more than 200 lashes. .. .. continued next page I I l I I 1 I I 1 i Page 29 Iran execution continued: Iran is a fascist-style tyranny based on a fundamentalist version of Islam. We join with progressive Muslims to denounce the fundamentalists and to support democratic and left Iranians striving to topple the Ayatollahs. OutRagel wholeheartedly supports the struggle of the Iranian people to overthrow clerical tyranny and to secure democracy and human rights. _ Without an end to the fundamentalist regime, there can never be justice for LGBT people, women, trade unionists and minority religions and nationalities in Iran. 'The lack of liberai and left support for the victims of the Iranian tvrannv is truly shocking. We deplore the- abse~ce of international solidarity with Iranians fighting for freedom," concluded Mr Lock. ------------ Quotable Quotes ''In Spain, where 90 percent of the population is Roman Catholic, the church came out swinging against [marriage] rights for gays, using the familiar line ·that gay marriage imperils the traditional institution of marriage. This has always been a difficult argument to follow logically: Assuming that marriage is the binding of two people in a committed relationship, possibly to create a family, gay marriage adds to the institution. Even granting most religions' insistence that the two people must be of different genders, gay marriage does nothing to discourage or belittle heterosexual unions." - Los Angeles Times editorial, July 6. "I want our government, which has presided over many positive changes for gay people here in the U.K. - an equal age of consent, partnership rights, the abolition of the rightly reviled Clause 28 - to ensure that ending violations of gay people's fundamental human rights around the world becomes an explicit issue in its diplomatic relations with other countries. I strongly believe that when thousands of us refuse to look away and stay silent we make a difference to what politicians do and say." - Eiton John writing in England's The Observer, July 3. · Chula Vista Mayor Out of the Closet! "I've considered myself pretty out since about 1999 but I thought this was an occasion to put any questions to rest. . .. In my life since 1999 I've been very honest and open about who I am. And it's certainly not everything I am, but it's an important part of who I am, and certainly if Pride isn't the venue to be overtly out, I don't know what is .... It's something that I'm very comfortable with and something that I'm very matterof- fact about, and I think that's what you saw here tonight." - Chula Vista, Calif., Mayor Steve Padilla to this column after coming out at a Gay Pride. rally in San Diego, July 29. Chula Vista - a San Diego suburb with 230,000 people is now the second-largest city in America with an openly gay mayor, after San Diego itself. Providence, R.I., is next in line. 1 /STH PAGE CLASSIF"IED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F'□ R RATES 91 B.B35.78B7 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, value, Integrity and Trust in Affordable Advertising Service. . :Cer11ury 21 Gold Castle: ;Philanthropy at its Finest OKLAHOMA CITY_Rodney Burgamy an.cl Jo~ Brennap. owners of Century 21 Gold C::astle, ~ve. two offices in the Oklah<Sfu~ Citv Metro area. As owners of the agency iliey have not onlv successfully developed a thriving business with outstanding customer service, but have also . built a reputation for corporate phil~Iitb.ropy that is being recognized beyon4 th.e stllte's borders. Wh~i} you meet both Rodney and Joe, the. fifst things you notice are the bright smiles and generous nature. They both are true.southern gentleman whose cnmrpltrii5rif to their clients is only matched ~y. their . commitment to serving their comih:iiitity. · That commitment is demonstra,tfcF.in;/their long~time supporr of Easter Se~ <G>kfahoma. Founded , Easter Seals Okfahom. . 'on is to enhance the quality o(htb for children and adults with disabilities so they may live with equality, dignity and independence. In eighty yea1;s · of operati~n, o;er 1.5 million Oklahomans have ieceived seeyicc;s ran~ryg fwm'. scliq~J ~cr.eenin~.~ .· · outpatient.sμigeiic,s and ptJ!t;hlttcs of· · Ea:s¢r S~s < .. an on~site Chila Dcvelopmeht Center .~ad :AdJJit'E>il.v . Centet-hot\1,,of which are niti~n:hlii recognizcil 'Fhis is the only Intergenerational Care Facility in the state to receive recognitions for both programs. Easter Seals Oklahoma is a United Way of Central Oklahoma Member Agency. As partners at the national level, Centurv 21 has raised millions of dollars each y~ for Easter Seals. This tradition has remained strong in the twelve years that Gold Castle has been in business--each year striving to top the previous year's goal. Last year, Century 21 Gold Castle raised thousands of dollars for Easter Seals Oklahoma-placing them among the top Century 21 Agencies in the region. They were also honored at this year's Easter Seals Oklahoma Annual Meeting for their long-time supRort of the organization's efforts. . Gold Castle has found a variety of exciting ways to raise money and awareness. of Easter Seals. They've had casino nights, supported golf tournaments and purchased a table at Easter Seals Oklahoma's annual "A Blast from the Past" event. However, the mosf creative way Gold Castle supports Easter Seals is through cell phones. They donate $1 for every voicemail message ltft on their cell phones. With a busyreal estate of:fice-:-those dollars add up qajckly! Burgamy stated,. "We· 3!e so proud fo be affiliated with. Easter: Seals Oklahoma. They do such good work· providing services for Oklahomans with disabilities. There' ~e' ii,d· many people in need throughout p.Jl! <:otpmuriij:y-:I really encourage p{qple to get involved and support Eastii S~als' efforts!" For more informatiin:. about Centurv 21 ~oid Castle, c ·~ · ' · ey Butg~y, Broker, at (405) Marketing Page32 Page 33 Seo es by Jack Fertig SEPTEMBER 2005 "Be honest, Leo!" ~atum is in Leo quiocunx to U;anus in Pisces until Oct. 7. Expect twitches in religious institutions pointing to big changes in a few years. Clashes between tender egos and spiritual insights will hit home. Mercury is in Virgo aspectiog those slower planets, triggering arguments that can sharpen insight into these issues. ARIES (Much 20 - April 19): Take some friends to church - or synagogue, or mosque, or whatever religious institution you grew up with. The point is not to convert them, but to get insights into your own background and baggage. What you least like hearing will prove most helpful. T~URUS (April 20 - May 20): Arguing with the boss can be chalked up to fragile egos. Yours is the only one you can keep in check. What would your parents say? And how would you like to respond? Get that out of the way before handling the boss. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Arguments are almost inevitable now. Almost. Worries about money (or self-worth?) are the underlying triggers. Make sure you're able to have someone - preferably an older sibling or a "sister' - with whom you can discuss those issues. CANCER Q'uoe 21 - July 22): Sexual issues are up for you. Remember you have nothing to prove, and buying new toys_ or fetish-wear won't help. If getting old ts part of the problem, then being mature and taking charge is the answer. LEO Q'uly 23 - August 22): We all have inner doubts and fears, and nobody's perfect. What you really hate is that imperfection is true of you, too. Be honest and open with your partner or a trusted friend. Not admitting your flaws will magnify them and make you intolerable. VIB.GO(Augi;ist 23 - September 22): Good friends can help settle your doubts and worries, but also may confirm some of them. As bad as things may be, your worries just magnify the problems. You need a reality check. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Being too creative at work can come across as flaky or threatening to your superiors. Keep communications open, and welcome constructive criticism from colleagues. Any entertainments or morale-boosters you devise now should be kept simple. SCORPIO (October 23 November 21): Challenged by new ideas? Retreating into traditional beliefs will not help. That's what "fundamentalism" is! Better to accept the challenge. Arguing with a teacher can help both of you to learn, but stay respectful. SAGITIARIUS (November 22 December 20): Pushing bevond vour familiar sexual limits is OK, but 'be very careful! Confused signals can get you into dangerous situations. In any new kinky activities, make sure to be clear about safewords, proper instructions, etc. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Working on new erotic techniques could open questions about person;! morality and responsibility. Your partner could goad you or be a drag; there 1MiJI be some discomfort either way. Communication, though an effort, remains the answer always. AQUARIUS Q'anuary 20 - February 18): Sweetly listen to anything your partner ( or a close friend) has to say about cleaning up your act. You don't have to agree or follow the advice, but at least consider it. It could catalyze a better approach. PISCES (February 19 - March 1g): Showing off in sports or at the gym is sure to get you hurt. Maintain a moderate level of activity. If you need to show off, focus on your artistic insights and your ability to e~ress things beyond most people's itnagiph1gs. Jack Fertig bas,been fllorking as a JJrofesional astro/j,ger since 1977 and is a founding mem'lkr of tlie Association for Astrological Networking. You can find copies of the STAR at these 4 states business & oigani:zations. ARKANBAB ICANBAB MIBBDURI DICLAHDMA Arkansas, Enreka Springs Divenity Pride Events - • www.diversitypride.com MCC Uving Spring - - - - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - - - 479-571-1300 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 10041/2 Garrison Ave- 479-783-9988 Club 1022 - -1022 Dodson Ave. - - - - 479-782-1845 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Our House Lounge • 660 E. Grand Ave- -624-6868 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street- - - :1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - 501-664-2744 Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - - -www.dsra.org Di1covety- - 1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - - 501-666-6900 The Factory - -412 Louisiana St.- - - - -501-372-3070 Kansas, Pittsburg {620) River of Ufe Church - 1709 N Walnut - -1 fAM PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938 Kan1a1, Wichita (316) Club Glader - 2828 E. 31st South - - 316-612-9331 J', Lounge - - - - - 513 E. Central - 316-262-1363 Our Fantasy- - • - • 3201 S. Hillside- - -316-682-5494 The Otherside- - -447 N. St Francis- 316-262-7825 Shatai - - - - - - - 4000 S. Broadway- 316-522--2028 Sidestreet Mens Bar -1106 S. Pattie- -316-267-0324 South 40 - - - - - 3201 S. Hillside - - - - -316-682-5494 Trends Bar - - -1507 S. Pawnee- - - - - 316-262-4530 That G.ty Group, W.S.U. - - - - - -- 316-978-7010 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground - - - - - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- - - 716 S. Main - - - - - - - 417-627-9035 MCC Spirit of Christ--2902 E 20th, - - -Sun-6pm Missouri, Kansas City (816) Buddies - - - - - - 3715 Main St- - - - 816-561-2600 Club NV - - - - 220 Admiral Blvd- - 816-421-NVKC DB Warehouse- -- 1915 M1in St- - - -816-471-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - - - 816-561-0625 Side&tteet Bar - - - -413 E. 3rd-• - - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon - - 3707 Maii;l St- - 816- 931-1430 MJN~uri(Lampe KOKOMO Campground- - - .: -. .: .417-779-5084 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - - --417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 Liquors & Kid.cers- -1109 E. Commercial-873-2225 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - - - 417-864-4572 Priscilla's - - - 1918 S. Glenstone - - 417-881-8444 Oz Bar - 504 E. Commercial - - - - 417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - --1109 E. Commercial- - - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - - - POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City ( 405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- - - - -405-601-7200 Club Rox- - - -3535 NW 39tb. Expwy - 405-947-2351 Finish Une -2200 NW 39th Expwy- - 405-525-0730 Gu6hera Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 HoilywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex- 405-947-2351 Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- - 405-528-2221 Hi-Lo Oub - 1221 NW 50th- - - -405-843-1722 Jungle Reds - - - 2200 NW Expwy- - - 405-524-5733 Partners- - - -2805 NW 36th St - - - - - 405-942-2199 Piece To Remember-2131 NW 39th- -405-528-2223 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorw - - - - - - - -405-755-8600 Red Rock North-2240 NW39th St- - -405-525-5165 Sisters- - - - 2120 NW 39th St- - - - - -405-521-9533 The Rockies- -3201 N. May Ave - - - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th-- 405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine - - -- - - 918-836-8700 Club Maverick- - 822 S. Sheridan - - -918-835-3301 Dreamland Bb -- - 8807 E. Admiral Pl - -834-1051 Elite Boobtore --814 S. Sheridan- - - 918-838-8503 End Up Club- - - 424 S. Memorial- c -918-836-2480 Flamingos Qub- - -7915 E. 21st St - - -918-622-6339 GI.BT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E.41st- - - - 918-743-4297 The Detour- - - - • 7944 E. 2ht - - - - - - 918-270-2428 Club Majestic- - 124 N. Bonon - - - - - 918-584-9494 Renegades- - - - 1649 S. ~ - - - 918-585-3405 Prisc:illa's - - - - 792_5 E. 41st - - - - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla's - 563~ V/. Skelly - - - - -918-446-6336 Pri~dna•, - - - -113# E. 11th - - - - -- - -918-43.8-4224 Priscilla's - - 2333 E. 7bt - - -' - -918-499-1661 Tulia CARES- -3507 E. Admital Pi- - 918-834-4194 Tulsa Eagle- - • - -1338 E. 3rd- - - - - - - 9i8-592-1188 TNT's - - - - 2114 S. Memorial- - - - - 918-660-0856 Undeiguy.com • • -15 ~- Brady- - - - - 918-829-0824 Whittier News S~-- i 'N. Lewis- - 91g.592.0767 Yellow-Brick-Rd-· -2630 E. 15th- - - - 918-293-0304 Outlets wishing to distribute FREE copies of the STAR, contact us at 918.835.7887 9am to 4pm mon - fri or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Page 37 cART □□ N "Bitter Girl" cARTooN "A Couple of Guys" A Couple of guys• .- ., .. ,,:Sr~ ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE FOR WICHITA, OKLAHOMA CITY, TULSA, MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS email qualifications to ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net .. or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153' · Tulsa, OK 74145 91 B.B35};7ElB7 email: ozarksstat@§bcglobal.net Quality, Value;0 Itib!grity and Advertising Service. l /BTH PAGE CLASSIFIED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F'CR RATES 91 B.B35.78B7 . or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quallty, Value, Integrity and Trust in Affordable Advertising Service . • ' :.:J.'t: NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F'CR RATES 91 B.B3~.7B87 or email: ozarksst:a;@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, ~lue! Integrity and Th.Jst in Affordable Advertising Service. , ,,,,."•."" •'::cJ.i/:t'':'.:f •," >.' PAGE 40 THE STAR SEPTEMBER 200S :j, Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] The Star Magazine, September 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 09 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 01, 2005 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele Josh Aterovis John Patrick Libby Post Andrew Collins Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman, Chaz Ward Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, August 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 8 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/215 The Star Magazine, October 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 9 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/221 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/222 Bitter Girl Cartoon Cherokee lesbians gay execution gay mayor Heart to Heart Iran execution Lesbian Notions local advertisement marriage equality Past Out Q Scopes Quotable Quotes Star Scene Uncle Mikey vacation https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2b311a27d186a02d02b9dbf2689e12b1.jpg c3a8099328f4ed8c7773939d9bddc8f6 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/d9d2ddd6813fbf684c59e5129a22ec72.pdf 22a62a0f43baa841a183b57deb1dfd6d Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document I 1HE APP ALLING SILENCE Io last months editoriai I encouraged men and women within our communitv and the GLBT allied communicv to sta~d up to the challenge of elective .~ffice in the City of Tulsa and Tulsa County. 1bis month's "Heart to Heart" column expands on the purpose of tlie subject and the reason it is so importmt for us as a minority group of people. . . I hope everyone who picks up a copy of this issue of the STAR will take rime to read the Josh Aterovis article (page 18), become concerned and discuss the issue with your friends, relatives; coworkers and anyone who wil(li~ten. Silence will not bring equai rights! Below is an exsert from the column that hopefully wilt peek your interest enough to read his enlightening article. "'It's up to us and our allies to change. We must elect fair-mi . women who will fight for equalify in our legislative halls. We must encourage and support those politicians who are ffri'ving to protect and improve the lives of all minorities. We need to applaud those vrave · · ,, and groups who stand up ina.tion and bigotry. Most importandy, we need to make our voices heard. Speak u-p for what ywoue believe appalling silence. We . rd to allow · · foundea on prejudice to go • And for the GLBT and Allied business owners a good start may be to join the newly re-organized "Tulsa Rainbow Business Organization'' TuRBO. 918.743.4297. CD. Ward /Editor in Chief 1 Massachusetts Anti-Marriage Am@ndment Defeated!! National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Lauds Efforts of State and Local Leaders WASHINGTON, Sept. 14 - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force hailed today's defeat of a proposed Massachusetts constitutional amendment seeking to ban same-sex marriage and create civil unions. The measure was defeated today by a vote of 157 to 39 by the state Legislature meeting in a joint constitutional convention, having passed the body in March, 2004 bv a vote of 105-92. Had it passed tod;y, it would have been on the statewide ballot in November, 2006. "Today's vote proves that dogged grassroots organizing can change legislative votes" said Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "MassEqualiry and its campaign director Marty Rouse have done an extraordinary job and we are very proud to be on-the-ground partners with them in preserving marriage equality in the one state where it now exists." "The reality of thousands of our marriages in Massachusetts showed the utter fallacy of our opponents' arguments and dire · predictions," Foreman said. "Not on!v did the crops not wither, the Red Sox wo~ the World Series and the Patriots took the Super Bowl." "This victory is especially sweet. The Legislature's resounding defeat of the meanspirited amendment to strip away our right ~o marry af:u:ms and echoes the courageous stand of our state's Supreme judicial Court. In its Goodridge decision, the Court conferred full recognition of our famiiies' human dignity and goodness and today, our Legislature agreed," said Cambridge resident Sue Hyde, a longtime Task Force staffer and CG-founder and board member of MassEquaiity. Lambda Legal Offers Assistance to LGBT Survivors of Hurricane Katrina Who Experience Discrimination - Launches Toll- Free Hotline NEW YORK, September 12, 2005 - Today Lambda Legal announced plans for outreach to LGBT survivors of Hurricane Katrina who may experience discrimination in services provided by relief agencies because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status. "Tragedy does not discriminate and neither should relief agencies," said Kevin Cathcart, Executive Director of Lambda Legal. "In our experience during the aftermath of September 11, LGBT people face compounded difficulties because on top of the disaster they face discrimination when it comes to recognizing their relationships, leading to even more hardship at the worst moment imaginable." Lambda Legal is reaching out to a vari~ty of agencies, including gay and lesbian centers near the area impacted by the. hurricane and around the country, asking them to distribute a flier outlining forms of discrimination gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender people or people with HIV · ence after disasters. Lambda L unched a toll free hotline {866-542-8336} for use by displaced LGBT people to reach the organization's Legal Help Desk. Lambda Legal staff from the organization's South Central Regional Office, located in Dallas, are also working with LGBT community leaders in Houston, where much of New Orleans' gay community is temporarily assembling. Please contact us if you or people you know are being: * Kept out of or been mistreated bv a shelter or other facilitv,; because of '"J ou~• sexual orientation, gender identitv or HTV . ✓ i status. .. ........ Conunued pg-9 Page 5 "Pl conside Travel Gui Once the mining and Pittsburgh ha · cent , ed software de pollution ha eradicated, a industrial sit attractions. The integrate populati theaters films an alternati Out of Town which celebrates the life of the late pop art icon, who grew up in nearby Oakland. Created inside an eight-story 1911 warehouse, the museum contains more than 4.000 works and is an outstanding,· engaging, and often very funnv museum, laid out with abundant co~r=nentary on Warhol's life (and his homosexuality). Close by are the Carnegie Science Center, the National Aviary, and the Mattress Facto1:7, known for its provocative, larger-than-life . installations created by visiting artists m residence. South of downtown, the city rises sharply above the Monongahela River tow~rd Mt. Washington, a workaday neighborhood with spectacular :iews of downtown. Ride up the slope via the historic Monongahela Incline, which . leads to a viewing platform and a small museum. A short drive east is the bohemian South Side, a repository of funky shops, galleries, and eateries that once anchored Pittsburgh's Lithuanian and Polish communities. Still farther east of downtown, Oakland was built from the gobs of money aenerated during Pittsburgh's b . industrial heydav and today contains hospitals, unive;siries, and ·high-tech firms. Forbes and 5th avenues anchor the Universitv of Pittsburgh and formidably endowed, Carnegie Mellon University campuses. Be sure to visit the C~rnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, which contain well-conceived architectural and decorative arts exhibits, a cache of artifacts from ancient Egypt, and the nation's third-largest dinosaur coliecdon. Nearby Schenley Park, ideal for 'a stroll. is anchored by the 1893 Phipps ca'nservatory, comprising 13 rooms of exotic flora. East of Oakland is Shadyside, a gentrified patch of neatly kep: yards and attractive old homes, many ot them gayowned. Ellswor~h Avenue (around the 5800 block) has several gay-popular eateries and businesses, and more chichi Walnut Street (along the 5500 block) holds mid- to high-end chain stores. It's a short drive east to Clayton, the former estate of industrialist Henry Clay Frick ir now consists of a magnificent mansion and other historic outbuildiogs,inciuding rhe Frick Art and HiHorical Center, which has an outstanding collection of European m·aster paintings. If you're looking for a bite t0 eat, head b;ck w the Strip to dine at Kaya, part of Pittsburgh's extremely "familyfriendly" Big Burrito restaurant grou~ .. Kaya presents creative Caribbe~n fooa tn a noisv but fun warehouse settmg. There are se~eral other great Big Burrito hangouts around town, among them Soba Lounge, a Pan-Asian fave in Shadyside, and Casbah, ai: elegant but whimsical spot in East Liberty specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. Off the lobbv of the Downtown Courtyard Marri~tt, Sonoma Grille presents innovative Wine Co:1ntry-_ inspired food, along with an mcredible vino list. It's a great place to take a special date. On Mt. Washin~ton, consider the Monterey Bay Ftsh Grotto, whose contemporary seafood fare (like macadamia-crusted sea bass) draws almost as many "wows" as the knockout skyline views. The South Side has plenty of great restaurants, among them City Grill, a hallowed burger joint where the juicy patties are hardwood-grilled in_ an oldfashioned coal-fired oven. A btt more refined and romantic, Le Pommier Bistro serves exceptional but reasonably priced country French fare. Nearby, swelldegant Tuscany Cafe _ a cross. betw~en. a java joint and a cocktail bar 1s a fa,•onte spot for people-watching. Known simply as the "Big O" by the students and locals who pig out here, Oakland's Original Hot Dog Shop doles out huge portions of greasy food - french fries hot dogs the size of full-grown dachshunds at rock-bottom prices. Shadyside's quintessentially queer video lounge and cafe, 5801 is a hip but friendly place for cocktails, good homestyle cooking, and great conversanon. For a hearty breakfast or lunch, pop inside the friendly Square Cafe, a homey neighborhood spot in the ~verse Regent Square neighborhood s~rvmg hefty sandwiches. omelets, Be,gtan waffles, and buttermilk ·pancakes. In up-and-coming Lawrenceville, Ray's Marlin Beach Bar and Grill serves a ,.vide range of imponed and microbrewed beers plus Caribbeaninspired seafood and creative coi:nfort fare, from chicken potpie to stutfed meat loaf. .. ,.continued pg28 Page 7 HISTORIC HOUSE HATE CRIMES PASSES One step closer to protections for GLBT Americans. September 14, 2005 WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act by an overwhelming 223 to 199 bipartisan vote, taking a historic step toward giving law enforcement the tools they need to enforce and prosecute hate crimes against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. The measure was passed as an amendment to H.R. 3132, the "Children's Safety Act." "Hate crimes send a message of fear and Congress answered with a powerful law enforcement tool," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. 'We must ensure that some of the most heinous crimes are fully prosecuted and enforced. Members of the House, Democrats and Republicans alike, historically signaled todav that local law enforcement officials dese~e the tools this bill would provide toward fighting the scourge of hate crimes." "Every American child deserves the strongest protections from some of this country's most horrifying crimes," said Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard and HRC board member. "The House of Representatives answered our call today by passing a bill that would give law enforcement officials important crime-fighting tools. This makes families stronger. It makes America stronger." Reps. Barney Frank, D-Mass.; Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla.; John Conyers Jr., D-Mich.; Christopher Shays, R-Conn.; and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.; are the lead sponsors of the original bill, which would add actuai or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability to federal hate crime laws. It would give grants to the states to help prosecute these crimes and allow federal assistance in cases where needed to fully prosecute hate crimes. The measure enjoys strong bipartisan support and is endorsed by more than 175 law enforcement, civil rights, civic and religious organizations, including; the National Sheriffs' Association, Inttrnacional Association of Chiefs of Police, U.S. Conference of Mayors, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and many others. Poll after poll continues to show that the American public supports hate crimes legislation inclusive of sexual orientation, including a Kaiser Family Foundation poll released in November 2001 showing that 73 percent of Americans supporting hate crimes legislation that includes sexual orientation and a Lake Snell Perry & Associates poll in August 2002 showing chat 68 percent of likely voters support hate crimes laws for transgender Americans. AIDS Alliance, Katrina AIDS Alliance Emergency Fund Ths fund will support the emergency needs of families and young people living with HIV/ AIDS served by Ryan White CARE Act Title IV programs in Louisiana and Mississippi. These emergency funds will be disbursed directly through local programs. Money raised through the Katrina AIDS Alliance Emergency Fund is being distributed to Ryan White CARE Act Title IV clinics and programs in the affected areas to meet emergency needs of women, children, youth, and families living with HIV and AIDS. This inciudes programs and clinics in J.(arrinadevastated areas, as w::11 as programs that are absorbing displaced individuals and families needing care. About 8,000 peopie with HIV and AIDS who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina now face the massive challenge of trying to manage their disease without their doctors, their clinics and their support systems. For more Info go to: www.aids-alliance.org/ Page 8 * Denied access to needed HIV medications or care * Denied help, services or the ability to assert legal nghts because you are ( or were) in a same-sex relationship and not married * Kept from your or other family members, or denied the ability to take action on their behalf because you don't have a formal legal relationship * Asked to provide documents to prove your relationship or ownership of property when married people are not * Turned away or mistreated by a private or public relief agency based on religious views about LGBT or HIV-affected people * Mistreated in temporary or permanent foster care * Denied the right to handle the affairs of a deceased loved one "If individuals or couples within the LGBT or HIV community are denied services because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status, I encourage them to call one of our help desks around the countrv " Cathcart said. · ' · Lambda Legal Help Desk Numbers: Toll Free Hotline 866-542-8336 South Central Regional Office (Dallas): . 214-219-8585 Southern Regional Office (Atlanta): 404-897-1880 National Headquarters (New York): 212-809-8585 Midwest Regional Office (Chicago): 312- 663-4413 Western Regional Office (Los Angeles): 213-382-7600 A printable flier is available by following the link on the homepage at www.iambdalegal.org. Lisa Hardaway 212-809-8585 ext.266; Cell: 402-369-2104 Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. HOUSE COMMITTEE VOTES TO RESTORE PROTECTIONS FOR FEDERAL WORKERS 'Members of Congress are fighting for more than 2 million federal workers while a Bush appointee tries to chisel away at protections,' said HRC President Joe Solmonese. Sept. 15, 2005 WASHINGTON - Legislation that would clarify existing law to ensure protections from anti-gay discrimination in the federal workplace was passed today by a unanimous voice vote in the House Government Reform Committee. Introduced by Reps. Henry Waxman, DCalif., and Chris Shays, R-Conn., the Clarification of Federal Employment Protections Act became necessary after President Bush's appointee at the Office of Special Counsel began rolling back protections in existence since the Carter administration. "Members of Congress are fighting for more than 2 million federal workers while a Bush appointee tries to chisel away at protections," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "This measure would halt the rollback of a law preventing anti-gay discrimination that has existed for three decades. Today's vote was an important step toward restoring these critical protections. Our thanks extend to Representatives Henry Waxman, Chris Shavs and Tom Davis for their leadership.;' For more than two decades, a federai statute, the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, has been interpreted to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in the workplace for federal empioyees. Special Counsel Scott Bloch. who heads one of the federai agencies · responsible for investigating and settling claims of workplace discrimination, claimed at a Senate hearing in May tl:at he lacks authority to investigate or ac;: on continued page-32 Page 9 September 14 * October 23, 2005 The Cimarron Alliance Foundation. in partnership with the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and other communit"f, civic and religious•baacd orgaoaations is pleased to bring to Okiaboma City an exhibition on the Holocaust unique to Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Holocaust ExbiQition • offered FREE to the pubiic - began Wednesday, Sq,tcmber 14 and will remain through Satmday, October 23, 2005, in downtQwo Oklahoml City at Untitled (ArtSpace], t NE 3rd Street. The gallery hours for the exhibition will be Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 11am to 4pm; Friday 11am to 8pm and Sunday 1 pm m 4pm. For more information go tawww.OKHolocaustExhibition.org. I I It's alJ liappe1:1ing at lhfi Ba.mlwi1 .l m1t fut· Yott! Open i 2noon fo 2am daily Page 1 l iversity de ents We D<iit ti For GLBTa &. PPLAGa EureRa Sprinqs. Adzansas Nov 4, s.&. 6 It will be RAINING . ... MEN, WOMEN & BEARS/ .Earl mheeler . 437 E. 141st Streiit Glenpool, OK 74Ql:3.. · .-, 918.291.EARL(3275) iscill <fu.nli OKC,OK Priscilla's 615 E Memorial (405) 755-8600 Springfield, MO TLC Priscilla's 1918 S. Glenstone (417) 881-8444 Tulsa, OK Priscilla's 7925 E 41st (918) 627-4884 Tulsa, OK Priscilla's 5634 W. Skelly (918) 446-6336 Tulsa, OK Priscilla's 11344 E. 11th (918) 438-4224 Tulsa, OK Priscil!a's 2333 E. 71st (918) 499-1661 Page 13 Mister Sunshine State: Gage Gatlyn, I wins Mr. Gay USA, FMI Gage Gatlyn, Master Illusionist, a native of Jacksonville, Florida traveled to Hickory North Carolina Labor Day weekend to compete in National Pageant, Mr. Gay USA, FMI (For Male Impersonators). Gage Gatlyn qualified for USA, FMI in the Mr. NC, USA Preliminary. After 3 scressfoi , yet funfilled days at Club Cabaret, he was named the new Mr. Gav USA, FMl 2006, and was rhe winner of every category. His 1st Runner up is Cord Long of Michigan and 2nd Runner up is Devin Dame of Ohio. The title was turned over by Chase Thompson of Oklahoma. The Competition included 17 contestants from 9 different states, and they brought IT! It was hiswry in the making for USA, FMI. Mr. Gay USA just celebrated 20 years of the Gay pageantry system. When asked if she planed to be traveling this year now that she holds a USA Title, Gage replied, "I plan on entertaining at every preliminary for Mr. Gay USA, FMI, and even prelims and National Pageants of other categories of USA Unlimited Pageantry System. To show the rest of the Nation that Drag Kings are not what they used to be. The standards ha,e changed and we are on the road to sharing a stage with our sisters on a regular basis:i: not just on Drag King nights. Some of us work just as hard and go through just as much to make the illusion on that stage, therefore we deserve the opportunity to be seen". Gage Gatlyn will be performing at Ben's Club 1022, Fort Smith, Saturday, November 12th! For more information and schedule go to www.gagegatlyn.boilingpoint.us Marsha Stevens in J lin Oct. 1st Famous for her song, "For Those Tears I Died" Stevens became the first (and as of 2002, the only) major singer in the contemporary Christian music subculture to identify herself publicly .ts a lesbian ..... Christian Century Magazine has said that Stevens bec~me "conservative Christianj~/s worst nightmare a Jesus-loving, Biblebeiieving, God-fearing lesbian Chrisrian." Marsha will be performing at MCC _Toplin 6pm Oct 1st. Page 15 "'Momma always said; Don't say you don't lilie it until you've tried it!" FALL SPICY SALMON 2 cups Brown Sugar 1/2 tsp Salt 1 tbsp Cumin 1 tbsp Chili Powder 1/2 tsp Thyme 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper 1/2 tsp White Pepper Mix all ingredients together and set aside. 4 12-16 oz Salmon Filets (1/4-1/2 inch thick) 1 cup Bro~n Mustard 2 tbsp Cream Horse Radish Sauce Take brown sugar mixture and rub gently over both sides of Salmon filets. These may be cooked 2 wavs. Preferablv grilled or broiled in an ove~. If grilling, ' cook for 15-20 minutes. If broiling, cook for 10-12 minutes (about 165 deg internally) Mix brown mustard and horse radish sauce together. Lightly brush on filets during the last five minutes of cooking. Save enough to serve on the side. Serve fish over Spanish Rice of Rice Pilaf. Hint: Serve with a nice Merlot TESTil'iG,~O NEEDTu~!. sPirur•oii CHR1ST. MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 47.11 Joplin, Mo 64803 Sunday Service 6PM conjunction with AIDS Project of the ks, MCC Joplin offers fr~e HIV g the last Sunday of each month een 5PM and 6PM. For your nvenience you can also call 206-6179 for appointment. We use the Ora~sure ethod which does not require the use of and we offer complete nfidentiality. You may :1lso request oklets on AIDS for People of Faith rough the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin "Seroing A Healthier Community" Page 16 Mary Mary Quite Contrary, How does your garden growl What makes a garden? So powerful are the impressions made by flowers and foliage, it is tempting to think of the_ garden as essentially a place in which plants grow. Gardens are, however, first and foremost for people whose preferences and requirements can be very different. You might relish the idea of honing your garde~ng s½:ills and making a special collection ot plants. But creating a pleasant, low maintenance setting for outd_o_or !ivin~ is an equally legitimate amb1t1on. At its most rewarding, a garden is a highly personal creation, one that happily reconciles your idea of what is best for vou with the potential of the are; that is available. The way you want to use the garden area affects the way vou organize the space within it; boundaries. This will be reflected in the relative weight given to hard landscaping, such as paving, walls, the planted areas, or soft iandscaping. I pr~fer it hard!, but a little soft is also enjoyable, but if, for example, vou want the garden to be an outd~or room for entertaining, you will probablf need a large area of paving or decking. If your passion is plants or you want to grow fruits or vegetables, you might make do with narrow paths crisscrossing planted ~rea~. A pond may be high on your list tf you wish to attract wildlife into your property. Once you have thought through how you want to use your garden and how to best exploit the site you can start planning how you want it to look. In the following months we will explore °:ore aspects of gardening, plant vanety, maintenance and tips fo~ a number of problem's that may anse. October is the month for mums and pansies. My personal favorite variety of chrysanthemum is "Salmon Faire;' a beautiful florists mum with pompom shaped salmon pink flowerheads, 1 1 / 2 inches across in late autumn. Pansies come in a large variety of colors and are an excellent choice for fall winter or spring color. Pansies will winter in our region quite well although snow will bring on a dormant period. They prefer well drained soil and will take full sun in cool temperatures. So, if anyone calls you a pansy, just say THANK YOU! And on that note it's time to close for now. I hope you will enjoy the columns but remember ........ .. "Yo,u mcaank lead a bar-to-culture, but you cant e her think" Till next time, see you in the dirt. Page 17 Josh Aterovis, Author Opinions Founded on Prejudice The great Scottish judge and literarv critic Francis J effrev once said · "Opinions fo~ndel on prejudi~e are always sustained with the greatest of violence." He was most likely referring to the ferocity of a verbal argument, but his sentiment holds true in every sense of the word violence. As lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues have come to the forefront on an international scale, organized attacks and violence against the LGBT communitv has increased exponentially. , Several countries saw ·violence erupt at their Pride events this year. In July, Erik Shkapars, the executive direcwr Latvia's capital Riga, canceled the city's pride celebration, but a judge ruled that the parade could go on. When several dozen brave gays and lesbians showed up to march through the cemer of the cicy demanding justice for sexual minori<iP< they found themselves vastly ·--~, outnumbered by anri-gay demonstrators. The protes::s turned violence when the anti-gay crowd began throwiDg rotten eggs and insults, and scuffles with the police broke out. A similar scene played out in Poland a month earlier when more than 2500 people marched through the streets of Warsaw in defian£.Lof the city's mayor; who had also canceled all gay pride celebrations. Once again, eggs and insults were tossed, bur that time, marchers were physically attacked by protestors. Things got even uglier at Jerusalem's pride parade. More than a thousand protestors threw bottles of urine and bags of feces at marchers. Three people were stabbed in a series of attacked by religious extremist. In Australia, the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby reports that Violence and harassment against gays and lesbians in Victoria is increasing to "unacceptably high levels." According to Human Rights First; in France, violent hate crimes against gay men more than doubled from 2002 to 2003. Even in Canada, where gay marriage was recently legalized, violence against gays and lesbians has increased. Criminologist and author Doug Janoff says violence against homosexuals in Canada is more "frenzied" and intense than that perpetrated against other victims of violent crime. Unfortunately, the U.S. is at the forefront of anti-gay attacks. This summer was an especially violent one for the LGBT community. In July alCl!le, there were four separate LGBT-related arson attacks around the country. On July 9, a gay-friendly United Church of Christ congregation in Middlebrook, Virginia was damaged in a fire set after the arsonist wrote a message on the exterior of the church calling its members sinners. Two weeks later, the only gay club in Fayetteville, Arkansas was torched for the second time in iess than a month. Studio 716 was destroved by the second blaze. A week later, a gay club in Brownsville, Texas was gurted by fire. Then, just davs ia;:er. a Florida couple were the victims ~f a targeted hate crime when their home was set ablaze and "Die Fag" was spray painted on their front steps. It was a violent summer for gays in New York City as well. There were neariy one hundred attacks on gays in the City this summer. In June and 1uly alone there were 85 viole~t hate cri~e~ Continued next page: Page 18 HEART TO HEART against NYC gays and the number rose almost ~aily in August. According to the Ant1-V1olence Project, hate crime against gays were about 6% above average in 2004. . In fact, violence against gays is on the nse. on a natio_n.al level. According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs' _annuai report released in April, reported anti-gay violence rose 4% between 2003 and 2004. Included in the rise in incidents for the year was an 11 % increase in anti-LG BT ~urders. In 2003, NCA VP's report on hate violence detailed a 26% increase in anti-LGBT violence. "This year's report has to be viewed as a follow-up ro our report from a year a~o," Clarence Patton, acting executive director of the NCA VP said. "In the last edition of this report it became all too clear that with respect to violence the nation's LGBT communities had ' entered a very new, :i.nd very dangerous era in which all of us were under attack at levels not seen in recent vears." So what is at the root of this increased hatred and violence against LGBT peopl~? Certainly, it is partially the resu_lt of increased visibility. Violent attacks Jumped dramatically following the Supreme Court's decision striking down sodomy laws and Massachusetts's allowing s~me-sex couples to marry. They cono_nued to rise as many states passed antt-gay ballot initiatives. the President repeatedly called for ~ cons?tutional amendment banning gay marnage, and the LGBT communitt foun~ itself ~eing used as a wedge is;ue by Right-Wmg politicians during the 2004 eiection process. Some believe it's even more insidious than mere exposure, however. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force lay the blame on conservative religious groups. "The literal blood of the thousands of gay people physically wounded b·, hate during 2004 is on the hands of jerry Falwell, James Dobson, Tony Perkins and_ so m~y others who spe-~ hate fo; p~msan ¥am and personal enrichment," said NGLTF Executive Director Mat Foreman. He codd be right S~dies have concluded that polincal hate-dnven messages have been directly connected to violence a=inst gav and 1 b . 1 b- , es tan peop,e. Constant hate speech from r~l~g10us leaders demonizing gays and lesbians musr have the same effect. E-..-ery time Falwell, Dobson. Robertson, or Phelps denou~ce gavs as sinners, they are so-wing the seeds ~f bigotry and reinforcing the prejudice many already feel towards LGBT people. T~e most recent example of this came rn wake of the devastation of Katrina .• ~n evangelical Christian group that calls itself Repent America made a public statement blaming the hurricane on gays. "Although the loss of lives is deeply saddening, this act of God destroyed a wicked citv." director ·Michael Marcavage said: When will this cvcle of hate and viol.ence end? Only ~hen good people begm _ to stand up and fight back against the bigotry and intolerance. As Dr. ~artin Luther King Jr. once wrote, "We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appa~ng silence of the good people." Its up to us and our allies to bring about change. We must elecr fairminded men_ and women who will fight for equality m our legislative halls. We mu~t. encourage and support those poli~c1ans who are striving to protect and 1mprove the lives of all minorities. We need to applaud those brave religious leaders and groups who stand up and denounce discrimination and bigotry. Most importantly, we need to make our voices heard. Speak up for what you believe is right. Do not b~come a part of the appalling silence. We cannot afford to allow those opinion founded on prejudice to go unchallenged. Th~ ~iews expressed in this column are my opinion~ only. :You don't have to agree with them. I jUSt ask that you read them with an open heart and mind. Page 19 Serving our community in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma. Illinois & Colorado This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent,_ Greg Tainter. We're proud to serv<N:his community and our customers. <::all today and ask about our services. ANtO • Ho,m: • Life • Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Ttl: (886) 208-9480 gtainter@shelterinsurance.com www.shelterinsurance.com Page 20 10% off with this ad! Pagt" 21 ut by Highleyman OCTOBER 2005 Summary : Past Out is a retrospective of key momen_ts, personalities, and subjects in L<JBT history. Each installment brings the past to life lry exploring the div&sity of the gtt:y past and its impact on the queer present. What is the ,history of the . Metropolitan Community Church? Because they have often experienced homophobia in their religions of origin, LGBT people have formed lesbian and gay groups within specific denominations, as well as an entirely • new LGBT religious organization, the• Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC). MCC was founded by the Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry, a defrocked Protestant minister. Perry was licensed as a Baptist preacher when he was 15, married at age 18, and became a pastor in two different Pentecostal churches. In the early 1960s, he came put as gay, leading to a. divorce from his :wife and dismissal from the ministry. At age 27, after having attempted suicide following a failed love affair with a man, Perry realized that God loved .him as he was, and felt called to start a new church to serve the gay community. Perry held the first MCC service in the living room of his suburban Los Angeles home on Oct. 6, 1968. Twelve people attended, including friends and a few individuals who had seen an ad in _ The Advocate_, then a local gay newspaper. Perry's first sermon, "Be True to You," was inspired by Polonius' advice to his son in _Hamlet_. The church expanded rapidly, and within a few I)J.Onths had outgrown Perry's living room. The budding congregation first m.oved to a theater in Hollywood, theri. bought and refurbished a dilapidated building. Soon, MCC congregations began to spring up in other cities, including Chicago, Honolulu, San Diego, and San Francisco. In 1972, two dozen affiliates were· formally organized as the Univ.ersal · Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, with Perry serving as moderator .. The fellowship has since grown to nltply 300 congregations comprising sbme 43,000 members - in 48 states and more than 20 countries. Not everyone was happy about the new church's success .. In 1973, the Los Angeles congregation's recently dedicated building was burned down, the first of some 20 arsons and fire-bombings at MCC churches. Later that same vear, a fire at a New Orleans gay bar us~d for MCC services claimed the. lives ,of 32 people, including the pastor and nearly half the congregation. Perry always,intended that MCC should be an ecumenical Christian church, and {tom its first days it attracted people frpm diverse religious backgrounds. Drawing upon Pentecostal, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and other .. malnline Protestant traditions; MCC . retains many tenets of Christian doc:trine, but promotes a reading of the Bible :that accepts gay people. "Jesus never orice . mentioned or condemned : · homosexuality,:' wrqte Pe:1;tt. "Jesus spent a lot of time talking-about Iov~ - and that's something that's missingjti both the rhetoric and actions of an~y; religious,. groups." A few congregations have taken . · · ·. . the fello_;;;hip's ecw:neni~in • tp -~ n~vi levd; San Francisco's MCC .. Bills itself as. "a home for queer sp· · · · the first to .hold Since the clergy and Jay members'h~ve ta~en an active role in the LGBT civiVrights . movement. Tlie original MCC. was oom in the midst of a · · of police harassment of gay . Angeles, which resulted in the arrest of one of Perry's close friends'. In ·March 1977, • Perry was among the first gay and lcsqi~ leaders to meet with White House staff.·· In 1981, MCC Toronto's.pastor, the Rev._ Brent Hawkes, held a month-long fast to protest that city's raids on gay bathhouses, and in 1987 Perry was among the. LGBT leaders arrested during a ma$S civil disobedience outside the Supreme Court to protest the _Bowers vs. Hardwick_ sodomy ruling . .. cont-next pg. From the outset, MCC has recognized the validity of gay and lesbian relationships, and has played a key role in the ongoing struggle for same-sex marriage. Perry conducted MCC's first same-sex union ceremony just months after the church's first rn'eeting, and in 1970 filed the first-ever lawsuit demanding that the state of California recognize same-sex marriages. In conjunction with the marches on Washington in 1987, 1993, and 2000, Perry conducted mass commitment ceremonies for thousands of same-sex couples. In January 2001, MCC Toronto's Hawkes performed a wedding for a gay and a lesbian couple following the ancient tradition of banns, under which marriages may legally be performed without a license if the intent to marrv is announced in advance and no one obf ects. Although Ontario authorities refused to record the marriages, the action set in motion a series of lawsuits that legalized same-sex marriage throughout most of Canada. When Perry founded MCC, he expected that mainline churches would change their teachings about homosexuality, and that gay people would then "go home" to their own denominations. As it happened, the failure of other denominations to fully embrace LGBT people ensured MCC's survival, and MCC's success, in turn, helped spur some other religious institutions to re-examine their views concerning homosexuality. While debate still rages within several denominations over issues such as the blessing of samesex unions and the role of LGBT clergy, MCC continues to provide a welcoming spiritual home for thousands of LGBT people throughout the worid. For further reading: Perrv. Troy. 1972, 1987. _ The Lord Is My Shepherd and He Knows I'm Gay _ (Liberty Press). Perry, Troy, and Thomas Swicegood. 1990. Don't Be Afraid Anymore: The Storv ;;f Reverend Troy Perry and the Met~opolitan Commu~ity Chu:ches~ (St. Martin's). Page 23 Page 24 _Libby Post is the founding chair of the Empire State Pride Agenda and a politicai commentator on pubiic radio, on the Web, and in print media. Lesbian Notions by Libby Post SEPTEMBER 2005 Is That a Promise or a , Threat? ! Repent America, yet another Christian Right we-take-the-Bible-as-literal-fact group, reveis in its belief that Hurricane Katrina was God's vengeance on New Orleans, a city, according to the group's website, that "had its doors wide open to the public celebration of sin." They're referring to "Southern Decadence," an annual end-of-summer extravaganza that, before Katrina hit, was slated to bring in o,'er $100 million in tourism dollars to New Orleans' business communiry. That $100 million is part of what has become the· $640 billion lesbian and gay market in this country. While smail compared to what the lesbian and gay market is worth nationaily, $100 million spent in any city isn't anything to sneeze at. The gay dollar is strong in all 50 states and getting stronger, much to the chagrin of those, like the folks at Repent America, who blame us for everything that in their view is not Christian and right. Citing moral authority over corporate America, :he Christian Right has long tried to keep businesses from supporting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) kick-starred various Christian Right-based embargos with their boycott of Disney in 1997. SBC, along \vith the American Family Association (AF A) and Focus on the Family, contended that the roof on the house the mouse built provided shelter for the wrong type of people us. All three accused Disney of pursuing a "homosexual agenda" in providing domesticpartner benefits to employees and permitting Gay Days at their parks. Eight years later, the Christian Right gave up. Plain and simple - it didn't work. Disney thrived despite the boycott. Besides, I'm sure it was getting difficult for young Southern Baptists to expiain to their kids why they couldn't go to see Mickey and Donald. But the Magic Kingdom ·was only the beginning. Bush's re-election gave the Christian Right a shot of adrenaline, and it's got;:en savvier about intimidating business in this country. Instead of calling for an outright boycott, it just threatens one - maybe the threats are more effective tnan the real thing. As fast as you could say "economic sanctions,'' the _A.FA went after Procter and Gamble for supporting gay rights legislation in Cincinnati last fall. P&G underestimated the frenetic response of AFA members - they're said to have mobilized 400,000 people througnout ;:he country •o sign boycott pledges to pressure the corporate giant. In the long nm, some heads rolied at P&G, and gay ad dollars dried up. It will be interesting to see if Crest or Tide is advertised during _ Will and Grace_ or _Queer Eye_ thi~ season. Concerned Women for America (CWA), another Christian Right front group, has targeted Starbucks. It seems the java king has various quotes pnnted on its ubiquitous green-and-white cups a~ part of its "T'he W'ay I See It" series One of the quotes is from Armistead r-.faupin. author of __ Tales of the City_ The quote reads "My only regret about being gay is that I repressed it so bng. I surrendered my vomh to the people T feared \-:.:hen T could ha Ye been our there hJYing so1ncone. l)on ~t make that Lesbian Notions mistake yourself. Life's ;:oo damn short." CW A should take a lesson from Maupin - life is to~J damn short and they should be worrying about qumes on coffee cups. But, aias, it is the group's calling to uphold biblical teachings and thus organize against all things gay. . Need a vacation from all this Christian Right craziness? Go to the City of Brotheriy Love which, by the way, is ,vhere Repent America is headquartered - and you'll find thev actuallv want us there. The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation spent S1 ~illion on an ad campaign to lure lesbian and gay tourists to the ·citv. It worked. After a 14-month campaign, the group found that we came, we saw, a~d we spent! In fact, it seems we spend more money when we stay overnight than our straight counterparts do. For every dollar that was spent to get us to the city, the city's tourism coffers realized S153 - that's quite a return on investment. So what are corporate America and the small-business community to do? Does would-be moral authority trump the American Dream of making a profit? In the long run, we ;re a capitalist nation, and money talks. Maybe it's time to bring our the "Gay Money" rubber stamps from our memorabilia shoeboxes and start using them again. Perhaps the next time you go to Starbucks you should let them know you're a member of the LGBT community and you appreciate their support. When the Christian Right threatens a boycott, write the corporate execs and tell them not to capitulate. When you travel with your partner, send a clear message to the hoteiier or B&B and book a room with a queen-or king-size bed, not two doubles. They may not know you're queer when you book, but they'll certainly know it when you check in! \'{ie're worth $640 billion a vear in this coumry. Let's show corporate America and the small-business community just how green the rainbow flag can be. By doing so, we can help them ward off the likes of the Christian Right and reclaim the moral high ground. IGNA.Tt.1:ltE PUBlISHl Quality web newsprint at affordable prices 405-478-4009 • 6725 N. Miramar Blvd. Okla City. OK 73111 Page 25 Rsk o Advice Column! October 2005 Salutations everyw-!iere Kittens. Uncle Mikey once more on the s\;ene. You know, as the recent developments in ou~\southern states occurred, Uncle has found himself pondering, how our wonderful country shall recover from the terrible effects, of the real storm in our country, simply called Bush. Between that and trying to get my damn nails to dry evenly, a thought occurred to me, Gay men have been saying it for years, No more Bush! Uncle Mikey: I have been having this affair for six months. My boyfriend does not suspect a thing. He thinks I a.m working a lot of overtime and he trusts me. I feel crappy, but sexually, I was bored. Now, the man I have been seeing is demanding more and threatening to tell my boyfriend if I do not give him what he wants. I don't want to lose my boyfriend. I just do not know how to get myself out of this one? Help! Lost Lover Dearest Lover: Kitten, Uncle must tell you, we reap ~ha.t we sow darling and I am afraid there is no wa.y out of this without feeling the wrath of scorned love. The mature thing to do would be to tdl your boyfriend what you have been up to. Devote yourself to him, and making it anew, deal with this home wrecker as one. However, know this, once you and your lover have made it through this turmoil of <lea.ling with Mr. Fata.I attraction, you a.re next on the agenda. If you are serious a.bout earning back the trust, you are going to have to take your medicine. Good Luck Uncle Kittens I have said it before and it stands true. Broken trust and love can be ~ended with only the sincerest seeker. It is not a.n easy road however, one that you can find redemption. You could also find a bunny in the p()t, so be warned. Uncle knows the role of being betrayed, with husband number three, who held an insatiable appetite for the delicacy of twinkalecious. Uncle, after buying himself a complete new wardrobe, assured him the price is never bargain rates with this queen. He wa.s able to manage his wondering eyes after that. The poor duck, did not know someone could do such damage armed only with a gold card! Dear Uncle: I am so sick of gay people acting self-absorbed. It is no wonder why people think we are such shallow people when most of them are. Why arc they? I am sorry Kitten. Uncle caught his reflection in this new hat, which would make Lady Kitty envious. Maybe I can ponder this later for you, after my tanning session maybe. I must remember to give Sue Lee, a faithful hat-girl, a raise. Smooches-Uncle Dear Uncle: Why do lesbians have such a mean streak in them? I have two friends and '\\c-henever we go out, it is like walking on eggshells because they fight more than anyone I have ever seen. I am almost over getting together with them at all. I fear where their dramatics might lead with me in the middle. The Dike's friend Dear Dike's Friend: This is something Uncle has pondered, and in all truth, I think this is merely Page 26 Ask Uncle Mikey: good spirited foreplay. In truth, though many may want to deny it, they arc oassionate creatures. Kitten; think about ~ group of gay men at a dub. Eave you ever seen a group of more .:han five gay men get together without som~cme's flame igniting? I did not think SC;. Li've and let live. Encourage the two to healthy physical activity in orcier to sooth some of those pent up passions. Maybe skydiving, I hear that bush diving is almost a sport in itself; that is if its done right. Dear uncle: My friend is a walking-breathing penis. I mean he has no thoughts above the waste. I have watched him sleep v.'ith more men than I can count. I mean he has at 26 years old, never had a relationship that lasted longer than orgasm. Brian is his hero from QAF, and he thinks his lifestyle is all right. I keep telling him that one day he is going to be sorry for his behavior. How can I help him see he needs something more in his life? Plaver's friend Dearest Kitten: First things first, does he have a brother? Ok I am som· Uncle must have drifted the~c for a m~ment. Kitten, do I detect a hint of jealousy in your words? Alternatively, is it more that the item, which is really fueling your desire, is just that? Mavbe vou think vou are the one to tame this ~ild stallio~. Uncle says go for it, show him the benefits of homemade desert in bed on a rniny day. Smooches-Uncle Kittens, live and let live, do we ha-,e to continue to go over this. As long as someone is open and honest with his or her playmates, there is no harm in this lifestyle. Playing safely and responsible, is simply a choice. We are not all meant for domestication; remember that! Smooches Unde Mikey and Ticidles too! Want more of Mikey? Visit Mikey's comer at www.askunclemikey.com. Freelance writer Michael Hinzman, joining communities throughout Queerdom ... New York's Gay Penguins Split Up (and one turns straight) By Benjamin Cohen NEW YORK_One of New York's mo~t famous gay couples has split up. Silo and Roy two male chinstrap penguins have been living together as husband and husband for the past six years. Since their relationship began, the pair have successfully hatched and raised an adopted chick, after they tried to incubate a rock. They also inspired six other gay penguin couples at New York's Central Park Zoo. However, when Scrappy, a single femaie arrived from Sea World Zoo in San Diego, Silo's eye went wondering and he moved out of his and Roy's nest and moved in with Scrappy. Quotable Quotes "I nromise mv audience at least one J , shocking gay scene this year. People will ,vrite about thi~ once I'm done \Vith it.'