26 20 639 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/92927820e396e4169036521fcdd12a1a.jpg f1cf9fd545dbff9599754715b516df04 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/03c32577792cb4c86ed7abfdd7bb684b.pdf be5ee8ad94ddfebb1d10265e78576237 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 S MAY 200!5 FREE Green. Country will have a _Pride Parade 2005. With lots of ium9.r1 floating ~round T-Town &peculating Tulsa would not organize a parade this year, New TOHR and GLBT Center Oircct<>r; Greg Gatewood a11urcd the STAR 1'~a•a Diversity Pride Feativa.l and Parade will h1tppeo. With Gatewood coordinating die festival events and Rick Martin 1111 coordin,ator of the parade, the many volunteer', and the efforts of PPL.AG, OYP and TOHR Tulsa should have a pride celebration like no other. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human rights (fOHR) will celebrate it's 25th anniversary with this yea.rs events. TOHR sponsors the GLBT Center in Tulia and if you haven't visited the center, check it out. A newly dedicated David Bobnett Cybercenter donated by .the David Boboett Foundation ia very imprcnivc. Along with the 10 IBM workstations many other improvement! arc happening at the center including expanded community meeting rooms. Visit jhe website for more info www.tob.r.org Tulsa's first Gayfl',ride event was in 1981 and was primuily picnic gatherings in a bar parking lot. The fitat plll'llde was held in 1999 and became national new, because of opposition from the Tulsa City Council Tulsa you have come a long way baby! For Pride week cvcot11 schedule sec page 12. Page 2 AV/$.- Page 3 NWA'S ONLY GAY OWNED AND STAFFED DANCE Ci.UBI Sunday May 29th. 2005 $300 Grand Prize $150 1st Alternate Sponsorship to Miss Gay Arkansas America $50 Emry Fee Must be 21 years of age KARAOKE WEDNESDAYS PLASTIC THURSDAY DANCE PARTYEVEFtY THURSDAY! . . . .. . . . . . GQ 80 BOYS EVERY FRIDAY & SATUFtOAY NIQHTJ , NWAJS BEST DRAG SHOW I l I ji I 4 I ■ ~, EVERY SUNDAY NlGHT! Wed -Sun 9pm - 2am 716 W. Sycamore. F~ille AR 479-571-1300 www.studio716.net Kansas Votes NO Same Sex Marriage! April 5, 2005 - Washington, DC. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force condemned today's 70% to 30% vote (with 72% of th~ precincts reporting) by Kansans in favor of a constitutional amendment banning the recognition of same sex marriages and other, more limited forms of partner recognition. The Task Force said it was dismayed by the continued, widespread silence and inaction of so many faith and political leaders and people of good will in response to the wave of anti-gay organizing that continues to sweep the country. With today's vote, Kansas becomes the 18th state to amend its conscitution to preclude the recognition of same-sex marriage. Ten of the 18 amendments, including that of Kansas, seek to preclude the recognition of other forms of relationships, such as domestic partnerships and civil unions. Four states adopted amendments prior to 2004 - Alaska, Hawaii, Nebraska, and Nevada. It is possible that another 12 to 14 states will have sllnilar measures on the ballot between 'no~ and 2008. The marriage amcndtnerit failed in the City of Lawrence (home of the U°!versity of Kansas) by a luge margin, lostng in 35 of the Cit:is~.:1:9,.piecincts and tying in 3. The . by :which it carried in Shawnee. (where the state's largest qgf · · . ted) was smaller than (Shawnee County/Topeka;· %). Page 5 a 0 20 5 Friday June 3rd Doors@ 8pm Featuring: Miss Continental 2004 ERICAANDRBWS I TulsaOK . Continental 2004 ANTONIO EDWARDS Mr. Contlmmtal 2003 RAY MATTHEWS Hostedby: Canada Conlinentll Pins 2004 TAIMAHALL UEDANIEI.S, per .COlll . Page 6 Tulsa's 1st Gay Rodeo Smooth as Silk! April 12, 2005 by Greg Steele TULSA, OK. .. Since October of 1976, the first Gay Rodeo in Reno, Nevada, 25 Gay Rodeo Associations have sprung up across the United States and Canada and comprise the 'International/ Gay Rodeo Association, IGRA. Gay Rodeo's are hefd through out the year with a National Final's to buckle and crown the season. Men and Women from across the US and Canada compete for points to have the honor of an invitation to the National Finals. Out of hundreds who compete, only the top 20 point winner's from each competition category will be invited. It's a rough ridden, steer bustin, serious event each year for these dedicated gay men and women who compete in rodeo competition. The Gay Rodeo has become an important part of the LGBT community. Those who organize and stage the events year after year work night and day to bring you the best show possible and the Sooner State Rodeo Association SSRA, showed there stuff in Tulsa this year with a grand rodeo, a hell of a good time and great entertainment. The 2005 season ends in Dallas with the Texas Gay Rodeo Association, TGRA and the IGRA National Final's November 10-13, 2005 in Dallas, Texas. This will be the grand finally to a big year for IGRA. Fan's from across the US, Canada and around the globe will converge on Dallas. It's the big event of the year for contestants and rodeo follower's. Rodeo lovers come in campers, motor homes, limo's, buses and. some just ride their broncos. They come to party hard , enjoy entertainment and the thrill of the action. If you have never· been to a_ IGRA rodeo, you've missed a good dose of ou,r ~estem · heritagi::. So, saddle up guys _ and _gal~, get on.out to see :sqme real cowb9ys & cowgirls. · Kansas Gay Rodeo Association, KGRA Rodeo Wichi~ is the nex( competition' scheduled for May 13-15, www.kgra.us Following KG-RA will be the Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Assoc. OGRA in Oklahoma City on May 27-29. www.okgayrodeo.com Mood Swing perf.onnu1e;at . Rodeo in Tulsa's new Livestock~~ Page 7 124.N.·Boston: ,.. ·Tulsa, OK ,... 918.584.9494 Tht.rsday Nights - Rachael Erikks - l'vlGA 2004 ~~ l~IJg-.ts - Catia Lee Love - MGA 2000 Thursday and S(nday - 18 to enter; 21 to drink Friday ~d_$.atl.rday_Dance Party-- 21 to enter 9 p till 2 ~ - Thu-sday - Sunday nights KGRA, Rodeo Wichita 2005 Buckles UP! Press Release: WICHITA, KS _KGRA will be hosting Rodeo Wichita '05 on May 14 - 15, 2005 which is part of the Bud Light Rodeo Series. Contestants from Oklahoma, Texas, Arhnsas, Nebraska, Missouri, Colorado as well as distant states will compete for cash and the coveted Buckle. There are 14 events each day that male and females compete in. The rough stock events like Bull Riding and Steer Wrestling will test the skills of each cowgirl and cowboy contestant. There are horse speed events like Pole Bending, Barrel Racing and "drag" events like Goat Dressing which involves 2 team members racing to put underwear on a goat. You won't want to miss the Wtld Drag Race, contestants in heels! The rodeo is held in the indoor Mattox Arena in Derby, Kansas with vendor & concession space under the Big Top (a 40' x 80' Tent). KGRA will donate a portion of the profits to a charity to be named by our Grand Marshal. Our Grand Marshal for this year is Linn Copeland, owner of the Fantasy / South 40 Complex in Wichita. Linn is a founding member of KGRA and continues to be very supportive. KGRA is one of 25 nonprofit organizations in the USA & Canada that operate under the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) guidelines. Visit the KGRA web site www.kgra.us it has all the activities listed with times for the rodeo. You can also contact us Page 9 91 ■ . ■ :18•■ 70Q www. ■ AM ■ CJCIL0IJNIIIETUL■A.CCIM Join Us For the BIG.BASH! Memorial Day Weekend M 28th, 29th, 30th Page 10 MAY 2005 by Andrew Collins "BARCELONA, SPAIN" Even though Barcelona routinely receives plenty of great press, it's still vastly underrated, given just how much the city has to offer. This is a world-class metropolis, and specifically a premier gay and lesbian destination, especially as Spain's government prepares to legalize gay marriage by the end of 2005. Like Sao Francisco and Sydney, Barcelona combines the sophistication of a bustling, urbane, and progressive city with mesmerizing natural and physical beauty. Its many other ass.ets include superb contemporary cuisine, stunning architecture spanning many centuries, friendly and approachable citizens, fashionable shopping, copious hip gay cafes and nightclubs, excellent public transpomtion, reasonable prices (compared with much of Europe), and a temperate, sunny climate. Perched on the Mediterranean Sea in northeastern Spain, this stately city of 1.5 million fringes the foothills of the Pyrenees. Barcelona is eminently walkable, and if you stay anywhere near the gay area, you're within walking distance of most city attractions. Cabs are also plentiful, affordable, and easy to hail from the street, and the city has an efficient and clean metro system. It's also a &idy accessible place for English-spealring visitors, as the vast majority of the city's residents speak at least some English. Barcelona's mother tongue, Cat2.lan, is still widely used, and many business names and signs are expressed in Catalan, but nearly everybody in Barcelona also speaks Castilian Spanish (the national language). Additionally, Barcelona is quite safe, but for the same problems with pickpockets and petty thievery that p~e a number of European cities; violent crime is exceedingly rare. Probably Barcelona's most striking feature, elaborate _Modemista_ architecture dominates much of the city. The architect most associated with Barcelona, Antoni Gaudi, lived here from the 1870s until his sudden death (he was rim over by a streetcar) in 1926. Definitely plan to tour his masterpiece, Sagrada Familia, which looms high over the Barcelona skyline and can be seen from virrually anywhere. Gaudi began work on this spectacular skyscraping cathedral in 1883, but it's not expected to be finished until 2015. You can also admire many of his works by strolling through the Ei:z:ample neighborhood (especially along ritzy Passcig de Gracia, famous for fine shopping), and also up to Park Guell, the most enchanting pule in the city, replete with fairytale-like Gaudi spires, mosaic sculptures, staircases, and he~clies. The Ei:z:ample extends from the city center up into the hilly residenrilll ~~cighborhoods of interior Barcelona. Developers laid out this regal neighborhood of wide boulevards in the early 19th century, and Gaudi is just one of the fine architects who left his mark on the area. The small section of the neighborhood nearest the Universitat plaza, sometimes nicknamed the "Gai:z:ample," contains the bulk of the city's gay cafe and bar culture. To find these places, just stroll along the handful of blocks intersected by Gran Via and stretching from the Urgdl to the Universitat metro stops. From Universitat you can walk just a few blocks east to the city's most prominent central square, Placa Cataiunya, which is surrounded by department stores and hoteis. From here,· the city's famed La Rambla leads down to the waterfront. This broad tree-lined boulevard. make, for an engaging strol!, but it's also the most touristy section of the city, rife with overpriced and unexceptional restaurants and shops. Barcciona's waterfront and harbor (Port Vell) received a major facelift prior to the city's hosting of the Summer Oiympics in 1992, and the entire shoreline has continued to improve and develop ever since, with fine beaches, restaurants, shops, and marinas . ........ cont. pg-21 ] I I I I I I I I ! Page 11 Overexposure to Dancers can. lead to vision problems ... ~rut?! . . . . JIii ' ' : ' •• < Cold ,Beer Hot Bods - Strong Drinks 1 424 S. Memorial, Tulsa ii' (~118) 836-2480 21 AND QJER a ONE D~INK MINlt.UM a CLOSED TUESDAYaWWW.ENJUPCLUB.COM >~'181 .~μrgamy lgoldcasl1e,aim 5.840;2106 Joe Brennan Office Licensed in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois & Colorado www.shelterinsurance.com 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. Life-Worker's Comp.-Home-Auto-Farm-Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Post Office Box 339 Eureka, Missouri 63025 Tel: (636) 938-5500 Fax: (636) 938-3539 4815 South Harvard Ave., Suite 424 Tulsa, OK 74135-3068 Serving the tax and accounting needs of the Phone: (918) 747-5466 Email: KellyKirbyCPA@sbcglobal.net GLBT CommdLity since 1982 and ■venlna- a 'Week Also Open Holidays KEHN Page 15 Wichita's Gay Communi Will Parade Into The 21st Century Press Release: WICHITA, KS_On June 26, 2005, Wichita's gay community will hold it's first Pride Parade in more than five years. Lineup for the parade will begin at 1:30pm, .v-ith the parade kicking off at 2:00pm. After suffering a devastating loss with the Marriage Amendment, on April 5th, a number of us decided it's rime for a party!!! If you would like to join us for the first Pride Parade of the new century, in Wichita, then get a carload together, and we "'rill save some room for you in the lineup. The parade route will run from Central and Waco, to Central and St. Francis, with a Post-Parade Party at the finish line, featuring Parade Awards, speakers, music, food and drinks, t-shirts, and much more!!! If you would like to enter a float or car in the parade, please contact Mike Bevier at 316-207-1717. The registration feds $10 if paid before May 22nd, and $20 after May 23rd. The registration deadline is June 22, 2005. Walkers are free and encouraged to join in the Pride fun. So bring along your family, friends, co-workers, pets, all are welcome. Volunteers are greatly needed and even more greatly appreciated. Kansas is seriously behind the rimes, and we could sure.use some help bringing this state, kicking and screaming, into the 21st Century. FREE HIV TFSTING,NO NEEDLFS ! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 In conjunction with AIDS Project of the Ozarks, MCC Joplin offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. For your convenience you can also call 206-6179 for an appointment. We use the Ora-sure method which does not require the use of needles and we offer complete confidentiality. You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith • through the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin "Serving A Healthier C-Ommllnity" Page 16 Star Scene I J j ut for a Hero In 1984, Bonnie Tyler sang "I need a hero" in her smash bit "Holding Out for a Hero." The song was resui:rected last year for the s~undtrack of Shrek 2. Its message of despen1.tion is one many of us can relate to these days, especially thoJe. of us in the LGBT collltllunity. We need heroes now more than ever. Perhaps it was this lon~g that led to the claim that our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, was gay. In ~s recentlv released b,oo~ The Intimate World' of AbrabarJJ, Lincoln, Dr. C.A.. Tripp makes his case that President Lincoln was in &ct .a homosexual. He uses letters and co~temporary: .~econd-, hand accounts to•support·bis assertion:, .. but even bis most. ardent supporters have to admit that, far t:be·most part; the bt!lk of bis evidence is .circumst2ntial at best. I have to adtnit I'm more than a· little uncomforbble ~th. this whole situation. To me, it smacki ,;;f celebrity outing. I'm not trying to say; that .Lincoln was straight. I'm sii;ni?ly saying that I don't really think it's i!J? to us. to make that designation for him, especially considering the fetms "homosexual" or "gay'' hadn't even .been invented yet in that context. It's presuo;iptuous of us to assume that, were he alive today, Lincoln would choose to identify himself as homosexual. Are we th~ desperate for gay heroes that we have to for~e the designation on dead statesmen?' That's not to say I don't understand the need for someone to look up to. Dr. Tripp's goal was admirable. _Gay youth are especially hungry for an idol, and as much as I eniov Sir Elton's talent, let's face it - he's, h, ardly a role mod e1' . We don't need to invent gay heroes, though. Why bother when we have plenty who were openly and proudly gay? . The Equality Forum 1s an annual event whose goal is to promote understanding of the impact of .. homophobia on individuals, fam~es and society, and advance LGBT equality. Each year, the Forum highlights a. different nation. This year's focus 1s a National Celebration in honor of the fortieth anniversary of the historic first public gay and lesbian d.emonstration in front of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia on July 4, 1965. The Celebration will salute those pioneers and honor our LGBT . luminaries with' a special program titled "40 Years, 40 Heroes." The week-long Cd~b,ration will culminate on Sunday, May 1, with a full schedule of events. Several screenings are planned for "Gay Pioneers," a docwrientuy about the start of the ~y and lesbian' civil rights mov~ment. .The documentary was produced by ~quality Forum in collaboration with WHYY / PBS and was ll21llep. "Best of the:. Y w'' by The A.dvo'<:ate. R.oundtal:M i:liscussions featuring honorees sucli as Byan Wolfson Kate K~ndall, ~tt Foreman, ' · ·· · · · 13ui:iey'Frank, and . ulcd . thr·. · e Gfu.iton 0 . '• . th will be pa,mcifouing m the tribute to e 40 Heroes · which will beJollowed by a 1 meet~arig,-~eet with the honorees in the "Giy Icons Pavilion." Bishop. Gene_ Robinson will be leading .an 1nterfitlth service in the afteriiooti. The finale will be a concert at Independence Hall headlined by Cyndi Latiper. All. events are free. . Over eigl:lty n,1:ional ~ ititema~onal GLBT organi2ations. were· 10Volve1 .~ nominating the 40. Heroes. The cntcna required thad:Qe no~ee .had to haye made bis. or p~r ~ontpbutton bet:ll!C~~ 1965 and . . . . deceasecl, LGBT, . . . . ... , The nominations were th~ subt;n1~tdl to a selection committee, which na'trowcd the list to forty, then Equality Forum's Board of. Directors approved the final nominations. The end result is a satisfyingly diverse collection of activists, role models, and leaders . ......... continued next page Page 19 "This is an impressive list from Bayard Rustin to Barney Frank, MTV to Melissa Etheridge, Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin to Kevin Bourassa and Joe Varnell, Larry Kramer to Andrew Sullivan," stated Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum. "In honoring these Heroes we acknowledge the paths they• have paved for our equality." Some of the names may be familiar to you. Who doesn't know who Ellen DeGeneres or Melissa Etheridge is? Less well-known are people like Bayard Rustin. He was a personal friend of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., helped organize the National Demonstration at the Lincoln Memorial that defined the African-American Civil Rights struggle, and was a life-long advocate for gay rights. Have you heard of Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin? They were the first same-sex couple married in the United States at a ceremony in San Francisco on February 12, 2004. They were presented Women of Courage Awards by the National Organization for Women and their book Lesbian/Woman was named one of the twenty most influential women's books of the past twenty years by Publisher's Weekly. Or what about Tim Gill? He's one of only two openly gay individuals on the Forbes 400 list and an active philanthropist who provides millions of dollars annually to LGBT and HIV/ AIDS organizations. Then there's Leonard Matlovich, the first service member to fight discrimination against gays and lesbians in the United States military. His headstone reads. ''When I was in the military, they gave :me a medal for killing two men, and a discharge for loving one." These are only a few of the forty individuals being recognized for their contributions. Obviously, we don't have to look far to find role models. The problem lies in educating our community, especially our young people, about these heroes. We're_ living in times when our government and a very vocal segment of our society are actively opposed to anything remotely homosexual. Teachers can lose their jobs for simply telling their students they are gay or lesbian. How can we expect them · to teach about our gay heroes? No, until things change, it's up to us to spread the word. Equality Forum is to be applauded for their efforts to educate and acknowledge those who came before and made a difference. While we're recognizing the contributions of our community's notables, let's not forget the everyday heroes. The gay moms and dads who struggle every day to raise their children in a culture that tells them their family i:, of less worth than those of heterosexuals. They, too, are heroes. The brave men and women who live their lives openly and proudly even in the "Red States." They, too, are heroes. The soldiers forced to serve in silence due to government discrimination. They, too, are heroes. The fearless teenagers who come out in school despite the very real threat of harassment and bigotry. They, too, are heroes. Every act of courage, whether recognized by history or unseen by the world. moves us closer to equality. We don't ·have to hold out for our gay heroes. They're all around. We just have to learn to recognize them. Quotable Quotes "I really relate to the gay issue because of the marijuana issue. Because what Democrats are saying to gay people - which is basically, 'Oh, what do you care if it's just getting dvil unions? It's basically the same thing as marriage - just shut up and take it!' that's basically what people say to me about pot-smoking. They say, 'Bill, what do vou care so much if it's illegal? You can ~ways step outside the restaurant after dinner, I've seen you do it a hundred times, and smoke your joint in the allev.' And my answer to both of them is 'Fuck you.' You go outside after dinner and drink your brandy in the allev. You call whatever is going on under your roof a 'civil union."' -1V talk-show host Bill Maher to The Advocate, Feb. 15. Page 20 Ask Uncle Mikey Advice Column! May 2005 Salutations, Uncle here bringing you another in-depth look into all tings queer. Uncle is counting down the days until pride kittens. Celebrating that light which shines so bright from our community. Yes, uncle is gearing up, stocking up on supplies, while, preparing to endure endless parties, parades, and celebrations. Uncle spends the weeks after recouping from his yearly twist with the cause kittens. I am a giver however, so do not fret, you may just catch a glimpse of uncle if you look carefully. I will be the one dancing on the poll, L--------------' doing the sacred dance of the queenly, like the queens before me. Yes, I shall uphold tradition and vow to party until uncles proverbial bottom gives out. While, we dream of the celebrations which await us, allow us to see what queer seekers have brought uncles way this month. Dear uncle Mikey . I have made a mess with my friendship concerning my best friend. We have been friends forever, sharing almost everything. We have lived together now for three years since we graduated collage, and have seen the good and bad times go by us both. Well, we were at home last weekend, and we both being between mates right now, were drinking our sorrows away. He is straight and I gay. Though many said it would never work, it has been heaven, and I have depended on this friendship to get me through a lot. Well, I was drunk and horny, two combos which have proven dangerous for me in the past. I lent in to him placing my hand on his goods, and attempting to kiss him. I don't even know why I did it. He .has been distant and I fear he is thinking of moving out while, he is reading more into this than there reaOy is. I mean yes he is hot, and I wished on occasion, however, do not truly desire anything more than the best friend he has been to me. How can I convince him this was nothing more than a drunken weakness in my stupid lonely state? Seriously sorry Dearest Sorry, Kitten, alas, this is a most serious issues, with consequences, which you may find are inevitable. You broke his trust, and boundaries; which, are not so easily mended. You have to give him time to deal with your actions. He is probably feeling betrayed by you, since you are his best friend, knowing his sexuality, went ahead and broke that trust. You may very well wind up looking for a flat mate sooner than you dreamed. Uncle suggests giving him space, while, maybe writing a letter from your heart. Allow him to deal with this in his time, and see where this goes. It is. difficuit to come back from broken trust; however, determined one can overcome. So, hold in there, and just hope for the best and prepare for the worst as they say. It is his decision to make, and you will have to except the consequences of your actions. Uncle also suggests you reconsider drinking habits, which get you into troubie. Good luck- Uncle Dear Uncle Mikey: Dear Uncle: Why are so many gay men so uptight? It seems that drama rolls whenever there are more than two queers in one place. Does everything have to be a scandal? The normal guy i l f Page 21 Dearest Normal, Kitten, this is an easy one. Gay men are fabulous beings, which by design alone attract creativity, colorful surroundings, and of course, diversity in its finest. We do not look to some threepiece suite with a bad haircut, to dictate our life for us. We are ,what many only dream of being. We enjoy life, and the moment fate allows us. This however has a most plaguing side effect, and that is simply known; as drama. When you have, as many beautifully diverse people, as our community; New ideas springing fourth, life passions being realized, and of course the unique ability to stand in a world of repression, while, remaining true to yourself. There is bound to be some backlash, and that is drama .. So, do not judge so quickly my young one, Smooches-Uncle Drama is like anything else in life. Too much can push someone over the edge, while too little, can leave one in a bleak existence at best. The drama lets you know you are alive. So, enjoy it, while keeping it rightfully in check. Well Kittens, it seems our time has come. Uncle sends warm mav kisses out to all of his wonderful Kitt~ns. Remember this: He, who does not ask permission to exist, remains true to himself. While, the others will ask for the rest of life, for a ship, which will never come. Sink or swim baby, I got my thong! Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too! Uncle Mikey is a character from Fru&.na: writer Michael Hinzman. Michael has mm 'Writing for ten years. Utilizing his studies, and life experienCJ! to hdp others in his community, through humor and sound advice. Michael applied his study of prychology and creative 'Writing, as well his extensive brtckground in menu/ hMith Dirn:r caTI! to bring a new style and approach whelping others. Mich11.d's other works can be vieTDed at W'W'W.gaylinkcontent.com. Out of Town from pg-10 It's a great area for a warm-weather stroll, especially during the day, when you can admire the sea. To find the gayest section of beachfront, head to the Barceloneta neighborhood Gust west of the Olympic Port) and follow it as far west as you can go, not far from the Sant Sebastia cable-car tower. When you've had enough of the beach, hop on the cable car, which offers stunning views of the city and harbor and deposits you right on the edge of Montjuic, a verdant and hilly park. that's an absolute highlight of any visit to Barcelona. In the park, you can take funiculars (small aerial trams) up to its highest point, where Montjuic Castle (now a military museum but for many years a fortress and prison) stands sentry over the city. Or you can stroll through the park's lower regions to explore the lush botanical gitrdens and the wonderful Fundado Miro, the art museum dedicated to modern Spanish master Joan l\,fuo. Another area where you should try to spend at least one full afternoon is Barcelona's centrally located Old City, which feels nothing at all like the rest of the city, with its extremely narrow lanes and meticulo*sly preserved medieval architecture. This neighborhood dates to the city's Roman origins and contains several key landmarks, from the magnificent cathedral to the city history museum. If you have a bit of a foot fetish, check: out the quirky Museu de! Calcat, an entire museum dedicated to the history of shoes. In the neighboring (and also ancient) Born and Sant Pere districts, you'll find the Museu Picasso, whose thoroughly contemporary and stark interior contrasts dramatically with the building's medieval exterior. Exhibits here focus heavily on Pablo Picasso's early years, so if you're looking for his most &mous works, you may be disappointed. Fans of haute couru.re must not miss the neighborhood's Museu Textil, whose collections date back many centuries but include pienty of fashions from the past century, including some donated by chichi Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga.. Just a bit farther east, Puc de ia Ciutadeila is a delightful spot for a walk: (it's not uncommon to see the occasional same-sex couple meandering about the gardens); it also contains the city's zoo and natural history museum. On your way to the park, drop by the small but fascinating Museu de la Xocolata, which contains amazingly rendered contin11ed pg-26 c as been writing for the ~y and lesbian press for more than 20 years. She served for three years as the co-chair of the board of directors of New York City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, where she founded a groundbreaking reading series called "In Our Own Write." Lesbian Notions by Paula Martinac MAY 2005 Making History In a few weeks, anybody who's anybody in the lesbian and gii.y movement will be headed for Philadelphia to commemorate "the 40th anniversary of the GLBT dvil rights movement," as the celebration's official website (www.equalityforum.com) bills the event. You may be scratching your head now and saying, "Fortieth anniversary? Philadelphia? I could have sworn the Stonewall rebellion took place in New York City in 1969." And indeed, it did. However, an event that is much less known but still of enormous significance to the LGBT movement took place four years _before_ Stonewall. On July 4, 1965, in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, a group of gay men and lesbians _____________ ;...,it staged what appears to have been the first public protest on behalf of gay civil rights. Each year on Independence Day for the next four years, the protestors held a demonstration at the same spot, called the "Annual ~eminder." N~w, just a couple of months shy of the actual anniversary, those lesbian and gay pioneers will be acknowledged with a star-studded celebration. . The P~d~hia demonstration was notably different from Stonewall - peaceful, qwct, and with 1ts own dress code of suits and ties for men and dresses and heels for women. They marched in an orderly circle carrying signs with, messages such as "Homosexual Citizens Want the Right to Make Their Maximum Contribution to Society." Still, as longtime gay activist Frank Kameny correctly notes, those conservatively dressed, law-abiding protestors "created the mindset for the expression of dissent" that made the Stonewall rebellion possible. Equality Foru.m's description of the anniversary celebration makes the distinction between the two historic events even clearer, with the stress in Philadelphia on "GLBT civil rights," as opposed to the "GLBT liberation" that arose from Stonewall. And that's been the split in our movement since the 1960s, continuing in some ~easure to the present day. Tho_se activists who have pushed primarily for "gay civil righ~s" have been more moderate and centrist in their approach to our movement, seeking to fit gay people into the overall fabric of American life. On the other hand, those who have pressed for "gay liberation" have often been in favor of more sweeping change of U.S. institutions and policy. It's noteworthy that we're commemorating the Philadelphia demonstration at this particular point in our politicii life as a movement, when maay of us arc indeed much closer to the suited activists of 1965 than to the queer rioters of Stonewall. We have l~rge national organizations in Washington and New York that hold glitzy fundraiscrs. A lot. of us name marriage and the right to serve openly in the military among our concerns - hardly the goals of take-to-the-streets radicals. Some of us even vote Republican. And a number of us have the disposabie income to spend on a jaunt to Philadelphia to venerate our past. Significantly, the May 1 event promises to be quite commercial, with a conformist public face. It's not eyeo being held on the _acrual_ anniversary of the demonstration, but i_n conjunction with the city's PrideFest of entertainment and parties. Among the conttnued next page 1 Page 23 many side-events taking place is a dinner honoring gay-friendly corporate giant IBM. So if. celebrating our marketability or the conservative tum our movement has tak~o isn't for you, the Philadelphia celebration probably isn't either. I myself won't be attending. At the same time, Equality Forum should be commended for a couple of importll.nt things that will come out of this event. First is the fact that Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D) will d~dica~e a marker from the Pennsylvania Histoncal and Museum Commission to note the s~ot of the Philadelphia , . dc:m<>ostratl()n. This in itself is cause for celeb~tion, since there are so few amgible remnants of the lesbian, and gay past. To attempting to document LGBT historic sites in a book called The Queerest/P:~ces_, t f~und tha~ sadly, ~y buil~ assoC11lted with our moveme1# ~ere .no longer extllot. What's· more, his.t<>ric house museums connected , to &mous queers - like Walt Whitman, , for cx:unple - are often deeply "closeted" about their &inous inhabitants. A number o~ gay-related sit~s, especially in Sao Francisco, have attained city status as landmarks; but our only "out" national historic site remains the Stonewall Ion which .got its official designation unde; the Clinton administration. Now, having a state recognize the lesbian and gay movement - with a marker near the spot ~e Declaration of Independence was signed, no less - is of enormous significance, particularly .in this conservative political climate. A Statement by The Reverend Dr. Troy D. Perry Moderator, Metropolitan Community Churches On The Elevation of Cardinal Ratzinger to the Papacy of the Roman Catholic Church April 19, 2005 , In 1987, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, then Yic~-:Moderator of Metropolitan Commumty Churches, and I met Cardi.rial_ Ratzingcr at the Bilateral :q~oguc held during Pope John Paul II's VlSltJci Columbia, South Carolina. , A,t that time, we were filled with h<;>pc that the relatively new Pope John Paul II. would usher in a new era of ,, · . God's gay, lesbian, bisexual . . . transgendcr children. That did not hap·'-en. , , ~ ', ,, . In recent days, we h_eld out hope that ~. ~~~n of a new Pope would now Bnng greater openness and acceptance to the Roman Catholic Church. With today's election, that did not happen. In fact, over the past three decades Cardinal Ratziogcr has served as the ' author_ of many of the Roman Catholic Church's policies that embody overt hostility to LGBT people and preclude womeil from full participation in the life of the Church. We share a deep sadness that one of the world's most homophobic religious leaders has been elevated to the papacy, and regret that his policies will continue to <icvalμe the rich spiritual gifts of , LGBT people and women of faith. . Second, the Philadelphia celebration will,. I hope, help make people aware that lesbwis and gay men have lived and · straggled for their rights in places other than Greenwich Village and the Castro Since so man~ of us don't live in gay · ghetto:es, but m suburbs and small towns making our human faces visible is a huge' part of the work that our movement is now doing across the country. , _.- My &ith teaches ttiat aU people can change, so my prayers today are that the c;yes 9f Cardinal Ratzingcr _. now Pope ~c=dict :XVI - will be opened to the umgue giftedness and blessing that LGBT ~people can be to the Church. And my ~rar,crs_ today are with my brothers and sisters m the Roman Catholic Church and those ~ose lives will be harined by c~h policies that treat LGBT people with less than unconditional acceptance and dignity. P 25 Ids rne www.HearTheRumors.com pagc-26 Out of Town from pg-21 miniature sculptw:cs and dioramas made cntirdy of chocolate (and no, you can't nibble on them, as thcy'i:c safely ensconced within glass display cases). Not far from the Old City, the up-and-coming Raval district contains the distinctive (and huge) Richard Meier-designed Muscu d' Art Contcmporani de Barcelona (MACBA), which houses an esteemed collection of contemporary art. Gty Barcdomans pursue clubbing and bar-hopping with great vigor. Some good bets in the Eixamplc indudc Ambar, Sweet; and Z:dta's, the last being a bit darker and cruisier than the others. Ambar is fun because it has seveml. pool tables in back, and Sweet is brightly lit and contemporary, drawing a fashion-conscious crowd. D-Mer is the main lesbian hangout; although women have a notable presence at virtually all of the predominantly male bars. The outrageous La Diva presents wild c:lriig'ahows along with pretty tasty food. Dietrich might just be the hippest gay bar in.~,with a spotlighted garden and a courtly interior. Both inen ~d women frcqnent this spot; with .an especially strong under-30 contingent. Bi-level Punto BCN. is light and open, drawing the biggest crowds early in th~ evening. And to you fans of leather and Levi's, felat not - Batcdona has its own very popular Eagle. Among larger daqce clubs, the sexually ch'1'ge<l Metro appeals to cruisy guys, owing to its muc ofdarlt rooms offthc dance floor. And then there ~c the three pulsing.Arena nightclubs - Ar~ Clasoic, .A,r~ Madre, lllld Arena VIP - wftlch all get going a bit aftct midnight and throb until nearly 6 a.m, On Fridays, Saturdays,. and Sunday, anybody who love$ dariciμg and muscular men should head to Salvation: · . For a memotablc meal, drop by trendy Porquesi, where you mightJ:rr.cod with lime, coriander, tomato, and olive .. oil. The food is reasonably priced (the colorful cocktails more expensive), and there's a separate lounge filled with white beds and pillows; Friendly La Monyos is a cute and .ttendy cafe serving bandadc and ,alt cod crepes, apple and walnut aalad, and risotto with parmcaan and cmcd ham. You can enjoy an absolutely delicious meal and also b~c a fine mukct of Spanish gow:met wines, olive oils, jams, and chocolate, at Origcns 99.9o/e, which celebrates all things culinary· and Cataian. Snack on rabbit braised in chocolate, cod tripe with snails, and other regional ,pecialtics. Simple and hearty Cuban-inspired Spanish &re, including great roast chicken and black beans, is served at Cubaneo. Irreverent Iurantia, a snazzy little cafe drawing an artsy bunch, serves inexpensive pub &re, including a ground-beef patty known as the "Fuck Mac Burger." The restalltllilt Castto has a gay following - it turns out fine Continental fare at dinner. Tapas are more a Madrid ttadirion than a Barcelona one, but the city does have some excellent restaurants specializing in these small plates of snacks, including Celler de Tapas, a handsome space with clean lines and several tables along the sidewalk. Crab salad, marinated octopus, and anchovies with garlic stand out on the lengthy menu. To satisfy your sweet tooth, pop inside La Valenciana, an old-fuhioncd cafe that serves exceptional gdato,, coffees, and cakes. Barcdona has a wealth of charming accommodlltiona, from inexpensive gay gueathouses to. some genuinely enchanting historic palaces, such as the gorgeous Hotel Balmes and the citf s true grandc dame, the ultra-luxuricius Hote~'Majcstic, which anchors the Ei:a:amplc's main shopping dtsg. Right on the edge of the gay area, the sixfloor Hotel Calcdonian has pleasant rooms (some with terraces overlooking the street) ar/,d friendly prices, a~ around 90 euroa. Nearby, the mic;l-priccd Hotel Hl0 Univenitii.t has a convenient location • it's clos~ to La Rambla, too. Free high-speed Internet and a hip restaurant add to the appeal. · • Tops among gay and lesbian places, the 66- room Hotd Axd ia an uber-cool boutique property with futuristic minimalist rooms and a terrific, helpful staff. The hotd's swish restaurant; bathed in black and cranbctty-red, ~cries such creative fare as cardamom-dusted '~o'nifish and watermdon soup with a dash of rum. On Wednesday nights the Axel throWll a big bash on its roof deck - it's a favorite place for gay locals and guests of the hotd to mingle. Ho1tal Que Til ranb among the bc11t gay budget opttons; it's on the edge of the gay uca and contain, artful, simple room, with hand-painted mural• and auper-low rate■ • Another excellent choice, Frimda Ban:~na ~cupica an elegant penthouse apartment with du:ee brightly famished ~oma and three big tcrmces affording great city Yiewa. 'Thia smartly furnished guesthouge with a young, amiable ataff ia one of aevc:rai top-notch gay accommodations to open in re<:ent yean, a trend that reflects Barcelona's continued 1111cccs1 u one of the vot:!d'• hottest queer destinations. Page27 Seo by Jack Fertig MAY 2005 es "See foreign films, Leo!" Saturn is quincunx to Pluto for a month, which presents irritating challenges to making deep adjustments. Mercury is briefly aspecting both, offering ideas and messages on how to use those challenges. It's a great time for research projects, especially in history, genealogy, and archaeology. ARIES (Much 20 - April 19): Normally, problems at horn~ should be solved there, .but solutions are now coming from as far away as possible. Find a foreign and/ or philosophical fount of wisdom to offer new insights. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Words lie heavily on your tongue - but what really needs•saying? Take some time out for meditation or another introspective focus. That will just make you sexier, so take time to play too and then who needs _ words_ on your tongue? GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Loans to or from friends will only make trouble later. Get by on what you have and let others do the same! You're especially forceful and persuasive now, so you shouldn't have trouble sticking to your guns - and that will earn you great respect. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Working too hard could make the boss suspicious that you're after his or her job. The two of you are due for a talk about your duties and about how to work more effectively. Relax effectively, too! Stress from overwork can be dangerous. LEO (July 23 - August 22): You're getting into arguments too easily. Instead, try to confront what's really bothering you. Pick from a list of foreign films - for entertainment, yes, but also for a clue to what is really working your nerves. VIRGO (August 23 September 22): Power struggles are more easily won on your home turf. Getting all involved in your work space or usual hang-out is OK, but nothing wins them over like a home-cooked meal - or at least coffee and treats at your place. IJBRA (September 23 - October 22): Asserting your authority in any matter will only create more problems than it solves. Simply and concisely spelling out the facts of the matter at hand will demonstrate your mastery of the situation. Remember, _what's_ right is more important than _who's_ right. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Do.mestic arguments largely boil down to problems around work and money. Cut through the emotional drama and get to practical issues. The real trick is to respect everyone's emotions in the process. SAGITI'ARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Ever-lucky Saj! While Saturn is giving everyone else headaches, he's malcing you the queen (OK, Butch or the king~ of leather and fetishes. Just don't be too assertive about it. Your natural confidence is quite enough. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Relationships feel especially problematic now. Working it out together is ideal, but a time-out may be in order. Whether family traditions arc a source of the problem or offer wise insight, digging around your roots will help. AQUARIUS (JanulltY 20 - February 18): If something is bothering your tummy, it's likely to be from the weight of something you need to get off your chest. Even if there are repercussions, difficult adjustments are better than the sntus quo. Sing out; Louise! PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Your profound creativity is blocked now. Diverting your attention to work, especially on money matters, will help .. Balancing your checkbook or reviewing the household budget is fine, but doing similar tasks at work is better. Jack Fertig has been worleing as a professional astrofuger since 1977 and is a founding member of the Association for Astro/ogic4l Networking. He can be reached for consultations at 415-864- 8302, through his website 11.t http://'Wf1J'W.st4rjack.com Page 28 Four States Community Directory -Bars- NightclubsArkansas, Fayetteville (479) Studio 716- -716 W. Sycunore- 479-571-130 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 1004 1/2 Ganison Ave- -479-783-9988 Club 1022 - -1022 Dodson.Ave. - - - -479-782-1845 Arkansas, Bot Springs (501) Club One Eleven- - - 111 Garden St- - - - -620-4111 Our House Lounge - 660 E. Grand Ave- -624-6868 Arkaa1as, Little Rock (501) Back Street- - - -1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - 501-664-2744 Discovery- - - -1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - - 501-666-6900 The Factory -412 Louisiana St.- - - - -501-372-3070 Kansas, Wichita (316) J's Lounge - - - - 513 E. Central - - 316-262-1363 Our Pant:uy- - - - - 3201 S. Hillside- - -316-682-5494 The Comer- -- - - 3210 E. Osie - - - 316-683-9781 The Othenide- - -447 N. St Pt11t1cis- - 316-262-7825 Shat:tl - - - - - - - - 4000 S. Broadway- - 316-522--2028 Sidestreet Mens Bar -1106 S. Pattie- -316-267-0324 South 40 - - - - 3201 S. Hillside - - - -316-682-5494 Trend, Bar - -1507 S. Pawnee- - 316-262-4530 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's• • • • 716 S. Main•••••• -417-627-9035 Missouri, Kansas City (816) Buddies - - - - - - 3715 Main St - - - - 816-561-2600 Belle Stu's- - - - 1321 Grand Ave- - - -816-421-1288 Club NV - - - - 220 .Admintl Blvd- - 816-421-NVKC DB Warehouse- -- 1915 Main St- - - -816-471-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - - - - - 816--561-0625 Sidestreet Bar - - - -413 E. 3rd-.- - - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicb Saloon - - 3707 Main St- - 816- 931-1430 Mlssowri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - - --417-831-4700 Liquors & Kickers- -1109 E. Commercial-873-2225 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - -417-864-4572 Oz Bar• 504 E. Commercial••••• -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - - - -417-864-Q036 Rumon • -1109 E. Commercial- - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- - - - - -405-601-7200 Club Rox• - - -3535 NW 39th &pwy - 405-947-2351 Copa- - - - - - - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- -405-525-0730 Pimh Line - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- - 405-525-0730 Hi-Lo Club - - 1221 NW 50th- - - -405-843-1722 Lido- - - - - - - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- 405-525-0730 Partners- - - - -2805 NW 36th St - - - - - 405-942-2199 Siatus- - - - - - 2120 NW 39th St - - - - -405-521-9533 The Rockies- -3201 N. May Ave - - - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill &: Bar- 3535 NW 39;:h-405-947-235, Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine• - -- 918-836-8700 Club Maverick- - 822 S. Sheridan - 918-835-3301 End Up Club- - - 424 S. Memorial- 918-836-2480 The Detour- - - - -7944 E. 21st - - - - 918-270-2428 Club Majestic- - 124 N. Boston - - - 918-584-9494 Renegades- - 1649 S. Main• - - - - 918-585-3405 Pb.y-Mor-Club- 1737 S. Memorial - - 918-838-9792 Tulsa Eagle- -1338 E. 3rd- - - - - - 918-592-1188 TNT's - - - - 2114 S. Memorial- - - - 918-660-0856 Yellow-Brick-Rd- -2630 E. 15th- - 918-293-0304 -Restaurants- Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Gushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 Ingrids Kitchen- -3701 N. Youngs- -405-946-8444 Topanga Grill&: Bar- 3535 NW 39th--405-947-2351 -LodgingMbsouri, Joplin (417) Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - - 417-624-7800 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground - - - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground-- - -417-779-5084 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) HollywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 Habana Inn 2200 NW 39th Exp- - -405-528-2221 -OrganizationsArkansas, Avoca Natural State Naturists- - - - - - - - - -479-451-8066 Arkansas, Eureka Springs MCC living Spring- - - - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Arkansans for Human Rights-www.arhr.org Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - - -www.dsra.org Stonewitll Democratic Club--www.sdcar.org Kansas, Pittsburg {620) River of Life Church - 1709 N Walnut - -11.AM PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938 Kansas, Wichita {316) HOA-Mens Chorus - - - - - - - - - - - 316-618-0684 That Gay Group, W.S.U. - - - - - - - - - 316-978-7010 Kansas Gay Rodeo Assoc- - - - - www.lcgra.us Missouri, Joplin ( 417} MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, - - - • 6pm UCCFP--204 N. Jackson Ave, - - - -10:30AM Aids Project Ozarks- 513 Kentucky- 417-624-5788 Missouri Gay Rodeo Assoc • - - - - www.mgra.us Page 29 Missouri, Springfield ( 417) fuunbow Christian Ch-837 W. Madison- 866-6206 Unitarian Univmalist Church - - 417-833-2723 APO- - - 1901 E. Bennett, suite D- 417-881-1900 ShowMe MO Pride - - - - - - - - - - --417-864-4459 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 PFLAG-Springfidd- - - - - - - - - -417-889-1059 PROMO SW MO- promoswmo@hotmail.com Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Cathedral of Hope- 600 NW 13th St- 232-HOPE The Center- 2135 NW 39th St. - - 405-524-6000 NLA-Tribal Fire - - - - - - - - www.tribalfueokc.com OGRA- - - - - - - - - - - www.okgayrodeo.com Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - -POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) GLBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 41st- - - - 918-743-4297 H.O.P.E. - - -- 2545 S. Yale- - - - - - 918-834-8378 MCC United- -1623 N. Maplewood- -918-838-1715 SSRA · - - - · - · - - • - www.soouerstaterodeo.com TOHR- - - - PO Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 Tulsa CARES- -3507 E. Admiral Pl- - 918-834-4194 Tulsa Rough Riders- -www.tulsaroughriders.com -Business ServicesArkansas, Eureka Springs Diversity Pride Events - - www.diversitypride.com EurcbPride- • - - - - - - - - - ~.eurekapride.com Kansas, Wichita Total Massage- - · - - · Kenn- - - - - - . 316-204-0111 Missouri, Eureka Shelter Insurance- --Greg Tainter• 636-938-5500 Missouri, Joplin (417) Charles Burt Realtors-Vicki Bronson-- -434-0077 Office Max- -440 Rangeline Rd- - - 417-623-1007 Missouri, Springfield (417) Priscilla's - • • • 1918 S. Glenstone - -417-881-8H4 Oklahoma, Broken Arrow Spas N Such- - 808 N. 15th· - - --918-258-7727 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Century21 - -4301 NW 63rd #100 - 405- 840-2106 Jungle Reds - - - 2200 NW Expwy- - 405-524-5733 Piece To Remember-2131 NW 39th- -405-528-2223 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial - - - 405-755-8600 Oklahoma, Tulsa {918) Elite Bookstore --814 S. Sheridan- - - - 918-838-8503 Kelly Kirby, CPA- 4815 S Harvard- - 918-747-5466 Undcrgi:cy:.com - · -15 E. Brady- - -918-829-0824 Priscilla(s - - · - - 7925 E. 41st - - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla'.r- · · - 5634 W. Skelly - - - ·-918-446-6336 Priscilla;s,• - • -11344 E. 11th - - - - - 918-438-4224 Priscilli~ • - • - 2333 E. 71st - - • • - - 918-499-1661 Page 31 Page 30 cARTooN "A Couple of Guys" Inn Segth -1-316-522-1880 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, May 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 05 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 01, 2005 Subject The topic of the resource https://history.okeq.org/items/show/178 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 Michael Dee Douglas Glenn Steve T. Urie Paula Martinac Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig 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 Southeast Kansas Western Arkansas 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, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 2 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/178 The Star Magazine, July 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 7 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/217 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/219 Advice gay rodeo Heart to Heart Lesbian Notions Miss Gay Layetteville pride festival Q Scopes Quotable Quotes religion same sex marriage-Kansas Spain Star Scene Uncle Mikey https://history.okeq.org/files/original/a5466894be9f8e6028b22a065642bb43.jpg 73498dae0a0cbe0ec93efd6c664a6dee https://history.okeq.org/files/original/08ebddd49039c0c3e3c8658f882cdc1b.pdf 8efc7a5d9bf16546bc1fcb6a520d40c1 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 Periodical Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] The Star, June 01, 2005; Vol. 02, Issue 06 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 01, 2005 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 2019.003.018 Subject The topic of the resource "A Four states LGBT community magazine" Description An account of the resource News, entertainment, and advice toward LGBT community Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd; Joplin, Missouri Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward, Greg Steele, Josh Aterovis, Michael Dee, Douglas Glenn, Steve T. Urie, Paula Martinac, Romeo San Vicente, Andrew Collins, Michael Hinzman, Jack Fertig, Chaz Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma https://history.okeq.org/files/original/d7a2016c796ec0959d774ac28cf5be63.jpg 79215605b557736708c28b85de0aaaea https://history.okeq.org/files/original/119af72fbd0966aaba4068e081dcbb8c.pdf 65498a08dc2439b9ecc9f5b8bfa38b6f 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 rlty and Trust in Advertising Service. JULY 2005 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 7 FREE Page 2 Page 3 The July, 2005 issue of the STAR marks our 19th printing, 1-1/2 years in publication and have never missed a distribution deadline. I wanted to point this fact out because of a few nay-sayers who thought we wouldn't exist in July,2005. With that said here are a few changes and additions effective with this issue. . Our new monthly column, "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. Another new cartoon, "Bitter Girl" just for the ladies will be a monthly addition. STAR of the month (page-3) will be a trial feature spotlighting a four statesirresistible hunk! Surely we will find 12 of these sexy guys for the up coming year! With all the human rights issues surrounding the GLBT community, we have decided to allocate a three page section, but not limited too, to address equal rights on a national level. The "Advertisers Index" (page 35) will give you our readers, a quick reference to find that business in the four states region that may carry a product or service you want. The index ·will conveniently point you to the· advertisers ad page. Advertising means you are · invited to visit the advertiser. Wnere can you find a copy of me STAR? Just look on page 36 to find a distribu'toi' in your area. Thao.ks to ali for your support over·this past year and a half and be assured we are here to stay. C.D. \'{'ardiEditor National Gay and Lesbian Task Force denounces U.S. Senate confirmation of William Pryor Jr. to the federal bench 'Pryor has repeatedly proven he is an ideological tyrant of the highest order' -Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman WASHINGTON, June 9 The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force denounced the u.S. Senate's confirmation today of former Alabama Attorney General William H. Pryor Jr. to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. "Pryor has repeatedly proven he is an ideological tyrant of the highest order," said Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gav and Lesbian Task Force. "Pryor's ~xtremist views may resonate with the outer fringes, but· they have no place on the federal bench. This is an American travesty." Foreman said Pryor ha'd compiled a "mind-boggling record of hostility toward the rights of ordinary Americans, and may be the most demonstrably anti.gay judge ever nominated to a federal appeals court." A few examples: @ In his capacity as deputy attorney general of Alabama, Pryor co-authored an amicus brief supporting Colorado's anti-gay ballot initiative in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Romer v. Evans. • As Alabama attorney general, Pryor wrore an amicus brief defending Texas' anti-gay sodomy law in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Lawrence v. Texas. Pryor sought to deny gay people equal protection under the law, including upholding tne imprisonment of gay men and iesbians for expressing their human ~exuality in the privacy of their own nomes. @ While temporarily sitting on the Eleventh Circuit via a recess appointment by President George W. Bush, Pryor cast the deciding vote upholding Florida's ban on adoption by gay men and lesbians. • Pryor calls the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade as "the worst abomination of constitutional law in our history." "It is widely recognized that Pryor is a right-wing zealot who is unfit to judge," said Foreman. "His hostility toward a vast range of Americans and fundamental rights and freedoms is as astounding as it is disturbing." New Report Love Won Out, Details One of James Dobson's Most Harmful Anti-Gay Ministries at Focus on the Family So-called "ex-gay" conferences target lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth and tear families apart "'Love Won Out' is one of the most harmful programs sponsored by James Dobson 's organization," said Matt Foreman, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "Their speakers are nothing more than snake oil salesman peddling pernicious and discredited theories about how parents can 'prevent' homosexuality in their children. It is homophobia, not love, that wins out at these conferences." New York: May 4, 2005 - A new repor: released todav bv the National Gav and Lesbian Task· F;rce Policy Institute titled, A Report from "Love Won Out: Addressing, Understanding, and continued pg-8 You'llfi~d lo,w.s of hip cafes and restaurants in Melbo11me's fanky Fitzroy neighborhood, JULY 2005 by Andrew Collins "Melbourne, Australia" Nearly all gay North Americans who make it to Australia end up spending time in Sydney, but relatively few ever make it to the n:i.tion's mecca for culture, Melbourne. This city of roughly 4 million cl:i.ims an am:i.zing theater scene, a vast range of first-rate live-music venues, highly regarded art museums and galieries, and cutting-edge events (including late January's Midsumma Festival, which showcases visual and performing arts; February's Melbourne Fashion Festival; March's Queen Fiim Festival; and November's Fringe Festival). In terms of gay-friendliness, this· city of vibrant, lively neighborhoods ranks among the most progressive and inviting places on the pl:i.net. And hey, it's also home to Kylie Minogue _:i.nd_ Dame Edna, two queer icons. . . . Food lovers extol Melbourne's wealth of fine restaurants, known p~cularly for excellent ethnic fare (from ltali:i.n to Asian). Java addicts will find that coffeehouses arc jusc as popular here as they are in Seattle or Toronto, and oenophiies appreciate the city's love of fine wines, which is evident in the great selections at both affordable and high-end restaurwts. The city also cl:i.ims several cool boutique hotels, a wide range of bars and discos. that host weekly gay parties, and a smaller but still potent suppiy of nightspots that glow pink seven nights a week. • Melbourne is less a singular destination than a collection of distinctive neighborhoods, all of them connected quite handilv bv a clean and efficient system of trams and buses. Rath~r th:i.n focusing on the ~ity's partic~la; attractions and gay-oriented businessei, .h~re's an introduction to the city by way of its ench:i.nting neighborhoods. Keep in mind th~~ -~though you'll find a gay scene in sever:i.l parts of town, the neighborhoods south o_f the. 1'.atta River tend to b~ known more for fashion :i.nd glitz, while those north of the nver tend _more toward funkiness and countcrculturalism. Also note that "hote!" in Australia can refer to anything from a pub to a disco to an act.ual lodging (perhaps with a bar or disco); except where overnight accommodations are mentioned, :assume that all the "hotels" in. this articie are nightspots. Central Melbourne The citv's courtly business district contains soaring skyscrapers, tree-lined streets, and many of Melbour~e's cultural attractions. Downtown's most distinctive feature is its many "lancways," Iitrle alleys lined with impossfoly cure tearooms, boutiques, bars, and cafes. Some of them lead into enclosed arcades, where you'll find more of the same. There's plenty of great shopping to be had in Central Melbourne, ::specially on Collins and Little Collins streets, which are lined with shops specializing in haute couture and fine jewelry, and Bourke Street, where you'll find ali the le;;ding department stores, such as Myer and David Jones. Downtown contains ::hc,we:iith of the city's top accommodations, including such stellar luxury options as the phenomenally cushy Park Hyatt Melbourne and ,he luxe Le Meri~i::~ at Rialto. Also consider staying at the Metropolican Hotel, an uber-chic bou::iquc property with sleek decor. Head to Federation Square, an architecti.:railv dramatic complex containing the Australian Centre for the Moving Im;ge (it shows arty films, often with gay themes). The compound also Page 7 contains the sexy restaurant Chocolate Buddha, which serves sophisticated but affordable Pan-Asian cuisine. Another memorable downtown dining option is Ezard at Adelphi, helmed by celeb chef Teague Ezard, a ch:i.mpion of modern Aussie cooking. Just across the Yarra River, the glitzy Southgate district is dominated by modern skyscupcrs containing dozens of upscale shops and restaurants, including the well-regarded Pure South, where you might sample slow-roasted wild duck with parsnipand- vanilla puree, and a caramelized fig-port reduction. This part of town is a real culinary hotspot. Head a bit east of Southgate, along the river, and you'll come to the lush Royal Botani Gardens, which make for some of the city's best strolling. St. Kilda One of the hippest neighborhoods around, St. Kilda developed as a swank seaside resort during the 19th century, fell on grim rimes during the mid-20th century, and has truly blossomed again over the past couple of decades. These days this colorful neighborhood is loaded with fun shops and c:i.fes and anchored by Luna Park, a Coney Island-like bc:i.chsidc amusement park overlooking Port Phillip Bay. The St. Kilda Esplanade runs along the waterfront and is a terrific pl:i.ce for a walk or jog don't miss the arts and crafts market hdd here on Sundays. There arc two main drags worth scoping out: Right along Fitzroy Street, you'll find a slew of trendy h:i.ngouts and shops. C:i.fc Di Susio serves superb Italian fooci in a romantic setting - it's a great special-occasion pick. Around the corner, I1 Fornaio is a terrific little post-industriai space serving up espresso drinks and delicious bre:i.kfast and lunch fare, along with toothsome sweets. Consider staying next door at the 40-:mom Prince of Wales Hotel, which is one of the coolest and gay-friendliest properties in the city, with h:p contempor:i.ry rooms. There's also great dining here at Circa, and a natty bar that draws a fashionable bunch. Aithough }e's a bit bland-looking, the nearby Novotel St. Kilda has a terrific location right on St. Kilda's Esplanade and has reasonable rares. Another good bet is perhaps the slickest backpackers' hosrel in the country, Base, a contemporary building with a red-glass facade and surprisingly comfy rooms. The other area for great window-shopping and dining is Acland Street. Sample the wonderful seafood fare at Ciaypots, which also has a branch in Collingwood, and then try nearby 7 Apples for sensational gelati in a city tl1at's known for it. Down the block near the Esplanade, Soul Mama is famous for its fantastic, world-beat vegetarian fare and enormous deserts. This snazzy place with wonderful water views, too. Just a little east of St. Kilda, the rapidly gentrifying Balaclava neighborhood has several groovy cafes · and restaurants, including gay-popular Boccone, a smart, minimalist trattoria where you might sample salmon carpaccio with ruby grapefruit and basil salad. And don't miss Glick's, a Jewish bakery famous for its bagels. pastries, latkes, and chopped herring salad. A hip breakfast and lunch spot with a sunny patio, Las serves such tantalizing fare as pancakes with blackberry coulis and mint. In the same area, on Saturday evenings you'll find great drag shows and dancing :i.t the Greyhound Hotel. Prahran and South Yarra The stylish Prahran precinct has arguably the highest concentration of gav-oriemed businesses in the city, most of them clus~ered around the in:ersection of Com:nercial Roaci and Chapel Street. Drop by the gay bookstore, Hares and Hyenas, for a browse. And cion't miss strolling through Prahran Market, which pulses wi;;h gourmet food and produce s.:alls :i.nd can get quite cr.:r;sy, especially on weekend mornings. The neighborhood's favorite gay clubs arc Diva, known for its campy drag shows; Xchange Hotel, v.·hich draws a cruisy, sta~dand- model bunch m ........ continued page-28 / Page 8 NATIONAL ISSUES CONTINUED: Preventing Homosexuality," provides a first-hand account of an anti-gay conference that took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota in September 2004. The report's authors, Jyl J. Josephson, an Associate Professor at Rutgers University-Newark, and Cynthia Burack, an Associate Professor at Ohio State University, detail the theories and world views espoused by the presenters and "ex-gay'' leaders who spoke at the conference, one of at least four such conferences sponsored annually by Focus on the Family around the country. Among the key observations highlighted in the report is the claim that homosexuality is caused by a lack of "appropriate or fulfilling" relationships between a child and his or her same-sex parent. One speaker, who first said that parents should not be blamed as the principle source of homosexuality in their children, went on to warn that mothers who are "doormats," • "manipulative," "domineering," and "selfconsumed," can cause their· daughters to become lesbians. "It would be shocking for most Americans to see the way that conference presenters claim to be champions of the family while they blame parents for making their children gay or lesbian," said Cynthia Burack, one of the report's co-authors. "As a researcher and university professor, I am amazed that ex-gay 'experts' continue to use discredited psychology to explain the origin of homosexuality and that they continue to stigmatize gender-atypical behavior," continued Burack. "Telling parents that they must force their children to conform t0 gender stereotypes to keep them from becoming gay is hurtful to both parents and children." One of the most disturbing observations detailed in the report is that a number of conference a.:tendees appeared to be parents accompanying their young teenage children, presumably to help "prevent" them from becoming gay. The outreach of "Love Won Out" to youth is exemplified by a picture of a young teenager on the ministry's website with a confused and sad _expression, placed right next to the ohrase. "A dvnamic one-dav conferenc: addre'ssing, underst~ndiog and preventing homosexuality." - "As the mother of a gay child, I was particularly heartbroken to see these parents and their children attending this conference," said Jyl Josephson, report co-author. "What impact does it have on a young teenager to hear such rejection from his or her parents and people who claim to be representatives of God?" continued Josephson. "One speaker even claimed that if a genetic basis for homosexuality were discovered it would still be a violation of God's will. Frankly, this message to young people is immoral and I have seen first hand the gteat harm that it causes to vulnerable children and youth." "The pastors, clergy, and lay leaders of the Task Force's National Religious Leadership Roundtable have witnessed the negative impact of Focus on the Family's so-called exgay or conversion therapy ministry. Ex-gay ministries are groups that llttempt to change people's sexual orientation because of conservative religious beliefs that say homosexuality is a sin. In their funding and promotion of these so-called ex-gay ministries, Focus on the Family is destroying families and the faith of young people." Richard Lindsay, spokesperson, Religious Leadership Roundtllble. iversity ide ents We Do It t! For GLBTs & PPLAGs Eureba Springs, as Valentine's, Spring & Fall Dances - Concerts 00 BEARS! Plus other Pride Eve11ts! - And Watch Out Far Nore TS de.com Page 9 NATIONAL ISSUES CONTINUED: National Gay and Lesbian Task Force to President Bush: "If it's good for the Baltics and Russia, what about here at home?" - Matt F-0reman, Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Speaking in Latvia on the 60th anmvc:su,; of the end of \X1\'flI, George Bush lectured , Russia and Vladimir Putin, saying, ''The promise of democracv is fo!fil!cd b,· ciinoritv rights, and equai iusti~c under the r;ilc of la,..._;, and an inclusive socictv in whicb even· person belongs!' · ' Mr. President, you support amending the U.S. and state constitutions ro depri,:c a minority gay peopie of :i right rl:e majority takes for granted and sees as funda1;:;ental, namely marriage. You oppose giving gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans equal protections ueder tile iaw from discrimination in employment, housing, a:1d public accommodations. Your administuaon has relentlessly sought t<) exclmic even the words 'gay,' 'lesbi:111,' 'bisexuai,' and 'transgender' from any federnl fonding initiative. So, the questio:1 is, 'If minorir;· rights, cciu,,l justice under the law, and inclusiw. arc good for the Ba!tics and Russia . why !101 here at home?"' RYAN WHITE CARE ACT FUNDING IS IN.AD1EOUATE IN FIGHT AGAINST IV/ AIDS 'Shortchanging the fight against HIV/AIDS threatens the lives of millions of American men, women and children,' said HRC President Joe Solmonese. WASHINGTON The Human Righ1:s Campaign expressed deep disappointmenr at the d~cision bv a House subcommittee to flat-fund rhe Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emerg~ncy Act and other critical federai HIV/ }dDS programs. "Shortchanging the fighr ag:1insr i,J.J\/ All)S threatens the lives of rnillions of :\merican men, wcn1c::1 and chiidrcn." said HRC President !oe Sol:nonese. , ·•HT,.j, •.. f'l\·,1,r,·)s v,,. !t.h.>UL g1y1ng -1 i. ,. J /\ 1 prograrns the resources they need~ ,ve'H continue to sec adverse i1nJ)acts to those n1ost at risk: coinrnunirics of color~ vouno· peo()lc, gay anci bisexua'. m~:; anl' ,vomen.'' In approving the flat-funding le,·els, a subcommittee on rhe }Jousc 1\ppro!)tiations Committee provided no increase for most <,f rhc programs in the CARE Act with the exception of one program, the AIDS Drug Assistance Program. However, ADAP, which prnv1des HIV-related presc:ipti,m drnl!S to those withm.it access tu basic HIV ,! treatment, w«s increased by only S10 million faliing "ar shor: of the funding needed to support rhe crisis conditions this program faces. Despite the insufficient fundi:1g levels for these criricai programs, tbc appropriations subcommittee disappointingly increased funding for abstincnce-umii-marriage programs by $11 miilion oveall. "1\1.bstinence-~untii-marriage programs are based on bad science. Gooc: science telis us more is needed for the programs the l.. I ousc is shurtchang-in!. .. Cleadv •. - ,,,., 0 ,,, pohttcs ts gettlng in the ,vav of science~]) added Soimonesc ''Ti0 is i,s~e cannot be vie,ved in a Yacuurn. ·rhe Ilvan \Xlhite (·•Rr. . , ~i'"i r,, /\.ct ts a prayer of last resort. Because ~:t'edicaid cuts arc forcing n1ore Americam into Ryan Whrtc CARE Act programs, shcrcchanging this program will have a devastating effec;:." ., The Ry,;n White CARE Act is the largest single source of pubiic funds (exduding Medicaid) that ~rears people wii:h HIV/ AIDS in the Unitec! Srntes. First enacted in 1. 990, the bipartisan piece of legislation supports a \Vide range of community-bas~ci scr.rices, including~ prirnary and home health care'.' case managen1eot.., substance abuse treattnent and mental health services and nutritional and hc,using services. / Page 11 ~ ,4a) Page 12 It wasn't lust Another Drag Show. It was BIG TIME SHOWTIME! Oklahoma Co!ltinentaJ is open to contestants from all states to compete and wi[ now have four major events annually, Miss OK Continental, MR. OK Contine!1tal, :t.riss OK Continental Elite, Miss OK Continen:al Plus. The Oklahoma pageant is a franchise of JF Enterprises in Chicago Illinois, and is in its 26th year. OK Continental is the only pageants with its own trademark, owned and operated by James & Monica Freeman of Tulsa . . Miss OK. Continental PLUS is coming up on ~'.'"""7--:--"'""".:--":"':"=~'"""'.'~-----.....;._..:-._--~ Friday November 18th at Club Majestic in Tulsa. Visit their '---------------~---------_;;.,-". :w:ebsite for more nrin<":nt:tl 2005/20% EBONY HALL, Mr OK Con:inental 2005/2006 r. DANIEL XAVIER, Mr Continental e~rional ANTONIO EDWARDS By Greg Steele June 3, 2005 TULSA, OK_You may have thought you were in a Las Vegas or Hollywood snow bar. The sparkle, glamour, evening gowns, tuxedo's and some of the best talent to grace the Tulsa GLBT scene in decades. It was 1:he 2nd annual 1'1iss Oklahoma Con~inental Pageant and a new attraction this year the "Mr. Oklahoma Continemal " title. Okiahoma Continental is the fastest growing pageant in Oklahoma, and is also called the most fascinating in the state. The first Mr. Oklahoma Continental, Daniel Xavier (residing in San Antonio TX) placed 1st Alternate it the Mr Continental Nationals last year. I\fiss F:bony Hall captured the 1\1:iss Oklahoma Continental crown and has held many other titles. Lady Hall resides in Tuisa. information on 1.10 comino- events. 1st Alternate Mr. Oklahoma Continental 2005i2006 the "Oklahoma Cowboy Crooner" Matthew Hearh-Ffrzgeraid. Page 13 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@sheltelinsurance.com · Earl Wheeler 437 E. 141st Street Glenpool, OK 74033 ·~ 918.291EARL (3275) over 21 Years with PRIDE!· HOLIDAY SPECIALS "Divas & More" by Greg Steele TULSA, OK_The team of Ginger Lamar and Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald have the formula for serious entertainment. Ginger, a legend on rhe Oklahoma drag circuit has been performing for her loyal fans since 1969 and keeps on dishing it out to packed audiences. Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald known as the "Oklahoma Cowboy Crooner" can belt out a song that will make you quiver. Performing throughout Oklahoma and Texas. Matthew was recently named first runner up in the Mr. Oklahoma Continental Pageant held at Club Majestic in Tulsa. You can catch their show "Divas & More" at Club Rox located in the Hollywood Hotel Oklahoma City, Saturday July 2, 2005. Show time is 10:30pm and each first Saturday of the month. No Cover Charge. Ginger & Matthew will return to Tulsa on Saturday, July 16th 2005 at Tulsa's Renegades Club. Matthew will also be performing at Club Maverick in Tulsa on July 23rd 2005 for the "Christmas In July" fund-raiser. In Fort Smith you may want to check out Master Illusionist Gage Gatlin performing July 16th at Club 1022. Gage currently hold more reigning titles than any ocher Male Impersonator. If male dancers are your cup of tea! Then head over to Tulsa's End Up Ciub for nightly entertainment from some of the hottest jocks in the area. And of course every Sunday at the Bamboo Lounge in Tulsa. The men are hot and guarantee not to disappoint you. Don't miss the Fabulous Rachaei Sage in Tulsa for r,vo nights July 8 at the Mercury Lounge 1 0pm and will be performing at the Bamboo Lounge Sarurdav Juiy 9th, 9pm. / Page 16 Rachael ge Performing at the Mercury Lounge 18th & Boston - Tulsa, OK July 8th, 1 0pm & The Bamboo Lounge 7204 E. Pine ':" Tulsa, OK July 9th, 9pm JOIN THE STAR TEAM! ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE F'OR WICHITA, OKLAHOMA CITY, TYLSA, MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS email qualifications to ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 1 /BTH PAC:IE CLASSIF"IED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F"CR RATES 91 B.B35.78B7 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and Trust in Advertising Service. 1 /BTH PAC:IE CLASSIFIED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F"CR RATES 91 B.B:35.7B87 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and Trust in Service. /_,/ //., />;~, /:>:,;✓:---/ ;;~~ it:;: /~;:;>/> ///; ' /// / // ,;/ ,/.., // /: /.·· / FREE HIV TESTINGfNO NEEDLES! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 In conjunction with AIDS Project of the Ozarks, MCC Joplin offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. For your convenience you c:m also call 206-6179 for an appointment. We use the Ora-sure method which does not require the use o,: needles and we offer complete confidentiality. You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin "Serf.Jing A Healthier Community" Page 17 The r'oot·s back 011, The Beer is st,11 cold and the guys are waiting. 8-Ball Thandays at11PN at&PN aad l 424 South Memorial, Tulsa JX> (918) 836-2480 oo 21 and over Closed T\fesday oo 1 drink minimum to enter . 405~478-4009 • 6725 N;/Mi.rarnai;Bivd Okla City OK 73111 Rodn,ey Burgamy www.c2lgoldca5!ie.com 405.840.2106 Joe Brennan Page !8 The Importance of Pride! June is Gay Pride Month. The month of June was chosen to honor the Sconewall Riocs that occurred in 1969, the first time gay peopie fought back p;:;ysically against poiice harassment and entrapment. The riots invoived 300 g?Y men, lesbians, and drag queens. This • · historic evem sparked the modern LGBT equaiity movement throughou: the world, bringing LGBT people cogether like ne,er before. The following year, on the anniversary of the Riots, the newh· organized gay, community held a mar~h to commemorate ti1e event. More than 30 years la::er, ;:his small but significant gathering has evoh'ed into Gay Pride Month, a celebration of freedom and support for gay, lesbian, bisexuai, and trnnsgender peopk Chances are you won't be hearing any proclamations or statemen~s in honor of ~his event from toe White House. However, you probably wiil hear so:neone saying chat gay pride celebrations are a passe concept. Tha;: it's silly to be proud c;f being ga/because i~'s like being proud to have brown eyes it's something you have no control over. Ivlaybe you\7e even said or thought the sanH~ thing yourself. 1\io~v I'm the first to insist that everyone has the right to their O\vn opinions, but I don't necessarily agree ,~ith that i.dea. · Pride is important. I understand the concei,t that \Ve should be proud of "vho .,;e are rather than "\\that \\~e are, lJnfortunatcly, not everyone i~ able to do ::bat rii1t away. I think it's great when people arc secure enough to s~mp:.y be proud of accepting themseives, but I do think "gay pride" nas its place especially for young gay kids or people first corning out. It's a ceeci o: many oppressed minorities (thi:1k Black Pride, or Girl Power). It take~ something that is tradi:ionally demeaned and makes it somethi!lg pmverfuL It makei; it easier to accept being gay if it's something to be proud of versus something to be ashamed of. \X'hen I was first coming out, I wore rainbow Pride neckiaces all tne rime. I ne,·er !err home without one. I grew up :n an extremeiy conservative religious family, never knmving a singie openly gay person. For me, as it is for many from rural areas or religious upbringings, being gay wasn't something to be proud of. These necklaces were a physical link ro a community to which I didn't feel I folly be:onged yet. I wanted to belong, but I was stiil searching for mv identitv, which at the time ·was almost ~onsumed by the fact t::iat I was gay. Wearing that necklace, that symbol of pride, of belonging, aliowed me to be proud of something I was still coming to terms with. It helped me to be proed of \Vhat l was: a 6ray man. As I became more comforrable with who I was, I found I didn't need to const;n:iy announce the fact chat I was gay. Being gay no longer defined me as a person. It was mereiy a p:ut of my sum totai. My pride shifted from what I was to who I was but I needed that first srep. I had to accept be:ng gay before I could become a whoie person. J'hat's why I think g3y pt·ide is ~rill extremely important maybe now more th~n ever. The LGBT community is under attack. \'Y/c've gained visibility, but '".,vith Yisibility con1cs increased attention} and the attention has led to increased persecution .. \Y,/e~vc been bit ,vith a barrage of :antigay n1cssagcs frorn the president to Congn::.-s to our churches in recent yc,ars. 1l•cre is an abundance of negafrv<: inforn1ation around out on cbe r11ainstrcaff1 media~ the rnes~agcs an: cotning through loud and clear. Gay pc~)p!e ::1rc sinners. (;ay people do not deserve the sm11e .............. contt.n uect' next page. Page 19 rights a:: others. Gay families are less vai11· d t I~ an " tram, .ti.o.n aI f am1·11· es. "· It's okay to discrimina:e against minorit:es. Hate · is acceptable ·when it's targeted at those y;rithout rights. \'ve need to counter those messages with the truth, and one of the ways we can do that is through Pride. Imagine, for a minute, a young gay child. Maybe he doesn't even know he's gay yet, or maybe he's just starting to realize his attraction for other boys. Maybe he only understands chat he is different. He's being inundated with negative information on a daily basis: from the government, from school, from church, and maybe even from his parents. Where are the positive messages? Now imagine a closeted young lesbian in the rural South. Maybe she's crapped in an unhappy marriage, maybe she's maintaining that she hasn't met the "right man" yet, or maybe she just fears the rejection of her family. She's just hoping desperately to escape, but doesn't feel she has any options. Where is her hope? The Far Right would like us to live in shame, fear, and silence. Pride celebrations defy them in a powerful and positive way. By making ourselves visible and celebrating who we are, we're sending a dear message co both our critics and impressionable minds. \'('c're here, we're q~ecr, and ,,,e're not going anywhere! To me, Gay Pride Month is less about those of us who are already out and more about those who have vet to make tbat sten It's a powerfui statcme~t, but the best parr';s, we get to have fun while making it! Gay Pride events are being pl:umed all across the co,mtty and world, but you don'c hayc to join one of the large planned galas. You can .make a statement right where you are. Richard D. Mohr, author of The Long Arc of justice: Lesbian and Ga'V Marriaoe ,,. . ., 6, Eqttatity, and Rights, relates this story in his book. "The town I live in is girded by cornfields and good o!' boys. It's nowhere near large enough to support a gay pride parade the last weekend in June, when cities across America commemorate with parades the so-called Stonewall Riots that launched the modern lesbian and gay rights movement in 1969. The town's gay men and lesbians do something at once more radical and more ordinary than that. We have a gay contingent in the town's all-American Fourth of July parade. The parade draws in crowds from all of the county and much of the rest of east-central Illinois. Last year, a purple parade banner streamed by the crowds reading 'Lesbian and Gay Pride.' I saw a little girl, maybe fiYe, lean over co her father and ask, 'Daddy, what does pride mean?' Apparently she knew what lesbian and gay meant." Whether vou do it in the citv or in the country, i~ a Red state or Blue state. as part of a large celebration or a small · act of defiance, get out there and show vour pride! It's important. Quotable Quotes When asked by the Fort Worth Star Telegram how he would tell gay and lesbian veterans of combat in Iraq that they cannot come home and get married, he replied, "Texans made a decision about marriage, and if there's a state that has more lenient views than Texas, then maybe that's a better place for them to live." __ Texas Gov. Rick Perry Page 22 by 1z Highleyman JULY 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 is the history of Queer Nation? The activist group Queer Nation evolved as the gay and lesbian movemen~ confronted the scourge of AIDS, the rise of the religious right, arid changing notions of identity. Though s;1ort-lived, Queer Nation made a :asting impact on the movement and the language it uses to describe itself. Queer Nation was born in New '::' ork City in the spring of 1990. The idea for the group is said to have hatched at an ACT UP meeting, and Queer Nation made its first public appearance at an April demonstration against antigay ·violence. But the new face of queer activism burst onto the national radar with an inflammatory broadsheet distributed at the citv's Gav Pride parade that June. , , The four-page broadsheet - "published anonymously by queers" proclaimed "Queers Read This" on the front .;.nd "! Hate Straights" on the back. "Until I can enjov the same freedom of moveme~t ,and sexuality as straights, their privilege must stop and it must be given over to me and my queer sisters and brothers," the diatribe read. "Straight people will not do this vobntarily and so they must be forced into it .. .Terrorized into it. .. Rights are not given, they are taken, by force if necessary ... Straight people are your ene1ny. "Queers Read This" was phorocopied, passed from hand to hand, faxed, and mailed across the ,ountrv. A Queer Nation chapter soon formed· in San Francisco, follow;d by groups in other major cities. With a considerable overlap in membership, Queer Nation adopted· ACT UP's sense of urgency and its theatrical spirit. Like ACT UP, Queer Nation was a leaderless network of autonomous chapters, in turn made up of ad hoc working groups. By the summer of 1991, there were chapters in some 40 cities, including conservative locales such as Des Moines and Salt Lake City. "Our strength lies in our numbers, our diversity, and in our public and proud contempt for the closet," read the group's mission statement. With its slogan, "We're here! We're queer! Get used to it!," Queer Nation came to be seen as the shock troops of the movement. Popular actions included the Suburban Homosexual Outreach Project (same-sex kiss-ins at shopping malls) ~nd Queer Nights Out (invasions of straight bars and other venues). Queer Nation protested everything from gay bashing and the 1991 Gulf War to the censorship of queer art and negative portrayals of lesbian and bisexual women in the film _Basic Instinct_, while promoting queerpositive sex education and defending abortion clinics alongside pro-choice activists. Its Urban Redecoration Committees ensured that the group's brightly colored stickers and postecs featuring declarations of queer pride and sometimes sexually explicit images adorned telephone poles, subway cars, and activists' leather jackets from coast to coast. The uncompromising message of "Queers Read This!" and Queer Nation's in-your-face tactics re-ignited an old debate within the LGBT community over the merits of radicalism versus reformism. "Being queer means leading a different sort of life," the broadshee: declared. "It's not about the mainstream, profit margins, patriotism, patriarchy or beingassimilated." In an article in the Winter 1991 issue of the now-defunct nacional magazine _ Out/Look_, Alan Berube and Jeffrey Escoffier wrote that the group's "new culture is slick, quick, anarchic, transgressive, ironic ... If they manage not to blow up in contradiction or get bogged down in the process, they may lead the way to ne\v forms of activism for the 1990s." ............... continued next page Page 23 Queer Nation did blow up, but still managed to influence ti:ie course of LGBT activism. The group's very name embodied its contradictory goals of achieving di\·ersity while solidifying a dis~inct idemiry that sometimes bordered on separatism. Members frequently debated wl:-io belonged under the "queer" umbrella. Queer Nation generaliy embraced bisexuals and transgendered people, and took pains t<J emphasize inclusion of people of co:or and all classes; there was more controversy, however, about whether the term could encompass radical heterosexuals. As much as a sexual orientation, "queer" came to denote sexpositivity, pride in being an outsider, righteous anger, and a determination to fight back. Bm: some felt that Queer Nation really oniy welcomed the young and hip, and that its members were a new generation of clones. The group was also accused of emphasizing style O\"er substance - ½"hat Escoffier called a "politics of symbolic gestures" and failing to engage in the difficult work of long-term organizing. By 1993, Queer Nation was largely moribund. Just as the in-your-face activism of the Gay Liberation Front in che eariy 1970s was followed by an "insider" strategy in the 1980s, the radical activism of ACT UP, Queer Nation, and the Lesbian Avengers gave way to more mainstream activism focused on inclusion in the military and same-sex marriage. But Queer Nation nevertheless made a lasting impact on the movement. The once-shocking term "queer" has become de rigueur, and gay and lesbian groups now include bisexual and transgender people as a matter of course. In the ·;:ords of former Nacional Gay and Lesbian Task Force director Tor:e Osborn, "Queer Nation forced us to deal wir.h issues relating to gender, violence'.' and visibility that pushed our movement fot"\vard." Minister Denounces President Bush's 'Compassionate Homophobia' '77Jere is nothing Cliristian about discrimination.' Rev. Steven Baines On J unc 21, Pre:,id<:n: Bush addressed the Southern Baptist (~onvention at its annual 1nccting in ~"2:!s1r,~illc, ·renn. Pra:sing the co1i,-e:1tio~1's support for 1he Federal ivlatri,,[;C :\mend,nent, the president said: ;,Somhem B,tptists are practicing compt:ssion by defending the family and rhe s,m-ed instit!aion of marriage." Reverend Steven Baines, an elder in the Discipics of Christ and member c>f the Natiornd G,1y and Lcsbi:m Ta~k Force ~atic,na] Religious Leadership Roundtable rt:spo:1ds with the foliowing statement: "As an eider in the Christian Cirnrch (Discip~es of Christ) and a fonnGr Southern Baptist minister, I am disappointcl that ti1e president and leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention continue t(> p::csent their discrimination against :csb:an, ga:,, bisexual and transgcndcr J\1r1cricans 1n the guise of compas:,ion. "The preside:1t·s speed, faiicd to cxpl:J.te how a Federal tvtarriagc i\tncndment that wouid block tho:1:,amls of i\mcr:can families fmm the prnccci.ions they neecl for :heir stabilitv ,111,! ~ccurity car: be seen as an act of co1npas~ion; just as the Sou:hern Baptist Convem;on has faikd r.o e~piain how supp:>tting this d,~cr1m1nat10n contributes to tts Christ:an ,•:itn,:<~ There i,; Christian about dlscrirr,in=-ttinn. r,pp•~p~~~~cd J1rH ;;-; tLc frn1n<h1 ti<)n 1+1c J-{ebn::\-.- and (:hristian president Page24 Creator: Paula Martinac has been writing for the gay and lesbian press for more than 20 years. She served for three years as the co-chair of me board of directors of New York City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, where she founded a groundbreaking reading series cal!ed "In Our Own Write." Lesbian Notions by Paula Martinac JULY 2005 Hold the Marching Orders In a recent op-ed in the _ Washington Blade_, organizer Robin Tyler made an appeal for a fifth LGBT March on Washington to take place before the 2008 election, "demanding all ~mr civil rights." I understand her anger with the climate that's been set by Washington; gay people are indeed, as she put it, "under siege." But before we take up the call for another showy, star-studded event in the nation's capital, we should consider where queer money and energy could besr be used at this time of right-wing hegemony. I believe that the stra~egy of holding national LGBT marches should be put on indefinite hold, and that we would be better served as a community to shift increasingly more of our resources to local demonstrations and organizing. I've perrnna!lv attended two of t!1e four national marches for LGBT rights that have take~ place ;ince 1979. The 1987 demonstration was a somber event the devastating sight of so many queer people with photos pinned to their T-shirts of friends and lo,;ers who'd succumbed to AIDS is still a vivid memory for me. The chillv. overcast day reflected the mood of our community perfectly. In me one photo I ha;e of myself ~t that march, I'm sitting down wearily with my head in my hands. Six years later, the day of the 1993 march was bright and sunny; Bill Clinton had just taken office with the promise of ending me gay military ban, and many of us believed we could actually see a ray of hope. In fact, me march had more of the air of a party than a poiitical march. And although it was a iot of fun, it was still a bit pointless for those of us who wanted something more substantial than the color and glitz of a Pride celebration. Like many omers in our community, I sat out the march in 2000, which had been dictated by a few national organizations that never bothered to consult local gay organizers about whether another D.C. get-together was really a good idea. Later, the so-called "Millennium March" was fraught with financial scandal, as tens of thousands of dollars mvsteriouslv went missing from its coffers. Have w~ learned 'anyming as a movement in the five years since then, particularly gi·:en the devastating results of the 2004 election? '· .Hopefully, we know now mat mere's much truth to the old maxim about all politics being locai. That's not to say that our nationai gay groups snould close up shop. But a corporate-sponsored party in Washington - starring, as Tyler s4ggests, gay icons like Cher, Madonna, and Barbra Streisand, no less! - couldn't adequately address the serious challenges our community faces. Just think about it: Do you see me American Family Association wasting energy anci time hosting an antigay blow-oi:t on the Washington Mall, starring, say, Pat Boone and Bo Derek? No, the AFA is too busy organizing locally focused actions like its "Meet at Citv Ha.:l" event for a "morn~ rebirth" of me country, calling on local religious groups and. congregations to spread rhe word. Indeed, the right has been so successful in its antigay campaign because it has honed its local and Internet organizing skills to precision. How do you suppose they routinely manage to garner alf those signatures ro get antigay initiatives on ballots across the count::y? Page 25 Our CY,Vn major organizations !i'.,c: the Human Rights Carr:paign and the National Gav and Lesbian Task Force have been c;Jrrect, then, tc begin chanp_eiing more and mo:c c,f their energies and resources mto shori!1g up our state and local efforts. Ai:d c,·en one national sraffer taken :mt of commission to plan a \X'ashington e\·ent and i.: would, of course, take many more than one would be one staffer too many. Tyler reasons that a national march would. be important for demonstrating our "strong and united presence.'' But there are many other ways to sho•;;r queer strength and resolve. (I won't go imo "united," which I think, given the diversity of our community, is an unattainable goal.) For example, a single day of demonstrations in the capitals of states that have antigay laws on the books or anti-marriage-rights bills pending would be far more effect;ve than a party ,vith Babs on the Mall (e,·en if she sang "People" jus: for us). Remember that there arc still a lot of foiks ou;: there who think gay people don't exist or shouidn't live - anywhere but San Francisco and New York. Jus~ recently, Gov. Ricic Perry (R-Texas) had the audacity to suggest that returning gay veterans of the Iraq war might be happier vacating his stare if tney don't approve of its laws. How much more effective it is, ti1en, to fight 'phobes like that on their own turf not by gamering in D.C., when al1 me politicos have left for the weeicend. :; ~'~~"ii tue, 1111:eg . ~i, ',;{,'{~if~~rtfsirig:Servire. .. ,//,-/·>:)/(C/~::,, Quotable Quotes "l thinic we'ye alreaci·; won (the samesex marriage batt:e]. /\nd that's a hard thin!! to remember, because it's really a scary time. Bur ,vhen you look at ,vhat l1as happened in the gay-rights movement in the last 36-37 years, we have progressed further, in a shorter period of time, than any civil-rights movement in the history of the planet, and there's bound to be a backlash .... Uppity people get uppity and get excited and get organized and there's a backlash. But I trulv believe mat we have so profoundly' impacted the generation behind us that we'ye already ;,on. \Y.'e just don't know it yet." "Queer as Folk's" Peter Paige (Emmett) to the Sr. Louis gay newspaper The Vital Voice, May 13. Joplin Couple To Host First Annual Christmas in July Pa JOPLIN, MO_Tom Walton and Tim Baker tne host and creators of the annual Christmas open house parry to benefit "Aids Project of 6e Ozarks" (APO) has announced their first "Christmas in July Bar-B-Que". The event will be at me coup:es home in Joplin on Sunday July 17th, i 2:00 noon. Guest are requested to briag nonpe~ishabie items, mainly paper goods, bleach and detergents. Ail donations will go to benefit APO members. "Wim all the cuts in benefits to people with AIDS, donations have never been more important than noy;r" said Tim Baker. The decision by a House subcommittee to flat-fund the Ryan Wr:ite Comprehensive AIDS Resour~es Emergency ~;\ct and other federal HIV/ AIDS programs, more help from the private sector is critical. Fur an invitacion or to drop off your contributions call 1·101 or 'Torn at 417-396-0474, Page26 Ask Uncle Mikey Advice Column! JULY 2005 Salurntions to all of my loyal kictens en:rywhere.This month Uncle has been just over run with a!l the excitemem of pride kittens. You know they asked uncle to serve as a judge in a pageant competition going on to celebrate pride while, crowing diversities finest. Uncle was drawn back imo the days gone by; Uncles pageant days. Straight men only think hey know blood sport. You cannot imagine the true body called pageant. I teli you those Queens work it as if they own it and you. Yes, uncle dealt with some trifling Queens however, emerged victorious. Face it sisters, in the end there can only be one. You have never in vou.r life saw the levels of absolute disdain, which, pours from a runner up. I swear at ~ne competition, I kno•,v I heard music from the omen coming from behind the dressing room door. I have· also been equaliy dividing my time to my new houseboy, while craining this young kitten to become a great mans man. This young one now before me shows a lot of possibility. Uncle misses Delight, however realize nothing last forever. Delicious has been able to jump in '.Vithout looking back. I will tell you the buns on that boy, inst scream-Hot dog. Uncle none::heless has remembered his own policy of not sampling the helps me!lu of love. Whilst Uncle Recalls days gone by, let us see what seekers seek this month. Dear Uncle: I am one of t:\vo children born to my parems both of which are gay. My sister and I have chis odd relationship, in which, I wish I could escape. She has always had better grades, better friends, everything overall has been better for her. My parents e:ven accepted her sexuality, while treated me as if I was a mistake. They never loved me. I have the opportunity of moving away with some friends, which would allow me my escape. I haYc no~ told her yet as it is difficult as were all we have. Our parents both gone now, leaves us depending soleiy on one another for family support. Am I wrong for wanting my own life, away from my family shadows? Distant brother Dear distant: Well baby Jane; it's all ai:>out you from the sounds of things. It is hard enough to find chosen familv in the world ~o cali loved ones. I would suggest that you attempt to try to keep a relationship, even if a ~ong distance one with your sister. Who knows kitten vo;.. may need a kidnev one dav. You know they sav jealousy is crueler than the g;a;e Kitt~n; you may w;nt to thi;1k about that fo; a '\~hiie bef~re making your choice. Uncle might also suggest seeing a [professional for what sounds like- a luggage rack fuH of baggage. Kitten, life is too short to hold grudges. Let go and let Cherl l(ittens life i::: hard enough without dragging baggage around. Life is not always easy, however, there is one thing true. Life is what you make of it. You can either enjoy life while, balancing the negative occurrences. Aiternatively, you can give in and allow the negative to rule you. In which case you shall send your life being a negative I'\Jancy. Dear Uncle Mikey: I ,vaf. ha,·ing sex ·.vith my partner the <Jther night, when he shocked me with is bei1avior We are not mto kinky stuff, just good old-fashioned sex. When he toid me Page 27 to slap him, I thought he was joking. Than in a passionate plea, he insisted that I slap him. I did it however, felt strangely afterwards. When it was all said and done, he acted no different from before. Is this normal for men to pick up new habits? Should I be worried here? I am afraid he may show up with a black mask and whip soon, what should I do? Seriously Confused Dear SC: Kitten, I would not raise the alarm just yet. This could be something he heard of, or simply had the urge to try. It is not uncommon, especially in a committed relationship for people to want to try new things. I would keep open discussion on the needs of both parties if you fear certain behavioral movements in the bedroom. Smooches-Uncle Uncle Mikey not only believes in creative _expression in the bedroom, however is an active promoter. Uncles bedroom accessories include and are not limited to the following. Smoke machine, laser machine, mirrors for every angle. You know, I have seen some of my best moments in those mirrors. Maintaining a happy healthy sexual relationship takes dedication, creativity, and of course Glitter! Well Kittens-ks that time again. Uncle has to get ready for the nights events. Remember while enjoying this pride season, we have a lot to be proud of. Our community is made up of some of the most diverse, genuine, loving people in the world. Most of which uncle has loved on a one to one basis. Continue the spirit kittens, and be safe. Remember; Love thy neighbor, especially if he is Hot! Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too! Undt! Mikey is a character from Freeiance 'WTiter Michat!l Hinzman. Michat!l h.u b«n writing/or ten years. Utilizing bis st1IIUl!s, and life t!Xprntm« to bdp othttrS in bis commHnity, through humor and sound ad'Uice. Mich4eJ applied bis stlldy of prycbolvgy and creative writing, 11.S 1«il his extensive b.ultground in mtmul health Dim:t can to bring a new st:,lc and approach to helping otkrs. Michael's other works can be vit!Wl!ti at 'fl1'WU!.gayiinkcontent.com. Bamboo owner's donate mini cvcle back to Tulsa Rough Riders. , Press Release: June 15, 2005 TULSA, OK_Tulsa Rough Rider would like to thank Club Maverick for letting us have our club night on June 11, 2005 Gay pride weekend at the club, it was a great success. We would also like to thank everyone who participated and purchased Raffle tickets. Stan and Terry owners of the Bamboo Lounge won the Mini Chopper that was given away and they have graciously donated it back to the Rough Riders to Raffle again on August 13 2005 at the Rough Riders next club night at the Bamboo at 1 0:00pm till ? All the proceeds from the Chopper will be donated to Hope Clinic. The August 10th chili night at the Bamboo will also be the Rough Riders One year anniversary celebration and will be a night to remember. Lots of surprises and some out of control fun. Quotable Quotes "My stepdaughter is gay. She and her partner have been together in Chicago for 10 years; they have a wonderful relationship. I adore her. She's been my stepdaughter since she was 9, so we have a ,.·ery good family relationship." Golden Girl Betty White to San Diego', Gay & Lesbian Times, May 12. Page 28 Oi.t o/Town- continued from pg-7 watch videos and mingle; and the Market Hotel, the city's top late-night gay disco. Amid several offbeat shops and eateries around the intersection of Greville and Izett streers. check out Candv Bar, which serves light f~od and hosrs a gay parry on Sunday nights. . Just amble up Chapel Street from Prahran to South Y arra to find some of the most fashionable clothing and design shopping in the city, plus a slew of wny restaurants. Collingwood, Richmond, and Abbotsford North of the river and Central Melbourne, you'll find happening restaurants and swish lounges cropping up in Collingwood, especially around rhe junction of Smith and Gertrude streets. On Thursdays, the Q+A party at the Builders .,"1rm Hotel draws a see-and-be-seen set of mostly under- 35 gay guys. Continue a bit east of the neighborhood into the rough-and-rumble Richmond and Abbotsford areas, and you'll find several top gav hangouts,including the Glasshouse Hotel, a fab lesbian club thar's especially popular on Sarurdavs. and the Peel, a youthful video bar and dis~o- that draws plent'J of young guys on the make. Leather-and-Le~·i's types favor the rollicking Laird Hotel. Trade, a cozy gay pub, draws an eclectic, mostly male neighborhood crowd. Head ro the Star Hotel or DT's Hotel for crazy drag shows, which are arguably as beloved in Australia as anywhere in the world; and for steamier action, you'd be hard-pressed (so to speak) to find a better-kept and cleaner bathhouse than Wet on Weliington. Fitzroy In Fitzrov. the intersection of Brunswick and lohnston '~treets marks one of Melbourne's hipster meccas, buzzing with tapas and flamenco bars, Asian restaurants, wackv coffeehouses, and off-kilter bout1cmes and ;hops selling curring-edge anci retro clothing, underground mus:c, and e,ery imaginable kinci of gift and knickknack. Mos' piaces are hidden behind ,:intage bdding$ wit:1 ir.tentionally distressed facades, nrod~cing a some,.vhat shabby-chic look. • Among the dozens of intriguing eater:cs along here. consider Red Tongue Caie, a ch;c, contemoorary space that's equal parts 1ncimat; and· seductive; Fitz Cafe, a han~;somc <pot w•th a nieasant sidnvaik terrace and ;~;:;t globail~ inspired food; or the affordable Polly Bar, \vhich serves up delicious small plates, ranging from barbecue venison to gnocchi. Carlton Just west of Fitzroy lies Melbourne's imp;essive Little Italy neighborhood, Car!ron. The main drag, Lygon Street, contains scores of great restaurants and gourmet shops. Try Ti Amo, an old-world trattoria, for such classics as lamb osso buco. And definitely don't leave Carlton without ~topping for gelati or pastries at Brunetti. And that's just a sampling of the great neighborhoods in this underrated ciry. Yes, it's a long way to Australia, and Sydney deserves attention, but don't come all this way without spending at least a few days in Melbourne, one of the world's great gayfriendlv metropolises. The Little Black Book (the country code for Australia is 61) Base (17 Carlisle St., 3-9536-6109). Boccone (2"'7 Carlisle St., 03-9527-9223). Brunetti (194- 204 Faradav St., 3-9347-2801). Cafe Di Stasio (31 Fitzroy, St., 3-9529-3999). Candy Bar (162 Greville St., 3-9529-6566). Chocolate Buddha (Federation Square, Flinders and Swanston Sts., 3- 9, 654-5688). Ciaypots (213 Barkly St., 3-9:-,34-1?-8'.->) · Diva /153 Commerciai Rd., 3-9824-2800t DT's Hotel .(164 Church St., 3-9428-5724). Ezard at Adelphi (187 Flinders L:a., 3-9639-6811 ). Fitz C:,fe :357 Bruns\':ick Sc.. 3-9417-5794). Giasshouse Hotel (51-55 Gipps St., 3-9419-4748). Glick's (330 Carlisle St., 03-9527-2198). Greyhound Hotel (1 Brighton Rd., 3-9534-4189). II Fornaio (2 Acland St., 03- 9534-2922;. Laird Hotel (149 Gipps Sc., 3-9417- 2832,. 1,:,; Chicas (Carlisle St., 03-9531-3699). Le Meridien at Rialto (495 Collins St., 3-9620-91111. Market Hotel (143 Commercial Rd., 3-9826-0933). M.eibourne Visitors Centre (Flinders and Swanston Sts., 3-9658-9658, www.thatsme!bourne.com.au). Metropolitan Hotel (263 Wi!liam St., 3-9670-1385). Novote! St. Kild:. (14-16 The Esplan2de, 3-9525- 5522). Park Hyatt Melbourne (1 Parliament Sq., 3- 9224-1234). The Peel (113 Wellington St., 3-9419- 4762). Poliy Bar (401 Brunswick St., 3-9419-6539:,. Prin~e of W:i.les Hotel (2 Acland St., 3-9536-1111). Pure South (Shop GR2, River Level, Southgate, 3-9699-4600~. Q+ A party (Builders tum Eo.ei, Gertrud~ and Grove Sts .• _3-9419-0818). Red Tongue Cafe (275 Brunswick St., 3-94i5-92.i4j. 7 Apples (75 Acland St., 3-9537-3633:,. So'1i l\.fam;i !St. Kiida Scabachs. 10-18 Jacb. Blvd., St. Kilda. 3- ~525-3338). Star Hotel (176 Hoddle St .• 3-9417- 2(,%,. Ti Ame (303 :,ygun St .. 3-9347-5759). Tou;~stn Vio:ori~'s gay/lesbian website (http:// visitmeibourne.com/ g.ytr~vel). Trade (9 Ped St.~ 3- 9417-6700). w~: on \'(icliingtcn (162 Wellington St., 03~9419-20101 Xch;;.nge Eotei (119 Com1nercial Rd-, 3-9867-5144). Hollywood Events Center Opens with "NIGHT OF STARS" by Greg Steele June 18, 2005 OKLAHOMA CITY_ Leona Layne emcee, opened the star studded show to a oacked house of 300 plus. The elusions of Tina Turner, Judy Garland, Diana Ross, Nancy Sinatra, Cher, Bet Midler and special guest's belted out everyone's favorite tune to a delighted audience and raised over $1,100 for RAIN Oklahoma. RAIN Oklahoma, a nonprofit, regional AIDS Intercommunity Network, and is located in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Lawton. The Events Center is located in the Hoilr.vood Hotel and Suites anci has been a iong awaited project of Lee Burrus the complex General Manager. \Y/itt a capacity of 400, the evem center is availabie for banquets, conventions, pageants, parties and other functions. The center has a large stage with great lighting, a dressing area and a dance floor. Food and bar service are also available in the center from Topanga Ba1: and Grill. The i/!11-.<ion of Judy Garland at the opening of Hollywood £,vents Center, Oklahoma City. The cemer is a beautifui new addirion to Oklahom~ City's GLBT community facilities and to our region. For booking information contact Lee Burrus, Generai Manager, 405-()4--2351. f Page 33 STAR Scene Photo's by Chaz I Seo by Jack Fertig JULY 2005 es "Keep a journal, Scorpio!" Three weeks ago, Venus was square Jupiter and ttine Uranus; now the Sun is in the same position. Try to imagine Fidel Castro imitating Isadora Duncan, and you'll get the general picture. Where you experienced charming stimulation three weeks ago, you're now likely to find egoistic assertion. Channel that energy constructively, if you can! ARIES (.March 20 - April 19): Just as Louis XIV declared, "L' etat, c' est moi," so may you be overidentifying as the avatar of your community's concerns. Put your ego aside and be strong enough to accept criticism as a key to real growth. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Teamwork has been a big issue lately. All your recent efforts do not make vou enough of an expert to tell other~ what to do. Better to use your charm to elicit advice from your colleagues. GEMINI (May 21 June 20): Stay focused on what's important in the long run, and on strategies for the furore. That focus should help you curb your playful, provocative streak, which is usually great fun, but is sure to get you into big trouble now. CANCER Oune 21 July 22): You can be Queen of the F***ing Universe at your birthday party, but otherwise your self-absorption ain't pretty. Affect the humble grace and charm of an immigrant or a profoundly religious grandmother. If neither of your grannies fits the bill, make one up" LEO (July 23 - August 22): Stop, think, and breathe. People ignore your demands for attention, so tune in to. quiet, selfcontained intensity. Meditate and focus on what you want to say; speak with your beautifully dramatic eyes and save your mouth for more intimate expressions:. VIRGO (August 23 September 22): Try not to obsess about money. Focus instead on what values and resources you can offer others. If you have any doubts in those departments, any son of teamwork or volunteer effort will bring out your ralents. LIBRA (September 23 October 22): Your instincts for teamwork are sure to get you ahead. The trick is to make others look good, which you usually do well. You're too eager for recognition now. The more you share the credit, the more you'll achieve in the long run. SCORPIO (October 23 November 21): Keep a dream journal handy. Meditate. Those deeper thoughts, images, and memories all provide a wealth of material to open up new artistic and philosophical directions. And a journal makes the darker, scarier stuff easier to handle, too! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): The stars are boosting your sexual confidence - as if you needed any more! That charisma can be enjoyed at a purely erotic level, or it can be sublimated into community work. They're not mutually exclusive - do some good, and you can get done good! CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Opportunities for promotion can get you in over your head. Trust in your improvisational skills and you should be able to talk your way out of any. situation; exploit that ability now while you can. AQUARIUS Oanuary 20 - February 18): Arguments can get expensive or lead you to fundamental questions of philosophical values. Save some money and re-examine your dogmas. Budgeting and exercise help focus your mind in those directions. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Remember three weeks ago when you were irresistible? Well, now you're indomitable - unless you _ want_ to be a kinky bottom! Whatever - or whomever - you want, go get 'em, tigerfish! Jack Fertig has been working as a professional astrologer since 1977 and is a founding member of the Association for Astrological Networking. r t l l I I I I -J7 Page-20 Page:-2 - - ~. 7 l~~ge-10 . Page.:.nf· - - - - - - - I?age;-17 . Pa.ge/~2 Page'-14 You can find copies of the STAR at these 4 states business & organizations. ARKANSAS KANSAS Arkansas, Eureka Springs Diversity Pride Events - - w1vw.diversitypride.com MCC Llving Spring - - - · -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479} Studio 716- -716 W. Syco.more- - - '179-571 130 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 1004 1/2 Garrison Ave- - 479-783-9988 Club 1022 - -1022 Dodson A·,e - 479-782-1845 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Our House Lounge 660 E. Gro.nd Ave- -624-6868 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - - -1021 jessie Rd- 501-654-27 44 Dio.mond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - -'\\rww.dsra.org Discovery- - - 1021 Jessie Rd- - - 501-656-6900 The Factory -412 Louisiwa St.- - - - -501-372-307(1 Kansas, Pittsburg {620) River of Ufe Church - 1709 N W2lnu: -11AM PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - 620-231-0938 Kansas, Wichita (316) Club Glacier J's Lounge - Our Fo.ntasy- 2828 E. 31st South - 3:6-612-9331 - 513 E. Central - - 3i6-262-1363 • 3201 S. Hillside- -316-682-5494 The Otherside- -447 N. St Francis- 316-262-7825 Shatlli - 4000 S. Broad·;1a;;- 316-522--2028 Sidestreet Men5 Bar -1106 S. P2ttie- - -316-267-0324 South 40 - 3201 S. Hiliside -316-682-5494 Trends Bar - -1507 S. Pawnee- That Gay Group, W.S.U. - Missouri, Ava 316-262-4530 316-978-7010 Catus Canyon Campground - - - - - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- - - - 716 S. Main - - - - - - - - - '117-627-9035 MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, - - -Sun-6pm Missouri, Kansas City (816) Buddies - - - • - • 3715 Ma:n St -- 816-561-2600 Club l'.'V - 220 Admiral Blvd- 816-421-NVKC DB Wo.renouse- 1915 Main St- -816-47 1-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - 816-561-0625 Sidestreet Ba.r • -- -413 E. 3rd-- - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks So.loon - - 3707 Main St- 816- 931-i430 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground-----· --417-779-5084 MIBS □ URI OKLAHOMA Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- A24 Boonvilie A.ve- --417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 Liquors & Kickers- -1109 E. Commercial-873-2225 Mo.rtha's Vine;:ard- 219 W Olive - - 417-864-4572 Prisci:Ja's - 1918 S. Glenstone - - 417-881-8444 Oz Bo.r 504 E. Commercial Ronist:z Pl:ice- --821 College- 417-831-9001 - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - --1109 E. Commercial- - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, McAlester McP:ide- - - - - POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 KW 36th St- - -405-601-7200 Club Ro,:- -3535 NW 39th Expwy 405-947-2351 Finish Line - -22C10 NW 39th Expwy- - 405-525-0730 Gushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39E:xp405-525-0730 HollywoodHote:- 3535 NW 39th Ex- 405-947-2351 Habo.na Inn 2200 NW 39,h Ex!J• - - 405-528-2221 Hi-Lo Cub - 1221 N\Y/ SOth- - -405-843-1722 Jung;e Reds Partners- . - 2200 NW fapwy- - 405-524-5733 -2805 NW 36th St - - 405-942-2199 Piece To Remember-2i31 NW 39th- -405-528-2223 P!:sdla's- 615 E. Memorial -405-755-8600 Sisters- - - - . - 2120 NW 39th St - - -A-05-521-9533 TI:e Rcc;;ies- -320: N. May Ave - - 405-947-9361 Topanga GriiJ & Bar- 3535 NW 39th-- 405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. P'ne - - 91?-836-8700 Club Mo.vcrick- - 822 S. Snerida:' - -918-835-3301 Dreamland Bks -- 8807 E. Admir:1.i Pl - -834-1051 Elit~ Bookstore --814 S. Sheridan- 918-838-8503 End Up Club- - - c.24 S. Memorial- - -918-836-2480 Flamingos Ciuo- • -7915 E. 21st St - - -9 I 8-622-6339 GLBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 415:. - - • 918-743-4297 The De:our- - - -794A- E. 21st - - - - - • 918-270-2428 Club Majestic- - 124 J\i. Boston - · 918-584-9494 Renegades- - 1649 S. Main - - - - - - 918-585-3405 Prisciila's - - • 7925 E. 41st - -918-627-4884 Pr::scilb's - - 5634 W. Skelly - - - - -918-446-6336 Pri~cilla's • - -11344 E. i ith - - -- - -918-438-4224 Prisdib's - - 2333 E. 71st - - - -- - -918-499-1661 Tub• CARES- -3507 E Admir~i Pi- . 918-83·+-4194 Tulsa E~gk- - -1338 E, 3rd - - • - 918-592-1188 TNT's- - 21 i 4 S. Memorio.1- • •· - 918-660-0856 Undcrguy,corn - - -15 E. Bra~y 9 l 8-829-0824 \vhitticr l'Jev.rs Stand- - 1 :t.J. ]n,is- - 918~592-0767 Ydkr.v-Brick-Rd- -2630 E. 15th- - - 918-293-0304 Outlets wishing to distribute I<'REE copies of the ST AR, contact us at 918.835.7887 9am to 4pm mon - fri or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Page 37 I NEw cART □□ N "Bitter Girl" I I PASE 40 THE STAR JULY 2005 to 3pm closed sundays. 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, July 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 07 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 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 Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Douglas Glenn Michael Dee Steve T. Urie Paula Martinac Chaz C.D. Ward 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, May 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/219 The Star Magazine, August 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 8 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/215 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/217 Advice AIDS anti gay Bitter Girl Cartoon Drag Show family HIV Lesbian Notions local advertisement Past Out Pride Q Scopes Quotable Quotes religion Ryan White care Act Star Scene Uncle Mikey vacation https://history.okeq.org/files/original/e4119b2328f41e2a2ec3e97c0d6d5a75.jpg ce9118f8aac0a672355ab56dd086fccd https://history.okeq.org/files/original/6f410db8e09af6201d107a657800860c.pdf 434e77c1072474fa9c66992e25eec450 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 Grand Lake L ti iris Scott Crow, Managing Broker . McGraw D.avisson Stewart, Realtors 800.460.3210 Langley, Oklahoma ScottCrow.mcgrawok.com 918.782.3211 Page 3 Sooner State Rodeo Association (SSRA) Announces Gifting Ceremony. TULSA, OK_Sooner State Rodeo Association has scheduled a Gifting Ceremony on Saturday, December 17th From 10:30pm until 11 :30pm at Club Mavericks - 822 S. Sheridan Rd., Tulsa, OK. Tulsa's own IGRA Sanctioned Gay Rodeo Association had their first TTown Rodeo in April of 2005. It is customary for Gay Rodeo Associations to distribute some of the proceeds of their rodeo to Community Organizations. SSRA will present $4250.00 to the following non-profit organizations in the Tulsa area. Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership t0 receive a donation of $500.00 to assist towards all of the amazing work they do for a myriad of Tulsa's GLBT community organizations. Our House Too to receive a donation of $250.00 to assist towards all of the great work the organization does for the Tulsa GLBT community in need. · Green Country AIDS Coalition to receive a donation of $250.00 to help support efforts toward HIV testing, counseling and referrals for the Rural Northeastern Oklahoma Area. St Jerome's Parish Church to receive a donation of $500.00 to thank them for all of thier kind assistance to the Sooner State Rodeo Association and to help support the community assistance and outreach for which St Jerome's has become known. Pyramid Project to receive a donation of $500.00 to help support the purchase and rennovation of the new Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center. Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to receive $2250 from the fundraising efforts of Mr. SSRA 2005 Jonathan Brown. Page 4 Erosion Media Launches Gay Political Blog Brent Hartinger, 1fichael Jensen, and Sarah W am comment on The Big Gay "Picture. (PRWEB) November 17, 2005 - There are gay blogs, and there are political blogs, but until now there hasn't been much in the way of exclusively gay political blogs. That changes with the arrival of The Big Gay Picture (www.biggaypicrure.com), a new blog from Erosion Media, creator of the popular websites, AfterEllen.com, AfterElton.com, AllGayNews.com, and FakeGayNews.com "Most blogs are all over the place," says author and activist Brent Hartinger, one of The Big Gay Picture's three main writers. "But we are a gay political blog. Because we're targeted, we can be comprehensive." According t0 Hartinger, the blog will feature interviews with both GLBT leaders and opponents, ongoing commentary, and updates on local and national gay political news. "We really are giving the big gay picture!" Hartinger says. Along with Hartinger, the blog will feature daily postings from Sarah Warn, editor of AfterEllen.com, and novelist and activist Michael Jensen. "Any blog is a reflection of the personalities involved in writing it," Warn says. "And by God, we definitely have personalityl We can be pointed, funny, impassioned, and sarcasticsometimes all at the same rime." Finally, according to Jensen, Tne Big Gay Picture is also a community forum. "Unlike most blogs, The Big Gay Picture allows users to prominently post their own commentary and analysis," Jensen says. "We've only just debuted, and things are already quite live~yl" NORTH CAROLINA BAPTISTS SEND INTOLERANT MESSAGE TO CONGREGANTS 'The church should be a beacon, not a barricade,' said the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Harry Knox. WASHINGTON - The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina sent a message of intolerance to its churches and congregants yesterday in passing a resolution to expel any member church that "knowingly affirms, approves or endorses homosexual behavior." "The church should be a beacon, not a barricade," said Harry Knox, director of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's religion and faith programs. "Gay parishioners contribute in meaningful ways to their local churches and communities and the convention should focus on love and compassion, not finding ways to demean. and marginalize the faithful." The North Carolina Baptists' decision comes as several other Southern Baptist institutions have taken intolerant stances on gay issues. This week the Georgia Baptist Convention voted t0 sever ties to Mercer Universitv one of the denomination's ~!<lest and largest educational institutions - because school administrators refused to condemn a student group's observance of National Coming Out Day. Additionally in Texas, Baptist-affiliated Bavlor Universitv dismissed a Baylor alumnus from ~he business school's advisorv board because he is gay. ' "Instead of welcoming an open dialogue, these actions are designed to cut off any intellectuai or spirituai debate," said Knox. "God gave us intellect so we would use it, no:: cut ourselves off from those who disagree with us." DECEMBER 2005 by Andrew Coilins Page 6 Out of Town W'ine-touring in this part of the state is great fun because staff at most tasting rooms are friendlier and more laid-back than in touristy areas. You can typically spend plenty of time asking questions_ about what you're sampling. The reg10n excels in just about every common U.S. wine varietal, but zinfandels, pinot noirs, and chardonnays are especially notable in these parts. A favorite winery of gay visitors is the slightly campy Clautiere Vineyard, which describes its own festive tasting room as "Edward Scissorhands meets the Mad Hatter at the Moulin Rouge." A few other great w-ineries in Paso include the prestigious J. Lohr Vineyards, the hip Justin Winery, and the intimate but outstanding Peachy Canyon Winery, which produces one of the top zinfandels around. One of the larger vineyards that's worth a visit is SLO's Tolosa Winery, which provides visitors with excellent self-guided winery tours and produces some superb pinot noirs and syrahs, too. Also check out charming Baileyana, set inside a ,-intage former schoolhouse and turning out fantastic pinot noir. For more information on specific wineries, check out the useful websites of San Luis Obispo Vintners (www.slowine.com) and the Paso Robles Vintners and Growers Association (www.pasowine.com), both of which provide details on wineries open for tours as well as great dining and lodging recommendations. Apart from winery-hopping, one of the great things to do in this part of California is to drive along the gorgeous coastline fringed by the famed Highway 1. The must-see attraction along this stretch is Hearst Castle, the legendary San Simeon retreat built bv media magna~e William Randolph Hearst, who commissioned Bay Area architect Julia Morgan to de;ign it. Morgan collaborated with her boss for some 25 years to build this 150-room ~o~mtaintop S'.:langri La filled with priceless mostlv Mediterranean antiqui .. i~s. It's ~ow operated by the California state park system and open to visito:s for fascinating tours. Famous guests at the castle during its heyday in.eluded numerous Holiywood stars, among them Erroi Flynn, who ,vas supposedly kicked out for brea~ng one or two of Hearst's house rules, like those against excessive alcohol consumption and unmarried guests sharing a bed. It's been speculated that the never-married Julia Morgan (1872-1957), who designed some 700 buildings during her life, was a lesbian, bur very little is actually known of her personal life. Unquestionably, however, she's one of the nation's premier ~ if relatively unsung architects. If you really want to get to know the heart and soul of San Luis Obispo, attend the fabulous Thursday-night farmer's market, which is much more than a mere gathering of produce-sellers. A big chunk of downtown's main thoroughfare, Higuera Street, is turned into a pedestrian zone, and local restaurants serve up everything from delicious bruschetta to smoky barbecue ribs. It's really a festival of sorts, and a great time to people-watch and mingle with both visitors and locals. For dining in downtown SLO, check out the Park Restaurant for some of the freshest and most innovate Californiastvle cuisine in the region, or Blue for its o~tstanding wine list and heavenly grilled salmon. At trendy Novo, you'll find eclectic food with Asian, Mediterranean, and Latin American twists try the Sri Lankan cashew-and-butternut-squash currv or the Moroccan lamb satay with · min~ 'chutney. Rudolph's Coffee & Tea is a lively and gay-popular java joint downtown, and Metro Cafe can be counted on for great saiads, soups, and baked goods. Or head south of SLO to popular, if touristy, Pismo Beach for a feast of tasty seafood at the Cracked Crab. Downtown Paso Robles is set around a lovely, shaded city square lined with several excellent restaurants, among them Villa Creek and Berry Hill Bistro. For lighter fare, pop inside Odyssey World Cafe, which serves a terrific grilled tuna rice bowi and fantastic sandwiches, such as baked brie over artichoke hearts with masted almonds. Sample delicious Italian food at Buona Tavola, which also has a branch in downtown San Luis Obispo. Parts of SLO County bear an awfully strong resemblance to Northern Italy, esoecially around the grounds of Villa T~scana: a Tuscan-inspired \"ilia that offers some of the most luxurious B&B Continued page-12 Page 7 Gifts &rlWheeler 437 E. 141st Street Glenpool, OK 74033 ,, 918.291.EARL {3275) Serving the Tulsa Metro Area for over 21 Years with PRIDE! CUSTOM DECORATING * HOLIDAY SPEOALS orders by 12noon guaranteed same da-, clJ\iv"'f. Tulsa Stonewall Now Necessary! TULSA, OK_As most gay men and women living in Tulsa now know, the Tulsa Police Department began a series of unending assaults on the gay clubs here. Beginning in August of this year, the TPD have entered gay bars with the force of Storm Troopers, assailing the rights of gay men and women who are attempting to enjoy what gay life there is in Tulsa. Police have demanded identification from individuals not remotely involved in any illegal actions, and once they call them in through the NCIC service, arrest anyone with warrants and arrest a few on public drunk charges without a breathalizer test. I wonder how may times this happens at the elite straight bars in Tulsa? God help you if you were born gay and try to live peaceable here. On June 28, 1969 the modern gay rights movement began in Greenwich Village, NYC when the Stonewall gay bar was raided and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community decided to revolt. The rest is history. It is time for the disjointed gay community in Tulsa to unite and begin to fight for our civil rights. We need a united front to demand from our city and county government and Tulsa Police. parity with other citizens and clubs, gay or not. The Tulsa Police have achieved what they sought to do-make gay citizens who choose to go to gay bars, stay home, resulting in the clubs struggling to stay open. The Tulsa gay community is avoiding the bars in fear of arrest for being out and gay. Go to any gay bar in Tulsa and yo:; will see that business is down, the bartenders will tell you the same thing A common scenario is for the police to swarm in on a bar, usually handcuff what appears to be a person they are actua]y hunting and then paralyze the remainder of the patrons advising them they need to produce their ID, stand still and not move until told further what to do. Further, based on what they consider proper behavior, they will handcuff anyone who remotely appears to be touching another person, even when fully clothed and begin harassing that person as to their behavior. I personally watched as this occurred. Two people were handcuffed who were fully clothed and merely talking to each other. AftC;r verbal cruel harassment, they were un-cuffed and allowed to leave. Why would anyone want to go back to more of the same? Are the police trying to push everyone back into the alley's and parks? It would seem that the gay community needs to ban together to begin a determined response when these illegal activities happen. Maybe we should raise a clenched fist when they arrive to signify our solidarity. Maybe a sit in by the patrons and let them drag us through the publicity raised by the voluminous arrest! Gay people of course would rather hit their mother than be arrested and subject to more public humiliation than is thrust on them each day in Tulsa. The gay community should begin to be politicaily active in Tulsa County. To the extent that the Tulsa Police Department is able to continue to harass gay people unfettered, it will not stop. To the extent the gay community continues to not be united, the police will win. More effort and meetings among the bar owners and GLBT organizations need to become more forceful and demanding with the powers in our city. We must remember in this so called bible belt mecca of Tulsa and all of Okl.ahoma. the general public couldn't care iess about gay rights, an aosent unified effort to secure civil rights to foll equality, nothing wiil change We mus: stop it. The TPD enjoy it and nave no plans to cease. Tney are happy we are staying home and quivering. A strategic plan outline is needed OO\V to deal \vith rhe heavy arm of the law, so that gay people can enioy a night out vvithout looking o ..v er their shoulder for the handcuffs, Page 11 Out of Town accommodations in the region. The stucco mansion surrounded by sunny stone piazzas contains several airy guestrooms with high timber-beamed ceilings and sumptuous appointments and from every window you see vinevards in all directions. A superb breakfast as well as afternoon wine and cheese are included. For a truly rejuvenating vacation experience, book a stay at the gayfriendly Sycamore Mineral Springs, a beautifullv situated spa resort nestled beneath d leafy hillside within easy hiking distance of the ocean. The upscale rooms here come in a variety of configurations (some with kitchens and large sitting areas), and most have private outdoor hot tubs. But the amenities are the real treats here: tubs bubbling with healing mineral waters, a labyrinth path, stunning hiking traiis, and a spa where you can book a variety of soothing massage, skincare, and medicinal treatments. Be sure to enjoy a meal in die exceptional restaurant, where you might sample such refined fare as seared quail with polenta, pine nuts, gorgonzola, and pomegranates. Another excellent lodging option, especially if you want to be near the coast and Hearst Castle, is Moonstone Hotel Properties, a small but growing group of distinctive hotels based in the coastal community of Cambria. Moonstone has about a half-dozen hotels right in town as well as properties in Monterey, Yosemite, and central Oregon, and the company has made it a kev focus in recent years to market enthusiastically to the gay and lesbian market. The Moonstone properties in Cambria come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and with a few different settings, but they share a few common themes: attractive, upscale rooms; grounds abundant ;ith incredibiy lush gardens and meadows; and friendly, easygoing staff. Several of the hotds are pet-friendiy, too. If you want to be on a verdant hillside above town, choose the elegant Cambria Pines Lodge, which consists of several outbuildings and cabins and has one of the town's top restaurants, known for i:s healthful, organic-inspired cuisine. Right down along ;:he shoreline, rhe Blue Dolphin Inn, Sea Coast Lodge, Sea Otter Inn, Sand Pebbles Inn, and Pelican Suites are terrific hotels set right across from Moonstone Beach. And if you're looking to save a little money, choose the economical Creekside Inn, a nicely decorated motor lodge in the heart of Cambria's festive village, steps from shops and restaurants. Wherever vou choose to stay in San Luis Obispo County, you're close to some of the nation's top wine-touring and most inspired scenery. See it now before SLO's pace quickens, and it becomes every bit as popular as Napa and Sonoma Countv. Fortunately, much of the countrvside ~ this part of California ha; been permanently protected from development, so San Lui~ Obispo Countv will likely look every btt as beautiful in the future as it does now. The Little Black Book Baiicyana (5828 Orcutt Rd., San Luis Obispo, 805-269-8200, www.bailcyana.com). Berry Hill Bistro (1114 Pinc St .. Paso Robles, 805- 238-3929). Blue (998 Mo~tcrcy St., San Luis Obispo, 805-783-1135). Buona Tavol:l. (943 Spring St., Paso Robles, 805-545-8000; also 1037 Montcrev St., San Luis Obispo, 805-545- 8000). Clauri;rc Vineyard (1340 Penman Springs Rd., Paso Robics, 805-237-3789, www.clautierc.com). Cracked Crab (7~1 Price St., Pismo Beach, 805-773-2722). J. Lohr Vineyards (6169 Airport Rd., Paso Robles, 805-239-8900, www.jlohr.com). Justin Winery (11680 Chimney Rock Rd., Paso Robles, 805- 237-4149 or 800-726-0049, www.justinwinc.com). Metro Cafe (892 M.mh St., San Luis Obispo, 805-783-2022). Moonstone Hotel Properties (800/966-6490, www.moonsronehotcls.com/ gay). Novo (726 Higuera St., S:rn Luis Obispo, 805-543-3986). Odyssey Worid Cafe (1214 Pine St., Paso Robles. 805-237-75i6). Park Restaurant (1819 Osos St., San Luis Obispo, 805-545-0000J. Peachy Canyon Winery (1480 W. Bethel Rd., Paso Robies, 805-239-1918, ·www. pcachyca~yon.com). Rudolph's Coffee & Tea (670 Higuera St., San Luis Obis?o, 805-543- 4902). San Luis Obispo Visitors & Conference Bu:eau (805-541-8000 or 800-634- 14i 4, ww-w<.sanluisobispocoun:,y.com). Svcamorc Mineral Sp:ings (1215 Aviia Beach Dr., Avila Be;;.ch, 805-595-7302 or 800-234- 5831, wn.v-·~.sycamoresprings.com). Page 12 "Is this the winter of my discontent"' Oh yes boys and girls it is that time, time for cards, the lists, the guest, the gifts, family friends, food parties, events, travel, weather, stress, guilt, anxiety, ya ya ya! What a workout it's become, this month called December. Well Auntie has the cure. Just say no to retail. Go back to your gardening roots and work from there. Naturally there's nothing better than a gift of labor and love from your own garden. Just look around, from berries, hollies and evergreens to perennial foliage, leaves, dried grasses and of course HERBS. Auntie does love her herb and heres just a couple of easy ways to piease this holiday season. Oils and vinegars. One way to preserve the flavor of fresh (or store bought) herbs is to steep them in oil or vinegar, which may be used ror cooking. or in salad dressings. This works well for a number of herbs such as french tarragon, oregano, rhyme, and lavendec To make flavored oil, fill a clear glass jar with sprigs or leaves of fresh herbs, pour over a good flavoriess oil, like sunflower and seal. Leave the jar in a sunny spot for cwo weeks, shake or stir every day. Strain and bottle, adding a new sprig of the herb as identification as well as decoration. Dried peppers, such as banana, cyan, etc. are also great to use by themselves or mixed with herbs. In unusual bottles or jars with a bit of ribbon and a hand printed label. These make excellent gifts, hand grown and made by you. But don't forget about the uses of dried herbs. Air-drying is the easiest way of preserving most herbs. Spread out sprigs, leaves, flowers or seed heads in a single layer on a rack and leave in a warm airy space to dry. Alternatively tie sprigs in small bunches and hang upside down in a warm, dry but not to sunny - spot. The drying process should take no more than 48 hours. Crush the leaves thoroughly between your hands and store them in airtight dark glass or ceramic containers (clear glass will make them fade quickly.) Using several small unique jars or containers makes for another great gift idea with a personal touch. Dried rosemary, thyme, lavender and sage left tightly bundled together create a fragrant appeal for the most domestic of goddesses. Let's not forget the tried and true hostess gift that everyone enjoys. Oh yes the poinsettia, with brilliant colors and varieties you can't go wrong with this proven Christmas winner. Just be careful not to expose them to cold temperatures, even for a few minutes or so cm possible damage the entire plant. So lets not leave it in the car when we stop at the bar first for a before party pick me up, OK? So run my little children, spread the joy and love throughout the season, it's time to grow so until next year, I wish you all a merry Christmas, happy holidays and a most harvested new year. And don't forget. ''You can lead a hor-to-culture, but you can't make her think.,, Page 13 T-Town Rodeo To Host Awards Ceremony Press Release: November 21, 2005 TULSA,OK_Sooner State Rodeo Association - Northeastern Oklahoma's own Gay Rodeo Association, will hold a New Year's Eve pre-party on December 31st, 2005 at the Parish Church of Saint jerome's, 205 W. King St. in The Brady Heights Historic District Oust north of Downtown in Gay Brady Heights). The event will be a Cowboy and Cowgirl Mixer with a short Comestant Recognition and Award Ceremony. The Event will run from 7pm til 10pm and is open to the public; a big part of this event is geared toward a new membership drive and renewing of existing memberships. You do not have to be a cowboy or cowgirl to be a part of Sooner State Rodeo Association - membership in the Sooner State Rodeo Association in only $15.00 for an Associate :Membership, $20.00 for a General Membership and $25.00 for a Commercial Memb;rship. Drop by and meet the SSRA Posse, Have a shot of Red Eye and some grub. Scott Johnson, SSRA president for 2006 says, "Our focus this vear will be to increase and develop the ro'embership base and to organize work toward the TTown Rodeo in 2007". In spring of 2005 Tulsa's Sooner State Rodeo Association put together it's first International Gay Rodeo Association Sanctioned Rodeo; billed as the T-Town Rodeo it brought contestants from across the nation and added to Tulsa's stature in the Gay Rodeo Circuit. Plans are now in the works for a T-Town Rodeo 2007. You can get more information about Sooner State Rodeo Association at www.soonerstaterodeo.com. 109 E. Commercial Street Springfield, Mo 65803 417-873-2225 HearTheRumors.com Page 14 The Years Most Anticipated Movie Is Here "Love Is A Force Of Nature" Brokeback Mountain opening in Chicago, San Francisco and New York December 3, 2005. A raw, powerful story of two young men, a Wyoming ranch hand and a rodeo cowboy, who meet in the summer of 1963 sheepherding in the harsh, high grasslands of contemporary Wyoming and form an unorthodox vet life-long bondby turns ecstatic, bitter and conflicted. The new film from Academy Awardnominated director Ang Lee. An epic love story set against the sweeping vistas of Wyoming and Texas, Brokeback Mountain tells the story of nvo young men a ranch-hand and a rodeo cowboy who meet in tne summer of 1963, a~d unexpectedly forge a iifelong connection, one whose complications, joys and tragedies provide a testament to the endurance and power of l.ove. Ennis and Jack, two cowbovs who fall in love. As others have touch~d on, Brokeback Mountain is so much more than merely a "gay cowboy movie". It perfectly cap~res what true, unbridled love is all about and this love transcends any issues of sexualitv or gender. "Love is a force of nature". , Unfortunately for many people and indeed the protagonists of our story, society doesn't always view it that way. Kudos to Ang Lee who has not shied away from the material at all. This adaptation stay; true to the original shore story and the two lead actors fit the roles perfectly. Ledger and Gyllenhaal give incredibly strong performances .but the supporting cast shouldn't be overiooked work ail around and with Mr Ang Lee's vision they have created an anything a,vay, you are going to be 1nnv,ed b:,t this one. Staring Heath Ledger, jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hatl.1a,;av. Micheiie \~filii an1s. ~ , Page 15 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. CalJ today aod ask about our services. Auto -Home - Life -BH-~iness Greg W. Tainter. LUTCF Tel:(166)M-9480 gtainlef@shelerinsur.llce.com Healing the Family There are some fortunate souls whom upon coming out, find their families to ' be completely accepting and understanding. And then there are the rest of us. Our families panic, weep, wail, pull away, and in some cases, outright reject us. A few years ago, if someone had told me that my partner and I would one day be preparing a meal in our home for our parents, I would have laughed. Yet, I recently found myself in that very situation. The journey to that point was not an easy one for any of us. Almost everyone in my family is a conservative evangelical Christian. Needless to say, when I came out, it caused quite a stir. I viv:idiy remember the family gathering together to prav over me in an attempt to drive o;t these evil influences. Yes, my family had an exorcism to rid me of the gay demons. Obviously, it didn't work. Next, thev decided I should try one of the ex-gay "ministries." They helpfolly provided me with all kinds of information about Exodus. I flat-out refused. Then they suggested counseling. I agreed to that, but only on my terms. I would not go to a biased anti-gay Christian counselor. That turned out to be a very good decision since it helped me fully realize there was nothing ',nong with me, and in the long run, helped my family as well. For a while after that, they backed off My family tends to suffer from SOS, or Severe Ostrich Syndrome. That's the tendency to ignore something you don't like by sticking your head in the sand and hoping it will just go away on its own. I've noticed many Southern families suffer from this disorder. For a while, I wasn't dating anyone and wasn't really that invohred with my family, so it became easy for them to ignore the fact that I was gay. That changed when I started dating Jon. When we decided to move in together, it became impossible to ignore. I got a call from my mother soon after I broke the news to them. My mother asked point-blank if Jon and I were "lovers." I told her yes, to which she responded that the family didn't approve and could not condone that "lifestyle." As calmly as I could, I told her that I wasn't looking for their approval and I didn't need them to condone my choices. I went on to say that Jon was an important part of my life and if they wanted to continue being a part of it as well, they would have to deal with that. I didn't speak to them for about a month. and then one afternoon I got another ~all from my mother ' inviting Jon and I over for dinner. That first night was decidedly awkward, and it stayed that way for a while. I refused to attend any family function to which Jon wasn't welcome, so there were many more uncomfortable moments. For a while, the only people who w:ould even speak to Jon at gettogethers were my parents and my younger sister. We didn't give up, though, and gradually, more of my siblings began to come around. It was a slow process, and I'm .still not as close to most of my brothers as I once was. but we've come a long way. My paren~s have been especially accepting as they've come to know and love Joo. Jon's family, while similar in some aspects, was a different situation. Jon was raised as a Reformed Jew. He grew up attending a shul with gay and lesbian Rabbis. He had every reason to expect his family to be accepting, and his younger brother was from the very beginning. When Jon came out to him, his initial reaction was simpiv, "Okav. Cool." Jon's mother, on the ~ther h;nd, Continued next page Page 18 HEART TO HEART had a harder time with the news. Her first reaction was to rather hvstericallv blame the fall of Greece and Rome on· homosexuality. She refused to have anything to do with me, and was furious at Jon for hiding this from her. Once again, there was no sudden change of heart, but rather a gradual acceptance. She lives farther away than my parents, so we saw her less often, but when we did see her, we were almost always together for Jon's or her birthday, when Jon graduated from college, etc. I did a painting for her of her cat, who she dearly loved. Over time, she began to ask how I was when thev talked on the phone. When Jon and I decided we wanted to buy a home, she, being a real estate agent, wanted to be involved. She traveled back and forth several times as we looked at homes and found one we loved. She stayed with us at our old house and we spent more time together. The weekend we closed on the house and moved in, I spent more time alone with Jon's mom than I did with Jon. We actually had a chance to bond. A few weeks after we'd moved in, Jon's mom came down for the weekend just to see what progress we'd made. That Saturday, my parents came over because my dad was planning to help us with some minor plumbing problems. As these things have a tendency to do, the small project turned into an entire day spent under the sink. While Jon, my father, and I spent the afternoon between the kitchen and the hardware store, our moms bonded while watching a homeimprovement marathon on HGTV. Later that evening, the sink fixed, Jon and I cooked dinner for our parents. As we all sat around the table eating and laughing, it suddenly hit me that our families were heaied. I had to fight back tears as I looked around. I never would have expected to see the scene before me. It wasn't because of anything in particular that we did. We didn't forcefeed them any scientific smdies or drag them to PFLAG meetings. That may have worked for other families, bu: what worked for ours was simply Jiving our lives openly and honestly. They co;.;ldn't help but see our love for one another and realize that there was nothing diny or wrong about it. Maybe it took a wi1iie. but the wounds did heal. This past week I was talking to my mom about Thanksgiving plans. It's an annual tradition for my very large family to gather together for a huge, homecooked meal. The past two years, Jon and I have spent Thanksgiving with his mom and brother since they don't have a large family to share it with. Last time, though, I promised my family we'd spend the holiday with them this year. When Mom told me no plans had been made yet, I found myself impulsively offering to host the family dinner at our house. It made sense, since we have more space than any of my other siblings that live locally. It wasn't until after I hung up that I wondered just what I'd gotten myself imo. Between my three brother and two sisters, I have nineteen nieces and nephews - and white living room furniture. After I broke the news to Jon and he calmed me down, we decided it would be a good thing. We also decided to invite his mom and brother, too. We don't yet know if thev will come, but if thev do, it '.Vill be the first time both of our families have been together. I know it will be an emotional and perhaps somewhat awkward time, but I'm looking forward to it. It will be the next step in healing our family. 1he 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. FREE HIVTESTING, NO NEEDLES I 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 Communitv Dinne: _Every ~ed. 6pm just $4.00. No one 1s turned away. Page 19 Lesbian Notions by Libby Post DECEMBER 2005 Freedom To Think Getting a good education was always paramount in my house. Neither of my parents went to college, but _The New York Times_ was daily reading, and my brother and I were promised a college education they could afford. That meant going to one of the 64 State University of New York campuses. I eventually got both my degrees from the Universitv at Albany; my brother received his fro~ Stony Brook and Binghamton. Io the post-'60s college environment that both my brother and I enjoyed, there was open debate on mvriad issues - debate that was fostered by ; · commitment to new and different ideas respect for a broad range of opinions, ' and recognition that if we didn't learn and grow, we would shrivel and die. This is the way it was and still is on many campuses, but not so at some schools that have religious affiliations. Schools affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention have made the news regarding their reluctance to embrace ideas outside their narrow biblical interpretations. At Bavlor Universitv in Waco, Texas, 25-year-~ld Matt Bass had his full scholarship to divinity school revoked after he came out. When the school's student newspaper endorsed gay marriage, Baylor's president rebuked it. After all Bavior's school policy states that no s~de~t publication's editorial should "attack the basic tenets of Christian theology or of Christian morality'' - so much for freedom of the student press. After learning that 1983 graduate Tim Smith, who is on the universitv's School of Business advisory panel, wa; gay, Baylor told Smith that he could no i.onger serve and was no longer welcome. Tb.is was after Smith personally donated over $65,000 to the school and raised an additional $60,000 to establish an academic scholarship. I guess gav monev doesn't talk at Baylor. • · Nor does a good cup of java. Once Baylor learned that an Armistead Maupin quote was on Starbucks' coffee cups as part of the company's campaign to highlight quotes from famous people, the school ordered the Starbucks on campus to get rid of all its cups. Even if a Baptist-affiliated school wanted to do ~e right thing and be welcoming, the vanous state Baptist Conventions are not above holding the schools they support financially hostage. Recently, the North Carolina Baptist State Convention threatened to pull nearly $1 million in funding to that state's Mars Hill College if it approved Open Doors, a campus LGBT group. Money won out - the group was not recognized. But the Baptists aren't alone. An associate dean at Catholic Seton Hall University in New Jersey was demoted after he publicly criticized the church's aotigay position in his local newspaper. W. King Mott wrote a letter to the _Newark Star-Ledger_ assailing the church for its new policy banning gar men as priests, and for making gay pnests scapegoats in the child sex-abuse scandal. His big mistake, according to the school's dean, was identifying himself as a Seton Hall administrator. After working there for seven years, Mott thought of Seton Hall as an institution of higher learning that valued free ' expression of ideas. Unfortunately for Mott, that freedom of thought has to be within certain parameters - this time, the teachings of the Catholic Church. If you want to be a doctor and go the New York Medical College (NYMC), a private Catholic school affiliated with the Archdiocese of New York and located in Westchester, you have to tow its religious line as well. The school revoked the charter of its LGBT student group after it changed its name from Student Heip to NYMC Lesbian Gav Bisexual and Tmosgender People in Medicine - it said that the group wanted to "promote the lifestyle of GLBT people, [which is] in conflict with the standards and vaiues of the College." A statement issued bv Dean Dr. Ralph O'Connell said, "It ;as clear that the organization and its leader would advocate and promote activities inconsistent with the· values of NYMC." ~ould those activities be teaching Continued next page. Page 20 Lesbian Notions: safe-sex or promoting free and unfettered access to reproductive health care? Are coffee cups really so subversive that they pose a threat to Christian teachings? Is speaking one's mind about victimizing gays grounds for demotion? These are all valid questions - but ones that will never be given the full rigor of academic discussion and debate at Baylor, Seton Hall, Mars Hill, or NYMC. At these campuses, the freedom to think has been replaced with the freedom to not think out loud. Page 21 ut by Liz Highleyman DECEMBER 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. Who was Harvey Milk? Harvey Milk's shift from closeted businessman to radical firebrand to political insider mirrored the trajectory ~f the gay rights movement during his hfe. Though his time in office was short he is remembered as one of the most ' important gay icons of all time. Milk was born May 22, 1930, in Woodmere, Long Island. Although he began having sexual experiences with men in parks and theaters in his earlv teens, he presented a conventional , appearance and was a popular high school athlete. After graduating from the New York State College for Teachers, Milk enlisted in the Navy during the Korean War. · After leaving the Navv in 1955 Milk taught high school mathe~atics, ' coached basketball, and enjoyed a cozy domestic life with sometime hustler Joe Campbell (later immortalized as the "Sugar Plum Fairy" in Lou Reed's song "Walk on the Wild Side"l. But Milk soon tired of teaching and its requirement for strict secrecy about his sexuality, and he went to w~rk as a Wall Street financial analyst. Possessed of both a voracious sexual appetite and a yearning for romance, Milk had a penchant for attractive. often troubled men many years his iuni~r. After his relationship with c;mpbell, Milk took ~P w!th _young activist Craig Rodwell. Next, he became involved with stage manager Jack McKinley, whointroduced him to the bohemian Greenwich Village aiternative thea::er crowd. Milk soon eschewed his buttoneddown ways, adopting a hippie style and liberal political views. In 1972, Milk and his new lover. Scott Smith, moved to San Francisco. where they opened a camera shop on ·Castro Street, in what was then a working-class Irish neighborhood. Milk aot involved in politics, making alliances :-ith labor unions, seniors, and the city's Chinese community. He formed the Castro Village Association (a gay business alliance) and founded the Castro Street Fair. Milk ran for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1973, following in the footsteps of drag impresario Jose Sarria, who, two decades earlier, had been the first gay man to vie for the office. Rejected by established gay leaders who preferred to cultivate straight political allies, Milk built his base on grassroots support. After losing that election, Milk cut off his ponytail, traded his jeans for business suits, and swore off marijuana and bathhouses. Positioning himself as a champion of neighborhoods and against downtown deveiopers, Miik ran unsuccessfully for supervisor again in 1975 and for state assembly the following year. He rode the wave of militant gay activism in the wake of Anita Brvant's Save Our Children campaign, and: took the lead in opposing California's failed Briggs Initiative, which would have barred homosexuals from ceaching in public schools. .Milk finally won a supervisor seat in November 1977, becoming the first openly gay man to win a major political office in the Unired States. (Lesbian Elaine Noble had been elected stat~ representative in Massachusetts in 197 4.) Yet despite his political success, Milk's personal and financial life was in disarrav. He was deeply in debt and had to close his f~linEf_ camera business. He had broken up with ::,m1th and taken a new young iover, Jack Lira, who was given to embarrassing drunken scenes at public functions and who committed suicide in 1978. Milk's first legislative proposai was a gay antidiscrimination ordinance, which the supervisors passed with one dissenting vote that of conservari;;e ex-cop Dan \X'hite, who had been elected on .... continued next page. Page 22 Past Out: a traditional values platform. Citing financial hardship, White resigned his board seat in the fall of 1978 but soon decided he wanted it back.' At the urging of Milk, Mayor George Moscone declined to reappoint White, who had often provided the swing vote to block progressive legislation. On the morning of November 27, 1978, White snuck in through a side window at Citv Hall, shot Moscone at close range, th~n marched down the hall and pumped five bullets into Milk. Coming just a week after the mass suicide of Jim Jones' People's Temple (which had been based in San Francisco), the assassinations threw the city into further ~u~moil. That night, thousands of people Jomed a candlelight march from the Castro to City Hall. On May 21 of the following year White was convicted on two cou~ts ~f voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to less than eight years in prison, after his attorneys employed the "Twinkie defense," arguing that he was mentallv i~paired due to eating junk food. Th~ city's gay community exploded in rage, shattering the windows of Citv Hall and torching police cruisers in wh~t came to be known as the White Night Riot. Later that evening, the police retaliated, invading the Castro with nightsticks swinging. In 1984, White was released on parole; the next year he committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning. Having frequently received death threats, Milk had prepared a taped will suggesting who should succeed him (including Harry Britt, whom new mayor Dianne Feinstein appointed as his replacement). "If a bullet should enter my brain," he said in the message, "let that bullet destroy every closet door." At his memorial service, Milk's lesbian aide, Anne Kronenberg, read a poem she found in his desk: "I can be killed with ease/ I can be cut right down/ But I cannot fall back into mv closet .. .I am too many/ I am all of us." , For further information: Epstein, Rob, and Richard Schmeichen. I 984. _ The Times of Harvey Milk rNew Yorker Vuleo). · - ' Shilts, Randy. i 982. _ The 1\Jayor of Castro Street_ (St. Martin's Press). Page 23 Dear Uncle Mikey: Rsk 1 Advice Column! December 2005 Salutations Kittens, Uncle here bringing the latest in all things Queer. Another Holiday season is upon us, while Uncle makes ready for his annual wet jock contest. Yes, Uncle celebrates the season slightly different from the average Queer. You should see my Christmas tree, it could sway several priest at the very site. I have the twenty-five Twinks of Christmas dawning my tree. Yes, it shall be a very Marv Christmas this vear. Let's see what Queer seekers · bring me this se;son. I am not prepared again to join in my familise dysfunctional seasonal celebration. I am not allowed to bring any one with me, as they remain homophobic. I have decided to be on my own this year, but am feeling down, as this will be the first year I have not been with my family during the holidays. I love them however; can not deal with this years dysfunctional holiday bash. I am really finding myself depressed about all of this and am not the typical depressed person. Should I just go and ignore the fact they refuse to let me be myself. I mean it does not really matter that I am gay, but being single during the holidays is a bummer. Any thoughts here? Seasonally sad Dearest Sad: Kitten, you are right as many people suffer from seasonal depression during these holiday times. It is not in any way your fault that your family can't see the errors in their ways. You are the wonderful creature you are meant to be and it is solelv their loss. Uncle, would advise you not to sit aro~d and allow these feelings of sadri:ess to set in. Get invoived in the community, and create a family of your own, which will love and support you just the way you are. Besides, isn't it about time you celebrate the season Queer style? This too shall pass young one. Holiday smooches-Uncle Mikey Many people in the GLTB ~ommunity are left on their own during a season which, in its basic form has been used to segregate our people while judging our lifestyle and choices. This is however not the seasonal meaning and true spirit of the season. Do not allow ignorance to leave you feeling sad, celebrate your life, ind our community this year by joining in with others as fabulous as you. Believe me there will be no long faces at Uncles corner this year. Tis the seaso~ of brotherly love and Uncle has a lot of Love to go around. Christmas thongs for everyone! Dear Uncle Mikey: The guy I have been seeing is so bcredibiy full of himself. He is also selfish in so many ways, while loving in others. I feel like he is truly a good guy deep·inside, however needs reality checks, in the way he disregards my feelings. I need a way to show him just how it feels to be disregarded. Any suggestions Guru? Tired of being Dissed Dearest Dissed, Kitten, Unde knows of what you speak. Allow me to share with you just how I handled one man, which while in my life, did not know who Uncle truly was, as he did not see the force he was dealing with, until Uncle gave him a lesson ·in consideration. Uncle dated him whilst in a gray area of my life. He acted as if he was Gods gift, little did he know I was the one true Queen in the piace. So after dealing Continued next page: · • Page '26 Ask Uncle Mikey: with his antics, and rudeness on several occasions, I decided it was time to give back a little. I set up a romantic interlude, which of course he took for granted, thinking he was doing Uncle a favor. Can you imagine, Uncle, please? Poor widdle puddin did not stand a chance. After whining and dining the fool, it was time for the romantic interlude to heat up. While in the midst of our widdle physical romp, Uncle decided he had a craving for pizza. To his shock, Uncle hipped out a cell phone never missing a beat, and ordered a pizza. Never stopping mind you, after watching his eyes, I could see his dismay in Uncles lack of concern and interest in the event before him. I however, being the Queen I am took it to another level as I answered my call waiting. Discussing a shopping trip a friend of mine had made that day. Needless to say, it was a most humbling experience for the widdle one. Uncle knew it was not his prince before him, however wanted to s·end him back to Queerdom humbled, and more concerned for the next one ro call him lover. Try it and see if it does not bring Romeo back to earth. Kittens, life are a series of lessons, and teacher is in! Well, that is about all of the time I have this month. Kittens, celebrate the season pride style this year, celebrating Queer life. Reach out and touch someone this season providing holiday Yule time loving for all. Merry Christmas Kittens, your forever humbled servant Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too. See you next year, you fabulous Queer! Smooches uncle Mikey and Tiddies too! Want more of Mikey? Visit Mikey's corner at www.askunclemikey.com. Freelance writer Michael Hinzman, joining communities throughout Queerdom ... with wild rice stuffing and Southern Comfort sauce Sauce: 1-1/2 cups brown sugar. 1/2 cup Southern Comfort. 1 cup orange juice. 1 cup pineapple juice. 1 /2 lemon squeezed. 1 / 8th teaspoon cinnamon Mix all together and simmer for 45 min., then set a side. Stuffing: 2 cups cooked wild rice. 1/2 green bell pepper 1/2 red bell pepper. 1 large Shittake Mushroom chopped. 1 / 4th cup chopped white onion. 1 I 8th teaspoon rosemary. :Mix all together and set a side. Preheat oven to 375 degree- take 4 large Quail Breast stuff each breast with a 1/2 cup of rice stuffing. Tooth pick the ends to hold mixture in Place breast side up, meit 3 tablespoons of butter and lightly brush the breast. Place in a 9X12 baking dish, lightly season with ground rosemary. Bake for 45 minutes or until internal temp of 165 degrees. Remove from oven. Drizzle SC sauce on pla~e and place Quail !.n center, remove toothpicks, drizzle more sauce on top, garnish with a sprig of rosemary. Tip: Serve with Red Wine. HAPPY HOLIDAYS to ail my great friends._________ Page 27 / Scopes ;'Explore new ideas, Pisces!" Ma.rs is in Taurus, which is good for getting things done - but he's inflexible. Now opposing Jupiter in Scorpio, he is open to seeing the deeper effects of his efforts, but he's still relentless. While these planets are aspecting Uranus in Pisces, it's a great time to consider options and improvements in both methods and purpose. ARIES (March 20 - April 19): There's no end to sexual opportunities now. Although you're the sign that most wants instant gratification - and there's lots to be had - you also want something deeper and more important. Stop, think, and hold out for what you really want. .. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): You've been feeling stuck lately. With a little courage and willingness to confront your partner, you can release that blockage productively. Advice from friends will prove helpful, even if it only provokes you to think of different ideas. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): You can get an awful lot accomplished. Just remember that when "staying on track," you have to consider that the track has some surprise twists. Be adaptable and solicit input from anyone with more authority, whether by position or experience. CANCER (lune 21 - July 22): You're being a bit of a control queen these days. Well ... a bit more than usual. Be open to giving and getting suggestions - especially getting. Don't be too fixed on your goals; there are better possibilities for the open-minded. LEO (luly 23 - August 22): Be confident, and wherever you find opposition to your goais, consider what your opponents have to say. They have some good ideas that will prove helpful to you. If you can find common ground to work together, all the better. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Never mind the "tall, dark stranger." A stocky, ruddy stranger is more likely to enter your life now. If you meet such a hottie, offer verbal challenges - dares, riddles, mysteries - to start what could become a very intriguing affair. LIBRA (September 23 October 22): You're sexual dynamite now. You could do what you want with almost anyone. Don't let enthusiasm make you forget what's important in life - sexually and otherwise. Keep your head clear and your sex safe! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): You have a clear advantage over partners and opponents. You could take ruthless advantage, or engage them playfully, finding creative solutions to conflict and new opportunities for brilliant teamwork. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Problems you've been having with work will soon clear up. Real progress is a week or two off, but revelations and insights now will help you get back on track. Imagine what your wackiest old relative would suggest. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Sensual explorations open.up new sexual horizons. Discussion with a confidant should lead you through some confusion and surprises if you are to find any real clarity. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Any money troubles can point to bigger problems (and towards solutions as well!) regarding how deeply engrained family patterns may be holding you back from your career goals. Answers don't come easily now, but at least questions are getting dearer. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Explore new ideas and philosophies enthusiastically. But if you try expressing those new ideas, you'll sound like vou're channeling Edward Said via Gracie· Allen. If you can let having fun be more important than being convincing, that's not so bad. Page 28 You can find oopf.es of the STA.Rat these 4 atat.es buainess & organizations. Arkansas, Eureka Sprin&s Diversity Pride Event - - www.diverllityprido.com MCC Ll,-ing Spring - - - • - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Fayetteville ( 479) Condom Sense. - -418 W. Dicluon- -479-444-6228 Curry's Video - - 612 N. College Ave- 479-521-0009 Passages - - 930 N. College Ave- - - - • 479-442-5845 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Club 1022 - - 1022 Dod,on Ave. - - - • 479-782-1845 Kinkead!- 1004 1/2 G.lrrison Ave- - - 479-783-9988 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Jeiter11 Lounge - - 1010 E. Grand Ave - -501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street- - - -1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - -501-664-2744 Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - - - www.dsra.org Discovery- - • 1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - - -501~666-6900 Sidetracks - - 415 Ma.in St - -N. LR- 501-244-0444 The Factory - -412 Louisiana St.- - - - - -501-372-3070 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) River of Llfe Church - 1709 N Walnut - -11.AM PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938 Kan1as, 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 Otheraide- -447 N. St Francis- - 316-262-7825 Shami• - - - - - - - 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 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 Main St- - - -816-471-1575 Mis5ie B'5- - • -805 W. 39th St- - - - -- - 816-561-0625 Sidestteet Bar - - -413 E. 3rd- - - - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon - - 3707 Main St- - 816- 931-1430 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground - - - - - - - - - - 417-779-5084 MIDSDUR:t DICL.AHDMA Missouri, Springfield ( 417) The Edge- -424 Boomille Ave- - - - - --417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 Liquors & Kickers- -1109 E. Commercial.873-2225 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - - - 417-864-4572 Priscilla's - - 1918 S. Glenstoue - - - 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 Qub Rox• - -3535 NW 39th Expwy - 405-947-2351 Cristies Toy Box- - 3126 N. May Ave - 405-946-4438 Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th Expv;y- 405-525-0730 Gmhers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 HollywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex- 405-947-2351 Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- 4-05-528-2221 Hi-Lo Club - - 1221 NW SOth- - - -4-05-843-1722 Jungle Reds - - - 2200 NW Expwy- - 405-524•5733 Partnet11- - - - -2805 NW 36th St - - - - 405-942-2199 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial - -405-755-8600 Red Rocle North-2240 NW39th St- -405-525-5165 Sisters- - - - - - 2120 NW 39th St - - - -405-521-9533 The Roclciei- - -3201 N. May Ave - - 4-05-947-9361 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 Qub Maverick- - 822 S. Sheridan -918-835-3301 Dreamland Bies - 8807 E. Admiral Pl - -834-1051 Elite Boolutore --814 S. Sheridan- - - 918-838-8503 End Up Club• - - 424 S. Memorial- -918-836-2480 GLBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 41st- - - 918-743-4297 Hideaway Loungc-11730 E. 11th- - -918-437-0449 Midtown- - - -319 E. 3rd- - - - - 918-584-3112 Nitc Spot - - -3007 E. Admiral Pl - - - 918-834-3007 Priscilla's - - - - - 7925 E. 41st- - - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla's - - 5634 W. Skelly -918-446-6336 Priscilla's - - - -11344 E. 11th - - - - -- -918-438A224 Priscilla's - - - - 2333 E. 7bt - - -918-499-i 661 Renegades- - - - 1649 S. Main - 918-585-3405 Tulsa CARES- -3507 E. Admiral Pi- - 918-834-4194 Tuisa Eagle- - - - -1338 E. 3rd - 918-592-i188 TNT's - - - 2114 S. Memorial- - -918-660-0856 Uodeiguy.com - - -15 E. Brady - - - - - 918-829-0824 Whittier News S12t1d- 1 N. Lewis- 918-592-0767 Yellow-Brick-Rd- - -2630 E. 15th- - 918-293-0304 Outlets wishing to distribute FREE copies of the STAR, Page 29 contact us at 918.835.7887 9am to 4pm mon - fri or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobai.net Page 30 f I bltterglrl Oq•yndlaate.aom 3007 E. ADMIRAL PLACE. TULSA, OK TIJESDA Y'S LADIES NITE 8pm TO CLOSE 1.25 LONG NECKS DRAGS WELCOME 918.834.3007 Open Monday-Saturday 11 am CLOSED SUNDAY 7240 East Pine - TULSA, OK 918.836.9777 open 6am to 2pm mon - sat. Breakfast & Lunch HIDEAWAY 11730 E. 11th - Tulsa, OK 918.437.0449 4pm to 2am Monday. Page 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 [2005] The Star Magazine, December 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 12 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 01, 2005 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/216 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 Libby Post Paula Martinac Andrew Collins Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Chaz Purdy Art Co. Nancy Wood Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English 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, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 11 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/220 The Star Magazine, January 1, 2005; Volume 3, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/227 Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine A Couple of Guys acceptance Christmas Quail recipe family gay clubs Harvey Milk Heart to Heart intolerance Lesbian Notions Past Out Q Scope religion Star Scene T-Town Rodeo The Big Gay Picture Uncle Mikey vacation World AIDS day https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2c536b0482e3462edd608cc20f9ad9fc.jpg a072202aa42960b83d2291b3d0b337de https://history.okeq.org/files/original/6c4a2d334406538574e84f8d0a9add3e.pdf bb46df8f0a96a2399137d71aacf6579a 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 Delivering Quality; Affordability, 'ue, Integrity and Trust in Advertising Service. THE !TfS YOUR COMMUNITY, WE DELIVER ITl, AUGUST 2005 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 8 FREE Page 2 L tingand .on a" nd" Ml,S Scott C.row, Managing Broker McGraw Davisson Stewart, Realtors 1-866-527-7755 Grand Lake, Oklahoma. ScottCrow.rfic:grawok.com Tulsa Oklahoma City Little Rock . Fayetteville- } · Fort Smith .... )'..] springfi~icf ., · · Joplin Kansas Ci Witchita Page 3 Fire Destroys Gay Bar. When a friend suffers a loss we feel that loss ourselves and want to reach out and do something to help ease the pain. Such is the feeling we at the STAR have for Kelly Crissman and his staff at Studio 716 in Fayetteville. On Saturday July 16th during the early morning hours Studio 716 was· broken -into and set fire by an· arson. The Club was a total loss. Crissman said the investigation had ruled out ii#e·•crime as a motive. He and investigatotJ 0slispect the arson may have been a disgrifo.tled exemployee and would not .i:Oriiment further on that possibility. • "The building owner pilμlS to rebuild the space and Studio 716 \Vilh:eopen in the same location bigger aifd ;better than before, we aren't sure abqilt,the time. frame for the reopening. y, take months for construction .. ·. . efurbishing the club" said Crissman.. . ... · Studio 716 had been iri: btisiiiess for over 2 years and was F~yett~e's only gay club. .