.f' "Desperate Housewives" creator 1viarc Cherrv ro Oc1t mag:izinc, September 1ssue. Page 27 Out of Town '·,"-, Probably the most popular of the downtown gay bars, Pegasus is a see-andbe- seen dance-and-video lounge that's especiaily popular for after-work cocktails. The sprawling Pittsburgh Eagle, in a barren industrial neighborhood a 10-minute drive north of downtown, draws huge crowds for dancing on weekends. Donny's Place is a lively· country-western dance bar with a pool hall drawing a mixed-gender crowd. Downstairs, there's a guy-oriented basement nook known as Leather Central. Trendy types head to True Cafe and Bartini, a snazzy lounge on the North Side that exudes sophistication. Fans of karaoke, pool, and videos congregate at Images, an unpretentious and friendly downtown spot, as well as the nearby Liberty A venue Saloon, which serves tasty pub fare, too. The low-keyed Reai Luck Cafe sits a short walk from the music clubs and restaurants in the Strip and draws a mix of women and men. Among accommodations, you can'{ beat either the location or the swank decor of the Westin Convention Center, which sits near Liberty Avenue's gay nightlife and the Strip's rescaurams and markets. But for sheer history, check into the old-world Omni William Penn, a 1916 beauty in the heart of downtown. The excellent, mid-priced Courtyard Marriott chain has two fine Pittsburgh properties. In the Cultural District, the Courtyard Marriott Pittsburgh Downtown occupies four adjacent historic buildings. A few miles east, the Courtyard Marriott Shadyside/Oakland is close to gay-popular shopping and dining along Liberty and Ellsworth avenues. A delightful South Side urban retreat, the Victorian Morning Glory Inn is filled with memorable touches, from an 1890 grand piano in the music room to lateafternoon wine that you can enjoy on a shaded terrace. Rooms have fine antiques, tasteful fabrics, and luxe marble baths. Another gay-friendly option, the Arbors Bed & Breakfast occuoies a handsome 19th-century house o;;. 2 pastoral acres. Rooms have cable TV with VCRs, refrigerators, and unfussy but e!F-gant furnishings. On the North Side, the Priory is a highly romantic inn created out of a comrcrted 1888 home for traveling Benedictine monks and an 1852 German Catholic church. Filled with Victorian antiques and oozing character, the inn has a welltrained staff committed to first-rate service. Best of all, it's just a five-minute walk from the wonderful Warhol Museum. The iconoclastic pop artist probably would have approved of Pittsburgh's most gay-popular inn occupying a former house of worship. The Little Black Book Arbors Bed & Breakfast (745 Maginn St., 412-231-4643, www.arborsbnb.com). Cafe Zao (649 Penn Ave., 412-325-7007). Casbah (229 S. Highland Ave., 412-661- 5656). City Grill (2019 E. Carson St., 412-481-6868). Courtyard Marriott Pittsburgh Downtown (945 Penn Ave., 412-434-5551, www.courtyardpittsburghdowntowo.com). Courtyard Marriott Shadyside/ Oakland (5308 Liberty Ave., 412-683-3113, www.courtyardshadyside.com). Donny's Place (1226 Herron Ave., 412-682-9869). 5801 (5801 Ellsworth Ave., 412-661- 5600). Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau (877-LOVE-PGH, www.visitpittsburgh.com). Images (965 Libertv Ave., 412-391-9990). Kaya (2000 Small~an St., 412-261-6565). Liberty Avenue Saloon (941 Liberty Ave., 412- 338-1533). Monterey Bay Fish Grotto (1411 Grandview Ave., 412-481-4114). Morning Glory Inn (2119 Sarah St., 412- 431-1707, www.morningglorybedandbreakfast.com). Omni William Penn (530 William Penn PL, 412-281-7100 or 800-THE-OMNI, www.omnihotels.com). Original Hot Dog Shop (3901 Forbes Ave., 412-687- 8327). Pegasus (818 Liberty Ave., 412- 281-2131). Pittsburgh Eagle (1740 Eckert St., 412-766-7222). Pittsburgh International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival (412-232-3277, www.piigff.org). Le Pommier Bistro (2104 E. Carson St., 412-431-1901). The Priory (614. Pressley St., 412-231-3338, www.thepriory.com). Ray's Marlin Beach Bar and Grill (5121 Butler St., 412-781-6771). Real Luck Cafe (1519 Penn Ave., 412-566-8988). Soba Lounge (5847 Ellsworth Ave., 412-362- 5656). Sonoma Grille (947 Penn Ave., 412-697-1336). Square Cafe (1137 S. Braddock Ave., 412-244-8002). Page 28 Minister Fired provide witness that Mr. Urie has very high women, gay and straight have offered to standards and morals completing his job with integrity and honesty" Kenneth T: a straight man who helped Mr. Urie with classes stated, "I may not approve of Mr. Urie's life-style but justice is justice and this is wrong. Never at anytime did Mr. Urie conduct himself other than professionally in the classes I assisted with.'' "My concern is that at 55 years of age and having been out since my 20's that this could happen at this rime of my life. I never thought a system that employees so many people of alternate life-styles would in fact use this as justification. This system has an antidiscrimination policy based on sexuai orientation clause in their handbook yet does nothing to protect it's staff members against being held to a double standard." " I encourage evervone to understand that they DO NOT have protection under the law as long as we remain second class citizens. We MUST work in every state and at the ·Federal level to obtain the protection that every citizen should have in housing, business, marriage and the workplace." "No one should ever be caught off guard or surprised when discriminatory actions take place as long as we are without the same protections others have. It couid happen t0 you." Urie said. "Don't be surprised, yes they can do it." Rev. Urie has ministered the all affirming. predominantly GLBT Christian church in Joplin for 8 years and has worked tirelessly to improve lives, to bring together the gay and lesbian community in Southwest Missouri. I have known Rev. Steve Urie for several vears, have attended his services and ha.;e seen first hand the charity and giving in this man, from his heart. And to my knowledge he has never drawn a salary from the church. The community, church and it's members are his life and a fulltime job in it's own. Yet he was dedicated to his teaching position with Freeman Health Care Systems. This man does not deserve to be stepped on by anyone and especially by a company that does riot enforce it's non-discrimination policy with members of our community. Steve has been unemployed since the 8'h of August and is unable to get a job until this is cleared up with the Board of Nursing. Anyone wanting to help with the legal expenses for Mr. Urie can send contributions to: Urie Legal Fund, c/o P.O. Box 4711, Joplin, MO 64803 It's a good time for our community to give back to someone who has given so much to us. Page 29 Federal Workers certain claims of sexual orientation -------. discrimination from federal employees. Liverpool to Back Building of Gay arter In April 2004, the White House released the following statement: "Longstanding federal policy prohibits discrimination against federal employees based on sexual orientation. . . . President Bush expects federal agencies ro enforce this policy and to ensure that all federal employees are protected from unfair discrimination at work." "From national park rangers to emergency personnel, federal employees fill important roles in American society. The last thing they should have to worry about is a bureaucrat in Washington rolling back their employment protections," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "Our work continues as we fight for these critical protections, including strongly advocating for an Employment Non-Discrimination Act that protects every gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender American from workplace discrimination." The Clarification of Federal Employment Protections Act was introduced June 30, 2005, by Reps. Henrv Waxman, D-Calif., Chris Shays, R-Co~n., Steny Hoyer, D-Md.; Barney Frank, D-Mass.; Mark Foley, R-Fla.; Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.; Eliot Engei, DN .Y.; Danny Davis, D-Ill.; and Jim Kolbe, R-Ariz. Quotable Quotes "If George W. Bush gets one more Supreme Court appointment, then a very important decision, the Lawrence decision, which says it was unconstitutional to prosecute two consenting men having sex in their bedroom that would be overturned. Tohn Roberts would overturn that. You have Bush talking about how Scalia - virulent homophobe ~ is such a good model for him." Gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., to the Seattle Gay News, July 29. By Ross van Metzke LIVERPOOL, UK - The Liverpool City Council voted unanimously Monday to back the idea of creating a gay quarter in the already liberal city. The ambitious plan was first put before the council earlier this month. Now that the plan has received full council support, the city planning department has announced it will begin to map out the neighborhood's boundaries and ~ on a plan to attract gay businesses to the area. This marks the first time an LGBT village has been specifically created by an act of a city council. In most cities, gay neighborhoods have historically sprung up on their own, usually as the result of several gay foc1.1sed businesses opening or a boom in the real estate market .. In Liverpool, the village will be planned out with a strip for businesses and an area for housing surrounding it. The group ofpeople who proposed the plan said they did so out of a sense that Liverpool needed a strong unified LGBT community to economically help. develop its decaying central core. Although Liverpool has its fair share of gay bars and clubs; they are currently spread throughout the area .. With no village as a focal point, Liverpool has yet to host its own gay pride celebration. Council members said they would look to neighboring city Manchester as a guide. Manchester has one of the most vibrant gay communities in Europe and annually attracts thousands of LGBT visitors from around the world. "We hope to get moving on it very quickly and we want to talk to- businesses who are already gay-friendly and. also the gay community to get their ideas and ;uggestions about the way forward," councilor Peter Millea said, according to 365gay.com. "Liverpool has always had gay-friendly bars, but they have never worked together as part of a strategy." Page 32 r 1 1 .1 ! I j the STAR delivered to your home or office? ues for $24.95 will be mailed in a envelope the 1st of each month. te the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: Ozarks STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 J\tlsa, OK 74145 NAME: ___________ _ Address:. ____________ City:. _____ St:_Zip:. _ _ Phone: ______ _ Check enclosed __ Money Order Start Date: ____ _ £11 ACI', 1'0UOHENING PENAL'flES FORA~ CONVICl'EI) OF ACRIME AGAfNS1' ACHILD. Page 33 Page 34 See es by Jack Fertig OCTOBER 2005 "Meditate, Aquarius!" ------.__,.. ,, .. After a series of stressful quincunxes, ,quares, and oppositions, we finally get some easy aspects! The Sun in Libra, trine Neptune in Aquarius, focuses on new takes on social and humanitarian ideals. Mercury conjunct Jupiter in Libra, semi-sextile Venus in Scorpio, opens the gates of erotic charm. Keep prophylactics handy. Whether you're scouting for boys or girls, be prepared! ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Reiax and enjoy the company of the one you love, or audition candidates for that role. Explore any sexual desires you've been shy about expressing, and talk dreamily about your ideals and hopes for the future. TAURUS (Aprii 20 - May 20): If you have any problems with co-workers, this is an excellent time to work them out. Your boss will be very sympathetic to any suggestions you have, but may not really understand them. Be very clear! GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): You're · more playful and jocular than usual these days, and you could go over the top at work. Behave! You're especially open to new ideas. If there's any type of art you "don't quite get," now's the time to give it another try. CANCER Oune 21 - July 22): Your home could become Party Central now. Invite some people over, whether for a tasteful dinner or more erotic entertainments. Be careful with intoxicants. A good wine wfrh dinner is lovely. Harder drugs at a play party are not pretty! LEO Ouly 23 - August 22): Your charms are as seductive as they are poetic. If you work on the poetry of them, everything - and everyone - around you wiU faII into place. Siblings (despite some initial resistance) and neighbors are more cooperative than usual. VIRGO (August 23 September 22):Money flies into your pockets, but leaves just as easily if you let it. Review your budget for health and hygiene. A close friend should ha-ve some good money-saving tips. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): ,\fercury and Jupiter lined up in your sign make you dangerously open and expressive. You could let some valuabie - o/ passionate - secret slip. Go ahead and let passion out. Y ou'l! win any games you play for fun, but don't gamble away your money! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Those dark, secret depths you're so famous for are suddenly very open and accessible - for you, at least. A little getav.•ay with a confidante can help you to gain great insights. Family religious traditions pro,-ide some insight as well. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 December 20): Cultivating social comacts now wiil pay off pretty quickly. Offering help behind the scenes, as well as rolling up your siceves and deaning up wherever needed, will gee you on the fast track to key positions. CAPRICORN (December 21 January 19): Chat up the boss or anyone else who can help you get ahead. A mysteriQUs female colleague should be helpful. Be open and honest about money troubles, and your forthright attitude will pay om AQUARIUS Ganuary 20 - February 18): Meditation can clear the fog you're experiencing. Then your philosophicai farsightedness will help you see what career moves to make now. A female (and/or femme) superior will help you focus on planning. PISCES (Febn;ary 19 - March 19): Sexually, you can get whatever you want (and nearly whomever you want) now. However, it will not come with discreet privacy. People wili talk! Whether that amou:1ts to good publicity or a tawdry scandal is up to you. Jack Fertig has been working as a profe,sional t15trologer since 1977 and is a f01mding member of the Association for Astrological ,Vetworking. I 1 I I I I I I I j 1 ,4., I l 1 You can find copies of the STAR at these 4 sr,.res business & organb:{tion.s. ARKANSAS ICANBAB Arkansas, Eureka Springs Diversity Pride Event ~ ~ www.diversitypride.com MCC Lli;-',.ng Spring - - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Condom Sense - - - -418 W. Dickson- -479-444-6228 Curry's Video - - 612 N. College Ave- 479-521-0009 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Club 1022 - - 1022 Dodson Ave. - - - - 479-782-1845 Kinkeads- 1004 1/2 G:u-rison Ave- 479-783-9988 Klub XLR8 - - - 917 N. "A" St - - - -479-?82-9578 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Jesters Lounge - - 1010 E. Grand Ave -501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street- - - -1021 Jessie Ril- -- - 501-664-2744 Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - -www.dsra.org Disco...-ery- - - - 1021 Jessie Rd- - - - -501-666-6900 Sidetraclc5 - 415 Main St - -!'>!. LR.- 501-244-0444 The Factory -412 Louisiana St.- - -50!-372-30]0 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) River of Life Church 1709 N Walnut - -llAM PSU-QSA.- -1701.S. Broadway- - 620-231-0938 Kansas, Wichita (316) Club Giacier - 2828 E. 31st South 316-612-9331 J's Lounge 513 E. Central - - 316-262-1363 Our Fantllsy- 3201 S. Hillside- -316-682-5494 The Otherside- -447 N. St Francis- 316-262-7825 Shatai - - - - - - - 4000 S. Broadway- 316-522--2028 Sidcstreet Mens Bar -1106 S. Pattie- -316-267-0324 South 40 - - - - - 3201 S. Hillside - - - - -316-682-5494 Trends Bar - - -1507 S. Pawnee- - - - - 316-262-4530 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground - ·_ - . 41""-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- - 716 S. Main - - - - - - - -417-627-9035 MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, - - -Sn:i-6pm Missouri, Kansas City (816) Buddies - - • - - • • 3715 .Main St- - - 8i6-561-2600 Club NV - - - 220 Admiral Blvd- 816-421-NVKC DB Warehou~e- -- 1915 Main St- - -816-471-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - - -· - 816-561-0625 Sidcstreet Bar - -413 E. 3rd-· - • - 816-531-1775 Siddricks Saloon - 3707 Main Si-• 816- 931-1430 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground· - - - · - 417-779-5084 MISSOURI OKLAHOMA Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- --417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 Liquors & Kickers- -1109 E. Commercia!-873-2225 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - . - 417-864-4572 Priscilla's - - - - 1918 S. Glcnstone - - - 417-881-8444 Oz Bar 504 E. Commercial - - - - - - 41?