· .. Kelly Crissman, a big!} .erpfil~ leader in the Fayetteville q.1;~;:tc't1~niunity was the major sponsor of the dities··2nd annual Gay Pride Events ancl Pai;lde this .year. With NW Arkansas's struggle with gay rights and homopl:iobia in the area, Crissman has be~n a voke and activist in efforts to unite riot only the GLBT community but the main stream population as well. We applaud Kelly and his su for making a difference in our .. .. . nit-y and look forward to a new Studib 716. C.D. Ward/Editor HISTORIC CHURCH RESOLUTION EMBRACES ALL FAMILIES 'The United Church of Christ is sending a powerful and historic message that all families should be loved and cherished,' said HR C President Joe Solmonese July 4, 2005 WASHINGTON - The General Synod of the 1.3 million member United Church of Christ today approved a historic resolution endorsing marriage equality for same-sex couples at its biennial meeting in Atlanta. Approval of the resolution makes the United Church of Christ the largest Christian denomination to endorse marriage for same- sex couples. The Human Rights Campaign's new Director of Religion and Faith Programs, Harry Knox, a United Church of Christ member was in Atlanta for the vote. Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese made the following statement today: " The United Church of Christ is sending a powerful and historic message that all families should be loved and cherished. The United Church of Christ took an important step forward today. Its call for full equality in all spheres of American life will be remembered and honored by future generations. The marriage resolution is a beacon to millions of people of faith worldwide that &milies are strengthened with love but weakened by discrimination. While marriage equality under the law should never impress houses of worship into recognizing unions between same-sex couples, we hope more and more peopie of faith demonstrate important values of understanding and fair-mindedness." Marriage in Canada A bill granting full marriage equality to same-sex couples in Canada became law on July 20, 2005. Marriage licenses are now available to same-sex couples nationwide. Since marriage laws in Canada do not have residency requirements, same-sex couples who travel from the United States to Canada could also get married there. Canadian marriage for U.S. couples. It is unclear whether the U.S. government will recognize the legitimacy of Canadian marriages between same-sex couples who return to the United States and try to exercise their rights, such as filing joint income taxes or claiming Social Security survivor benefits. The Human Rights Campaign suggests checking with an attorney to get legal advice about your situation before deciding to marry in Canada. Couples should also read the marriage advisory issued by the leading gay, lesbian, bisexual and ttansgender legal organizations on this topic. Legal requirements. Io British Columbia, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario and · Yukon Territory, applicants .for a marriage license must be 19 or older. In Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan, they must be 18 or older. In Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Yukon Territory, there is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period between when the marriage license is issued and when the ceremony can be performed. Quebec has a 20-day waiting period, while Nova Scotia has a five-day waiting period. Newfoundland & Labrador have a fourday waiting period between the application and the issuance of the license and an additional four-day waiting period between the issuance of the license and the marriage. There is a one-year residency requirement for divorce in Canada, so couples thinking about getting married there should take that into consideration. Page 6 AUGUST 2005 by Andrew Collins "Magical Retreats of the Southwest" When you're choosing a romantic place to stay in the rugged Southwest, where you're ~ever far from sweeping desert or mountain vistas, it's ~ometimes .hard. to dec:de wheth.e_r to ;hoose a room with a dazzling interior, or one with a dazzling view. Ot course,. 1t _YOU re lucky, you'll find a charming place to stay that offers plenty of dazzle :ns1de and out. Here's a sdecticin of gay-friendly country inns and ranches located 1n some of the Southwest's most breathtakingly beautiful areas, from the red-rock terrain around Moab, Ut:lh, and Sedona, Ariz., to the verdant countryside of the Texas Hill Country, to the evergreen-studded mountafos of northern New Mexico. All of the accommodations mentioned welcome a mixed gay/straight clientele, and a few are lesbian- or gay-owned. El Portal - Sedona, Arizona . Nestled amid the spectacular red-rock canyons, buttes, and mesas of Sedona, about two hours north of Phoenix and two hours south of the Grand Canyon, El Portal which. opened in summer 2003 - has quickly earned a reputation as one of .the premier small lodgings in the Southwest. What sets this elegant 12-room_ property ap,ar.t from other new constructions is the care that owners Steve and C:onrue . , .afic10naaos of Arts and €rafts design, took to build El Portal exactly in period s . . The Arts and Crafts movement which flourished around the tum of the 20th century, emphasized fine ctaft;manship, clean lines, organic furnishin~ arid archite:tu~e, and natural materials: This intimate gem of a hotel features reclaimed oak and Jumper bearils, Utah river rocks, art nouveau stained glass, and actual Tiffany, Roycroft, and Stickley furnishings. . . Stylish though it is, El Portal is a low-keyed place where guests mingle each . evening over complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres in the ho~ey lobby. Food, m fact, is a big part of any visit here - a full breakfast, where you . might sample blueberry buttermilk pancakes with blueberry-cinnamon compote an~ coconut butter, is included. And an elaborate prix-fixe dinner ~$45 per person) ts served on Saturday nights, presented to the sound of live classicai guitar musi_c. . Rooms are oversized and indrvidually decorated; most have ternfic views of. the red-rock mountains nearby, and many have firepiaces and private patios. Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and high-speed Internet. Guests also have use of the gym, pool, and spa at the luxury Los Abrigados ~esort, which. is just next door. A rarity among small, posh retrears: El Portal Sedona 1s pet-foendiy. Lodge at Creekside - Wimberley, Texas . _ .. · little Wimberiey mav not be especially famous outside ot Texas, but thls picturesque village in th:, he~~ o! Hill Country ha,s a lot going for i:, incI,u~ing a lush setting on the Blanco River. In !ess than an hour s dnve from Austill ana ~an Antonio, has a bounty of art galleries and charming boutiques, and is close to gte2t. rafting, hiking., swimming, and fishing. It's also close to one of the state's most scenic Page 7 Out of Town drives, the so-called Devil's Backbone (Hwy. 32), a winding ridge-top road offering brilliant vistas of the rolling countryside. This popular arts enclave is also home to one of the state's most charming gayfriendly country inns, the Lodge at Creekside, an upscale 6-acre compound consisting of eight nattily furnished cabins, a two-room suite, and a threebedroom house; all units are outfitted with jetted tubs and wood-burning stoves. A big, hearty breakfast is served in the main dining rooms, but there's a much more romantic option: your breakfast delivered right to your cabin in the morning, packed inside a charming wicker basket (the lodge also serves gourmet dinners by prior arrangement). This place may be rustic, but it's definitely not without modern conveniences - cabins have private phones, VCRs, microwaves and refrigerators, and wireless high-speed Internet. Outdoorsy types enjoy the property's location along crystal-clear Cypress Creek, a lovely spot to dip your toes in the water. Culture vultures like that it's onlv a quarter-mile walk to Wimberley's quaint town square, where you'll find cafes, shops, Wimberley Glassworks (where .you can see talented glass blowers at work and buy their artful finished creations), and the Corral Outdoor Theater, which shows movies all summer long. Mayor's House B&B - Moab, Utah A hub of mountain-biking, hiking, outdoor photography, and off-road driving, Moab is also the closest town to stunning Arches and Canyonlands national parks, both of which are famous for their fantastic red-rock formations. The town of about 6,000 residents lies a little more than four hours southeast of Salt Lake City, seven hours northeast of Las Vegas, seven hours northwest of Albuquerque, and six hours west of Denver. Although it's in a relatively rural part of conservative Utah, the townis also comparatively progressive and quite gay-friendly. . . . The Mavor's House B&B, whtch 1s gay-owned, ;its on the east edge of town, within walking distance of several restaurants and shops. The pace at this casual and contemporary five-room inn is ~low and easy, and there are several cheery spots where guests can relax and mingle, including a large, open gatheri~g room and an expansive deck surroundmg a big swimming pool. Rates here start at just $80, for t..he cozy but pleasant J\1iner's Room, but even the huge Master Suite - with its own private entrance off the main deck is a fine value at $130 nightly. Friends traveling together can also book the Bunkhouse, an 1,100-square-foot cottage that can sleep up to eight guests; it has a kitchenette, large-screen TV, and DVD player. Rancho de San Juan• Espanola, New Mexico Although this supremely elegant hideaway is technically located in rather mundane Espanola, it's actually a good 10 miles north of the downtown area, set at the foot of Black Mesa, in the Ojo Caliente River Valley. It's within easy driving distance of Abiquiu's magnificent red-rock cliffs, which so inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Northern New Mex:ic~'s artistic and cultural hubs, Santa Fe and Taos, are also each within an hour's drive. This completely secluded mini-resort, New Mexico's only member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux hotel group, sits along a 225-acre spread and consists of 17 posh casitas and suites. Many rooms have kiva (beehive-shaped) fireplaces, which are typical of New Mexico adobe houses. The Black Mesa Suite has French doors opening onto a private patio, and the Buena Vista Suite has a massive bay window affording astounding views of the Jemez Mountains. Although Rancho de San Juan is a good distance from most dining options, the inn has its own exceptional prix-fu::e restaurant, serving outstanding contemporary American fare. The restaurant is open to nonguests, too, bv advance reservation. Guests can also opt f~r in-suite spa services, wirh options ranging from Swedish massage to an herbal mineral bath. One of the most unusual draws here is an intricatelv carved sandstone shrine up a short trail behind the property. Buiit into a cliff, the shrine consists of several cathedralinspired chambers with v:.ulted ceilings and tall windows - it's a wonderful place to catch your bi:eatn and admire the stunning New Mexico countryside. continued page-28 Page 8 NATIONAL ISSUES CONTINUED: International Marriage Rights Canada. A bill granting full marriage equality to same-sex couples in Canada ~ecame law on July 20, 2005. Marriage licenses are now available to same-sex couples nationwide. Belgium. Belgium, which passed its law Jan. 30, 2003, recognizes same-sex couples equally in tax, inheritance and other marriage benefits but stops short of allowing same-sex married couples to adopt children together. The law stipulates that only couples from countries that allow same-sex marriages can be married under the law. The Netherlands. The Netherlands ' which in 2001 became the first country to extend marriage rights to same-sex • couples, gives such couples exactly the same rights as heterosexual couples, including in tax, inheritance and adoption rights. The law requires that at least one member of the couple be a Dutch national or live in the Netherlands. Spain. The Spanish Parliament approved legis~ation on June 29, 2005 legalizing marnage for same-sex couples in the country. Under the law, gay and lesbian parents would also be permitted to adopt children. The law went into effect on July 3, 2005. OREGON SENATE TAKES HISTORIC STEP TOW ARD EQUALITY "Simple fairness means the same rights, protections and responsibilities for everyone," said HRC President Joe Solmonese WASHINGTON - The Oregon Senate made history today by passing SB 1000 - a bill that would grant critical rights and protections to same-sex coupies and their children as well as ban discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. "Simple fairness means the same rights, protections and responsibilities for everyone," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "By passing this import-ant legislation, the Oregon Senate has said that every family needs the same rights and protections and that no one should face discrimination simply because of who they are. These are American values that should be enshrined in our laws." HRC is working closely with Basic Rights Oregon - the statewide GLBT advocacy group - on a coordinated grassroots strategy for the passage of the civil union and anti-discrimination bill. This effort has included on-the-ground staff support and generating constituent contacts to legislators. "The Senate's historic vote today reflects the values of an overwhelming majority of Oregonians who believe that discrimination against gay and lesbian people and their families is wrong," said Roey Thorpe, executive director of Basic Rights Oregon. "Now is the time for Oregon to take this historic vote one step further by not only condemning discrimination, but prohibiting it in the law." The bill will now move to the House where a "reciprocal benefits" bill has been introduced that only grants a· few rights to couples and does not address discrimination protections tnat are a critical part of SB1000. "Fair-minded leaders must ensure that protections are not Handed out piecemeal," said Solmonese. "Given Nike's historic support; Gov. Kulongoski's steadfast backing, and endorsements from business and religious leaders from across the state, the legislature should hasten the passage of SB1000." Oregon voters passed a constitutional amendment in November exclU:ding same-sex couples from marriage, but did not deal with the issue of civil unions. "Supporters of the amendment argued that the legisiature should consider civil. unions for same-sex couples," said Solmonese. "It is time for them to make good on their word." Page 9 NATIONAL ISSUES CONTINUED: MCC Responds To Religiously-Inspired Anti-Gay Stabbing Attack At Jerusalem Gay Pride Event From: The Reverend Dr .. Troy D. Perry Moderator, Metropolitan Community Churches July 5, 2005 Along with people around the world, I am horrified at the religiously-inspired attack that injured three marchers in Jerusalem's Gay Pride Parade. This violent incident is yet another reminder that homophobia in our world is often motivated by religious intolerance and religious fundamentalism. The attacker who stabbed the marchers was quoted as saying, "I came to murder in the name of God." It is worth noting that this attack did not happen in a vacuum. Jewish, Christian and Muslim religious fundamentalists both in Israel and the U.S. have carried out an unrelenting months-long campaign to vilify and demonize gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. They have attempted to impose their narrow religious views at the expense of the basic human rights of LGBT people. I call upon Israeli authorities to investigate beyond the lone attacker. Religious leaders .who have misused their spiritual authority to inspire violence and hatred against LGBT people must.be held accountable for theii; role in fomenting and inciting this incident. I am deeply saddened that anti-gay religious leaders have twisted a positive spiritual message of love for God's diverse creation into a hate-filled message far removed from the deep, genuine spirituality of faith, hope and love for all of God's creation. Today, I join with people of goodwill around the globe in sending my prayers to the three victims of this horrific attach, and to the LGBT community in Jerusalem, whose parade of love, pride, and equality was met with.hatred and ·violence. I call upon all faith communities to reject negative spirituality that demonizes those who are different and that invariably leads t0 division and pain, and to redouble our prayers for an end to homophobia in our world REV. PERRY'S FAREWELL SERMON HIGHLIGHTS MINISTRY THAT POSITIVELY CHANGED LIVES 'Reverend Perry's ministry has healed and brought hope to countless souls,' said HR.C's Harry Knox. WASHINGTON - As the Rev. Elder Troy Perry, moderator of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, preaches his final sermon as moderator this evening, the Human Rights Campaign expressed gratitude for the reverend's ministry. Perry will give the sermon to the denomination's 2005 General Conference in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. "Reverend Perry's ministry has healed and brought hope to countless souls," said Harry Knox, director of the HRC Foundation Religion and Faith Program. "It's appropriate that his triumphal last message of hope to the denomination he - founded will be delivered at the same time Canada celebrates marriage equality. Troy and the UFMCC were pioneers in the work to bring equal rights to samesex couples and have worked tirelessly to see it become a realitv. When Revere~d Perry started the chu;ch in 1968, he broke ground that is bearing glorious fruit today. His was the first voice I ever heard proclaiming God's unconditional love for lesbian, gay, bisexual and rransgender Christians like me. Reverend Perry laid down the foundation for the work we are all doing now to amplify the voices of clergy and lay people who believe in justice for LGBT folks. Mav his retirement be as rich and rewardin'g for him as his gifts of ministry have been for others." - ... a Labo . · LE· ·... Page 11 Watch For Dur Neat Liue Concert COM I NG SOON! Page 12 ,.• Dolt t! For GLBTs & PPLAGs Eurell11 Springs, Arllansas '\:,,'• ,,,,' ,,".,, , H.!i»" 4, 5 & 6 FALL DIVERSITY WEEKEND ,',,,\ "'; • ,•✓ Boys Can Sing SopranQ, ,<says Genal?rPAC ~Texas Mlisic AsJociatiori. Plav~ the Same Old Tune: Discriminati~n~ WASHINGTON DC, Ouly 7,2005) Mikliael Rawls, a rising Texas high school. senior, won't be performing before music college recruiters next school year. He won't even have the chance to audition for an elite ensemble of Texas high school singers. The Texas Music Educators Association eliminated tl:μs possibility for Rawls when they rejected his audition request: for a soprano position, which is traditionally a girls' part. "The Texas music association is denying this young man of his right ro equal opportunity to try out for the choir and develop his musical talents. And it's not because he. doesn't sing well - it's because he is a boy," said Riki Wilchins, Executive Director of Gender Public Advocacy Coalition (Gender PAC). The music association began prohibiting boys from singing soprano or alto, and girls from tenor or bass two years ago, according to the local · television news station, KXAS-TV. The association, which claims to offer quality musical experiences for students and to cultivate universal appreciation and lifetime involvement in music, has taken a step backward by denying Rawls the chance to capitalize on his strengths and talents. Rawls, who sings in an octave and a half higher than most boys his ag~, has earned several distinctions for his singing including first place as a soprano in the University Interscholastic r.eague's competition for two consecQtive years. He hopes to pursue a joint 'degree in vocal performance and liberal arts from the New England Conservatory and Harvard University after high school graduation. Rawls often a part called . wiis ; popular wonienwe group~:l'.t vias: · , when times until an it about 60 years ago. tdaay men can be found singing coui:ttert,enor in music schools across. the countrv. . " , "., "Music education, like all education. should be about helping young people - realize their full poteriti:il and achieve their dreams. Discrimination against male or female students is just plain wrong," said Lindsay Bond, · GenderPAC's Youth Program Coordinator. The Gender Public Advocacy Coalition (GenderPAC) works to end discrimination and violence caused by gender stereotypes. Visit us at www.gpac.org contact: 202-462-6610 Page 13 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 codav and ask about our services. Auto -Home - Life Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Tel: (866) 208-9480 gtainter@shelterinsurance.com the BAMBOO LOUNGE, TULSA TULSA, 0 K_ The Bamboo Lounge inaugurated their new outdoor stage with the fabulous Rachael Sage in concert Saturday evening July 9th to a delighted and packed house. The 2004 Independent Music Award \'finner was in Tulsa promoting her new CD "Ballad$ & Burlesc1ue'' Self-produced by S:ige and mixed by Kevin Killen (Kate Bush, Elvis Costello. ~\late Cohn), Ballads & Buriesque features ten tracks of "rich vocals, sparkling piano and yearning poetry" Tli\iE OL'T NY. "Sage is the music world's best kept secret'. Q i\11\G:\Zlls.JE. "BALLADS & Bl1RLESQUE" is Rachael's 6th album release and can be purchased at Barnes & Nobie or Borders stores in Tulsa or. the four States Region. Rachael Sage is truly a renaissance performer. Self-taught on the piano from age 5, she went on to stuck at The School of American Ballet in her adolescence. She later earned a degree in Drama from Stanford l'niYcrsity. Following a one-year stint with New York Cit\''s renowned Actors Studio. she redi,co,·ered her passion for music and took the l'sie\,. York Cit\ li,·c mmic ~cene br storm. Sonja & Friends at the Hollywood Hotel, OKC Sonja ~Iartinez ha~ been entcrutining in the Oklahonn Cir, area f<,r m:im· ,-c,,r'., and is considered on<: nf C)kL1hc,!na\ hcsi kept secret~! Joined 1n, ~li\..'cna ~nc:1rs, J(Jhn Bcbcc, D:::hbic Da·,1c: Jnd <>n·:h(>\' (~rooncr i\Lnd'"!c'X J-jcath Fit1gcrald. thi~ c\·cnt \\·ill hbw 1·0~: :,\,-,,·.-.. \ nw~t ,cci ,\n r•~ycning \'virh S,)nja ii.: 1:ricnd~ .~1 t~h: Hollywood, OKC -tth Dinnt:r -rt;l _,nd ;civ·wt!'lll' S:.'1 1l'l'i'- !,,,. Rescn;atir)n~: (:~d~: ~~o,::,_tf--!~H~:;:-; ! . ~~uni.: \t.:ill ,d~n b;; pcrfonr:~t:~~ :1! P:1r:nt·r:-: / ·it:L 111 < )kbh(,tr.:\ Cit'. "n I rid.n \u-.:m• '.'1: loc~Ht'(: ~tt ~2~~( 15 :~\\' 3<~t h Michelle Mayfield "This Women Really Rocks" Singer, Song \\'riter i\liche!le Mayfield ,,ntcd m the ,1~e c,f 3 playing for friends ar:d t·:1mih·. ·'Pat Bcnarar was m,· firs, :n::ior (;1tkcnc:: and still is w this day. As :1 youn.~ in1prc~sionablc fctnale it \Vas so im:nrtant 'o hct\'t a role mode! -.,·ith sue!: ,, ,!I, ,n? ·,, ,ice. presence. and attimde; it L,,.i " :11'1j<;, imp;,ct on \,·bcre l am to::la\· ~l'.-- ;1 ~1ngcr, sonbn,!,·riree~. ;_\fichelle pc:-1·, ,r:n-:- in and :,round , \ufti::. Da'.!as, 1 hu,,on .rnd ,,ill b-.: rcckin a, CLUB l 022 ;r, i'"n S:n;d:, _\R on Sa1:~1r'.:laY \u::..~·J~t ,~-th. 5~10,\·tin1c 11 :30P:i\L Page 16 JOIN THE STAR TEAM! ADVERTISING Rl!:PRl!:SENTATIVE F"OR WICHITA, OKLAHOMA CITY, TULSA, MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS email qualifications to ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 HAPPY BIRTHDAY! SMITII AUGUST 8TH HAPPY BIRTHDAY! RodneyB y AUGUST 1 3TH 1 /BTH PAGE CLASSIFIED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL FOR RATES 91 B.B35.7B87 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quailty, Value, Integrtty and Trust in Advertising Service. FREE HIV TESTING,NO NEEDLffi l SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 Sunday Service 6PM In conjunction with AIDS Project of the Ozarks, MCC Joplin offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. For your convenience you can also call 206-6179 for an appointment. We use the Ora-sure method which does not require the use of needles and we offer complete confidentiality. You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin "Seroing A Healthier Community" Page 17 N: Overexposure to Dancers can lead to vision problems.'.. (fiut tften ff.asses get more st)ftsft e-very aay! Cm.D BIBB • l10'r BODS .. 81'Bmlo DRIIID l 424 S. Memorial, Tulsa "' (918) 836-2480 21 ANDOVER a ONEDRINKMINIMUMD CLOSEDTUESDAYDWWW.ENDUPCLUB.COM -: i: :'· . ,. 405-478-4009 • 6725 N. Miramar Blvd. Okla City, OK 73111 Rodney Burgamy www.c21goldc:astJe.oom 405.840.2106 Joe Brennan It's official: We're homeowners,; Well, almost official. Our settl~fueridiite ; and the big move is about a month away, but everything is looking good. It's all happened so quickly my head .is still spinning. Our own.home .... It's a big step - put ohe mC>te, ap.d more same-sex couples · ·· · · · According to the 2000 64% of gay couples owned houses. up from 52% in 1990. However, compared to the straight world, that number is si:ill a bit low: 78% of heterosexual married couples own homes. "Discrimination may be one factor in that, but vou could think of other reasons ;hy that might occur," said Gary J. Gates, a research associate at the Pooulation Studies Center of the Urban ln;titute in Washington, D.C. Gays and lesbians tend to live in more urban areas where housing costs are higher and rental properties are more available. That's not to discount discrimination. An HRC article on homeownership reports that many gay couples have faced discrimination while shopping for a home - and Federal law offors no protection. The Fair Housing Act (fitle VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968) prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, financing of, or other housingrelated transactions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability, but it does not protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This discrimination could take several forms. Some couples were turned down for housing simply because they were gay. Others have been told they cannot put both partners' names on a homeowner's insurance policy, which is important to do if both partners share ownership of the home. And still other couples have been discriminated against when filing a claim as some insurance companies have attempted to refuse claims or cancel policies on the grounds that the owners are •~unrelated." · · While there are no Federal· protections, fourteen states. artd the y.Dfatrict bf Columbia have paisel:lliws that provide civil rights protections including protection from discrimination in housing for gay, lesbian, and bisexual people. They are California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New . hii: . . :0, oil dtid Wisconsin. df those, only California, Minnesota, New Mexico and Rhode Island include protection for transgender . peopie. It1 a~<#;ioli, ther~ .·ru:~ .?:1P:~.~'l:han · 240:local, ·thaep;oJi,ibtt· of these also der ck-'with vour local go . i~formation. Even if you',refortui:~te enough to live in one of these states or municipalities, you'm.a'fnot be protected from all forms of discrimination. For example, while Maryland prohibits discrimination in housing, gay couples still face an unfair transfer and recordation tax. This past legislative session, a bill was passed that would have eliminated what is called the "gay tax" on homeownership by exempting · committed same-sex couples from .the taxes involved in transferring the title of a home owned bv one member of a couple into both· members' names. The Republican governor, Robert Ehrlich, ........... Continued next page Page 19 HEART TO HEART vetoed the bill, along with another that ,vould have created a statewide a registry of life partners granting eleven rights dealing with health care and end-of-life arrangement~, most of ,vhich cannot be achieved through ac!Yance direcri,-e, power of attorney, or will. But what if, like Jon and I, you decide to make the leap to homeownership in the face of discrimination. What should you be looking for? #1: Gay or Gay-friendly Realtor Your first step will be to find a gay or gay-friendly iealtor. You want someone who will understand vour circumstances and lifescyle. This may be easier than you think, th;nks to the s~rvices of online · referral services like GayRealEstate.com or HomeLounge.com. Our agent, while straight, was not narrow. He treated· us like any other young couple searching for their first home. #2: Your Dream House Once you have a realtor, be sure to tell him or her exactly what you are looking for. Don't be afraid to be specific, but also be realistic. If you have a list of twenty things you're looking for in a house, what are the chances of finding one with all twenty? You may have to decide what vou can and can't live without. For' instance, Jon and I wanted an older, two-story house with a big backyard for entertaining, preferably in the councrv. Unfortunatelv, there wasn't much that ,fit that description that fell within our price range. When we were shown the house we ended up making an offer on, it was perfect except for the fact that it wasn't in the country. We decided tl1at the gorgeous hardwood floors outweighed the in-town setting. #3: Location, Location, Location Wbe1, \'OU find a house vou like, be sure to lo<;k into the location: Will it be a safe area for a gay couple to live in? Get a crime report from the police department (or online if it's available). Talk to your potential neighbors. Educate yourself about the area. More and more gay couples are moving out of traditionally gay neighborhoods. We were a little wary of the area our house was located in ... until we talked to the neighbors. A fifteen minute conversation with the lady next door really eased our minds. #4: Protection Once you've found the right home in the right neighborhood, don't forget to get the right protections. There is much complicated, additional legal work required to ensure the survivorship rights of both partners in the event of breakup or death. I know, this isn't what you want to be thinking about in the midst of such a joyous occasion, but you need to plan ahead for all possibilities. In addition to certain title provisions, other legal documents may be needed. Be sure to consult an agent experienced in such areas, or find a good attorney knowledgeable in LGBT law. Now that all that's out of the way, it's time to stare planning your housewarming party. Be sure to im·ite everyone you know. You get more presents that way. 124:N. Boston - ·Tulsa, OK - 918.584.9494 Thu-sday Nights .., Rachael Erlkks - MGA 2004 &nc::lay Ni~ts - Catla Lee Love - MG)\ 2000 1!11trsday and Sunday - 18 to enter; 21 :to drink . Friday andSaturday DanceParty- 21 to enter 9 p till 2 a .;, Ulu'-sdav - SUnday nights Sunday Ni~ come enjoy tie anlcs of Caia Lee lave, Molcaa Monroe, Kandy Kain, Iman Seal ..t guests. Thuraday Nighls Racheal Emks 10ail'S it up for a pork chop on Talent Search Tharsday•s. Cengraeulalions to T abilha Taylor - Mss Day Oklahoma America 201Jj Page 21 omentics Author's Scott & Scott Scott was scoping the boys on the dance floor. Scott was looking for friends that fortunately never showed up. One glance led to another, and soon they were shouting over the booming sounds of the latest dance remi.""t. "Scott'' "What? I'm Scott'' "Scott" "What?" "Vodka tonic." "No! What? Me, too!" And we found even more things in common: Fireplaces and red wine. Mountains and lakes and sunrises over the ocean. A cup of coffee and a morning full of writing. It was a good start, and now a few years later, we're still together. Prom our place in Boston to California wine country, from St. Croix to Bourbon Sttcet to Key West. We've been all over, weathered a .few storms, and come away convinced othet gay men share our love for romance. And we want to share .it with you. A common name. A common dttam. A common love. That's what Romentics is all about. .. .......... continued pagt.•29 Page 22 ast Out by Liz Highleyman AUGUST 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. July 1865 (140 years ago this month): Military surgeon Dr. James "Miranda" Barry dies in London, England. Who was Dr. James "Miranda'' Barry? Dr. James Barry was a celebrated military surgeon and medical reformer whose sex and gender identity ,vere the subject of much specuiarion both during his life and after his death. To this day. it is not known whether Barry was a cransgender man, a person with an intersex condition, or a woman who cross-dressed in order to follow her dreams. Barry is thought co have been born around 1795, but little is known about the exact circumstances of his birth and early life. Even his original name is uncertain; some researchers believe it was Miranda Stuart or Margaret Bulkley. Barry is said to have been raised by a single mother and supported by a circle of bohemians and radicals who were friends of his uncle, the Irisn painter James Barry. Among chem were the Earl of Buchan (David Erskine), an early proponent of women's rights, and the Venezuelan revolutionary General Francisco de Miranda, who encouraged Barry to dress as a boy and enro;I at ~he University of Edinburgh IVfcdical Schooi as a young teenager. Barry graduated in l 812; today, he is regarded by many as che first woman e,·er to h"\-c rccei\·ed a unin:rsity medical degree. He then did an apprenticeship in London with renowned phvsician Sir Astley Cooper. Despite having a delicate phvsiguc and being barely five feet mil, Barry joined the British Army around 1813 as a hospital assistant. He served in several oyerseas posts, arriving in Cape Tuwn, Sonth Africa (then a British coiony), around 1816. Though he often bucked his superiors as he sought to improve local health conditions, he quickly rose through the ranks and was named medical inspector. He became known for his talent as a surgeon, and is credited with performing the first successful Cesarean section using modern Western techniques. With his delicate features, red-dyed hair, flamboyant outfits, and high-heeled shoes, Barry developed a reputation as a dandy. Writer Charles Dickens once described him as "uniciue in appearance and eccentric in manner," while another contemporary said he was "completely devoid of all the outward signs of manly Yiriiity." Among his peculiar habirs, it was noted that Barry would only undress in complete privacy. He also became known for his short temper and lack of diplomacy. While his quarrelsome manner frequently got him into trouble, Barry usually escaped serious consequences due to his medicai skills and his friendships with higher-ups. Although flirtatious with the ladies, Barry was rumored co be homosexual, and he fought at least one duel to defend his honor. Around 1820, Barry entered into a close relationship - and quite likely a love affair - with Cape Town Governor Lord Charles Somerset. The two were accused of llOdomy, after which the governor was recalled to London and the young doctor temporarily left the cape for parts unknown - some say to conceal a pregnancy, although another theory holds that Barry lived briefly as a woman with Somerset in Britain. · Barry resurfaced in South Africa, where he remained until 1828. He then went on co serve in several island posts, including Mauritius, Jamaica, St. Helena, ti1e West Indies, Malta, a:1d Corfu. It i~ rumored that once, while Barry was suffering from yellow fever, a doctor discovered his birth sex, b~c Barry swore him to secrecy. In 1857, Barry - by now promoted to continued next page: Page 23 Inspector General of Army Hospitais was posted to Canada, a move he disliked due to the cold climate. Two years 'later, after a bout of influenza, he was pressured into retirement and returned to London, accompanied as usual by his Jamaican manservant and a poodle named Psyche. Barry died in London during a dysentery epidemic in July 1865. Although he had asked to be "buried in his bed sheets without further inspection," a nurse or maid preparing the body dairned Bariy was a .woman and had stretch• marks indicating a past pregnancy. 14:is. ,8octor, however; said he thought Barry might be "an imperfectly developed man," .Aftet his death, Barry's sex continued to provoke controversy. An article in the A .... · :!Z~· . ,2lJ.d:. . it had bvious all along that Barry was a woman: "the physique, absence of hair, the voice, all pointed in one way, and the petulance of temper, the unreasoning impulsiveness, the fondness for pets were in the same dii: ";And 81 in '.baiJ.cet~ an bla. .. • . . encl/ of ·Bliri:y's said he > nev~'-~'c:if"tlie5is}ight~st suspicion of h~r sex."·. :, . .. · . 1'{qtc •t han(ir c,eo:tizj, later,; :Baa:j's •.. "reil'.' sex: remains a .tiiystcfy'. Bu,t, asks Harvard literature professor Marjorie Garber, "If a person lives hi.a or her life. consistently undet a gc:ncle,r'ili~ntiiy' .• different froth. tjut rey:i;al,.~d 1# ·.· •. . ... . anatomicaFfu:spectioti after·death; what is the force of that 'reality'?" For farther reading: . Holmes, Rachel. 2003. _Scanty Particulars:. The Scandalous Life and Astonishing Secret of Queen Victoria's Most Eminent Military Doctor_ (Random House). Rose, ]:one. -1977. _The .Perfect Gentleman: The Remarkable Llfe of Dr. James Miranda Barry_ (Hutchinson). · Spain's first gay ma. e. Two Spanish men have become the first gay couple to be married since a new law allowing same-sex marriages. July 11, 2005 MADRID_ Emilio Menendez, a Spaniard, and Carlos Baturin German, from the US, tied the knot at a ceremony ju~t outsfde Madrid . ':r'he-co1.1f?le,have bs~ . . er fqr.30 years • . •. .. • . O .. • C • • • • 'saicl: "Today :we 'are even niore a family." Spain)s yt~_:third E}lfbJ>e~ m.tion, after the Netherlands. a0<f,Belgium, to legalise samc:~:sc:x marriages.' ':fhe law allo~s ~y couples to adopt children. The wedding ceremony in the town o; Tre_s .C::~ti)s ~~· 11. fa'911y friends and 'journalists . 11 as Pedro Zerolo, the governing Socialist Party's top official for social issues. State television showed footage of the couple smiling and displaying their wedding · Spain's lower house of plirliafuf'.nt yoted)n favour of the bill 60 30}llile, •• ~.ove~g its rejectjon by.the.upper ::?~~i;sE::~. •,° J:Vd"a"k the · ¥adrid:raD:y:;~s~ the l>ilPl5~~a.it was um on !luJ!iiul to. th~ ~Ji. Jiliego. ~ m2gazine Btiiz, May 13. · Page 24 _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. OK, I admit it. Lesbian Notions by Libby Post AUGUST 2005 Bye, Bye B.I ?• When I saw the "Gay, Straight or Lying? Bisexuality Revisited" headline in _The New York Times_, my die-hard "how-could-awoman- who-has-experienced-the-wonder-ofmaking- love-with-another-woman-ever-goback- to-men" dyke heart skipped a beat. But then, seconds later, liberal guilt set in and I read the article. The reporter, Benedict Carey, writes about a new joint study from Northwestern University and Toronto's Center for Addiction and Mental Health that "casts doubt on whether true bisexuality exists, at least in men." Described as "the largest of several small reports" (are the researchers having a "size" problem here?), the study used a tiny test group of 101 young adult men whose sexual identity roughly broke down in thirds 33 said they were bi, 30 said they were straight, and 38 said they were gay. A penile plethysmograph, also known as a PPG in the sex research world, was used to measure "genital arousal patterns in response to sexual images of men and women.". The article didn't detail how the PPG was attached - I'll leave that to your active imaginations. Wl:iat thej found, however, was that, as expected, the straight guys got it up for the images of women, and the gay guys did the same for men. The unexpected finding was that three-quarters of the self-identified bi guys responded only to the images of men. And from these results the conclusion was made that bisexuality, at least ·in men, does not really exist. Now, the response to. the article, the headline in particular, has been vociferous. Tue _Times_ has. been flooded with. letters to the editor tanging from: scientific to sarcastic. . . . . . . . . ·. Stanford biology professor Dr. Joan Roughgarden:wrote, "In the 300 or more known vertebrate sp'c::cies with natural homosexuality, all combine heterosexual with homosexual relations. Humans are. not likely to differ in this. regard ... 11he data in the article show that 20 percent of the pool having ·s.lUDl!-'SCX relatiqns do identify as bisexual. These people surely aren't all lying. Instead, ·psychologists should add a fourth possibility to their list: namely, that they are wrong.'' Catherine Gaffney from that city of brotherly love,· Philadelphia, wrote, "If our sexual preference were best detected by who [sic] we look at in pornography, wouldn't pretty much everyone be attracted to mildly unattractive peopie who live on the West Coast, and lack acting talent?" (I wonder if there will be an organized response from adult film makers to this one.) The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) have both galvanized their forces. GLAAD found the headline to be sensationalistic and derogatory. They even asked the _Times_ to change the header on their online edition. The answer was no. GLAAD wants folks to write more letters fo the editor. NGLTF's Matt Foreman was "stunned that _The New York Times_ Science section would carry such a .shoddy, sensationalistic and downright insulting story" that equates sexual orientation with sexual arousal. The article "defames the truth in the lives and loves of millions of bisexual men. The Times should be ashamed." A .................. continued next page - - Page 25 plethora of information regarding bisexuality, the study's inaccuracies, and suggested action can be found at www.ngltf.org. While the die-hard dyke heart says one thing, the rational thought process that inhibits my brain suggests that, absent all the sex-role stereotyping that permeates our society, we'd probably break down on the following scale - 10 percent of us would be either exclusively hetero or homo (that includes us lesbians), and the rest of us would revel in sexual fluidity. Clearly, our culture is anything but devoid of sex-role stereotypes and the presumption of heterosexism, so this isn't likely to happen. But the question that really concerns me is not whether bisexuality exists but why there isn't a stronger, independent bisexual movement with political clout of its own. The messages of bisexuals and transfolks can get lost and overlooked when we're all included under the ubiquitous LGBT political umbrella. I understand that while some of the issues that bisexuals face are the same for lesbians and gays, some are different. I understand that the transgender community must grapple with both sexual and gender orientation. But I also understand political reality and how too many messages crowd each other out. Just look at John Kerry's failed bid for president. With a smorsgasbord of "messages," his campaign never had a dear and coherent one. What happened? He lost. While each of our singular communities has its own organizations, perhaps those of us with greater resources can help those who don't. It is vital to work in coalition when the issue calls for it and to maintain our singular identities. Wouldn't it be more effective if each of us - the lesbian and gay community, the bisexual community, and the transgendcr community - had our own strong political identity, so that when we do work together we truly are greater than the sum of our parts? If this were the case, -_The New Yark Times_ might never have equated bisexuality with lying . 1 /STH PAGE CLASSIFIED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F"CR RATES 91 B.B35.7B87 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and Trust in Advertising Service. 1 /BTH PAGE CLASSIFIED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F"CR RATES 91 B.B35.78B7 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and Trust in Advertising Service. 1 /BTH PAGE CLASSIFIED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F"CR RATES 91B.B35.78B7 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and Trust in Advertising Service. Page26 Dear uncle: Ask Uncle Mikey Advice Column! AUGUST 2005 Well Kittens, Welcome back to Uncles comer in Queerdom. Uncle exhaustively rejoins you from the thirtv twioks of pride. Another season of bringing lo,;e to the masses. Uncle is proud to say not only did he manage better than some twinks I could mention However, went on to give the big bang of the season on the fourth. While eyes were glued to . the skv this Fourth of July, let:i™s just say that uncle ~as enjoying another big bang, and what a bang it was. I think I will give that boy five stars kittens. I am so over sex. I have been dating several men for a few months. Not one of them is a good lay, and I am beginning to think sex is just hype. I mean is there no one out there that can keep up with me? · Looking for more Dearest Looking: . . Well, well, well, look at you Kitten. Fully loaded with ~11 the a_ccessories lt seems. You know, maybe you are right. My advice darling; move mto a single flat,_ and h~ve at it. Since yo.; obviously have way too much skill for Queerdom, do the right thmgGo do yourself. Smooches uncle Mikey Hey Mike: . . How do you know if someone is truly in love when love JS nothing more th:t11 _an agreement? I mean it is not an actual condition. People fool themselves mto believmg they love someone until it goes bad, than it gets ugly. 'Why bother. True to one Dear True: . Utilizing my years of experience, I detect that you are a betrayed lesbian finding hers~f bitter. Uncle has been around the block sister; now close the mouth, as you know I am right. Love is a beautiful thing in which the lucky inhibitor of loves embrace finds joys untold. True love can conquer all, as long as you have the right equipment. Uncle s~~sts that you _forget about tl:ie wicker furniture she stole and move on with it already. Chalk 1t up to experience and open your heart, before you find yourself sitting at a table for one, in the romance department. Smooches-uncle Mikey . . Well, what in Chers name is going on out there? I think the heat J~ gettmg t? the inhibitors of Queerdom. Come on Kittens, put on a happy face. and !f you can t, well drink until you can. You are ruining a perfectly good b~zz, I have g?mg on over here. Suck it up already. No~ you delicious, I was speaking to my ,K1~tens. ?ue:tuncle should not use the v01ce type anymore, as the boy could ha.re nurt hims ..... t lunging for it as he did. Dear Uncle: . . I am having issues with my panner of twenty years. He is acting as if life Is over. He never wants to see our friends, go out and in honesty, have sex anymore. He puts around the house, aod garden, acting as if life does not ~:rists an~more. I a~ not ready to quit. I want to travel, and spend our retired years haVJng fun. He acts as 1f we are already in the ground. What do I do? Concerned partner Dearest CP: ............ continued next page Page27 Kitten, you know the obvious here, as checking for depression, seeking outside help to ensure the health of your partner's mental health. However, I suspect that this is not what you seek from uncle. Therefore, here is uncles advice. Hire a Greek God! Find yourself the most delectable houseboy you can find, insisting that he wear only a Gstriog to work. Go on living and if he chooses to be a sour puss than let him to it. However, I am sure once he sees that you do not care to join him in his ways, he will rethink this and find himself out of the gray mist, which he has landed. Be strong, and makes sure that the houseboy wears a generous coating of oil. What? I was speaking of Skin protection Kitten. Smooches-Uncle Mikey Kittens as partners, the worst thing we can do is join our loved one in their pity of despair. As harsh as it may sound, sometimes they need to be reminded that life will move forward. If they choose not to join in, they may lose out. Tough love kitten. It is the best gift you can give someone suffering from the pity party syndrome. Allow them to realize their folly and than welcome, them back into the game of life. However, if they suffer from serious depression or some other mental health issue. Seek: professional intervention, and offer them support. Love is a two way street, and you should support them through the good and the bad. Besides, you can always go out after visiting hours Kittens snicker, snicker I am a bad boy, somebody should spank me. Well Kittens, that about wraps up this edition of the queer life with your humble guide. I must take my leave once more and make ready for this evenings a.ffa.k As Uncle sees the end of pride tricks, he is reminded all good things must end. Remember this as you make your way out there in Queerdom. The right lube can make the difference between Twiok-a-licious, and Twink:-a-sore-ass Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too! Unck M,leey is 11. chitr11.cter from FrttLsn« writer Mich.ul Hinzm,m. Michael h,u Mn 'Writingfor ten ye,frs. Utilizing bis muiies, 11.nd lift experience to bdp others in bis community, through humor 11.nd so#nd itdwce. Mic1Md. 4J!Plied bis stlldy of prycbology 11nd cmitfoe UTriting, itS t«JJ bis c:tmsifJt! b,,degro"nd in mental be,f/ti, Dim:t ure to bring 11. neu, styk 11.nd llf!PTO,u;h to helping others. Michael's other worlts un be 1Jie-wed at fl1fl1'Cll.g,rylinkcontent.com. The Tulsa GLBT Community Center "A VISIBLE PRESENCE" The Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Traosgender (GLBT) Community Center is a home for our community. It's very presence is a visible reminder to Tulsans of the important role GLBT individuals, families and friends play in our community. Inside the center the wildly popular David Bohnett CyberCenter with 10 flat-panel workstations outfitted with the latest technology allows you to surf the web, finish that school paper or chat with friends across the nation. The Nancy McDonald Rainbow Library has over 3,000 titles for you to check-out and over 300 FREE movies. The "Family" Room has PlayStation 2 and board games or sit back, relax and watch 1V on a large screen TV complete with Showtime, HBO and more. The Tulsa GLBT Community Center is the place to meet friends, make new friends and get involved with your community. The Tulsa GI.BT Community Center is located in mid-town at 5545 E 41 st Street in Highland Plaza. Regular hours are: Tuesday - Thursday: 6:00 · PM Friday & Saturday: 3:00 PM Sundays: 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM 9:00 PM 9:00 PM Quotable Quotes "Bush hates press conferences because he can't speak extemporaneously and can't form a complete sentence without mashing up the language like a 5-ycar-old on Ritalin and can't express a nuaoced multifaceted idea to save his life aod somewhere deep down in his bowels, he knows it, and he knows we know it, aod it makes him mumble and stutter and secretly pray every moment to his angry righteous God he could be somewhere else, anywhere else, like sittin' on the back porch in Te:xas eatin' ribs and dreamin' 'bout baseball." - SFGate.com columnist Mark Morford, June 3. Page 28 The Little Black Book El Portal (95 Portal La., Sedona, AZ, 928-203-9405 or 800-313-0017, www .innsedona.com). Lodge at Creekside (310 Mill Race Ln., Wimberley, TX, 512-847-8922 or 800- 267-3925, www.acountryinn.com). Mayor's House B&B (505 Rosetree La., Moitb, 435-259-6015 or 888-791-2345, www.mayorshouse.com). Rancho de San Juan (U.S. 285, 10 miles north of Espanola, 505-753-6818, www.ranchodesanjuan.com). Fort Smi_th's Oldest Gay Bar Has New Owner. Press Release July 5, 2005 FORT SMITH, AR_ Western Arkansas oldest gay club, Kinkeads Fort Smith has changed ownership and plans many new, exciting feature's in the months ahead. "Kinkeads served it's first drink 11 years ago and has slowly transformed into the show and dance bar it is today", said new owner Andy Osburn. Currently some of the regular events include wet boxer short contests, Show Cast Troupe entertainment from professionals, Miss Up & Coming a monthly talent search for drag want-a-be's, Kickin Karaoke a weekly entertaining event. Osburn, a native eastern Oklahoman began as a dancer in Tulsa's Club Top's. He later worked with a dance group "Male Order Revue" and clubs throughout Oklahoma and the U.S. Andy is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and maintains his other career working with his family in real estate deveiopment. Kinkeads, located downtown Fort Smith, 1004 1/2 Garrison and is open Tues-Fri 6pm to 1am, Sat 6pm to 12rnidnight. For more information vi5it the website: v.rww.kirbykinkeads.com Ten signs you are dating a Drama Queen1111 ■ By Michael Hinzman 10) When you go out, he insists that you drop him in front of the destination, so that he may make his grand entrance ... 9) He refers to you as his stalker. 8) His prep work for an outing could give "Tammy-Faye" a run for her money. 7) You leave the man for seconds only ,;hen upon your return; you find him sobbing to the cute bartender; how he was abandoned by love. 6) He has two yippee dogs named Muffy and Princess. 5) He insists on referring to your member to his friends as -Thor. .. God of Love. 4) He insists "Queer eye" was his idea. 3) When an ex-lover savs hello at the club, he calls you a slut while speed dialing his pack of queens.(fhat are standing not ten feet away) 2) He refers to his dinner parties as a production. (Directors chair included on set) Au'd the number one way you can tell you are dating a drama queen; After sex, he insists you complete a scorecard, complete with a grading curve ... Quotable Quotes "Texam ha·:e made a decision about marriage, and if there is some other state that h;.s a more lenient -.;iew than Texas then maybe that's a better place for them [gays] to live." Texas Gov. Rick Perry as he signed a resolution to amend the Texas Constitution to ban same-sex marriages, at Calvary Christan Academy in Fort Wo.rch, June 5. Voters are expected to approve the amendment in November. Page 29 Scott & Scott Continued TIS GAYROMANCE LINE Press Release: Boston-based Romentics announced the June 15 publication of "Hot Sauce" by Warner Books. "Hot Sauce" is the latest in the Romentics series of Harlequin-style romance novels for gay men-and the first gay romance published by a major publisher. On June 12, 2005, the NY Times Magazine featured Romentics in a multi-page article that hailed Romentics in these terms: This Oz is a brave new world of the gay male romance novel, a world where there are never cowards, only condoms; each of the heroes · · · · · · has a brain, even if it takes until the end of the story fur one of them to use · it; and the abs, if not tin, most likely resemble iron. . "Romehtics is• the first line o(gay romance novels: and 'Hot Sauce;· is the first-ever samesex marriage novel-that's one big happily ever after," said Romentics author Scott Whittier. 'We're proud to join forces with Warner Books to give gay men worldwide the chance to read, and dream, about true love." "Gay marriage here in Massachusetts is a major victory," added co-author Scott Pomfret, "but writing about it in another great American institution-the romance novel-is a cultural victory that crosses stllte borders." "Entertaining, effervescent ... [Hot Sauce] is fan, fast-moving, fairy tale stombuilt for the softhearted gay bea Publishers Weekly "Romentics are nor your mother's romance novels," continued Pomfret. " 'Hot Sauce' is a romance with testosterone-more action, fights, sex scenes, hunky heroes and gay drama. Romentics are for today's contemporary gay man." Set in Boston, "Hot Sauce" is a romantic romp between celebrity chef Brad Drake and the impossibly handsome fashion designer and club impresario Troy Boston. Even as Brad and Troy consider tying the knot, their romance threatens to come unraveled at the hands of Troy's old flame, bleachblond pretty boy Aria Shakespeare. When the action turns red-hot and tempers flare, it takes a wild ride from Boston's high society to the Bermuda triangle and back to keep the passions burning. Is it a recipe for romance or a recipe for disaster? Scott&Scott wrote the book on gay romanceliterally. Founded in Boston in · 2003 at the height of the debate over same-sex marriage in Massachusetts and dubbed "the new romantics" by the Boston · Globe, Romentics '.has brought together for the :first time the :number-one ,market for paperback fiction (romance) and the buying power of the lucrative gay market. Indeed, Romentics authors Pomfret and Whittier are real-life lovers, whose own tale could fill the pages of a romance novel. From out of the closet to all the unique elements of gay cuiture, Romencics follows a not-so-straight path to happily ever after. For info on all the Romentics novels, contact Scott&Scott (http:/ /www.romentics.com) Page32 American and Whispered Gay Resolve in Iraq Political Commentary By: Matthew V eritas Tsien It can probably be assumed that most gay people are opposed the War on Terror because most gays are Democrats; although one out of four gay voters are consistently Republican and election analysis of national campaigns in the past 25 years show that a gay crossover vote will once or twice a decade result in the GOP getting solidly over 40 percent of the aggregate gay vote, thus splitting our community's vote (Whenever the GOP gets over 40 percent of the gay vote, gay editors and activists never want to admit it, but I digress). " Over the past several months many gay readers of my column have written to me from across the country saying we shouldn't be concerned about democracy and freedom in the Middle East because all of these Arab states are homophobic. But to some gays that may be one of the very reasons why we would be willing to fight for democracy and pluralism in the Middle East. Do we not .care about persecuted Ar;ib and I;lainic gays as we promulgate the faulty Vietnam analogy? Here in South Florida the gay electorate is overwhelmingly anti-war and often seer:ri's to be hoping for the worst even at the expense of the young American soldiers who defend our freedom: to .be expressive about our gayness and pursue domestic goals that would expand our rights to be included in the mainstream of' American society. Such anti-war gays are foolish and ungrateful .to o.ur y.oung soidiers. Many oppose the War on Tertor because :Mr. Bush concludes that state legislatures rather than the courts should determine the legality of gay marriage. Yet such an anti-war stance is not likely to expand our universe of supporters for gay marriage if we are seen as a community that wants to undermine the war effort. While gays seem to oppose Mr. Bush on the war by a 3-1 margin, I found in my conversations prior to the 2004 election day that with enough disarming coaxing you can get gays to admit in whispered tones that they supported Mr. Bush primarily because of his actions in guiding the war and his response to 9-11. As I used to say to people, "Bush is going to get the "whisper vote in the gay community"; and sure enough Mr. Bush did get over one million gay people to vote for him in 2004 just as he did in 2000 according to exit polls done by the New York Times. And there is no guarantee that all gay voters will be attracted to a Democratic Party whose lawyers and activists seem more concerned about the rights of prisoner of war terrorists and Saddam Hussein, not to mention illegal immigrants and career criminals, as · opposed to the rights of ordinary citizens. Since the gay community is not universally tied to one party the following piece of news will likely appeal to pro-war gays who support Mr. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Bad news hit Abu Musab al Zarqawi on June 28. Most Americans, it -seems, want to keep U.S. forces in Iraq until civil order is. restored, whico 62 percent believe won't happen for several years. A significailt. majority. even want to increase the size of the U.S. presence or keep it about the same. With the Iraq war in its third year ...:_ and with America having been in a state of war since October 2001 - this new Washington Post-ABC poll is an encouraging indication about the patience and resolve of the American people. The past few weeks have seen politicians and pundits cherry picking whichever bad poll seems to serve their political ends. And they can easily do it again with this one. For example, the poll found that most Americans do not believe the Bush administration's claims that the insurgency is losing. In fact, what a majority of Americans (53 ......... continued next page Page 33 percent) do believe, according to the poll, is that the power of rhe insurgency is staying about the same (and 22 percent say it's weaker). Critics may also point to the finding that a bare majority of Americans (51 percent) consider the Iraq war to be a mistake, even though the very same poll found that 52 percent believe it has contributed to the longterm safety of the United States (a 5- point increase since early June). Every single one of these findings can top the headline of a newspaper, only to lea,e readers \Vith a distorted view of what's really going on. (Gay publishers of weeklies promote the same distortion in their community). Pollster Gerry Daly, who runs the Web site dalythoughts.com, makes an important observation regarding how phrasing a question can yield different results. He compares a recent Gallup poll, which found that a majority of Americans (51 percent) believe the United States should set a timerable for removing troops from Iraq, to the PostABC poll, which found that 58 percent of Americans believe we should keep our forces there until civil order is restored. Either can be used to support a particular side of the debate, but what do they actually say about the American people? Mr. Daly thinks the public has yet to form a coherent opinion of the question of troop pullout and that the "political battle is· still winnable for either side." That sounds about right. It's important to note, however, that the Post-ABC poll included the phrase "even if [keeping U.S. Forces in Iraq] means continued U.S. military casualties." That's essentially the heart of the matter, and 60 percent of Americans are still committed to victorv. Progress in Iraq ~ continue to wax and wane, as we rightly mourn each new casualty. But, underneath it all, Americans seem prepared to see the war to a successful conclusion and among those Americans are more gay people than the Gay Left would want to admit. Gay editors, publishers and activists do a disservice to our young soldiers and gay patriotic citizens when they suppress or ridicule knowledge or ___ expression of support of the war by gay people and try to portray the gay community as monolithically opposed to Mr. B:ish and the War on Terror, and even portray George W. Bush as an international terrorist. Matthew Veritas Tsien Florida Gold Coast Log Cabin Republicans '0e writer is a former Air Force Captain at Tm~er AFB, Oklahoma and Director of Presuient Ronald Reagan's lobbying organization in Washington, D. C. He also taught political science at Tulsa junior College and served on the Tulsa County Human Rights Commission during 1986- 87. The Pink Triangle The Pink Triangle was used by the Nazis to signify homosexuals. Although, homosexuals were only one of the groups targeted for extermination, it is unfortunately, the group that history often excludes .. The Pink Triangle defies anyone to deny history. In 1935 Hitler revised the German Law, Paragraph 175, prohibiting homosexualiry, by including kissing, embracing, and gay fantasies as well as sexual acrs. Convicted offenders- an estimated 25,000 from 1937 to 1939, were sent to prison and later transferred to concentration camps. They were to be sterilized, most often by castration. Hitler changed his policy on homosexuality to include death in 1942. A yellow Star of David under a superimposed Pink Triangle represented Gay Jewish prisoners- by the social hierarchy, the lowest of all prisoners. Seo es by Jack Fertig AUGUST 2005 ''Play doctor, Pisces!" Mercury retrograding past the Sun in Leo is so Norma Desmond: arrogant miscommunications, plans gone awry, and that great line, ''We didn't need words. We had faces!" Neptune opposes them, feedin:g confusion. Jupiter and Venus offer some harmony, but in weaker aspects. You may charm your way out of trouble, with some effort. Don't schedule anything too tightly, and be ready to forgive screw-ups you may need such mercy yourselfl ARIES (Much 20 - April 19): Right now you can't win at anything, but don't let that stop you from playing for funsies. Well, you could be lucky in love, especially at a gym or a spa, if you can, manage to be humble and self-critical. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Domestic squabbles feed worries about. your reputation and opportunities for advancement. One has nothing to do with the other, unless you make it a selffulfilling prophecy. Artsy-crafts~ activities help you keep perspective. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Stay home and have fun with family or close friends. Going out and expressing your opinions will just get you into trouble. If_ you really need adventure, get a forctgn or surrealist film, perhaps one by Cocteau or Jodorowsky. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Erotic adventures beckon, but will lead to trouble. Keeping bu,y around your home and .in the community will offer better opportunities for fun and provide helpful perspectives on crirrent money troubles. LEO OuJ.y 2~ - August ~: Be modest and sclf.,.ef&cing. Well, do your best. Expect.rude sw:priscs from your p:umer. Your big mouth. could orily make 1t worse. If you need to get something off your chest. write it as poetry and share it with a friend. VIRGO (August 23 September 22): Your dreams should be especially interesting now and may even offer lucrative inspirations. Minor illnesses could be warnings of far worse ahead - unless you nip them in the bud. Nothing's too small to merit looking into! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Doing good is its own reward, but charity performed now will earn all kinds of extra points. If that's why you're doing it, your motivation will be called into question, so be sure to do something that your heart is really into. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Involve colleagues in efforts to reorganize at work. This may seem to create problems, but actually will uncover already existing problems. Your boss may need some extra convincing, so have your evidence ready! SAGITIARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Apologies and selfcorrection will actually help you shine at work. Despite a bit of confusion in the short run, the humility and honesty of the process will earn you great respect. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Watch out for power struggles at work. Your natural · flair for analyzing such games will help you unravel nasty little schemes and appear heroic in your solutions. Erotic temptations carry hidden costs. Don't let your libido hijack your brain! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): One would expect arguments to diminish sexual passions, but nowadays your love of debate could land you in thrilling situations! Yield points in intellectual combat, and you could win on the field of love. PISCES (February 19 - Mardi 19): Pay close attention to your health. Moderate exercise - review and revise your routines! - and spas are helpful. Meditation is especially good for you now. If you don't need a doctor, play doctor! Jack Fertig has b«n working as a professional 11Strologer since 1977 and is a fo1mding member of the Assocwtion for Astrological Networking. You can find copies of the STA.Rat these 4 stat.es business & organtzations. ARKANSAS KANSAS Arkansas, Eureka Springs Diversity Pride Events - - www.diversitypride.com MCC Living Spring - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - - 479-571-130 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 Discovery- -1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - - 501-666-6900 The Factory -412 Louisiana St.- -501-372-3070 Kansas, Pittsburg {620) River of Life Church 1709 N Walnut -MAM PSU-QSA.- - 1701 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 Fantuy- - - 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.ly 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 Chrisr-2902 E 20th, - -Sun-6pm M111ouri, Kansas City (816) Buddies - - - - - 3715 Main St - - 816-561-2600 Club N-V - - - 220 Admiral Blvd- - 816-421-NVKC DB Warehouse- -- 1915 Maio St- - - -816-471-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - 816-561-0625 Sidestreet Bar - - - -413 E. 3rd- - - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon - - 3707 Main St- - 8!6- 931-1430 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground--- - - 417-779-5084 MISSOURI DKLAHDMA M111ouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - - --417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 Liquors & Kickers- -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 39th Expwy - 405-947-2351 Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th Ex:p'-"1'· - 405-525-0730 Gushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 HollywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex- 405-947-2351 Habana Ion - 2200 NW 39th Exp- - - 405-528-2221 Hi-Lo Club - - 1221 NW SOth- - -405-843-1722 Jungle Red, - - - 2200 NW Expwy- - - 405-524-5733 Partners- - - -2805 NW 36th St - - - - 405-942-2199 Piece To Remembcr-2131 NW 39th- -405-528-2223 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial - - - - - -405-755-8600 Red Rocle. North-2240 NW39th St- - --405-525-5165 Sii:ters- - - - - 2120 NW 39th St- - - - -405-521-9533 The Rockies- - -3201 N. May Ave - - - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bu- 3535 NW 39th-- 405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulia (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine - - -- - : 918-836-8700 Club Maverick:- - 822 S. Sheridan - - -918-835-3301 Dreamland Blu -- 8807 E. Admiral Pl - -834-1051 FJite Boobtore -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. Ctr- -5545 E. -4-lst- - - - 918-743-4297 The Detour- - - - -7944 E. 21st- - - - - - 918-270-2428 Club Majestic- - 124 N. Boston - - - - 918-584-9494 Renegades- - - 1649 S. Main- - - - - - - 918-585-3405 Priscilla's - - - - - 7925 E. 41st - - - - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla', - - - - 5634 W. Slcelly - - - - -918-446-6336 Priscilla's - - - -11344 E. 11th - - - - - - -918-438-4224 Priscilla's - - - 2333 E. 71st - - - a -- - -918-499-1661 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 Undcrguy.com - - -15 B. Brady - - - - - 918-829-0824 Whittier News Stand- - 1 N. Lewis- - 918-592-0767 Yellow-Brick-Rd- - -2630 E. 15th- - - - 918-293-0304 Outlets wishing to distrlbute FREE copies of the STAR, contact us at 918.835.7887 9am to 4pm mon - fri or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net J I 1 'I Page 37 NEW cART □□ N "Bitter Girl" blttergir10 Page 39 '124 N. Boston- - Tulsa OK·~· 918 . .58;i;g494. · .. , .. •·.···· ,. ' ... . -.! . . . . ·.···.•;·. T:owts.oay Night$ - Rachael Erikks MGP{z0()4 :·swndc1yNights CatiaLee Love MGA2Q06 "Ttll:frsday .and Suriday - 18-ta enter; 2 Ltci Mrink · · · · · d Satutday Dance ;Party ..:. 21, to .enter ' 9:tltill 2 a .. ·fh4r$dav: ~ Sunday nights .... .Suiid,ay: Nights come .. ergaf ie antics of Catia b~laye;Mokaa K.. a ·n·'·d y··· ·Ka·i n, lifian;~Sitbl.and guests. Thu~d~y·Nights Racheal Emks tiatf{itup for a pork chop. orrTalent Search Thursdaf s; Congratulations to T abilha Taylor. - Miss Oay Oklahoma America ·2005 PAGE 40 CABARET SHOW Shanel and Friends Saturday Aupt 2ott' Show Time Midnight THE STAR EVENTS DAWGDA.YSOF RH> saturday August 20th 9:00 AM.CLUB 1022 All Bl(es Welcome AUGUST 200S ICHEUE MAYRlll> Direct from Austin( Saturday August 2'11' Show Time 11 :30 PM www.micheliemayfietd.com w.~u DO/H~ IT Alt FOR YOU AT~,,,. ton, 1022 Dodson AWN.Mt C: L ... El Open Friday a Saturday fort Smith, AR 72901 - ----- 9 PM until 5 AM (◄79) 782-1845 'II C. ~ ~ www.club1022.com Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] The Star Magazine, August 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 08 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 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 C.D. Ward Greg Steele Josh Aterovis Michael Dee Douglas Glenn 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 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, July 1, 2004; Volume 2, Issue 7 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/217 The Star Magazine, September 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 9 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/222 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/222 acceptance advertisement Advice Bamboo Lounge Bitter Girl Cartoon equality fire gay bar gay bar fire Hollywood Hotel home owning Lesbian Notions marriage equality National news Q Scopes Quotable Quotes Scott & Scott Spain-Gay marriage Star Scene The Pink Triangle Uncle Mikey vacation https://history.okeq.org/files/original/14ec1b9dd25dcc6bde36908ab0108198.jpg aa8eb2daf434cd3f5ed45d6669c2b982 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/d50ec4fb7c387a28a8bcf2495466e7f2.pdf 20fe6bcfe5415b937c36e3b5b1f84344 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 www.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 ~ G~.~T $1URVII~Y 88.6% of combined Gays and Lesbians voted in the 2004 Presidential Hection. For the 2006 Mid-Term Hection 81.7% combined Gay and Lesbian readers voted. HRC and NGLTF comment on the history making GLBT Forum August 9th on LOGO TV. Finley, a heterosexual woman and the best known of the four, was renowned for smearing chocolate on her naked body to represent the degrad.ation ofwomen. The Chardonnay grape variety is a classic white wine grape grown all around the world. The original fame of Chardonnay comes from its success in the region of France. Gay Travelers: USA Gay Landmarks Out of Town: Russian River, CA Dining In or OUT L.ESB~AN NOTIONS GLBT Forum revue: I have to hand it to Mike Gravel though. He referred to "the gays" twice, but used the word "gay" 10 times! F~TNESS Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: GLBT Forum Participants 4 the STAR STAR DISTRIBUTION: OKLAHOMA CITY * TULSA* LAWTON * MCALESTER * ENID * LITTLE ROCK * NORTH LITTLE RODK * FAYETTEVILLE * FT SMITH * EUREKA SPRINGS * HOT SPRINGS * BENTONVILLE * ROGERS * KANSAS CITY * SPRINGFIELD * JOPLIN * BRANSON AREA* WICHITA * PITTSBURG * JUNCTION CITY www.ozarksstar.corn Ne t E ecdon could be decided by Gays and Lesbians San Francisco-based Community Marketing Inc. conducted a nationwide survey earlier this year that the STAR and you, our readers took part. The study found an astounding 92% of gay male respondents (92.5%) reported that they voted in the 2004 presidential election with nearly 84% (83.8%) reporting that they voted in the mid-term election in 2006. Results for lesbians were similar with nearly 91% (90.7%) of lesbian respondents reporting that they voted in the 2004 presidentia! election and 78% reporting that they voted in the mid-term election in 2006. In comparison, media reports estimate that 64% of the general population voted in the 2004 presidential election and just 40% of the general population voted in the 2006 mid-term election. Results of the STAR survey, readers were slightly lower with 88.6% of combined Gays and Lesbians voting in the 2004 Presidential Election. For the 2006 Mid- Term Election 81.7% combined Gay and Lesbian readers voted. In comparison to the general population that is still an impressive difference for GLBT Oklahomans and the region. Among the results from the STAR survey we found interesting was on the question, "Importance of Gay Marriage" only 30% of our readers thought it was the most important issue. While 57.6% settled for Domestic Partnership and/or_civil union recognition. 12.3% felt there were more important GLBT issues. In the STAR "Commentary" this issue, James Nimmo addresses the question of " How We Should Address the Gay and Lesbian Community" This is what our survey found on the same question. 38.6% said "Gay & Lesbian", 35% said "GLBT", 19.9% "LGBT", 17% "Gay Men or Worneft’ and 12.3% suggested "Alternative". I thank our readers for the great response we had for the STAR in this very important survey of our community. We will be publishing more results in coming issues. Sincerely, Charles (Chaz) Ward www.ozarksstar.com New National Survey Shows Gays and Lesbians Outpace U.S. Average in Voting Participation Respondents: Homosexuality I4/71l Still Be a Divisive Issue in Ten Yeats SAN FRANCISCO, CA A new national survey reveals that gay and lesbian consumers are far more likely to have voted in the last presidential and midterm elections than the population in general. Significant numbers of both gay men and lesbians also donated to a political party in the past year. The survey also found that despite significant social and political progress over the past decade, majorities of both gays and lesbians believe homosexuality will remain a "divisive" issue in ten years. The survey results are included in the Gay Consumer IndexTM and Lesbian Consumer IndexTM, precedent-setting national surveys of more than 12,000 gay Americans and 10,000 lesbian Americans conducted by Community Marketing Inc. in spring 2007 and set to be released later this month. "The results of the Gay Consumer Index and Lesbian Consumer Index demonstrate that the political parties would be smart to pay attention to the issues that mean the most to gay and lesbian voters," declared Tom Roth, president of Community Marketing Inc. "We have far more at stake than the average voter and we’re therefore far more engaged in the political process." Slighdy more than 31 percent of lesbian respondents (31.1%) reported that they made a financial contribution to a political party in the past twelve months. Forty percent (40.1%) of gay male respondents reported that they made a financial contribution m a politica! party in the past twelve months. And finally, large majorities of gay male and lesbian respondents agreed with the statement that "homosexuality will still be a divisive issue in the USA in 10 years." A new national survey reveals that gay and lesbian consumers are far more likely to have voted in the last presidential and midterm elections than the population in general. Significant numbers of both gay men and lesbians also donated to a political party in the past year. The survey also found that despite significant social and political progress over the past decade, majorities of both gays and lesbians believe homosexuality will remain a "divisive" issue in ten years. The survey results are included in the Gay Consumer IndexTM and Lesbian Consumer IndexTM, precedent-setting national surveys of more than 12,000 gay Americans and 10,000 lesbian Americans conducted by Community Marketing Inc. in spring 2007 and set to be released later this month. "The results of the Gay Consumer Index and Lesbian Consumer Index studies demonstrate that the political parties would be smart to pay attention to the issues that mean the most to gay and lesbian voters," declared Tom Roth, president of Community Marketing Inc. "We have far more at stake than the average voter and we’re therefore far more engaged in the political process." More than 92% of gay male respondents (92.5%) reported that they voted in the 2004 presidential election with nearly 84% (83.8%) reporting that they voted in the mid-term election in 2006. Results for lesbians were similar with nearly 91% (90.7%) of lesbian respondents reporting that they voted in the 2004 presidential election and 78% reporting that they voted in the midterm election in 2006. In comparison, media reports estimate that 64% of the general population voted in the 2004 presidential election and just 40% of the general population voted in the 2006 mid-term election. Slightly more than 31 percent of lesbian respondents (31.1%) reported that they made a financial contribution to a political party in the past twelve months. Forty percent (40.1%) of gay male respondents reported that they made a financial contribution to a political party in the past twelve months. And finally, large majorities of gay male and lesbian respondents agreed with the statement that "homosexuality will still be a divisive issue in the USA in 10 years." Community Marketing, Inc., founded in 1992, is the global leader in gay and lesbian market research, strategies and communications. More info: www. CommunityMarketinglnc.com Rivendell Media, Inc., America’s leading gay and lesbian media placement firm, co produced the Gay Consumer Index" and Lesbian Consumer Index TM studies, which were sponsored, in part, by Absolut. More info: www.RivendellMedia.com the STAR 5 I before E excep after C. L be£ore G excep Be£ore B? How Equallity by Jim Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ A few days ago I was in an email exchange with some gay guys and the thread was about the spelling of our orientational moniker/acronym commonly used as a short hand to describe us in the media. Is it LGBT or GLBT? And there’s even LGBTQi which resembles a row on the computer keyboard. There was even the suggestion ofSOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity) but say it out loud and it sounds like an adjective some of us could use to name the after effects of sexual exertion rather than sexual orientation. This year our 2007 Oklahoma City Parade was prefixed with GLBTI, which again, said out loud, sounds like a word for insincerity. Why should any particular letter come before the other? With my tongue, GLBT comes out easier than LGBT with a more defined rhythm, but I’m just referring to ease of speech; being a musician I’m attuned to that anyway. We often hear the phrase "men and women" but we also hear "ladies and gentlemen." Why do we say "salt and pepper" and not the other way round? Knife and fork, birds and bees, paper and pencil? Well, I think our equality movement IS about exertion and certainly NOT about insincerity. for their own gender-emotionally, romantically, and erotically--are referred to as gay, period. A~ I going to get hate mail from the women because I would drop the "lesbian" term? I could just as easily expand my dream world and drop the "gay" word altogether and let people have their sexual expression without hang-ups about words and the straight-world permission or opprobrium these red-flag words convey. This is what ,ve had, etymologically, before the prudo-pseudo-scientific "advances" of the Victorian era, when the word "homosexual" was invented. Before that time sex between men was plain sodomy, sex between women was just affection. Even farther back in some societies, sex between older and younger men was the transmission of the spirit and continuation of the life force which enabled young men to become leaders and progenitors in their tribes. The female will ALWAYS be superior anyway. It’s possible for them to conceive by parthenogenesis--no male required! But of course, the gay orientation is not about sexual reproduction as our enemies and two State Supreme Court decisions from 2006 would have us believe. Gayness is about having the right to privacy to exercise our affectional and emotional bonds as we like with consenting adults. Gayness is about having the same rights as any other man or woman who has chosen opposite-gender marriage or co-habitation, with or without progeny. Unless we exert with growing force our birth-right entitlement to equality, we’re going to be seen by our enemies as insincere. I would like to spell my orientation like this: AMERICAN. And why should we develop these sensitivities about spellings and acronyms? In my dream world (not to be confused with my fantasy world) people with a yen 6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com w~ev.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 Recognized by Keller Williams For outstanding achievement 2005 and 2006 l~A LTY Chuck Breckenridge 918-706-1887 REALTOI~ Whether buying or selling I’ll work hardforyou. "At Century 21 Gold Castle our BEST properties are our PEOPLE’ 4301 NW 63rd, Suite 100 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 8 the STAR 405.840.2106 www.c21goldcastle.com GINGER ~MAR and Stephanie DeBarse Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald Susan Leah Let us promote your business in a UNIQUE & DIVERSE market. Cal~ STAR ADVlERT~S~NG today. 8)835o7887 www.ozarksstar.com OKLAI OMAN W’INNER OF THE LIFETIME COMMITMENT AWARD FROM THE NATIONAL STONEW-ALL DEMOCRATS "Gay People Aren’t Broken, and They Don’t Need Fixing" Photo: Bob Lemon wit/~ daughter Robyn Lemon Sellers This year’s winner was Oklahoma’s own Bob Lemon, a longtime friend of the GLBT community and overal! champion for progressive causes. No stranger to honors, this year he also received the Irene Tyson Award from the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus. He’s the proud dad of 5 grown children (Del, Jim, Robyn, Chrys & Hi Moque). The contributions and support he has given the GLBT community are truly too numerous to list here, but now he shares some of his reflections about what it means to him as well as us. INTERVIEW By Victor Gorin VICTOR: You are a longtime champion of equality for the GLBT community. What got you started on that path? BOB: My first real awareness of this issue happened when we were at a convention of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kansas City during 1977. Mary Lou and I learned of a minister who was forced to resign from his church because his son was gay. We were living in Perryton Texas then, and very loyal to our church and our denomination. In 1979 at another convention in St. Louis, Mary Lou and I attended a workshop on homosexuality. It was headed by a medical doctor from Oklahoma University who maintained that gayness was not a choice, that they were "naturally that way." Throughout the years we read a great deal about gay history and equality. VICTOR: Later on it touched your own family. BOB: Our interest really peaked when 1993 when Mary Lou and I learned, to our complete surprise, that our son Chris was gay when ~wvw.ozarksstar.corn he came out to us at the age of 36. Today he is an attorney in Washington D,C., and we have attended functions together of the Stonewall Democrats, but at the time we had no idea. He’d had an outstanding background. In high school he had been Student Body President & an Eagle Scout, and later served in the air force as a flight instructor before becoming an attorney. Although it was a surprise, we told him it didn’t bother us. We also adopted a young gay man, Eli Moque Grayson, who is now living in California and is an interior designer. He’s worked on some distinguished homes including the late Bob Hope. VICTOR: The Mary Lou Lemon Humanitarian Award, given by the Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats, is named after your late wife. Obviously she was a great friend and inspiration. How long were you married? BOB’. 52 years and 2 days. We had met at a high school get together on Lake Fryor near Perry ton. She was a beautiful, blonde blue eyed woman, and I had lots of competitors. We got married when we were both in college, I attended Oklahoma A&M ( now OSU) and she was at Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Oklahoma.. We had a wonderful life, raised wonderful children, and she was a champion for equality for everyone. VICTOR: You later had gotten involved with P-Flag? BOB: Yes, we had gotten involved and been to their national meetings. When I was on the board of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Perryton, which I thought was a liberal church, I had made a motion to allow P-Flag to meet at our church, as did many others groups. That motion got a few minutes of discussion before it was voted down, 35-1, and I was the dissenting vote. Our efforts to change their attitudes were unsuccessful. Soon after that we left that church." VICTOR: You joined Mayflower UCC when you moved to Oklahoma City in 2000. BOB: We attended a few times and fell in love with it, beginning when we read their" open and affirming" statement. Not all churches then were so accepting. VICTOR: What is hardest for older people to give up their prejudices? ........................Continued page-23 the STAR 9 Uo So Court o£Appeals Upholds Decision Striking Down Oklahoma’s Adop, on InvM dat on Law in Lawsuit Brought by L bda LegM ’The Adoption Invalidation Law was reckless legislation that jeopardized the safety and well being of children and undermined parents’ rights.’ DENVER, CO__ August 3, 2007 -- In a 35-page decision, a panel of the U. S. Court ofAppeals for the 10th Circuit rejected the Oklahoma Department of Health’s challenge to a lower court decision striking down an Oklahoma law so.extreme that it threatened to make children adopted by same-sex couples in other states legal orphans when the families are in Oklahoma. The ruling is important not only in Oklahoma, but also to families across the United States, including in Seattle and Houston, home to two of the families who joined in the suit. "Today’s decision supports the lower court’s finding that same-sex couples who choose to adopt are entitled under the U.S. Constitution to have their relationships with their children respected in every state," said Ken Upton, Senior StaffAttorney in Lambda Legal’s South Central Regional Office and lead attorney on the case. "N~e Adoption Invalidation Law was reckless legislation that jeopardized the safety and well-being of children and undermined parents’ rights." Although the governor and attorney general were content to abide by the lower court’s finding, the Oklahoma Commissioner of Health sought review of a part of the judgment that required the Department of Health to issue an amended birth certificate to the adopted child of a same-sex couple that accurately reflected both women as the child’s legal parents. The Court rejected the challenge and affirmed the judgment requiring issuance of a proper birth certificate. In doing so, the 10th Circuit panel also agreed with Lambda Legal that the law violated the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution. In the opinion released today, U. S. Senior Circuit Judge David M. Ebel wrote, "final adoption orders by a state court of competent jurisdiction are judgments that must be given full faith and credit under the Constitution by every other state in the nation. Because the Oklahoma statute at issue categorically rejects a class of out-of-state adoption decrees, it violates the Full Faith and Credit Clause." The Adoption Invalidation Law, hastily passed at the end of the 2004 Oklahoma legislative session, had said that Oklahoma "shall not recognize an adoption by more than one individual of the same sex from any other state or foreign jurisdiction." Lambda Legal argued that the law was unconstitutional based on the United States Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection and due process, as ~vell as the mandates of the Full Faith and Credit Clause. Today’s decision leaves intact a decision by the U.S. Court for the Western District of Oklahoma that agreed with these challenges and held that the statute indeed violates the United States Constitution by singling out a specific group. Neither the governor nor the attorney general of Oklahoma challenged the trial court’s decision that struck down the antigay Adoption Invalidation Law. The appellate court’s decision also requires the Oklahoma Department of Health to issue a birth certificate to the daughter of a samesex couple in Oklahoma accurately listing the names of both parents. In addition to same-sex couples raising children in Oklahoma, the ruling benefits samesex couples and their families in other states, including two of the couples who brought suit, Heather Finstuen and Anne Magro, now living in Houston, and Ed Swaya and Greg Hampel of Seattle, by ensuring they can travel in Oklahoma without fear their children will be rendered legal orphans. Ken Upton, Senior StaffAttorney in Lambda Legal’s South Central Regional Office in Dallas, is lead attorney on the case, with assistance from Senior StaffAttorney Brian Chase. Sandy Ingraham of Ingraham & Associates, EL.L.C. in McLoud, Oklahoma, served as cooperating attorney in Finstuen et al v. Edmondson et al. Tulsa GLBT leader addresses new AIDS/ Americorp volunteers By Joey De To most people, leaving town only a week after starting a new job would be a nightmare. To Oklahomans for Equality’s new Interim Executive Director Justice Waidner, it was an opportunity to give back to a program that she feels changed her life and began a life career in service. Waidner, who assumed her new role at OKEq on Aug. 1, addressed the latest teams of National Aids Fund/Americorp members just a few days later in Washington, DC on Aug. 11. The teams, who traveled from seven cities around the nation, including Tulsa, were undergoing their annual "preservice" training before beginning their year of HIV/AIDS related service. A two-term alumnus of the Americorp program, Waidner took the opporttlnity to share with the group the gravity of the realities they will face, as well as the humanity of service. "The opportunity to serve our communities in this fashion through educating people about this insidious disease and supporting those living with it truly is an awesome life changing gift," said Waidner. Using her personal stories about engaging drifter youths, befriending an HIV-positire eight year old and having to give her first positive test result, \Vgaidner spoke deeply and personally to the group to prepare them for the year ahead. "You will educate, fight inequality, challenge stigma, support, rise up, be present, and stand on the side of social justice. You will be changed and make change," she emphasized. W’aidner was later asked to administer the Americorp Oath of Service to the group, officially marking the end of their training and the beginning of their one year service commitment. "You are my version of gels in America,’" she remarked just shortly before. For information about the National AIDS fund or the Americorp program visit www.aidsfund.org. 10 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com STATEMENT FROM HUMAN GHTS CAMPAIGN ON DEMOCRATIC P SIDENTIAL FORUM WASHINGTON, DC __ On August 9, 2007, the Democratic presidential candidates took part in a national forum on issues facing gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans, sponsored jointly by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and Logo. The following is a statement by Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese on the event: "This was an important night in the fight for equality for GLBT Americans. We pulled the curtain back a bit and gave all Americans a deeper look inside the candidates’ core beliefs about the issues that affect our community. From repealing ’Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ supporting equal employment rights, providing full funding for the HIV/AIDS epidemic, to eliminating the Defense of Marriage Act, these candidates went on record and committed to fighting for equality in all sectors of our society. Unfortunately, we have more work to do. The overwhelming majority of the candidates do not support marriage equality. While we heard very strong commitments to civil unions and equality in federa! rights and benefits, their reasons for opposing equality in civil marriage tonight became even less clear. Over the course of the presidential campaign, we will continue to ask these questions and demand real answers from the candidates who appeared -- and from those who didn’t show up. The next president must be committed to not only doing what’s achievable, but also what’s right." The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. Great, now say it on the stump. "Slllgood andsome great, but now we need all the candidates --particularly thef~ontrunners -- to take a standfor us on the stump, inj~ont ofall audiwaces. " Matt Foreman, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Inc. WASHINGTON, DC__ The 2008 Democratic presidential candidates, except for Sens. Joe Biden and Christopher Dodd, addressed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues at a forum aired Augkust 9th on the Logo cable channel. Statement by Matt Foreman, Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Inc. "It’s great that tonight the 2008 Democratic candidates reiterated their support for many issues critical to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, like long-stalled protections from discrimination and hate violence, repealing ’Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ and rights for our families. In 2004, at a similar forum also organized by our friends at the Human Rights Campaign, Democratic presidential candidates said the same thing. ’Tkll good and some great, but now we need all the candidates, particularly the frontrunners, to take a stand for us on the stump, in front of all audiences. The Republican side hasn’t given up using gay people for political gain and most of the Republican candidates bash us everpvhere they go. But so far, the Democratic frontrunners rarely talk about us except at our events, such as tonight, or when asked a specific question, and even then, they tend to freeze up. "That’s got to stop. We challenge the Democratic frontrunners to step from behind the lavender curtain and consistently, unapologetically speak for our fundamental humanity everywhere they go. "On behalf of our national community, we want to thank Joe Solmonese, Melissa Etheridge, Jonathan Capehart and Margaret Carlson for pressing the candidates on key issues, including marriage equality." McPride Family Picnic in Chadick Park, McAl[ester -Saturday, September 22nd, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. MCALESTER, OK(PR)__McPride is hosting the Third Annual Family Picnic, Saturday, September 22nd at Chadick Park, McMester, OK (6th and Delaware), from 11 a.m. until 5p.m. for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, allied (GLBTA) and interested people. The picnic wil! feature speakers, singers, games, booths of information and fun for all people - gay and straight alike. Come out for an afternoon of fun and heart warming experiences. (Alcoholic beverages are NOT allowed in Chadick Park.) Living up to our mission, we believe it is important to create an opportunity for GLBTA people to be visible and to share our pride in who we are, express the love and acceptance of our families, create an opportunity to meet and get to know us. You have an opportunity to be involved on many levels in this great event. Plan to attend, be a sponsoring organization/church, a supporter, an entertainer, or a volunteer. Help make this picnic a bigger success than last year’s! Table space is available for pro-GLBTA groups who would like to display and/or sell resources at the picnic. Space must be reserved in advance. Contact Paul at 918-329-7820 or www.mcpride.org more information. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 11 WHERE THE DE OC TBC CANDidATES STAN An analysis of the candidates’ questionnaires on issues of concern to the GLBT community HUMA~q RIGHTS CAMPAIGN~ Federal Recognition of State-Level Same-Sex Unions 1 Supports recognition by the federal government of a state’s legal recognition of same-sex couples for purposes of fe.deral benefits and tax treatment ENDA Supports passage of a federal bill prohibiting job discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity Hate Crimes Supports passage of a federal bill that gives authority to the federal government to investigate and prosecute violent crimes motivated by bias against the victim because of their sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability Same-Sex IVlarriage Supports allowing civil marriage rights for same-sex couples Civil Unions Supports civil unions for same-sex couples Federal Benefits for Same-Sex Couples Supports extending federal benefits, rights, privileges and responsibilities to same-sex couples and their children provided the partnership meets certain federal standards of commitment and mutuality of interest Coverage Under the FIVILA Supports expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act to cover domestic partners and their children Access to Survivor Benefits Supports paying survivor benefits to the same-sex partners of gay and lesbian people 2 the STAR 4- www.ozarksstar.com + ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ + ÷ + € union b~¢~n c~-~e m~ a~qd eaa woma~ ~husb~.nd a~d ~e~ and the word !s~ase referson~to~a~~esex~,~ !s:a~sbar’,d ~a www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13 August 1990 (17 years ago last month): The National Endowment for the Arts rejects an appeal from four artists who 10st funding due to the controversial content of their work. Who were the NEA Four? he "NEA Four" - a gay man, a bisexual man, a lesbian, and a heterosexual feminist - played a prominent role in the culture wars of the late 1980s and early 1990s, when they challenged the withdrawal of their funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and a decency clause imposed on grant recipients. Founded in 1965, the NEA was mandated to consider cultural diversity in its funding decisions. But by the mid-1980s, public support for the arts was threatened by an increasingly conservative political climate. In 1989, Republican la~vmakers and religious right groups launched a campaign against what they deemed morally objectionable art. Opponents ~vere particularly incensed that NEA funds had indirectly supported the work of Robert Mapplethorpe - renowned for his homoerotic and sadomasochistic images - and Andres Serrano, who photographed a crucifix in a jar of urine. During a time of moral panic about homosexuality and AIDS, conservative columnist Patrick Buchanan, among others, saw public funding of controversial art as a key battleground in a "culture war" against traditional values. At the behest of Rep. Dick Armey (R-Texas), more than 100 legislators signed a letter to NEA chair John Frohnmayer threatening to withhold federal support if the agency continued to fund "morally reprehensible trash." In the fall of 1989, Congress passed an amendment - introduced by Republican North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms - barring the use of federal money to support work that could be considered obscene, induding "depictions of sadomasochism, homoeroticism, the sexual exploitation of children, or individuals engaged in sex acts." Following a vociferous debate, Congress reauthorized the NEA in 1990, but added a provision that the agency must consider not only artistic merit, but also "general standams of decency and respect for the diverse beliefs of the American public." In June of that year, citing the new clause and "certain political realities," Frohnmayer rejected grants to four solo performance artists - Karen Finley, Holly Hughes, John Fleck, and Tim Miller - that had been unanimously recommended by a peer review panel. Finley, a heterosexual woman and the best known of the four, was renowned for smearing chocolate on her naked body to represent the degradation ofwomen. Hughes (a lesbian and former anti-porn feminist), Fleck (a gay man whose act included urinating onstage - but not, as accused, on a Bible), and Miller (a bisexual AIDS activist) all included explicit homosexual themes in their work. In addition to the NEA Four, conservatives also objected to federal funding for Marion Riggs’ film about the black gay experience, Tongues Untied (1989), the GLBT film company Frameline, and the work of Ron Athey, an HIV-positive artist who incorporated ritual body raodification and bloodletting into his performances. Civil libertarians and queer activists reacted with outrage to the encroachment on freedom of expression, but little support came from the straight left or the mainstream arts establishment, because, as Hughes explained, "anxieties about sexuality, the body, and race are not just anxieties of the right, they are anxieties also of downtown artists." After the NEA rejected their request for an appeal in August 1990, the four defunded artists - with the support of the American Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Constitutional Rights - filed a lawsuit in federal court demanding reinstatement of their grants and rescinding of the NEA’s decency provision, arguing that the guidelines were vague and unconstitutional. In 1992, federal district judge Wallace Tashima ruled in their favor; the government, he said, does not have "free rein to impose whatever content restrictions it chooses," since "the right of artists to challenge conventional wisdom and values is a cornerstone of artistic and academic freedom." Four years later, the Ninth Circuit Court upheld Tashima’s ruling. The NEA Four won a settlement reinstating their original grants and awarding legal costs, but the Clinton administration appealed the lower court decision regarding the decency clause. In June 1998, the Supreme Court ruled by a vote of 8 to 1 that Congress has wide latitude to set spending priorities. Wrote Justice Antonin Scalia, "Avant-garde artistes...remain entirely free to epater la bourgeoisie [shock the middle class]; they are merely deprived of the additional satisfaction of having the bourgeoisie taxed to pay for it." However, the sole dissenting justice, David Souter, said that the law carried "a significant power to chill artistic production and display." Mthough the original NEA implementation language stated that it was the government’s proper role "to help create and sustain not only a climate encouraging freedom of thought, imagination, and inquiry, but also the material conditions facilitating the release of this creative talent," the NEA Four case illustrated a shift in public support for the arts. In 1996, Congress cut the agency’s budget from a high of more than $170 million to less then $100 million, and the NEA ceased funding individual performance artists; legislators increased the budget in subsequent years, but never to its former level. Perhaps an even more profound outcome was the chilling effect it had on artists. "There’s enormous commercial pressure to be more mainstream," said Hughes. ’’A lot of the counter-cultural edge has really disappeared." For further reading: Bolton, Richard (editor). 1992. Culture W-ars: Documents from the Recent Controversies in the Arts (Ne~v Press). Brenson, Michael. 2001. Visionaries and Outcasts: The NEA, Congress, and the Place of the Visual Arts in America (New Press). Wallis, Brian, Marianne Weems, and Philip Yenawine (editors). 1999. Art Matters: How the Culture Wars Changed America (Ne~v York University Press). 14 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com EUREI’CA_ SPPdNGS, AR~55 antique dealers from 14 different states will converge on this Ozark town November 17 and 18 for the 19th Annual Eureka Springs Fall Antique Show and Sale. A special Wine & Cheese Preview will be held on Friday, November 16, 5:30-7 p.m. The popular yearly event will be held at the Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center, Hwy. 62 West. This is one of the ldckoffevents for the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Attendees will pay $10 for this first chance at the antiques brought by dealers from around the country. This fee covers all days. Regular show hours on Saturday are 10 am to 6 pm and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday. Admission price for this event is $ 2.50, good for both days. This well-attended show not only draws dealers from many states, it also brings customers fi’om as many as 23 different states. "By now, most antique lovers around this part of the country know that the third weekend in November and the third weekend in March are devoted to antiques here in Eureka Springs," according to Jane Baker. She and her husband, Dave, are show managers. "This is our 19th fall show and it looks to be better than ever," she added. For more information on the festival, contact Dave or Jane Baker at 479-253-7551 or bakerdj@cox.net. For details on Eureka Springs tourism, call 1-866-947-4387 or go online at www.eurekasprings.org. In Memoriam Michael Shane White 1971 - 2007 TULSA, OK __ Michael Shane White ofTulsa, born July 2, 1971 passed away August !3th, 2007 after a long fight with cancer. He is survived by his partner Jackie Hickey, father Chester and wife Barbara White of Sapulpa. His mother Roxanna Porter of Otdahoma City and sister Stephanie White of Choctaw, OK. Shane enjoyed his friends, family, traveling and tending the garden he and Jackie grew. He especially loved early morning walks in the garden when the roses and hibiscus were in bloom. Shane will be truly missed by his loving family and friends. 8 parts lemon (Absolute is good) 1 teaspoon Grand 1 teaspoon fresh lime Lemon twist Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with cracked ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled co£ktail glass and garnish on fwist. ~ ~ www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 15 desired ~ fresh ~pper, ring of raw mp. martini and head chef deveined-can best pper )er powder immediatel4 over medium heat. ice, pepper, paprika, shrimp parsley, rice-bohemio-and a green can in mexican ice jalapeno pep- , Puerto Vallarta see Donald Pile and Ray Williams you besides seein hal ~ndmarks. ay Landmarks? Below is a list ofsome of our favorites: the Greenwich Village in New York was located a 53 Christopher Street. On from an overdose HARVEY M] June she was buried and a wake byher gay" fans at the Stonewall Inn in New York. In the lr~ of2~ JMe the police decided to raid the StonewaJl. ~he tl ri0ts were a series o£violent conflicts between the New ~ anc ps of gays rd mt began during the early , : 28~ :l laste~t for ;evera~ da ~’s. AlsD called t~e [I rStonewalt, the clash was a watershed , as gay people had never large numbers to forcibly resist police. was vac.oait and closed for most of the in the early have set off mc earlier and D, ile’w Ztub was formed. ¯ Out of the ashes, Francisco. Be~bre mid dancing dwarves, br pushing [he envelope. ht ~n gay pride ~vhen it transparent windows on street side.. in the heart of the Castor district St. in New York City*. %e world s first gay and lesbian bookshop, it has been see of Oz with ; red velvet sears and ueen ~travaganzas e. in New York is named after Milk, San Francisco but the seeds were in place much" (founded by Phillis Lyon )KSTO~, 15 Christopher this shop opene COMMUNI~ CHURCH, 8714 Santa Mon- its ~oors fo 24 countries. church in the world. Founded giving ¯ without undermining of a store that Street, a block of the chain bookstores, is: www.oscarwiI- 429 Castro St, in San Francisco (photo ........................Continued n~t page 922, the Castro Theatre is San Francisco’s www.ozarksstar.com prawns served with a mango whittle white dipping sauce, Cherty Cola Caribbean BBQ Ribs, Chicken Satan; Cordon Bleu and a grilled Cornish hen with a orange tequila mad brandy sauce. They also serve t}esh steamed mussels euro style with whittle wine and chicken broth to name a few. ~q~eir grilled red snapper with Spa~> ish rice is to die for. N~ev even serve the best Itali~ meatloaf with twice baked potato this side ofNew York Cib" and Cajun friend chicken, baked ziti pasta and the best veggie burgers in the u,fiverse made ~r0m scratch fbr you vegetarian lovers. Care Bohemio has been written up i~ the New YorkTimes Sunday travel section. It is quite the gay travelers ~nner stop when in Puerto Valtarta. Reservations are re£0mmended on high ~eason Nov-April as they only have 17 tables. You can email as well lbr reservations at ca_febohemio@hotmail, corn or call when in town at 322-t34-2436. Chris and Sol hope to open a Care Bohemio in the near future in fabulous Palm Springs CA, Both are wonderful guys and good friends of ours. We wish them GRF~aiT SUCCESS! by Donald Pile & Ray Williams Featuring Cuisine From Coast to Coast HEMIO, Puerto Val~arta, Mexdco 127 Rodolfb Gomez is located in the roman- ?uerto Vallarta. Mexico, one block from the Dia de los leach axed located next to the San Marino Hotel. It’s locagay bars are located. former owners of the md B in San Francisco 3ened Care Bohemio 5 several years and have San Francisco. Sol is LOS has created a fabulous inmrnational menu with a a~ veiT aflbrdable prices. "Ihey have a popular , hours daily from 5-7 and 11-midnight with 3ecials where drinks are 2 for 1 all N. Schrader Boulevard in Los _Angeles. ~Ihe first gay community center in the country began in 197t, It is the largest gay C0mmunivy center in the United States. iuesoays are tini "thesdays where martinis ¯ long. Wednesdays are also popular with their 2 is served al fresco outdoor dining under a large mango tables complete MASSACHUSETTS SUPreME COURZ John Adams Court[, house, One Pemberton Square in B0S{0n. ~& the debate over marriage continues today, rhh Supreme Judici~ Court of Massachusetts took a big Step by becoming the first State to legalize same-sex marriage in May of 2004. landmar~ and it is a marvelous your bohemian experience is a memorable $10. American dollars - yes you heard Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and ght! and all meals include at no extra cost homemade chips talk to everyone! salsa- a cup of their famous soup of the day and fresh bread. not frozen and all desserts are made on the no pre-mixes 85% of their clients are repeat customers. Some of their dishes include Shrimp Coco Mango, jumbo coconut www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 19 I~orbel, one ofthe Russian River’s top wineries, offers tours oftheproperty and also has a superb gourmet deli that’s perfectforpicking up picnic supplies and light lunches. (Photo by Andrew Collins) chocolates. And Wayne Skata Jewelry & Antiques carries some of the most intriguing decorative items and household gifts around. Nestled in the redwood-shaded western reaches of Sonoma County, the Russian River Valley is one of Northern California’s most relaxing and gay-friendly weekend getaways. Although the area is occasionally ravaged by wintertime floods, it offers cool and typically sunny weather much of the year, especially in summer. The area comprises the towns of Guerneville, Forestville, Monte Rio, and - where the river empties into the Pacific - Jenner. Gay folks have been weekending here for more than three decades, and the area has always been a terrific spot for camping, canoeing, hiking, and simply relaxing amid peaceful and picturesque surroundings. More recently, the eastern reaches of the area have blossomed into a hub of superb wineries. Although a steady influx of well-heeled San Francisco professionals has given the Russian River a slightly more polished sensibility in recent years, Guerneville and its neighboring communities still look and feel unpretentious - even a bit raffish - compared with such swanky Wine Country towns as Healdsburg and Rutherford. This is a spot where flannel shirts and jeans are 20 the STAR as much in vogue as designer wear. Life here moves at a snail’s pace, and that’s how most locals prefer it. The river defines not only the community’s personality but also the region’s geography. It’s a threat, to be sure, but it’s also the reason devotees love the area. Perhaps the leading activities in summer are floating for several miles down the river on inner tubes and embarking on one ofthe popular canoe expeditions offered by Burke’s Canoes. For a spectacular hike, drive a few miles north of town to 800-acre Armstrong \Voods, home to some of the tallest and oldest trees in northern California. Ifyou’re hit with a rainy day, fear not: Downtown Guerneville holds an increasingly intriguing selection of shops. Possibilities include the Five & Dime, with its old-fashioned candy section and offbeat gifts; Stone’s River Feed, a whimsically stocked pet-supplies store; River Reader, a quirky bookshop with a GLBT section; and Kings & Q~eens, which stocks cool vintage threads. At Hemp & Chocolat, you can pick up - you guessed it - hemp clothing and accessories, along with gorgeous handmade Wine-tasting is a top pastime in these parts, and a great way to begin your explorations is by consulting with David DeVries and John Haggard, two knowledgeable and friendly experts on local wine who operate Sophie’s Cellars, a wonderful little wine and cheese shop in Monte Rio. These guys can recommend and make introductions for you at several high-quality, lesser-known vineyards, some that aren’t otherwise open to the public. If you’re out exploring on your own, the best winery-hopping plan is to drive east of Guerneville on River Road. Just outside of town, stop at Korbel Champagne Cellars, which is headquartered in a century-old, creeper-covered brick building. The facility’s Korbel Dell and Microbrewery is a delightful spot to grab lunch - it serves superb panini sandwiches (try the one with salami, Brie, tapenade, roasted peppers, and greens), prepared salads, and fresh-baked sweets, and there’s seating on a !ovely tree-shaded deck. Continue along River Road and make a left onto Westside Road, following this toward Healdsburg. Over the next several miles, you’ll encounter one exceptional winery after another - best bets include Gary Farrell, Porter Creek (amazing pinot noirs), Davis Bynum, Hop Kiln, and Roshambo. Alternatively, explore the wine-growing region south of the river. Fine vineyards in the towns of Forestville, Graton, and Windsor include Joseph Swan, La Crema, DeLoach, Topolos, and Hanna. Many businesses and accommodations in the area distribute free "Russian River Wine Road" brochures and maps, which can help you plot your oenophilic journey - or log on to www.wineroad. com to see the maps there. Where there’s great wine, there’s great food, and Guerneville has gradually improved as a culinary destination in recent years. Charizma Wine Lounge and Dell is a relatively new spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner, wine-tasting, and live jazz some nights. Sophisticated but well-priced options include a baked Petrole sole with mango-jasmine rice, baby beans, and blue mussels, and the smoked-ham and provolone sandwich with .............Continued next page www.ozarksstar.com peach-and-onion barbecue sauce. Cape Fear cafe is another very good lunch source - it’s in a small complex ofhistoric buildings a scenic 15- minute drive south of Guerneville. When it’s a good old-fashioned burger you’re after, drop by gay-owned Bob N’ Boy in downto~vn Guerneville. Chase down your burgers, hot dogs, and fries with Red Hook beer. Grab breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon espresso snack at the Coffee Bazaar, just offthe main drag along Armstrong Woods Road. The sunny little cafe with free Wi-Fi has wonderfully hearty soups and sand~viches, egg dishes, cakes, cookies, and similarly enticing treats. In Forestville, you’ll find a couple ofthe region’s best restaurants, including Mosaic Restaurant and Wine Lounge, which serves first-rate contemporary American fare, and the famed Farmhouse Inn, Restaurant, and Spa, which has garnered all kinds ofawards and kudos for its innovative cuisine. A typically delicious dish here is the plate ofseared pork medallions with caramelized onions, black Mission figs, and parmesan polenta. With dinner out ofthe way, don’t overlook Guerneville’s gay nightlife. Some ofthe restaurants in these parts have lounges or bars popular with the GLBT crowd, and then there are a couple ofself-standing bars. One spot that’s friendly with men and women, old and young, is the Rainbow Cattle Company, a former gambling hall, which draws a genial, outgoing bunch, many ofwhom tumble in after 11 for a nightcap... or two...or seven. Across the street is Club Yamagata, a space that’s gone through a few incarnations over the years and was known until recently as Liquid Sky. It opened in June 2007 as a hip, mixed gay/straight lounge serving everything from fancy sake-infused cocktails to green teas, smoothies, and appetizers. The Asian-themed spot offers a departure from Guerneville’s somewhat predictable scene. Another good bet is the Triple R Bar at the Russian River Resort, xvhich is home to a pool bar, video lounge, and piano cabaret. The live entertainment and several chatty bartenders are sure to keep everybody’s spirits up. The Russian River has a number ofgay-popular accommodations, the most romantic being the posh yet unpretentious Applewood Inn and Restaurant, which is a few minutes’ drive south ofdowntown Guerneville. Half of the elegant rooms are in the main 1922 Mission Revival house; the others are in a newer building done in the same style. All are loaded with antiques and have European down comforters, and many have hot tubs and fireplaces. Applewood also contains the best restaurant in the area, serving such stellar Mediterranean-influenced victuals as braised rabbit with potato gnocchi, bacon, and English peas. Recently purchased by helpful and enthusiastic couple Dana Murphy and Brian Siewert, the former Ridenhour Inn received a top-tobottom makeover in 2006 and has emerged as the dapper Sonoma Orchid. This sunny yellow farmhouse set high on a bluffalong River Road (very near the Westside Road wineries) has a hot tub in back, six guest rooms in the main house, and four more contemporary and private units in a separate cottage (some of these have fireplaces). Welcoming ofkids as well as pets, the Sonoma Orchid is nonetheless a peaceful, romantic hideaway- a terrific addition to the Russian River’s gay-friendly lodging landscape. Other gay-popular accommodations ofnote include the long-running Russian River Resort (aka the Triple R), a highly social spot with clean and comfy motel-style rooms that received a top-notch makeover in 2006. A rustic but neatly maintained compound of 1920s cottages, the pet-friendy Fern Grove is another highly recommended establishment - many of the knotty-pine units have fireplaces. You don’t often find a predominantly gay resort owned by a straight couple, bui the reasonably priced, beautifully situated Highlands Resort is just that. Friendly innkeepers Ken and Lynette, who know all there is to know about the region, operate this rambling 3-acre spread tucked beneath the boughs ofto~vering redwood trees. Accommodations are set in a series ofsecluded, nicely appointed cabins, many of them with fireplaces, refrigerators, and coffeemakers. It’s a peacefu! spot (no TVs or phones in the rooms), and nudity is permitted around the pool and hot tub. When you’re truly looking to get away from it all, this compound, just a five-minute walk up the hill from downtown Guerneville, makes the perfect escape. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 21 Campaign Memo Lesbian Notions, at the HRC/Logo Democratic candidates’fot~m. After watching the Human Rights Campaign/ Logo presidential forum, I decided a memo to the LGBT handlers, counselors, and advisers to the candidates was in order. Memo to LGBT Candidate Advisers: Thanks for making sure your candidate was at the forum, but I think some of them needed a bit more prep time. I took the liberty of perusing the forum transcripts, and, honestly, each of the candidates needs help with his or her language. In the approximately 15 minutes each candidate had on screen, the actual use of the words lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender was at a minimum. Barack Obama said "LGBT" five times, "gays and lesbians" three, added "transgender" once, and said "gay" twice in the same sentence - "they’ve got gay friends, they’ve got gay family members." John Edwards said "lesbian and gay couples" three times, Dennis Kucinich said "gay" once, Bill Richardson said "gay and lesbian" four times, and Hi!lary Clinton said "gay" and "LGBT" one time each. I have to hand it to Mike Gravel though. He referred to "the gays" twice, but used the word "gay" 10 times! It might be old-fashioned of me, but I gauge a candidate’s comfort with our community with her or his ability to actually say the words. It’s one of my litmus tests. You need to prep your candidates better - when they’re addressing an audience filled with lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people, they need to say the words. In essence, they need to speak directly to us - not use euphemisms, with which the evening’s forum was rife. A few specific, well-placed references to us would have worked wonders for Obama when he spoke somewhat aw~vardly about civil unions. He said, "I am a strong supporter of not a weak version of civil unions, but of a strong version, in which the rights that are conferred at the federal level to persons of- you know, who are part of the same-sex union are compatible." 22 the STAR Now wouldn’t it have been better if the "Rock Star" candidate - as he was referred to at the forum - said the following? "I am a strong supporter of civil unions where all the federal rights, privileges, and responsibilities are conveyed to lesbian and gay couples." Short, sweet, and to the point. Edwards needs to know that it’s OK to say "lesbian and gay youth" or "LGBT youth." It doesn’t mean you’re recruiting for our side. He was eloquent when speaking about the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Community Center and the work it does for our homeless youth, but a few references to the specific population he was talking about would have served him well. He pondered "All she needs to do is say "LGBT" or "le.sbian and gay" a tew more times, and more of us will be eating out of her hand, thanking her for the crumbs while she consumes the cake." that "without that place [the LA Center], where would these - where would these young people go?" How much stronger, how much more emotional would it have been if he said, "Where would our LGBT youth go?" Edwards also needs a little help saying "transgender" and "transition." In answering a question regarding Susan Stanton, the transgender city manager of Largo, Fla., who lost her job after transitioning, Edwards couldn’t say "transgender." He talked about "going through what they’re going through." When referring back to the question during his closing remarks, he spoke of Stanton’s firing as a case of discrimination based on sexual orientation - wrong! She was fired because of gender identity. All I can say about Kucinich is that if he really wants to be taken seriously, he’s got to tone down the love! Sure, he’s great on our issues, supports same-sex marriage and everything else we want. He may be "evolved," as the forum’s emcee, Margaret Carlson, suggested, but honestly he sounded like a flake - not someone who is presidential. Didn’t anyone prep Richardson at all? We appreciate his record - his calling a special session just to get a domestic-partner bill passed (which didn’t happen). But to not understand a simple question on whether or not being gay is a choice is just politically stupid. His take on "don’t ask, don’t tell," however, was good. "When you have an America that is asking men and women to fight and die, the last thing you need to do is give them a lecture on sexual orientation." Right you are. And then there was Clinton - as slick and smooth as ever. Her answer about opposing same-sex marriage was brilliant: "Well, I prefer to think of it as being very positive about civil unions." She’s taken a cue from Bill - triangulate, triangulate, triangulate. She’s put her own spin on the issue of civil unions, leaving anyone who disagrees with her on it looking like the odd person out. All she needs to do is say "LGBT" or "lesbian and gay" a fe,v more times, and more of us will be eating out of her hand, thanking her for the crumbs while she consumes the cake. Then there’s Gravel. Too bad he’s not electable. He had the LGBT rhetoric down, but it was a little strange when he kept referring to "the gays" who support him - the gays in New York, the gays in San Francisco, the gays in Alaska. I found his honesty about the political scene refreshing and wish he hadn’t left elected office some 25 years ago. We need him in the Senate now more than ever. So there you have it. There may not be another national forum on LGBT issues in the 2008 election, but there will be plenty of opportunities to get your candidates talking the talk so that one of them can walk the walk to the Capitol on January 20, 2009. www.ozarksstar.corn BOB LEMON INTERVIEW CONT. BOB: I think it’s just that they were brought up that way, and I think that young people today are much less anti-gay than people of my generation. Much of the hate was fueled by tactics such as those used by Karl Rove and the Bush administration, and by anti-gay state questions on ballots during the 2004 elections that were designed to elect conservatives. People like me, straight but not narrow, need to support organizations such as Cimarron Alliance, P-Flag and other groups. This are more straight people involved now. That’s a good trend and I love it. I say this to straight people who believe in democracy, equality and ful! rights for the gay community, come out of your closets! They need to proudly and publicly show themselves as supporters. Someday we will see a mass shift of public opinion. VICTOR: What about the upcoming Oklahoma County Commissioner Race for District One? BOB: I think we need to support Willa Johnson September 11, I believe she would fulfill that office in the Roth tradition. When he held that office, Jim Roth did many wonderful things for Oklahoma County and the GLBT community. He’s a fine public servant, and I’ll be disappointed ifI don’t see him be a governor or president someday. VICTOR: I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Overall are you optimistic about 2008? BOB: Very optimistic. If our opponents attempt to put wedge issues on the ballot such as gay marriage or other gay rights issues to further their causes I don’t think it will work, or at least not as well, because people are becoming more reasonable and fair minded. My hat is off to the Jim Roths and Al McAffreys out there, because they are paving the way for a better future. Fair minded people, along with the gay community need to keep up their efforts helping good candidates and encouraging good voters. VICTOR: Well, thanks for sharing with us, and we can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done and all that we know you’ll do. It will always inspire our community to do better. BOOM BOOM ROOM MAY BE DOOMED. LAGUNA BEACH, CA In less than three weeks, venerable Laguna Beach, Calif., gay club the Boom Boom Room will shut its doors forever unless a buyer comes to its rescue. The property’s ownm; Steven Udvar-Hazy, and the operators of the Boom Boom Room and the adjoining Coast Inn were apparently unable to reach an agreement to keep the bar, restaurant and hotel open beyond the coming Labor Day weekend, according to an open letter from preservation group Save the Boom! Udvar-Hazy wants to demolish the property to make way for a larger hotel. Save the Boom! is campaigning to find a buyer who will keep the 60-year-old establishment afloat. The group began its campaign in 2006, gathering 6,000 signatures in three months to preserve the gay institution. A nearby Laguna gay landmark, the Woody’s on the Beach restaurant, closed in February. (The Advocate) www.ozarksstar.com Jim Roth receives Hero ofHope _Award from the Cathedral of Hope UCC By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Oklahoma Corperation Commisioner Jim Roth received the 2007 Hero of Hope Award from Oklahoma City’s Cathedral of Hope UCC Church, an award given for commitment, hardwork and dedication towards a better future for the GLBT community. As the Reverend Scott Jones put it, "Jim received the award because in his very person he embodies the breaking of barriers and creating new possibilities for the future." He was elected in 2002 as an openl~ gay ,nan to the office of Oklahoma County Commissioner District 1, and then reelected in 2006, recognized for outstanding performance in that position. He left that seat this year, appointed by Governor Brad Henry to fill a vacated position on the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. Oommuni y Peop ÷ iving with V!A DS Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with A!DS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HtV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves, We invite anyone:who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrismmjr@yahoo,com. The STAR 23 ntrospection is defined as an examination of one’s own feelings and thoughts according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary. Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. This greater happiness can help you follow the yellow brick road to better health. I will present dozens of questions for you to contemplate. Get ready to challenge yourself to a smorgasbord of self-discovery. For best results, I recommend you answer honestly Pinocchio. What is the angriest moment you have ever experienced? Are you more of a voyeur or an exhibitionist? What person do you trust the most? When do you feel most relaxed? Whit whom have you had the best sex? What has been your proudest moment? What is your greatest fear? What have you always wanted to do but haven’t? Where did you experience your greatest happiness? When did you last lie? What are your pet peeves? Who are you most intimidated by? Have you ever considered suicide? What part of your body would you like to replace? When did you first feel sexual? Whom have you most wanted to hurt? Have you ever driven your car naked? Who would you want as your guardian angel? Whom do you secretly admire? What was the happiest year of your life? What bad habit do you enjoy the most? What is the largest amount of money you have found? When was the last time you dreamed you were falling? What is the most expensive car you have driven? What movie character do you most resemble? Would you like to live in the future or the past? Have you ever watched someone die in person? What photograph of you is most revealing? Who is most jealous of you? What secret will you take to your grave? What is the longest span you’ve gone without sex? How do you want to die? Who has influenced you the most? What is your earliest childhood memory? \re’hen did you last cry during a movie? These questions should be .just the beginning. Sit down and make a bigger list if you’d like. Knowledge is power. The more you know about yourself, the better equipped you’ll be to go out and face the world. Introspection is just like a massage or a relaxing spell in the hot tub. You’ll feel like a million bucks after this exercise. It is free and you have not a dime to lose. Question #1 is waiting for you in the lobby. Good luck! This column is brought to you by that guy Ron Blake who has been known to urinate on his shirt and then wrap it around his head to stay coo! when he is out of water and stranded in the desert. Learn more about the little bugger at www.goblakefitness.com. 26 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com KELLY &JACQ ELINE CARTER SCOTT TWO LIVES UNITED MIDWEST CITY, OK __ Kelly and Jacqueline Carter Scott exchanged vows at their Holy Union held on August 11, 2007 at a friend’s home in Midwest City. "l-here were 82 people in attendance with their friends and family. The wedding was conducted by the Reverend Toby Jenkins with Ekklesia Church ofTulsa, followed by feasting, fellowship and fun dancing under the stars with DJ Victorola. Xhey will reside in Oklahoma City. Jacqueline is an RN working with Integris Hospital, and Kelly is the Director ofAdministration for the Center for Positive Change, an OKC mental health facility. STONE\VALL ENDORSES WILLA JOHNSON FOR DISTRICT 1. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK P/R__ The executive committee of Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats voted unanimously on Friday August 17th, to endorie Willa Johnson, the Democratic Party nominee for Oklahoma County Commissioner, District 1. With the endorsement, Stonewall also appropriated $500 for a donation to her campaign fund. "Willa has been a steadfast supporter of human rights and ofLGBT issues throughout her years on the Oklahoma City Council, and has pledged to continue that support if elected to the county level," said Steve VanHook, male co-chair of Oklahoma Stonewall. "We urge the entire LGBT community of Oklahoma County to support Willa with donations and volunteer work during this very short campaign, regardless of party affiliation. She will be facing a Republican opponent who already has an established record of homophobia and bigotry toward the LGBT community. We owe it to ourselves to help Willa’s campaign as much as possible," VanHook said. Oklahoma Stonewall is one of over 90 chapters and affiliated dubs of National Stonewall Democrats, and is a recognized federation within the Oklahoma Democratic Party. Quotable Quotes A study by South African sdentists said Wednesday there was no evidence that foods such as garlic and beetroot were a substitute for AIDS medicine, disputing claims by the country’s health minister. An Idaho inmate who castrated herselfwith a disposable razor blade after prison officials refused to treat her for gender identity disorder should have female hormone therapy paid for by the state, a federal judge said. Dr. Robert G. Crummie, a volunteer "Doctor of the Day" in Raleigh, is in trouble for more than urging electric shock therapy for gay people. Cimarron A!liance Foundation Awarded Capacity Building Grant P/R August 22, 2007 OKI.__AHOMA CITY, OK __ The Oklahoma City Community Foundation (OCCF) has awarded a grant to the Cimarron Alliance Foundation (CAF) to support the hiring of a consultant to create a fundraising and financial development plan. The grant presentation is scheduled 10:00 am this Saturday August 25th, 2007 prior to a financial development board retreat funded by this generous grant. Gayle Farley, OCCF Program Coordinator will present the grant to CAF chair, Richard Ogden, and the CAF Board of Directors. The Oklahoma City Community Foundation, the metropolitan area’s non-profit public charity, was founded in 1969 to work with individuals to meet the charitable needs of the community through development and administration of permanent endowment funds for non-profit organizations and other charities. Through its Community Program Grants, the OCCF funds, initiates and leads programs that benefit the community in the area of arts, education, health and human services, beautification and community development. The Cimarron Alliance Foundation, an Oklahoma non-profit educational foundation, was created in 1997 to support equality toward "A Fair and Just Oklahoma’. Cimarron has heightened its fundraising efforts to support a series of educational and charitable programs aimed at promoting fairness and impartiality to all people. The CAF Mission : "To support educational efforts that increase personal self-esteem, promote public enlightenment and advanced equality for LGBT Oklahomans". For further information about these organizations visit: http://www.occf.org or http://www.cimarronalliance.org www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 27 Mars in Gemini is loosening lips, and, squaring Uranus, he will have us all blurting out things we’ll wish we hadn’t! Keep your ears open and your mouth shut - or otherwise occupied. Venus is in Leo, so taking pride in taste and discretion can save you lots of trouble. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): To avoid blurting out secrets and betraying trust, let it all be about you! Hold the spotlight and dazzle your friends with your charm and playfulness. If you do get time alone, some creative writing and journaling can offer surprising insights. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Resisting the impulse to spend can be hard, but stay within a budget. Friends will egg you on to some fabulous purchase that you’ll regret. What would Mother say? In this case, she’d probably be right. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Your mouth is even more dangerous than usual. Whether you want it or not, you have the ear of bosses and authorities. Running your ideas by a sister first will help you make them more presentable. SAG~TTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Arguments, especially at home, are likely to go badly for you. Artistic and literary diversions will help keep you out of trouble. Those from the lands of your family background can provide surprising insights. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Showing off and learning new sexual techniques can prove very educational for all involved. But are you communicating anything in your love-making besides physical prowess? Take time out to talk about real intimacy, not just erotic gymnastics. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): What you value in your relationships cannot be sufficiently expressed with money and gifts. Efforts to do so now will just prove awkward and expensive. A gesture of affection - a hug, a kiss, or a kind word - is still best. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): You’re full of surprises even you don’t know about. Conversations with your family can expose talents that will prove helpful at work. Be sure to discuss family medical history. What you learn now could save you lots of grief. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Occupy your mind to keep your mouth out of trouble. Visit museums and art-house films, and keep the discussion impersonal, discussing aesthetics instead of mutual acquaintances. Whatever you say will be heard far and wide! LEO (July 23 - August 22): Talking about sex could actually keep you out of trouble, as then you won’t be gossiping about friends. Even better than discussing sex, continue your research on different techniques and styles~ You’ll have plenty of opportunity! VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Your partner will quickly tire of your complaints about work, and your workplace is no place to kvetch about your love life! Hiding out could be your best bet, even with your partner exploring nonverbal communication. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): You can enjoy great popularity now, either for your savage wit or for your valuable community service. The latter will also offer you surprising inspirations. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): OK, you’re hot; we all know you’re hot; and worst of all, you know you’re hot. Now relax and try to have fun without needing to prove anything. You can’t play anyone else’s instrument while you’re tooting your own horn. 28 the STAR MCC METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve 3". Uric Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! ~wvw.ozarksstar.com Arkansas, Bentonville/Rogers (479) NWA GLBT Ctr .... www.nwaglbtcc.org.........888-391-9222 Barnes & Noble Bks - - 261 N. 46th St., Rogers- - - -479-636-2002 Arkansas, Eureka Springs (479) Diversity Pride Events www.diversitypride.com A Byrd’s Eye View..... 36 N. Main - - 479-253-0200 Caribe Restaurante.... 309 W VanBuren....... 479-253-8102 Henri’s ....... 19 1/2 Spring St-- -479-253-5795 Lumberyard Bar&Grill--- 105 E VanBuren....... 479-253-0400 MCC Living Spring - 17 Elk Street- Service 6PM- - -479-253-9337 Swiss Holiday Resort- Hwy 62 at Hwy 23 So.- .... 888-582-8464 Tiki Torch- 75 S. Main Street. - -479-253-2305 Tradewinds Lodge - 141 W. VanBuren 800-242-1615 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Condom Sense 418 W. Dickson...... -479-444-6228 Curry’s Video - - - 612 N. College Ave.......... -479-521-0009 Flames Bar - - - 40 E. Center- - - - 479-251-1922 Passages ......930 N. College Ave- -479-442-5845 Tangerine Club - -21 N. Block Ave............. 479-587-9512 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads.......1004 1/2 Garrison Ave.- ...... 479-782-6969 Klub XLR8 ......1022 Dodson Ave...........479-782-9578 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 Club U.B.U. - ..... 824 W Capitol Ave 501-375-8580 Kansas, Junction City (785) Xcalibur Club...... 384 GrantAve. 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 Club Glacier- ........ 2828 E. 31st South......316-612-9331 Missouri, Ava (417) Catus Canyon Campground ................. 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) Fantasy- 2331 E 7th St- ....... -417-626-7275 MCC Spirit of Christ- - -2902 E 20th, - .......Sat Service-9:30AM Joplin Gay/Lesbian Cntr- PO Box 4383, zip 64803- -417-622-7821 Missouri, Kansas City (816) 40th Street Inn....www.40thstreetinn.com.......816-561-7575 Concourse Park B&B - - 300 Benton BIvd 816-231-1196 Hydes KC Gym & Guest Hs - www.hydeskc.com - - 816-56t-t010 Missie B’s....805 W. 39th St. -816-561-0625 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge..... 424 Boonville Ave............. 417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr-- -518 E. Commericat. 417-869-3978 JR’s Nightclub.... 504 E. Commerical......... 417-831-9001 Martha’s Vineyard- - - 219 W Olive -4!7-864-4572 Ronisuz Place....821 College- 417-864-0036 Oklahoma, Enid (580) Hastings Books....104 Sunset - - 580-242-6838 Oklahoma, Lawton (580) Ingrids Bookstore..... 1124 NW Cache Rd......580-353-1488 Oklahoma, I~,~cAlester (918) McPride.... POBox 1515, - .... McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) American Crossroads B&B - POBox 270642...... 405-495-1111 Blue Dog Liquor- ......4015 N. Penn -405-606-7000 Boom Room........ 2807 NW 36th St- -405-601-7200 Border’s Books...... 3209 NW Expressway..... 405-848-2667 CD Warehouse...... 4001 N. Penn 405-525-7766 Christie’s Toy Box.....3126 N. May Ave ....... 405-946-4438 Church of Open Arms......3131 N. Penn...... 405-525-9555 Copa -2200 NW 39th Exp........405-525-0730 Eastern Ave Video- - -1105 S Eastern Ave....... -405-6726459 Finishline ....... 2200 NW 39th Expwy....... -405-525-9200 First Amendment Tatoo Shop- - - 2135 NW 39th - - -405-604-391! Gushers Restaurant.....2200 NW 39Exp ...... 405-525-0730 Habana Inn ........2200 NW 39th Exp 405-528-2221 Herland Sisters Resources.... 2312 NW 39th St--405-521-9696 Hi-Lo Club 1221 NW 50th 405-843-1722 Jungle Reds .......2200 NW Expwy- 405-524-5733 Ledo.............2200 NW Expw~j- 405-525-0730 Naughty But Nice .... 3121 SW 29th St ........405-681-5044 Partners......... 2805 NW 36th St ..........405-942-2199 Red Rock North- - - 2240 NW39th St. 405-525-5165 Phoenix Rising .... 2120 NW 39th St...........405-601-3711 The Park- 2125 NW 39th St -405-528-4690 The Patio........ 3201 N. May Ave 405-917-1663 Tramps............2201 NW 39th -405-521-9888 Ziggy’s 4005 N. Penn 405-521-9999 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge....7204 E. Pine.....918-836-8700 Border’s Book Store- - - 2740 E. 21st 918-712-9955 Border’s Book Store - - - 8015 S. Yale - - 918-494-2665 Circle Cinema...... 10 S. Lewis............. 918-592-3456 Club 209 ....... 209 N. Boulder .... 918-584-9944 Club Majestic....... 124 N. Boston 918-584-9494 Club Maverick..... 822 S. Sheridan -918-835-3301 Cosmo Deli & Bar- - 6746 S. Memorial 918-459-0497 Dreamland Bks .... 8807 E. Admiral PI -918-834-1051 Equality Center ..... 621 E. 4th Street. .918-743-4297 Hideaway Cocktail Lounge- - - 11730 E. 11th......918-437-0449 HOPE Clinic....... 3540 E. 31st- 918-749-8378 Midtown- 319 E. 3rd- - - 918-584-3112 Openarms Youth Projt - - - 2015 S. Lakewood.....918-838-7104 Our House, Too ....203 N Nogales Ave .918-585-9552 Renegades. 1649 S. Main 918-585-3405 Sappho’s 816 S. Sheridan Rd........ 918-836-8992 Tulsa CARES.... 3507 E. Admiral P!- 918-834-4194 Tulsa Central Library ...... 400 Civic Center---- 918-596-7977 Tulsa Eagle.....1338 E. 3rd....918-592-1188 TNT’s 2114 S. Memorial- 918-660-0856 Yellow-Brick-Rd....... 2630 E. 15th.......... 918-293-0304 Keller Will~ams Realty Ch~ck Breckenridge Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. ~Arkansas GLBT Community Center "Li"nki"ng Togethe~"as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 WWW.NWAGLBTCC.ORG 3O the STAR www.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 31 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2007] The Star Magazine, September 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 9 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 01, 2007 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Charles (Chaz) Ward Victor Gorin Greg Steele Jeanne Flanigan Paul Wortman James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald, Blake Ray Williams Jack Fetig LIz Highleyman Devre Jackson Michael Leach Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) 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, August 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 8 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/203 The Star Magazine, October 1, 2007; Volume 4, issue 10 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/212 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/213 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/3356806c2182fe3249f316b72609c2b4.jpg 7634dc1bdf8e8b3252a44e3e8ccc1061 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/aa6ef9275e1a20d930fd5f8e5b7b61dd.pdf 4e9ec75b662993a6bafea9ee0fe5f5e0 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 1 (2437) Oklahoma’s HIV/$TD Hottine PROTECT YOURSELF PROTECT YOUR PAR (S) Center on Tuesdays from 6-Spin H.O.RE. Testing ~er~s Outreach Prograr~ tn Tulsa at (9t8) 812~7045 2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Local and Regional O cials Featured The New Advocate. By Steve VanHook OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Xhe new 40th Anniversary Issue of Xhe Advocate features six gay and lesbian elected officials in an article entitled "Great American Lives: The Trailblazers". Oklahoma’s A! McAffrey, Arkansas’ Kathy Webb, and Alabama’s Patricia Todd, state representatives all, are joined by Guy Padgett, former mayor of Casper, Wyoming, State Senator and progressive Democrat Jolie Justus of Missouri, and Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez. The article and photos begin on Page 78 of the September 25th, 2007, issue, written by Paul Florez in NYC and Padraie Wheeler. In an introduction to the article with the heading "Doing It For Ourselves", the authors write: "After decades of pounding on the walls of government, fighting to be heard, gays and lesbians have finally secured positions inside those walls. There are currently more than 370 openly gay elected officials natiomvide, with at least 100 more expected to run in 2008. Meet six trailblazers who ran as openly gay candidates and won---in red states, no less." The piece on McAffrey reads: "Al McAffrey, 59, has lived a life of service. Before becoming a legislator, he had careers in both the Navy and the Oklahoma City Police Department. McAffrey said his sexuality wasn’t a central issue during his race for the District 88 seat in the Oklahoma State House, but that changed one day when he knocked on the door of a house displaying his opponent’s sign on the front lawn. "The guy said, ’I have only one question to ask you: Are you gay?’" recalls McAffrey. "And I thought, Oh, shit, how am I going to answer this? Well, I’m a pretty point-blank guy, so I said, ’Yeah, I’m gay. Does that mean you’re not going to vote for me?’ He looked at me and said, ’No, I am going to vote for you, because you’re honest." "The man tood down the opponent’s sign right there and then. Step it up to fight AIDS By Joey De TULSA, OK __ Lace up your walking shoes and head to Veterans Park Sat. Oct. 6 to join the fight against MDS. The fifteenth annual walk will step offat 9 a.m. from the park located at 21st street and Boulder avenue. The two mile route will take walkers along Riverside to 31st and then return to Veterans Park. Funds raised by the Tulsa AIDS walk go directly to supporting Tulsa’s National AIDS Fund Americorp team. The five person team provides prevention, testing and outreach services through out the Tulsa community. Tulsa is one of the few cities in the country that ...........Continued page 13 wvcw.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 STATE SENATORANDREW RICE ANNOUNCES HIS RUN FOR U.S. SENATE Indigo Girls descend on Tulsa at the Historic Cains Ballroom. The Advocate - the oldest continuously published U.S. gay periodical still in existence - has chronicled the history and culture of the LGBT community for 40 years. Ever simply smell a wine before you taste it? What does it smell like to you? Check out the color too. fl~ c,Ao T~V~- Gay Travelers: Colorado Out of Town: Samta Fe. NM Dining In or OUT Maybe it’s my age - 50 is just around the corner (oy!). Maybe it’s because I’ve been in a relationship since I was 18 (mind you, that means serial monogamy F~T~ESS Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: Indigo Girls 4 the STAR STAR DISTRIBUTION: OKLAHOMA CITY * TULSA * LAWTON * MCALESTER * ENID * LITTLE ROCK * NORTH LITTLE RODK * FAYETTEVILLE * FT SMITH * EUREKA SPRINGS * HOT SPRINGS * BENTONVILLE * ROGERS * KANSAS CITY * SPRINGFIELD * JOPLIN * BRANSON AREA* WICHITA * PITTSBURG * JUNCTION CITY ~.~v.ozarksstar.com STATE SENATOR ANDREWANNOUNCES HIS RUN FOR U.S. SENATE By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ QUOTE: "I’m humble as I go through this. I want the people of the state to get to know me, I want to know what their aspirations are, the things they want to see reformed. " Longtime LGBT ally Andrew Rice announced through press conferences & fundraisers that he is running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by James Inhofe. Together with his wife Apple and their 2 sons, Parker & Noah, he let Oklahomans know where he stands and why he wanted the job. He currently holds the seat for State Senate District 46, elected to that position in 2006. That seat was previous held by Bernest Cain, who likewise was a staunch ally of the GLBT community as well as many other progressive causes but~ had to leave office due to term limits. ~,~rw.ozarksstar.corn At his press conference at the Oklahoma State Democratic Party Headquarters, he touched on many issues facing our country and how he wanted to make a difference, including global xvarming, national security, fiscal responsibility, and a major lack of trust Americans feel for their government. As he puts it: "It’s pretty remarkable the amount of disgruntlement, and really the lack of faith people have in government. I think they feel a lot of anxiety not only because of the complexities we deal with like terrorism and . the health care crisis, but even basic good government practices." He stressed that his life experiences, especially his work in an evenly divided Oklahoma State Senate had given him the know-how of how to work with Republicans and yet stick to his principles. He stated, "Robert S. Kerr, Henry Bellmon and David Boren had a trait in common that they were able to find common ground and get things done for our state when it needed to be done. I think that’s something I can do as a proud Democrat and know where my line in the sand is." Referring to skepticism some people have due to his youth, Andrew pointed out that Oklahoma has a long history of younger candidates who have been elected, including Don Nickles, who was younger than Andrew when he was elected to the U. S. Senate in 1980. "The experience that we talk about with politics, there’s a lot of that experience I don’t want. Being beholden to special interests, getting stuck in your ways, being a career politician, being inflexible and not able to see things from another viewpoint, that’s the experience that has taken us down the wrong road in his country. " The incumbent, James Inhofe, was first elected to the U.S. Senate seat in 1994 with a special election when David Boren left the office to take the presidency of Oklahoma University He was re-elected to a full term in 1996 and again in 2002. He has become well known for extreme rightwing positions, including opposition to gay rights, total support our military involvement in Iraq, opposition to any minimum wage increase or support for organized labor, and calling global warming "a hoax." Andrew closed by pointing out that he wants to give Oklahomans an option if they want a change. the STAR 5 Democrats Need Negative Resuks in traq. Dear Editor: The national Democratic Congressional leadership believes failure by our troops in Iraq the central front in the War on Terror is essential for them to win elections in 2008, and that any positive sign of progress in Iraq is simply a "problem" for them. Democrat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, driven by polls and politics, declared "This war is lost," even before the President’s new strategy began. Reid also has bragged, "We’re going to pick up Senate seats as a result of this war." And Democrat House Majority Whip James Ctyburn said that a positive report in September from General Petraeus and Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker would be "a real big problem for us (Democrats)." Meaning the Democrats’ desire for an arbitrary troop withdrawal and their party’s 2008 electoral fortunes would be in jeopardy if our troops succeed. Is it aW wonder that the new Democratic controlled Congress has far lower approval ratings than the President? Let’s not forget that there are thousands of gay and lesbian troops fighting the M Queda terrorists in Iraq; courageously risking their lives against a violent worldwide ideology that has no regard for the lives of gay people in the Middle East or any where else in the world. These gay and lesbian soldiers from our community are true American heroes and deserve our unwavering patriotic respect. America’s national security should not be kicked around like a political football by the Far Left in Gay America. Many gays believe winning the War on Terror is vital to our country’s national security. It is unconscionable that Democrat leaders, and many gay activists, are hoping for our troops to fail so their part,i can gain a political advantage. And it is unacceptable that the leading Democrat presidential contenders, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, both claim to support our troops yet voted against providing them with the resources to sustain their mission and keep them safe. Respectfully submitted, Matthew Veritas Tsien Former Air Force Executive Officer Low-maintenance bait for entrapment ? Dear Readers, Not being one who has ever solicited anonymous, or even well-known, sexual liaisons in public settings, I wasn’t aware of the Larry Craig foot-tapping dance which seems so imitative of certain insects that tap on leaves and stems to communicate either territorial limits or a need for mating. Thanks to Senator Craig America has received a birds-and-bees nature lore lesson hitherto known only to a relatively few wildlife specialists. But I do know there is a wafting of sexual pheromones in public par~ after dark at certain locations in Oklahoma City (OKC), Will Rogers Park being one of them. I recently attended a neighborhood political event at Will Rogers Park that, after I had helped pack up the event, found me walking back to my car after dark at 8:30pm. I had parked at the botanical greenhouse thinking the event I was attending was located in that area. ............................Continued page 15 6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com wY~w.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 Re~gnized by Keller Williams For outstanding ad~levernent 2005 and 2006 Chuck Breckenddge 918-706-1887 OCTOBER 11, 1987 Gay and Lesbian March on Washington and~ ur~ting of ~he AIOS Quilt on the Na~al MS]I OCTOBER 11, 2007 National Comir~ Out Day 405.840.2106 MLS. Let us promote your business in a UNIQUE & DIVERSE market. Call STAR ADVERTISING today. (918)835-7887 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com AFTER 25 YEARS THE ANGLES OKC TORCH IS PASSED ON OK]~AHOMA CITY, OK When A~gles opened in Augast of 1982 it was a great beginning that made its mark in history, ql~e club had an tmustml beginning when Scott Wdion applied for a gquor license for what was presented to be "Cotton- Eyed Joe’s,~ a country dmaee b~r. When they opened as a gay disco named Angles, problems quickly began.. The club and thei~ customers were subjected to a vigorous campaign of police harassment, with officers frequendy raiding the club, citing them for bogus violations, along with ~rresring customers ~md sometimes beating them as well Angles fought baclq keeping track of the incidents, including badge & tag numbers as well as the police officers havolved, ~ad threatened to sue the city. A deal was forged with the city where Angles was awarded one dollar in damages plus some of the legal ll~s, and the City agreed to cease harassing the dub and their customers. The story made national news, and also w~s the major story of the first issue of the Gayly Oldahom~ a in October of 1983. It £so proved to be a major turning point, with club ovmers of the ~ea having a good relationship with the police, and the overall climate changhag. Other gay bars followed as well as other buxinesses catering to the GLBT commuuiry, with many people remembering this courageous stand that was a major factor making it possible. Throughout the 80’S and 90’s Angles became a showcase & the In place to be, replacing the Free Spirit as OKC’S premier gay d~nce spot. Disco divas from that time remember world class DJ’S including the late Michael Tchekerades (fondly knovm as Checkers). Angles hosted major entertainers including Boy George, the Wcathergirls ("It’s Rainhag Men), Dead or Alive, Jermifer Holhday,Divine, Paul Lekakis, Gloria Gaynor, Viola Wigs & celebrated their 19th anniversarg with Bonnie Pointer.lt was a memorable occasion when comedienne Joan Rivers enjoyed a portrayal ofhersehc performed by the late Amii Dyshea. Their Turnabout Shows (where their employees got in deag) benefited AIDS charities aad becanae honored traditions for our community Much of our local talent was bolstered as well, including diva~ including Ghager hamar, Raahad Erikks, and the dynamic duo of Parr] & Tuna Melt (Tuna better known internarionaBy as cBef Ruby Ann Boxcar with patty her sister Donna Sue). Countless pageants were held there, with most of the past Miss Gay Oklahoma’s crowned there. The club also garnered respect from the straight community as well, gaining so much of their patronage that Angles was voted OKC’S Best Dance Club ha the Oklahoma Gazette several times, as well as the Best Gay Bar many times as well. ...............Cont~ued page 27 Love of Last Resort www,ozarksstancom the STAR 9 LINDSAY PAIGE TAKES THE CROWN By Victor Gorin Photo ~ Victor Gorin, Left Melody Michaels, Right Lindsay Paige OKLAHOMA C!’YY, OK __ The iudges had the work cut out for them they }udged the wildly talented contestants at the Copa August 22-23, but Lindsay Paige survived the comperifion of some of Oklahoma most talented divas to capture the title of Miss Gay Oklahoma for 2007. Having won the distinction of I st alternate last year, her reaction upon hearhag her name as the winner clearly was ruth of heaven. The first alternate was Melody Michaels, a performer well known in Oklahoma City for her shows with Kitty Bob ALines and Ginger Lamar at the Boom. Tncy wl]l go to Memphis to compete for the crown of Miss Gay Ainerica October 17-21. Willa Johnson Wins Oklahoma Count Commissioner District One. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK With the conclusion of die special crat Willa Johnson, ~von handily wirh 54% of the vote over arch Ms.Johnson has served on the Oklahoma City Councg for Ward 7 since 1993. In her position she acted cnnsistendy in support of issues concerning the GLBT comnmdity, voting in support of an ordinate prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, opposed banning the GLBT banners during Gay Pride Month, and she opposed die abolition of the Oklahoma City Human Rights Commission. She has become well k~own for her outspoken opposition to discrimination. 10 the STAR Oklahomans for Equality opens "Out ofthe Closet: A T-Shirt Retrospective" at Dennis R. Neill Equality Center gallery TULSA, OK (PR)__ Toe Dennis IL Negl Equahty Center art gallery will host its monthly meet-the-artist reception from 6-9pro, qTaursday, October 4, 2007, for the opening of its October exhibit, "Out of the Closet". qqae show will be a retrospective of LGBT diemed T-Shins, a private collection of former gifx-shop owner Tom Neal, The displayed shirts, both regional aa~d international, wig offer a gfo~apse L~to the history of the gay rights movement as seen through T-Shirt design. The opening reception wg! be catered by donation from Brother’s Pizza Depot. q~e exhibit will remain up through die month of October, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pro. The Dennis K Neig Equality Center is located ar 62I E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa, More info can be found of die web at okeq.org. Tlxls monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian= Gay, Bisexual & Transg~nder (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, agiances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neifi Equality 2007 Miss America Lauren Nelson Headlines AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City OKLAHOMA CI~ (PR) __ Oklahoma’s own Lauren Nelson, who is the reigning 2007 Miss America, wi~ serve as the Grand Marshag of the upcoming MDS xYSalk of Oklahoma City. The Walk will take place o~ StmdaB September 30 at the Myriad Bormaical Gardens. Registration and festivities begin at 12:30pmfoliowed by a 2:00pm step off. There is no fee to walk in this important community event, which builds awareness and f~nds each year for die treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS i~ the greater Oklahoma City area. Southwes~ Ah-lines has generously donated two roundtrip aidine tickets to any Southwest Airlines desrSnation in the Continental U.S. to be raffled offat the Walk. Ra~e tickets are only $1 each and may be purchased either at the AIDS Walk on September 30, or by contacting Lfoda Larason at 405/570-4835. One need not be Form your Walk team now and bring your donations to the 2007 MDS Walk of Oklahoma City. Visit www.aidswalkokc, org for more information. Photo by Leda Dowlearn .s DesCend By Leda Dowlearn worth watching. The Girls’ -warm up band, 3FiveHuman out ofAtlanta, was a good rocking start. By the time they were finished the expectant energy of the crowd was at a ftenzy. Then the roar, suddenly the Gifts were there before us, guitars in motion, singing "Pendulum Swinger" (sure hope Hilary Clinton does adopt this as her theme song but she’d probably be too afraid to swing this far left). After that, it was song after song after song with hardly a break in between except to change guitars and grab a mandolin, banjo or harmonica. One thing I realized early on was that the Girls were not into stage presence. We heard a little banter about getting lost in Tulsa, enjoying the old YMCA, and their bassett hound on the bus but that was about it. Perhaps in a nod to location Amy Ray had on a western cowgirl shirt. But overall, the Girls were there to do their songs. TULSA, OK __ On September 13th the Indigo Girls, icons of the feminist folk./rock music scene, descended on Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa to the full-house, floor-stomping adoration of a mostly lesbian crowd. The day the Girls came to my part of the universe I was in a closet (not my usual place) replacing a water heater thinking about the amazing fact that I had tickets to finally, that day, see these two demi-goddesses in the flesh after slavishly worshiping their musical personas for the past twenty years. In between hot and cold water pipes I was fantasizing about all the questions I’d love to ask them say should we run into each other in the bathroom or something Next step: I called Cain’s Ballroom and invoked the power of the media to get someone’s attention and, bless their hearts, an hour later I was talking with the Girls’ publicity" agent who said she’d see what she could do to set something up after sound check. That was enough for me. \VC’ater heater be damned, my partner and I hightailed it out of Northwest Arkansas headed for Tulsa town four hours early. Well, the bubble burst shortly after we hit the outskirts ofTulsa when their publicity agent had to tell me it was a no go on the interview. I was a little too late with my request and the Girls turned me down. That was okay, though, I still had my camera, two tickets and the evening was before us. This was my first visit to Cain’s Ballroom but I was up on their history after a review of their website. The feel of the place was cool, the line at the bar was friendly and the gathering crowd was well Okay, that was the Nirvana part and maybe I should stop there. It was more than enough. But in retrospect, that time of second thoughts that comes to you over coffee at Denny’s after your ears have stopped ringing, this die hard fan has some things to say that may or may not be more than I should be asking of the Girls, but here it goes anyway. Yeah, I got some great pictures and I heard some great songs. But they were all delivered to me in one big load of too much sound and too much rock without letting the songs that really needed to roll just roll. Can you Girls not trust that your audience is sophisticated enough to hear you on many levels? After all, yours is a mostly lesbian crowd. Emotional roller coasters are no problem for us. You can take us up and down so relax a little with that. Amy, yeah, you’re a rocker and you’re a star. No question in my mind that many of your songs are destined to be classics. You’re my Dylan, you’re my Springsteen. Rock on but know we love your slow songs, too, and I really, really wanted to hear "Three County Highway," "Nueva Senorita," or "Moment of Forgiveness." Emily, you’re brilliant with your lyrics and your melodies but you look like you don’t want to be in the circus anymore. You’re Baez, you’re Mitchell in your roots. But is it possible for Mitchell and Springsteen to share the same stage without each doing serious damage to the other’s genre and landing musically somewhere in the "upper echelons of mediocrity" as you have said yourself in "You and Me of the !0,000 Wars." Amy is ready and willing to jump into the chaos of rock and her songs have the energy and intensity it demands. She proved this brilliantly in her show stopper versions of "Rock And Roll Heaven’s ...............Continued page 23 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 11 31 iCONS SELECTED FOR GLBT HISTORYMONTH 2007 Alexander the Great, BillieJean King, Leonardo da ~nci, Bessie Smith, Cary Grant among Icons PHILADELPHIA, PA __ Equality Forum, an international gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) civil rights organization, announced 31 Icons to be featured during GLBT History Month in October. ~he 31 Icons achieved success within their respective fields of endeavor, were national heroes or advanced GLBT civil rights. "The GLBT community has been uniquely disadvantaged by not being taught its history at home, in public schools or in religious institutions," said Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum. "GLBT History Month helps teach our unacknowledged history, provides role models and celebrates contributions made by GLBT individuals to our country and internationally." The Icon videos are available for free for the Web sites of nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and corporate entities, through the inclusion ofHTML code provided at wwv.glbtHistoryMonth. com. The Icon video is automatically updated each day. A free graphically-designed downloadable biography, bibliography and other educational resources for each Icon are available at www. glbtHistoryMonth.com. The 31 Icons from 2006 can also be found on the Web site. Equality Forum solicited nominations from leaders of national and international GLBT organizations. Nominees were evaluated by GLBT History Month Co-Chairs Rev. Nancy Wilson, Moderator of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, and Prof. Kenji Yoshino, Deputy Dean for Intellectual Life at Yale Law School. Equality Forum’s Board of Directors approved the final slate of 31 Icons. 12 the STAR Equality Forum produced 30-second biographical videos on each Icon, which will be broadcast daily on here! and Logo television networks throughout October, and will be streamed on major GLBT Web sites. Comcast will air a 30-second television PSA. Equality Forum launched GLBT History Month in 2006, and is patterned after Black and Vgomen’s History Months. tn its initial year, GLBT History Month reached over 500,000 individuals. GLBT History Month 2007 Icons: October 1: Leonard Bernstein (Composer) October 2: Annie Leibovitz (Photographer) October 3: Angela Davis (Civil Rights Activist) October 4: Alexander the Great (Military Commander) October 5: Billie Jean King (Athlete) October 6: Pedro Almodovar (Writer/Director) October 7: Bessie Smith (Singer) October 8: Klaus Wowereit (Politician) October 9: Susan Sontag (Author/ Commentator) October 10: Gore Vidal (Author) October 11: Lily Tomlin (Actor) October 12: Peter Gomes (Theologian) October 13: Mary Edwards Walker (Surgeon) October 14: Frederick II (Monarch) October 15: Virginia Uribe (Educator) October t 6: Frank Kameny (Gay Pioneer) October 17: Nancy Mahon (Philanthropy Advocate) October 18: David Hockney (Painter) October 19: Audre Lorde (Author) October 20: Cary Grant (Actor) October 21: Rende Richards (Transgender Pioneer) October 22: Sherry Harris (Politician) October 23: John Maynard Keynes (Economist) October 24: Gertrude Stein (Author) October 25: Pioneer) October 26: tist) October 27: October 28: October 29: October 30: October 31: Zhou Dan (Chinese Gay Carolyn Bertozzi (Scien- Cole Porter (Songwriter) John McNeill (Theologian) Florence Nightingale (Health Care Advocate) Billy Sipple (Hero) Leonardo da Vinci (Artist/Inventor/Scientist) ABOUT EQUALITY FORUM Equality Forum is a national and international nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) GLBT civil rights organization with an educational focus. Equality Forum develops high-impact educational content in the form of documentary films, history projects, innovative initiatives and the largest annual national and international GLBT civil rights forum. www.equalityforum.com www.ozarksstar.com vw,’w.ozarksstar.com Playwright!ActorJerry Rabus a Back OKC with "Love OfLast Resoi-t If you’re a gay guy trapped for three years done on an abandoned and deserted sex resort, what could be better than having the man of your dreams wash up ashore? It’s a love story "waiting to happen.., or... is it? That’s the whole premise of "Love of Last Resort." Josh, played by author Jerry Rabushka, has been living alone on an uncharted South Pacific isle for quite some time. No electricity, no running water, no man for company. How does he do it? Easy! He consults back issues of Martha Stewart Living, follows the instructions, and can make anything he needs, usually in three easy steps. If you’re lost and alone, this is a very very good thing! Along with that, he changes personality on a regular basis. "It hurts to admit your entire persona has to be thrown out," he says. "But it’s all very ’Martha.’ You just make it out of what you got." Matt (played by Scott Mueller) couldn’t be any more opposite. An escapee from an "all gay cruise," he winds up beached on Josh’s island, pining after a man back from home, rebuffing Josh every step of the way. ’Of course you love me," he’ll say. "I’m the only choice you have." You can do some really cool stuffwhen you’re alone on an island. You can be whoever you want to be. You can see your island as a prison or an opportunity. Josh uses the island to escape; Matt isn’t sure he wants to escape, and he isn’t sure he can love Josh until he finds out who the "real Josh" is. "Matt’s a perfect foil to Josh," says Scott Mueller. "He wants to love, he wants m be in love, but he’s afraid to give up anything to do it. And like a lot of people, he tends to punish the man in front ofhim for the sins of the one who came before." As time goes by, though, Matt becomes more intrigued by Martha’s ingenuity and Josh’s world of fake TV shows. Come "watch" their interview with Gloria, a porn star with a very descriptive last name, a gaymarriage soap opera, and of course a bit of fun with a pair of handcuffs. Love OfLast Resort premiered in West Hollywood, CA, and has since played in St. Louis and Springfield, MO, with a production at Tulsa’s Nightingale Theater in January 2006. For this production, Rabushka has re-written the play with a more comedic outlook and added several cool new songs. "I always like coming to OKC," he says. "We keep coming back because we have a lot of support here and enthusiastic responses, plus the folks at the IAO Gallery are great!" Rabushka, with his company Ragged Blade, of St. Louis, MO, has previously been to the IAO with Somebody Else’s Life, Woofl. The Road Show, and Gay Christian, Gay Muslim, Gay Jew, which starred nationally known gay solo artist Jade Esteban Estrada. Love OfLast Resort book & music by Jerry Rabushka starring Jerry Rabushka & Scott Nicholas Mueller October 12 & 13 at 8 PM IAO Gallery www.iaogallery.org 811 North Broadway, Oklahoma City Tickets: $!0; $5 students & seniors for show info/reservations please call 314- 280-1035, for directions or other local info please call IAO at 405-232-6060 for more information please visit www. raggedbtade.com AIDS WALK TULSA Continued has supported a team ever since the beginning of the National AIDS fund/Americorp program. According to the Janice Nicktas, the team’s coordinator, the fimdraising goal for this year’s event is $25,000. Nicklas says the event is open to anybody who wishes to participate and says that no level of support, financial or in spirit is too small. In fact, the organizer says that there are volunteer portunities for those wishing to be a part of the event, but unable to make the trek. To register or for more information visit www.aidswalktulsa.org. Credit cards and cash donations are accepted. the STAR 13 September 1967 (40 yearn ago l st month): The Mirth renamed it Advocate in 1969, and h became the first American gay news Advocate publishes its first issue, publication with a nationwide distribution, off the sex ads into a separate pubfication. In 1996, the magazine hired its first female editor in chief, Judy Wieder, What is the history of qhe Advocate? T he Advocate - the oldest continuously published U.S. gay periodical still in exfistence - has chronicled the history and culture of the LGBT commtmity for 40 yews. Udce many of the eadiest Ametic~n gay organizations, qqae Advocate_ was born in Los Angeles. It began as the newsletter of Person£ Rights in Defense’and Education (PRIDE), a gay liberation group formed after police raided the local Black Ca~ bar. In the summer of 1967, Richard Mit~h (alia Dick Michaels) - a writer for a chemical industry journal - his lover Bill Rau (aka Bill Rand), and Sam Winston hatched a plan to turn the newilerter into a gay newspaper. Dubbed the Los Angeles Advocate. it debuted in September with a print run of 500 copies, produced at night in a print shop in the basement ofABC Studios, where Rau worked. By 1968, internal dissension led to the dissolution of PRIDE, ~nd Mitch ~rr~rged to purchase the newspaper for $1. Initially, the publication focused on local news, covering police nfisconduct mad gay liberation demonstrations. But it also added pieces on Hoflywood celebrities a~ad columns such as "Body Buddy" (fitness) and "Cooking with Atmtie LOu." Short on leshi~a content, the paper often featured scantily dad men on its covers and included a popular personal-ad section called "Trader Dizk?’ Mirth preferred to feature de,n-cut activists like the Rev. Troy Perry of the Metropolitan Cor~mauniry Church, rather than fiippie radicals llke Morris Kight, a co-founder of the Los Angeles Gay Liberation Front. In a bid to make the paper more professional, Mirth hired Rob Cole, formerly of the Dallas Times Herald, as news editor. As gay men and lesbians around the country began to look tu the paper for information, 14 ~eSTAR In 1974, Mitch sold "Die Advocate ~ millionaire investment banker David Goodstein for $350,000. After taking over, Goodstein - a se[f-descrlbed "practicing capitalist" who hated street protests and had frequent rtm ins with movement activists - fired most of the staff and writers, considering them too le ft-~ving. According to one columnist, Goodstein said he wanted the paper to appeal to "the upwardly mobile homosexual who has a home in the hills, drives a luxury car, and orders alcohol by brand." Within a year, Goodstein moved _q~e Advocate_ to the San Francisco suburb of San Maleo and liired journalist John Preston as editor. He adopted a magazine format and "desle~zified" the publication by moving the sexually explicit personal ads to the back, and eventuafly into a pull-out section. by Robert McQueen, formerly of the Salt Lake Tribune. Scandalized by McQue~’s officials came to The Advocate haadqu~rters beefed up the paper’s cultttral coverage from and Pat Califia’s ’%dvocate Adviser" column. in 1984, Goodstein moved _The Advocate_ back to Southern California. Shortly before he died of cancer the following year, he sold it to Orange County businessman Niles Merton. After McQueens resignat’on, he magazine went through a series of thorttenured editors and struggled to stay afloat. In i990, under new ethtor Richard Rouilard, the magazine added "lesbian" to the masthead. Yet even as he oversaw a remm to advocacy iournalism, Rouilard favored splashy covers featuring attractive straight male stars and divas such as Madonn~ gay community was flush with disposable cash, The Advocate’s advertising revenues rose, rescuing it from the brink of foaancial insolvenc)~ ha 1992, with a new editor and publisher, the magazine underwent another redesign, this time spinning In 2000, The Advocate’s p~ent company, Liberation Publications Inc. (LPI) - which had previously acquired book publisher Alyson Publications - purchased rival gay magazine Out, as well as HIV Plus. LH and gay Web compmay PlanetOut announced plans to merge, prompting critics to warn of an impending LGBT media monopo!~ That merger was called off, but in 2005 Planet- Out purchased LH for $31 million. Even as PkinetOut faced a financial crisis in early 2007, The Advocate continued to gain new subscribers. To celebrate its 40th anniversary, it came out of the closet, doing away with the "privacy wrap" that had previously shrouded the magazine. "The Advocate’s decision might seem like a trivial matter... but it stands for something far greater: the increasing acceptance and visibility of gay people in public fife,~ wrote gay journalist James Kirchick, As a key public voice of the gay communi~ Toe Advocate has been a frequent tzrget of criticism over the years. Many decried its thi~ away ~om militant politics and its increasing emphasis on entertainment and lifestyle content, while others thought the magazine was too commercial and catered to affluent white gay men. Yet 40 yeats after its founding, The Advocate remains the "periodical of record" that mainstream journalists, politicians, and business leaders ram to for informarion about the LGBT community. For further reading: Faderman, Li[fi~a, ~nd Stunt Timmons. 2006. Gay L-A. (Basic Books). Straitmatter, Rodgar. 1995. Unspeakable: The Rise of the Gay and Lesbian Press in America (Faber & Failer). Thompson, Mark (editor). 1994. _Long Road to Freedom: The Advocate History of the Gay and Lesbian Movement_ (St. Martin’s Press). Letters cor~tirmed from pg 6 After finding the event I realized I should have parked by the amphitheater instead. I didn’t want to walk back and move my car after finally finding the event as I felt no qualms about walking in the dark after the event was finished. The picnic pavilions had security lights that came on as darkness set in and there were utility poles with lights that came on around the amphitheater, but as t walked back towards the greenhouse parking lot down by the arboretum I noticed that the street lights, even though there are many of them and they couldn’t ALL be malfunctioning, were turned off--all of them. achieve the ful! recognition of our citizenship, then like most straights who are observed in public sexual congress, we’ll be given a warning and told to move on without the victimization that comes from Puritan policymakers. I thank GOPer Senator Craig, a 62-year old man from Idaho, responsible for running several successful election campaigns, for showing the USA what responsibility he can be trusted with. If one is old enough for sexual activity, one should have the responsibility to do it in private. James Nimmo CHAEL SAGE TURNS TO TULSA’S BAMBOO LOUNGE° It occurred to me that these lights were turned off intentionally to encourage the lewd sort of behavior that results in brownie-point arrests for the police department, fines for the city’s coffers, and humiliation and other negative social effects for those arrested such as job or housing loss, and registering as a sex offender on publicly available websites. Is the darkness a passive policy of enticement purposely engineered by OKC city government? Is the darkness being used as a low-maintenance bait for entrapment? If the city was really interested in reducing lewd behavior in public parks wouldn’t the lights be on throughout the night? Xghy weren’t al! those sensors operational? If street lights can come on automatically in residential neighborhoods to promote safety shouldn’t they also be effective in public areas where unwelcome behavior is tmown to occur? Shouldn’t those lights be turned on not only to discourage alleged lewd behavior, but also to lessen the threat of vandalism? There were about three or four cars within a stone’s throw of mine and as I was loading my trunk another car pulled in and an individual got out and walked away from the parking lot. I could see another person sitting in a car outlined by the flashing burglar alarm light on the dashboard, as if the occupant were a summer lightening bug signaling for a mate. I’m no fan of toilet trollers or lover’s lane Lotharios of either orientation. As a repressed minority in the USA and a target of brimstone-eating Bible bangers we gay people need to do better. When we TMsa’s OkEq Library Catalog now online! TULSA, OK( OkEq E-news) ~The Nancy & Joe McDonald Rainbow Library catalog can now be accessed online! Visit www.librarything. com/profile/OkEq to browse our collection, search by keyword, read reviews on Amazon, and more! About the library: Thousands ofLGBT tides and exquisite glass art line the walls of the Nancy & Joe McDonald Rainbow Library in the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Open during Equality Center hours (Monday through Saturday, 3pro to 9pro), the library has titles available for leisure reading, research, discussion groups, and as a resource for local students when writing on LGBT issues. Books are available for free check-out for the community. A mainstay of the Equality Center since its founding in t996, the Nancy & Joe McDonald Rainbow Library was named in their honor in the Spring of 1999. Nancy is Past National President of Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), President of PFLAG Tulsa, has testified before the US Congress on GLBT issues and was the inaugural recipient of the OkEq Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo by: Kevin Abosch TULSA, OK __ Direct fi’om New York Rachael Sage will return to the Bamboo Lounge Tulsa for an exclusive concert on November 10th, 9 pm. Ms. Sage made her first appearance at the Bamboo in 2005. East Village songstress, poet and multi-media maven Rachael Sage has been making gutsy pop music in one form or another since she was three years old. Her latest offering of "lovely and literate folk-pop-rock" (The Village Voice), THE BLISTERING SUN, is devoted to the topics of vision, clarit}; and facing life head on. A self-taught pianist who honed her skills listening to her parents’ doo-wop, Broadway and Beatles album collections, Rachael debuted her first original material for a captive audience of kindergarten students one fateful afternoon before their ballet teacher arrived and broke up the party. "When I started," she says, " t was writing a lot of music that sounded like Elton John - if he’d been a nice Jewish girl from a long line of Russian cantors." By junior high school, Sage’s dancing abilities had landed her a spot at the prestigious School ofAmerican Ballet; but it was really the music she was hearing in and out of class that intrigued her the most. W~.ozarksstar.COm the STAR 15 CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER ICE CREAM PiE as we~ as bars. photo op. ~]~a~ goodness we get a |or of space on our digital ~mera disc! Colorado which was the MO~ °’Homophobic." State in the Union until very recently does not have a lot of gay accommodations but he~ is a list of fine most impotent ones arotmd the State. ElyrIas \g~stern Guest House at t655 E. 47th Avenue in Denver, v,xvw.irmtravels.com/ usatco/rdewgh.html Mountain Sage Lnn, 553 ~: Etl-&orn Ave., Estes Park, -,~w~,~v.mountainsageinn. coral Platte River Cabins, 16525 Pine Valley Rd., CoIfax Ave, Denver is a city ofwondedht restaurants all over the dr): Like Chicago, Denver has so many to choose from i~ all ~-pes ofmenus. Denver has lots of little communities within the city. The arts and museums are great as well as the shopping ~e other main city in the state is Colorado Springs which just has two bars,, Club Qat 3430 No, Academr Blvd. and the Underground at t !0 No. Ne;~ada,~ Ave, For a city tl{at so many religious nu s and conservatives it is a wonder that there are ant gay bars there at all. But Colorado Springs has a great Pride Fest every )mar a~ their downtown Ciw Park. 18 the STAR ww~.ozarksstar.com TRAV S day, October 14, 2007 Brady Heights abuts the Brady Arts District and ties on North Denver and North Cheyenne ~venues. The tour wilt start at !2 under twelve. Ti&ets will be available until 4pro the day of the event and the tour ends at 5pm! Advance tict~ets are ava[ilable at www.bradyheigrhts,org. ProCeeds will benefit community projects the Brady Heig~hts Neighborhood Association. patio bar, From crab ca~es, Me:dcan E~ Rolls, Quesadilla, Barbecue Pvibbies or Sout}xwestern Steak Salad you wilt find a fttl menu. ~lhey have been in business over 25 years. Check out their website at: the STAR t9 The Cowgirl restaurant is a papular andgay-fi’iendly spotfor barbecue, burgers, beer, and blues. (Photo by Andrew Cdlins) Fe, New Mexico Santa Fe sits at 7,000 feet above sea level, dinging to the lower slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and offering an enchanting blend of Rocky Mountain and high desert living. ~12ais scenic city is politically progressive, abundant with museums and galleries, renowned for its distinctive adobe architecture, overflowing with sophisticated inns and restaurants, and ideal for outdoors enthusiasts. You won’t find much in the way of gay nightlife, but if you’re planning a romantic vacation with your significant other, Santa Fe may just have everything else you’re seeking. Even better, if you’re starting to think about retirement options, northern New Mexico’s "City Different" may be worth scouting out as a potential future home. In November 2005, RainbowVision Properties opened a GLBT retirement community on the south side of town, billing itself the first such full-scale endeavor of its kind (the company has plans for additional communities in Palm Springs, the San Francisco suburbs, and Vancouver). ~he 13-acre compound geared toward the 50-and-over set is worth checking out even if you’re not thinking of buying here - it’s home to the Silver Starlight Lounge and Cabaret, which is open to the public and is Santa Fe’s only gay nightlife option. It’s actually quite popular with folks of all ages, especially for early evening cocktails. 20 the STAR One of the region’s greatest lures is the fantastic, sunny weather - Santa Fe and north-central New Mexico enjoy beautiful weather year-round. Summer tends to be the busiest time for a Santa Fe visit - this is opera season as well as a time when many prominent festivals and art markets take place. But a fall or winter visit yields fewer crowds, cool and crisp temperatures, and still plenty to see and do - plus rates tend to be lower at hotels, which are among the priciest in the Southwest. Many of the city’s attractions are right in the center of town. Here you can take a walk around the Plaza; check out the numerous shops and cafes; admire the city’s adobe-dad Pueblo Revival, Spanish Colonial, and Victorian buildings; or stop by the circa-1610 Palace of the Governors, a state history museum set inside the nation’s oldest public building. There are several museums nearby, dealing mostly with art (such as the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, which has a terrific restaurant). If you’re a die-hard museum explorer, make the short drive (or bus ride) up the Old Santa Fe Trail to Museum Hill, a complex of outstanding cultural attractions, the highlight being the Museum of International Folk Art. The newer Museum of Spanish Colonial Art is another top draw. If you’d rather spend most of your time outside, saunter up Canyon Road, a narrow, winding lane of historic adobe bungalows containing some of the most prestigious art galleries in the Southwest. There’s spectacular hiking all around Santa Fe, but if you have time for just one ramble, head to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, which is about a 45-minute drive south of town, toward Albuquerque. This 2-mile, moderately steep hike passes through a narrow, dramatic box canyon and then rises up to a lofty promontory affording panoramic views of the mountains and mesas. The monument is named for the bizarre rock formations that rise high out of one end of the canyon and look a bit like sandstone tepees. If you’re visiting between December and April, bring your skis with you, or rent some in town. Ski Santa, which is about 15 miles northeast of downtown, offers 44 trails of rugged, beautifully groomed trails. If you have trouble believing New Mexico offers much in the way ofwinter sports, consider that the ski area receives an average of 240 inches of snox~all annually. This is a first-rate facility, albeit not quite as famous or as demanding as Taos Ski Valley, which is just a two-hour drive north. However you get your exercise, whether hiking, skiing, or strolling among art galleries, you’re sure to work up an appetite in these parts, especially given the city’s high altitude, which can tax your system if you’re not used to it. Fortunately, this is a city with no shortage of terrific restaurants. Serving some of the most authentic New Mexican fare in town, the Shed is an excellent choice. The setting inside a 1692 adobe is ideal for sampling such local favorites as green-chile stew with pork and potatoes, and red-chile enchiladas. Or drop by I1 Vicino, an inexpensive, gay-friendly pizza place serving delicious thin-crust pies topped with gourmet ingredients, microbrewed beers, and a cheerful courtyard. www.ozarksstar.com A favorite spot for brunch is the fabulous Care Pasqual’s, where you might sample buttermilk biscuits with sage-bacon graW, homemade sausage, and poached eggs. More sophisticated and substantial fare appears on the dinner menu - try the organic-chicken mole at dinner. You’ll find a couple of the city’s top restaurants along charming Canyon Road, including such high-end standouts as the Compound and Geronimo, as well as the popular tapas option, E1 Farol. Also specializing in smaller plates, downtown’s La Boca turns out such exemplary fare as Moroccan-grilled shrimp with sweet-pea-basil puree, and seared ahi tuna with Manchego-white-bean hash. If you’ve had your fill ofNew Mexican cuisine, head to the first-rate Kasasoba for exquisite Japanese food. And for casual, affordable, yet creative American chow, don’t miss these two gay favorites, the Cowgirl (great for barbecue, and with a big patio), or Harry’s Roadhouse a short drive south of the city - not terribly far from Silver Starlight Lounge. Harry’s is especially popular for its house-made ¯ desserts and potent margaritas. Santa Fe abounds with appealing accommodations, including a few gay-owned B&Bs and inns. One nice thing about B&Bs in northern New Mexico is that they typically comprise a small compound of casitas (adobe-style cottages) or a cluster of rooms with separate entrances, thereby affording plenty of privacy. Among the longestrunning and most enjoyable such properties is the lesbian-owned Triangle Inn, which comprises nine casitas and lies about 15 miles north of downtown. Units have lovely southwestern furnishings, VCRs, CD stereos, and kitchenettes, and many can sleep four. The Triangle draws mostly gay folks, whereas the other gay-owned B&Bs in Santa Fe cater to a mixed crowd. If you’re looking to stay in the heart of downtown, try E1 Farolito, a collection of airy casitas with fireplaces, striking Mexican and Southwestern furniture, and original art and photography. The Inn of the Turquoise Bear occupies the rambling Spanish-Pueblo Revival estate ofWitter Bynner, a gay poet and socialite of the 1920s and ’30s who threw lavish parties here that drew the likes ofWilla Cather, Errol Flynn, W.H. Auden, and Stephen Spender. It’s a warm and inviting inn surrounded by secret gardens and run by friendly hosts. Among mainstream, luxury accommodations, it’s hard to beat the over-the-top-luxurious Inn of the Five Graces, which is in the heart of the city center and consists of 22 opulently appointed casitas, all done with elaborate Latin American, Middle Eastern, and Asian antiques and decorative arts. Service here is arguably the best in town, and guests can also enjoy lunch at the cozy on-site cafe or dinner at the adjacent Pink Adobe, a famous old Santa Fe restaurant that the Five Graces management bought and refurbished in summer 2007. Another excellent upscale choice, the 57-room Inn of the Anasazi sits steps from the Plaza, its rooms outfitted with kiva fireplaces (common in Santa Fe, they’re shaped a bit like beehive ovens), handwoven fabrics, organic toiletries, and four-poster beds. An ambitious makeover in 2006 has given it a fresh look, and the hotel’s restaurant serves some of the most creative contemporary Southwestern fare in the state. Some additional downtown properties worth checking out include the upscale but well-priced Inn on the Alameda, with bright and airy rooms and a location handy for Canyon Road gallery-hopping; and the mid-priced Inn of the Governors, a rambling hotel two blocks from the Plaza. Many rooms here have wood-burning fireplaces. Whether you’re alone or with your honey, it’s always fun to end a day of hiking or skiing with a soak in one of the outdoor hot tubs at Ten Thousand Waves, a gay-popular Japanese-style spa in the foothills on the east side of town. It’s a memorable spot for star-gazing. For the ultimate away-from-it-all vacation, book an overnight stay in one ofTen Thousand Waves’ smartly appointed luxury casitas, and watch your stresses melt away. ~.ozarksstar.com Charting Our Future? Lesbian Notions, about social networking websitesfor queers. Maybe it’s my age - 50 is just around the corner (oy!). Maybe it’s because I’ve been in a relationship since I was 18 (mind you, that means serial monogamy with four different women). Maybe it’s because I spend a lot of time on the Web at work. Whatever the reason, I’ve not spent too much time on any social networking site - lesbian, gay, or straight. Well, a recent study shows I’m alone! According to a January 2007 Harris Interactive/ Witeck-Combs poll, gays, lesbians, and bisexuals use social networking sites more than straight people do. You can find us at MySpace 33 percent of the time we’re online, and at Facebook or Friendster 11 percent. But these aren’t sites just for us, and, as we all know, we like to go to places just for us, both in real time and in virtual worlds. At least four social networking sites specifically catering to the LGBT community launched this year - Glee, Olivia.com/connect, Socialbutter, and OurChart. Then there are these sites specifically for gay men (the names say it all) - Bigjock, Manjam, and Lovetastic. ~urselves. On OurChart, you can connect yourself via friendships and relationships ~o the wide world encompassing all these people and more." L Word executive producer Ilene Chaiken is OurChart’s CEO, and her partners in the ~enture are Jennifer Beals, who plays Bette, Kate Moennig, who plays Shane, and, not ~urprisingly, Leisha Hailey, who portrays the ~oncept s ong,nator, M~ce. ~Recendy, I had the chance to chat with Lisa ~Parrish, whose blog, "The Hookup," appears ~laily on the site. She explained how it all ~wor-ks. "! love it," said Parrish. "It’s really fun to be part of a community. I do my blog three times a day. The first thing i do after it goes live overnight is...check to see what people are saying.. Now for us dykes who watch The L Word, we know where OurChart.com comes from. In the show’s first season, the engaging, alt-radio DJ and sometimes over-the-top lover ofwhomever she’s with, Mice, started an online chart to track the "relationships" - from one-night stands to the U-Haul on the second dates - of herself and her circle of friends and acquaintances. Over the past four seasons, it has been an on-again/offagain plot line, exploding - or perhaps I should say crashing - in season four, because of the exploits of lesbian sexual predator Poppy. Anyway, some of the girls in front and in back of the camera at The L Word decided to bring the chart into our lives 24/7 by launching OurChart.com, a social networking site just for us. According to a description on the site, "us" includes "lesbians, dykes, queer girls, gay women, high femmes, butches, drag kings, bois, transwomen, and transmen - however we define 22 the STAR You sign up and create your own profile, and then your own chart by adding friends. The chart is, of course, digitally created with your photo at the center, which is then connected visually and virtually with photos of your friends. "I love it," said Parrish. "It’s really fun to be part of a community. I do my blog three times a day. The first thing I do after it goes live overnight is...check to see what people are saying...OurChart is a fun way of giving people a chance to meet each other, mingle, and talk about things they have in common." Parrish told me a heartwarming story about a woman in the States who wrote in to Our- Chart about her grandmother. It seems that Grandma lived in Germany, and the writer had lost touch. She asked if it was possible for anyone in the area to check up on her grandmother’s whereabouts. Someone did. It wasn’t a happy ending - Grandma had died several years before, but at least the woman had some closure. OurChart is also bringing some original Web-based programraing to a computer screen near you. It has recently launched a shiny called Girl Trash, which, according to Parrish, is a "lesbian pulp-fiction-style noir thriller." It is a series of short Web-isodes of an L.A. girl gang careening through the seedier side of the city. Not necessarily my cinematic - albeit on a very small screen - choice, but it is written and directed by veteran L Word and movie director Angela Robinson. She also brought us D.E.B.S. and Herbie: Fully Loaded. Like it or not, Girl Trash shows us what is so great about the Web - the ability to create, be seen and scrutinized, and create again. But getting back to OurChart’s chart, Parrish told me, "One of the key differences about OurChart is that it’s about friends, networking, colleagues...not about people who slept together." Damn! But don’t despair. Parrish explained they’re adding a feature called "Friends+" that can chart anything from a fling to being involved for 10 years to being lifelong partners. "It’s really important to point out that friends won’t be able to be added to "Friends+" without the individual’s permission," said Parrish. "You couldn’t say you slept with Leisha Halley without her permission." Does Mice ask permission? www.ozarksstar.com INDIGO GIRLS Continued Gate" and "Tether." Amy, when you’re playing solo with a tight back up band (3Five- Human came back out and did a great job rocking with the Girls) let it rip. But Amy, from one southern girl to another, hold off: on the tabasco when Emily is with you and pass that Girl a little honey. Okay, while I am at it, here’s another request: please use your position up there on stage to tell us something of your take on reality and world events. I know we can get on your website (wv~w.indigogirls.com) and read your notes and watch your podcasts and that is great. Few performers have as much interaction as that with their fans. But the live stage is a powerful medium in and of itself for communication and transforming the world. Now back to my original pondering. Do I demand too much of two brilliant musicians who seem to be conveying to their audience that they just want to sing their songs and play their music with no intellectual interaction with their audience or each other about any of it? I don’t know. I wanted to hear from them outside their lyrics, brilliant as they are. I wanted to hear the big picture of what is going on in the world as they see it. I mean, I can hardly afford to get off the farm once a year. I need to hear from someone who sees it all. What is their take on it all? \gho do they endorse for 2008? What do they want from us? What is the revolution of the next 10 years? Should transgendered women be allowed in at Michigan? Do their songs ever end up meaning more to them than they meant to say in the first place? Are they ever confused by their own lyrics? Is the Goddess channeling through them? Have we truly already been saved Emily? And finally, maybe every lesbian in Georgia knows the answer to this one but I am in the dark: were you two ever girlfriends? It doesn’t really matter on that last one. I know from their songs that they have a real love for each other and I know from the fact that I have every CD they ever recorded that I love them and that they will have my devotion forever. Sing on, play on, and know you are on your way to rock and roll Heaven and you take us there with you but please, Girls, as long as you’re live on stage and we are live in the audience, open up a little and talk to us about it all. We’re listening. Divas pack the for HOPE By Joey De TULSA, OK __ Nobody likes a diva, but for Tulsa based H.O.RE. testing clinic, there are several Divas that they can’t help but love. For the sixth year, several ofTulsa’s greatest performers, led by Queen Diva Rebecca Ungerman, came together to produce HOPE’s largest annual fundraiser "Divas Live." Held at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, this year’s event shattered previous records. "In our budget, we have to raise around $80,000 that is not subsidized by grant funds. This year, ’Divas’ will conservatively be around $50,000 of that," says Kate Neary-Pounds, HOPE’s Executive Director (Exact totals for the evening were not available at the time of the interview). "These funds literally go to keep the doors open." Neary- Pounds explains that the event is critical because the organization does not receive funds from groups such as United \ray. "In 2006 the Department of Health had a massive funding cut and programs such as our quick tests and 24 hour STD hotline were in jeopardy. Fortunately, we received a grant from the George Kaiser Family Foundation to keep the hotline open, but the funds from the show go to help pay for everything else," Neary-Pounds explains. Ungerman, who has been involved with the show for several years is ovetwhelmed by the public’s response and embracement of the event. "We have had to turn people away at the door the last two years. It’s great. I remember the first year we did it and we were excited that we raised $1,200 and could buy desks," Ungerman explains. A large contributor to the evening’s success has been the healthy growth of the auctions. "We grossed $25,000 from our auctions. A large part of that is the addition ofJay Litchfield to the formula. We’re very lucky to have him on board." Ungerman says that they are looking at ways to expand the event, but not sure what form it will take. "The PAC has been wonderful to us all these years, but have to look at how we are going to change and grow. We don’t have a clue what those changes are going to look like yet, but this is a year round planning process." If you xvoald like more information about HOPE’s services or to make a contribution, visit their xvebsite at www.hopetesting. org or ca~ 749-TEST. HRC Coming Out Kits NOW-AVAILABLE for National Coming Out Day 2007. Get ready to "Talk About It" on October 11, NCOD! The theme for National Coming Out Day 2007 will be Talk About It, continuing the slogan and branding that the national program has been building since 2005. National Coming Out Day is a time to celebrate openness and honesty whether you came out 20 minutes ago, or 20 years ago this is a time for all Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Straight supportive people to Talk About It with friends, family and coworkers. Coming Out Day Kits include: Resource Guides to Coming Out Straight Guides to GLBT Americans Transgender Coming Out Guides Poster, Balloons and HRC Stickers And everything else you’ll need to celebrate living openly! To order your kit, please visit: www.hrc.org/comingoutkits This year will also mark an important hallmark as National Coming Out Day, falls on the 20th anniversary of the 1987 Gay and Lesbian March on Washington, and the unfurling of the MDS Quilt on the National Mall. The very first National Coming Out Day was celebrated a year to the day later as a way of continuing the spirit of openness, honesty and visibility that the March and the MDS Quilt presentation inspired. www,ozarksstar.com The STAR 23 ~here will not be a lot of thinking involved in today’s health and fitness column. I have been advised by my colleague Jebediah to make this an easy and happy "thing" to read. He also wants to help you look forward to your hard exercising routines. Jebedial~ is a first grader at Grover Cleveland Elementary and he came ui~ with the theme for this week’s fitness incentive. Jebby, as he is called by his contemporaries, wants you to grab a pen and paper and write a positive or happy word each time you finish a workout or exercise routine. Keep it in a place you can see every day. He thinks that people will be excited about working out if they know there will be a compilation of fun and happy words they can look at after the hard work. I like the concept and I have been given permission to use it. The Rocky Road Baskin Robbins double scoop cone consulting fee was well worth the advice from Jebby. Here are some of my recent happy thoughts Peter Pan .... HAPPY SMILING GOOD WELL REFR£SHED FANTASTIC YES SUNSHINE AWESOME COOL 26 the STAR WOW EXCELLENT FINE THANKS NICE GLOWING BRILLIANT SUPER SMASHING PRETTY BRIGHT GORGEOUS BEAMING HANDSOME BEAUTIFUL FIT DELICIOUS REJUVENATED GREAT ALIVE JOY PEACEFUL SERENE I am already looking forward to tomorrow’s happy consonant and vowel combination. It is the little things in life that can help us all get by and can help you with your health and fitness regimens. Keep it simple Simon.....or rather Jebby! This bit of health and fitness advice brought to you by the guy who has been kid-tested and mother approved. That guy is Ron Blake and he can be unearthed at www. goblakefitness.com. VERY WELL. 2. LET AND MINUTE. 4. STRMN IN 2 CHILLED MARTINI GLASSES. 5. TOP WITH ATEASPOON OF WHIPPED CREAM AND CINNAMON STICK. 6. CUDDLE UP "WITH SO,LEONE SPECIAL AND EN|OY. HAPPY HALLOWE wwa,.ozarksstar.com ANGLES OKC Continued As times changed and business declined, the club began operating only on weekends, and later opened monthly for special events. After being on the market for several months, the dub was sold to Nick Post, owner of the bars of the Habana Inn ( Copa, Finishline Ledo & Gushers Restaurant). Preceding the sale was a farewell party August 25 followed by a tea dance the next day for partiers who had made Angles what it was, before the club passed into a new destiny. Interview xgrith The New Owner ofAngles, Nick Post. Victor: Well, finally now is it is done deal right? Post: It’s a done deal. We had inspections, licenses, which had all cleared by September 1. Victor: You now own Angles, the building, the business & the name? Post: Yes, and the website too, and the phone number is the same. Victor: What spurred your interest in wanting acquire Angles? Nick: Well two months ago I’d have probably said I didn’t have any interest in acquiring it. It just happened all of the sudden, when a customer had heard Scott (Wilson) was interested in selling Angles and I ought to check into it. I met with him, made a dea!, signed a contact, and the deal closed. Victor: Business had been slow at Angles for a long time before it closed. How do you feel you can avoid the problems they had, to build the business back up? Nick: In the beginning we’re probably only going to be open on Fridays and Saturdays. I want Angles to find its own niche, I’m not looking for Angles to take business from the Copa or the Finishline. I want it so people can walk back and forth, not have to stand in line. Angles will be different than the Copa, but we’re not yet sure what that will be. By the first of the year we hope we’l! know ~vhat niche it should have. Copa will continue to have shows, it’s set up to be a showbar, although Angles may handle large pageants or special events. wvwv.ozarksstar.com Victor: So when wil! Angles have their grand re-opening? Nick: We’re not certain yet, but it will be before Halloween. Victor: You’ve been in the bar business quite a while. When did you first acquire the Copa, along with the Finishline, Ledo and Gushers Restaurant? Nick: It was October of 2007 when I bought them from Lee Burrus. They were already successful, but I think their continued success is largely due to the tremendous staff we have. We have over 40 people working hard here, changing things, bringing in new ideas, keep it different all the time. I think that’s the biggest factor in our success. Victor: Out of sheer curiosity, what did you do before you wound up in the bar business? Nick: I was in real estate from the time I was 19 years old. I started working with Abide, and when Truman Miller sold Abide I went ,vith him into commercial development. I then did mergers and acquisitions with Charles Bazzzarian. When he went to prison I was out of a job, so Lee Burrus offered me one here. Although we thought it would be temporary, I worked for Lee for 6 years. I had never been in the bar business, or ever thought I would be. Victor: That’s quite a change. How did you adapt? That is about as much like an apple and an orange as you can get. Nick: I think it’s easier to go from a conventional job to the bar business than it would be the other xvay around. I started in the office, started managing on Mondays, later on weekends, and it ~vent from there. Victor: Do you anticipate much straight patronage? Nick: Straight people have always been welcome in my bars if they act right. Our goal is to let people know that they are welcome, but in our gays clubs they are on our turfi Victor: How have you handled the many rumors about the change? Nick: Well there have been many, but one rumor we can put to rest is that the purchase ofAngles has nothing to do with my other bars or the Habana Inn. I still have many years left on my lease at the Habana, and the Seikels (Habana’s owners) have no interest in selling the hotel. The only change will be that people can walk back and forth and enjoy both places. I’m truly excited about what we can offer with the Habana and the 39tb Street Strip, and I think Scott and Donny set the standards for the clubs on the Strip, and I’m proud to be there. I also recognize that they helped make possible what we have now, when I actually had a call from a captain of the police department for this area, asking if there had been any trouble from police officers, were they professional cordial, etc. I was glad to be able to tell them that they do act correctly, and they know we run good clubs here. Victor: Well we wish you success in carrying on what the Pmgles has always been, and will mean in the future. Creating Community for People living with HW/A DS A 501 c (3) Non Profit Organization Our House, Too offers a vadety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail hardsmmjr@yahoo.com. the STAR 27 Even sweetness and light can be excessive. With the Sun and Venus in a long, difficult aspect - and in each other’s signs - overdoing the good stuff comes way too easily and can leave us feeling sunburned and saccharine. ARIES (~,~arch 2(} -Apri~ 19): Does your partner want to take the lead or to follow? Baby does want to play, but may be a pushy bottom. (There’s another kind?) Be very clear about who’s really running the show, especially if it’s not stated. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - ~aay 20): Be very careful of your diet, especially your sugar intake. If there’s any diabetes in your family, get yourself checked out. Resist the urge to decorate, or look at what’s behind it. Is it a distraction from more figurative "housecleaning"? GEM~Ni (~lay 21 - Jmle 29): Write, paint, compose your heart out. It’s all dreck, even if your friends tell you it’s fabulous. They’re just being nice. Later on, when your critical faculties return, something good could come out of all the fertilizer you’re excreting now. CANCER (June 2t - Ju~y 22): Sure, you want your home to be utterly gorgeous. Risking the rent or mortgage by spending a wad on decoration is a bit counterproductive. Get creative with what you have, or raise money selling off old clutter. LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): You could easily be too charming, tempting others to doubt your sincerity. Just be your natural, sweet self. That’s already a lot for many people to handle! Cultivate modesty, and remember: The flower charms the bee without effort. WRGO (August 23 - September 22): Being helpful with your insight and suggestions seems a charming idea to you, but others may find it meddlesome. Ask if you can offer help before you actually do. Better yet, put yourself in their shoes, and invite critical support. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22}: Your political talents are already working overtime for you. It would be much too easy to overplay your hand. Sit back, pay attention, and move lightly. Before you offer anything, let them want it! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Your instincts are better than good for making connections with superiors at work or getting on the right side of any authority figure. In fact, you may be a bit overenthusiastic and pushy. Where’s that discreet, subtle Scorpion we love so well? 28 the STAR SAGITTARIUS/November 22 - December 20}: Your friends know how outspoken you are, and how you love to argue - excuse me - "exchange new ideas." Your current enthusiasm will charm some people and scare others off. You may want to be careful about whom you push into either category. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January t9): You are now exuding pure sexuality. Horny, jaded, or anywhere in between, you are radiating sex. At work, that can cause trouble. Do your best to sublimate that energy and/or enjoy it in the appropriate time and place. AQUARIUS (January 29 - February !8}: You want adventure, but not solo. You and your partner want different things, but are too eager to appease each other, and that satisfies nobody. Find a common ground where you can both be a little selfish and have a great time. P~SCES (February 19 - ~aarch 19): You don’t need to show off or work on your erotic expertise - but why pass up the fun? Finding eager partners is not a problem. Limiting yourself to an appropriate partner may be! METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. U~ie Spiri ol Chris tViCC 2g02 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed DaV! www.ozarksstar.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 ~wcw.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S Pd~STAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 N~V 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\rAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com TNT’S 2114 S. MEMORIAL DR. Tulsa, OK 918-660-056 Open Wed- Fri 6pm, Sat 8pm DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 wvcw.realacceptance.com HERLAND SISTER’S 2312 N~V 39th St Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-521-9696 HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm NWARKANSAS GLBT CENTER Bentonville/Rogers 888-391-9222 W~W~.NWAGLBTCC.ORG DIVERSITY PRIDE EVENTS 479-253-2555 Eureka Springs, AR www.diversitypride.com Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $29.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: ¯ne STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: Address: City:. St: Zip: Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: www.ozarksstar.corn Keller Williams Realty Chuck Breckenridge Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. NWArkansas GLBT Communig- Center "Linking Together as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 WWW.NWAGLBTCC.ORG 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com mad~ and sc{ence And more an iu yot~r-k www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 31 ;:’ I:he rr, sg Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2007] The Star Magazine, October 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 10 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 01, 2007 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Charles (Chaz) Ward Victor Gorin Greg Steele Jeanne Flanigan Paul Wortman James Nimmo Joey D. Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Devre Jackson Michael Leach 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 Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern 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, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 9 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/213 The Star Magazine, November 1, 2007; Volume 4, issue 11 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/211 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/212 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/983c37a58cc9eb63ee764f8c9ae250c2.jpg 52e9ffb1d524c1834418f5ddf4ad3259 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/27d2d7f880e623a428f671f56c0f22dc.pdf 39b32e3fdd455b9fc74bf63f93f54d50 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 Happy Thanksgiving STATEHOOD DAY San Francisco & Austin, Texas West 7th Street (corner 7th & Bolder Ave) o Tulsa, Ok 74t t 9 o www.downtownplazatulsa~com Reservations: 918.585.5998 ® 800.585.5101 Where you can b YOU" 2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 { LOCAL Real Men Fry Turkeys and International Gay Bowling hits OKC. Oklahoma’s Centennial Kicks off in our first Capitol, Guthrie. October 1930 (77 years ago last month) Sociologist Laud Humphreys is born in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Pinot Noir is one of the oldest vine grape varieties known. This grape has been cultivated in Burgundy since the 1st century AD. Rachael Sage Talks with the STAR before her performap,ce in Tulsa. Gay Travelers: San Francisco Out of Town: Austin, Texas Dining In or OUT Lesbian Notions, an interview with Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of the Family Equality Council. Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: Deborah Harry & Rachael Sage 4 the STAR In the interview with Nick Post, the new owner of Angles, we incorrectly stated due to a typo that he had acquired the Finishline, Copa, Ledo and Gushers in 2007. It was actually 2000. We regret the error. STAR DISTRIBUTION: OKLAHOMA CITY * TULSA * LAWTON * MCALESTER * ENID * NEW ORLEANS * NORTH LITTLE RODK * FAYETTEVILLE * FT SMITH * EUREKA SPRINGS * HOT SPRINGS * BENTONVILLE * ROGERS * KANSAS CITY * SPRINGFIELD * JOPLIN * BRANSON AREA* WICHITA* PITTSBURG * JUNCTION CITY www.ozarksstar.com R÷a By Greg Steele With all the outing of gay penguins, sheep, dogs and other species, is there a possibility there are gay turkeys? How would you know if you were eating one of our own? I mean the poor critters are just herded into the slaughter pen, humanely killed, I presume, plucked and whisked off to Walmart. I for one will be asking the Walmart meat lady if my turkey was gay! I refuse to bake, fry, barbecue or boil a family member. We assume that all turkeys are hetero, and it’s OK to bake or fry ect., a homophobic hetero turkey, but what if your turkey was hetero and gay friendly? This outing of animals and now fowl is just not right. It raises so many questions and creates so many problems and it’s Thanksgiving for God’s sake. Where are the Fowl Rights people when you need them! Have a Great Holiday! INTERNATIONAL GAY BOWLING TOURNAMENT AND CONVENTION ROLLS INTO OKLAHOMA CITY OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (P/R) __ Oklahoma City wilt be hosting the International Gay Bowling Organization’s (IGBO) 2007 Mid-Year Tournament and Convention, November 7-12, 2007. This event will cap offtwo years of preparation by the OKClassic Bowling Association as it welcomes bmvlers from al! over the United States and Canada. IGBO is the world’s largest GLBT sports organization with over 170 member leagues and over 60 member tournaments. OKClassic has hosted one of IGBO’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 convention activities will be held at The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites on NW 63rd & Robinson. IGBO’s Board of Directors, Regional. Representatives, and league and tournament representatives from around the world will conduct various business meetings at the ......................................... Continuedpa~,e- 27 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5 rocre tior Uber AlOes OK~.AHOMA CITY, OK__ Who would have thought that the successful union of a spermatozoa and an ovum would be a taxpaying citizen’s certification of citizenship. ¯he highest court of the state of Maryland has recently joined New York and Washington state in ruling that because same-gendered people can’t procreate they can not be married in the same way that opposite-gendered people can. Reading between the lines it seems straight people who have the corresponding slot A and tab B are automatically entitled to the approximately 1,400 Federal and state benefits that accrue with state-sponsored marriage. I always thought that paying taxes made one a citizen. Odd, that even though I have no children, I’m still required to pay school taxes. Additionally, I pay a sales tax to help pay for municipal structures such as sports arenas that I will never use, my gasoline taxes are used to pave roads which I’ll never drive on, and my library taxes will pay for books which H1 never read. And now, at least in Maryland, New York and Washington-- I have to pony up with a wife and child in order to be a REAL citizen? Paying taxes isn’t enough? I’m glad these anti-gay judicial decisions are finally exposing the hypocrisy of our socalled civil society where the First Amendment defense of the separation of secular and sacred is being ignored and willfully convoluted in order to perpetuate the ideas of religious supremacy, the power of the penis, and the submissiveness of the vagina. Since when was being the father or mother of a child necessary to prove one’s citizenship? Is that really the case? Don’t we all know married straights who have never had biological children? Are their marriages in danger of being repudiated in those states that have ruled procreation as a necessary possibility for a complete marriage? Are childless marriages breaking the law? Doesn’t this suggestion smell strongly ofNazism and other totalitarian creeds such as one-child China? AS our American society devolves into a seriously reality-adverse Gulag of religiously based proscriptions against equality, and as the "demos" is removed from Democracy and replaced with "theos", I’ve written a proposed bill that someone like Trent "gays have Heptomania" Lott, Larry ’Tm not gay" Craig, David "diaper" Vitter, or Jim "no gays in my family" Inhofe wil! take up on the floor of Congress. IfI were a God-fearing, Bible-banging GOP straight man truly interested in the precepts of the great Creator who knows all things and requires the institution of marriage to be solely and soulfully about procreation I would legislate for the fol!owing policy to be instituted. A provisional license would be issued following a medical examination to determine the gender and procreative viability of the man and woman applying. Should one applicant fai! this examination in either part no license from the state would be allowed. In addition the failing partner would be required to register on a publicly available website to insure against fraud and redundancy. Opposite gendered married couples that do not procreate vcithin three years of their marriage will have that marriage annulled. If a procreative impediment, other than self-induced conditions, develops after the issuance of the provisional license as ~vell as after the issuance of the final license, the marriage would be allowed to continue. Should there be a stillbirth or death within one year of the birth of a living child, an extension of one year would allowed for each subsequent stillbirth or early death. Such extensions would continue until the natural menopausal advancement occurs with the woman. The man is considered to be fertile for life. As the balance scale of Lady Justice is replaced with a cudgel, and her blindfold exchanged for binoculars it would do for us all, gay or straight, to reassess just what makes a civil society. 6 the STAR wxvw.ozarksstar.corn ~’wvw.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 Recognized by Keller Williams For outsLandlng achievement 2005 and 2006 Chuck Sreckenridge 918-706-1887 3627 NW Expressway 405.840.2106 TESTING CLINIC hea]t~ ow~each prevention education, inc. 1-800-535-AIDS (2437) Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline PROTECT YOURSELF PROTECT YOUR PARTNER(S) ¯ Frse nonjudgmental HIV ~esting, including the 20 minute OraQuick TesL KNOW YOUR STATUS *Free Syphillis screening at th~ GLBTCommunity Center on Tuesdays from 6-Spin H,O,P.E. Testing Clinic Mens Outreach Program In Tulsa at (918) 812-7045 Let us promote your business in a UNIQUE & DIVERSE market. Call STAR ADVERTISING today. (918)835-7887 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 AIDS WALK OKC R~MEMBEIUNG THOSEPASSED ON, WORKING TOWA~ocDSABETTER FUTURE. By Victor Gorin Photo:Joe @dgle); OKCsc~ool teacher and political activist with Miss America Lauren Nelson OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Keeping up a proud tradition begun in 1998, the Oklahoma City AIDS Walk was held again on Sunday, September 29 as usual sponsored and supported by a wide variety of groups & people from all walks of life to help those living with HIV, prevention and education, as well as remembering those passed on. ~his year the occasion was honored as Miss America, Oklahoma’s own Lauren Nelson, headlined as this year’s Grand Marshall. This year’s walk raised over $60,000. The Walk benefits the AIDS Support Program/Winds House, RAIN (Regional AIDS Intercommunity Network), Guiding Right, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma-HIV/AIDS Legal Resource Project, Northern Lights Alternatives, Other Options Inc, Planned Parenthood of Oklahoma & Red Rock North. Currently over 6000 Oklahomans are living with HIV or AIDS. OKC MDS Walk President Danny Morgan looked to the future with his statement, "We are really excited over the increase in attendance and money raised over last year, and we’re looking forward to an even bigger event with yet more money raised for the valuable work that our agencies do in the Oklahoma City area." STOP HATE N THE HALLWAYS A BULLYNG CONFERENCE THAT NADE H STORY By Victor Gorin OKLAHOIVlA CITY, OK __ On October 11 history was made in Oklahoma. Although there had been numerous conferences and seminars about school safety in the past, there had always been something conspicuously missing, and to one group of victims, along with their friends and families, it was obvious. It was students harassed because of their real or perceived sexual orientation. The Stop Hate in the Hallways Conference was held at the Springlake Metro Tech Campus, organized by Cimarron Alliance and co-sponsored by numerous organizations. The conference was attended by over 300 people, among them teachers, school administrators, law enforcement, and other people from all walks of life throughout Oklahoma. As one of the organizers, OKC Councilperson Ann Simank pointed out, " I think the conference is addressing many issues that should have been addressed years and years ago. The whole goal is for the attendees today to obtain some real knowledge and tools to take back to their communities so that they’ll be able to make children safer and feel better, to feel accepted." The conference explored the price society pays for school bullying. Victims of bullying are less likely to go on to college, many even drop out of high school to escape abuse, thus doing serious damage to their careers. School districts have been successfiAly sued when harassment was deliberately allowed, and tragedies have resulted that have made schools less safe. The keynote speaker was Kevin Jennings, the founder and national director of GLSEN (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network), which works to educate the public and school systems about the problems faced by students harassed due to sexual orientation. A former teacher himself, he pointed out that a generic policy prohibiting bullying" is no more valuable than no policy at all. Gay students likelihood of skipping school is when they see themselves specifically mentioned in the policy, among race, religion, color, and so on". He also pointed out that it has been shown that schools that have a policy specifically protecting students from harassment due to sexual orientation have a lower incidence of bullying overall. On a positive note, he stated that among parents surveyed almost 83% support school policies protecting students from bullying due to real or perceived sexual orientation, even 77% of those parents identified as born again Christians. Although there are many differences of opinion, the overall consensus of parents is that they want their children’s schools to be safe. He compared the threats & opposition of fundamentalist parents opposing a policy of this protection to be "like a dog on the other side of a door that is really a chihuahua. " There was discussion about the Oklahoma City School District, which last year posted on their website the upcoming Student Handbook, which included among the categories protected from bullying & harassment "sexual orientation," then mysteriously pulled those words two days later. Despite numerous appeals by many diverse speakers and groups, the Oklahoma City School Board has yet to give any reply as to why this happened, or why there is no policy protecting OKC students from this category of harassment to this day. To attend the conference, personnel from the OKC school systera had to take personal time off from their jobs. In closing Richard Odgen, President of Cimarron Alliance had some optimism in saying, "I think this will not be the end of this discussion, but the beginning. We’re hopeful that in the years to come that rather than the State Secretary of Education saying ’ I’m too busy’ she wil! be here. Rather than a lack of support from largest school district in the state, there will be a policy of sending teachers to the conference. We’re letting people know, we are going to talk about it, it isn’t right that that these hot topics aren’t discussed, in fact that is why the), must be discussed. " 10 the STAR ~.ozarksstar.com TULSA, OK (P/R) __ The Dennis 1L Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly meet-the-artist reception from 6- 9pm, Thursday, November 1, 2007, for the opening of its November exhibit, "Schizo", works by artist Patrick Uva. Uva comes to Tulsa via New York City where he studied art at City College ofNew York. Since moving to his new home, Patrick has created a prolific collection of new paintings and sculpture. His new shmv "SCHIZO" was inspired by the auditory hallucinations he struggles with every day. "I wanted to express my struggle with the voices, but also the idea of collective freedom. I have this ’built-in’ collective consciousness so I wanted to show how individual awareness affects humanity as a whole. Patrick uses vibrant colors, fabric, dirt, sand and even cigarette ash within the confines of a skewed geometry to produce art that is at once violent, harmonious, haunting and ioy6 l. The exhibit will remain up through the month of November, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Cdebrate 1st Arm versary Oklahoma’s Log Cabin Republicans (LCR) will be celebrating their first year as a chapter of the national organization with a special free barbecue dinner November 1. The social event is for members only and their friends, including many Democrats who have been invited. It is also an event geared toward welcoming potential new members. "We are going to throw a nice dinner party for our members and friends, to celebrate the fact we completed the requirements of our national committee for full chapter status," said Tim O’Herin, president of the group. LCR is the nation’s largest organization of Republicans who support fairness, freedom, and equality for gay and lesbian Americans. It has state chapters nationwide, a full-time staff in \Vashington, DC, and a Federal political action committee. "Although LCR of Oklahoma has been active in the gay community for about three years, this is our first year as a recognized chapter," he said. The party is by invitation only, and will be held in a member’s home in the south Edmond, North Oklahoma City area. The barbecue dinner is being provided by Head Country Barbecue of Ponca City. Dinner will be at 7:30 PM., with a one hour cocktail hour at 6:30 PM. "We encourage any gay man or lesbian who is a Republican, or supports our goals, to contact us for details about the dinner," he said. "Since it is being held at a private residence, we will not publicize the exact details of its location, but anyone who is interested in attending can contact us for further information," O’Herin said. ....................Continued page 27 Deborah Harry per£orm At T sa’s Historic Brady eater TULSA, OK (P/R) __ The lead singer for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Blondie, Deborah Harry is performing at Tulsa’s Historic Brady Theater on Tuesday November 27th. The ultimate pop-rock, new wave diva, Debbie Harry set the mold, incorporating everything she learned from culture pioneers like Andy Warhot, Giorgio Moroder and Fab Five Freddy into her fashion, look and, particularly, sound. With Blondie, she and Chris Stein brought the worlds of disco and rock together with "Heart of Glass", "Dreaming", "The Tide Is High", and "Call Me" and broke ground by combining hiphop and pop on "Rapture." As a solo artist, Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards co-produced her first release Koo Koo in 1981. She continues to defy expectations with such genre-busting efforts as "French Kissing in t~he U.S.A.," "Rush Rush," "Rain", ’[Atomic", and "The Jam Was Moving." Before there was Madonna and Gwen Stefani, Debbie Harry was rock’s reigning blonde pin-up icon, and both are quick to acknowledge her inspiration, as are countless female (and male) rockers who have since formed bands. On the heels of her sixth solo album "Necessary Evil", Deborah Harry will be performing live at Tulsa’s Historic Brady Theater Tuesday November 27th, 2007. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $29, $39 & $49. at www.bradytheater.com, Tulsa’s Historic Brady Theater at 105 West Brady, or by calling the Brady Theater Ticket Office at (918) 58-BRADY (27239). www.ozarksstar.corn the ST.~R 11 Y÷a ! GUTHRIE, OK__ The Guthrie Centennial Committee, in coordination with the Oklahoma State Centennial Commission, is proud to present a major state celebration in Guthrie, Oklahoma on November 16, 2007. This State Holiday celebrates the 100 Year Proclamation of Oklahoma Statehood by President Theodore Roosevelt on November 16, 1907. Guthrie, as Oklahoma’s First State Capital, will host historical re-enactments of the statehood proclamation, the swearing- in of Oklahoma’s First Governor, Cliarles Haskell, and the symbolic wedding of Oklahoma Territory with Indian Territory. These re-enactments will be held at the historic Carnegie Library in Guthrie, where they actually occurred in 1907. At 12 Noon, a historic parade will be held, just as occurred in 1907, and will retrace the route from the Scottish Rite Temple to Mineral Wells Park. This historic parade will include major university marching bands such as the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Langston University, the University of Central Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Centennial All Star Band. In addition, marching bands from Logan County high schools will also perform. At Mineral Wells Park, a barbeque will be held with the identical menu which occurred a century ago...barbeque, bread, a pickle, coffee and lemonade. Other events and entertainment venues will also be held throughout the downtown area during the day. State and national dignitaries will be in Guthrie, to participate in the reenactments, and in the parade. The President of the United States has been invited to be in Guthrie also on this day. The City of Guthrie has been advised that between 75,000 and 100, 000 visitors may attend events on this historic day. As a small city, the challenge of these crowds will be enormous. City planning is ongoing throughout 2007 to anticipate and deal with crowds. Many volunteers from the Guthrie and Logan County communities, and from the region, will assist in making a historic day for visitors. Lodging, dining, other details: Residents are being encouraged to wear early 1900 "Period Dress" for the Statehood Day events. Victorian, Edwardian, and Western dress is encouraged but not required. Visitors to Guthrie are also welcome to wear period attire. Lodging and dining referrals may be found through the Chamber of Commerce at 405-282-1947. Historic Pollard Inn at 405-282-1000 The Guthrie Bed & Breakfast Association through v~.guthriebb.com Sleep Inn at 405-260-1400 With the large anticipated crowds, visitors may desire to bring personal or picnic lunches. 12 the STAR w~wv.ozarksstar.com PlanetOu InCo Sells RSVP Vacations SAN FRANCISCO, CA (PRNewswire- FirstCall __PlanetOut inc., the leading media and entertainment company exclusively focused on the gay and lesbian market, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Atlantis Events, Inc. for Atlantis to acquire RSVP Vacations. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close on or about October 24, 2007. The sale will not affect RSVP’s scheduled itinerary, nor will it affect current passenger bookings. "We are extremely pleased that RSVP wil! become part of the Atlantis family," said Karen Magee, chief executive officer, Planet- Out Inc. "Atlantis plans to preserve RSVP’s distinct brand, enabling Atlantis to expand the audience it serves by taking advantage of RSVP’s unique positioning within the LGBT community. We believe this combination also will be a real positive for RSVP’S customers and business partners. It really is a perfect match and we’re looking forward to expanding and extending our marketing relationship with Atlantis." "From a corporate perspective, we believe this transaction demonstrates to our shareholders that we are continuing to deliver on our commitment to leverage our strengths by simplifying our business model and emphasizing our core competencies," added Magee. "We are focused on ensuring that we are in the best position to realize our full potential as the leading media and entertainment company exclusively serving the LGBT market, while also strengthening our balance sheet." Magee also pointed out that the sale of RSVP reflects PlanetOut’s strategy of shifting its business to a model which has advertising revenue at its core, and draws strength from the company’s powerful, iconic media brands. Quot bBe Quotes The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to Alabama’s ban on the sale of sex toys, ending a nine-year legal battle and sending a warning to store owners to clean off their shelves. Sherri Williams, owner of Pleasures stores in Huntsville and Decatur, said she was disappointed, but plans to sue again on First Amendment free speech grounds. "My motto has been ’They are going to have to pry this vibrator from my cold, dead hand.’ I refuse to give up," she said. George Takei gets own asteroid: "I am now a heavenly body,’, says the out gay actor ofAsteroid 1994 GT9’s official renaming in honor of his long "Star Trek" service. George Takei already had a place among the stars in the minds of millions of"Star Trek" fans. Now he’s taking up permanent residence as the namesake of the asteroid formerly known as the 1994 GTg. The asteroid, located between Mars and Jupiter, has been renamed 7307 Takei in honor of the actor, who is best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original "Star Trek" series. "I think the opponents of gay marriage really fall into two categories. A small group of people just don’t like gay people. 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?" -- Gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., to the Wellesley [Mass.] Townsman. Photo: Presenting the CarlAlbertAward to Mr. Lemon (right) isfim Frasier, a Tulsa Stonezoall Democrat OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ On October 20 at the Oklahoma State Democratic Party’s annual Carl Albert Dinner, Bob Lemon received the Carl Albert Award along with the late State Senator Keith Leftwich. Mr.Lemon, who describes himself as "straight but not narrow," is an active member of the Oldahoma StonewaB Democrats and a generous supporter of many causes of the GLBT community. Quotable Quotes Opponents of Oregon’s new same-sex domestic partnership law failed to turn in enough valid signatures to block the measure that takes effect Jan. 1, 2008. "We’re thrilled to bring Atlantis and RSVP together into the same family for the first time," said Rich Campbell, chief executive officer ofAtlantis. "The two companies are stronger together than they are apart, and taken together demonstrate the strength and vitality of the gay travel market." www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 13 October 1930 (77 yeas ago this month): Sociologist Laud I-tumphreys is born in Chickasha, Oklahoma. was ONahoman Lau d Humphreys? aud I-Iumphreys’ 1970 book, Tearoom Trade: Impersonal Sex in Public Places, presented a landmark ethnographic study of men who cruise for anonymous sex in public bathrooms - a topic that remains relevant to this day. Robert Allan Humphreys was born October 16, 1930, in Chickasha, Okla., the son of a conservative member of the state House of Representatives. After graduating from college in Colorado Springs, Humphreys earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1955 and was ordained an Episcopal priest (at which time he adopted the name "Laud"). He married his wife Nancy at age 30, and the couple had two children. Humphreys’ involvement in black civil rights and antiwar activism in the 1960s garnered attention from the FBI and angered prominent members of his various congregations. After he was dismissed from a parish post in Wichita, Kan., he enrolled in graduate school at Washington University in St. Louis to study socio!ogy and crimino!- ogy. Possibly motivated both by the discovery that his deceased father led a secret homosexual life and by struggles with his own sexuali~ Humphreys decided to study men who seek sex in public toilets, or "tearooms." Though Humphreys claimed he was a "watch queen," or a voyeur who acted as a lookout, many suspect he was a more direct participant. Humphreys recorded the license plate numbers of more than 100 men he observed having sex - mainly fellatio - in the bathrooms of a city park, used these to track down their addresses, and later visited their homes in disguise, posing as a public health interviewer. ~ne subjects never knew they were part of a study, much less gave their consent. Humphreys’ Ph.D. dissertation, published as Tearoom Trade in !970, detailed the steps involved in the homosexual public sex ritual - positioning, signaling, maneuvering, contracting, foreplay, and the payoff- as well as the intricate back-and-forth as men gauged one another’s interest. As such, he concluded, it was highly unlikely that an unwitting straight man would be molested or pestered for sex. Though the men went to great lengths to avoid both arrest arid violence from uninterested heterosexuals, police used the cruising code for entrapment. "W-hen a homosexual takes a seat in the adjacent commode and starts tapping his foot, the decoy will tap back," Humphreys wrote. Humphreys found that just over half the men he studied were married, 38 percent did not consider themselves either homosexual or bisexual, and only !4 percent were openly gay. They came from diverse races and socioeconomic classes and were generally similar to "normal" heterosexual men, except that the cruisers tended to be politica~ y and socially conservative pillars of their community. "In donning the breastplate of righteousness," Humphreys wrote, "the covert deviant assumes a protective shield of superpropriety." Humphreys’ dissertation caused an immediate furor. ~Pne university chancellor sought to have his degree revoked for abetting felonies, sociology colleaDles criticized his dishonest research methods, and some gay activists regarded the study as an embarrassment - though it shored up the argument that since homosexual cruisers bothered no one else, bathroom busts were a waste of resources. Nevertheless, _Tearoom Trade won the prestigious C. Wright Mills award from the Society for the Study of Social Problems. In 1972, Humphreys was hired as a professor of sociology and criminal justice at Pitzer College in Claremont, Calif. - a contract he negotiated from a jail cell where he was serving time for invading a draft board office and smashing a portrait of Richard Nixon. He came out publicly at the 1974 annual meeting of the American Sociological Association as part of a panel discussion in which he also outed Edward Sagarin (who had written the groundbrea~ng Tlxe Homosexual in ka~aerica under the name Donald Webster CoW in 1951, but had since grown critica! of the gay movement). Humphreys went on to co-found the Sociologists’ Gay (now LGBT) Caucus. By the mid- !970s, Humphreys’ scholarly productivity had declined, and he began to shirk his academic responsibilities. In 1980, he left his wife, moved in with a male protege, started a private counseling practice, and became increasingly involved with the Los Angeles gay community. In his later years, he returned to the ministry, serving people with AIDS. A heavy smoker, he died of lung cancer at the age of 58. The ethics of Humphreys’ study are still widely debated. Along with other questionable research in various fields, it helped usher in strong informed consent requirements and institutional review boards to protect research participants. But his work has undergone reconsideration in recent years. None of his subjects were actually harmed (Humphreys kept their information under lock and key), and some commentators have suggested that much of the initial furor was motivated more by distaste for the topic than true concern for the subjects. Further, information about public sex cultures proved invaluable in devising AIDS prevention strategies, and partidpantobserver research with an advocacy" angle became more acceptable. Almost four decades after its publication, Tearoom Trade remains the definitive guide to homosexual toilet sex. Despite a much larger GLBT community, many more venues for meeting, and pervasive sex on the Internet, anonymous sex in public places shows no sign of dissipating among gay or non-gay-identified men. For further reading: Galliher, John, W’ayne Brekhaus, and David Keys. 2004. Laud Humphreys: Prophet of Homosexuality and Sociology (University of Wisconsin). Horowitz, Irving. 2003. Tributes: Personal Reflections on a Century of Social Research (Transaction Publishers). Schacht, Steven. 2004. Moving Beyond the ControversT: Remembering the Many Contributions of Laud Humphreys to Sociology and the Study of Sexuality. International Journal o-fSociolo{~y and Social Policy (Vol. 24; special issue on Humpnreys). 14 the STAR ~w.ozarksstar.com AbriefhiSlory ofthe grape Pinot Noir comes from all over world. It’s grown in many coun including: France, Argent Austria (called burgunder), (Sp&tburgunder), (Pinot Nero Zealand, "Dole" when the United States, gundac). Pinot Noir is a difficult with. The plant is A parent plant can wildly different ~erry size ar even flavor. Cabernet I genetically individual clones Noir has it ages earthiness, smoke Chardonnay in spar- Ion in inot Noirgoes l~hrough a range of langes as it matures. A young wine will fruity characteristics including: Cal raspberry and strawberry. 4. Jayer-Glf Hautes Cot Burgundy 5. Etude Carneros ’05 California 6 Raptor Ridge Willamette Valley ’05 0~egon And as always, I say go to your favorite www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 15 OnSaturday night November I0 Tulsans "W~II have an opportunity to hear one ofAmerica’s greatest songrcesses, a remalkable artist with her own eclectic brand of modern folk music with her own unique twist. Born in Greenwich, Connecticut and growing up as a talented prodigy, she studied at the American School of Ballet, went on to earn a drama degree at Stanford Universi~ founded her own MPress Record label, racked up a repertoire of discography, and has even written & performed nasionally known TV commerai£s. She has toured extensively in both the United States and Europe. Described by Judy Collins as great glfx...an incredible talent and beauty," the shares her thoughts, hopes and aspirations with us. STAR: Glad to have you with us, we’re delighted you’re coming m Oklahoma. Have you been here before? MS SAGE: I have, I played there a couple of years ago at your Tulsa Pride Festival. STAR: How would you describe your unique brand of music? MS. SAGE: I would tend to call my music arc-pop, which kind of btingr in some of the pop music that I listened to growing up from the 50s, 60s and 70s and some of the classical music I heard as a ballerina. STAR: As a record coflector myself I was intrigaed with some of the music that influenced you growing up, like the records your parents had of Broadway shows, the Beades ¯nd the do-wop artists of the 60s. MS. SAGE; Certainly the Beades, a lot of classical music, and Broadway musicals. In the 70s a best friend tttrned me on to a lot of folk ardsts like Carole King, James Taylor 1 6 the STAR & Cat Stevens. Of course I heard Isreali folk music when I was at Temple, STAR: Did the music you hear at your synagogue have a big influence on your style? MS.SAGE: Mosdy the Temple music made me love to sing. Tae cultural aspects of tynagugue exposed me to a lot of music, a lot of minor keys & beautifid melodies, another area that showed me how music can bring people together. MS.SAGE: Well, I was always into music, sounding music out on the piano by ear when I was about 2 ½ years old. Actually the first Broadly show I saw was Ok~homa, and when I gut home I would try to play the score by ear. I gut into dance, which was a good part ofmy muaiol education a~ well. STAR: You had written and performed for some nationally known TV commercials. What are some that we might remember? MS. SAGE: I did one for Gillette, ~nd another one for Cwstal L 7 or 8 years ~ inside you, takes you away, Crystal Light, 5 different STAR: I love it! What influences your music most of nil today? SPINNAKER CRAB CAKES Ingredients: 1 pinch white pepper a bowl with crab meat may<:~rt~i~ eggs, chives and seasonlow heat. Slowly now or they WJI! ~l to bum. Ser~e with a side of mayonnaise into which a few dl~p~ of fresh lemon juice and TRAVEL by Donald Pite and Ray Williams SAN FRANCISCO AND "THE CASTRO" ~ehave just returned froio the beauttfial "City by the Bay~ and it is tr~y as wonderful, exciting alld lnagl~ificellt as ever. For some strange re~.son it kad been 6 years shace we were last there and we used to go once a year, but we got involved with othes places to visit instead, but we were so happy to visit San Frmlcisco again. \Ve find it am~iog how many gays around the country have never been to gan Francisco so we will start of by saying that Saa Frmacisco is the city ~uxd "]he Castro" is the gay district in Sm~ Frmacisco which is filled with lots of great restaurants, shops and ofcourse plenty of bars. "!bns of bars so whatever you ~re into you will be sure to find a bar just for you! "The Cusrco" has been around for y~ a~d years. All up ~nd dco~n the Castro d~strict ~re gay ttags waving e,mrywhere ~d the largest one is just as you step offthe pubic transportation system and you are laced with the largest gay ttag that we and a wondert~ c~mmunity room located t~ght at the front which overlooks the mreet where you c~n watch hmtdreds ofgays w~k b?; 18 the STAR ins and a public email statina, available 2417. And in addition you have access to their refrigerator and mlcro-wave. They care about their guests! Just wish that more B and B’s were as considerate and caring. Why ~xor stay where you are partying? Be sure ~nd check out both of these B and B’s before making a trip to San Francisco. Shopping for gifts, clothing, decorating items or even groceries are all within a couple bIoch area of the Castro. T~e res~aura~*rs axe a~ individu.tlly owned and off&s a wide ~ango of menus. A~xd of course by s tayla~g at the Village House you ~e right i~ tlm middle of everyth~g ~d can w~kk everywhe~[ ~en there is San Francisco i~sel£ What a beaurifu[ dty and of art work, museums, down,town shopping on Union Squaxe. Chinatown is just a few bhicl~ from downtown and you certainly don’t want to miss the shopping and food there, From downtown take one of the cable cars to Fisherman’s Wharf alld Pier 39 to see all die The gay section ofHippie Hollow Park is afavorite Austin kangout on weekend afternoons. (Photo by Andrew Collins) Austin, Texas Fast-growing Aastin has been one ofAmerica’s most talked about cities over the past decade, having not o~ly increased its population by nearly 50 percent but also solidified its [eputation as an ultracool place ro live and visit. The fact that Austin is oppressively hot for a few months each summer is about its only maior negative. A~ auctman approaches, however, Austin cools off again ~nd this means the city’s myd~ad cafes, lounges, music dubs, and gay hangouts sizzle with activit~ If yoffve been to this lefr leaning - especially by Texas standards - city before, say five or more yeaxs ago, you may have trouble recoguiaing it. The downtown landscape has been transformed by recendy constructed office and hotel towers, and a fantastic new air port makes traveling here a breeze. Here’s a recipe for enjoying the perfect three-day weekend in this upbeat, welcoming metropolis. Consider staying in the forty downtown Warehouse District, with its bounty of both gay and gay-friendly bars as wdl as hip restau rants and offbeat boutiques. Worthy recommendatiorts include the most glamorous hotd in town, the Intercontinental Stephen E Austin. an opulent 16-stoty beauty with marne baths, 1920s era furnishings, mad twice-daily maid service. Perfectly appealing yet less pricey downtown alternatives include the Radisson Town Lake, whgse rooms face the scenic Colorado River (known as Tow~ Lake 20 the STAR in this part of the dty), and the H~apton Irm and Suites, an attractive, reasonably priced mid-rise opened a few years ago. Across the river, within walking distance of downtown, you’ll find another excellent todging base, the retro-trendy South Congress district, home to the devedy restored Austin Motel. Many rooms at dais quirky slice of ’50s-style Americana have tile floors, kitchenettes, Jacuzai rubs, and kidney shaped patios. There’s an on-site Mexican restaurant, El Sol y La Luna, that turns out fiery, kich-ass huevos rancheros and carne asada. A few blocks away, the swankier Hotel San Jose is another old motor court that’s been given a postmodern, mlnlmalist makeover. The spacious courtyard suites are downright posh (and pricey), but a simpler though soil snazzy room with a shared bath runs for under $100 nighd)~ Entertain g~ests in the hotel’s scene-y iounga-cum-coffechouse. OI~ Friday, your first night in town, decompress ~tfter your flight or car ride with a rel~xh~g, informal meal at one of the city’s well-regarded purveyors ofTex-Mex, such as Guero’s or Manuel’s. A former feed store that’s now a fabulous taqueria, Guero’s serves some of the best Mexic~m f~re in central Texas - flora standard but artl~ly seasoned tamales to more innovative creations like marinated grilled pork on a corn tortilla with onions, cilantro, mad fresh pineapple. Fancier than most oFabe Mexican testaments in town, M~nuel’s is a sleek, deco-inspired space i~ the Warehouse District with a sassy little bar in back. Try some of the more innovative creations, fike corn-battered colossal thdmp with a poblano-chile c~rn, or pork enchiladas in a velvety mole sauce. Al~er your meal. it’s time to check out at least a couple ofAustin’s inviting gay bars - it’s a topsy-turvy scene in these parts, with one or two bars coming and going seemingly every year. But you can consistendy count on there being roughly a half dozen gay bars downtown, mosdy concentrated in the Warehouse Distticr. Worthwhile options on Fridays include the relatively new Rain on 4th, which opened in the Warehouse District in 2006, and has a kively deck out back, a cozy bifliards bar up front, and a mldssize dance b~r iu file middle; and Chadie’s, the city’s oldest gay bar, which fies in the shadows of the state capitol building. Go-go boys perform inside, ~nd there’s a spacious deck in back. If you’re looking to keep it mellow your first night, have an ~er-dlnner cocktail, fruit smoothie, or espresso drink at the stylJth Halcyon Coffeehouse and Lounge, a hlpster-i~fested, gay friendly bengout across the street from Rain on Rise a~*d shine on Saturday morning with breakfast at one ofAustin’s more eccentric nosh pits, Magnolia Crate, which has branches along South Congress Avenue ~aad also just west of downtown on Lake Austin Boulevard. The delicious, filling breakfast specialties range from the "Solar Landscape" (seasoned grilled potatoes, red onions, and ham topped with queso ~nd chipotle sauce) to hefty gingerbread pancakes bursting with blueberties. Very dose to the South Congress neighborhood, you can take to the outdoors and work offsome calories with a stroll through beautiful 350-acre Zilber Park, a fine spot to tan your hide on sunny days. The park’s spting-fed Barton Springs Pool, a popular and enormous swimming hule, remains an invigorating 68 degrees year-round, so bring along a swimsuit if the weather’s nice. Austin’s best outdoor attraction, however, is Hippie Hollow Park, which hugs the shores of stunning Lake Travis, about a 30-minute drive west of town. This is the region’s only official clothing-optional sunbathing spot. The gay section, which draws substantial crowds on just about any day with temperatures above 65 degrees, lies at the very end of the pathway that leads from the parking lot. On weekend afternoons you’ll often see pleasure boats packed with cute guys docked just offshore. Break for refreshments with a meal at the Oasis, a massive outdoor compound set high on a bluff overlooking the lake and Hippie Hollow - it’s a short drive from the park. The mediocre Mexican food at Oasis won’t win any culinary awards, but the views and the potent margaritas make this a winner. On your way back into town, treat yourself to some truly heavenly ice cream at Amy’s, a shrine to fattening dairy treats. Mexican vanilla, pumpkin cheesecake, and honeyed brandy are a few poptflar flavors at this local chain with outposts in several handy locations, induding South Congress Avenue and 6th Street downtown. If you still have a litde time left, stroll among the cool antiques, homefurnishings, and second-hand clothing shops a!ong South Congress Avenue and also in the Warehouse District. Saturday-night dinner options are many. Stick with the Warehouse District for the best people-watching, plus proximity to gay nightlife. Excellent dining bets include Kenichi, a mod, happening place where pretty young things hobnob over superbly rendered Japanese cuisine. At nearby Malaga, you can savor plate after plate of terrific tapas, such as braised beef short ribs in Riojo vdne. It’s a dramatic space with tall brick walls and marble tables, and there’s Latin music most nights. Saturday is Austin’s big night for gay revelry. Rain on 4th and Charlie’s remain popular options, but this is also the best night to check out Rain’s neighbor, Oilcan Harry’s, which has been a £xture in the city for years. This always-packed stand-and-model bar attracts a hot collegiate crowd. There are a couple of bar areas, a patio in back, and a good (loud) sound system serving the tiny but pulsing dance floor. Austin’s many queer country-western fans head to the nearby Rainbow Cattle Co., where they two-step and line-dance below a sea ofwagon wheels and Wild West artifacts. If you’re into leather, head to the Chain Drive, which cultivates a bearish and rugged ambience. The city also has dozens of clubs and lounges hosting bands and singers ofjust about every ilk, making Austin one of the nation’s top cities for live music. Just stroll through the Warehouse District, especially along East 6th Street, and listen for the sounds of music to your liking. In Austin, nobody cares much about looks, labels, and agendas - you’ll be made to feel welcome most anywhere. Sunday morning offers a fresh opportunity to sample one ofAustin’s great brunch or lunch spots - depending on how late you sleep in. A favorite of the gay community, Katz Dell is renowned for its half-pound sandwiches - the grilled three-cheese with tomatoes is especially good. Another enjoyable option is the South Congress Cafe, a handsome space known for such toothsome brunch treats as duck-and-oyster gumbo, and a luscious carrot cake French toast. Spend your final afternoon in town exploring the leafy 357-acre campus of the University ofTexas, whose attractions include the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum and the Texas Memorial Museum, which has exhibits on state history and local flora and fauna. UT’s Blanton Museum ofArt is well-regarded for its collections of Renaissance paintings as well as modern Latin American art. Guadalupe Street, known along its border with LIT as "the Drag," is a haven of alternative culture as well as the place to shop for locally made arts and crafts, Longhorn memorabilia, and other offbeat goods. On your final night in Austin, you might go all out with a highticket dinner at one of the city’s most sophisticated restaurants, such as dark and sexy Jeffrey’s, which has the polish of a big-city supper dub and a clientele that ranges from celebs to politicos. The lamb T-bone with spinach-parmesan souffle and onion-mint confit is a typically sublime dish. Don’t miss the white-chocolate parfait with brandied cherries and pistachios i~or dessert - a memorable ending to a great Austin weekend. 