-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- --821 College- -417-864-0036 Rumors --1109 E. Commercial- - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - POBox 1515, McAlester, OK '.'4502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th Sr- - - - -405-601-7200 Club Rox- - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy 405-947-2351 Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- 405-525-0730 Gushers Rem.urant-2200 ~W 39Exp405-525-0730 HollywoodHotci- 3535 NW 39th Ex- 405-947-2351 Habana Tnn 2200 NW 39th Exo- - - 405-528-2221 Hi-Lo Club - 1221 NW SOth- - - -405-843-1?22 Jungle Reds - - • 2200 NW Exp·;-.ry- 405-524-5733 Partners- - - -2805 NW 36th St 405-942-2199 Prisdlia"s- 615 E. Memorial - - - - - . -405-755-8600 Red Rock Nonh-2240 NW39th St- -405-525-5165 Sisters-·· - 2120 NW 39th St -405-52.i-9533 The Rockles- - -3201 N. May Ave - , 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Ba:- 3535 NW 39th-- 405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) B:i.mboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine - - -- - 918-836-8700 Club :\faverick- 822 S. Sheridan - -918-835-3301 Dreamland Bks 8807 E. Admiral Pl - -834-1051 Elite Bockstore --814 S. Sheridan- 918-838-8503 End Up Club- - - 424.S . .Memorial- - -918-836-2480 Flamingos Club- - -7915 E. 21st St - -918-622-6339 GLBT Comm .. Cti- -5545 E. 41st- - 918-743-4297 Hideaway Lounge-11730 E. 11:h- - - - -918-437-0449 Dewu:- - - -?944 E. 21st - • - - - - • • - 918-270-2428 Cbb Majesric- - 124 N. Bosron - - 918-584-9494 Renegades- - - - 1649 S. Main - - - - - - 918-585-3405 Priscilla's - - - - - 7925 E. 41st- - . - -918-627-4884 Priscilia'5 563,1 W. Skelly - - - - -918-446-6336 P:iscilia's - 2333 E. 71st - · -918-499-1661 The Asylum - 1737 S. Memorial Dr• -918-622-2565 Tulsa CARES- -3507 E. Admiral Pl- 918-834-4194 Tulsa Eagle-- - -1338 E. 3rd - - - - - 918-592-1186 TNT's • 2114 S. Memorilli- -918-660-0856 Underguy.com - -15 E. Brady - 918-829-0824 \~·bittier News Srand- 1 N. Lewis- - 918-592~0767 .. 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SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F"OR RATES 91 B.B35.7B87 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and Trust in Affordable Advertising Service. 1 /BTH PAl3E CLASSIFIED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F'OR RATES 91 B.B35.7B87 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and Trust in Affordable Advertising Service .. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] The Star Magazine, October 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 10 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 01, 2005 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele C.D. Ward Josh Aterovis Chef John Patrick Matt Brooks Libby Post Paula Martinac Andrew Collins Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Chaz Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, September 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 9 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/222 The Star Magazine, November 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 11 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/220 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/221 A Couple of Gay Guys Advice AIDs alliance anti marriage Bitter Girl Cartoon Fall Spicy Salmon hate crimes Heart to Heart hurricane katrina Lesbian Notions liverpool local advertisement Marsha Stevens Mr. Sunshine State Past Out penguins Q Scopes Quotable Quotes religion sexual discrimination Star Scene Uncle Mikey vacation https://history.okeq.org/files/original/015fa44afde2a916349c2982940c5e30.jpg e2e30a32d990eea49fc557c4118ccc47 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/9e4d20eaab2e34e0e08d2c63d0384688.pdf 94fbe63abdb287da3de6c97e93e4de2e Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document iiiis 109 E.Comm . Springfield, Mo 65803 417-873-2225 HearTheRumots·J~orn Scott Crow,, Managipg; M~Graw Da~isson. Stew 800. 0.3210 Langley, Oklahoma . ScottCrow~mcgrawok.com 918.782.3211 I J Diversity Pride Weekend EUREKA SPRINGS by Greg Steele EUREKA SPRINGS, AR_Rainbow flags will be flying high over Eureka Springs, Arkansas the weekend of November 4th- 6th. Diversity Pride Events owners Deborah Rose and partner have organized a weekend shindig for everyone. Rose said "It will be raining guys, gals and bears". Fall Diversity Weekend is just one of many events organized throughout rhe year by Deborah's group and other producers. Spring Diversity Pride Weekend, April 7-8 2006 and the fantastic Valenrines Dinner and Dance February 17-18 2006 are just a few getawa:y dates to plan for. Highlights of the upcoming weekend will include something for the girls, CRAVE DJ Kiki Fri & Sat. at Caribe Restaurant and Cantina. Collide with JD Bryan for the guys, GO GO Guy and Gal Dance Contest with cash prizes. Then rhere's Diversity Bears events with Bears, Beer & BBQ at Foresr Hill Restaurant. Moodswing Band will be belting out some Country Western Retro at Shawbee's Big Dawg Saloon 9pm Fri & Sat. For those wanna be crooners there's a Diversity Open Mic/Talent search contest Friday and Saturday. Drag Kings and Drag Queens, what else could you ask for! The fabulous Robbie Walker and many other performers · will be out to entertain you. You may even run into IRIS. For schedule's and more information on Diversity Pride Events weekend, check out the website at (www.diversitypride.com). Also (www.eurekasprings.com/ alternative) for lodging and other points of interest such as shopping, shopping, shopping. And don't forget Eureka Springs has some of the best restaurants in the region. It will be a biast off weekend in this little gay friendlv city nestled in the Ozark Mountains. Drive carefully. Page 3 QJ~ttttksgining irtttitt!JS by Greg Steele With all the outing of gay pen~ . ins, sheep, dogs and other species, is tere a possibility there are gay . ~ turkeys? How would you know./: you were eating one of our. own. l mean the poor critters are Just. herded into the slaughter pen,. h!1111andy killed, I presume, plm;keo and whisked off to Walmart. I. for one will be asking the Walmart meat lady 'f turkey was gay! I refuse to 1 mv . "r-!1 bak~, fry, barbecue or boil a "=Y member. We assume that all turkeys are hetero, and it's OK to bake or fry t a homophobic betero turkey, but ec ., h d what if your turkey was etero an gay friendly? This outing of animals and now fowl is just not rig~t. It raises so . many questions and create~ ~o many problems and it's Thanksgtvmg ~o.r god sake. Where are the Fowl Rights people when you need them! Have a Great Holiday! Citing Dangers Posed By Antigay 'Sodomy Laws', Lambda Legal Voices Concern Over Supreme Court Nominee Harriet Miers's Answers to Gay Rights Survey Lambda Legal fought in the courts for five ye.trs to overturn the Texas "Homosexual Conduct" law. We therefore find it very troubling that Ms. Miers would twice assert that the law should stand rather ihan be repealed (New York, October 4, 2005) - Statement from Kevin Cathcart, Executive Director for Lambda Legal regarding a survey Supreme Court Nominee Harriet Miers answered on gay rights while she was a candidate for Dallas City Council. "Harrier Miers's written answers, while a candidate for Dallas City Council, to a number of questions about the rights of gays and lesbians merit very close scrutiny. We would hope that the general proposition that gay people deserve the same civil rights as everybody else isn't controversial. We nonetheless take note that Ms. Miers agreed with the proposition in 1989. What we find particularly troubling, though, is her contradictory statement that the Texas "Homosexual Conduct" law which made it a crime for gay people to engage in sexual intimacy that was completely legal for heterosexuals should not be repealed. As Justice Sandra Day O'Connor pointed out in her concurring opinion in Lawrence v. Texas, this law unjustiy discriminated against gay people. Lambda Legal fought in the courts for five years to overturn the Texas "Homos;xual Conduct" law. Two of our clients were led handcuffed from one of their apartments in the middle of the night and jailed as a result of it. We therefore find it very troubling that Ms. Miers would twice assert that the law should stand rather than be repealed. "This new evidence makes it even more important that Harriet Miers's nomination be subjected to rigorous scrutiny during the Sena~e confirmation process. We do not believe that her statements in 1989 alone decide whether she is qualified to a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court. At the same rime, we firmly believe that a nominee is qualified only if she demonstrates the necessary legal intellect, experience and judicial temperament as well as a clear commitment to fairness and equality for all Americans. Ms. Miers's support for a criminal law that openly discriminated against gay people calls into serious question whether she possesses this commitment. The upcoming Senate confirmation hearings will provide the nominee with the opportunity to discuss her current thinking and demonstrate whether she is committed to fairness and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and all other Americans." FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN GLBT SERIES 'NOAH'S ARC' PROVIDES IMPORTANT VISIBILITY WASHINGTON - In collaboration with Logo, the Human Rights Campaign is sponsoring a six city sneak preview tour of "Noah's Arc," the first African-American gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender series. The Washington, D.C., preview takes place at 8 p.m. today in HRC's Equality Forum /RS.YE). · "We're proud to be promoting a show that finally gives visibility to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender African-Americans," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "We should all have the opportunity to see ourselves in our media." "The Human Rights Campaign's support from the beginning of this show has really helped bring it to life," said show creator Patrick Ian Polk. "These sneak previews represent anotner seep m the partnership we began more than a year ago.'" "This is a historic moment not only for the African-American GLBT community, but for the whoie GLBT community," say Chris Wagely, marketing manage! for Logo.Other sponsors include the Black AIDS Institute, Comcast and Di!ectTV The series will premiere on Logo Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2005. A sneak pre,;iew took place la~: night in New York C:ty. All previews except for the OUT!'lest preview are free of charge. Additionai previews wiH take place: Page S Jackson Hole ahd Telluride _Jackson Hole, Wyoming~ Just south of Grand Teton National Park, in one of the most remote and dra~aticall· scenic patches of the American West, Jackson Hole feels e~ual, parts , h y · •·· ' chic On the surface it's less cutesv and overoeve10ped man down- ome ana cowooy • '. , ' .. h · d many upscale Rockies ski resorts, but you'll still fina plenty of ,ony s ops, inns, an restaurants. n •. li 12 mil northwest of Toe ski area, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, actuauj es • es .. th• bustling town of Jackson. The resort area is surrounded by T~ton Vhlllage, a~ att..r. active duster of re. sorts, restaurants, · d s· · -rer1ate t e resort s and con os. k:lers apy ~ challenging and beautifully kept terrain. Page 6 Out of Town Half of the 111 trails are expert, and 40 percent of them intermediate. A dozen lifts serve the 2,500 acres of skiing, and the vertical drop of 4,139 is the greatest of any ski area in the nation. Among Teton Village accommodations, consider the cushv Snake River Lodge, an inviting 88-r~om hotel that's home to one of the region's top resraurams, GameFish (where you might sample port-marinated elk chops with appie cider sauce), as well as the magnificent Avanyu Spa. The lodge also rents out 46 adjacent condos. Another excellent option, Teton Village Lodge also lies at the base of the ski resort and consists of 80 upscale rental condos, many with full kitchens, gas fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs. No trip to Teton Village is complete without a visit to the Mangy Moose, a rollicking tavern and live-music dub that draws both regionally and nationally known talents and serves up delicious buffalo burgers, pizzas, and barbecue ribs. This is one of the world's quintessential apres-ski hangouts. In the town of T ackson itself, vou'll find a number of ieat restaurants: plus a good many spots to buy everything from high-end cowboy wear to top-of-the-line ski gear. Enjoy a casual meal and some top-notch lagers and stouts at Snake River Brewing. Rendezvous Bistro serves such delectable contemporary fare as smoked swordfish carpaccio and steak tanare. And set inside· a vintage house downtown, the Blue Lion presents huge portions of tasry Western favorites, such as fresh-caught Idaho red trout and grilled elk tenderloin. Among downtown accommodations, the historic Won Hotel exudes charm, with its imposing 1940s T;:ido:.:-style facade and richly furnished rooms, pius the convivia: Sfrver Dollar Bar and Grill. Head up into the hills just west of town to reach one of the \'vest's premier resorts, Amangani, an ultra-op~lent mouncaimop spread whose 40 paiati2l suites start at $700 11ighth in season. Massive windows lool~ o~t across Teton Pass from this elegant sandstone-andredwood building. Even if you don't stay here, drop by for a meal at The Grill or cocktails at the zinc-top bar. From either Teton· Villal"e or the C' to'l..vn of Jackson, it's a relatively short and easy drive north into Grand Teton National Park, and from there it's just about 45 miles up to the southern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. To reach Jackson, your best bet is to fly right into Jackson Hole Airport, which has service from several major airlines, including American, Delta, Northwest, and United. Otherwise, it's a long drive to Jackson from the nearest major cities (300 miles from Salt Lake, 520 miles from Denver). _Telluride, Colorado_ Telluride is really two communities in one. There's the historic and extremely charming original town, which sits nestled in a deep gorge at the base of some of the finest ski terrain in the West. And then there's the more modern Mountain Village, which you can reach either by driving 8 miles west and then north of town or via a free gondola trip up the mountainside (the ride takes 13 minutes). Telluride ski season begins around Thanksgiving and runs through early April; the area consists of 84 trails, evenly balanced between advanced and intermediate runs, with a smaller but still considerable number of beginner slopes, and there's a vertical drop of some 3,500 feet, with the area's peak elevation at 12,260. Skiers can navigate the mountain via 16 lifts (more than half of them highspeed) and dine at some 55 ski-in/ ski-out restaurants. This is truly a world-class facility. Telluride Gay Ski Week was begun in 2004 and has rapidly developed an enthusiastic following. In 2006 it runs from February 26 through March 5, and it coincides with the Telluride AIDS Benefit, which is the recipient of the week's proceeds. Festivities include a variety of parties, from an outdoor tubing shir:dig co an indoor pool-andJacuzzi romp. The week culminates on Oscar Night, so the final party includes a fabulous viev,-ing of the Academy Awards. One thing downtown Telluride has pient:y of is superb restaurants, the best of them helmed by iocai chef superstar, Jake Linzinmeir. His latest creation, which opened in December 2004, is Chair 8, in the Camel's Garden Hotel, at continued page-28 Page 7 Bold New Ads Aired to Oppose Texas Anti-Marriage Amendment Houston same-sex couples and families speak from the heart about why marriage matters HOUSTON, Oct. 12 - The Vote Against the Amendment Campaign, a project of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, today announced the release of seven broadcast commercials in opposition to Proposition 2, a proposed amendment to the Texas constitution that would prohibit any legal recognition of same-sex relationships. The measure will be on the ballot on November 8. The seven television spots, which begin airing today, feature several Houston gay and lesbian families talking about their love and the need for, and importance of, marriage equality. While there have been many television ads opposing state anti-marriage constitutional amendments over the last few vears, this new series is the first time sam;-sex couples have spoken directly about why marriage matters. "These groundbreaking ads will introduce Houston voters to their gay and lesbian neighbors and underscore that this constitutional amendment will hurt real people and real families," said National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Director of Organizing & Training Dave Fleischer. "We think it is important to speak to voters openly and honestly about our lives and relationships. When voters know who we are, many more of them see the need for marriage equality for gay families and consider standing with us on the issue." "It is imperative that Houstonians understand the negative impact this amendment will have on our Eves and our families," said Rev. Carolyn Mobley and Adrain Bowie, who appear in one of the commercials. "We are not second-clas$ citizens, and we need the same rcso~rces and rights availabie ro heterosexual couples to protect our fan1iiies. 1 • According to the U.S. Census, there are 9,784 same-sex couples in the Houston metropolitan area, with a total of 42,912 same-sex couples in the st.ate of Texas. The greater Houston metro area ranks 44th out of the 331 metropolitan areas defined bv the Census nationwide. The Vote Against the Amendment Campaign and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force are working in partnership with the coalition of state and local groups in Texas that are part of the No Nonsense in November campaign. "Our opponents have vastly greater resources at their disposal and are relying on myths and fear-mongering to hurt Texas families. We appreciate the work of the Task Force to show the truth about who we are," said Glen Maxey, the No Nonsense in November campaign manager. Proposition 2, which will be decided on November 8, prohibits marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships for same-sex families. The Task Force has committed significant resources to helping the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community educate voters about the detrimental impact of these divisive amendments. This commitment inciudes training, voter identification, organizing key communities, as well as significant financial assistance. To date, 18 states have amended their state constitutions to preclude the recognition of same-sex marriage, with most of the amendments also forbidding any legal recognition of same-sex families. Quotable Quotes "1 think the opponents of gay marriage really fall into two categories. A smail group of peopie just don't like gay oeople. If you don't like one, you don't like two. It's geometric. The larger percentage are people who are generally supportive of equal rights, as they have been in Massachusetts, but hear these predictions that it's going to be socially very chaotic, and they figure, why take the chance?" - Gav U.S. Rep Barney Frank, D-Mass., to the \feilesley {Mass.] ·ro~,.vnsman. Page 8 Know The Law, Then You Decide! OUJI-CR 8-25 DEFENSE OF ENTRAPMENT - REQUIREMENTS Where a person has no previous intent or purpose to violate the law, but is induced or persuaded by law enforcement officers to commit a crime, he/ she is entitled to the defense of entrapment, because the law as a matter of policy forbids a conviction in such a case. On the other hand, where a person already has the readiness and willingness to break the law, the mere fact that a police officer provides what appears to be a &vorable opportunity is no defense. If you should find from the evidence that, before anything at all occurred respecting the alleged offense involved in this case, the defendant was ready and willing to commit a crime such as that charged in the information whenever opportunity was offered and the police merely offered the opportunity, the defendant is not entitled to the defense of entrapment. If, on the other hand, you should find that the defendant had no previous intent or purpose to commit any offense of the character here charged, and did so onlv because he/ she was induced or persuaded by some agent of the police, then the government has seduced an innocent person, and the defense of entrapment is a good defense. Committee Comments This instruction is substantially similar to that approved by the Court of Criminal Appeals in Robinson v. State, 1973 OK CR 152, 507 P.2d 1296. . overruled on other grounds, Mclnt~rjf v. State, 1976 OK CR 226, 112, 554 P.2d 837, 841. Entrapment occurs when the planning and volitional conduct associated with an offense are entire!, the products of an officer or a person acting under the direction of an officer, and the officer or his agent procures the c~m~ssion of the offense by a person who, buc for the artifice of the officer, Kiddie v. State, 1977 OK CR 301, 574 P.2d 1042; Dupree v. State, 1973 OK CR 53, 506 P.2d 974; McCan v. State, 1967 OK CR 222, 435 P.2d 419; Riddle v. State, 1962 OK CR 98, 374 P.2d 634; Crosbie v. State, 1958 OK CR 78, 330 P.2d 602; Savage v. State, 1956 OK CR 112, 304 P.2d 344; Bayouth v. State, 1956 OK CR 26, 294 P.2d 856; Lee v. State, 66 Okl. Cr. 399, 92 P.2d 621 (1939). See also Jacobson v. United States, 503 U.S. 540, 554 (prosecution was required to offer evidence of defendant's predisposition to violate the !aw independent of the government's acts and bevond a reasonable doubt). Merely furnishing the defendant with an opportunity to commit a crime is not entrapment. Hunnicutt v. State, 1988 OK CR 91, ,r 3, 755 P.2d 105, 107-08. The defense of entrapment is not available unless the officer or the person acting under his direction first suggested perpetration of the criminal act, or lured or persuaded the defendant to partake of the criminal conduct. Stevens v. State, 51 Okl. Cr. 451, 2 P.2d 282 (1931); Warren v. State, 35 Okl. Cr. 430, 251 P. 101 (1926). The court has analyzed the availabilirv of the entrapment defense as follows: O~e who is instigated, induced, or lured bv officer of law or other person, for · purposes of prosecution, into commission of crime which he had otherwise no intention of committing may avail himself of the defense of entrapment. Principle of entrapment places no limitation on right of officers to obtain evidence of any crime originating in mind of a~orher; and an officer may, when acting in good faith with view to detecting crime. make use of deception, tricker}~ or artifice. Robinson, supra, 1973 OK CR 152, ,i 11, 507 P.2d at 1299 (citations omitted; emphasis in original), overruled on burden of proof, Mclnturjf v. State, 1976 OK CR 226, 1 12, 554 P.2d 837, 841. Continued page-29 Page 9 iversity de Events We Do'It t! Por GLBT.s & PFLAGs Eureka Sprinqs. Adzansas No It. will be .RAINING . ... MEN,. WOMEN~, BEARS/ . www.DiversityPride.com Call for G Games Poster Artists **VII** GAY GAME'S. CHICAGO 2006 CHICAGO, IL_ The Gay Games in Chicago won't just be for athletes, performers and their fans. True to its motto of inclusion, the Gay Games will give also give creative artists an opportunity ---m!i to showcase ti½.eir talents. Chicago Games, Inc. (CGI), the organizers of the July 15 to 22, 2006 Gay Games VII Sports & Cultural Festival, has issued a Call for Artists to submit designs for a series of commemorative Gay Games posters. Selected designs will be printed in a limited series on museum quality paper and distributed to help raise visibility and. funds for the Chicago event. The Gay Games Arts Committee will select winning artwork from designs submitted by 15 November 2005. The selection committee will be chaired by well-known Chicago artist Bob Klunk and Chicago artist, writer and poet CC Carter. The winning artists will each receive 50 artist proofs of their completed poster and the designs will be featured on the Gay Games Chicago website at www.gaygameschicago.org. Artists should submit artwork in the highest resolution possible on CD-ROM by 15 November 2005 to: Poster Art Contest. Gav Games VII, 4753 N. Br~ad<N;y, Suite 602, Chicago, IL 60640. All artwork submitted will be the property of Chicago Games, Inc. to be used in promotions, sales and all other uses. No original artwork will be returned. Artists will be required to sign a release granting use of the artwork. Specifications/Rules Final printed poster artwork will be 18" wide by 24" high. The logos of Gay Games VII and our Global Sponsors, along with text continued page-3 5 Page 12 OKC,OK Priscilla's 615 E Memorial (405) 755-8600 Springfield, MO TLC Priscilla's 1918 S. Glenstone (417) 881-8444 Tulsa, OK Priscilla's 7925 E 41st (918) 627-4884 Tulsa, OK Prisciila's 5634 W. Skelly (918) 446-6336 Tulsa, OK Priscilla's 11344 E. 11th (918) 438-4224 Tuisa, OK Priscilla's 2333 E. 71st (918) 499-1661 Page 13 to2pm Music, These Girls It All! A 5 piece all female band, Moodswing has been together for one and half years. They have played at many events including Tulsa Pride Picnic, OKC Pride Picnic, Tulsa's Mayfest, The Women's Music Festival in Dripping Springs, Texas and the Sooner State Rodeo in Tulsa. And have proven to draw huge crowds at many Tulsa and Oklahoma City nightclubs. Current members are: Brenda Bobbit has been entertaining since the tender age of 3. At 12, she played with her father & Jimmy Dallas in Kansas City. She performed in the Fender's theater in Branson, played in concerts with Jo Clark & the Fog_gy River Bovs to name a few. Her hero 1s Dottie &i.mbo. Her life long dream is to iam with Dorrie someday. · Paula Gokey Raised in Bowling Green, Ohio. She started playing drums when she was 13. She also plays guitar and writes poetry. One of her poems has even been published. She loves to practice playing her drums and sometimes will spend 5 hours listening & practicing totally lost in the music. She will blow vou awav when she plavs the drums. She ~ay be ~mall, but great· things do come in small packages. Schellve James is a singer/songwriter and plays ,rhythm guitar. Scheliye is an entertainer. She has great stage presence. She joined the school band at age 10 & played drums. But don't ask her to play them now. She says it's been too long. Her favorite artists are Sting & Lisa Marie Preslev. She is a Cartoonist, Portrait artist & wa; an OSU Graphic Design Girl Illustrator. Mary King is a singer/ songwriter 2nd plays guitar. She first st:1rted singing at :1ge 7. (She was frosty the snowman) Alw:1ys shy and quiet growing up until the 7th grade when her music teacher w:1s walking past all the choir members listening to them sing. Her teacher talked her into singing ll solo in district contest and the rest is history. Marv was in love with music &om th:1t point on. She received 13 first place medals in either solos or ensembles from the 7th grade thru the rest of high school. She :1lso received outstanding vocal music student in the 9th grade. Valerie Meador was born and raised near Roanoke, VA. She started our playing drums and singing in her family's gospel group at the age of 8. Valerie's family (The Jimmy Me:1dor Family) consisted of Mom & D:1d and two older sisters. They recorded their first album wl::en Valerie was 9 ye:1rs old. Since then, she h2s played with several other groups a:.d has played on several recordings. Valerie's musica! background comes primarily from her Dad. Vaierie says, "My dad could ha,'c been a Bill Monroe." Don't miss Moodswing's next concert at the Diversity Pride Events weekend Coumry /Retro dance in Eureka Springs. November 4th & 5th at Shawbee's. For booking information contact Mary King 918-955-5890 Page 15 / COME OUT; COME OUT WHERE EVER YOU ARE! by Reverend Steve T. Urie JOPLIN, MO_ What an event ~d in Joplin, Missouri! October. 12, 200.'.l saw the beginning of an amazmg growth for, our community. The Straight and Gay Alliance of Missouri Southern State University successfully held its first "Coming Out Event" on campus. Although a close vote, the campus . organization known as ~AG~ received permission from the uruvers1ty to hold the event. With booths on the campus oval located in the center of the campus, approval to use part of the li~r~ and use of the Mills Anderson Cnmmal Justice Center auditorium the event was an enormous success. A success first for the fact it even happened. Secondly for the organization representing the students and off campus organizations including PR?MO (the Personal Rights of Missounans . _ organization that is our communmes political arm), AIDS Project o_f the Ozarks, Alternatives Counseling Associates, and Spirit of Christ Metropolitan Community Ch~rch coming together as a commuruty. Several businesses provided products for ~ raffle, students sold rainbow bead key chams and cookies while Spirit of Christ MCC received donated CD's from Marsha Stevens and Shawn Thomas for the raffle and for sale. Both of these very talented performers are indeed people of faith but also part of our G/L/B/T community setting the example that 1f you make up your mind to be who you are ... you can in fact accomplish great things. Finally this was a success for a surprisingly nonaggressive response from the student body and community at large toward the event. The event was covered by the Joplin Globe and two local television stations including KOAM. Workshops during the day incl~ded "Pink Triangles" by H. James Megmley, PhD. From Alternatives Counseling Associates and the House of Hope in Chattanooga; "Coining Out as a P7rson of Faith" by Reverend. Steve T. Une pastor of Spirit of Christ MCC with. a predominantly G/L/B/T .con~~egauon; "Coming out... the Expenence by Daniel Boyer, Jr. representing SAGA and a fourth workshop by H. James Mcginley on "A .Transgendered Path." Students and faculty from all walks of life and sexual orientations visited the booths and attended the workshops with a positive response and show of support. Only one student walked up to the church table and asked "What about Leviticus?" The response from one of the church members was simply, "God loves evervone." The student simply walked away. No protest, no name calling, only open dialogue. . Several- people signed statements g?mg to our State Senators and Representatives encouraging them to support legal rights for all Missourians. - As a person of faith, a gay male and a Joplinite I was proud of this ende~vor and the fact that the students, straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, Transgendered came together to start a proc~ss loo~ missing in our local commur~1ty. I_t 1s difficult to come out to fam1ly, friends and associates as a person of an alternate sexual orientation but what a lot of people don't understand is ~tha_t i.t is ?ften difficult to come out as a Lhnsuan. ln both situations you never know the response. Many youth. ~oday qu.estion and wonder for somethmg deeper. Recently at the General Conference of Metropolitan Community Ch1:1-rches the youth and young aduits brought up an interesting issue. "Why would we want to be Christians? Christians are mean!" Out of the mouths of babes and such innocence this is a challe!'lge for people of all faiths. The answer is found in the simplicity of their response when ask continued page-32 1 , Page ,o A TisketA TasketA Girl And Her Basket. Once upon a rime in a land far away, I was considered quite a blossom. But as years have passed the fruit has ripened on the vine and the root has matured. Is this a bad thing or a blessing ? Is youth better than experience and wisdom, or knowing what you want? I think we must consider assessing what you have at the stage your at. So, before you can draw up a realistic plan for your life as well as your garden, you need to make a proper assessment of your site. It is a good idea to spend some time over this. You need to get an impression of whar the garden is like at different rimes of the day - which parts get the most sun; how much shade is cast and where. If at all possible, it is worth waiting to see what different seasons of the year do so that you discover the warmest and coldest corners, it's wettest and windiest spots. Every plot has it's good and bad points yours may be very small, have impoverished soil or be on steep sloping ground but a challenging site can be the making .of an interesting and highly individual garden. In the light of what you discover, you may fmd yourself abandoning preconceived ideas of your ideal garden or at least adopting them to suit the scale and condition of your own particular plot. It's a matter of size. There are various ways of making the best of the space in your garden no matter how small or large the site. Large sites are often best treated as a series's of compartments, the partitions formed by hedges and other screening devices. Vistas, focal points and the occasional surprise. Many small gardens are rich in possibilities despite the limitations of size. Concealing the boundaries by planting around the edges and "borrowing" the trees and shrubs of neighboring gardens help to create a sense of space. The shape of the site is just as important as it's area and has implications for the way the garden is designed. On a long and narrow site of the kind common in suburban areas, a straight path running from end to end is likely to draw the eye immediately to the fore boundary, making the garden look smaller than it really is. The broad spaciousness of a wide garden along the front of a house will often be welcome and might be designed ·with organic shapes and flowing lines. Well, with all this innuendo, I've just about worn out my good "writing" hand, so lets go on to the plants of November. This month picks are large and bountifol at your local markets, yes it's bulbs, bulbs, bulbs. The bigger the bette:: I say. There's nothing better than the feel of mature bulbs cupped in your hand before being thrust imo the ground. Here are a few basics, Tulips, Daffodils, Liiies. Let's start with Tulips, or shall we tip toe? Lending unrivaled brilliance to the spring borders, there are several different groups of tulips that can provide color from late winter to late spring, either as annual bedding or as groups in borders. continued page-32 Page 17 Josh Aterovis, Author Saving the World One Party at a Time One of our closest friends recemlv said to me, "You know, I always read your column, and I enjoy it, b;t it's been pretty heavy lately. I miss your fluffy pieces.'' I thought about it and realized that mv columns have tended a bit toward the doom-and-gloom variety of late. I've found it hard to focus on the bright side when every week things seem to get just a little worse for the LGBT movement. The truth is, however, I firmly believe that what is going on in the U.S. and all around the world for that matter - is just the swing of the cultural pendulum. It's a cycle we've seen before. When things seem to be progressing jus;: a little too far for the social conservative to handle, they fight back. In the end, though, what is right and fair always wins out. The pendulum will swing back Once it does, it'll never swing this far again. \X,'hy do I believe this with such conviction? Because I see it piaying out all around me. Even with all the hatemongering going on right now even with all the bigotry being spewed from pulpits under the guise of religious teaching, even with all the anti-gay rhetoric masquerading as political platforms, even with the President of the United States openly working to ensure that gays and lesbians remain second-class citizens - we're making progress. Just a generation ago, it would have been unthinkable for gays and lesbians to live openly the way so many of us do today. Fifty years ago, the police routinely raided gay bars and arrested gay men, lesbians, and drag queens for no other crime other than being in a gay bar. Lives were destroyed simply by having the arrest report printed in the paper. Today, 31 states have hate crime laws that include sexual orientation, while ten also include gender identity. Those same newspapers that once outed innocent men and women now run announcements for same-sex unions. Just twenty years ago, not a single state had laws protecting its LGBT citizens from discrimination. Today, sixteen states have some form of anti-discrimination laws that include sexual orientation. Just five years ago, it was unthinkable that gays and lesbians couid get married in the U.S., and now Massachusetts has samesex marriage, Connecticut and Vermont have civil unions, and California, DC, Hawaii, Maine, and New Jersey have domestic partner laws. We still-have a ways to go before we reach full equality, but we have undeniably made progress. Everything I just described above is law, and as we all know, laws can be repealed. In fact, the Far Right is working hard to fight many of those same laws I just wrote about. But here's the thing. They can fight it as hard as they want, but they're fighting a losing battle. Attitudes are changing, and that's something no amount of hate-filled propaganda can reverse. ~'hy are attitudes changing? Some of i: can be attributed to the laws, perhaps. It might make people confront their beliefs and prejudices. We can probably thank Will & Grace for some of it. Studies have proven that positive portrayals of gay characters on ;:devision affect people's feelings towards gays and lesbians. For the most part, though, I think we can be grateful for those who live their lives openly. continued next page Page 18 HEART TO HEART Jon and I live very openly. We often eat out together, we shop together, we go everywhere together. We just bought a house and we were together at every step of the process, from the first viewing to the signing of the paperwork ( oh, so much paperwork ... ). Not one~ have we experienced any open discrimination. In fact, it's usually just the opposite. We've found m~st people are surprisingly accepting if you give them the chance. w-e've been very open with our new neighbors, introducing each other as partners, and we've been welcomed into the neighborhood with open arms. At our recent housewarming partv, l looked around at the 30 or so people who had come out to wish us happiness in our new home and I saw a great diversity. It was an interesting mix of straight and gay, young and old, men and women, black and white. There were straight couples, lesbian couples, gay _couples, and singles both gay and straight. Many of Jon's coworkers came. Even my younger sister and her husband were there. . Sev:eral of our neighbors also came, tncludmg an older couple who live across the street. He plays kevboard for a local Christian quartet. He'; been playing for years, decades even. He told us he lost a dear friend when Ray Charles passed away last year. He and his charming wife w~te among the first people to welcome us to the street, and have even had us over to their house alreadv. Last week. as we sat in their living roo~, they subtlv let us know that they were accepting ;f our relationship. The word "gay" was i;i.~ver used, but thev made themselves perfectly clear. · · . Another person at the housewarming was a woman who just had her first book published at the age of 81. I had interviewed her recently for the local newspaper and we became friends in the r,.rocess. After meeting with her several tunes, I invited her to the party. She made a comment about looking fom-ard to. ~<;eting my wife. I'd spoken often with ner about Jon, but it hadn't sunk in that Jon was a man. I gently corrected her and she seemed surprised. I wasn't ~ure if she would still come to the party, out sure enough, there she was at our door with a bottle of wine. As we chatted later that evening, she told me that she'd picked up my book at the library. "I'm really enjoying it," she told me. "It's been a real education." My sister is a very conservative Republican Christian. On the surface, we couldn't be more different, but she has always been supportive of my relationship with Jon. For a while, she was the onlv one who accepted Jon as a, member of our family. Jon and I love to entertain and we often throw l:uge, rather lavish parties. This was the first one my sister and her husband have attended. She called me after the party and said, "You know, l was looking around at evervone there, and they didn't look like thei all belonged there, but they all seemed to be having fun. It was cool." In many ways, that's· what it's :ill about. I like to think th:.t, in our small wav we're making a difference. Parties and g~;-togethers may seem frivolous, but we're changing hearts and minds ... and attitudes. People who may_ not _oth_erwise be exposed to gays and lesbians In tneir daily lives meet them in person, socialize with them, and realize we're no different from anyone else. As more and more attitudes change, so will the laws. Eventually, a generation from now, maybe sooner, people will look back and wonder what all the fuss was about. I'll be an old man by then, telling stories to wide-eved disbelieving youngsters about th; b;d old days when gays were openly discriminated against ... and I'll proudly tell them about our parr in the revolution - saving the world one party at a time. Th~ 7:iews expressed in this column are my ofzmons only. You tUJn't have to agree with tJJem. I just ask that you read them with an open heart. and mind. Page 19 Serving our community in Mis::ouri, Arkan,:as, Oklahoma, Illinois & Colorado This Is Shelter Country. Herc in out: community you will find Shdtl'.r ,\gem Greg Tainter. \'i7e'rt proud to serve this community aa<l our cuscomcrs. Call today and ask about our service:-:. Auto -Home -Life - Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Tel: (866) 208-9480 gtainter@shelterinsurance.com www.shcltcrinsurance.com fl Tulsa's Social Event of the Year. by Greg Steele November 22, 2005 TULSA, OK_The limousines lined up outside the Bamboo Lounge waiting to unload the their cargo of Scar':;. The red carpet was in place and the show was about to begin. Bamboo owner~ Terry and Stan were overcome with joy with the return of the coveted Miss Bamboo Crown. The precious jeweled trophy had mysteriously disappea1:ed ten month:~ ago and had just been returned via p1:ivatc courier. Reliable sources had tht: jewels travding the world with a disgruntled looser of tht: 2005 pageant. But the priceless crown had been returned and everyone was elated. The show· could go on! All pageant proceeds were donated to TULSA CARES. This years event raised over $400. Fundraising veteran and MC of the show, Kris Kohl, works drclessiy year round raising funds for variou:, nonprofit organization in Tulsa who benefit people with HP✓ and AIDS. (More photo's p,tge-30) Among the many stars and dignitaries in attendance, where crooners Pat LaMorte and Matthew Heath Fitzgerald. Matthew entertained and graciously donated one o bis freshly discarded jock strap for auction, it brought $100. What a jester' .:\ funtastic evening and all for a good c:ms,~. Big appiause fc;r Stan, Terry, Kris and all the fabulous entertainers. campaign to boycott the state. by Ut Organizations ranging from the American Mathematical Society to the U.S. Conference of Mayors cancelled conf~rences in Colorado. Aspen vowed to con_ttnue enforcing its civil rights ordmance, and Telluride passed a similar measure in defiance of the new state law. z Highleyman NOVEMBER 2005 Summary : Past Out is a retrospective of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT history. Each installment brings the past to life by exploring the diversity of the gay past and its impact on the queer present. What was _ Romer v. Evans ? The U.S. Supreme Court has a mixed record when it comes to LGBT civil right~. The court upheld state sodomy laws m the 1986 _Bowers v. Hardwick case, but reversed itself with the 2003 - _Lawrence v. Texas_ decision. Whil~ it permitted a private organization to e~clude ~y members in the _Boy Scouts 01 America v. Dale_ case in 2000, the court ruled that states may not ban antidi~crimination laws that protect gay and bisexual people in its 1996 _Romer v. Ev~s_ ruling, the outcome of a long legal battle over Colorado's Amendment 2 ballot initiative. A conservative state with liberal enc.laves, _Co~or~do'_s first law against anttgay discnmtnatton was instituted by the .resort town of Aspen in 1977, ~unng ~ dec~de that saw numerous gay rtghts :ictones ~cross the country. . Followmg the rtse of the religious right in_ ~he 1980s, however, a group called C1t1zens for Family Values introduced an a°:endment that wouid prevent state agenctes, municipalities, or school districts from enacting laws or policies whereby "homosexual, lesbian, or bisexual orientation, conduct, practices or relationships" would constitute th- ' b . C as~s for "any minority status, quota preterences, protected status, or claim of discrimination." Although polls predicted the initiative was headed for defeat, voters passed Amendment 2 in November 1992 by a margin of 53 to 47 percent. The outcome set off a flurry ;f protest and a A coalition spearheaded bv Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund and the American Civil Liberties Union filed a laws~t ~gainst Amendment 2, arguing that it violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. In January 1993, Judge Jef~ey Ba~ess ruled i~ their favor, issuing an m1unct100 preventtng the initiative from taking effect. "For the judge to suggest that a ... skewed sense of moralitv is not a basis for denying rights to gays ~d lesbians - I've been waiting to hear that all of my life," exclaimed Richard Evans, a former staff mem?er of Denver's Agency for Huma~ Rights and Community Relations who signed on as lead plaintiff in the suit. Also joining as plaintiffs were the Boulder Valley School District; the cities of Denver, Boulder, and Aspen; tennis star Martina Navratilova; and six other individuals. Colorado Governor Rov Romer - who personally opposed the am~ndment - and Attorney General Gale Norton filed an appe'.11~ arguing ~at Amendmenf 2 merely prohibited granttng gays "special rights." In July 1993, the Colorado Supreme Co~rt uphdd Judge Bayless' ruling, statmg that. the amendment, ''bars gay men, lesbta~s, an~ bi~exuals from having an effecove voice m govemmentai affairs." After a second failed appeal to the Colorado high court, the state asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case Since the Supreme Court reverses m~st appeals it hears, its decision to accept the case worried gay rights advocates a; thev prepared for oral arguments scheduled for October 1995. As part of his law firm's pro bono legal work,_John G. Roberts Jr. - who was named Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in September 2005 - assisted the plaintiffs' attornevs bv playing the role of a conserv;tive ·justice 10 a practice mock trial. · On May 20, 1996, the Supreme Court ruled by a 6-3 margin that Amendment 2 .................................. continued. next page. was unconstitutional, declaring that "a state cannot so deem a class of person a stranger to its laws." Writing for the court's majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy rejected Colorado's contention that the state had a legitimate government interest in excluding homosexual and bisexual people from legal protection, suggesting the effort was motivated by "a bare desire to harm a politically unpopular group." Justice Antonin Scalia Goined by thenChief Justice William Rehnquist and Justice Clarence Thomas) strongly dissented, claiming that Amendment 2 was "a modest attempt by seemingly tolerant Coloradans to preserve traditional sexual mores against the efforts of a politically powerful minority." Evoking the culture war, he expressed outrage that the court's ruling "places the prestige of this institution behind the proposition that opposition to homosexuality is as reprehensible as racial or religious bias.'· The groundbreaking decision was rhe first time in American history that the Supreme Court had ruled in favor of LGBT citizens. According to Lambda Legal attorney Ruth Harlow, the ruling coming 10 years after _Bowers_ set a new precedent that helped LGBT plaintiffs prevail in countless ensuing civil rights and family law cases. "Now, the presumption in most judges' minds is that constitutional claims on behalf of lesbians and gay men have legicimacy, and that the government bears the burden of justifying its antigay actions," she wrote in 1997. \X,'hile _Romer_ stymied a wave of attempts to overturn local antidiscrimination laws, conservatives soon shifted their focus to same-sex marriage, culminating in the passage oc 11 ballot initiatives against gay marriage in November 2004. Gi-ven the changes in the Supreme Court's composition in 2005, the queer comm'.lni~y anxiously awaits the high court's next move in the arena of LGBT civil rights. For further reading: Murdoch, Joyce, anci Deb Price. 2(:01. _Courting Justice: Gay Men and Lesbians ,. the Supreme Court _ (Basic Books). Page 23 Page24 e Pride .Agenda and a ntator on public radio, d in print media. Lesbian Notions by Libby Post NOVEMBER 2005 Which way Did They Go, George, Which Way Did They Go ? Poor George. First, the man who really calls the shots at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Karl Rove, had to go into hiding. Remember? This past summer he'd been implicated for exposing the name of Valerie Plame, the covert CIA agent who also happens to be the wife of former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, who criticized the administration over Iraq. Then Katrina hit New Orleans and the bankrupt morality of Bush cronyism was brought front and center. Michael Brown, the incompetent whom Bush picked to head FE.MA (now considered the Feeble Emergency Mimagcment .Agericy), acted out Abbott and Costello's "Who's on First" routine as a one-inan play while thousands of poor, mostly African-American, New Orleans residents lost everything. 'I'hen Tom DcLay, the House Majority Leader and Bush hatchet man on the Hill, was indicted - not once, but twice, for campaign fraud and money laundering. As a fellow Texan, DcLay has built a political operation in the Longhorn State that has served George well, but that appears to be a matchstick structure soon to go up in flames. Then George needs to come up with a new Supreme, and in order to maintain the gender balance (well, ~e gender configuration) at the Court, he nominates Hartiet Miers, the White House counsel whose lack of judicial record (she's only been a lawyer, not a ju~) has Bush's base up in arms. The conservative cadte who anointed George the savior of the right expects him to dance its dance and sdccr a Court nominee who will vote to strike down _Roe v. Wade_, block any gay rights laws, and turn back the legal hands of time in this country. Other than being a born-again, Miers, for the most part, is a blank slate, and that's not OK for folks who want a guarantee that their brand of strict conservative, constructionist constitutionality will be the order of the day. Poor George. It's all starting to fall apart. What's a guy who hasn't had an original thought in his life and who surrounds himseif with syncophantic yes-men and women to do? He's losing his friends. He's losing bis credibility. He's losing his grip on his political base. He's losing the public relations war. He's losing any claim to a positive presidential legacy. But his losses do not necessarily translate into gains for the iesbian and gay community. Sure, it's great that individually we can walk around with a "we told you so" attitude. I, for one, am proud that I still have my Kerry-Edwards bumper sticker on my car. But how far can that really take us? How can we, as a community and a potentially powerful political force, capitalize on the crumbling of the conservative coalition? First, we need to expose their politics as a sham. Katrina showed us that compassionate conservatism is an oxymoron. While the right has formed anrigay coalitions with black clergy throughout the country, those same clergy woke up the day after Katrina to see a government they supported refusing and unable to help their own people. Perhaps this is the right time for LGBT groups throughout the ............................................ continued next page. Lesbian Notions country to reach out to their local Africa;_-American clergy to build new bridges and work together to help our domestic refugees down south. . . . . Second, we need to raise the v1S1bility of LGBT groups throughout the country to show the compassion and concern we've routinely shown for people affected by disasters. From AID~ to ?/11 to Katrina, the LGBT community did not sit on its hands and wait to be told what to do. We're well aware of the need to do something, to make change - after all if we don't do things for ourselves, n~ one is going to do it for us. . . Thankfullv our action is just not hm1ted to doing f~r ourselves - we underst~nd that we need to bring our compasston and concern beyond the borders of our gay ghettos and to~ch the lives of anvone anvwhere m need. , Third ~e need to make it clear, over and over' again, that we're here, we'.re_ queer, and we ain't goi?g away. Thi~ is no time to seek refuge m a closet. We need to be clear about who our families are who our children are. We need to wo~k on the midterm elections, side by side with folks who share common goals, and defeat those in the House and Senate whose politics are not only dangerous to us, but deleterious to the nation. We need to run for office as well. Openly gay elected officials do make a difference. Having a seat at the table beats knocking on the door anytime. And, yes, we may just need to march on Washington as well. If we do all this and work together, we may be able 1:0 show George and his cronies which way to go - out the door. liewsprint at affonlabfe prices 405-478-4009 • 6725N. Miramar Blvd. Okla City, OK 73111 25 Rsk November 2005 Salutations and welcome to Uncle's comer once more. Uncle here, coming to you on location. I am soaking in the garden tub, whilst my ever faithful boy Delicious dick-tates, my every word. Say hello delicious, Oh I am just teasing Kitten. He is terribly shy, unless it is in a dark alley somewhere, and than the boy is a tramp. Well, a quick look at the latest in the world, while I enjoy these simply calming bubbles of mine. Freedom of speech took a U-tum during an ugly widdle run in, via the straight world. I guess they are not even safe from their own .kittens. What is this wodd coming to when just the right wing mentality gets someone· thrown off an airplane, for offending someone? I mean, if that is the case, I would t:'!,ck up frequent walking miles, as some of my playful wardrobe includes fun summer T's, which well, lets just say, could kill a nun at twenty feet. Still, is it not a right tci wear what we want? Did not the founding fathers pave the road for our freedom to· speil our minds? I guess,.the error of Bush is ringing in more than just natural disasters. Well, a~ we all can see, "gay" has become the fad of iast year. Seen as mainstream media attempts to once again, push our characters and causes from site, under the rug we go. It is sad when whom you sleep with is just so last year. Uncle would think that sexuality would be the last thing to become a fad. I wonder how the breeders would feel if we were to tell them, they no longer could breed, as it is just so fifteen agol Get the point sister? Before uncle's water loses its steam, let us see what seekers in Queerdom have brought me this week. This week Uncle received a special treat from Straightdom. It seems even the straight boys are curious about Uncle's corner. Uncle Mikey, I have decided to come out of the second closet so to speak. I have chosen to accept the fact that I am not a man, but women trapped in a gay mans body. I have decided to utilize my trust, in order to have the operation. I am however nervous about telling my mother, who took a very long time to accept I was gay. She finally realized I would not change, and now, I fear this may be too much for her. My father passed away a few years ago, · and she and I, are the only family we have in the world. Should I just stay the way I am for her sake? What should I do? Well Kitten, Uncle has thought about this and here is what I offer. You show up to dinner wearing her mommy's best string of pearls, evening gown and poof, probiem solved. You now have your trust, her trust, and your freedom, to become whoever your widdle heart desires. Ok, that was just wrong, smile kitten, uncle jest with you. Uncle suggest that you get a support system, in which to build the strength and backing this kind of transformation will demand, in order for you to brave the possibility of rough waters ahead. However, bear in mind, you never know, mothers love can overcome a lot more than given credit. Personally, I have always fancied finding myself trapped by a gay mans body; Oh' wait you said trapped in didn.i'™t you. Well, kitten, as uncle says, be you, the reai you, and allow others to deal with their own baggage claims. Good luck, and let me know how it ail turns out. Smooches-Uncle Page26 Ask Uncle Mikey: Mikey, I am a straight guy who does not mind homosexuals being who they are. I have a friend who came out to me a couple of years ago. We were able to remain friends, as I think of him as my best friend. However, there is a problem. He gets weird when he drinks around me. He starts kidding around with me, like he would like to sleep with me, but he knows I am not that way. I feel like he is disrespecting me though I try every way to respect his life choices. How can I get that point across to him? Friend of Dorothy's friend Kitten, Your letter arrived just in the dick of time. I was just about to reform, before your letter arrived giving us permission, whew-close call. Silly boy, Cute thougha : you do know that widdle handle aged you, as well went out ages ago. Communicate the very words you have expressed here. Maybe he is unaware of his offensive behavior, while meaning no harm. Gay men is general are more in touch with their emotions, which at times can be affectionate in an absolute harmless manor. If your friend is truly a friend, he will graciously except your concerns and correct the behavior. Meanwhile, welcome to Uncles corner, please feel free to take your pants off and stav. awhile. Snicker.. snicker. I am a stinker. Well Kittens, just as my bubbles are quickly dissipating, I too must take my leave. Until next time, remember; Uncle welcomes any who can abide by the rule of one; One society, one equality! Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too! Want more of Mikey? Visit Mikey's corner at www.askunclemikey.com. Freelance writer Michael Hinzman, joining communities throughout Queerdom ... Quotable Quotes "Touether it is a process, this act of b - coming out. But in corning our, we tree ourseives and take power away from those who would push us down"-~ Dr. H. james Menginley at the "Coming Out Ev~m" SMSU Campus Oct 12,2005 "Momma always said, Don't say you don'; like it until you've tried it!" OYSTER STUFFING 1 cup Chopped celery 1/2 cup Chopped onion 1 /2 cup Butter 1 tbsp Sage 1/2 tsp Black pepper 8 cups Dried bread cubes (white & pumpernickel) 1 pint Shucked oysters 1 - 1-12 cups Chicken broth In a medium saucepan, combine butter, celery & onions. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Chop oysters and add to mixture. Cook an additional 3 minutes, set aside. In a large mixing bowl. combine bread cubes, sage and pepper. Add oyster mixture. Add 1 cup chicken broth and mix slowly. For more moist stuffing add additional broth. Pour mixture into a 13x9x2 pan. Heat in oven at 350 degres for 15-20 minutes. HINT: Let bread set out overnight, then cut into cubes. You may also add 4 chopped boiled eggs to stuffing mixture. 27 Out of Town the base of Chairlift No. 8. In this retrohip '70s-inspired space (complete with shag carpeting and disco-ball lighting), you might sample such avant-garde takes on American comfon fare as "PB&J" sandwiches (slathered with roasted-pecan butter, fig jelly, and foie gras), and lobster-and-Brie fondue. Other cool Linzinmeir restaurants include Excelsior Cafe for contemporary Italian cooking; and the Blue Point Grill, which serves todie- for steaks, chops, and seafood (as well as cocktails in the adjacent, swanky Noir Bar). · Downtown Telluride has a bunch of great accommodations, among them Camel's Garden Hotel, an intimate resort hotel at the base of one of the main chairlifts, with handsome modern rooms, Italian-marble bathrooms with oversized tubs, and a sumptuous full-service spa. For a more authentic slice of historic Telluride, book a room at the courtly New Sheridan Hotel, a redbrick 1890s property with 32 Victorian-inspired rooms, a first-rate steak restaurant, and one of the coolest bars in the area. Mountain Village lacks character but has astounding views and offers some fine accommodations, such as the Wyndham Peaks Resort, which is home to the Golden Door Spa and abounds with many other fine amenities. Or consider ;taying at the classy Mountain Lodge at Telluride, which comprises 86 well-outfitted rooms and suites as well as 10 larger log-and-stone cabins. To reach Telluride, you have a variety of options, although like Jackson, this is a fairly remote part of the country, so flying makes the most sense. Llttle Telluride Regional Airport has direct service on Great Lakes Airlines (affiliated with United) from Denver, and on America West Airlines from Phoenix, but this facility tends to get snowed in fairly often. Another good option is to fly into Montrose (a 75-minute drive), which has direct flights from Denver, Houston, Newark, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago. As for driving, Telluride is 290 miles from Albuquerque, 360 miles from Denver, and 410 miles from Salt Lake City. Of course, both Jackson Hole and Telluride have much to offer, so if vou can possibly find the time, consider, spending haif your vacation in one town, half in the other. It's a 550-rnilc drive between the two towns, but there are plenty of photo ops along the way. And it's hard to imagine a more stylish and exciting way to spend a week or two this winter than to vacation in both of these wonderful communities. The Little Black Book Jackson Hole: Amangani (1535 N. East Butte Rd., 307- 734-7333 or 877-734-7333, www.amangani.com). Blue Lion (160 N. Millward St., 307-733-3912). Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce (307-733- 3316, www.jacksonholechambcr.com). Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (307-733- 2292 or 888-DEEP-SNO, www.jacksonholc.com). Mangy Moose (feton Village, 307-733-4913). Rendezvous Bistro (380 S. Broadway, 307-739-1100). Snake River Brewing (265 S. Millward St., 307-739-2337). Snake River Lodge (Teton Village, 866-975- ROCK, www.snakeriverlodge.rockresorts.com). Teton Village Lodge (Teton Village, 307- 734--7111 or 800-801-6615, www.destinationrockies.com). Wort Hotel (Glenwood and Broadway, 307- '733-2190 or 800-322-2727, www.worthotel.com). Telluride: Blue Point Grill (123 S. Oak St., 970-728- 8862). Camel's Garden Hotel (250 W. San Juan Ave., 970-728-9300 or 888-772- 2635, www.camelsgarden.com). Chair 8 (250 San Juan Ave., 970-728-8887). Excelsior Cafe (200 W. Colorado Ave., 970-728-4250). Telluride Ski Resort (800- 778-8581, www.te!lurideskiresort.com). Mountain Lodge at Telluride (457 Mountain Village Blvd., 970-369-5000 or 866-368-6867, www.destinationrockies.comj. New Sheridan Hotel (231 W. Colorado Ave., 970-728-4351 or 800-200-1891, ,vww.newsheridan.com). Wyndham Peaks Resort (136 Country Club Dr., 970-728-6800 or 800-WYNDHAM, www.wyndham.com). Page 28 Entrapment: Where the evidence indicates that entr.apmcnt may have occurred, the ~s~ue conccmfug the existence of the reqws1te mental st:2tc to commit the crime charged is reserved to the jury. SL.gel v. Suu, 1988 OK CR 284, 19, 766 P.2d 355,357 f'A question of cnmpment is generally one for the jury, rather than for the court."); Ryttns v. State, 1966 OK CR 153, 420 P.2d 556. The Court of Criminal Appeals discussed the defense of sentencing entrapment in Leech v. Stttte, 2003 OK CR 4, 66 P.3d 987, and pointed out how OUJI-CR 8-25 should be modified .if the defense of sentencing entrapment has· been raised. It stated: In a case where sufficient evidence is presented to raise the issue of sentence entrapment, tliis langwagc must be modified to make it clear to the jury that the issue is whether or not the defendant, although intending to commit a lesser offense, has been cntr.apped into committing a greater offense. If the defendant had no previous intent to commit the greater crime or did not become rcady,and willing to commit a greater crime during the course of the transaction, even though predisposed to commit the lesser crime, then a finding that law enforcement agents committed sentencing. entrapment would require that the defendant be found not guilty of the greater crime, and guilty of the lesser offense. 2003. OK CR 4,110, 66 P.3d at 990. OUJI-CR 8-26 DEFENSE OF ENTRAPMENT - BURDEN OF PROOF It is the burden of the State to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that n.o entrapment occurred. If you find that the State has failed to sustain th?,t · burden, then the defendant must be found not guilty. Committee Comments: Since entrapme;nt is an affirmative defense, the obligation to produce evidence sufficient to raise the defense remains with the defendant, uniess the evidence adduced by the prosecution has raised the issue. If the defendant fails to present any evidence that tends to prove that entrapment occurred, or if the defendant's evidence is insufficient as a matter of law, the issue of entrapment is not presented and no instruction should be given. If the defendant presents sufficient evidence to raise the defense of entrapment, or if the defense is raised by the prosecution, an instruction must be given in order to apprise the jurors of the defendant's theory of the case. Once the defense of entrapment is properly raised, the burden of proving the nonexistence of the defense and the predisposition of the defendant rests on the State, and the jury must be so instructed. Mclntur/J v. Suite, 554 P.2d 837 (Oki. Cr. 1976); Striplin v. State, 499 P.2d 446 (Oki. Cr. 1972). Note that Watson v. Stttte, 382 P.2d 449 (Oki. Cr. 1962) and Robinson v. Stttte, 507 P.2d 1296 · (Oki. Cr. 1973), were specifically overruled on the issue of burden of proof by Mcinturff, suprtt. No instructions concerning the defendant's burden to come forward with evidence, or the question of whether the defendant has presented sufficient evidence to warrant an instruction, arc included because these matters pertain to questions of law and of trial procedure, both of which arc beyond the legitimate concern of the jurors. Quotable Quotes "I have a brother and a sister who arc gay. And they always were, they didn't switch or change or anything. They alwavs were like that. They were born like that. I'm just for human rights, and that's part of it. It's nobody's damn business what people do. If people would just keep dicir damn noses out of everybody else's business, that would be a good place to start. Just treat _ everybody the same and shut up. •H Do l sound bitter?" - Roseanne to the Palm Springs gay publication The Bottom Line. Page 29 Aunt Mattie: Grown in fertile, well drained soil in sun with shelter from strong winds. Plant bulbs, 4:6 inches deep in late summer or autumn:·1n our region just before first frost. Daffodils, with thousands to choose from there are daffodils (narcissus) to suit any border and they can also be natucilized in grass. Careful selection will providi;.,.color from late winter to late spring. Plant bulbs at three to five times their own depth in autumn, in sun or partial shade in moist, fertile, well drained soil. Dead head faded flowers, but after flowering leave the foliage in place for at least six· weeks. lilies ate usually tall-growing and bear showy often fragrant summer flowers, occasionally in autumn. Grow in w~ll drained soil and a sunny position. Plant bulbs in early autumn to depth of two or three times· their size on a bed of course sand to ensure good drainage. • Well talk about drained, I'm done! So always remember, "You can lead a hor-to-culture, but you can't make her think" Till next time, see. you in the dirt. 1 /BTt-:t PA13E CLASSIFIED .A:D • • ,:✓ SPACE NOW. AVAILABLE· 1N THE STAR CALL F"CR RATES 91 B.B35.78B7 or email: aza~ksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and lh.Jst in Affordable AdYertising Service. Rev. Steve Urie what they wanted for themselves to which they responded simply, ''We want to follow Jesus!" Just this week talking with high school students and students on campus this same issue was raised with the same response. Yes as Dr. H. James Mcginley and I commented individually arid together it is a process, this act of coming out. But in coming out, we free ourselves and take power away from those who would push us down. Now more than ever we need to have more of this dialogue, more of these events putting faces to who we are. Letting our families, friends and associates know that we are here and we expect to be treated .equally without threat of prejudice from anyone, including our government. Dr. Mcginley encouraged the formation of positive support groups for all generations of queer people and stressed the importance of it needing to be more than just the gay bar down the road. May each of you set yourselves free! Take the power away from those who seek to silence you or to beat you down. Take the first step; we are here to help you; .. Be Freel Rf!fl. Sfe.ui T. Urie is the j1dStcr of Spirit of Christ MCC in Joplin, MissoNri. .A member chMrch of Metropoliun C'1mm•nity Chffrd,es with 2JO crmgreg,tticns 11round the fllOrfil.: Tbe cb#rch jNSt cdebrdtai its eight 1t4r 11nnit.'m4ry ,nd is 411 it/firming ch#rch for people of alJ faith fl14lks, mewl .md CNitMr,I diwnitia ,1nd btts a sp«i4J. o#t.TNd, to the G/L/B/T co~mMnity .. FREE.HIVTFSTING, NO~EDLES! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS Testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 Sunday Service 6PM Your Invited to our Communi Dinner Every Wed. No one· Page32 Subscribe to the STAR Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $24.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: Ozarks STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 NAME: ___________ _ Address:, ____________ City:. _____ .St:_Zip: _ _ Phone:. ______ _ Check enclosed __ Money Order Start Date: ___ _ Page 33 Page 34 Seo es VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Communications go awry chis week. At home, it's especially easy to gee locked ~nto needless disputes. If you dig in your heels, you'll find yourself in quicksand. Be ready to reiterate and clarify to save trouble. by Jack Fertig OCTOBER 2005 "Switch gears, Gemini!" ~-•. , .. ,,,,. Three very difficult squares dominate this week: Sarurn square Sun (dissatisfaction and frail egos); Mercun' square Uranus (loose lips and , provocation); and Mars square Neptune (overindulgence and recklessness). If you want to turn this terrible trio to vour advantage, work hard, think ahead, and be sensitive to others. ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Think carefully about your priorities, but if you expect others to share them, arguments will ensue. Plav with a few new erotic kinks, but if y-◊u act like you have something to prove, someone couid get _hurt! TAURUS ~Aprii 20 May 20): Communicate! Your efforts at work are 111isunderstood, so stay in close contact with your boss to keep your work on track. If you think your work at home is unappreciated, tell your partner that you feel taken for granted. The apology could be tremendousiy sexy! GEMINI (May 21 June 20): Arguments at work come way too easily. A meditative time-out can help, and remember that yes, the boss is the boss! S,virch chose gears; instead of running your mouth, keep your ears and brain busy instead. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Our community is riddled with sexual peer pressure, ',vhic:1 is always stupid and is now especiaily da:1gerous. Ditto booze and drngs. Remember: "To thine own ,elf be t;:.ue." Stay close to your own ~ore values; do what's healthy and right for ,·ou_! LEO (ju!y 23 August 22): Home is where your controi issues are. How much of chat did you get from your parents? Be very careful to keep communication with colieagues clear. Sex play restores balance, but accidents are likely nm.-. Be very careful. LIBRA (September 23 October 22): Friends and money don't mix at all now. Dutch treat is good. Curb your erotic impulses; weil, at least be careful! You're wide open for all kinds of accidents. Think ahead, but not coo far. SCORPIO (October 23 November 21): Stand up for credit when it's due, and share it with your mentors. Exaggerated pride and false modesty both lead to disaster. If in doubt, lean toward modesty. Advice on investments should be politely ignored. SAGITTARIUS <November 22 December 20): Ac~idencs are jumping out at everybody, and you're a favorite target for those gremlins. At home, be careful to keep electricity and water far aoart. · Any retreat, even quiet meditatio~, will help you stay out of trouble. CAPRICORN (December 21 January 19): Your sexual expertise is a well-kept secret - until now! Admit nothing, deny nothing. If rumors get way out of hand, just laugh, shake your head like it's all news to you, and invite whomever you like ro find out fur themselves. AQUARIUS Qanuary 20 - February 18): Keep your finances to yourself. Either side of a loan can get you into trouble. You have enough confusion aiready, especially at home. Avoid domestic arguments, but pay close attention so you know what you're agreeing to! PISCES (February 19 - March 19): There are no secrets now. Your own business is out where everyone can see it. Grace and humor can keep you above scandaL A proper response is always, "Who said _what_? My goodnessi" Jade Fertig has been working as a professionai astrologer since 1977 and is a founding member of the Association for Astrological Networking. I I Gay Games Posters listings of some of our business sponsors, will appear on the final product. Artists may incorporate placement of these logos in their submitted design, or they may leave a 2" high space at the bottom of their design for logo placement by CGI. Artists may choose to use the Gay G2.mcs VII logo in their design. The logo may not be modified. Piease review the Logo Acceptable Use Guidelines available onlinc at www.gaygameschicago.orgiyourhosti logo.php. For specifications on proper use of the logo of the Federation of Gay Games contact info@gaygameschicago.org. Gay Games VII Sports and Cultural Festival will take place July 15 to 22, 2006. Over 12,000 athletes from more than 100 countries will compete in 30 sports ranging from softball to dancesport, swimming to tennis. The wceklong event will include band, chcerleading and colour guard performances, chorus, an ancillary arts festival, and a series of communityorganised social events and parties. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 15 July at Soldier Field, the lakefront home stadium of American-style football's Chicago Bears. Closing ceremony will be 22 July at Wrigley Field, the home of Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs, located in the heart of Chicago's largest LGBT neighbourhood. For the first time, the Gay Games in Chicago will receive widespread television coverage on the Q Television Network. Early sponsors of Gay Games VII indude PlanetOut/ Gay.com; Q Television Network; Walgreens; Orbitz; Sydney New Mardi Gras; McKnight Kurland Baccelli; Human Rights Campaign; M~te, Genre, Pink and Girlfriends Magazines; Windy City Media Group; and more than 80 business sponsors. You can find copies of the STAR at these 4 states business & organizations. ARKANSAS KANSAS MISSOURI OKLAHOMA Arkansas, Eureka Springs Diversity Pride Event ~ ~ WWV{.diveisitypride.com MCC Llving Spring -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Fayetteviile (479) Condom Sense - - -418 W. Dickson- -479-444-6228 Currv's Video 612 N. College Ave- 479-521-0009 Arkansas, Fort Smith ( 479) Club 1022 1022 Dodson Ave. 479-782-1845 Kinkeads- 1004 1 /2 Garrison Ase- - 479-783-9988 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 St>tc Rodeo Assoc.- - - www.dsra.org Discovery- - - 1021 Jes~ie Rd- - - -501-666-6900 Sidetraclr.s - - 415 Mam St - -N. L.R.- 501-244-0444 The Factory -412 Louisian:t St.- - -501-372-3070 Kansas, Pittsburg ( 620) River of Life Church 1709 N Walnut - -1 lAM PSU-QSA- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - 620-231-0938 Kansas, Wichita (316) Club Glacier - - 2828 E. 31st South 316-612-933! j's Lounge - - - 513 E. Central - - 316-262-1363 Our Fanmy- - - - 3201 S. Hillside- - -316-682-5494 The Otherside- - -447 N. St Francis- 316-262-7825 Shatai - - 4000 S. Broadwoy- - 316-522--2028 Sidestreet Mens Bar -1106 S. Pattie- - -316-267-0324 South 40 - 3201 S. Hillside - - -316-682-5494 Trends Bar - - -150" S. Pawnee- - - - 316-262-4530 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Ca:npground - - - - - 417-683-9199 Miuouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- - 716 S. Main - - - - 4i7-627-9035 MCC Sp•nt of Christ-2902 E 20th, - -Sun-6pm Missouri, Kansas City (816) Bud-::lics - - - · - - 3715 l,fain St - - 816-56i-2600 Club NV - 220 Admiral B!vd- 816-421-NVKC DB W:irchouse- 1915 .'.fafo St- Mis5ic B' ,- -8fl5 \\. 39th St- - - - Sidcstrcct B~r - ~413 E. 3rd- - -816-471-15:5 · 816-561-0625 - - 816-531-1775 Sid~kick~ S;;loon - - 3707 :,Iain St- - 816- 931-i430 Missouri, Lampe - - 417-779-5084 Missonri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - --417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commeric2l- -869-3978 Liquors & Kickers- -1109 E. Commercial-873-2225 Martha's Viney2rd- 219 W Olive - - 417-864-4572 Priscilla'5 - 1918 S. Glenstone - - 417-881-8μ4 Oz Bar 504 E. Commercial- - - - - 417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place-• --821 College- - · - -417-864-0036 Rumors --1109 E. Commercial- - - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - - POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- -- - -405-601-7200 Club Rox- -3535 NW 39th Expwy 405-947-2351 Fini$h Line - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- 405-525-0730 Gushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 Ho!lywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex- 405-947-2351 Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- 405-528-2221 Hi-Lo Club - 1221 NW SOth- - -405-843-1722 Jungle Reds - 2200 NW Expwy- - 405-524-5733 Partners- - -2805 NW 36th St - - - 405-942-2199 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial -405-755-8600 Red Rock North-2240 NW39th St- -405-525-5165 Sisters- 2120 NW 39th St - • -405-521-9533 The Rockies- -3201 N. May /\.ve - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th-- 405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) . Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine· 918-836-8700 Club Majestic- 124 N. Boston - - - 918-584-9494 Club Ma,erick- - 822 S. Sheridan -918-835-3301 Dreamland Bks 8807 E. Admiral Pl -834-1051 Elite Bookstore --814 S. Sheridan- 918-838-8503 End Up Ciub- 424 S. Memorial- - -918-836-2480 GLBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 41st- - - 918-743-4297 Hideaway Lounge-11730 E. 11th- - - -918-437-0449 Nite Spot - - -3007 E. Admiral Pl 918-834-3007 Priscilla's - - - 7925 E. 41st - -918-627-4884 PrisciUa's - 5634 W. Skelly - - -918-446-6336 Prisci!la's - - - -1 1344 E. 11th· - - - -- -918-438-4224 Priscilla's - - 2333 E. 71st - -918-499-1661 Renegades- - - 1649 S. Ma.in - - - • _918-585-3405 Tuisa CARES- -3507 E. Admiral Pi- 918-834-4194 Tulsa Eagle-• .;3~3 E. 3rd- - - - - 918-592-1188 TNT's - - - 2114 S. t .. {emorial- -918-660-0856 Vnderguy.com - - -15 E. Brady - 918-829-0824 \~"hittier News Stand- 1 N. LCwis~ - 918-592-0767 Yeilow-Brkk-Rd·· - -2630 E. 15th• - 918-293-0304 Outlets wishing to distribute FREE copies of the ST AR, contact us at 918.835.7887 9am to 4pm mon. fri or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Page 37 cARTooN "Bitter Girl" Page 38 cARTooN "A Couple of Guys" A Couple . ofguys• ~13t~ I l 1 I I I I l ! j ,I, I .. 918.834.3007 PlleriL,t~n~ajr:saturday 11 am ,, .;, CLOSED SUNDAY HIDEAWAY 11730 E. lfth ~ Tulsa, OK 918.437.0449 now C ••••••,w••:t.... ~a•f e 7240 East Pine - TULSA, OK 918.836.9777 open 6am to 2pm mon - sat. Breakfast & Lunch , ,;,1 ·: .. •--:~".:,; 1 /BTH PAGE. ct::.A.sst.FIED AD SPACE NOW .AVAILABLE IN 'T;t;IE STAR CALL FCIR' ~ATES 91 8~835.7887, or email: oza~~star@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and 1hist in Atfordable Advertising Ser,:vice. PAGE 40 THE STAR NOVEMBER. 2005 It's all hapJ>tming at the Bamboo Just for You! Open 12noon to 2am daiiy Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] The Star Magazine, November 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 11 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 01, 2005 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele Josh Aterovis John Patrick Matt Brooks Steve T. Urie Libby Post Paula Martinac Andrew Collins Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Chaz Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, October 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 10 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/221 The Star Magazine, December 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/216 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/220 A Couple of Guys acceptance Advice anti marriage amendment Bitter Girl Cartoon Diversity entrapment Eureka Springs going courting Heart to Heart Lesbian Notions local advertisement National news Past Out Q Scopes Quotabe Quotes religion Star Scene Thanksgiving Uncle Mikey vacation