72% of gays and lesbians prefer to buy from companies that advertise to them directly. (Source: Harris/Witeck-Combs) Brand loyal, 89% of gays and lesbians are highly likely to seek out brands that advertise to them; the majority are willing to pay a premium for quality products and services. (Source: Simmons) ~,~twv.ozarksstar,com the STAR 21 by Donald Pile & Ray Williams Featuring Cuisine From Coast to Coast lae Spinnaker Restaurant, On San Francisco Bay The Spinnaker Restaurant in downtown Sausalito, California is one of our very favorite restaurants in the country. We have dined there many times over the years and it just keeps getting better and better. Chef Phil Collins has been there since 1982 and Jeff Scharosch the General Manager has been there since 1994. q-hey do a remarkable job and it shows! "l-he Spinnaker Restaurant has panoramic views of the Sausalito waterfront, San Francisco skyline, Angel Island, Belvedere, Alcatraz, & the Bay Bridge. Floor to ceiling glass walls enable guests the chance to enjoy the scenery from every angle in the dining room, which is built on piers directly over the water. The view is unrivaled and is the best in the San Francisco Bay Area. Located in beautiful historic Sausalito, The Spinnaker is just a short drive from the Golden Gate Bridge. The stunning view is only surpassed by our extensive menu, featuring the freshest seafood & finest ingredients. You can also take the Ferry or bus service to Sausalito and it is just a 5 minute walk from either terminals to the restaurant. For over 47 years they have been treating guests to the finest in seafood and pasta. q-hey are open everyday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Their menus offers something for everyone, with fresh seafood, pasta, steak, chicken, & vegetarian options. Seafood highlights include the Mixed Seafood Grill, Spinnaker Paella, Pacific Mahi Saut~ with Crab & Brie, Grilled Lobster Tail, & Petrale Filet with a Crouton & Macadamia nut crust. Our pasta selections include Penne with Grilled Chicken, Four-Cheese Ravioli with Walnut Alfredo or Pesto Sauce, & Fettuccini with Crab. They also offer Petite New York Steak or Filet Mignon with Cabernet Bordelaise, Piquant Chicken Breasts Saute, & Braised Chicken Breasts in a Champagne reduction. Vegetarians can choose from an array of salads, Pasta Primavera, Bruschetta, Cheese Quesadilla, or Baked Brie with Roast Garlic. If you wish to dine for lunch, they also offer many delighttiff sandwiches including the Crab, Shrimp & Avocado Club, Club House Sandwich, & The Spinnaker Hamburger. For those with a sweet tooth, their desserts will surely hit the spot. Cr~me Brule, Berry Trifle, Warm Apple Tart with Vanilla Bean Gelato, & Hot Fudge Sundae axe just a few of their sinful selections. They also have a huge wine selection and banquet facilities are available for special events and parties. Valet parking is available. Be sure and check their website at: www.thespinnaker.com No trip to San Francisco would be complete without dining at Spinnaker’s! 22 the STAR www.ozarksstar.corn A Family Affair Lesbian Notions, an interview with Jennifer Chrisle~ executive director ofthe Family Equality Council No good deed goes unpunished. That is certainly the case for Michael Gregg Valdez and Michael Oberg, who took in the four young children ofValdez’s niece. The niece asked the couple to take care of her children while she dealt with some drug-related criminal matters. Already parenting Valdez’s biological daughter, Michael and Gregg, as Valdez in known, are more than happy to provide a stable, loving home until the children’s mother is ready to do the same. The problem is they live in Utah, where two unmarried people cohabitating cannot serve as foster or adoptive parents. And in Texas, the state is proposing spending close to $3 million to investigate current foster parents. If any of the parents are found to be LGBT, the kids will be yanked from the homes. Chrisler has been working to protect those kids and their LGBT families since Apri! of 2005, when she came to the Council, then located in Washington, D.C., after serving as a fundraising consultant for political campaigns and LGBT organizations in Massachusetts. She and her spouse, Cheryl Jacques (yes, the same Cheryl Jacques who helmed the Human Rights Campaign for a brief and shining moment) recently moved The state’s Division of Children and Family Services asked the courts to take the children away from the two men so they could be placed in foster homes more to the state’s liking - married, heterosexual households. Instead of handing custody to the state, the court took custody of the kids and then turned around and granted Gregg temporary custody. For now, the four will stay together. Remember the Easter Egg Roll at the White House, where LGBT families wore rainbow leis and received national media attention? That was thanks to FEC. This is just the type of situation that fuels the passion ofJennifer Chrisler, the executive director of the Family Equality Council. You may have knmvn the organization as Family Pride - the name was recently changed to reflect their purpose of achieving family equality for all loving families. "Mike and Gregg’s willingness to open their homes and hearts highlights ~vhat is best about families - love, commitment, strength, and support," Chrisler told me recently. "Utah’s law regarding placement of foster care children is not good public policy, nor is it good for children." Ballot initiatives banning gay adoption and fostering may well raise their ugly heads in the 2008 presidential race - although when that tactic was used in 2004, it didn’t gain much traction. However, according to Chrisler, Arkansas is likely to mount a ballot initiative that in the long run will just hurt kids in need of loving homes. back to the Bay State with their 5-year-old fraternal twins, Tim and Tom. The organization moved with them, and is now headquartered in Boston. ’Tm a mother. I’m raising my kids in a world where our families don’t have what they need to keep each other strong and protected," she noted. "Kids spend a lot of time explaining who their families are, and I’d like that to stop." In the little more than two years that Chrisler has been at FEC, she has transformed the organization into a political powerhouse. Remember the Easter Egg Roll at the White House, where LGBT families wore rainbow leis and received national media attention? That was thanks to FEC. When James Dobson from Focus on the Family wrote a hatefiA op-ed in _Time Magazine_ about Mary Cheney’s pregnancy, FEC pressured the conservative weekly to run a counterpoint piece entitled "Two Mommies or Two Daddies Will Do Fine, Thanks," authored by Chrisler. The piece focused on the inequity ofVirginia state law - where Cheney and her partner, Heather Poe, live with their son - and how Poe is without any legal parental rights. "Some of the pressing issues we face are marriage equality and uniform parenting laws," said Chrisler. "We need laws that recognize the complicated and creative ways our families are created. Issues such as surrogacy, sperm donors, and divorce create legal complications. It would be nice to have a uniform law to protect our families." A community organizer at heart, Chrisler understands that she can’t be the only one out there speaking on behalf of family equality. Through OUTspoken Families, the organization’s national speakers bureau, more than 1,000 people in 39 states, D.C., one U.S. territory, and three foreign countries have been trained to speak out on family equality issues. "We’re training people to be advocates for themselves, their families, friends, and people they care about at every level of their life, from responding to a comment in an elevator to speaking to the PTA," said Chrisler. "We have a lot of people raising the issue of family equality at lots of different levels...we’re working to change the hearts and minds of straight people we come into contact with." Changing those hearts and minds means changing the way LGBT families live. Many of us no longer have to live in the shadows, afraid that someone will find out that our kids have two mommies or two daddies. But for those who do, FEC and Chrisler work to change laws, make schools safer, and create a national LGBT family movement that can no longer be ignored. www.ozarksstar.com The STAR 23 Diversityl~ ~ho are your greatest enemies? Luke Skywalker batded the respiratory challenged scoundrel Darth Vader. Superman played chess games with the Mensa maniac Lex Luthor. Batman and Robin were vexed with the likes of the Joker when they weren’t exploring the depths of their’batcaves. You and I have much worse enemies to ward off. These foes rear their ugly heads daily and seek to divert us from our health and fitness goals. The Bangles rendition of Manic Monday starts us heading through a sea of procrastination and fitness evasion. There is the Monday happy hour and 2-4-1 drinks the rest of the night at your favorite watering hole. This double headed monster lures you from your daily workout with promises of sweet intoxication and the aroma of tangy mouth-watering boneless buffalo wings. This enemy gets extra fire power during October, November, and December ~vith Monday night football. Resistance is futile. Tuesday night should be your cardiovascular workout on the elliptical machine. However, that new television lineup on NBC isn’t going to watch itself. It took scores of actors, directors, producers, grips, and cameramen many weeks to compile "Must See TV". You could just TIVO it all and catch up some other night. You would then be terrifyingly ignorant around the water cooler the next morning. That’s too dangerous to chance. Bad guys win again! It’s hump day and you’ll get back on that fitness wagon that you fell off of earlier in the week. I smell a conjunction though. BUT.... the guy in shipping and receiving is requesting your attendance at his birthday bonanza at the Hoo-Ha Lounge. The enemy here 26 the STAR calls himself GUILT. Your coworkers needle you about missing the retirement party for Nallely in the claims department. The decision is dear. You can always hit the weights tomorrow at the gym. Thursday dawns on you and what knave could be lurking to derail your plans today? Out of the bushes and over the grassy knoll are fired two shots. They are in the form of two tickets to that sold-out Erasure concert. No way! Get out! Andy Bell is in town and you’ve got your daws on some front row seats. You know every song and every lyric. That arm and chest workout can be shelved until tomorrow! What a concert! You have a hoarse voice but at least it’s Friday. Oh no! It’s Friday! There’s no way you can hit the gym tonight. Everybody who’s anybody will be at that new dub in downtown. Those hot DJ’s from KGAY will be handing out free T-shirts and selling $1 shooters for charity. You have all weekend offwork and you can surely make up for missed workout time then. After all Scarlet, tomorrow is another day. Saturday brings bright skies and temperatures in the low 90’s. The phone rings and it’s the boys. They’re heading for the lake with the boat, sunscreen, and a cooler stocked full of barley pops. There is no way you can miss this. I know you’ve said it before. But this has just been an unusual week. You really will get back on track soon. Right? Sunday comes and you can probably write your own defeat against an evil enemy. It doesn’t have to be this way. Stay strong against the dark side. With some discipline and some proper planning, you can keep a workout routine. Know what is important and stay focused. Tomorrow is always the busiest day of the year. Don’t let it be that way. Take charge today! ~is column is brought to you by that guy who likes to stomp hisfeet in bathroom stallsJUST for attention. Thatguy is Ron Blake and he can be reached at www.goblakefirness.com. Quotable Quotes Uganda’s leading Muslim cleric has proposed to President Yoweri Museveni that gays be rounded up and marooned on an island in Lake Victoria unti! they die. Sheikh Ramathan Shaban Mubajje told reporters of his plan following a much publicized meeting with Museveni. "I asked President Museveni to get us an island on Lake Victoria and we take these homosexuals and they die out there," Mubajje told a news conference. "If they die there then we shall have no more homosexuals in the country." Creating Community for People iving with HP4iAtDS A 501 c (3) Non Profit Organization Our House, Too offers a vadety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or IMng with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail hardsmmjr@yahoo.com. www.ozarksstar.com R~chad Sage continued: MS. SAGE: So very many independent artists actually, because the bulk of my listening time is spent evaluating and listening to music independent artists are sending me at my record label, MPress Records. ’,We do compilations which benefit charity called New Arrivals, we’ve released 2 so far and are working on a third. It’s a great opportunity to hear all kinds of independent music, spanning the range of folk, rock, alternative pop. I think that more inspires than influences me. I try to find my own voice continually, which I have found is a never ending process. As far as mainstream artists I always look forward to the next record from Fiona Apple, and Rufus Wainwright is one ofmy very favorite artists. I also like Coldplay, U2, and I still pull out my Carole King records, am I’m looking forward to an upcoming new Mark Cohn album. STAR: What kinds of audiences do you mainly appeal to now? MS. SAGE: Actually there are several, that’s one of the fun things of starting out at a young age. There is the folk world, the alternative college listeners xvhich are ever changing, a younger set and also those in their 40s 50s and beyond from the coffeehouse scene. I love to play at Pride festivals every summer, about 10 or 15 every year. Of course the GLBT community is a wonderfid and supportive audience. As a matter of fact, we’re about to pul! into Provincetown where we will be playing a gig for Women’s Week. STAR: ~his tour promotes your newest CD The Blistering Sun, what inspired the title? MS.SAGE: It’s a lyric from one of the songs of the album, "Surprise" which was written for my sister’s wedding years ago. It came out almost a year ago, and I’m almost ready to bring out another one in the spring of 2008 called Chandelier. The Blistering Sun is really about self-determination, coming to that place where you are true to yourself, a process and lesson that really never ends. ST/MR: Anything special you’d like to say to the music lovers ofTulsa? MS. SAGE: Just that I’m really excited to come back, it’s been quite a few years. I can’t wait-it’ll be fun! STAR-Looking forward to it, i’ll see you at the Bamboo Lounge Tulsa. www.ozarksstar.com Log Cabin Ref)ublicans continued: Oldahomds LCR is one of the newest organizations in OkAahoma dedicated to promoting gay rights. During the past three years it has been active and present at most gay public events, including gay pride celebrations in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and McAAester. "I believe the positive changes we need to make in America for gay rights can best be made when both major political parties are confronted with the reality of its gay members," O’Herin said. "This is espedally true of the Republican Party." For further details contact O’Herin at OKLOGCABIN@aol.com, or call 405-945- 0368. (IGBO) Continued: hotel. Holiday Inn will also host the registration suite, hospitality suite, many social events and a display of panels of the AIDS quilt. The tournament activities will be held at Heritage Lanes at 122nd & Penn and Windsor Lanes at NW 23rd & Meridian. Single and doubles bowling events will be held at Heritage Lanes and the team and Scratch Masters events will be held at Windsor Lanes. Management and staff at both centers are excited about hosting this special event. The weekend will wrap up with a gala awards ceremony to be held in the Sam Noble Special Events Center inside the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum on Sunday evening. This remarkable room will host a catered meal, special presentations by the IGBO Board of Directors, rousing entertainment by Lyric Theatre and the announcement of the winners of the tournament. The tournament will coincide directly with the state of Oklahoma’s Centennial cdebration. We hope our guests will take time to enjoy the city as it steps into its second century of growth and excitement. Please extend a hearty Oklahoma welcome to our guests as they visit our city for this special event! More information about IGBO can be found at www.igbo.org. More information about IGBO Mid-Year 2007 in Oklahoma City can be found at www.igbomy2007.org. MCCJopt r , Ce eBrates 10th Anniversary JOPLIN, MO (P/R) __Spirit of Christ MCC cdebrates ten year of service to the greater Joplin, MO area. This church was started in 1996 in the home of our pastor, Rev. Steve Urie. During the last ten years we have survived in a community where our own GLBT people said we would not survive. We have fed hundreds for the holidays, work closely with our local office ofAIDS Project of the Ozarks, have been a sanctuary for students dismissed for being GLBT, and have a food program available for everyone. Just this year Spirit of Christ MCC joined with MCC of the Living Spring to support the Domestic Partnership Registry in Eureka Springs, AR. We continue our concert series with such talented artists as Marsha Stevens, Terry Lee Ousley~ Shawn Thomas and Sam Sampson. During our celebration Marsha Stevens, Sam Sampson, Rev. Carolyn Mobley from Tulsa, Rev Kurt Krieger from Kansas City and friends from Eureka Springs, AR were all present. We are a member church ofMCC Churches. As a church made up of people from all walks of life, all economic classes, every gender, and a wide variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds. This rich heritage is our greatest blessing, because it brings the whole rainbow of Gods creation together under the same roof. It also presents our greatest challenge as we always strive to reflect this rich diversity in our ministry, programs and services. Spirit of Christ MCC has spent ten years focusing on the needs of our community through acts of kindness while standing for the justice that should be available to all people. Our church is open to all people and while celebrating the traditional church we recognize our God is not in a box. That realization is what frees us and all who worship with us. Find an MCC in your area: in Eureka Springs, AR visit MCC of the Living Spring at 17 Elk Street Sundays at 6PM; in Tulsa, OK visit MCC United at 1623 Maplewood Sundays at 11AM; in Kansas City, MO visit Spirit of Hope MCC at 3801 Wyandotte Sundays at 10:15AM and in Joplin, MO visit Spirit of Christ MCC at 2902 E 20th Street Saturdays at 10:00 AM. the STAR 27 Venus enters her own sign, Libra, helping us all to be more accommodating, artistic, and gracious. And more manipulative? Venus may not be to blame on her own. The Sun is in Scorpio squaring Neptune, inflating our desires and blurring boundaries. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Teamwork comes more easily now, so work on those skills! Erotic tension between you and a good friend needs expression and clarification. Acting on it could be a mistake, but maybe.not. Discussing it is necessary, and probably quite sufficient. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Explore new ways to play and create with others, and find satisfaction there for now. Work is likely to be frustrated by confusion with close associates. Rethinking your goals could help. Express feelings and hunches clearly, and check them out before acting on them. SAGITTARJUS (November 22 - December 20): This is the time to curry favor with your superiors. Avoid gossip and subterfuge. Simply refuse to listen or to participate. As juicy as the dish may be, it will only get you into trouble. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Forget the "tall, dark stranger." Flirt instead with the foreign cutie with dimples - you’ll be luckier in international affairs. But you’re less lucky now with finances. See where those sails need trimming, but wait another week to readjust plans. AQUARIUS (January 20 o February 18): Be very careful who you flirt with. You could seduce almost anyone you like, but you may find your erotic adventures complicating your professional life. At least be very clear about who you are and what you want to do. PISCES (February 19 - Niarch 19): Falling in love comes too easily to you, but ride that warm current now, either basking in the adoration of your partner, or enjoying an amour du jour. Foreign mystical philosophies have a special appeal; follow your instincts, and you may gain terrific insights. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Mend fences with family members or roommates. Be _very_ careful about safe sex! The most exotic and unusual bugs are looking for you. If there’s no spiritual fulfillment in your work, find a way to work it into your exercise. (Yoga? Haikido?) CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Your seductive powers are now at their height. You are perhaps a little too sexy and playful, and that could get you into trouble. But just as you can talk your way into anything now, you can almost always talk your way out, too. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Domestic disputes are nearly inevitable now. A drink or a shopping escapade seems to be the easiest way to ameliorate the problem - but drinking only makes it worse, and shopping is just a diversion. Still, a diversion could help! VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Some advice from your partner or another close friend could help you to improve your looks or to feel better about yourself. Appearances count, but go deeper and discuss health issues that you normally wouldn’t. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Enjoy quiet, meditative music and art. A private retreat will give you room to explore your own aesthetics without being influenced by others. Go to a museum or show on your own, and never mind what others like. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Your social charms are strong now, but what you want for others may not be what they care for. Explaining your goals may come off a bit too strong, so first ask others what they want. 28 the STAR METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at t0:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! www.ozarksstar.com DOWNTOWN PLAZA ofTULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5998 www.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant DREXEL ONTHE PARKAPTS. 3041NW41ST Oklahoma City, OK 405-946-0588 BRADYTHEATER 105 WBrady Tulsa, OK 918-582-7339 www.bradytheater.com CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 lgoldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HHGHTS-TUlsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesdub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com www.ozarksstar.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.dubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2~00 NW 39TH EXPRESS\VAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 www.realacceptance.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hodine SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm NWARKANSAS GLBT CENTER Bentonville/Rogers 888-391-9222 WWNVdNWAGLBTCC.ORG DIVERSITY PRIDE EVENTS 479-253-2555 Eureka Springs, AR www.diversitypride.com Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $29.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: Address: City: St: Zip:. Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: V/hether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. t~~~sas GLBT Communi~- Center "Linking Together as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 V!W~.NWAGLBTCC.ORG 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com w~’~,’.ozarksstar.com the STAR 31 Nov. 2 Event Center Special Guests 7 p.m. Jon Hoadley National Stonewal Democrats lim Roth Oklahoma Corporation A1 McAffrey Commissioner Featuring Scott, Shannen Porter, DeFawna DeLay Kelly Moore, & Melody Michaels unforgettable evening drink &en~em $30 ~mnual Membership Admission ~-’~ Okla"hThoemLGaBTSVtooicenoefwthealDlemDoecrmaticoPcarrtay~ts Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2007] The Star Magazine, November 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 11 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 01, 2007 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd; Tulsa, OK Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele Charles (Chaz) Ward Victor Gorin Jeanne Flanigan Paul Wortman James Nimmo Joey D. Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake, Ray Williams Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Devre Jackson Michael Leach 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 Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern 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, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 10 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/212 The Star Magazine, December 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/204 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/211 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/24f35005b283cb1940200b4d35f92861.jpg 79c4723716568adcf1cc4c752788d3f6 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/84b49e0c90fd49a1b1bf148aee94c7d8.pdf b8824d333f01dcb34beb5df063d27217 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 2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com :Survey in history, an(i help emonstrats the growing Power in Our Pri(leo Everyone who completes the survey by May 15, 2007 will be entered into a drawing to win one of FOUR free airline tickets from/to any of the participating airline’s destinations in the 48 continental U.S. States, plus Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Restrictions apply. Please take the survey today, and tell your friends! Tremendous strides toward full equality have been achieved by our communities over the past decade. There’s Power in Our Pride. Power to make a difference: Gay and lesbian survey studies have opened doors (and minds) in leading corporations and organizations, which in turn have recognized the value of their LGBT employees through the establishment of equal hiring policies and domestic partner benefits. This has been a catalyst, leading to sweeping changes in political and social inclusivity. Demographic reports also influence marketing investment. Virtually absent until recently, we now see a growing variety of products and services represented in gay media, celebrating our diversity. Ads keep LGBT publications and websites in business, serving their communities with independent news and information. Beyond simply advertising, though, these companies support us in many ways, including sponsoring community events and funding community-based charities in order to earn our loyalty. Taking an annual pulse on market trends through surveys helps demonstrate the LGBT community’s growing power, and influences positive change. We respect your privacy. All personal survey data is held confidentially by Community Marketing, Inc., an independent marketI research and communications firm based in San Francisco (founded 1992, and proudly 100% gay-owned and -operated) and will not be so d to third parties or used for marketing purposes. Thank you! www.CommunityiVlarketinglnc.com ® 2007 Community Marketing, Inc., 594 Castro St. #834, San Francisco CA 94114 USA www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 ~.DV~CACY Activists Launch Statewide LGBT Advocacy Efforts. CAF Host OHahoma Summit 2007 OkJahoma County Commissioner Brent Rinehart from District 2, a practicing public homophobe, was formally arraigned earlier this month. 4© PAST OUT The murder of gay sailor Allen Schindler in October 1992 contributed to a national debate about GLBT people in the military that remains unresolved to this day. Gay Travelers "Indianapolis, Indiana Out of Town " Denver, Colorado" ~ D~V~N$~ITY Wl~l~l~ND Good, clean, Christian fun...is not the way to describe the "Gayco" comedy show that took the stage of Eureka Springs’ Auditorium during the spring Diversity xXi’eekend. GLBT Summit..............5 Let’s Rodeo ...............6 James Nimo .............. 11 OUT in Arkansas........... 12 Past Out.................. 14 The Wine Rack............. 16 Ciao Travel ................ 17 Lesbian Notions............ 22 Star Scene................ 24 After Dark ................ 27 Horoscopes............... 28 Distributors............... 29 Cartoons..................30 Classifieds................ 31 Let’s Rodeo Oklahoma - page 6 Mr, C~ntinental 2006 Simba R. Hal! at Club Majestic Tulsa - page 15 DISTRIBUTION: Fine Dining at Hotel Bel Air - page 17 )KLAHOMA CITY * TULSA * LAWTON * MCALESTER * ENID * LITTLE ROCK * NORTH LITTLE RODK * FAYETTEVILLE * FT SMITH * EUREKA SPRINGS * HOT SPRINGS * BENTONVILLE * ROGERS * KANSAS CITY * SPRINGFIELD * JOPLIN * BRANSON AREA * WICHITA* PITTSBURG * JUNCTION CITY 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com ¢ ARRON ALLIANCE FOUNDAo T ON (CAF) HO$1" OKLAHOMA LGBT LEADERSHIP 2007 By Jeanne Flanigan Photo:Josh Hammers, Paul 7horn?son male co-chair Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, Mike McLain u~ith Hardnezvs Online. Community Partners were OKC Community Foundation, Respect Diversity Foundation, Herland Sister Resources, Winds House, P-FLAG OKC and Norman, North Care Mental Health Center, Cathedral of Hope, Progressive Alliance, DBA Metro, Central Oklahoma Prime Timers, Red Rock Behavioral Health Services, Hard News Online, OKC Pride, Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, Oklahomans for Equality, OSU Sexual Orientation Diversity Association (SODA), OCU Gay and Lesbian Law Student Association, Log Cabin Republicans of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats, OKC Chrysalis Education Affirmation Network, ACLU of Oklahoma, AIDS Walk OKC, Heartstrong, the Trevor Project, Central Oklahoma Human Rights Alliance, and OU GLBT & Friends. For more information contact the Cimarron Alliance Foundation, website www.cimarronalliance.org, e mail RCO@lawokc.com or telephone (405) 495 9300. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__Cimarron Alliance Foundation (CAF) hosted the Oklahoma LGBT Leadership Summit at the beautiful Ron Norick Downtown Library Saturday, April 14 with over 140 attending representing 33 organizations. The conference featured local presenters in the areas of politics, education, and the issues of the LGBT community, women, seniors, Pride events, religion, health and organizational processes and development in 18 breakout sessions. CAF was able to tackle this huge project with the help of 27 Community Partners and a National Sponsor, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Breakfast and lunch were served, allowing participants an opportunity to meet and greet others and net-work with other organizations. Several people from Tulsa attended, sharing with OKC their success with the recent opening of their Dennis R. Nell Equality Center and other projects. There were attendees from other places as well, as far axvay as Tennessee and Wyoming. Official greetings were extended from Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth, OKC City Council members Sam Bowman and Ann Simank, State Senators Connie Johnson & Andrew Rice, and Oklahoma State Representative Al McAffrey. CAF President Richard Ogden and DBA (Diversity Business Association) President Monty Milburn facilitated the opening and closing sessions, geared to open discussion and responses to the education presented. A survey was gathered to assess the conference and to guide planning to make the next one even more responsive to community needs and desires. Activists Launch Statewide LG Advocacy By Laura Belmonte TULSA, OK__On March 24-25th, activists from across Oklahoma gathered at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center to formulate plans for statewide LGBT advocacy efforts. Sponsored by Oklahomans for Equality, the Creation Weekend meetings were facilitated by Toni Broaddus, Executive Director of the Equality Federation, Mickey Maclntyre of Real Change Partners, and Jeremy Pittman, Deputy National Field Director for the Human Rights Campaign. The Gill Foundation provided financial support. Representatives from several organizations including the Cimarron Alliance, H.O.P.E. Testing Clinic, OSU’s SODA (Sexual Orientation Diversity Association), Tulsa C.A.R.E.S., and RAIN attended. Throughout the meetings activists discussed their hopes and expectations of statewide LGBT organizing. They identified longrange political goals including non-discrimination in housing and employment, relationship recognition, safe schools, hospital visitation rights for same-sex partners, and hate crimes laws that include sexual orientation and gender expression. They also discussed possible strategies for statewide coalition-building, lobbying, voter registration and education, and electing LGBT and LGBT-friendly public officials throughout Oklahoma. A steering committee to direct these efforts is currently being formed. Interested organizations and activists are urged to participate and can contact Laura Belmonte, president of Oklahomans for Equality, at center@okeq.org for more information. For complete video coverage of Creation Weekend, see http://okgnn.net/ www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5 DBAT Hosts First Business After Hours by Suzan Hartman TULSA, OK__Business is built on relationships and what better time to start developing those relationships than during Tulsa Pride 2007! The Diversity Business Association ofTulsa, a program of Oklahomans for Equality, will host their first Business After Hours event on Thursday, June 7 from 7:00 to 9:00pm at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Business After Hours offers excellent networking opportunities for area glbt business owners and professionals. All members of the business community are invited to attend and refreshments will be provided. There is no cost so join us at this wonderful social gettogether and make new contacts or to get reacquainted xvith former contacts. DBAT provides a forum to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender business and professional community and its allies for the purpose of networking, professional development, creating increased visibility and strengthening relationships among business and professional community members. We’re the heart of LGBT networking and business growth. We support. We lead. We promote professional development, business diversity and personal enrichment - so get involved today! For more information contact Susan Hartman at slhartman@cox.net or 918- 274-1699. GET READY [:OR THE 22nd ANNUAL GREAT PLAINS RODEO By Greg Steele OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__One of the longest running and largest of Gay Rodeo Organizations in the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) system, Oklahoma’s Great Plains Rodeo will kick offa fun filled weekend May 25 through May 27th 2007. The event will be held in Oklahoma City at State Fair Park, 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd. Registration will be Friday 6pm to 9pm at State Fair Park Barn 3. Rodeo performance’s will begin Saturday morning 8am with the Grand Entry around noon. The event will wind down with the awards ceremony 8pm in Barn 3. Over $10,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. The 2007 Rodeo has added money for Bull Riding, Bronc Riding, Steer Riding, Calf Roping on Foot, Breakaway Roping, Team Roping, Barrels, Poles and Flags will only be awarded to the top three place winners for combined scores Saturday and Sunday. Awards will also include Saddles for Top Men and Women Roping and Speed Events. The host hotel is Hollywood H~tel and Suites, 3535 NW 39th OKC, OK 73112 405-947-2351. Events Schedule .........Continued page-23 6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 8 the STAR ww~.ozarksstar.com Tulsa Pride United for Equality June 2 - Pride Festival Saturday June 9th at Veteran’s Park - 18th & Main in Downtown Tulsa 11:00 AM -5:00 PM Over 15,000 expected to attend! Parade begins 10:00 AM - 15th & Utica to LGBT Pride Festival- Veterans Park presented by oklahomans for equality (OkEq) 621 E 4th Street* Tulsa, OK lent Outdoor Living Mitchell Savage Smith Hid-(:entury Nodern Gem Home of Rex Ball and Stephen Edwards Iplewood Secret ~3arden Home o1: Harcy Smitl~ Welcl~ wwN.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 LoPA~GE by Hr. Continental 2006 S~MBA HALL & Special gues~: SANTANA & TRIXIE DELUXXE CAYNE wihh Zsane’ Braxton, Ebony Hall, Krystal DeKanter, Bobby Paige !21 to dria~k www.OKContinental.com No Video Recording "At Century 21 Gold Castle our BEST prope~ies are our PEOPLU’ 4301 NW fi3rd, Suite 100 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 10 the STAR 405.840.2t06 www. c21 goldcastle.com w~v,ozarksstar.com Commissioner Brent Rinehart’s a Piece of.olToast, (his future, that is) By James Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__Oklahoma County Commissioner Brent Rinehart from District 2, a practicing public homophobe, was formally arraigned earlier this month for serious Oklahoma campaign law violations (ten by my count) ranging from perjury and filing false campaign reports to accepting illegal contributions from third parties and conspiracy against the state during his campaign in 2004. According to Attorney-General Drew Edmondsoffs office Rinehart, and his campaign manager Tim Pope (Pope, a former state legislator who carried a gun in his boot on to the floor of the House because he said gay, were after him, he was also found guilty of illegal campaign telemarketing in March for calls directed against Commissioner Jim Roth) are charged in Oklahoma Count), District Court with one count of conspiracy against the state, two counts of money laundering and three counts of knowingly accepting a contribution to a political candidate through an intermediary or conduit with unlawful intent. Additionally, Rinehart faces four counts of perjury. Run-of-the-mill political shenanigans you might yawn, but stay with me. If you’re LGBT or an ally, you know that Mr.. Rinehart, only just past the half-way mark in his first term, is finally getting his comeuppance as a public figure. From day one of his term he has ragged on Commissioner Jim Roth, District 1, for advancing what Rinehart thinks is the much talked about but seldom seen, "gay agenda". Why does Rinehart think he’s had a look at the "gay agenda"? I haven’t seen it and I’ve paid lots of dues in time and money. Does Rinehart know somebody I don’t? Does he have a secret handshake? He seems to walk and talk in the normal way. The only gay agenda I’ve seen is my own: to be treated under law in the same way as any other tax-paying citizen, irrespective ofmy sexual orientation, and according to my own observance of existing law. I’m paying the same fare as a straight man; I expect the same first-class ticket. In January 2005 Rinehart was one of 3 on the Oklahoma County, Budget Board (al! 8 county elected officials) who voted to rescind Oklahoma County’s policy of non discrimination for County employees that incudes sexual orientation. (The repeal efforts failed) There have been numerous articles in the Oklahoma City media about Rinehart being unable to work effectively with the other OK Count), officeholders. All the County elected officials issued a group letter the same day, as Rinehart’s arraignment in which they promised to maintain character and integrity in the face of these serious allegations of misconduct by Rinehart. In his defense, Mr.. Rinehart has spoken of a personal vendetta being directed against him by the Attorney-General and the "good ’ole boy" system he claims is responsible for his predicament. At a press conference Rinehart (Phonto right) said, "I will continue to serve the public despite the good old boy demands that I abandon public office. I look forward to my day in court where the facts ~vill reveal that I am innocent of the politically motivated charges made by Drew Edmondson." Does the "good ’ole boy" system include the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation which did the ground work for the indictments? Does it also include the OK County District Attorney David Prater who, on April 11, 2007, made the legal determination that there is no current law which can remove Rinehart from office under only allegations of wrongdoing Prater concluded that conviction must first be found in court concluded DA Prater. It’s so easy to tease Rinehart as he leaves himself so wide open, and his delusions are indeed grand. In an interview with TV-4 he said (and I paraphrase) "the good ’ole boys want to get me, want to get me, right now, want to get me, take me down, because they know one day I’ll be governor." These words are nearly verbatim, repetitions included. His mantra of referring to the "good ’ole boys" so often makes me think no one played with him as a child. He still feels like an outsider. He prides himself on his role as a maverick yet he has nothing constructive to show for it. He never learned to socialize and he’s carrying this grudge even now as he digs his hole of seclusion ever deeper. Who would have thought he wanted to be governor? Would such a mark of victory expunge the feelings of exclusion from his psyche? Does he need something bigger than a county commissioner’s office to assuage his private demons? Personally, I can hardly wait for Rinehart’s days in judicial court as well as the court of public opinion. Even should he be found not guilt), I doubt if the voters of District 2 will want to continue Rinehart’s employment for another term as commissioner. Challengers from all political viewpoints now have a good lead time to establishing themselves with the voters of District 2. \Vho wants stale toast to represent them at the County office? www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 11 Eureka Diversity Rains Supreme by Joey De EUREKa, SPRINGS, AR~IfDisney Land is the happiest place on earth, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, must be a close second. Nesded in the Ozarks, an hour away from Branson, MO, Eureka has made its name as a tourist destination with its eclectic array of nick-nack shops, historical architecture and southern hospitality. The community’s dozen-plus annual festivals help to attract a diverse crowd of visitors from across the country, including the ’iGaylien beings" who landed there from Apr. 13 - 15. Going a step further than hand holding, organizers arranged a public display of affection in the town’s Basin Park, during which a young lesbian proposed to her partner. As a living memorial to a lost friend of one Diversity Pride Committee member, the weekend featured a "Recovery in Pride" forum hosted by Mr. Marty Perry, the CEO of The Pride Institute. Followed by a self-help style meeting, the forum allowed participants to discuss how their sexuality may have influenced substance abuse or support healthy ways for them to overcome it. evening when the younger crowd to finally show it’s face. Although inhibited by a lack of sunshine, the 2007 Eureka Springs Diversity Pride Celebration followed through with a promise made to all of its visitors. All beings were welcome. Coinciding on the same weekend with Eureka’s annual UFO convention (yes, you read right), the Spring Diversity celebra- For tion welcomed beings of all.types to inhabit visithe streets of the quiet town. Although tots attendance was significantly reduced due who to weather through out the region, visitors did not came from as far away as Ohio to explore the streets of Eureka Springs. As laid back as the town itself, Diversity Pride offered a mix of events designed to appeal to couples who are past the up-allnight party phase of their life and to those who still don’t go down until the sun comes up (take it as you will). Many of the events showcased the town itself, spotlighting the forty five gay owned restaurants, dubs and businesses. Locals happily hosted tours of the area, diversity meals and spiritual events for the mostly 28-35 crowd who braved the rain, snow and ice. Advertised as a "Diversity Pride" festival, the weekend was more about embracing diversity than it was celebrating pride. With no major central event such as an all day picnic or parade, visitors were more integrated through out the community then at most Prides, where celebrants flock to one location. Although there was a visible show of pride in rainbow feathered boas and flags, the refreshing attraction of the weekend was its lack of spectacle. "It’s nice to be able to come to a town where you feel like you’re the ’norm’" expressed one gaylian visiting from St. Louis. "It’s refreshing to see people walking around holding their partner’s hand on the street." 12 the STAR participate in organized events, the shops of Eureka opened their doors, with many offering a "family discount." leries, jewelers and a puppet shop welcomed were browsing, buying and in some cases trying to escape the rain. Highlighting the weekend for visitors of all ages ~vas the return appearance of Chicago’s "Gayco" show, who offered two performances in the town’s historic "Auditorium." The group, who specializes in improvisational comedy offered a master’s workshop for visitors and even posed for pictures with gaylians after their show. For those who grew tired of shopping (or the endless up-hill walking) the bars of Eureka provided an impressive array of entertainment choices for a town its size. Whether visiting Henri’s, Jack’s Place or Chelsea’s for live music, Karaokeing with "Tiny" at Uncle Tuckers; or dancing the night away at The Tiki Torch, the liquor flowed and the good times rolled into the De Good, clean, ..is not way to describe "Gayco" comedy the of Eureka Auditoduring the i Diversity Following the success of the ’ appearance last year, Organizers of diversity weekend brought the troupe back to tackle pressing issues in the gay world such as marriage, don’t ask don’t tell, adoption and coming out. With a well articulated mix of low and high brow humor, the seven Gayco players entertained audiences with their unique blend of improvisational and sketch comedy. Originating as a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender outreach project of the legendary Second City Comedy Club in Chicago, Gayco has been entertaining communities across the nation for almost eleven years. "Second City saw us as a one maybe two show outreach to the GLBT community," says Andy Eninger, one of the group’s founders. According to the performer, although there is no formal relationship between the two groups, they maintain a close working friendship. "We outgrew them, and they xvanted us to spin off and do our own thing, but they still watch us closely." Continued page-26 www.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13 Who was Allen Schindler? The murder of gay sailor Allen Schindler in October 1992 contributed to a national debate about GLBT people in the military that remains unresolved to this day. Schindler was born in December 1969 and grew up in Chicago Heights, Ill. A mediocre student, he joined the Navy right out of high school to obtain G.I. Bill money to attend veterinary school. He was first stationed in San Diego, where he frequented gay clubs and found a boyfriend. In 1991, he fulfilled his dream of serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway, a ship with a relatively tolerant atmosphere. But after the Midway was decommissioned a year later, he was reassigned to the USS Belleau Wood, which had a reputation for a rough and rowdy crew. Schindler and other sailors suspected of being gay xvere routinely called "faggots" and shoved as they walked the ship’s halls. One night in September 1992, as the ship was en route from San Diego to Sasebo, Japan, Schindler, a radioman, broadcast an unauthorized message, "2-Q-T-2-B-S-T-R- 8" ("too cute to be straight"), which led to a month-long disciplinary confinement. Soon thereafter, he admitted to commanding officers that he was gay: Though aware that the disclosure would likely lead to his discharge, Schindler nevertheless felt a sense of relief: "Ifyou can’t be yourself, then who are you?" he wrote in his diary. 14 the STAR As word spread that Schindler was gay and discharge proceedings were underway, the abuse increased. "It scares me a little," he wrote. "You never know who would want to injure me or cease my existence." By late October, the Belleau Wood had reached Sasebo and Schindler’s confinement had ended. He began frequenting local bars, where he met a group of gay American entertainers, including dancer Eric Underwood, whom he told about the harassment. On the night of Oct. 27, after spending the evening drinking, two of Schindler’s shipmates, Terry Helvey and Charles Vins, followed him into a public bathroom in a park near the base. Helvey began to beat and kick Schindler, with Vins also joining in; Helvey finished off the attack by stomping on Schindler’s throat. As the assailants fled, wimesses arriving on the scene summoned the Shore Patrol, and medics tried to revive Schindler without success. The pathologist who conducted the autopsy reported that Schindler’s injuries were "similar to a highspeed auto accident or a low-speed aircraft accident." His face was beaten so badly that his mother could only identify him by tattoos on his arms. Helvey and Vins were identified by wimesses and arrested the next morning. As Helvey was being led awa); he told a shipmate, "The bastard deserved it." Vins received a quick court-martial and was sentenced to just four months in exchange for testimony against Helvey. The incident received little press coverage until Underwood and his associates wrote a letter to several publications exposing the antigay harassment Schindler had faced. The military newspaper pacific Stars and Stripes printed the lettel; and a reporter from the paper investigated the story, but the Navy tried to cover up the nature of the killing, going so far as to leak a rumor that Schindler and Helvey were gay lovers who had had a falling out. Gay activists raised a furor over the murder, at a time when the issue of gays in the military was high on the national agenda due to Bill Clinton’s campaign promise to lift the ban on GLBT service members. Michael Petrelis of Queer Nation - who vowed to make Schindler the "gay Rodney King" - organized a press conference at the Pentagon in December. Friends and supporters held a memorial in San Diego, while the Human Rights Campaign flew Schindler’s mother, Dorothy Hajdys, to Washington to speak at a candlelight vigil. Hajdys, a fundamentalist Christian who initially had trouble accepting that her son was gay; became an unlikely activist for GLBT civil rights. "If you would have told me I would have been at the March on Washington standing before a million people and being seen all over the world, I would have told you you were nuts," she later told an interviewer. Schindler’s killing remained front-page news throughout the spring of 1993. In May, Helvey was court-martialed in Japan, with his defense focusing on his abusive childhood and use of steroids. He admitted the crime, first claiming that Schindler had made a sexual advance in the bathroom and later saying that he found homosexuals "disgusting, sick, and scary." The incident never would have happened, he added, if gays weren’t allowed to join the military. Helvey pleaded guilty to murder with intent to commit great bodily harm, thereby avoiding the death penalty for premeditated murder. In 2002, Hajdys and gay activists successfully opposed his parole, and he continues to serve a life sentence at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. Schindler put an individual face on the debate about gays in the military, with both sides pointing to his murder to justify their positions. In November 1993, President Clinton signed the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy into law, after Congress and the Pentagon opposed lifting the ban. According to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network more than 10,000 men and women have been discharged from the armed forces since the policy went into effect. www.ozarksstar.com Simba Ro Ha l To Host Miss Oklahoma Cor dnenta At Club Majestic Tulsa. TULSA, OK__Simba R. Hall is a creation and alter ego of LeSean D. Lewis. Simba was introduced to the field of pageantry in 2001 at Mr. and Miss Renaissance in Atlanta, GA. A good friend had heard him sing in the professional arena and needed some vocals to back his poetry. When Simba hit the stage, he was mesmerized. From there, he went to compete for Mr. Liberty, Mr. Renaissance, Mr. Duval, and Mr. Continental. He captured the title of Mr. Renaissance in 2004. This was followed by his win of Mr. Duval 2005 hosted in Jacksonville, FL. Simba R. Hall has always wanted to give back to his gay community. With this in mind, he used Renaissance as a platform to form the King’s Alliance. The King’s Alliance is a compilation of all the male representatives holding National titles. ~Pney perform a National show every year called M.E.N.S. (Male Entertainers of National Systems) Night. They donate all proceeds to a non-profit organization. Over the past three years they have raised over $4000. ~xis was recognized by the elite system that he now represents, Mr. Continental. It took Simba three times to capture this title. Each time he stood in the top five next to the winners, Ray Matthews and Tony Desario. \~qxen Simba won, he started using his popularity throughout the community, adding more benefit shows and fundraisers. He started a couple’s night which 7will feature duets from the kings and queens representing National titles. This is to be held at the Baton in June. He also had a Continental Christmas in Atlanta that raised over $3500 for Child Kind, an organization that cares for terminally ill children. Simba wants to be remembered for bringing the community to the forefront and showing the world that being gay is just a preference. \re are just as human as the next individual. Simba is also working on an album that ~vill be available in the fall. At the current time he is touring the US as Mr. Continental where he receives raves reviews and standing ovations. Simba Hall will Host the Miss Oklahoma Continental on Friday May 25th at Club Majestic in Tulsa at 8pm. This will be the fourth Miss Competition in Oklahoma produced by Monica Freeman. THE AUSTK LIAN BEE GEES SHOW at Tulsa’s Historic Brady Theater TULSA, OK___Having received nothing less than fantastic reviews, "The Australian BEE GEES Show" is coming to Tulsa’s Historic Brady Theater on Friday May 4th. Ttxe house lights fade slowly and there is a cheer of excitement, then a brief moment of anticipation. It begins with a single bass note, then a chime that dances around the room, a whisper of strings, a stab of brass and percussion, a flash of light and the image flickers to life. "The Australian BEE GEES Show" is a multi-media concert event with the state-of-the-art sound, superb lighting and giant screens, featuring video clips, live camera images and stunning graphics. "The Australian BEE GEES Show" has captured the look, the sound and the personality that defines one of the most successful and adored acts in musical history. The show is presented from a contemporary perspective and has evolved to become the definitive live celebration of four decades of wonderful music written by the Brothers Gibb. Ten years in the making, a lot have been said about "The Australian BEE GEES Show", including some kind words from one of the Brothers Gibb’s niece, Deborah McLane, "When I first saw the show I had high expectations of what the performance would be like, those boys did more than exceed my expectations. I was completely moved by their harmonies and the way they perfected the whole Bee Gees image. This is the most outstanding Bee Gees tribute show I have experienced." For one night only, experience the magic, "The Australian ~BEE GEES Show." In concert at Tulsa’s Historic Brady Theater Friday May 4th, 2007. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and show starts at 8:00 p.m. Tickets cost $27.50 and $32.50 and went on sale beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday March 26th at www.bradytheater.com, w~vw. etix.com, Tulsa’s Historic Brady Theater at 105 West Brady, or by calling the Brady Theater Ticket Office at (918) 582-7239. w~v.ozarksstar.com the STAR 15 Tuna Soup with Orange and Avocado Fresh tuna meat is easy to overcook and can sometimes be disappointingly dry and chewy, but in this juicy mixture it stays succulent and delicious. Ingredients: 2 - 3 tbls. Olive Oil 2 Onions (peeled, halved, and very thinly sliced) 2 Garlic Cloves (peeled and finely chopped) 1 tspn. Ground Cumin Pinch of Cinnamon 2 tspn. Chopped Fresh Parsley Finely Grated Zest and Juice of 1 Lime 2/3 cup Orange Juice 1 1/4 Fresh Tuna Steaks (cut into 3/4 inch cubes) 1 3/4 qts. Fish Stock Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper 6 Large Tomatoes (cut into short pieces) 2 firm but Ripe Avocados (peeled, pitted) 40 oz. Sugar Snap Peas or Green Beans (cut into neat cubes) Sprigs of Fresh Flat-Leafed Parsley (for garnish) Procedure: 1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onions and gently fry until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and gently fry for 2 minutes. 2. Add the cumin, cinnamon, parsley, lime zest and Juice, orange juice, tuna, stock, and a little salt and pepper. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat, cover the pan, and simmer for 15 minutes. 3. Meanwhile, soak the tomatoes in boiling ~vater for several minutes until the skin xvill peel easily away. Cut away the hard cores and chop the flesh. Add to the pan ~vith the sugar snap peas or beans. Simmer for 4-5 minutes. 4. Just before serving the soup, stir the avocado cubes into the pan. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley. Serves: 6 More on the Hotel Bel Air, page 1.19. "TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOL by Donald Pile & Ray Williams Featuring Cuisine From Coast HOTEL BEL-AIR 70! Stone Cmnyon Road Los Fmgeles; "~e dining room at the Hotel BeI-Mr is, ~vithout doubt, the most romcamc restaurants on, the planet, and one beautiful ! We dine As it is terribly expensive, we always order consists of a lovely Salad, soup of the day" mad finger sandwiches. And this costs $3~3.00! bur W~rth every pelmy o~it. nitelv the most ~¢~rwiOzarksstar:com Phe drag-themed Petticoat Bruncheon at Bump & Grind is one ofDenver’s best excuses to get out ofbed on weekwnd mo,~vings. (Photo by Andrew Collins) By Andrew Collins Denver has long been one of the country’s great centers of lesbian and gay culture. The GLBT community here is highly visible - socially, professionally, and politically - and gay-friendly restaurants, bars, hotels, and other businesses are easy to find in a number of prominent neighborhoods. With several new or expanded high-profile museums, easy access to skiing and hiking, a sunny climate, and relative affordability compared with other big urban centers, the Mile High City makes for a highly appealing vacation destination, whether for a couple of days or a full week .of exploration. The city’s bustling, modern downtown skyline is dominated by soaring skyscrapers. Here you can wander along 16th Street, a popular pedestrian mall filled with mostly upscale chain shops. Or explore artsy Larimar Square, a restored Victorian block of hip boutiques and cafes - be sure to check out the Market at Larimer Square, a coffeehouse- bakery-deli where a cool crowd enjoys mocha lattes, hearty breakfast burritos, and hefty pastrami sandwiches. Larimar Square marks the edge of dapper LoDo, which began as the city’s shipping 20 the STAR and retail center in the late 19th century. As recently as the 1980s, however, the neighborhood had been reduced to slums and abandoned brick warehouses. LoDo’s comeback began v,;hen artists started converting these classic redbrick buildings into galleries and studios. A flood of restaurants, coffeehouses, and shops followed, as did stately Coors Field, home to baseball’s Colorado Rockies. You can easily spend a few hours exploring this attractive district, perhaps dropping by the Tattered Cover, one of the country’s most beloved independent bookstores, which has an outstanding GLBT section. Another retail must is Rockmount Ranch Wear, a circa-1940s outlet for authentic Western shirts, belts, hats, and bolo ties - this is the very shop that provided those down-home sexy shirts worn by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal in Brokeback Mountain. South of downtown you’ll find Capitol Hill, which is anchored on one end by the giltdomed State Capitol building. It overlooks a grassy mall surrounded by the Colorado History Museum and the spectacular Denver Art Museum, which underwent a dramatic expansion and redesign in 2005. The Capitol Hill neighborhood, which extends east from the Capitol building, is where many of the city’s GLBT residents live. On sunny days, check out lovely Cheesman Park and the nearby the Denver Botanic Garden. If you’re keen on shopping, head a few miles southeast of downtown to the Cherry Creek area, where you’ll find numerous opportunities for browsing and bargain-hunting at upscale Cherry Creek Shopping Center and Cherry Creek North. Tnese two premier shopping destinations contain a mix of top chain and independent stores. In the evening, try out one of the neighborhood’s fine restaurants, such as trendy Ocean, a haute seafood eatery, or North, which serves exceptional modern Italian fare. Dining is one area where Denver has truly come into its own in recent years. If you’re a serious foodie, sample one of the restaurants run by Denver’s acclaimed expert on innovative Mexican cuisine, Richard Sandoval. Best bets include Tamayo, near lively Larimer Square, and trendy Zengo, a boldly decorated space just north of LoDo, where Sandoval fuses the best ofAsian and Latin cuisine, serving everything from sushi to ceviche. A good bet for dining in LoDo is Vesta, which operates on a quirky premise: you choose three sauces (perhaps pistachio-mint or grilled onion jam) for dipping with whatever entree you choose, from grilled venison to harissa-roasted half chicken. You’ll find simpler fare at Dixon’s Downtown Grill, a nice choice for fish-and-chips and bluecheese burgers, and the festive Wynkoop Brewing Company, which serves the best green chile stew in town, plus a wide range of handcrafted beers. Near Larimer Square, chic Rioja serves creative, world-beat cuisine, such as Dungeness crab-and-shiso spring rolls, and grilled maple-cured pork chops with Calvados sauce. Favorite restaurants on Capitol Hill include I1 Vicino, which turns out creative pizzas and salads along with microbrewed ales, and Sparrow, a convivial neighborhood spot serving such inventive regional American fare as pumpkin-chicken served with pancetta risotto, sage, and cider. The local java chain Diedrich’s Coffee has a particularly gay-popular branch in Capitol Hill, too. www.ozarksstar.com The city has some great places for breakfast fare, including the gay lave Racine’s, which is open late and serves three meals daily. For amazingly tasty pancakes, head to Snooze, an offbeat storefront space near Coors Field where you might start the morning offwith pineapple-upside~down pancakes or vanilla-almond oatmeal brulee. On weekend mornings, don’t miss the legendary drag brunch, called Petticoat Bruncheon, held at Bump & Grind, a colorful bakery and care. One of city’s great strengths is its cultural scene, with maW of the top events held at the esteemed, high-tech Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA), the second-largest such space in the nation (trailing only New York City’s Lincoln Center). tt comprises several performance venues and hosts everything from nationally touring musicals to acclaimed opera. Before a performance, plan to have dinner at DCPA’s top restaurant, Kevin Taylor’s. In this elegant basement space, sample such creative fare as Black Angus carpaccio with white-truffle oil, or charbroiled Colorado lamb chops with braised lentils and black olive jus. Denver has a friendly, eclectic gay nightlife, with a pleasing mix of hip cocktail lounges, pulsing dance clubs, and friendly neighborhood bars. One of the most popular hangouts is J.R.’s, an upscale, bi-level video bar in Capitol Hill that hosts such entertaining events as gong show karaoke and Broadway musical sing-alongs. Nearby Charlie’s is a famously fun country-western club with line-dancing and two-stepping, plus a restaurant serving decent American fare. The Denver Detour is a mostly lesbian-oriented hangout that’s popular early in the evening for happy hour cocktails - it’s right by the State Capitol. Other good women’s options include tHERe Denver, a lesbian-owned coffeehouse and lounge, and Ms. C’s, a long-running lesbian dance club a 20-minute drive east of downtown. Just south of Capitol Hill, the South Broadway area has several notable locals joints, including B.J.’s Carousel, which has its own volleyball court and a casual restaurant. You’ll find a somewhat cruisy bunch at the Compound, a low-attitude dance club that’s popular with everyone from collegiate hipsters to middle-aged bears. The Triangle, for the serious leather crowd, has a big after-hours following and a notoriously frisky basement. And Boyztown is one of the better places in town to watch strippers strut their stuff. Weekends are the best time to check out Denver’s most happening gay nightclub, the always-packed Tracks Denver, a massive warehouse disco with two pulsing dance floors, one spinning the latest club music, the other featuring classic tunes from the ’70s and ’80s. Denver has a number of memorable gay-friendly hotels. The swanky, pet-friendly Hotel Monaco is a top choice for its hip, Parisian-inspired aesthetic and remarkably friendly and helpful service. Vibrant, stylish decor and quirk), in-room touches, such as animal-print robes and pet goldfish, make this downtown boutique property a fan favorite. The on-site restaurant, Panzano, serves firstrate contemporary Italian fare. A new kid on the block that’s earned praise for its stylish look as well as its location across from the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, The Curtis opened early in 2007 and looks like just another high-rise from the exterior. But inside you’ll discover a www.ozarksstar.com whimsical, retro-fabulous hotel that looks like something out of an Austin Powers movie. Each floor of guestrooms is themed differently - rooms on the eighth level have a sci-fi look, while those on the 12th are done with a get-your-groove-on dance-floor theme. Moderate rates, VW Bug-shaped alarm clocks, and a cool eatery called the Corner Office Restaurant and Martini Bar are among the Curtis’ many charms. If you want to be close to the fabulous shopping of Cherry Creek, consider booking a room at the posh JW Marriott Denver, a contemporary 11-stoW hotel whose cushy accommodations have 32-inch flat-screen TVs, DVD/CD players, marble-and-granite bathrooms, and plush bedding with custom duvets and linens. The sterling service is another plus. One of the most romantic options is the gay-owned Capitol Hill Mansion B&B, a stately Queen Anne Victorian on an attractive residential street. Owners Jay Hadley and Carl Schmidt serve a lavish full breakfast each morning as wel! as refreshments and snacks in the afternoon; guests enjoy such pleasing amenities as free Wi-Fi and fresh flowers in every room, and gas fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and private balconies in the top units. In the same neighborhood, the gay-friendly Castle Marne B&B offers similarly cushy, antiquesfilled rooms. The imposing 1889 building is one of Denver’s most distinctive houses, with its elaborate turrets and stonework. Probably no Denver hotel is more famous than the prestigious Brown Palace Hote! & Spa, which has hosted such dignitaries as Teddy Roosevelt and Sun Yat-sen during its 115-year tenure. Even if you don’t have a chance to stay in one of the hotel’s lavish rooms, consider dropping by for the daily afternoon high tea or evening cocktails in the famed Atrium Lobby, or for the decadent Dom Perignon brunch held in Ellyngton’s Restaurant on Sunday mornings. the STAR 21 MAY 2007 Gay LoA. All the One of the perks of being a "nationally syndicated columnist," which is my newest personal brand, is getting books in the mail to review. As the latest volume slipped out of its padded envelope, I saw "sexual outlaws, power politics, and lipstick lesbians" set in small caps across the middle of the cover. Mmmmm, this book is for me. Gay L.A.: A History of,.. (insert those three descriptors that caught my attention here), written by award-winning historians Lillian Faderman and Stuart Timmons, turns on its ear the notion that the lesbian and gay movement started in any one particular city. L.A.’s gay roots go way beygnd the emergence of Hollywood in the 1920s. We need to go all the way back before California was a state, before we were even a nation, and we find the raale native Americans who inhabited these lands to be quite fluid in their sexuality. California’s name came from Hernan Cortes, the explorer who discovered the tract of land now lmown as the Golden State. It seems that Cortes was taken with the 15th-century "protolesbian tale," as the authors put it, about a mythical isle called California, where Queen Califia lived among strong, butch women. Just like in the Amazonia legend, Califia’s women "waged bloody war on other lands, killing most of the males but carrying a few so that they might copuJate with them for the sake of procreation." For some reason, Cortes put that myth together with this new land and wrote "California" across the map of what was to become North America. The name stuck, but the legend - like those of most who come and go in this town known for making legends - faded into obscurity until Faderman and Timmons connected their gay dots. It wasn’t until Hollywood happened, with its star-making quality, that L.A. and gay really started to become synonymous. We flocked to this city of creativity and makebelieve because we could do just that - create and make believe we could be whatever we Way If only that was totally true. When it comes to the relationship between the community and the notorious LAPD...well, let’s just say it wasn’t a Hollywood love story. "The LAPD in the years after WW~I and into the 1960s was really particularly vicious in regard to lesbians and gay men," Faderman told me in a recent interview. "The police hired Hollywood rejects - handsome young men looking to break into the movie industry - who would then go to the places gay men cruised, hang out, strike up conversations, and then the handcuffs would come out, and the gays would be arrested." It wasn’t only gay men who were victim~- ized by the cops. "Butch women had a hard time, too," said Faderman. "They were very often arrested for ’masquerading.’" \Vghat is this "masquerading"? Being butch and dressing that ~vay. It seems that there was a laxv on the books, in response to how outrageous the puritanical city fathers thought things were getting, that men couldn’t be seen in public in women’s clothes, and women couldn’t don men’s clothes either. Reading this, I was disgusted by how those we pay taxes to for protection - in a city, the police, for the nation, the armed forces - victimize our community. While "don’t ask, don’t tell" is still in place, the LAPD has changed its tune to some degree. Now they’re recruiting us to their ranks - us meaning lesbians and gays; transgender people need not apply. "The West Hollywood sheriff’s department really wants lesbian and gay folks," explained Faderman. "But on the other hand, I read about a trans person who supported herself by prostitution. The police would take her in the back alley practically every night and rape her." As someone who grew up in L.A., Faderman seems to be particularly proud of the lesbian and gay firsts of her native city. Honestly, these were things I never knew. I always considered Stonewall to be the "start" - that is, after all, what we celebrate every June. In 1947, for example, the first lesbian magazine, Vice Versa, was started in L.A. A few years later, the Mattachine Society was born - the child of Harry Hay. Ten years before the Stonewall Riots, drag queens and hustlers in downtown L.A. took to the streets to protest the LAPD’s consistent harassment of them at their hangout, Cooper Donuts. In 1968, Troy Perry founded the first gay church, the Metropolitan Community Church, and in ’71 lesbian and gay Jews had a welcoming place to worship at the nation’s first gay synagogue, Beth Chaim Chadashim. "With L.A., there were all these incredible firsts," said Faderman. "It’s sort of incredible that no one has observed that before, and no one has tried to make a history out of it." Until now, that is. This book is a great read that is both entertaining and educational. The nonfiction addict that I am, Gay L.A. gave me my fix of facts and fun that kept me turning the pages. I really xvanted to kmow what happened next. I can’t wait until we all write the next chapters as we continue to tear down the barriers to our freedom. 22 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Rodeo Schedule Thursday, May 24, 2007, from 9pm till ?, The Great Plains Rodeo Kick off Party, featuring the current royalty and all former royalty we can encourage to attend, at the Finishline. Friday, May 25, 2007, from 6pm till 9pm, The Great Plains Rodeo Registration Party, featuring contestant registration, a silent auction, and a fundraiser shiny, at the Oklahoma State Fair Park Barn 3. Saturday, May 26, 2007, from 8am till ?, Rodeo events with grand entry around noonish at the Oklahoma State Fair Park Barn 6. Tickets are $10.00. Saturday, May 26, 2007, from 6:30pm till 9pm, The Texas Tea Party, featuring the IGRA Royalty, The Texas Royalty and the Oklahoma Royalty, and others, at the COPA. Sunday, May 27, 2007, from 8am till ?, Rodeo events with grand entry around noonish at the Oklahoma State Fair Park Barn 6. Tickets are $10.00. Sunday, May 27, 2007, from 8pm till ?, Rodeo awards ceremony, at the Oklahoma State Fair Park Barn 3. BBQ Dinner $10 per plate advance purchase by end grand entry Sunday see any OGRA royalty member or Officer. You’re guaranteed a fun filled and exciting weekend at Oklahoma’s largest Gay Rodeo. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. For more information go to: www.ogra.net or call 405-290-8779 Jays ModelAgency Talent Search ~ Males 18 to 21 Jays Model Agency is Seeking New Faces for our 2007 Online Gallery ofArtistic Nude, Casual& Formal Wear Models. We Pay Our Models $300 to $500 Call Today (405) 946-5297 See Our Display Ads in Frest~rn~: & Men Magaaine Creating Community for Peop ÷ :ving with H~ViAIDS 50t c (3) Non Profit Organizatio,:t Our House, Too offers a vadoty of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrismmjr@yahoo.com. www.ozarksstar.com The STAR 23 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 25 GAYCO From page 12 With seven players at their Eureka appearance, the troupe delivered a performance that would make the raunchiest of comedians and the driest of analysts proud. Opening their show with a stirring anthem of "gay recruitment" the comedians set the precedent that over the next hour and a half nothing, not even death, would be sacred. Blending lesbian issues and gay issues, the comedy of Gayco had a little something for everybody. Whether it was a widower admitting her secret love for her best friend or the gay man dating the barely eighteen year old, the situations that Gayco created were as real as the performers themselves (even though it may take a few years to see "Baby Time Share" become a reality). ’%V4e like to take hot topics of the day, but also what is going on in our lives," explains Eninger. "Sometimes we’ll have a sketch completely written and sometimes we’ll just improvise it. We use the ensemble to improve each idea and make it better." Eninger says that thanks to the unique backgrounds of each of the core cast members and their crew of artistic associates, that the show is able to have such a wide ranging appeal. "A lot of people in the comedy and improvisational tend to have a broad background, most everyone has some kind of theatrical training and has worked with some kind of improvisational group. You add on to that having a broad based understanding of things like politics, anth. ropology and cultural references to make your jokes as on top of your intelligence as possible." "We all (the cast) have an activist streak in us," Eninger continues, "we all have a message we want to get across that’s paramount, but we’re also not afraid to get a little low brow. Gay people like that too. It’s nice to show a human scene with a couple and just flip to show something like ’Club Uranus.’" During the show, the Gayco Performers were not the only ones who had fun on stage. Participants from an improvisational workshop held the day before xvere invited to become a part of the act. According to the group, one of their favorite parts of touring is reaching out to the communities they visit to help aspiring performers (or those wbo just want to do it for fun) learn a little bit more about their craft. If and when Gayco will returns to Eureka Springs is not yet known, but for the group that travels the world, Diversity Pride is a favorite stop. Be sure not to miss them if you have the chance. 26 the STAR DBA METRO OKC PRIDE EVENT A SUCCESS By Jeanne Flanigan Photo by I~ctor Gorin: Left to Right, Reverend ScottJones ofCathedral ofHope Drag Emcee Ivana Deville, Jeanne Flaniagn. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK~Xhe Diversity Business Association of Metro OKC hosted the Second Annual Silent Auction and Benefit for OKC Pride on March 29 at the Copa. Nick Post and his staff provided a banquet buffet, a festive ambience, and space for 6 locations throughout the club for auction items. The auction included approximately 60 items, ranging from original art to tools and electronics. The benefit made over $7000 for the OKC Pride Festival and Parade, which is celebrating their 20th Anniversary in June. This time the event raised over twice as much as it did last year, thanks largely to entertainers Alison Scott, Lady Spencer, and the magnificent Ivana Deville. Three large items were raffled off, with several generous people buying over 100 tickets each. The club was filled to capacity with many DBA members, a!ong with other movers and shakers of the community. DBA Metro meets twice monthly for networking and educational opportunities. For more information !og on to www.dbametro.org. Drag Queen Bingo _At Cains Ballroom, Tu]lsa. By Randy Vineyard TULSA, OK__On May 4th the Cains Ballroom will play host to yet another historic event. Drag Queen Bingo, benefiting Our House Too sponsored by Regional Aids Funds Ameri-Corp and the Cains. An annual event in Tulsa, this years theme will be "Tulsa’s Dream Girls Present Motown", the 60’s remember. Local celebrities will be performing and a show stopping appearance by Tulsa King Ty West. The event will be hosted by Kris Kohl, a veteran performer of 31 years. Twenty additional fantastic female impersonators will be entertaining you. Prizes for Bingo and door give-a ways have been donated by local business and associations. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets are on sale now, Milton Harris 918-585-9552. All proceeds will benefit Our House Too a Tulsa area aids outreach activity center. A LANDMAP K GONE \Vho Remembers the Free Spirit? By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__Maybe it wasn’t so long ago, or maybe longer ago than some of us might xvant to admit, when OKC’s most fabulous place to dance and party was the Free Spirit. Located at 3121 N. Classen, originally an Episcopalian Church, it first changed to an upscale restaurant called Dino’s Steak & Spaghetti before it became the Free Spirit disco in 1977, owned by Steve Sixbey & managed by Michael Tarr. Affectionately nicknamed "the Spirit"( and its regulars "Spirit Queens") it became the "in" place to be featuring cutting edge dance music, some of Oklahoma’s early fabulous pageants, and even appearances by major artists including Sylvester & Disco Tex/Sex-o-Lets. In 1982 the club became Jazzy’s, a straight club with a predominantly black clientele. It changed back to the gay focused Free Spirit again in 1984, competing head on with Angles which had just opened in 1982, and the war began as to who would be OKC’s premier gay dance dub. The partiers !oved the battle, which resulted in all you could drink for $5 on Fridays and Saturdays at both venues, but the Free Spirit finally capitulated in August of 1984. Again going through a series of straight ventures, it emerged again as a gay club in 1986 renamed "~he Bar," even though it was still referred to as "the Spirit." ~hat venture failed as well, and after a long run as the straight club" Infinity" it made a few more changes before finally closing the doors for good. The building sat abandoned for many years before finally being demolished in March of this year. "Now a vacant lot with a future unforeseen at this time, memories of that place will always inspire priceless memories for some of us to treasure and pass on. www.ozarksstar.com THE COPA: Strip-Off Contest 12am MO BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm "~DNESDAY May 2 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro. THE COPA: Varie9" Show 10:30pro FINISHHNE: Dart Tournament I0pm THURSDAY May3 CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show ~v/Rachad Erikks THE COPA: Open Talent wtShemoane Somemore 10:30pro LEDO: Kari-Okie host. Pancho 9pro FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm THE COPA: Mate Dancers 9pro THE COPA: Strip-Off Contest 12am BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro THE COPA: Varlet7 Shmv 10:30pro FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show wtRachael Erikks THE COPA: Open Talent wlShe~noane Somemore 10:30pm FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pro SATU May5 THE COPA: Male Dancers 9prn GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet 1 am-3:30am SUN THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro CLUB MAJESTIC: /vlajestic Kings Show 10pm. BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch LUB b~JESTIC: Carla Lee Love Show 10pm GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet THE COPA: P,achael Erikks Show lam-3:30am 10:30pm THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pro, CLUB MAJESTIC: Carla Lee Love Show 10pm THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show 10:30pro BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm. THE COPA: Strip-OffContest Midnight. BA!vIBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm THE COPA: Varieq, Show 10:30pm FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro THURSDAY M~v 17 CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show w/ Rachaet Erikks THE COPA: Open Talent wlShemoane Somemore 10:30pro FINISHHNE: Dart ~bumament 10pm LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pro THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro THE COPA: \4trieiy Show 10:30pro HNISHLINE: Dart Tournament !0pro THURSDBX May 24 CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show wt Rachael Erikks THE COPA: Open Talent w/Shemoane Somemore t0:30pm FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pro \ May [25 THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro CLUB NL&JESTIC: Miss Oklal~oma Continental 2007 - Doors open 8pro OGRA: RODEO, OKC OGRA: RODEO. OKC THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet lam-3:30am SUN 27 OGRA: RODEO, OKC BAMBOO LOUNGE: Brunch 2pro BIG Memorial Cookout. CLUB MAJESTIC: Catia Lee Love Show 10pm "H-IE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show 10:30pm MEMORIAL DAY BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro, THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet THE COPA: Strip-Off Contest lam-3:30am Midnight. BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pm, Kris Kohl Show 8pm CLUB MAJESTIC: Catia Lee Love Show 10pm THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show 10:30pm DAY May 30 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm THE COPA: gariety Show 10:30pro FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm www,ozarksstar.com BA~MBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm. CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show w/ Rachael Erildcs THE COPA: Strip-Off Contest Midnight. After Dark is a free service to ou~ advertisers and is the responsibility of the advertiser to inform the STAR in writing of updates, additions or discontinued events, q’he STAR is not responsible for accurac): THE COPA: Open Talent wlShemoane Somemore 10:30pro HNISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pm the STAR 27 "Doodle, Capricorn!" Mercury aligned with the Sun in Taurus makes us stubbornly attached to our ideas. Both orbs clashing with Pluto bring those ideas under harsh scrutiny. Arguments are inevitable but offer chances to learn. ARIES (~arch 20 -April 19): Holding fast to your principles doesn’t require arguing with everyone who disagrees with you. Better to challenge yourself and see if your ideals are strong enough to encompass more than just the ideas you’re comfortable with. TAURUS (April 21) - May 21)): Little disagreements can feel like major personal attacks. Try to shrug them off and relax. A little sexual exploration can take the edge off, although that might also feel like a challenge. Still, it should be a challenge you can rise to! GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)): An erotic retreat with your partner can relieve pressures that are making you feel paranoid. Even if you (~an’t get away, stop imagining hostile agendas behind every conversation. Meditation or a dream journal can help unravel what’s really bothering you. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Your long-range vision may cause clashes with colleagues who are locked into accomplishing the task at hand. Helpful as your ideas may be, arguing about them won’t help. Bite your lip, go with the flow, and save your inspirations for later. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Eager to get ahead, you may be pushing too hard. Sit back a bit, strategize, and try to cultivate finesse. Getting into everyone’s face about your brilliance is counter-productive. Let your creativity speak for itself. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Being terribly certain in your ideas can put you at odds with your family or your community. It may well be that you have something important to tell them, but you need to listen in order to be heard. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): The more you struggle against scandal, the more it grows. A bemused response - "Mercy! Who’s telling such silly stories?" - wilt help facilitate a quick change of subject. Or you may prefer a smug, quiet smile that enhances a wicked mystique. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): If you’re partnered, arguments are nearly inevitable for you, with money being the likely trigger. If you’re single, your feistiness will make or break the interest of a potential mate. Arguments now can foreshadow a bigger struggle in six weeks. 28 the STAR SAG~TTAR~US (November 22 o December 20): Safe sex is as important now as ever. Your health is extremely vulnerable right now, especially in erotic situations, but also while you’re at work or exercising. Re-examine your habits at work, working out, and "working it." There’s always room for improvement! CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Your efforts at playful repartee may seem a bit artificial, as if you’re trying to hide something that is bothering you. At an unconscious level, you probably are. Doodling, humming, or singing in free association can help provide clues to what’s behind the banter. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): How far do your ambitions and dreams lead you away from the comfort of family or tribe? And how far away do you really need to go? Those questions seem important now. The answers are not comfortable, but neither are they final. PISCES (February 19 - Nlarch 19): The stronger your opinions, the more they’ll be challenged. Do some homework to back up your arguments. You may even learn something that wil! push you to grow and change. Remember, it’s only resistance to change that makes it difficult. FREE NIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS Testing appointment 41%529-8480. 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 SATURDAY Service 9:30AM Your Invited to our COITIITIUI~ty Dinner Every Wed. 6pm just $4.00. No one is turned away. www.ozarksstar.com Arkansas, Bentonviile/Rogers (479) NWA GLBT Ctr .... www.nwaglbtcc.org.........888-391-9222 Barnes & Noble Bks - - 261 N. 46th St., Rogers- - - -479-636-2002 Arkansas, Eureka Springs (479) Diversity Pride Events - www.diversitypride.com A Byrd’s Eye View..... 36 N. Main........... 479-253-0200 Caribe Restaurante.... 309 W VanBuren....... 479-253-8102 Henri’s ....... 19 !/2 Spring St ............. 479-253-5795 Lumberyard Bar&Grill- - - 105 E VanBuren....... 479-253-0400 MCC Living Spring - 17 Elk Street- Service 6PM- - -479-253-9337 Swiss Holiday Resort- Hwy 62 at Hwy 23 So.- .... 888-582-8464 Spexton........ 17B Spring Street-- -479-981-6060 Tiki Torch........ 75 S. Main Street- ........ -479-253-2305 Tradewinds Lodge - 141 W. VanBuren- 800-242-1615 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Common Ground Restaurant- - - 412 W. Dixon - - - 479-442-3515 Condom Sense ......... 418 W. Dickson.......479-444-6228 Curry’s Video - - - 612 N. College Ave- - -479-521-0009 Flames Bar - - - 40 E. Center- ............... 479-251-1922 Passages ......930 N. College Ave- 479-442-5845 Tangerine Club - -21 N. Block Ave. 479-587-9512 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads.......1004 1/2 Garrison Ave........ 479-783-9988 Klub XLR8 ......1022 Dodson Ave- - - 479-782-9578 Red Rock City - - - 917 N. "A" St.- 479-242-2489 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Jesters Lounge .... 1010 E. Grand Ave .........501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street .... 1021 Jessie Rd- -501-6642744 Diamond State Rodeo Assoc. - www.dsra.org Discovery-~--- 102! Jessie Rd- -501-666-6900 Sidetracks--- 415 Main St--North L.R. 501-244-0444 The Factory ...... 412 Louisiana St.- - 501-372-3070 Club U.B.U. - ..... 824 W Capitol Ave......... 501-375-8580 Kansas, Junction City (785) Xcalibur Club...... 384 Grant Ave. 785-762-2050 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) PSU-QSA.-- 1701 S. Broadway- ..............620-231-0938 River of Life Church.- - 1709 N. Walnut- -Service 11AM Kansas, Wichita (316) Our Fantasy/South40..... 3201 S. Hillside......316-682-5494 Priscilla’s..... 6143 W Kellogg Dr- .316-942-1244 Club Glacier- ........ 2828 E. 31st South......316-612-9331 Missouri, Ava (417) Catus Canyon Campground ................. 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ- - -2902 E 20th, - ......Sat Service-9:30AM Joplin Gay/Lesbian Cntr- PO Box 4383, zip 64803- -417-622-7821 Missouri, Kansas City (816) 40th Street Inn....w~w.40thstreetinn.com.......816-561-7575 Concourse Park B&B - - 300 Benton BIvd ........ 816-231-1196 Hydes KC Gym & Guest Hs -www.hydeskc.com - - 816-561-! 010 Missie B’s....805 W. 39th St- ...............816-561-0625 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge..... 424 Boonville Ave- 417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr---518 E. Commerical- 417-869-3978 JR’s Nightclub.... 504 E. Commerical. 417-831-9001 Martha’s Vineyard- - - 219 W Olive -417-864-4572 Ronisuz Place....821 College............... 417-864-0036 Oklahoma, Enid (580) Hastings Books.... 104 Sunset .............. 580-242-6838 Priscilla’s........ -4810-A West Garriott- ...... 580-233-5511 Oklahoma, Lawton (580) Ingrids Bookstore..... 1124 NW Cache Rd......580-353-1488 Oklahoma, McAlester (9~i8) McPride........... POBox 1515, - .... McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) American Crossroads B&B - POBox 270642...... 405-495-1111 Blue Dog Liquor- ..... -4015 N. Penn 405-606-7000 Boom Room....... 2807 NW 36th St- 405-601-7200 Border’s Books...... 3209 NW Expressway..... 405-848-2667 CD Warehouse...... 4001 N. Penn .......... 405-525-7766 Club Rox.......3535 NW 39th Expwy........ -405-947-2351 Christie’s Toy Box- ....3126 N. May Ave 405-946-4438 Church of Open Arms......3131 N. Penn...... 405-525-9555 Copa- .2200 NW 39th Exp........405-525-0730 Eastern Ave Video- - -1105 S Eastern Ave........ -405-6726459 Finishline ....... 2200 NW 39th Expwy........405-525-9200 Gushers Restaurant.....2200 NW 39Exp ...... 405-525-0730 Habana Inn -2200 NW 39th Exp....... 405-528-2221 Herland Sisters Resources.... 2312 NW 39th St--405-521-9696 Hollywood Hotel.... 3535 NW 39th Exp ....... -405-947-2351 Hi-Lo Club ....... 1221 NW 50th- Jungle Reds .......2200 NW Expwy Ledo- .2200 NW Expwy........ Naughty But Nice .... 3121 SW 29th St ....... Partners. 2805 NW 36th St Pec’s- -3535 NW 39th Expw ........ Priscilla’s........ 615 E. Memorial- Red Rock North- - - 2240 NW39th St.......... Rudy’s Place......3535 NW39th Expw........ Phoenix Rising .... 2120 NW 39th St- The Park 2125 NW 39th St The Patio Topanga Grill & Bar- Tramps- Ziggy’s- -405-843-1722 -405-524-5733 -405-525-0730 -405-681-5044 -405-942-2199 405-947-2351 -405-755-8600 -405-525-5165 -405-947-2351 -405-601-3711 -405-528-4690 3201N. MayAve ......... 405-917-1663 --3535 NW39th -405-917-1663 -2201NW39th. -405-521-9888 -4005 N. Penn- -405-521-9999 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge....7204 E. Pine Border’s Book Store- - - 2740 E, 21st- Border’s Book Store--- 8015 S. Yale Circle Cinema...... !0 S. Lewis- Club 209 ....... 209 N. Boulder - Club Majestic....... 124 N. Boston Club Maverick..... 822 S. Sheridan Cosmo Deli & Bar- - 6746 S. Memorial Dreamland Bks .... 8807 E. Admiral PI Equality Center ..... 621 E. 4th Street........ Hideaway Lounge..... 11730 E. 11th HOPE Clinic....... 3540 E. 31st Midtown 319 E. 3rd- 918-836-8700 918-712-9955 918-494-2665 --918-592-3456 918-584-9944 918-584-9494 918-835-3301 -918-459-0497 .918-834-1051 -918-743-4297 918-437-0449 ---918-749-8378 918-584-3112 Openarms Youth Projt - - - 2015 S. Lakewood.....918-838-7104 Our House, Too ....203 N Nogales Ave. -918-585-9552 Priscilla’s -7925 E. 41st.....918-627-4884 Priscilla’s ........ 5634 W. Skelly ........... 918-446-6336 Priscilla’s ........ 11344 E. 11th .............918-438-4224 Priscilla’s 2333 E. 71st- -918-499-1661 Renegades........ 1649 S. Main -- 918-585-3405 Rob’s Records- - -2909 S. Sheridan Rd......... 918-627-1505 Sappho’s...... ~ - 6373-C E 31st St- 918-836-0299 Tulsa CARES.... 3507 E. Admiral PI - - 918-834-4194 Tulsa Central Library ...... 400 Civic Center- - - - 918-596-7977 Tulsa Eagle.....1338 E. 3rd ................918-592-1188 TNT’s ......... 2114 S. Memorial- - - 918-660-0856 Yellow-Brick-Rd....... 2630 E. 15th 918-293-0304 AT A POWNTOWN CHUB, :20 MINUTES hATeR_.- bitter girl email: bittergid@qsyndicate.com 30 the STAR www.joanhilty.net www.ozarksstar.com NWArkansas GLBT CommuniW Center "Lin-ldng Together as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 WWW.NWAGLBTCC.ORG 1st furnished or N.W. Oklahoma City gay male residence. Attached ½ bath access to full bath. Laundry facilities available, cable TV. $275 per month all bills paid with 12 month lease. Employed person only, references required Call (405) 521 2131 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 31 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2007] The Star Magazine, May 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 5 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 01, 2007 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Jeanne Flanigan Joey D. Paul Wortman James Nimmo Victor Gorin Greg Gatewood Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Devre Jackson 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 Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern 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 Magazie, April 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 4 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/202 The Star Magazine, June 1, 2007; Volume 4, issue 6 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/208 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/210 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/c6bd8d30f946cbb8a5f183612933fede.jpg cb24f0560cf9c0f801223ac6bf225a00 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/4e4d0a3d9ab12726c0e453fa0d8f69f9.pdf 7a27ada0399707a79debeec279e8cbed 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 2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Oklahoma’s Discriminatory Laws Prohibit Same Gender Couples The Pdght To Marry. TULSA, OK___On Valentine’s Day, February 14th three same sex couples and approximately 20 supporters marched peacefully through the Tulsa County Courthouse to the second floor licens!~g counter. Each couple in turn asked for a marriage license application. Court Clerk Sally Howe Smith politely presented the application. Once the form was completed the clerk then asked for identification and after a quick review said: "I notice by your I.D. that you are of the same gender. The State of Oklahoma does not allow same gender marriages, therefore.I must decline your application." Photo: ~vo women askfor a marriage license application at the 7ffdsa Count. court house. Photo: Three same gender couples cut the wedding cake that was adorned with two brides toget,§er and two grooms at a reception in the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center: NEW JERSEY GAY COUPLE8 G NTED UR ON UCENSE. (AP) Hundreds of gay couples were granted the same legal rights, if not the title, as married couples Monday as New Jersey became the third state to offer civil unions. More than a dozen other couples applied for licenses for ceremonies later in the week. The civil unions, which 6ffer the legal benefits but not the title of marriage, were granted automatically to hundreds of gay New Jersdy couples who had previously been joined in civil unions or married in other states or nations. The three couples, referred to as "The Love Warriors", walked quietly away from the counter after each where refused a license. The group then boarded a shuttle bus which took them back to the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center where a wedding reception had been prepared. Two brides and two grooms gdorned the wedding cake. Oklahomans for Equality, lead by their tPresident Laura Belmonte, sponsored the demonstration and was held on Valentine’s day in celebration of the 10th anniversary of"Freedom to Marry Week". The goal of the demonstration was to bring awareness to the 1049 benefits allowed opposite sex couples who are legally married in the State of Oklahoma and a call for marriage equality for Oklahoma same gender couples. "It is an equal rights issue", said Belmonte. Oklahomans for Equality is a non-profit organization committed to securing equality for Oklahoma GLBT citizens as well as all Oklahomans. They are now located in their new permanent home inside the Equality Center 621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa, celebrated it’s grand opening February 14-18. In honor of the organizations founder Dennis R. Neill the building was named the "Dennis R. Neil Equality Center". v~vw.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 A national report titled Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth: An epidemic of homelessness. "Epidemic" is a strong word to use, but in this case it’s justified. Lily Tomlin to appear at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center March 18th. GLBT Homeless Youth - page 5 African-American comedian Jackie "Moms" Mabley - dubbed "the funniest woman in the world" Gay Travelers "Tucson Arizona’’ Otit of Town "Budget Getaxvays " This month Uncle Mikey recovers from a love affair of epic proportions. I mean whew, that man was just too much. It was like being at the DQand trying to take that extra dip The STAR Interview with Lily Tomlin - page 10 GLBT Homeless............ 5 Lily Tomlin ................ 10 OUT in Arkansas........... 12 Stage.................... 11 Past Out.................. 14 Leslie Jordan ............. 15 The Wine Rack............. 16 Ciao Travel ................ 17 Lesbian Notions............ 22 Star Scene................ 24 Uncle Mikey............... 26 After Dark ................ 27 Horoscopes............... 28 Distributors............... 29 Cartoons..................30 Classifieds ................ 31 STAR DISTRIBUTION: Gay Leslie Jordan to Host 10th Annual Red Ribbon Gala on March 10. -page 15 OKLAHOMA CITY * TULSA * LA~Xq-ON * MCALESTER * ENID * LITTLE ROCK * NORTH LITTLE RODK * FAYETTEVILLE * FT SMITH * EUREKA SPRINGS * HOT SPRINGS * BENTONVtLLE * ROGERS * KANSAS CITY * SPRINGFIELD * JOPLIN * BRANSON AREA * WICHITA* PITTSBURG * JUNCTION CITY 4 the STAR ~,vw.ozarksstar.com LGBT Youth Homelessness: A National Disgrace By Jason Cianciotto piece of federal legislation that directs funding and programming guidelines to homeless youth service providers nationwide, the Congressional Research Service released its own report on youth homelessness in the US. Their report did not include a single mention of LGBT youth. If Congress’s own research arm is unwilling or unable to acknowledge this epidemic, how can we expect our elected officials to address it? I think part of the answer lies in supporting and replicating the successful efforts of service providers and activists at the grassroots level. Photo:Jason Cianciotto The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute, in collaboration with the National Coalition for the Homeless, released a national report today titled Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth: An epidemic of homelessness. "Epidemic" is a strong word to use, but in this case it’s justified. While approximately, 3 to 5 percent of the total U.S. population identifies as gay or lesbian, our review of the available academic and professional literature found that an estimated 20 to 40 percent of the up to 1.6 million youth who run away or are homeless each year identify as LGBT. In other words, LGBT youth are grossly overrepresented in the homeless youth population. The report goes into great detail about why LGBT youth are becoming homeless, their experiences on the streets, and the pervasive harassment and discrimination they experience at many homeless service providers. Just as important are the model service practices and policy recommendations also included in the report, which if implemented nationwide would help to curb this epidemic and truly make a difference in the lives of our most vulnerable youth. Several weeks ago, I received what is perhaps the greatest example of the hard work ahead of us as we use this report to educate politicians, policymakers and service providers. In anticipation of the 2008 renewal of the Runaway, Homeless and Missing Children Protection Act (RHMCPA), the primary For example, there’s the street outreach program and drop-in center developed by the Ruth Ellis Center, which predominandy serves LGBT youth of color in Detroit, Mich., and the transitional living program run by Green Chimneys in New York City, which provides safe and supportive housing for LGBT homeless youth for 18 months while preparing them for in&pendent living. Urban Peak in Denver, Colorado has developed specific guidelines for creating a safe space for transgender homeless youth in shelters, given their unique needs and experiences. Because most homeless youth service providers are not LGBT-specific, our report also highlights the success of Ozone House, in Ann Arbor, Mich., an organization that serves all homeless youth but has specifically striven to create an LGBT-safe space. Waltham House in Massachusetts has even developed a program that has provided LGBT cultural competency training to over 2,000 employees at the state Department of Social Services. While the programs highlighted in our report may be the exception today, they are replicable anywhere in the country. Indeed, one of our critical aims and hopes is that service providers and social service agencies will see this report as a wake-up call to the crisis of homelessness among LGBT youth. Some may already work with this population and learn from one of our contributors about how to enrich an existing program. Others might know they need to reach out to LGBT youth but need additional guidance on how to do so. Continued page-23 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5 Oklahoma Activist Named to Board of National Stonewall Democrats Oklahoma Chapter MaiFltains Strong Presence on National Board By James Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats (~x~9.0kstonewall.org) announced today that activist and poht~cal consultant Linda Gray Murphy of Oklahoma City has been named to the Board of Directors for National Stonewall Democrats (NSD) (,wvw:stonewalldemocrats.org). She will begin a two-year term in March as a delegate from Region 6, representing Iowa, Missouri, A~kansas, Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma. Her election continues the strong presence that Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats (OSD) has had on the national board for the last three years, beginning with the late activist and lobbyist Keith Smith. Ms. Murphy and Mr. Smith, both Yellow Dog Democrats, were close allies in advocating for the betterment of Oklahoma’s citizens through work in many progressive issues such as equality for gay people, women’s health dare, and the environment. Ms. Murphy is well kmown throughout Oklahoma and Texas for her work with political campaigns and progressive causes, with her latest victory being the election ofA1 McAffrey to the Oklahoma House of Representatives. She serves as executive director and spokesperson for WorkAng Families Project (wvwv.workingfamiliesproject. corn), a statewide organization to increase the minimum wage and improve the lives of all Oklahomans. Membership growth in Stonewall Democrats, the only ga~ lesbian, bisexual and transgender organization recognized by the National Democratic Party, has prompted recent expansion of Region 6 representation on the NSD board from three to five delegates. Ms. Murphy will join Olga Hernandez of San Antonio as female delegates. Four candidates will vie for the three remaining positions. They include incumbent national board members Jesse Garcia and Buck Massey, both ofTexas, and two Oklahoma City men, Steve VanHook and Colin Raley. VanHook has served OSD as interim co-chair since early December. The lowest vote-getter in February’s regional elections is expected to be named an alternate delegate, attending when a regular delegate cannot. Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats, with nearly 200 current members, is constitutionally recognized as an active dub of the Oklahoma Democratic Party (www.okdemocrats.org) with a voting seat on the state party’s governing Central Committee. The Stonewall organization is dedicated to achieving ful! equality for America’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens, and its members work in campaigns and raise money for both openly gay and gay-friendly Democratic candidates at all levels of government. 6 the STAR w~rw.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 PRELIM TO MiSS GAY OKLAHOMA AMERICA April 4, 2007 10:00 PM @The Copa, OKC OK CONTESTANT INQUIRES CALL MARK ORJAMES (NIKKI STARR) (580) 216-2715 must be 21 yrs old to enter colt5294@yahoo.com 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com pancakes ~nd, just trying to g~t book, music ~. lyrics by Jerry Rabushka (of Somebody ~Ise~s Life) WOOFI wags Oklahoma~t TULSA: March 2~3, 8:00pro Nightingale Theater, 1416 E. 4th St, Reservations: 918-633-8666 OK. CtTY: March 23~24, 8:00 P~ IAO Galle~: 81! N. Broadway Re~ations: 314-280-1035 Dir~ions: 40~232~060 ~e~: $10; ~5.~ s~dent~senio~ www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 10 the STAR Evenin Coming Interview by: Victor Gorin An Evening of Classic Lily Tomlin is a nostalgic and warm presentation of Lily’s "greatest hits," with more than a dozen of her famous characters, including the precocious six-year-old Edith Ann; the irascible telephone operator, Ernestine; the aging beauty adviser, Madame Lupe; Lucille, the rubber addict; prim Judith Beasley from Calumet City, Indiana; and Lily’s most profound character, Trudy, the street lady who starred in The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe. THE INTERVIEW: VICTOR: Well hello Lily, and welcome to Oklahoma. When did you last perform here? LILY: Many years ago, it must have been in the 70s. VICTOR: Your entertainment career has spanned over 4 decades, and a lot of changes have happened in show business. What major changes have you noticed and what has stayed the same? LILY: Well, it’s all in how you approach it, what your own sensibility is, whatever you think is funny and how you deal with it, matter of nuance and style. Certainly a lot of barriers have been knocked dmvn. I can remember when the word "ass" said on network TV was unheard of. VICTOR: Well it was a different world when you began viewing corned}; when you favorites included Lucille Ball & Jean Carroll, the first female standup comic on the Ed Sullivan Shiny. When you started college to study medicine, was that just to be practical when you really wanted to be in entertainment? LILY: (laughs) I was just a blue collar kid who grew up in inner city Detroit. I mean you were supposed to be serious about getting a job, a career. Being a doctor seemed like a very noble thing to aspire to, and there was quite a reverence for doctors in those days. In my neighborhood though, we were grateful if boys didn’t wind up in the slammer or girls didn’t get pregnant. VICTOR: Well, you managed to avoid both. Among your many personas, my true favorite was the telephone operator Ernestine, who won you a Grammy Award for a comedy album. She became part of our culture, and as a former long distance operator myself, you can see why she’s dear to me. LILY: While I had never been an actual telephone operator, I did march in a picket line with the operators in 1971 during a strike in San Francisco. The Communications \gorkers of,4anerica awarded me a "Cracked Bell Award" for standing with them. I owe everything to Ernestine, and she knows it! She’s like a real person to me, and like people such as Bette Davis, she’s one everybody tries to imitate. VICTOR: Back in Ernestine’s day, did you ever think there would be shows like "Will and Grace"? LILY: No probably not. It’s kind of evolutionary. Hlen having the success she has had is remarkable, and a whole generation has grown up with that support and knowledge. I can relate, I was in the middle. I knew of performers in the 40s and 50s who were suppressed, repressed & oppressed. VICTOR: I loved your role in the movie "9 to 5" which, although a comedy, really depicted the issues of working people. Can you see workers and the gay communit-y coming together for positive change, particularly in the political area? LILY: Any groups working for change are usually coming from an outsider status, so they can align themselves with others who are disenfranchised so that opens doors for everybody. I might also add that I’d like a new president! ........................... Continuedlvage 13 www.ozarksstar.com Coming to Tulsa and Oklahoma City. By Staff Reporter ST LOUIS, MO__Ragged Blade presents "Woof, The Road Show," a two man minimusical with Zach Jett & Jerry Rabushka. Book, lyrics & music by Jerry Rabushka A script that keeps changing, and love that keeps threatening to cross from on stage to back stage, and lots of silly jokes. Woofl is a mini-musical about dogs, pancakes, and just trying to get some. Don’t you just hate it when you’re trying to make out and there’s a dog panting at your feet? Woofl Adam and Jon are touring a show. A gay romance, come to think, that Adam wrote without realizing he’d have to deal ~vith an acting partner who keeps trying to make it happen in real life. If that’s not bad enough.., a group of frustrated writers (not to mention the Wednesday Mah Jongg club) keep xvorkshopping the play and our poor actors never know what’s in the script from one show to the next. Oh, and then there’s... Woody. You know, that "hot" stage hand who took up a career in theater so he could sleep with touring actors. He’s had his way with Jon and Adam... so they like each other to think. Poor Woody, he meets his demise more often than Kenny in South Park. What happens when he goes to an Annie cast party? It’s too scary to mention. Can they ever transfer the on stage love to back stage.., even if there’s a clause in the contract that forbids it? It’s an unusual play with dry humor, a bit of a vaudeville style, and some great fun. JERRY RABUSHKA is a St. Louis based writer, composer, actor, and director and a co-founder of Ragged Blade productions, a company that produces original theatre and also produces touring artists. Rabushka has won awards for several plays including The Checkpoint, Kiss of Death, and Empty Closets; he received the Director’s Award For Outstanding Service (to the GLBT theater community) at the 2006 National Gay and Lesbian Theater Festival (Columbus, OH). He’s had about 80 scripts of various lengths published by Brooklyn Publishers, Odessa, TX. His solo piano CD "Piano 362" was nominated for "Outstanding Instrumental Recording" by NYC based Outmusic in 2003. ZACH JETT is a St. Louis area actor & singer who has performed in a number of musicals and is currently in his third show with Ragged Blade. "Jett’s experience shows through his command of the stage, his vocal ability, and how well he looks in a dog collar," says critic Tamitra Williford, KDHX Radio, St. Louis. RAGGED BLADE has been to Tulsa and OKC with Rabushka’s one-man show "Somebody Else’s Life." The Nightingale Theatre also produced his play Love of Last Resort in 2006. His play "Gay Christian, Gay Muslim, Gay Jew," commissioned by award winning performer, recording artist & Comedy Central personality Jade Esteban Estrada, premiered at the IAO Gallery February 16 & 17, 2007. Woofl The Road Show will be in Tulsa March 2-3, 8 PM Nightingale Theater 1416 E. 4th St. (at Peoria) TULSA, OK, 74120 Info/Reservations for TULSA: 918-633- 8666 March 23-24, 8 PM, IAO Gallery 811 N. Broadway, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 73102 Info/Reservations for OKC: 314-280-1035. Directions 405-232-6060 Admission for both: $10; $5 students/seniors. For more information please visit www. raggedblade.com www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 11 / a 41;GAYLIEN \VEEY ND" SPRING DIVERSITY \VEEKEND April 13-15, 2007 EUR£KA SPRINGS, AR~Spring Diversity is falling on the same weekend as the annual UFO Conference in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Many visitors asked for Diversity Weekend to be delayed one week, so they could be home with their families for Easter. On Saturday night, everyone is encouraged to dress in Gaylien themed costumes and artists ~vill be available to create one of a kind Face Art just for you. Eureka will be filled with festive Gayliens and you may just win a prize! Deborah Rose with Diversity Pride Events Productions, proudly announces the return of the popular "GAYCO gang", a hysterical comedy troupe born from members of Chicago’s famous "SECOND CITY". Last Spring’s production was a big hit. ~lere will be 2 performances, a 2pm Matinee and 7:30pm evening show. (Ticket info available online) And YOU could be on stage with GAYCO! By taking a special workshop on Friday 1- 4pm with GAYCO coaches, class members will have the option to perform Saturday in an improv/sketch on stage with GAYCO! Experienced or non-experienced, the class will be loads of fun and your friends will be amazed to see you on stage at the showi Must RSVP and pre-pay online. There will be DPE’s "DIVERSITY BIKERS" contests and Poker Run. Our golden oldies dance, newly named "RETRO DANCE & CABARET" at Caribe’s Restaurante y Cantina, featuring the fabulous Mary King from Oklahoma, DJing and singing, plus invited guest singers. It’s not just a dance, it’s a social! (Emaii us your requests for your favorite dance hits now, so Mary will have time to get them) Don’t forget to drop in to the "PRINCESS WELCOME MIXER" at Caribe’s always on Friday night 7 to 9pro to mix and mingle with Gayco cast members, locals and visitors. Be sure to pick up a copy of the DIVERSITY GUIDE and get the scoop on Eureka and weekend happenings. Of course there will be many more events sponsored by others, great shopping, dining and that great sense of freedom and friendliness that blows through Eureka! More details will be posted as soon as confirmed. Be sure to keep checking Diversitypride. corn for updates. CONTACT DIVERSITY PRIDE EVENTS Deborah Rose 479-253-2555 Email: deborah@diversitypride.corn Web: http://xvwxv.diversitypride.com Community for People living D8 A 501 c (3) Non Profit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrismmjr@yahoo.com, 12 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com LILY TOMLIN INTERVIEW: VICTOR: I’m with you there. But focusing on you, since you’ve been involved with almost every form of media there is, what are your goals now and where is your career going? LILY: I like to keep my hand in by performing live, and I do and 40 or 50 concerts a year. I have a part in a new HBO series, "Twelve Miles of Bad Roads," a comedy drama series where I play a matriarch of a very rich Dallas real estate family. Mary Kay Place plays my sister, Leslie Jordan is my cousin Kenny, and I deal with 3 out of control loaded ldds. VICTOR: Sounds like a load of fun! LILY: We hope it will be, and it will go on the air next year. I also ¯ have a part in an upcoming movie, ’The Walker,’ so I’m always looking for new opportunities. VICTOR: Well ~ve certainly wish you luck, and we welcome the opportunity to see your performance in Tulsa. Tomlin has remained at the top of her game for almost 40 years, winning six Emmys, two Tonys, a Grammy and two Peabody Awards. She was a favorite of the late great director Robert Altman, appearing in several of his movies, including her Academy Awardnominated role in Nashville and with Meryl Streep as a countrywestern sister act in Altman’s final film A Prairie Home Companion. She was equally unforgettable in 9 to 5 with Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton, in Big Business with Bette Midler, and as an eccentric rich woman whose soul invades Steve Martin’s body in All of Me. In 2003, she received the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. It will be a night of cerebral comedy vcoven among Lily’s affectionate reminiscences about her childhood in the Midwest. March 18th at 7 p.m. Tulsa Performing Arts Center Chapman Music Hall. Tickets can be purchased online at www.MyTicketoffice. com or by phone at 918 596 7111. By Strengthening Your Business TULSA, OK__Diversity Business Association ofTulsa, a program of Oklahomans for Equality, is off and running! Join us at our monthly meeting, held the first Thursday of each month at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, 621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa. DBAT provides a forum to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender business and professional community and its allies for the purpose of networking, professional development, creating increased visibility and strengthening relationships among business and professional community members. Networking is key to business and a cornerstone of the DBAT mission. The DBAT business network fosters a sharing of information, ideas, and contacts and so strengthens and expands our businesses, careers and our community. Additionally, the Professional Development Programs offered by DBAT at our monthly meeting enables members to access information and resources that are important to the growth, promotion, and visibility of their businesses. DBAT’s 2007 agenda includes a number of events, most exciting of which is the Diversity Business Expo and the distribution of the new Pride Business Directory planned for June. A presence on the web is also in the works as well as community workshops and socials. Get Involved! Get Connected! Join DBAT today and learn, participate and lead in the most dynamic business climate in the LGBT community. For more information on membership, including the many benefits, contact Susan Hartman at slhartman@cox.net or 918-274-1699. TWO F RST’$ FOR TULSA’S; LEATHER BAR By Michael Leach TULSA, OK The Tulsa Eagle recently had its First Fundraiser and performance by a female impersonator all in the same night. On, Saturday, Jan. 20th the current Mr. Tulsa Eagle 2006, Mr. Jay Whiteside had a fundraiser and celebrated his birthday by presenting a Benefit for the HOPE Testing Clinic. Hosted by Miss Kimbefly Foxx and Mr. Jay Whiteside, there was live entertainment and many comedy numbers by Mr. Jay and Clogger Bill. The Benefit included a silent auction, with many items donated by Coral West, Priscillas, Tulsa Rough Riders and the support of T.U.L.S.A. and the Driller Bears. A grand total of $615.00,was raised for the HOPE Testing Clinic, and Mr. Tulsa Eagle presented the money to HOPE Testing Clinic the following Wednesday. Many thanks for all the support and help by all the organizations that made this Fundraiser a success, and also gave Jay a wonderful 54th birthday celebration. wvo,v.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13 was ]ackAe "Morns" Mabley? African-American comedian Jackie "Moms" Mabley - dubbed "the funniest woman in the world" - was known for her ribald humor about young men, but her personal relationships were often with women. The great-granddaughter of a slave and one of 12 children, Mabley was born Loretta Mary Aiken in March 1894 (some historians say 1897) in Brevard, N.C. When she was 11, her father, a businessman and volunteer firefighter, was killed when his fire truck exploded. Not long thereafter, her mother died after she was hit by a mail truck one Christmas morning. By the time she turned 13, Mabley had been raped twice - first by an older black man and later by a white sheriff- which resulted in two pregnancies; the babies were put up for adoption. In her early teens, at the urgleft home and moved to a m~msters family. Before show, beginning as a sing.er to comedy. While traveling performing for black audiwith fellow entertainer Jack daughter. To allay the embarabout her stage career, she own. "He took a lot off me, his name," she said in a 1974 nickname "Moms" for the younger performers. Mabley began performing as is widely regarded as the first so. In 1921, a well-known ing of her grandmother, Mabley Cleveland, where she lived with long, she joined a minstrel and dancer but soon turning the vaudeville "chitlin circuit" ences, she began a relationship Mabley, and the couple had a rassment of one of her brothers adopted Mabley’s name as her so the least I could do was take interview. She later earned the maternal role she took with a solo stand-up comedian, and African-American woman to do vaudeville couple, Butterbeans and Susie, saw Mabley’s show in Texas and invited her to join them. She was soon performing at legendary Harlem venues, including the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom, sharing the bill with jazz greats such as Count Basle and Duke Ellington. the black circuit - Mabley broke through the color barrier and gained considerable mainstream success, likely because white audiences found her frumpy character nonthreatening despite her biting wit and edgy themes. By this time an actual toothless old woman, Mabley performed at large venues such as the Chicago Playboy Club and Carnegie Hall, recorded some two dozen comedy albums (becoming Billboard’s highest- ranking female comedian), and made numerous appearances on television variety shows hosted by the likes ofMerv Grit~n, Bill Cosby, and the Smothers Brothers. Mabley continued working until the end of her life, starring in the film _Amazing Grace_ (1974) - in which she plays a fed-up elderly woman who becomes a community organizer and takes on Baltimore’s political establishment - the year before her death in ~/hite Plains, N.Y., on May 23, 1975. Though surprisingly unknown to contemporary audiences, Mabtey had a profound influence and served as a rote model for countless comedians, especially African Americans and women. In the words of author Mel Watkins, Mabley’s work "foreshadowed the shift to direct social commentary" that became a mainstay of comedy by the late 1950s, and "anticipated the assertive sexual humor unveiled by female stand-up comics in the eighties." For further reading: Gomez, Jewelle. 1993. Forty-Three Septembers (Firebrand). During the Harlem Renaissance, Mabley was part of a circle of black vaudeville performers and jazz and blues musicians known or believed to have been gay, lesbian, or bisexual, including Countee Cullen, Langston Hughes, Mabel Hampton, Bessie Smith, and Ma Rainey. Although she had relationships with women - and sometimes let slip innuendos about affairs with both women and men - Mabley was not publicly open about her sexuality. As the Depression put a halt to the Roaring ’20s, Mabley became one of the most sought-after black performers. In 1931, she co-wrote a Broadway play, _Fast and Furious: A Colored Revue in 37 Scenes_, with author Zora Neale Hurston. Starting in the late 1930s, Mabley began performing at the Apollo "l~eater; over two decades, she became the club’s most frequently featured act, and at the height of her career she was earning $10,000 per week. Watkins, Mel. 1999. On the Real Side: A History ofAfrican-American Comedy from Slavery to Chris Rock (Lawrence Hill Books). Williams, Elsie. 1991. "Morns Mabley and the Afro-~nerican Comic Performance." In \Vomen’s Comic Visions, ed. June Sochen (Wayne State University Press). Well before she became an old woraan herself, Mabley developed her signature character, a ribald granny dressed in a housedress, slippers, and a floppy hat (inspired, she said, by her own grandmother). Delivered in a characteristic raspy voice, her brand of humor tended toward social satire, often addressing the hardships of poverty and racism. While she may have preferred women in her personal life, Mabley became known for her jokes about pursuing young men, coupled with her disdain for old ones and their attempts to wield control over women. "There ain’t nothing an old man can do for me except bring me a message from a young one," she famously quipped In her 60s - unlike most performers on 14 the STAR ~.,.ozarksstar.com Leslie Jordan to Host l Oth Annua Red Ribbon Gala on March TULSA, OK__With the date set, the menu selected and the talent chosen, the 10th Annual Red Ribbon Gala is set to be a remarkable evening for all who attend. The Master of Ceremonies is none other than Emmy Award winner Leslie Jordan, who is best known for his roles on Will & Grace, Boston Legal and Reba. Jordan is currently filming the HBO pilot "12 Miles of Bad Road "with Lily Tomlin and Mary Kay Place and staring in the new CW show "Hidden Palms." ~l-he local band, Hero Factor, will provide the musical entertainment for the fun-filled evening and this year’s honorary chair is Suzanne Warren. The Red Ribbon Gala will be held in the recently completed Grand Ballroom at Southern Hills Country Club, 2636 E. 61st Street, on Saturday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. The event is the largest fundraiser for Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. (Center for AIDS Resources, Education and Support), an organization that provides social services for low-income men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS throughout northeastern Oklahoma. This year’s Red Ribbon Gala will be a delight to the senses as a fabulous red martini bar will accompany the beautiful floral arrangements created by board member Toni Garner. The fun-filled evening will include a live and silent auction offering amazing vacation packages, private dinner parties, stellar antiques, flowers for a year, one-of-a-kind paintings from Patrick Gordon and Matt Moffett and original cuff links created by board member Susan Sadler. www.ozarksstar.com "~xe best part about the Red Ribbon Gala is that is supports the ongoing efforts ofTulsa C.A.R.E.S.," Pat Chernicky, event co-chair said. "For 15 years, Tulsa CARES has been providing support services to the individuals no one has wanted to serve. Without the proceeds from the Red Ribbon Gala our ability to provide these crucial services would cease." A United Way agency, Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. provides a variety of services including professional case management and mental health counseling, food pantry and nutrition services, financial help with rent and utilities, plus information and resources to help family members. "The Red Ribbon Gala 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 500 individuals a year," Robert Coffey, co-chair and board president said. "This event is one ofTulsa’s most elegant, yet worthwhile affairs. HIV does not affect a special group of people; it doesn’t discriminate, it affects all of us." For ticket information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Bruce Lewis at (918) 834-4194 or brucel@tulsacares.org 1.-800o535oNDS (2437) Oklahoma’s H~V/STD HerOine ~Preocupado con V.I.H~ en su comunidad? maestro salud quien pueda trabajar el tiempo eompleto/un examinador dei V.LH. quie~ es bilingtie con espafiol v ingles Ventajas fantastieas! Causas fantasticas! Pot favor llama 918.749.8378 Conoee su eslado...Haee un dii~reneia the STAR 15 nder We are always looking for a bargain and it’s hard to know sometimes which ,,vines are the best buys. Well we hope to shed some light on this for those of you who want to bring a good wine to a dinner party or to share with friends. We all want quality taste with out breaking the bank. There IS a difference between cheap and inexpensive. None of us are born with an infinite knowledge of wine and we all have to start somewhere. I think of myself as one of the kings when it comes to finding quality/low budget wines. I enjoy visiting the ,,vine shops here in Tulsa and I have found some really cool bottles ofvino. Check these out! for those who like ABC white wines (anything but Chardonnay). Pepperwood Grove Viognier This is one ofmy favorites. The next step up for this grape by other vineyards is about 2 or 3 times the price and that doesn’t mean that they will taste any better. Pepperwood Grove Riesling This is a new-comer to the P G stable. This label just recently started distributing this varietal. Again, a true value. ’ ¯ Schlink Haus ( Germany ) Riesting: Kabinet A fruit forward wine/not too sweet. ~he reds Terrazas (Argentina) Malbec, Cabernet The wines from this vineyard always seem to be well balanced and fruit fo~vard. A Mano ( Italy ) Primitivo Thought to have been of the Zinfandel lineage and every vintage consistently rates very highly. Black Opal ( Australia ) Cab/Merlot This label has come down in price recently and all the verietals they produce are not only a good bargain but the taste is right in the pocket. Pilar Box White This wine is a mixture of 3 grape varietals Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Verdelho. Give this one a try, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the flavor. Marquis de la Tour/Sparkling wine France A truly great find/good balance of fruit forwardness & bubbles. As I always suggest, go and visit your local wine shop. See your retail specialist and ask questions. If you’re so inclined, share some bottles with friends over dinner! Bon Appetit! Cline Cellars Red Truck This vineyard is better ka~own for bigger budget wines and this one is a good sipping wine to share at social gatherings and the like. Bitch Grenache ( Australia ) This is a newbie in this market from the land down under. The Aussies seem to do quite well with this grape. This one is highly rated. Good sipping wine/not just with food. Pepperwood Grove Old Vine Zinfandel This, like nearly all of the wines under this label, gives you real big bang for the buck because these verticals so closely resemble the flavor and body of more expensive wines without tasting as low in quality as they’re priced. The old vine Zin is quite exceptional and will hold up strongly next to other Zin’s 2 or 3 times the money. Marchesi Di Barolo Barbera D’alba This is a new discovery for me. It comes highly recommended by a well know local retail wine buyer. I visited this wine-growing region in Italy. The wines from this part of the world are quite good. This grape not only pairs well xvith foods but after it’s been open for a while, it seems to take on a rich more flavorful state. ¯he whites Fazi Battaglia Verdicchio This wine from one of Italy’s oldest wine-making families is quite a find. The grape is found only in this part of the world and it’s great Let us promote your business in a UNIQUE & D~VERSE market. Call STAR ADVERT~SING today. the -~TA~ www.ozarksstar.com -TIRAMISUIngredients: 6 Egg Yolks 6 ounces Sugar 2 Tsp. Vanilla Extract 8 ounces Mascarpone Cheese 1 Cup Manufacturing Cream 2 Cups Strong Expresso Coffee 2 Cup Packages of Lady Fingers 2 Tsp. Cocoa Powder For Dusting In a mixing bowl, add yolks, sugar and vanilla. Beat until foaming. Add mascarpone and beat until creamy and smooth. Whip cream to soft peaks. Carefully fold whipped cream into egg yolk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes. Place espresso in shallow bowl and quickly dip lady fingers into espresso. Place lady fingers on towel lined baking sheets to absorb excess espresso. Using individual molds or a 3 inch deep baking dish (for self-serve dessert buffets) spread a layer of cream mixture on the bottom of mold, then the espresso dipped lady fingers. Repeat this until you reach top of the mold making sure you smooth cream mixture with a spatula. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Dust with cocoa powder just before serving. Serve with vanilla or chocolate sauce. More on ChefCelestin6 Drago and DRAGO pag, 1.9. Her ~ Jus~ surpasses expectations." This j alike since 1991, winning: Owner Cele,~tino Drago, top 5 Italian restaurams in by Drago and executed by the late. Brenr Saville, Drago radiates Understated, casual elegance. menu mi tL~ven is a multi that Southern California has to offer. artist behind Deer Raven. "Ihey are located at 2628 \Vitshire Blvd. in Santa fornia, %eir telephone number for reservations is 310-828q585. "Iheir hours are/£~londav thru Friday 11:30 Ab! to 3 PM for lunc 5:30 PM m 11:00 PM ~or dinner ai~d Sunday, 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. 2628 Wilshire Blvd. com artwork. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR One ofthe most exciting and colo~l ways to experience North-CentralNew Mexico is by taking a hot-air balloon ride over the Rio Grande. (Photo byAndrew Collins) MARCH 2007 By Andrew Collins People often tell me they haven’t gone on a vacation in the past six months or year - sometimes longer - because they can’t afford to travel. This is especially true of singles, who anticipate higher costs without a partner to share expenses. True enough, there are a number of cities out there with prohibitively high hotel rates. But there are also quite a few lively and enchanting gay-popular destinations that can be enjoyed on a relatively tight budget, especially if you visit during slower times of the year. Here’s a rundown of 10 terrific destinations for budget-minded gay travelers. The first five are ideally suited for couples; the next five are great choices if you’re unattached. Traveling with your mate? Provincetown, Massachusetts Although Provincetown is a great place to meet singles during the busy and pricey summer high season, the rest of the year is perfect for couples seeking romance. And because prices fall off significantly after Labor Day and even more dramatically in winter, it’s a destination that can work for almost any budget. After the summer crowds have subsided, Provincetown is a quiet and low-keyed retreat. Its remote location, seemingly at the end of the earth, imbues this scenic beach town with an air of seclusion. It can be awfully romantic here in the fall, or even winter, when you’re cozied up in a quiet inn. Even the most luxurious guesthouses often drop their off-season rates to well below $100 nightly. Russian River, California Gay residents of San Francisco and the Bay Area have long favored this snug, woodsy riverresort area in western Sonoma County, midway between the fabled Wine Country and the rugged Pacific Coast. Accommodations tend to be rustic, which fits xvith the region’s verdant setting, and restaurants favor simpler and less expensive fare than what you’ll find in the swankier eastern reaches of Sonoma County, where most of the areas wineries are located. Ifyou and your honey love wine-tasting, hiking, and canoeing together, the Russian River is ideal. Salt Spring Island, British Columbia Salt Spring Island is a stunning, hilly little gem off the east coast of Vancouver Island, ~vithin an afternoon’s combined ferry/car trip from the cities ofVancouver, Victoria, and Seattle. There has long been a strong lesbian and - and to a somewhat lesser degree - gay male presence on this island of artist studios, great beaches, and picturesque mountain-biking and kayaking. Several B&Bs here are either gay-owned or quite queer-friendly, and it’s very easy to find a room for under $100. North-Central New Mexico North-Central New Mexico makes for the perfect weeklong romantic adventure. You can divide your time among a tiny, alluring village (Tats), a midsize city with some fun places to dance and eat out (Albuquerque), and a hybrid of the two (Santa Fe) - it takes about 60 minutes to drive between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, and 90 minutes between Santa Fe and Taos. Santa Fe is the priciest of the three communities, so you might want to base your overnight operations primarily in Albuquerque and Taos, which each have myriad accommodations under $100 nightly, from gay-friendly B&Bs to funky retro-hip motels. Even in Santa Fe, however, you can find some appealing places to stay that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. There are also scenic campgrounds set around the area and, wherever you awaken, it’ll be to views of the region’s spectacular Sangre de Cristo and Sandia mountains. Although plenty of fancy upscale restaurants have opened in these parts in recent years, it’s still easy to eat cheaply at local - and often excellent - hangouts serving burgers and blue-corn enchiladas. Etrreka Springs, Arkansas A curious hilltop village in the heart of Arkansas’ Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs is a favorite getaway of both conservative 20 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Christians and gay people. How these two seemingly at-odds factions vacation together So peacefully is anybody’s guess, but they do. It helps that most of the queer folk tend to stay in the historic, renovated, and downright bargain-priced Victorian inns closer to the center of town, while religious groups favor the properties on the main roads leading in and out of the village. The downtown has blossomed in recent years with a growing number of antiques shops and galleries, and the restaurant scene is sophisticated while still providing great value. Despite the many gay-owned businesses here, this isn’t a nightlife mecca. Eureka Springs is definitely BYOB - bring your own bedmate. Single and looking? Chicago, Illinois Vibrant and friendly low-attitude bars and clubs and a slew of cheap but delicious dining destinations entice impecunious gay travelers to the nation’s third-largest city, a world-class destination by aW measure. Beaches, lakeshore parks, and funky budget-friendly neighborhoods like \Vicker Park, Bucktown, and Andersonville add to the lure of this easy-on-the-pocket city. Downtown business-oriented hotels can be costly, but you’ll find a handful of small, reasonably priced motels, hotels, and inns to the north, in or near the city’s gaypopular Lakeview neighborhood. Chicago’s glorious skyline is free to admire. To see even more, the Chicago Transit Authority (www. transitchicago.com) visitor passes provide unlimited CTA transportation for one to five days, allowing you to save your dollars for more meaningful expenses. Austin, Texas Queer Austin folks like to say that they live in the "un-Texas" Texas, a land of green rolling hills, beautiful lakes and rivers, a progressive populace, and an urbane alternative arts and music scene. As Austin has boomed with dot-comers and entrepreneurs in recent years, its costs have risen, but it’s still a good value, especially when it comes to dining out - Austin has scads of superb restaurants in all price categories. The bar scene is compact and the crowds friendly, and the presence of the University ofTexas adds a youthful edge. There’s a great gay swimming and sunning hole, Hippie Hollow, just west of the city - a free and friendly spot to cruise and make new friends. Pordand, Oregon Like Austin, funky Portland has received plenty of attention and an influx of newcomers in recent years, but it’s still a scaled-down, user-friendly city that offers much of the culture, attitude, and excitement of Seattle and San Francisco at a fraction of the price. The midsize metropolis sits on the pretty Willamette River. Foodies recognize it as one ofAmerica’s great gourmet bargains, and fans of historic hotels and inns appreciate the reasonable rates offered at several excellent properties within walking distance of the gay bars along Stark Street. The feminist scene here is one ofAmerica’s most pronounced, making this a potentially excellent vacation spot if you’re a single lesbian hoping to find a like-minded soul. Montreal, Quebec For U.S. travelers, Canada is less of a bargain than it was five years ago, as the Canadian dollar has gained considerable strength against U.S. currency. Still, Montreal can be a steal, with numerous gay-friendly hotels and inns charging as little as $50 or $60 per night. This fun-loving city is a great destination for bar-hoppers - the singles scene is frisky and sexy, and sultry gay saunas dot the landscape, appealing to guys of all ages and tastes. The city also has dozens of affordable cafes and coffeehouses, many of them in the hip Gay Village. Sacramento, California California’s underrated capital is, to be frank, a dark-horse candidate as one of the nation’s top gay singles destinations, but keep an open mind. The city is within a two-hour drive of much pricier places, including San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and the Napa-Sonoma Wine Country, and yet here you can easily find rooms for under $100 nightly. Sacramento boasts a vibrant (if not particularly conspicuous) gay community that is remarkably friendly and diverse in age - it’s a pretty easy place to meet the locals. The dining scene here is excellent, and accommodations range from the gay-owned and upscale Inn at Parkside and Hartley House Inn to a slew of cheap and comfortable chain motels right in the center of the city, within walking distance of the several fun bars, coffeehouses, and restaurants. www.ozarksstar.com the ,STAR 21 MARCH 2007 Are We There Yet? By the time we actually get to vote for our next president, the majority of,aanericans may feel like little children in the back seat of the c~ir asking Mommy and Daddy, "Are we there yet?" The furious nature in which politicos from both sides of the aisle are jockeying, posturing, and pontificating is sure to bring a whiplash effect to the voters - in the long run, the 2008 presidential election will just be a pain in the neck, and we’ll vote for the candidate who gives us the best political pain killers. But who will those two final candidates be? Do we, as a high-voter turnout community, have a real chance to impact the nominee of the Democratic Party? After all, the overwhelming majority of us vote that way. Well, if you live in the states where the Democratic primaries are held in January and February of 2008, then yes - your votes will count toward the Democrats’ pick. As the political calendar shapes up, it seems that 20 Democratic caucuses and primaries will almost definitely be held by February 28, 2008, ~vith a majority taking place on what us political junkies call "Super Tuesday" - February 5. The new wrinkle in this schedule is that powerhouse states such as California, Florida, and New Jersey are toying with the idea of moving up their primaries to the first Tuesday in Februar); as ~vell. (As of press time, it looked like California’s bill to move its primary date was on the fast track to Arnold’s desk for signature.) That’s a big enough chunk of votes to swing a primary race. Bajko says the primary candidates in states with large numbers ofLGBT voters will have to address issues such as repealing "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," gay adoptions, and civil unions vs. marriage. It’s during the primaries that the proverbial wheat ~vill be separated from the chaf~: None of the three leading candidates support same-sex marriage. It’s how they handle the issue and the honesty with which they speak that will sway us. For some reason, Tim Russert, the moderator of NBC’s Meet the Press, has been routinely asking presidential aspirants how they feel about same-sex marriage. When John Edwards appeared, he was honest about his struggle. He didn’t just reel off the standard pablum about civil unions. He spoke honestly about his Southern Baptist roots, but also his desire to be fair to all. I could respect that. Hillary’s position on our unions is "evolving" - as strategic a political answer as they come - but she, as well as the rest of the Democratic gang, oppose a federal amendment to ban same-sex marriage, and support the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and hate-crimes legislation. Most of them also want to repeal "Don"t Ask, Don’t Tell." Try as I might, I can’t find a thing about Obama’s position on this. But he has made one viewpoint abundantly clear - living free from discrimination is a human right, but being able to marry whomever you want is not. It’s a shame Obama can’t make the connection between our right to love and his parents’. His father was from Kenya, his mother a white woman from Kansas. In a pre-Loving v. Virginia United States (the 1967 Supreme Court case that struck down bans on mixed-race marriage), their marriage was illegal in many states across the land. If that’s the case, everything ~vill be over but the shouting - whoever comes out the victor on Super Tuesday 2008 will be the Democratic nominee. What I’ve been wondering about is the differences on our issues among all the Democratic candidates. The actual number of candidates is so fluid that I won’t even venture a guess. But we do know who the main contenders are - U.S. Senators Hiltary Clinton (N.Y.) and Barack Obama (ILL) and former U.S. Senator John Edwards (N.C.). Following them are two more U.S. senators, Joe Biden (Del.) and Christopher Dodd (Conn.); two governors, Bill Richardson (N.M.) and Tom Vilsack (Iowa); one retired U.S. army general, Wesley Clark; a lone member of the House of Representatives, Dennis Kucinich (Ohio); and one African-American preacher, Al Sharpton. With 21 months to go before we actually get to vote, we’re going to see and hear a lot more hyperbole and posturing. I only hope that "Are we there yet?" doesn’t turn into "Been there, done that" - leaving many of us too bored to actually get out and vote. EDITOR’S NOTE: In her next installment, Libby Post will look at the Republican presidential hopefuls. Most of them have campaign websites. All but Clinton’s detail their positions on the major issues, but none speak specifically about LGBT concerns. Honestly, that’s not too surprising. The general election is going to won or lost on Iraq, health care, the economy, and quite possibly global warming. However, the primaries in some states may well be won or lost on our issues, based on how big of a voter turn-out we can provide. According to an article by Matthew Bajko in San Francisco’s Bay Area Reporter, California’s electorate is 10 to 11 percent LGBT. 22 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com 0p÷ a ms Ye th Preiect addresses the r eeds of Tu sa’s homeless youth, by Tim Gillean Photo by Chaz: Youth groz~ at T~dsa’s Openarms Youth Project. event. "While there, a young man walked in stating that he "was looking for his friends, he lingered, even a~er realizing they were not there. Over the next hour as the discussion continued, while we were doing our work, he revealed that he was homeless and someone had told him that Openarms could help. He took a chance that someone would be there and came by. His "ChristiaN’ mother had kicked him out because he is Gay. Our work continues. LGBT Homeless from page-5 Openarms has been addressing the needs of homeless youth in the Tulsa area for five years. By offering a safe haven for GLBTQyouth, and in fact all youth ages 14-21, Openarms has become the resource in Tulsa for these youth. A transitional living program has been the hope and dream of the Openarms board for many years. During the fours years that Openarms has been in operation, this past summer was the busiest period for youth homelessness. Within a two week period last summer Openarms was assisting six youth who had come to the youth center for help. To have that many homeless youth at one time is very unusual and something that the volunteers at Openarms hope can be prevented by early intervention. Through a net~vork of volunteers and networking with other agencies all of the youth were placed in a private home or public facility where their needs could be addressed without the extra feeling of desperation that homelessness brings. Openarms experience shows that most of the public facilities in Tulsa are not really prepared to address the issues that a homeless teen may face, and even less capable of dealing with a GLBT youth who might turn up at their facilities. Many of the shelters in Tulsa where assistance is available require the person to attend some type of religious ceremony to continue to access service. These services can be particularly terrifying to a youth who was just kicked out of their home because their parents won’t accept their sexuality based on their own religious biases. By providing a safe space where these youth are accepted for who they are, just as they are, Openarms is able to connect with them and find what their most pressing needs are. Openarms then begins to address those needs and help the youth develop in to a fully participating citizen. Openarms can provide education assistance, job assistance, food, housing and counseling for these youth. Most important of all it is a place ~vhere they can be with people who are like themselves working towards the same goals. All youth have the desire to succeed if provided with the necessary tools to do so and an understanding adult to help mentor them into their full potential. While Openarms continues to seek funding for a transitional living program, the support of the local community through unrestricted giving is the most effective way to help. Openarms Youth Project Inc. may be contacted at 918-838-7104 or through their website at www.openarmsproject.org. We are always glad to give tours of the facility located at 2015 South Lakewood, please call for an appointment or times of operation. One hour after writing this article for the Star, we went to the youth center to work on some lighting changes and furniture rearrangement for the upcoming Saturday evening While there is clearly more that can be .done at the grassroots level, in the end it is not enough to beat this epidemic without additional funding and support at the federal level. The president’s budget was released last month and Congress will begin work on the FY2008 budget and appropriations bills. The Task Force is recommending $140 million in FY2008 for the RHMCPA, a significant increase over its current $103 million allocation but Congress needs to do more. When the law is reauthorized in 2008 it needs to specifically address the needs of LGBT homeless youth and ensure that all homeless youth services organizations receiving federal funds are trained and capable of providing safe and culturally competent services to their LGBT clients. It is important that our allies in Congress insist that this pivotal piece of legislation accurately acknowledges and addresses the reality of youth homelessness in America -- nationwide, LGBT youth are grossly overrepresented in a system ill-equipped to meet their needs, and that simply must change. Jason Cianciotto is the research director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute. wwvv.ozarksstar.corn The STAR 23 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR, 25 Salutations and welcome once more to sluts "R" us, err something like that. This month Uncle Mikey recovers from a love affair of epic proportions. I mean whe~a; that man was just too much. It was like being at the DQand 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 to cut that stallion loose, sending him back into the ~vild. 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 hmv you work it. Dear Uncle Mikey, At the college I attend, I have met, well kind of met, 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 tell you the truth that just makes the attraction stronger. I want him only for a short time. These are my, college years, I’m supposed to experiment. So, should I just get him drunk so he can enjoy my talents? I really xvant this guy, so bad I have been ignoring the guys who would gladly enjoy my company. What should I do? Frat-boy-lecious A.K.A. butter, you know what you want, and I would even say, you have already greased the kegger nozzles, awaiting your fiat boy knight. Uncle cautions however, as though some straight wayward boys may let you play, some may not. Oh’ who are we kidding, order him a pizza and seal the deal. A straight college boy is like a walking drive through; you can have it your way, if there is a good supply of beer and pizza. That’s Amour’ Smooches-Michael 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? \~q~at would you do? Suspecting in Ohio Dearest Suspecting, Kitten, I te!l this repeatedly. If they are not getting it at home, they are getting it some~vhere. 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 two are not doing the bunny mambo across the front lawn anymore. Take it a step at a time, as anything and anyone xvorth 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; moreovm; 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 time, style, and music. It was a time that meant something more than found in the hollow 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 the good-times. This is a serious condition even if spoken through careless whispers. Hanging on to the past can only prevent you from seeing the new and exciting times of today. You may be missing opportunity if you are looking behind you. If you want to hear anyone say, I want your sex, than you must nip it in the bud so to speak. Like a prayer, I send you good thoughts. Let go and let Cher! ...Smooches-Mikey Get with it, don’t you wish your Gurl was Hot like me? Yes, Kittens, Uncle Mikey is timeless, whilst my flame shall lead yet another generations ofyoung queers everywhere. Well Kittens, I guess that is all the time for this month. Until next, time. Smooches-Uncle Mikey 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 26 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show ~vlRachael Erikks THE COPA: Open Talent w/Shemoane Somemore 10:30pro FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament I 0pm LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pro THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm NIGHTINGGALE THEATER-Tulsa WhOOfl "i’he Roadshow 8pro THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro CLUB iVlAJESTIC: Majestic Kings Shmv 10pro. rch 10 THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet lam-3:30am SAT THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet 1 am-3:30am NIGHTINGGALE HEATER-Tulsa \VhOOfl "Ihe Roadshow 8pro BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pm, Dancers 4prn CLUB !vtAJESTIC: Catia Lee Love Show 10pro THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show 10:30pro BAMBOO LOLFNGEi Free Brunch 2pro, Dancers 4pro CLUB MAJESTIC: Carla Lee Love Show 10pro THE COPA: Rachael Eril&s Show 10:30pro MO BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm TUESDAY March 6 THE COPA: Strip-OffContesr 12am WEDNESDAY March 7 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro. THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pro FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm THURS CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show w/Rachael Erikks THE COPA: Open Talent w/Shemoane Somemore 10:30pro LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pro FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro THE COPA: Strip-OffContest Midnight. ~DNESDAYMarch 14 BAMBOO LOUNGE: RED PARTY! Karaoke 9pro THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pm FINISHLINE: DartTournament 10pro THURSDAY March 15 CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show w/Rachael Erikks THE COPA: Open Talent w!Shemoane Somemore 10:30pro FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pro FRIDAY March 16 THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro ~HE CbPAiM~ D~n~er~ 9pro CLUB ROX: Mison Scott Shm~:30pm HID~WAY: Male Dancers, 9pro ~O G~LERY- OKC ~OO~ ~e Roa&how SATURDAY March 17 THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffer I am-3:30am SUNDAY Mzrch IR BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pm, Dancers 4pro Kris Kohl Show- THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet lam-3:30am HIDEA~,VAY: Male Dancers, 9pro IAO GALLERY- OKC WhOOfl ~’he Roadshow 8pm S March25 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pro, Dancers 4pm CLUB b,£&JESTIC: Cada Lee Love Show 10pro 8 m. ~UB MAJESTIC: Carla Lee Love THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show 10:30pro Show 10pro THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show 10:30pm TULSA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: Lily Tomlin 7pm. MONDAY March 19 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro. biarch 20 THE COPA: Strip-OffComest Midnight. M BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm. TUES 7~ THE COPA: Strip-Off Contest Midnight. ?WEDNESDAY March~ BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro THE COPA: Variety Shiny 10:30pro HNISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro WEDNES 21 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Kaaoke 9pro THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pro HNISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro THURSDAY March 22 CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Shoxv w/ Rachael Erikks THE COPA: Open Talent w/Shemoane Somemore 10:30pm FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pm TULSA P.A.C. CHAPMAN HALL: Les Folies Russes 7pm THURSDAY 9 CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show wt RachaeI Erikks THE COPA: Open Talent w/Shemoane Somemore 10:30pro FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pro FI~JDAY March 30 THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro SAT ~ch 31[ THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet l am-3:30am After Dark is a free service ro our advertisers and is the responsibility of the advertiser m inform the STAR in www.ozarksstar.com writing of updates, additions or discontinued events. The STAR is not responsible for accurac): the STAR 27 "Clean house, Virgo!" The Saturn-Neptune opposition, which inflates everyone’s sense of doom and despair, is getting a break as Jupiter offers liberating insights. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Stuck in the same old routine with your friends? You could suggest something new and different. Better yet, just go ahead and try out whatever interests you. Let them tag along or not. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Domestic duties and uncertainty at work have you in a crazy, confusing tug-of-war. Even if you can’t really escape your problems, a diversion - preferably a crazy, wildly erotic adventure - will help clear the mind and give you a creative perspective. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Listen to arguments; only say enough to draw out new opinions. Trying to win debates will only backfire; getting n.ew information and perspectives will prove immensely enriching, not just intellectually, but also to your relationship. CANCER (June 2t - July 22): It’s not unusual for erotic ideals to be at odds with practical concerns, but you’re feeling that tension acutely now. Attending to your own health or seeking opportunities at work may seem a diversion from that, but at least you’ll find some resolution to the conflict there. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Uncertainty about your partnership can make you cranky and controlling, which only makes things worse. Look for new ways to play together. A trip abroad would be ideal, but on such short notice a foreign film, festival, or art show is probably more feasible. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Home is rarely a safe haven from illness and accidents. But cleaning house, purging clutter, and organizing what’s left will make it safer. Getting family to help, or turning up old family treasures, will offer revelations. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Discuss political or social strategies with close friends, or better yet, a sibling. On your own, you’re too likely to make awkward gaffes. Lady Luck seems to be against you now, but you’ll score big in the larger game for being a good sport. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Hidden treasure in your home? Or some enriching family lore from your mother? Something should turn up that may seem to provoke a professional challenge but will actually help you clear that hurdle. 28 the STAR SAG~TTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): You really can’t stay out of arguments now, so just don’t take them too seriously. You will flub some basic details and facts and undermine your own assertions. Provoking discussion and learning from your mistakes are good, too. CAPRICORN (December 21 -January 19): Sex and money are typical sources of worry. Problems, however real, are much smaller than they seem. Stop fretting, pull back, relax, and meditate - or take a hike. Getting perspective is half the battle - and, sensibly, it should be the first half! AQUARIUS (January 20 - ~ebruary 18): If you meet your "perfect love" now, it could be a disastrous mistake. Run as fast and far as you can. Even indulging in mere lust is an invitation to horrible diseases. Existing relationships need work, too, but at least there is hope with some help from your friends. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Work, work, work! Take time out only to meditate, charge your batteries, and eat and exercise, of course. Trust your instincts, take cues from your dreams, and apply your deepest resources to the tasks at hand. Success is within reach, but only if you make a serious effort. SPIRIT OF CHRIST JOPLIN, FREE NIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS Testing appointment 417-529-8480. 2902 E. 20th St., POBox 4711 Jop~n, Mo 64803 SATURDAY Service 9:30AM Your Invited to our Community Dinner Every Wed. 6pm just $4.00. No one is turned away. www.ozarksstar.com Arkansas, Bentonville/Rogers (479) NWA GLBT Ctr .... www.nwaglbtcc.org -888-391-9222 Barnes & Noble Bks - - 261 N. 46th St., Rogers- - - -479-636-2002 Arkansas, Eureka Springs (479) Diversity Pride Events .............. w~vw.diversitypride.com A Byrd’s Eye View..... 36 N. Main........... 479-253-0200 Caribe Restaurante.... 309 W VanBuren....... 479-253-8102 Henri’s ....... 19 1/2 Spring St 479-253-5795 Lumberyard Bar&Grill--- 105 E VanBuren....... 479-253-0400 MCC Living Spring - 17 Elk Street- Service 6PM- - -479-253-9337 Swiss Holiday Resort- Hwy 62 at Hwy 23 So.- .... 888-582-8464 Spexton........ 17B Spring Street 479-981-6060 Tiki Torch 75 S. Main Street -479-253-2305 Tradewinds Lodge - 141 W. VanBuren 800-242-1615 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Common Ground Restaurant--- 412 W. Dixon --- 479-442-35!5 Condom Sense 418 W. Dickson.......479-444-6228 Curry’s Video - - - 612 N. College Ave- - -479-521-0009 Flames Bar - - - 40 E. Center 479-000-0000 Passages ......930 N. College Ave- -479-442-5845 Tangerine Club - -21 N. Block Ave 479-587-9512 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads.......1004 1/2 Garrison Ave........ 479-783-9988 Klub XLR8 ......1022 Dodson Ave- 479-782-9578 Red Rock City - - - 917 N. "A" St.- -479-242-2489 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Jesters Lounge .... 1010 E. Grand Ave ........501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street ....1021 Jessie Rd- -501-6642744 Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.. - www.dsra.org Discovery..... 1021 Jessie Rd- -501-666-6900 Sidetracks--- 415 Main St--North L.R.- ........ 501-244-0444 The Factory ...... 412 Louisiana St. 501-372-3070 Club U.B.U. - ..... 824 W Capitol Ave......... 501-375-8580 Kansas, Junction City (785) Xcalibur Club...... 384 Grant Ave. - ......... 785-762-2050 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- 620-231-0938 River of Life Church.- - 1709 N. Walnut- -Service 11AM Kansas, Wichita (316) Our Fantasy/South40..... 3201 S. Hillside......316-682-5494 Priscilla’s..... 6143 W Kellogg Dr- ...........316-942-1244 Club Glacier- ........ 2828 E. 31st South......316-612-9331 Missouri, Ava (417) Catus Canyon Campground - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ- - -2902 E 20th, - ......Sat Service-9:30AM Joplin Gay/Lesbian Cntr- PC Box 4383, zip 64803--417-622-7821 Missouri, Kansas City (816) 40th Street Inn....www.40thstreetinn.com.......816-561-7575 Concourse Park B&B - - 300 Benton Blvd 816-231-1196 Hydes KC Gym & Guest Hs - ~rvv.hydeskc.com - - 816-561-1010 Missie B’s....805 W. 39th St................816-561-0625 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge..... 424 Boonvitle Ave- 417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- - -518 E. Commerical- 417-869-3978 JR’s Nightclub.... 504 E. Commerical. 417-831-9001 Martha’s Vineyard- - - 219 W Olive ............417-864-4572 Ronisuz Place....821 College- 417-864-0036 Oklahoma, Enid (580) Hastings Books....104 Sunset .............. 580-242-6838 Priscilla’s........ -4810-A West Garriott....... 580-233-5511 Oklahoma, Lav4on (580) Ingrids Bookstore..... 1124 NW Cache Rd......580-353-1488 Oklahoma, McAlester (918) McPride- POBox 1515, - .... McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) American Crossroads B&B - POBox 270642...... 405-495-1111 Blue Dog Liquor- ..... -4015 N. Penn - 405-606-7000 Boom Room....... 2807 NW 36th St- -405-601-7200 Border’s Books...... 3209 NW Expressway..... 405-848-2667 CD Warehouse...... 4001 N. Penn 405-525-7766 Club Rox.......3535 NW 39th Expwy.........405-947-2351 Christie’s Toy Box.....3126 N. May Ave ....... 405-946-4438 Church of Open Arms......3131 N. Penn...... 405-525-9555 Copa -2200 NW 39th Exp....... -405-525-0730 Eastern Ave Video- - -1105 S Eastern Ave....... -405-6726459 Finishline ....... 2200 NW 39th Expwy........405-525-0730 Gushers Restaurant- ....2200 NW 39Exp - - -’- - - 405-525-0730 Habana Inn ........2200 NW 39th Exp Herland Sisters Resources.... 2312 NW 39th St- Hollywood Hotel.... 3535 NW 39th Exp ....... Hi-Lo Club 1221 NW 50th Jungle Reds .......2200 NW Expwy Ledo -2200 NW Expwy- Naughty But Nice .... 3121 SW 29th St ....... Partners......... 2805 NW 36th St - - Pec’s- -3535 NW 39th Expw ....... Red Rock North- - - 2240 NW39th St- Rudy’s Place......3535 NW39th Expw........ Phoenix Rising .... 2120 NW 39th St.......... The Park........ 2125 NW 39th St The Rockies...... 3201 N. MayAve - Topanga Grill & Bar- - - 3535 NW 39th Tramps............2201 NW 39th Ziggy’s. 4005 N. Penn. 405-528-2221 -405-521-9696 -405-947-2351 405-843-1722 405-524-5733 405-525-0730 -405-681-5044 405-942-2199 -405-947-2351 405-525-5165 -405-947-2351 -405-601-3711 -405-528-4690 405-917-1663 405-947-2351 -405-521-9888 -405-521-9999 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge....7204 E. Pine Border’s Book Store--- 2740 E. 21st. Border’s Book Store - - - 8015 S. Yale Club 209 ....... 209 N. Boulder- - Club Majestic....... 124 N. Boston ....... Club Maverick- .... 822 S. Sheridan Cosmo Dell & Bar - - 6746 S. Memorial Dreamland Bks .... 8807 E. Admiral PI Equality Center ..... 621 E. 4th Street........ Hideaway Lounge..... 11730 E. 11th....... 918-836-8700 918-712-9955 918-494-2665 918-584-9944 - - - 918-584-9494 .918-835-3301 -918-459-0497 -918-834-1051 -918-743-4297 - - -918-437-0449 HOPE Clinic....... 3540 E. 31st ............ 918-749-8378 Midtown.......... 319 E. 3rd- 918-584-3112 Openarms Youth Projt - - - 2015 S. Lakewood.....918-838-7104 Our House, Too ....203 N Nogales Ave. -918-585-9552 Priscilla’s -7925 E. 41st- ............918-627-4884 Priscilla’s 5634 W. Skelly - 9!8-446-6336 Priscilla’s ........ 11344 E. 11th .............918-438-4224 Priscilla’s 2333 E. 71st-- -918-499-1661 Renegades........ 1649 S. Main ........... 918-585-3405 Rob’s Records- - -2909 S. Sheridan Rd.......... 918-627-1505 Sappho’s......... 6373-C E 31st St- 9!8-836-0299 Tulsa CARES.... 3507 E. Admiral PI.......... 918-834-4194 Tulsa Central Library ...... 400 Civic Center- - - - 918-596-7977 Tulsa Eagle.....1338 E. 3rd ................918-592-1188 TNT’s - - 2114 S. Memorial- 918-660-0856 Yellow-Brick-Rd....... 2630 E. 15th 918-293-0304 bitter girl 1 YOU OKAY~ email: b tten:jirl@qsyndicate,com 30 the STAR www.joanhilty,net www.ozarksstar.com EMPLOYMENT nPPDF~TM NITY ADVE~;~TI SI NI:3 SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR OKLAHOMA~ KANSAS MISSOURI OR ARF,J:~.N SAS qualifications to oza~ksstar@sbcglobal.net or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 31 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2007] The Star Magazine, March 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 3 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource March 01, 2007 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Jeanne Flanigan Douglas Glenn Michael Dee Paul Wortman Carlotta Carlisle Victor Gorin Greg Gatewood Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig LizHighleyman Devre Jackson 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 Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern 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, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 2 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/205 The Star Magazine, April 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 4 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/202 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/209 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2892c7067a15c7831ba49b6d5cf1195a.jpg 2ef525ccbc2c38f11b54593dd000c2c5 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/64bca32d87b018efcff3bca88e0cd4d2.pdf 096ea0deb8da92fe37170209ba933ba2 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 www.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 STAR DISTRIBUTION: OKLAHOMA CITY*TULSA* LAWTON * MCALESTER * ENID* LITTLE ROCK* NORTH LITTLE RODK * FAYETTEVILLE * FT SMITH * EUREKA SPRINGS * HOT SPRINGS * BENTONVILLE * ROGERS * KANSAS CITY * SPRINGFIELD * JOPLIN ¯ WICHITA* PITTSBURG * JUNCTION CITY 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com OKLAHOMA COUNTY COMMISSIONERJIM ROTH APPOINTED TO THE OKLAHOMA CORPORATION COMMISSION Exclusive by Victor Gorin to complete his term which expires in 2010. Commissioner Roth hopes that the work of preparing the county’s 2008 budget will be completed by the time he leaves office. As specified in the Oklahoma Constitution, as an appointee to a statewide office, he must run in the next general election to fill the balance of Ms. Bode’s unexpired term, which also ends in 2010. If elected, he plans to run for re-election for a full six year term at that time. He will be serving on the Corporation Commission with Republicans Bob Anthony and Jeff Cloud. A giant step up from his county commissioner position, he stated that he fully understands the challenges of this statewide office. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK___’Tm grateful to Governor Henry for his vote of confidence, I’m grateful to for the public that has employed me these past years, and I look forward to making a difference for the state of Oklahoma." On May 14 Governor Brad Henry appointed Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to succeed Commissioner Denise Bode, who is resigning her seat for a job in the private sector. The Corporation Commission functions in Oklahoma state government to regulate telecommunications, utilities, the oil & gas industry & transportation providers. It consists of 3 commissioners elected statewide that serve 6 year terms. As the Governor stated, "Jim Roth has the intellect, the integrity and the dedication to public service needed to be an outstanding Corporation Commissioner." When he was elected to be Oklahoma County Commissioner of District 1 in 2002, he was the second openly gay elected official in Oklahoma. Despite a rough campaign where his opposition, the incumbent Republican Beverly Hodges, played the antigay card to the max, he still won based on a campaign of efficient, trustworthy county government that would serve all the citizens www.ozarksstar.com of the district. After his victory he and his stafffound that his predecessor had left the office with the computers crashed, files shredded, and a card with men in drag that said, "Don we now our gay apparel" that gave new meaning to the concept of sore losing. Despite this rock), welcome he gained the confidence of the district’s voters, achieving a balanced budget and getting 8 new bridges built in his district during his first term while the previous commissioner had built only one. He also was able to get Oklahoma County to adopt an employment nondiscrimination policy for their employees that protects them from discrimination based on sexual orientation, the first and only such government policy in Oklahoma. His job performance won the respect and support not only of the GLBT community and traditionally progressive groups, but also a surprising number of conservative Republicans. This showed clearly when he ran for a second term in 2006 and his opposition, Republican David Mehlhaff, ran a campaign almost entirely based on anti-gay rhetoric, and he still won handily ~ith 63% of the vote. He will retain his office until May 31. Unless she declines the position his chief deputy, Linda Simpson, will serve in his place pending the outcome from a special election that will be set by Governor Henry " I spent the last 3 weeks doing my due diligence exploring the position, finding out if it was something I could make a positive impact with. I also explored the idea about leaving a job that I loved and a county that relies on me. My partner (Worth Ross), my family and I all discussed my original intentions for public service, and that is to change people’s lives for the better, and we , decided that if the governor were to offer it this would be a tremendous opportunity to do that higher goal of helping change people’s lives for the better across the state. " "As for my skill sets, I feel I would be up to the challenge, "I feel that in the last 5 years I have learned a lot ofwhat it takes to be successful as a member ofa 3 member board, pushing for progressive change even in contentious, difficult environments. My record for being fair and honest made me a good candidate in the governor’s eyes for that statewide position. Beyond that I would say that it is a huge honor to be able to take an oath to serve the state of Oklahoma just as I have felt it an honor to serve Oklahoma County". And as for the challenge of his upcoming statewide election? "I have always approached public service based on job performance, I work hard, I work long hours to make a difference. That will be my same strategy, that in the next year and a half that I will work so hard for the public that given the chance to rehire me, I hope they say yes." the STAR 5 Dear Editor, Thank you for publishing information about the recent $24-miltion class action settlement with EMD Serono, the maker ofAIDS -wasting drug Serostim. The lawsuit had alleged that EMD Serono promoted the use of an unapproved medical device that improperly diagnosed people as having AIDS wasting; provided doctors with travel stipends in exchange for their agreement to prescribe Serostim; and marketed the drug for uses that were not approved by the FDA. The U.S. Attorney in charge ofa government case against EMD Serono asserted that "nearly 85% ofprescriptions written for Serostim ~vere not medically necessary." It is important that anyone who paid for any of the cost ofSerostim know that they may be eligible to receive a payment from this settlement. The deadline to make a claim is approaching fast! Claims must be submitted byJune 19th, 2007. Claims forms and more information are available at www.serostimsettlement. com. Thank you, Mark D. Snyder Prescription Access Litigation www.prescriptionaccess.org Dear Editor I’m concerned about the takeover of my country by the Alice-in-Wonderland anti-Democratic nature of the religious far right. It’s my contention that fundie religious observance and stridency are a brake on natural human progress and diversity. As we’ve seen with the latest Supreme Court decision on privacy and women’s bodies, the opinions of six lower courts, logic, precedence, and rule of law are put aside when the observance of these important elements in human civilization would run counter to the biblical barbarism many people would prefer to humanist progress. In that same light, our gay equality--despite some advancement in the area of civil unions and civil equality for same gendered couples--can be canceled by a Supreme Court decision should it decide that unanimity of a legislature is never to be had, and therefore, the law must bow to the least common denominator of human reason: bigotry. This is the logic that was used by the Supreme Court in denying any allowance for the health or life of the mother in the case of an abortion after consultation with the patient and her medical professional. The Court said that because the legislatures have a "right" to pass laws, and even should those laws be passed in contradiction to scientific fact, the ignorance shown by the law must be upheld. This reasoning is driven by religious fear and not sound jurisprudence. Let’s remember the slogan from a prior presidential election: "It’s the Supreme Court, Stupid!", and vote accordingly in November 2008 for the enforcement of the Constitution and not the Bible. James Nimmo Oklahoma City, OK 6 the STAR w~wv.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 SATURDAY ,JUNE 23, 2007 THE JAZZ DEPOT ’lST AND CiNCINNATi FREE VVW’W.OEJAZ7-ORG OKLAHOMA JAZZ HALL OF FAME Creating U~ity Throu~ab Music "’A¸ t Century 21 Gold Castle our BEST properties are our PEOPLE’ 430t NW 63rd, Suite 100 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405.840.2106 www,c21goldcastle.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 Old homa Stonewa l Democra,s The LGBT Voice ofthe Democratic Party 10 the STAR Stonewall Democrats Work to Raise Awareness that LGBT Democrats Care and We VOTE! We Seek Equality andHuman Rightsfor ALL Peoplefrom within the oMv Political Party that Endorses LGBT Inclusiveness at All Levels ofPolitics and Governmen~ Help us elect Democrats who will welcome YOU into their campaigns, their lives, and their offic!s! We’re Proud ofOklahoma Stonewall Members ~State Corporatwn Commissioner dim Roth ~State Representative Al McAffrey ~State Senator Andrew Rice (Congratulations on the new baby, SenatorO Join us at wwwook~tonewallo~rg www.ozarksstar.com Pinkie and the Snakeshokers, Sa~rday Evening Come check out the improvements made to the festival as we~l as the many interactive activities such as Pride Idol, Pet Contest, Return of the Children’s Area, Two Stages of Entertainment plus a DJ Tent, Food, Shopping, Historical Exhibits, Karaoke m Q ClMARRON g a zi n e,,~ www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 11 Unprecedented series of" gains coast tO coas for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people ’The tide is clearly shifting.’ Matt Foreman, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force WASHINGTON, May9 " ~{~007 state legislative season has b~ ~{ ~ost productive in the history of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights movement and, as a result, for the first time more than half the U.S. population will live in jurisdictions that outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, according to an analysis of Census data and current laws released today by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. In addition, nearly 40 percent of the population wilt now live in jurisdictions that protect transgender people from discrimination -- a sevenfold increase since 2000, and one-fifth of all Americans will live in states that offer same-sex couples broad rights under state law, more than an eightfold increase since 2004. The Task Force said the 2006 elections and years of dogged work at the grassroots level were responsible for the surge in legislation. "This is a historic and long-overdue milestone. At long last, a majority ofAmericans will now live in jurisdictions that protect people from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation," said Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "As important, protections for transgender people and broad rights for same-sex couples are surging from coast to coast. We still have a very long way to go, but the tide is clearly shifting." Nondiscrimination Protections Surge Since Jan. 1, 2007, the legislatures in four states -- an all-time high -- have passed nondiscrimination laws. Three of those states -- Iowa, Oregon and Colorado -- moved to extend protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and the Vermont Legislature passed a bill amending its existing nondiscrimination laws to include transgender people. As a result, the percentage of the U.S. population living in jurisdictions protecting lesbian, gay and bisexual people from discrimination will rise to 52 percent, crossing the halfway mark for the first time. The laws of Iowa, Oregon and Vermont prohibit discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations, among other categories; Colorado’s law covers employment only. I7 Oregon GoT. Ted Kulongoski is scheduled to sign his state’s ............... bill into law today; the governors in the other three states have pledged to sign their bills into law. Protections for Transgender People Growing Rapidly nondiscrimination laws covering gender identity/expression grew 32 percentage points (from 5 percent to 37 percent), more than five times the rate of growth for sexual orientation protections. When the four state discrimination taws go into effect, 37 percent of the population will live in jurisdictions that protect transgender people from discrimination. Protections for transgender people have grmvn much more quickly over the last decade than those for lesbian, gay and bisexual people because of a commitment of the LGBT movement to insist that transgender people be included in new nondiscrimination laws and to go back and add protections for transgender people to existing sexual orientation-only laws. Since 2000, the percentage of the population living in jurisdictions with nondiscrimination laws covering sexual orientation grew 14 percentage points (from 38 percent to 52 percent). During the same period, the percentage of the population living in jurisdictions with The "Eask Force created and staffed its Transgender Civil Rights Project in 2001 with the goal of increasing the number of transgender-protective discrimination laws. Since the project’s inception, the proportion of the population covered by transgenderinclusive laws has increased from 6 percent to 37 percent. "It’s clear that legislators recognize that transgender people face widespread discrimination and deserve the same protections as other minorities," said Foreman. "The common wisdom used to be that including protections for transgender people would kill a bill -- that’s obviously not the case." Foreman noted that last week the U.S. House of Representatives passed a hate crimes bill containing explicit protections ................... Continued nextpage t2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com for transgender people by a vote of 237-180 and that this year the Employment Non- Discrimination Act (ENDA) was amended to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression. There is widespread expectation that both houses of Congress will take up ENDA before the end of the calendar year. Gains in Broad State Protections for Same- Sex Couples Over the last five months (December through April), legislatures in three states New Jersey, New Hampshire and Oregon passed laws granting same-sex couples the same rights and responsibilities afforded married couples under state law through civil unions or domestic partnerships. As in the nondiscrimination arena, this is more states taking such action than in any previous state legislative season. As a result, onefifth (20 percent) of the U.S. population will live in states that offer broad rights and responsibilities to same-sex couples. (Other jurisdictions, including \Vashington state, Hawaii and the District of Columbia, have passed laws that give significant but not comprehensive rights to domestic partners. These jurisdictions are not included in the calculations.) Five years ago (in 2002) just one state, Vermont, ~vith 0.2 percent of the population, offered broad protections to same-sex couples. When the bills passed this session take effect, seven states (California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon and Vermont), with 20 percent of the population, will offer broad protections to same-sex couples. The Task Force said Oregon’s new law was a particularly satisfying turnaround from 2004, when voters approved a constitutional amendment banning the recognition of same-sex marriage by a margin of 57 percent to 43 percent, the narrowest margin among the 13 states voting on anti-marriage measures that year. The Task Force donated nearly $900,000 in cash in the attempt to defeat the amendment and sent 10 organizers to help staff the campaign. "While the 2004 loss really hurt, it’s now clear that our campaign really did convince people that all families deserve broad protections and relationship rights," said Thalia Zepatos, director of the Task Force’s Organizing & Training Department. Zepatos, who played a major role in fighting every anti-LGBT measure in Oregon since 1988, will attend today’s bill-signing ceremony in Salem, Ore. 2006 Elections and Years of Grassroots Work Credited with Surge in Protections The results of the 2006 election played a pivotal role in four (Colorado, Iowa, Ne~v Hampshire and Oregon) of the six states passing nondiscrimination or family protection laws since December, the Task Force said. Before the November elections, Democrats held control of both houses of the state legislatures in three of the states taking pro-LGBT action: Vermont, Colorado and New Jersey. As a result of the November elections, however, Democrats picked up control of both houses in the other three states: Iowa, Oregon and New Hampshire. Before the elections in Iowa, the Senate was evenly divided and the House was Republican- dominated; in Oregon, Democrats controlled the Senate and Republicans controlled the House; in New Hampshire, both houses were controlled by Republicans. In Co!orado, Democrats strengthened their control of the Legislature, and Democrat William Ritter succeeded Republican William Owens as governor, who had twice vetoed the nondiscrimination bill. The change in control of the state legislatures was due to Democratic gains nationwide, as well as specific work to elect pro-LGBT state legislators spearheaded by Colorado philanthropist Tim Gill. "The lesson here? What a difference an election makes!" said Foreman. In Oregon in 2006, then-House Speaker Karen Minnis was singularly responsible for blocking nondiscrimination and family recognition legislation bills. With Democrats taking control of that chamber, Minnis has since lost her leadership position. Although it took Democratic control to move the bills, each passed with Republican support (although Colorado’s employment nondiscrimination bill passed with only one Republican voting for it). The Task Force stressed that while the change in party control was an essentia! factor in moving bills this year, grassroots activism over many years made it possible for legislators to vote on the pro-LGBT measures. In Oregon, for example, activists had been pushing a nondiscrimination law for nearly 30 years, and work on the comprehensive domestic partnership law began immediately after the 2004 election. Similarly, the LGBT community in Vermont has been pushing to include protections for transgender people for eight years, and New Hampshire’s civil union law is a direct result of marriage equality organizing by the New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition. "These bills would have never passed without the dogged work of state and local leaders and organizations over many, many years," Foreman said. "Our national community owes them all its respect and gratitude." Since Jan. 1, the legislatures of all 50 states have been in session. As ofMay 8, 29 legislatures remain in session. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13 By D. Rose Photo: Eureka Springs Mayor Dani Wilson. EUREKA SPRINGS, AR~"Zhis is a monumental occasion for our town," proclaimed Mayor Dani Wilson. "I am so incredibly proud that our c0uncil has had the courage to stand for equality for all." She concluded, "It reinforces the fact that Eureka Springs was founded upon equality, inclusion, and love for all, and still holds those principals true today." Diversity thrives in a Victorian village wedged in the rocky Ozarks hills. On May 14, 2007, Eureka Springs, Arkansas added another jewel to her crown with the passing of the Domestic Partnership Registry, standing in the company of many astute cities choosing to push aside religious oppression to progress equality for all couples. For many, the benefits of the Registry may be more symbolic in nature, but it is a monumental step toward enlightenment. young and old, gathered in sister-brotherhood, while others spoke for us inside. We held our signs aloft, talked, laughed, and waited for the Counci!’s final vote. From an open window, two of our elders signaled victory and we roared with joy in our hearts! We hugged each other, we cried and fett" as ONE community. It was a wondrous evening!" -- Marie Howard, age 73, retired teacher "As a gay father and spouse raising two children, I see this action by the Council as a major step in the ongoing process of attaining equal rights for citizens that are unduly discriminated against. For couples who can’t otherwise be married or have a Civil Union, the Registry will give us a small way to publicly recognize and help solidify our loving families. And for some couples fortunate to work for an employer that offers Domestic Partner benefits, it will help them attain much needed spousal benefits." -- JT Williams, Arkansas "Eureka shows us LOVE is for everybody!" -- Joney Harper "Who does DP benefit? Any adult couple who, for whatever reason, chooses not to legally marry or who, because of antiquated and discriminatory laws, can not legally marry. Every woman, man and child in Eureka Springs, in Arkansas and in the rest of the nation. Anything that inches those who have been disenfranchised and marginalized closer to full citizenship, emancipation and equality under the law is a benefit for society." -- Michael Walsh "As a mother of a deceased gay man, my first thought was Robert would love this. My second, he would be so proud of his mother for standing in for him to celebrate the life he fought so hard for. EQUALITY! Parents’ love never dies, but grows because he/she is your child as well as God’s." - Jude Murphy For more details about ordinance 2052, go to www.Diversitypride.com Center for Artistic Revolution Blog BENTONVILLE, AR The father of two teenage boys has asked city Officials to fine the Bentonville Public Library for keeping The Whole Lesbian Sex Book by Felice Newman on the open shelves where his sons could find it. Earl Adams said his 14- and 16-year-old sons discovered the book in January while browsing for literature on military academies and were "greatly disturbed," causing "many sleepless nights in our house." Adams wants the city to pay him $10,000 per child, the maximum allowed under Arkansas obscenity law. "God was speaking to my heart that day and helped me find the words that proved successful in removing this book from the shelf," Adams said in the April 20 Springdale Morning News. City Attorney Camille Thompson said the book was not pornographic and Adams has no "valid legal concern." After receiving his original complaint, the library advisory board voted April 3 to remove the book from circulation and look for a similar, less graphic resource for the open stacks. "I thought we had a very intelligent I almost want to say high-minded--discussion about the book," said board member, George Spence. Library Director Cindy Suter said that she disagreed with Adams’s conclusion that having Newman’s book in the library follows an "immoral social agenda," adding, "My focus was to develop an inclusive collection and not an exclusive collection." "In the parking lot outside of City Hall, an amazing combination of people: gay, straight, mothers, fathers, nurses, teachers, 14 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Anal PAP Smear For Men, Ana.1 Cancer Prevenuon SAN FRANCISCO, CA If you have followed the news, you’ve heard about advances in preventing cancers caused by HPV (human papilloma virus). The Food and Drug Administration has approved a vaccine for women and girls th~lt is expected to prevent up to 70 percent of cervical cancers caused by HPV. Unfortunately, there have been fewer advances in prevention and education for gay and bisexual men who face alarmingly high rates of another cancer caused by HPV, anal cancer. Most men and women who are sexually active acquire HPV at some point. Most HPV infections don’t cause cancer~, but some do. Rates of anal cancer among gay and bisexual men are 35 times greater than the general population -- comparable to rates of cervical cancer in women before routine Pap smear screening for cervical precancerous cells. HIV-positive men and women are even more susceptible, with HIV-positive men a staggering 80 times more at risk. Anal cancer rates have doubled in the last 10 years and are expected to continue rising. Black gay and bisexual men have seen the sharpest increase and have lower survival rates. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 4,650 people in the United States will be diagnosed with anal cancer this year and 690 people will die from it. Early detection of precancerous cells can save hundreds of lives each year and spare thousands of people from radiation therapy, chemotherapy and a lifetime of painful side 4ffects. The good news is that anal cancer is potentially preventable and highly curable. An anal Pap smear is an inexpensive and relatively painless screening procedure that can detect abnormal cells. A follow-up exam, which includes a high-resolution anoscopy, helps determine whether abnormal cells are precancerous. Specialists believe that treating anal precancerous cells, often through a simple in-office procedure, can prevent anal cancer. Despite the experience of specialists, these potential preventive measures are not part of routine care for those at risk. One reason 1 {5 the STAR is a disturbing lack of large-scale studies and research funding on anal cancer prevention. Without these studies, policymakers and medical associations are hesitant to recommend preventive measures. In contrast, cervical Pap smears became part of women’s health care before conclusive studies were published, yielding an 80 percent reduction in cervical cancer. Another reason that preventive measures are not in place is the limited number of providers trained in high-resolution anoscopy (HRA). Further, if pre-cancers are detected through the procedure, no guidelines exist for optimal treatment. This potentially preventable cancer is needlessly advancing among thousands of Americans each year. Some specialists are screening for and treating anal pre-cancers, but without randomized clinical studies, it hasn’t been proven that these measures prevent anal cancer. Required studies are in the planning stages and will take years to conduct. The STOP AIDS Project, a San Franciscobased community project that works to prevent the transmission of HIV among gay and bisexual men, supports evidence-based standards of care. However, until standards of care are implemented, something needs to be done. STOP AIDS advocates that policymakers and medical associations support and fund research on anal-cancer prevention, including the efficacy of HPV vaccines in males. In anticipation of published guidelines, a health-care infrastructure should be developed that includes provider training. Policymakers should also consider piloting screening programs to collect data and determine efficacy and feasibility. Gay and bisexual men and those with HIV should talk with their health-care providers about their risk for anal cance.r and HPV. Men can decrease their risk for HPV by using condoms. Those at risk should consider getting an anal Pap smear annually if they are HIV-positive or every two to three years if they are HIV-negative. At minimum, they should have a rectal exam to detect abnormal growths. Also, men at risk can !ower their risk by stopping smoking, because smoking is a risk factor for developing anal cancer. Men at risk can advance prevention efforts by volunteering for clinical trials or advocating for research funding and health insurance coverage. Additionally, providers can Seek training in preventive anal cancer procedures. The San Francisco Department of Public Health STD Control Branch and STOP AIDS are convening an expert panel to evaluate existing data on anal cancer and develop recommendations. Last month, New York’s MDS Institute became the first Department of Public Health in the nation to publish such recommendations. Other organizations, counties and states should follow this lead. Dr. Joel Palefsky is a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. Jen Hecht, Jason Riggs and Michael Scarce are staff members of STOP ,adDS Project, an HIV prevention and health promotion organization for gay; bisexual and transgender men. For more information visit www.stopaids.org and www.analcancerinfo. ucsf.edu/ Doctors in Bay Area, San Francisco are encouraging ga), men to have pap smears, after a significant increase in cases of anal cancer. In the United States, the number of people diagnosed with anal cancer has increased by close to forty percent since 1996. This is in contrast to the overall increase of cancer diagnoses of just one percent. Although the cancer can be easily treated, 660 people died ftom the disease last year, with over 4,500 new cases. Doctor Joel Palefsky, Director of the Anal Neoplasia Clinic at the University of California, spoke of how anal pap smears could detect legions before becoming malignant. "We haven’t proven it yet, but we believe that we are likely to be preventing anal cancer." Although women are more likely to be diagnosed with anal cancer, gay men and those who are HIV positive are also at risk. It is now believed that 35 out of every 100,000 gay men in the United States has anal cancer. A report is currently being prepared on the introduction and promotion of pap smears for gay men. www.ozarksstar.com You want to be healthy. Go to bed and sleep on it. Sleep is a great way to maintain your health and it’s not that complicated. You just need to sleep. So, why is that everyone seems to get so little of it? People are always rushing about. There’s the nine to five job. There’s the one hour commute. There’s the grocery shopping. There’s always something that seems to eat away at your precious sleep time. Let me give you some good reasons to make room for the pillmv and mattress. First, you just simply need to make the time for sleep. The average adult needs seven to eight hours of sleep. This is a priority and you need to allocate a period of your day ~vhen you can accomplish this. If you can’t schedule it then you are doing too much during your daily routine. Cornell psychology professor James B. Maas provided research that shows that if you get less than eight hours of sleep per night, you are operating impaired; and your alertness, productivity, creativity, and general health are all affected. The body is able to restore itself during REM sleep. ~lis is when the body can process the emotional moments of the day through dream imagery. ~is explains why I have such a hard time sleeping after watching movies like The Grudge, White Noise, or Gigli. The brain tries to interpret and process this information so that we can forget and then move on for a new day. Try to mix and match these hues with the d’cor of your boudoir and serenade yourself into a lullaby. Some people tell me that they need to do as much as possible while they are alive. They tell me that there will be plenty of time to sleep when they’re knocking on heaven’s door. True but why not try to get as much quality out of your awake time as possible? Proper sleep equates to much more energetic and productive awake time. I opt for quality in lieu of quantity. "Goodnight, you princes Of Maine. You Kings ofNew England." Ron Blake is a personal fitness trainer and owner of Blake Fitness in Phoenix. He can be reached at 480-241-5651 or blake.fitness@ yahoo.com. Owasso Community heatre’ Season Opens. OWASSO, OK__The O~vasso Community Theatre’s Season "It’s All About Family" will be opening on June 22, 2007 with a musical production of Ruthless! directed by Bruce Lewis. Season Tickets for all five shows are now available from the contacts listed below, and cost $25.00 for access to all four shows which include the mysterious Arsenic and Old Lace, the heartwarming Cheaper By The Dozen, and the entertaining Babes in Toyland. For further questions, please contact: Tammy Quick, tammylq@cox.net, (918) 851-3830 Bruce Lewis, brucel@tulsacares.org, (918) 906-8992 It becomes easier to fall asleep when you get in a routine. Watch the nine o’clock news each night and then head off to the bedroom. Notice I said head off to the bedroom. That would mean that you were watching the news in another room. Very good! The bedroom is just for sleeping and occasionally some carnal indulgences. Keep the television and DVDs out of this sacred slumber sanctuary. The more you associate this part of the house with somnolence, the easier it will be become to fall asleep quickly when your head hits the pillow. Don’t engage in disruptive activities just before being summoned by the sandman. Headbangers ball, a cup of joe, a row with your partner, and a tintinnabulary tango are bad ideas. Soothing music, non-caffeinated drinks, and a rendezvous with your favorite book are great ideas. Make your bed as comfortable and appealing as possible. There are certain colors that have that hypnotic effect on individuals. Green coos peace and serenity and helps lower the heart rate. It is a great comforter and stress reliever. Blue entices you to fantasize and daydream. Its cerulean effects cause the brain to emit tranquilizing hormones. Purple has the capacity to pacify frayed nerves and slow muscle activity. Pink just has a way with calm, cool, and collective. www,ozarksstar.com the 8TAR OK .AHOMA SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK MOVING TO THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN OKLAHOMA CITY OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park (OSP), Oklahoma’s premiere classical theater, announced at the Myriad Botanical Gardens that beginning in 2007 and beyond, it will stage its summer seasons in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. The inaugural 2007 season will kick-offJune 14 and continue through Sept. 1. It will be staged on the Myriad Botanical Gardens Water Stage, which the Myriad Gardens Foundation (MGF) in a partnership with OSP will renovate. OSP has partnered with the MGF to raise private funds for the renovation. Improvements will include new sound and lighting, seating and a stage structure. The renovated theater will add a new premiere venue to doxvntown Oklahoma City and will be available for other bookings when OSP is not in residence. OSP has also moved its offices to Stage Center in Oklahoma City’s Arts District. The 2007 Summer Season opens June 14 with A Midsummer Night’s Dream, followed by Cyrano de Bergerac and Macbeth. The final summer performance will be September 1. The announcement came on the day that OSP’s three-year lease with the Myriad Gardens Authority and the City of Oklahoma City for use of the \rater Stage was unanimously approved by the Oklahoma City Council. It had previously been unanimously approved by the OSP Board of Directors and the Myriad Gardens Authority. This approval represents the culmination of a process that began in the spring of 2005, when OSP’S stage in Edmond’s Hafer Park was burned down for a second time. Because of that tragedy, OSP staged its summer seasons the past two years at the University of Central Oklahoma. Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park 2006 Season "The Temioest at Stage Center" Photo Subjects: Left: Holly McNatt (Miranda) and Rig/st: J. Shane McClure (Prospero). Photo by: Andrea NotTis O’Meara. The past 22 summer seasons have been staged in the City of Edmond. Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park traditionally mounts a summer season consisting of three plays; a winter season of one play, which is traditionally performed at Stage Center in downtown Oklahoma City; a production ofA Christmas Carol, which will remain at the University of Central Oklahoma; and statewide touring productions year-around. Educational outreach is also a core part of OSP’S mission. OSP is supported in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council, Allied Arts, Chesapeake Energy, OG&E, the Kirkpatrick Family Fund, the Kirkpatrick Foundation, the Inasmuch Foundation, and is in alliance with the University of Central Oklahoma’s Department of Theatre, Dance and Media Arts. For more information, visit www.oklahomashakespeare. com. Thi~ drink ! Yummy 1½ oz. Vodka 1 oz. Creme de Banana 1 oz. Dark Creme de Cacao ½ oz. Light cream Pour ingredients into mixini~ glass. Add ice, shake and strain into your Martini Gl~ss. Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park was founded in 1985 by current Artistic Director Kathryn McGill and the late Jack 1 8 the BTAR www.ozarksstar.com By Joey De The boys are back in town, and for the 2007 Light Opera Oklahoma season, they’re behaving badly, beginning Jun. 15. Presented as a repertory festival and in conjunction with the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trust’s Summerstage festival, the 2007 LOOK season features a classic, a contemporary and countess, in addition to three cabaret performances. "We select our shows and obtain rights about a year and a half to two years in advance," says Eric Gibson, artistic director of LOOK. "Then we take a look at the shows and ifwe can, hopefully find a theme or a common element to tie them all together." This year’s presentation of bad boys are Meredith Willsoffs "The Music Man," the dark opera/musical "Sweeney Todd" and the more light hearted operetta "Naughty Marietta." Kicking off the festival Jun. 13 and running through Jul. 8 is "The Music Man," a golden age musical about Professor Harold Hill, the most charming of con artists, and his descent upon River City, Iowa. Hill convinces the town’s youth that they are in so much terrible trouble the only way to keep them safe is to introduce the boys to music and join a band. The con’s plan includes getting unwitting parents to buy instruments and band uniforms and then skipping town with the proceeds. The plan hits a snag when Harold falls in love with the local librarian Marian Paroo. Resistant at first, Marian sees Harold transform the citizens of River City into exhilarated, musically challenged people. "This show’s a classic," says Gibson, "High schools everywhere do it, but rarely is it performed ’right,’ with professional talent." Following the feel-good frivolities of Music Man will be a trip to the dark side xvith Stephen Sondheim’s "Sweeney Todd," about the wrongfully imprisoned barber, Benjamin Barker. Barker, who returns to London to reclaim his life and reunite with www.ozarksstar.com his wife and daughter, finds that his judge has taken his wife and child, and swears revenge. Known on the streets as Sweeney Todd, Barker kills a street mountebank who recognizes him, and makes it that much more easy for him to kill anyone who gets in his revengeful way. His accomplice Mrs. Lovett, a fledgling pastry cook, has the brilliant idea of popping Todd’s victims into meat pies, boosting her own sagging business. Although it is a more contemporary piece of musical theatre, Gibson says that Sweeney Todd is very operatic, and is in fact performed frequently in opera houses throughout the United States. Rounding out the main stage season for LOOK is a light hearted return to the operettas that the company was built on. Although it is not Gilbert and Sullivan, as many have come to expect from the troupe, "~xe Naughty Marietta" is full of the same wit and charm that makes light opera fun. The show, which opens June 28, tells of the escape of the Countess D’Altena of Italy. D’Altena finds herself on a ship bound for New Orleans, but once there must escape the pirate Bras Pique. To join her in these escapades, Marietta enlists the aid of Captain Dick Warrington, a ranger in the US Army. They quickly fall in love and in order to foil the plot of Bras Pique, they enlist the aid of a French fop, marionettes, a jilted lover and many others! Through out the season, LOOK will also be offering three intimate evenings of cabaret-style entertainment, billed with the show "Trial By Jury." "Jury," a one act Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta is about a philandering man who cheats on his intended and gets sued for breach of promise. An equally badly behaved judge presides over the case, and, you can guess the rest. All four shows have rotating schedules which can be found at wvw.tulsapac.com or at www.lightoperaok.org. For ticket information visit www.myticketoffice.com. LANG & LOVETT CONCERT COHING TO OKC AND TULSA TULLSA, OK Musician, singer, songwriter, and actor, Lyle Lovett, together with K.d. Lang is in concert at Oklahoma City’s ZOO Ampitheater Saturday July 7th and in Tulsa’s Historic Brady Theater on Sunday July 8th, 2007. By breaking the rules and experimenting with music, each has earned a cult following around the world with a modern, eccentric sound coupled with literate, witty lyrics. K.d. Lang was inspired, at an early age, by the music of country western diva, Patsy Cline, and released a string of albums with a decidedly country flair enjoying moderate success in both sales and airplay. It was not, however, until the release of"Ing~nue" that K.d. Lang hit it big. Hailed as her "crossover" album, critics praised her work even as her country fans were feeling alienated. Lang further removed herself from her country/western fame by publicly declaring her lesbianism, shortly after the album’s release. the 8TAR www.ozarksstar.com down and T;ad.K TO EVERYBODY! When that was in harurally,, no one knOws y0u; s~ it is YOUR responsibility to start a conversation, The colorful gutchart Gardens rank among !~ctoria’s most memorable at~actions. (Photo by Andrew Collins) around the city and its environs by car. A favorite excursion is so-called Marine Drive - not the name of any one street but a scenic coastal circuit extending from Ogden Point, which is southwest of the Inner Harbour, to Cadboro Bay. Dignified, historic, studded with parks, and packed with some of the nation’s most notable cultural attractions, Victoria offers the perfect recipe for a short getaway in western Canada - it’s also easily reached from Vancouver or Seattle by way of regular ferry service. At the southern tip ofVancouver Island, this leafy capital of British Columbia has also become a popular spot for gay honeymoons and weddings since Canada legalized same-sex marriage in 2005. Great Britain’s first colony on the Pacific Coast of North America, Victoria was established in 1849 as a trading outpost. By the end of the century, when the now much larger city ofVancouver was still a mere blip on the radar, Victoria had become B.C.’s capital. The city remains an important political center, but tourists definitely butter the bread these days. The formal, lmndon-inspired Parliament buildings and the Fairmont Empress Hotel edge the harbor, set against a commanding backdrop of snowcapped mountains. With its tow skyline, downtown is compact and user-friendly, and fine shopping and care-hopping abound. The south end of the Inner Harbour contains Victoria’s provincial government buildings as well as the imposing Fairmont Empress Hotel, which is famous not only as a place to stay but for its regal afternoon high teas. Few museums in Canada are more fascinating than the Royal British Columbia Museum, whose artifacts and exhibits document life 12,000 years ago in xvhat is now Western Canada. Around the corner, the Crystal Garden Conservatory contains more than 65 endangered species that make their home in this re-created tropical forest. just south of here, off Douglas Street, the 185-acre Beacon Hill Park is typically filled with joggers, strollers, and sun-worshipers soaking up the atmosphere and the floral aroma. Nearby you can visit the Carr House, which affords a glimpse into the life of British Columbia’s most beloved painter, Emily Cart. Walk 15 minutes or drive a short way east of downtown along Fort Street, which is lined for several blocks with fine antiques shops, to reach one of B.C.’s greatest house-museums, Craigdarroch Castle. From the top (fifth) floor you’re treated to outstanding views of the city. Just west is the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, one of the top art museums in Western Canada. Once you’ve exhausted Victoria on foot, consider tooling Victoria and the surrounding area are also idea! for outdoorsy activities - in fact, it’s been named Canada’s fittest city, owing to the high percentage of residents who regularly participate in outdoor recreation. Favorite activities include diving, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. A number of local outfitters lead tours through nearby old-growth forests, up rugged mountain peaks, and on whale-watching expeditions - visit Tourism Victoria’s helpful website (www.tourismvictoria.com) for a full list of providers. Victoria lies at the southern tip of the Saanich Peninsula, a fertile strip of land dotted with family farms and a growing number of esteemed wineries. It’s worth spending an afternoon exploring this region, whose most famous attraction is Butchart Gardens, a half-hour northwest of the city. The Butchart family made its fortune manufacturing cement in the late 19th century; when they finished mining their quarry, they transformed it into this magnificent collection of gardens. Among the 55 acres you’ll see every imaginable flower, and there are concerts as well as Saturday-night fireworks displays in July and August. From Butchart, there are several wineries within an easy drive. As you motor around the countryside, keep an eye out for farm stands and roadside markets, many of them selling fresh jams, baked goods, flowers, and produce. They often operate on an honor system - pick out your goods, and leave behind payment. Wineries of particular note include Marley Farm, a family-run establishment that specializes in some quite unusual fruit wines, including kiwi, pear, loganberry, and quince varieties. You’re apt to see sheep and horses wandering the 5-acre grounds. Tiny Chalet Estate Vineyard is well-regarded for its high-quality, unfiltered vintages, from syrahs to viogniers. Where there are wineries, there are virtually always wonderful restaurants, and Victoria is no exception. Probably the most gaypopular of the city’s up-market restaurants, Cafe Brio is a sophisticated little chef-owned ........Continued next page. vwvw.ozarksstar.com bistro that’s an absolute delight for romantic, intimate meals. The contemporary West Coast cuisine has Tuscan overtones - you might start with crispy roasted sweetbreads with poached rhubarb, followed by tomato-and-molasses-braised lamb shank with fresh-mintpotato gnocchi. For some of the best modern Italian food in town, including fantastic wood-fired pizzas with such creative toppings as smoked ahi tuna and marinated artichokes, dine at I1 Terrazzo, whose airy dining room resembles a cloistered courtyard. It’s steps from the diverting shopping along Johnson Street and features one of the city’s best wine lists. been refitted into a distinctive all-suites accommodation. Groups of friends traveling together will find Swans a bargain - up to six people can easily fit into its huge rooms. Each has a dining nook, a patio or a terrace, and many have skylights. There’s a microbrewery and an excellent restaurant, Wild Saffron Bistro, on the premises. Also worth consideration is the Magnolia Hotel and Spa, a snazzy and modern boutique hotel with a first-rate spa and a great location in the Inner Harbour neighborhood. Rooms receive plenty of sunlight, with their floor-to-ceiling windows and views of downtown and the waterfront. With a memorable setting inside a former schoolhouse in Canada’s oldest Chinatown, Brasserie I2Ecole is the domain of talented chefowner Sean Brennan, who utilizes local produce in his innovative regional fare, such as local trout with escarole and Jerusalem artichokes. Well-seasoned, imaginatively prepared vegetarian fare is the specialty at Re-Bar Modern Food, an offbeat spot on downtown’s Bastion Square, where you might dine on shiitake-tofu potstickers or Thai coconut-cashew prawn curry. For lighter dining and snacking, grab a latte or cappuccino at gaypopular Bean Around the World Coffee, a Chinatown java joint that uses organic coffee beans. Or nosh on eggs Benedict, hefty burgers, and other short-order fare at Rosie’s Diner, a downtown cafe with a festive ’50s-inspired retro look. The city’s sizable Asian community ensures a wealth of first-rate Chinese, Thai, and Japanese restaurants. For sensational Tixai fare, try Siam Thai. If you’d rather stay out in the country, but still within striking distance ofVictoria, consider booking into the swank yet low-keyed Sooke Harbour House, which is a 45-minute drive away. This is the ultimate luxury hideaway, complete with 28 imaginatively decorated rooms, many with views ofWashington’s Olympic Mountains and the Strait ofJuan de Fuca. There’s also a splendid restaurant serving fantastic four- and seven-course dinners, complete with wine-pairing options. One signature dish is the trio of garden-inspired sorbets (which might include quince-lemon-verbena or rhubarb-fennel). Indeed, this perfectly tended inn is surrounded by some of Vancouver Island’s most beautiful gardens - a night or two here will leave you totally refreshed and relaxed. Victoria is by no means a major hub for gay nightlife, but it does have a couple of friendly; laid-back gay hangouts. There’s the " popular (at least on weekends) dance club, Hush, as well as Prism Lounge, a basement space with fun drag shows and karaoke nights. The two bars lie within a short ,valk of one another, on the north side of downtown. You might find the ambience and vibe a bit hipper and more upbeat at some of Victoria mainstream but perfectly ’ gay-friendly social spots, such as the ornately decorated Temple Bar, known for its extensive lists of wines and martinis. Other good bets include Lucky Bar, a convivial beer hall set inside a historic building, and the Mint, a vaguely New Age-y space with Tibetan and .Nepalese food, and DJ music and dancing many evenings. In Victoria, there’s no fancier lodging in town than the Fairmont Empress Hotel. This 1908 Edwardian hostelry is the most sumptuous grand dan~e on Vancouver Island, and its Empress Room is a superb restaurant. Newer rooms are larger than those in the original section but keep with the hotel’s tradition. Celeb spotting is not uncommon. The hotel is also notable for its beautifully decorated Bengal Lounge, which serves traditional Indian cuisine in an oldworld Colonial ambience. Abigail’s Hotel is a great bet, in part for its enviable location - it’s at the end of a quiet, residential lane, yet it’s just three blocks from the Inner Harbour. The 23-room gayfriendly, hotel consists of two Tudor-style buildings, one with more traditional decor, and the other with more modern-feeling units. Many of the accommodations have wood-burning fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs, and rates include an extensive full breakfast (enjoy it on the sunny patio, overlooking the English gardens, when the weather is cooperating). Set inside a former warehouse near Victoria’s Market Square and within ,valking distance of downtown attractions, Swans Hotel has www.ozarksstar.corn the ~TAF~ ~. 5 GAY TRAVELERS from page-22 town for th~ weekend. Later in the day we did meet some ~vonderful people at the bar and they invited us to a big party that they were having the next day. The Dallas businessman lost out on a lot! We make friends wherever we go, both gay and straight. Most people enjoy talking ~vith other people but sometimes you just have to make the first move. For us, we enjoy traveling to see interesting and new places, try new food, enjoy the sights and sounds of an area unknown to us but it is the people that we meet that are our real memories. We hear from way too many of our readers who return from their vacation and say that they didn’t have a good time, that they didn’t meet anyone and no one talked to them. Well, you cafft just go and sit like a bump on a log. Remember the immortal words ofAuntie Marne, ""Life is a banquet and most people are starving to death". Don’t be one of those people! Have good safe fun when traveling, enjoy life and TALK TO EVERYONE. We have been so fortunate in our travels to meet authors, poets, writers, entertainers, movie and TV actors. We get invited to a lot of parties in Hollywood, New York, Chicago, Florida and everywhere we go only because we make the first move and talk to everybody. Life is just too short to do it any other way. Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray \Vi!liams, Award-winning Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from Coast to Coast. You can email them at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their webpage at: http://www.hometown.aol.com/gaytravelers Diversity Business Association of Tulsa Hosts First DBAT After Hours During Tulsa Pride Week TULSA, OK A vital aspect ofDBAT partidpation is the opportunity to meet with and learn from other LGBT business owners and professionals. Such an opportunity is offered through DBAT After Hours, our own version of a business after hours event. Join us for June’s DBAT After Hours and network in an informal atmosphere, make new contacts or to get reacquainted with former contacts. Nibbles and beverages provided. DBAT After Hours Thursday, June 7th 7:00 - 9:00 pm Dennis R. Neill Equality Center 621 E. 4th Street, Downtown Tulsa "TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD" by Donald Pile & Ray Williams Featuring Cuisine From Coast to Coast Harry Caray’s Restaurant, Chicago Harry Caray’s, named for the late, renowned baseball announcer, has become one of the most nationally recognized restaurant groups in the Midwest. Opened on October 23, 1987, this legendary Italian Steakhouse serves the finest prime, aged steaks and chops in a truly warm "Chicago" atmosphere. The friendly, energetic atmosphere embodies the amiable personality of the restaurant’s namesake. The combination of mahogany paneling, white tablecloths and a veritable museum of baseball history creates a warm and casual elegance. It is located at 33 W. Kinzie in downtown Chicago. They are open for lunch, Monday thru Saturday from 11:30 to 3:00. They are open for dinner Monday thru Thursday from 5:00 to 10:30 and Friday and Saturday from 5:00 to 11:00. Sunday they are open from 4 to 10 and their bar is open everyday from 11:30 to closing. The food served here is steak and Italian. The price range is from the $10’s to the $30’s per meal. Service is great. Each server is personable and enthusiastic. There is also a bar on one side of the restaurant with plenty ofTVs. They also have a second location at the O’Hare International Center, 10233 West Higgins Road in Rosemont, Ill. In August 2007, Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group will open it’s third Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse in Lombard, Ill. And although it is not an Italian Steakhouse, Harry Caray’s Seventh Inning Stretch premiered in 2001 and is the largest restaurant and bar at Chicago’s Midway Airport. This restaurant is ideal for travelers looking to take a delicious sandwich to go or those who have a short respite while waiting for their flight. We have always enjoyed our meals and had a great dining experience at Harry Caray’s. 26 the STAR w~v.ozarksstar.com JUNE 2007 ExpoSing Hate World Congress ofFami/ies, a gathering thatfocused on "naturalfamilies. " No longer content with the obscene political and monetary profits they realize in the United States, the radical Christian right is now exporting its number one product - homoph0bia - to Europe. A few thousand zealots from the United States and other countries converged on Warsaw, Poland’s Palace of Culture and Science in mid-May for the World Congress of Families, a gathering that focused on "natural families." "Natural families"? Just more spin - another euphemism for degrading LGBT families. These folks only consider assembly-line-produced families using eggs and sperm - introduced to one another through that old heterosexual standb); the missionary position, engaged in by a married, heterosexual couple - to be the real thing when it comes to producing progeny. How hateful of our -kids and our f,mailies. But let’s face it - hate is all these folks know, even though they couch it all in "Jesus’ love." The usual cast of radical Christian right characters was on hand for this particular love-to-hate fest. James Dobson from Focus on the Family was joined by folks from the American Family Association, Concerned Women for America, the Family Research Council, the Helcitage Foundation, and the Discover), Institute, which isn’t about designing good, intelligent television programs, but instead about programming youth to believe in intelligent design. The World Congress was organized by a group I hadn’t heard of - the Howard Center for Family, Religion, and Society, whose president, Allan Carlson, declared, "The cultural battle has gone international. The American religious right, instead of being isolationist, has in fact gone global." Oh, joy. But what about their destination? Why Poland? Why not Rome, to be near their buddy, the pope? Or Nigeria, where Archbishop Peter Akinola is masterminding a homophobic schism within the Anglican Church? Nope, they chose Poland because of its state-sponsored homophobia. I’m not talking about the run-of-the-mill "we ~von’t pass a probill gay bill if our lives depended on it" homophobia. This is a government that bans Pride celebrations, speaks openly about purging "homosexual propaganda’’ from the country, refuses to recognize the rights of lesbians and gays, and is now considering a bill that would make it illegal for any teacher in any classroom, public or private, to discuss homosexuality, LGBT rights, or safe-sex practices, The bill would bar LGBT organizations from schools, and lesbian or gay teachers who come out would automatically be fired. 7his is a government that does nothing to stop sldnheads and other nationalistic groups from targeting its LGBT citizens. This is a government that is tailor-made to be the only elected Western European ally ofAmerica’s radical Christian right. So what canoe out of this love-to-hate lest? Poland’s education minister, Roman Giertych, a leader in the country’s right-wing League of Polish Families party - who also happens to be a Deputy Prime Minister - became the politico celebre as he told the group that combating the "propagation of homosexuality" was just "something I have to do." His remarks were echoed by Polish President Lech Kaczynski Rallying around the homophobic flagpole, World Congress participants cheered at the news that the Polish government would not be cowed by the European Union, which has warned Poland that its antigay policies might cost the country its voting rights. They listened to U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Hlen Sauerbrey bring greetings fromW and thank the Howard Center "for all of their hard work in organizing this wonderful opportunity to celebrate and reflect upon the family and its vital role in society." No question that the current administration stands firmly alongside homophobic repression. They heard Ben Bull of the Alliance Defense Fund say, "Marriage will be destroyed by making all relationships equal," and Brigham Young law professor Lynn Wardle chime in with, "Legalizing samesex marriage will drain marriage of its social meaning." They also came together to embrace the "natural family manifesto." I think it’s kind of funny that a gathering in a former Communist country attended by those who hate Communism would support something called a "manifesto." But yes, there is a manifesto. It encourages mothers to stay home and have many children. It fervently opposes LGBT people and abortion in a single breath. "It is not enough to stop public recognition of ’gay marriage,’ nor to oppose ’safe-sex education’ in the public schools, nor to ban partialbirth abortion, nor to create ’covenant’ marriages. Victory for the natural family will come only as we change the terms of the debate." If changing the terms of debate means the wholesale exporting of hate, they’ve offto a good start. I just wish folks would stop bwing it here in the States. An endnote of worth: While all this homophobia is defining Poland to the LGBT world, Warsaw Mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz Walz defied the country’s president and ultra-right-wing organizations by letting a Pride parade take place in her city on May 19. More than 5,000 marched amid bystanders who waved and were generally supportive. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 27 May 1920 (87 years ago this month): Erotic A~-tist Touko Laaksonen (Tom of Finland) is born in Kaarina, Finland. Who was Tom of Finland? Photo’s courtsey of: www.eroticartcollection.com 28 the STAR The erotic art ofTouko Laaksonen - better known as Tom of Finland - shaped the erotic fantasies of countless gay men and helped redefine the popular image of male homosexuality. Laaksonen was born May 8, 1920, in Kaarina, a rural village in southwest Finland. Both his parents were schoolteachers, and he developed an early appreciation for art and music. Aware of his same-sex attractions from a young age, he created homoerotic drawings - often featuring farm boys and laborers - for his own enjoyment. At age 19, Laaksonen moved to Helsinki to attend art school, but was soon drafted into the Finnish army, which allied with Nazi Germany to fight the Soviet Union in World War II. Serving as a lieutenant, he began having sex with fellow soldiers and developed a fetish for men in uniform, which he reflected in his drawings. After the war, Laaksonen completed his art degree and studied piano at the Sibelius Institute. By day, he worked as a commercial graphic artist, then played the piano at cafes and private parties in the evenings. Feeling little affinity for the flamboyant and effeminate men who frequented Helsinki’s homosexual venues, he traveled often and became familiar with the gay leather scenes in several European cities. In 1953, while cruising in a Helsinki park, Laaksonen met his sole long-term romantic partner, a dancer named Veli (whose last name is not publicly known); their relationship endured until Veil’s death from cancer nearly 30 years later. Encouraged by friends, Laaksonen submitted some of his sketches to the Los Angeles- based bodybuilding magazine _Physique Pictorial_. Publisher Bob Mizer was impressed enough to feature a drawing of a lumberjack on the cover of the spring 1957 issue, dubbing the artist "Tom of Finland." In 1973, Laaksonen had his first public exhibition in Hamburg, Germany, and was able to quit his job at an advertising agency and live offhis art. In 1978, he visited Los Angeles for his first U.S. exhibition, where met Durk Dehner, who became his friend and manager; after Veli’s death in 1981, Laaksonen split his time between Los Angeles and Helsinki. Laaksonen is credited with introducing the masculine homosexual into gay, and eventually mainstream, culture. His drawings of stereotypically macho men - bikers, cowboys, cops, sailors - were almost photographic in their detail, but grew increasingly idealistic in their portrayal of perfect male specimens with protruding nipples, exaggerated bubble butts, and enormous penises. As censorship laws loosened, his drawings also became more sexually explicit. He was among the first artists to portray manly men engaging in joyous, guilt-free sex; even his sadomasochistic scenes had a playful aspect. "I work very hard to make sure that the men I draw having sex are proud men having happy sex," he once declared. According to author Ron Suresha, "Tom of Finland’s visions of happy, masculine, loving men projected forth from the collective unconscious of gay men’s liberation and increasingly, through the second half of the 20th century, defined much of its erotic substance and style." Indeed, Laaksonen’s work helped bring the underground leather culture to light, and the "Castro clone" look - black leather jacket, cap, moustache - became a new gay stereotype. But Laaksonen’s work was not without controversy. Some critics accused him of harboring an affinity for Nazis, though he disavowed fascism and racism. In the ! 970s and 1980s, his work was caught up in gay and lesbian community debates about pornography and sadomasochism, as well as the charge that his idealized images were impossible for real men to live up to. For his part, Laaksonen maintained that his work reflected his own erotic sensibilities, not a .......... Continued nextlaage www.ozarksstar.com Tom ofFinland continued: larger politica! statement. "If I don’t have an erection when I’m doing a drawing," he said, "I know it’s no good." As his work grew more popular, Laaksonen became an international celebrity. His images spawned an industry, and in 1979 he and Dehner co-founded the Tom of Finland Company. In addition to several books of collected works, Laaksonen produced a multi-volume series of comics featuring Kake the leatherman and did private commissions (including a revisioning of Michelangelo’s David for Italian filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli). "Tom’s men" became cultural icons and inspired many imitations, including the "Tom Girls" series by punk artist G.B. Jones. Today, his work is included in the permanent collections of several museums, including the Ne~v York Museum of Modern Art and Finland’s Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum. The Tom of Finland Foundation, initially founded in 1984 to preserve Laaksonen’s work, now offers a "safe haven" for all erotic art. Laaksonen continued to frequent the leather and dance club scenes well into his 60s. Diagnosed with emphysema in 1988, he was forced to cut back on his travel, but continued to draw. In 1991, his life and work were chronicled in the documentary Daddy and the Muscle Academy. In November of the same year, he died of a stroke in Helsinki. "I know my little ’dirty drawings’ are never going to hang in the main salons of the Louvre," Laaksonen said shortly before his death. "But it ~votfld be nice if...our world learns to accept all the different ways of loving. Then maybe I could have a place in one of the smaller side rooms." For further information: Hooven, E Valentine. 1994. Tom of Finland: His Life and Times (St. Martin’s Press). Pohjola, Ilppo. 3.992. Daddy and the Muscle Academy_ (documentary film). Ramakers, Micha. 2000. Dirty Pictures: Tom of Finland, Masculinity, and Homosexuality (St. Martin’s Press). OKLAHOMA ACTIV ST, KE TH Bo SMITH HONORED By James Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Stonewall Democrats (OKSD) posthomously have presented the 2007 Mary Lou Lemon Humanitarian Award to Keith B. Smith, the well-known and effective professional lobbyist and activist who died suddenly in November, 2006. A memorial service was held on December 1 in the Oklahoma Capitol Rotunda. Mr. Smith’s tireless advocacy for gay equality and other progressive issues was legendary. His ideas and techniques live on in the many grassroots activists who continue to push back the stultifying limits of the ignorant and bigoted. No Oklahoma legislator, however recalcitrant in thinking, was immune to Mr. Smith’s wit, charm, and stunning strategies at passing progressive legislation. The award is named for the late Mary Lou Lemon, matriarch of a prominent Oklahoma Democratic family, who believed fervently in an American society free from discrimination directed at minorities, especially gay and lesbian citizens. It has been presented formally at the Activist Hall of Fame Dinner on Saturday, May 19, during the Oklahoma Democratic Party State Convention. Previous award recipients have been Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth, and Governor David and Rhonda Walters. OK Stonewall Democrats ( www.okstonewall. org) is a constitutional club of the Oklahoma Democratic Party and a chapter of National Stonewall Democrats, Washington, DC (www.stonewalldemocrats.org) NEW GALLUP POLL SHOWS 68 PERCENT OF AMERICANS SUPPORT HATE CRIMES BILL BEFORE CONGRESS Poll Shows Overwhelming Support Includes Majority ofRepublicans, Conservatives, and Religious Voters WASHINGTON, DC_. A new national poll conducted by Gallup shows an overwhelming support of the American people for passage of federal hate crimes legislation currently being considered in Congress. The poll, conducted on May !0-13, shmvs that 68 percent of all Americans believe that current federal hate crime laws should be expanded to include "sexual orientation, gender and gender identity." Even more impressive is that this support cuts across partisan, ideological and religious lines with a majority of each of those demographic groups supporting the legislation. "This new national poll continues to reiterate how incredibly out-of-touch rightwing organizations are with the will of the American people and underscores the need for the Senate to pass this bill," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "I hope President Bush will look at this poll and realize how unbelievably out-of-line a threatened veto of this critical crime-fighting piece of legislation is with a majority of Americans. President Bush’s threatened veto isn’t even supported by his base. The writing is on the wall and it is past time for President Bush to stop bowing to the pressure ofJames Dobson, Pat Robertson and other right-wing, anti-gay leaders and join the majority of Americans who want to see this bill become law." On May 3, the morning of the House vote on the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1592), the White House put out a "Statement ofAdministration Policy" stating, "IfH.R. 1592 were presented to the president, his senior advisors would recommend that he veto the bill." www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 29 By Joey De She’s known by only one name, has fabulous hair, incredible skin, the carefree spirit of the 80’s, and is mounting a tour to benefit gay rights. Cyndi Lauper, who has spent her career as the quintessential gay icon, is once again showing her fearless dedication to equality with her 15 city nation wide "True Colors" tour, presented by The Logo Network, kicking offJune 8th in Las Vegas. Cyndi and special guests Erasure, Debbie Harry, The Dresden Dolls, The Gossip and The Misshapes will be taking the stage, with emcee Margaret Cho to present five hours of non-stop music benefiting the Human Rights Campaign. Also joining the bill on select dates will be Rufus Wainwright, Rosie O’Donnell, Indigo Girls, THE CLIKS and Jeffree Star. We caught up with Miss Lauper between breaks on her busy rehearsal schedule to find out more about the tour, her views on the gay community and why she still looks so good. STAR: Oh my god, I’m talking to Cyndi Lauper, I can’t believe this. You’re a gay legend. You have been since the beginning of your career. \re’hat do you credit with making you such a gay icon? CL: It’s a natural fit. When I came onto the scene, I guess what the community related to was my overall vibe, not just my music. I was and still am very colorful and animated. I was also a bit left of center in my artistic approach and I think that really resonated. I have always been in tune with gay people, even before I became famous, so I think the relationship was just another extension of Cyndi the person to Cyndi the artist. STAR: You first made your first big mark in the 80’s, a time when musical tastes were totally different. To what do you owe your continued success? www.ozarksstar.com CL: I’ve stayed at it and I’ve strived to continue to grow as an artist. I still love to write, produce and perform and am still inspired by the world around me to create my music. I’m really fortunate to have the platform that I do and I don’t take that for granted. STAR: As a performer and gay rights advocate, ho~v would you say that the world has changed in the time since you began performing, in relation to equality? CL: I think that the visibility of the GLBT community has come further than 20 years ago, but, as we can see by the past few years under this administration, things are going backwards. It outrages me. The further ahead the community has gotten, the more resistance and push back to progress it encounters. We have to keep pushing forward. STAR: Would you care to share a story about a favorite gay companion who inspired you to take on the fight for equality? CL: I wrote the song Boy Blue for my friend Gregory. He passed away from AIDS and his life and death affected and inspired me deeply. He still does. STAR: What was your inspiration behind the "True Colors" tour? CL: I’ve been trying to do the tour for the past five years. It came from my outrage about what is going on in this country and specifically what is going on with the erosion of GLBT civil liberties and rights. It has affected my family, my close friends and my fans. Your civil liberties are my civil liberties. If yours are being taken away or going backwards, so are mine. I’ve been a part of the women’s movement and the civil rights movement for the African American Community. I feel like what is happening in this country with the GLBT community is outrageous, and this tour is a reaction to that, STAR: Why did you select the Human Rights campaign as your benefactor? CL: Their have been some rumblings from the right about it, but that’s the whole point isn’t it? I have the right to do this tour and get the issues out there to be debated and discussed via music. They have the right to criticize, disagree and debate the issues. The more discussion the better as far as I’m concerned. STAR: You have an incredibly impressive line up of guest performers, how did you select them? CL: I’m glad you like the line up. I’ve worked with some of the artists before and I’m excited to be working with some of them for the first time. It’s really great to be sharing the stage with such talented artists. STAR: Will we get to see that fabulous rainbow statue of liberty dress? CL: I actually had that dress custom made for the Gay Games. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve in regards to outfits for the tour...a girl’s gotta have some secrets (haha). You’ll have to come on down to the show for my runway action. STAR: Your gay audience transcends generations and even includes the current generation of youth. What, as an ally, do you think is the biggest challenge facing them and what do you think is their greatest strength? CL: I think the gay youth of today hold great promise. You can look at the way they connect and interact on myspace and other community sites and they know that they are not alone. I also look at PFLAG, GLSEN and the many local youth organizations out there that provide support and outreach. They are vital. Ifa kid can come out and be accepted by his family then he should cherish that, not every kid gets the love and support they need at home. That’s why PFLAG is involved in this tour, if coverage of it can open a difficult discussion then I’m doing my job. This tour is as much for gay engaged family members and friends as it is for GLBT people. for parents of gay youth increases. It starts at home. It’s (the tour) all about opening up the discussions on the home front, the political front and the music and entertainment front, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that this is a great musica! celebration. It’s going to be a kick ass party... STAR: In addition to this tour, you have a new album coming out. Would you care to share a little bit about it? CL: It’s definitely NOT a mellow album. It’s an ass shaker. STAR: Can tour-goers expect to hear their favorite hits, or will there be a lot from the new album? CL: I’m still mulling over what the set list is...so we’ll see...I may sneak in a few new songs. STAR: Most importantly for gay men and drag queens everywhere: You look fabulous, and haven’t aged a bit! Please, tell us your secret. CL: Yoga and keeping up with my son’s energy level. STAR: What can we look for from Cyndi Lauper in the future? CL: I’m wide open. I’m in a great creative space and looking forward to touring and finishing the new CD. Once that’s done, I’m sure I’ll be on the hunt for my next creative endeavor. Right now, it’s all about the True Colors tour. STAR: Miss Lauper, thank you for your time. We wish you the greatest of success with the tour and the album. The True Colors Tour will be visiting Dallas on June 23 and Houston on June 24. For more information or for a complete list of tour dates visit www.truecolorstour.com. CL: I have ahvays admired and respected the work that the HRC has done. They are working on a federal level and a local level for issues that are important to me. STAR: Have you received any back lash or criticism about the tour? www.ozarksstar.com I do want to say that I hope some of the apathy around HIV with the younger generation changes. We’ve made great medical advances and people are living with HW and MDS, but people are still dying. I hope that the kids wil! be responsible if they are having sex and I hope that the education the STAR 33 "Easy does it, Sagittarius!" Mercury is in Cancer, which normally facilitates sweet expressions of genuine affection and swapping old family recipes. But as Mercury clashes with Saturn in Leo, that "affection" may now seem overbearing and critical. Try to be modest and sincere, and offer healthy, low-fat recipes - or chocolate. ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Efforts to show off your home in a good light can be a major source of irritation. Can you just relax, and let your place be comfortable and fun? Your real friends don’t care how it looks, as long as it’s happily lived in. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Do you really need to call your family now? Let it wait until next week. It’s bad enough hearing one of your parents in your own voice. Play that up for satirical effect and you’ll learn something useful, if not entirely pleasant. GEMINI (May 21 - Jun~ 20): Getting caught up on bills may be a hassle, but do what you can now to avoid trouble later. Advice from an older sibling - or a "sister" - can be irritating, but well worth heeding. At least think about it! SAG~TTAR~US (November 22 o December 20): Your eagerness to tweak and provoke is dangerously high, tempting you to much more trouble than you’re ready to risk. New games in the bedroom may require innovative safety awareness. Slow and easy does it, Tiger! CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): If demands (or lack thereof) in the boudoir are dampening your relationship, discussing the issues now could make or break it. How much courage, patience, and love do you have? Be very clear on your issues before taking on your partner’s. AQUARIUS (January 20 o February 18): Your clever innovations at work could irritate your colleagues. At least include them in some discussion before you make any changes. Mollify dissent by keeping your mind and ears open for further improvements. P~SCES (February 19 - March 19): Try to focus those playful urges into some modest, constructive activity. Showing off is too likely to get you into an awful accident. The more annoying you find criticism, the likelier you should heed it! CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Trying to sound authoritative just makes you sound bitchy. Let your words follow the law of supply and demand. The less you say, the more valuable it is. Writing is safer than speaking, but scrutinize e-mails carefully before you send them! LEO (July 23 - August 22): Being cranky and bossy is largely a cover for doubts and worries. To be more truly your sweet, lovable self, take time out to meditate or talk with a confidante about what’s bugging you. An imaginary conversation with Mom will help. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): The future may seem dark and hopeless, and the next few years are challenging, but still you worry too much. You can make the most of it; use your instincts to figure out a way through the dark labyrinth ahead. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Your foresight is especially sharp, but without caution, so is your tongue. Nagging undermines the effectiveness of your prescience. Imagine that everyone is your boss and be careful of what you say. That will heighten your own authority. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Any discussion can turn into an argument much too easily. What are you trying to prove and to whom? If you must assert your authority, keep it cool and simple. Overreacting will undermine others’ confidence in you. 34 the STAR MCC METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 4!7-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! vwvw.ozarksstar.com HIDEAWAY: Male Dancers 10pm Jur~e3,0 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pm. BIG Pride Party: (~LUB !vIAJESTIC: Carla Lee Love Show I0pm THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show 10:30pm HIDEAWAY LOUNGE: Dominique LaRue Show 10:30pm,Dance wtDJ Colt 6-12, Dancers 9:30 MO J~m~ ll BAMBOO LOUNGE: K~araoke 7pro B .... LOUNGE . . , ES Jtme~2 tllvmuu : tree brunch T’ HE C..O..P.A..:.S.tr.ip.-O.ff"Contest 1 2am zpmm.2. CLUB MAJESTIC: Carla Lee Love Show 10pm ~DNESDAYJtme I3 THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show 10:30pm BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 7pro HIDEAWAY LOUNGE: Dance w/DJ THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pm BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 7pro ii~ T DAY June 1~i ~r~E €OVA: Strip-O~Contest 12~m CLUB MAJESTIC: VaCant Sho~ w/Rachaet Eri~s THE COP~ Open Tflent w/Shemoane BAMB00 LOUNGE: ~kaoke 7pro. Somemore 10:30pm THE COPA: 2008 Miss Gay New- FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm comer lOpm HID~WAYLODGE: Bobby P~e Pride Sh~ w/sp&id guest 10~30p~ 15 10:30pro HIDEAWAY LOUNGE: Dance w/DJ Colt 6-12, Danders 9:30 HIDEAWAY LOUNGE: Kris Kobi ~)how 10:30pro, Dance w/DJ Colt 6-12, ancers 9:30 THE COPA: Midnight. !~ Kara0ke 7pm. BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 7pm. THE COPA: Strip-Off Contest Midnight. ~: Ka~a~ke 7pro B~MB~0 i~ouNGE: Karaoke 7pro THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pro FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm HIDEAWAY: Bobby Page OpenTalent Show 10:30pro ~28 CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show w/ Rachad Erikks THE THE COPA: Open Talent w!Shemoane Somemore 10: S0memore 10:30pm FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament !0pro FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro LEDO: Kari-Okie host. Pancho 9pro LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pm LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pro FINISHLINE: Dart Tot~nament 10pm THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm HIDEA\VAY: Male Dancers 10pm THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm HIDEAWAY: Male Dancers 10pro THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast BUffet lam-3:30am HIDEAWAY: Male Dancers 10prn THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm GUSHERS: Late Night BreakaCast Buffet lam-3:30am HIDEAWAY: Male Dancers 10pm After Dark is a flee service to our advertisers and is the responsibility of the advertiser to inform the STAR in writing of updates, additions or discontinued events, qlae STAR is not responsible for accuracy, t~lO {~TAIR 3~ "MONEY, IF I WANT TO WATCH SOME MIDDLE-AGED WOrN WITH A BAD DY~ JOB, TOO MUCH MAKEUP1 AND DISCO-WEAR ?~KE A FOOL OF Z~LL JUST ~O CLUB-HOPPIN~ "I ~URE DO! ~UT I NAVE TO WARN YOU, IF YOU ~ ~ ~0 H~T ~T OFF, THIS WILL DEFINITELY BE PRESENTS LARGER-THAN-LIFE ~ A LONG DISTANCE DRAG SUPERSTAR ~ RELATIONSHIP... ~ ~ ~A ~EE, HE L~ IN ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT I/V~PORTANTGAY TOPICS TODAY... bitter gid email: bittergid@qsyndicate.com www,joanhilty.net 36 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Arkansas, BentonvillelRogers (479) NWA GLBT Ctr .... ~twv.nwaglbtcc.org- .888-391-9222 Barnes & Noble Bks - - 261 N. 46th St., Rogers- - - -479-636-2002 Arkansas, Eureka Springs (479) Diversity Pride Events .............. ~w.diversitypride.com A Byrd’s Eye View..... 36 N. Main. 479-253-0200 Caribe Restaurante.... 309 W VanBuren....... 479-253-8102 Heart of the Hills Inn .....5 Summit St......... 479-253-7468 Henri’s ....... 19 1/2 Spring St-- -479-253-5795 Lumberyard Bar&Grill- - - 105 E VanBuren....... 479-253-0400 MCC Living Spring - 17 Elk Street- Service 6PM- - -479-253-9337 Swiss Holiday Resort- Hwy 62 at Hwy 23 So.- .... 888-582-8464 Spexton........ 17B Spring Street .......... 479-981-6060 Tiki Torch. 75 S. Main Street. - -479-253-2305 Tradewinds Lodge- 141 W. VanBuren.......... 800-242-1615 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Common Ground Restaurant- - - 412 W. Dixon - - - 479-442-3515 Condom Sense 418 W. Dickson...... -479-444-6228 Curry’s Video - - - 612 N. College Ave.......... -479-521-0009 Flames Bar - - - 40 E. Center- ............... 479-251-1922 Passages ......930 N. College Ave-- -479-442-5845 Tangerine Club - -21 N. Block Ave.... 479-587-9512 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads.......1004 1/2 Garrison Ave........ 479-783-9988 Klub XLR8 ......1022 Dodson Ave- - 479-782-9578 Red Rock City - - - 917 N. "A" St.- ............. 479-242-2489 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Jesters Lounge ..... 1010 E. Grand Ave 501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street ....1021 Jessie Rd.............. 501-664-2744 Diamond State Rodeo Assoc. www.dsra.org Discovery..... 1021 Jessie Rd...............501-666-6900 Sidetracks--- 415 Main St--North L.R.- ........ 501-244-0444 The Factory ...... 412 Louisiana St.- ......... 501-372-3070 Club U.B.U. - ..... 824 W Capitol Ave......... 501-375-8580 Kansas, Junction City (785) Xcalibur Club...... 384 Grant Ave. 785-762-2050 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway.......... .....620-231-0938 River of Life Church.-- 1709 N. Walnut- -Service 11AM Kansas, Wichita (316) Our Fantasy/South40..... 3201 S. Hillside......316-682-5494 Priscilla’s..... 6!43 W Kellogg Dr- -316-942-1244 Club Glacier......... 2828 E. 31st South......316-612-9331 Missouri, Ava (417) Catus Canyon Campground - - - .............. 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ- - -2902 E 20th, - ......Sat Service-9:30AM Joplin Gay/Lesbian Cntr- PO Box 4383, zip 64803--417-622-7821 Missouri, Kansas City (8t6) 40th Street Inn....www.40thstreetinn.com.......816-561-7575 Concourse Park B&B - - 300 Benton Bird ........ 816-231-1196 Hydes KC Gym & Guest Hs - www.hydeskc.com - - 816-561-1010 Missie B’s....805 W. 39th St- -816-561-0625 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge..... 424 Boonville Ave - 417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- - -518 E. Commerical- 417-869-3978 JR’s Nightclub.... 504 E. Commerical- 417-831-9001 Martha’s Vineyard- - - 219 W Olive ........... -417-864-4572 Ronisuz Place....821 College............... 417-864-0036 Oklahoma, Enid (580) Hastings Books....104 Sunset 580-242-6838 Priscilla’s........ -4810-A West Garriott- ...... 580-233-5511 Oklahoma, Lav~on (580) Ingrids Bookstore...... 1124 NW Cache Rd......580-353-1488 Oklahoma, l~,~cA~ester (918) McPride........... POBox 1515, - .... McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) American Crossroads B&B - POBox 270642...... 405-495-1111 Blue Dog Liquor- ..... -4015 N. Penn ......... 405-606-7000 Boom Room........ 2807 NW 36th St........ Border’s Books...... 3209 NW Expressway- -- CD Warehouse...... 4001 N. Penn Club Rox........3535 NW 39th Expwy......... Christie’s Toy Box.....3126 N. May Ave ...... Church of Open Arms......3131 N. Penn.... Copa.............2200 NW 39th Exp....... Eastern Ave Video- - -1105 S Eastern Ave....... Finishline ....... 2200 NW 39th Expwy....... Gushers Restaurant.....2200 NW 39Exp ...... Habana Inn ........2200 NW 39th Exp....... Herland Sisters Resources.... 2312 NW 39th St- -405-521-9696 Hollywood Hotel.... 3535 NW 39th Exp Hi-Lo Club ....... 1221 NW 50th Jungle Reds .......2200 NW Expwy- Ledo -2200 NW Expwy....... Naughty But Nice .... 3121 SW 29th St ........ Partners- 2805 NW 36th St Pec’s 3535 NW 39th Expw ....... Priscilla’s 615 E. Memorial........ Red Rock North- - - 2240 NW39th St Rudy’s Place......3535 NW39th Expw....... Phoenix Rising .... 2120 NW 39th St- The Park. 2125 NW 39th St The Patio........ 3201 N. May Ave Topanga Grill & Bar- - - 3535 NW 39th Tramps- .2201 NW 39th-- Ziggy’s- -- 4005 N. Penn- --405-601-7200 --405-848-2667 405-525-7766 405-947-2351 -405-946-4438 --405-525-9555 -405-525-0730 -405-6726459 --405-525-0730 405-525-0730 405-528-2221 405-947-2351 405-843-1722 405-524-5733 --405-525-0730 405-681-5044 -405-942-2199 -405-947-2351 ---405-755-8600 405-525-5165 --405-947-2351 405-601-37tl 405-528-4690 405-917-1663 -405-947-2351 405-521-9888 -405-521-9999 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge....7204 E. Pine Border’s Book Store- - - 2740 E. 21st- Border’s Book Store - - - 8015 S. Yale Circle Cinema...... 10 S. Lewis- Club 209 ....... 209 N. Boulder - Club Majestic........ 124 N. Boston -918-836-8700 918-712-9955 918-494-2665 918-592-3456 918-584-9944 918-584-9494 Club Maverick..... 822 S. Sheridan ..........918-835-3301 Cosmo Dell & Bar - - 6746 S. Memorial .........918-459-0497 Dreamland Bks .... 8807 E. Admiral PI -918-834-1051 Equality Center ..... 621 E. 4th Street- 918-743-4297 Hideaway Cocktail Lounge--- 11730 E. 11th......918-437-0449 HOPE Clinic....... 3540 E. 31st 918-749-8378 Midtown.......... 319 E. 3rd.............. 918-584-3112 Openarms Youth Projt - - - 2015 S. Lakewood.....918-838-7104 Our House, Too - - - -203 N Nogales Ave..........918-585-9552 Priscilla’s -7925 E. 41st- .918-627-4884 Priscilla’s 5634 W. Skelly - - 918-446-6336 Priscilla’s 11344 E. 11th -918-438-4224 Priscilla’s 2333 E. 71st- .918-499-1661 Renegades. 1649 S. Main ........... 918-585-3405 Rob’s Records---2909 S, Sheridan Rd- 918-627-1505 Sappho’s........ 6373-C E 31st St 918-836-0299 Tulsa CARES.... 3507 E. Admiral PI- 918-834-4194 Tulsa Central Library ...... 400 Civic Center- - - - 918-596-7977 Tulsa Eagle.....1338 E. 3rd -9!8-592-1188 TNT’s 2114 S. Memorial. 918-660-0856 Yellow-Brick-Rd....... 2630 E. 15th.......... 918-293-0304 HELP WANTED N~V ~kansas GLBT Communi~ Center "Linking Together as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 WWW.NWAGLBTCC.ORG Hair Stylist Nail Tecs BOOTH RENTAL AVAILABLE full service salon in Wagoner,OK 9t8-625-6377 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ADVERTISINB SALES REPRESENTATIVE FI3R 13KLAHrlMA~ KANSAS MISSEIURI EIR ARKANSAS qualifications to ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 38 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Advertisement * ZOO AMPHITHEATRE Oklahoma OK ULSA O0 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2007] The Star Magazine, June 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 6 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 01, 2007 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Victor Gorin Greg Steele Jeanne Flanigan Paul Wortman James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Greg Gatewood Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Devre Jackson Michael Leach Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online test Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) 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, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/210 The Star Magazine, July 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 7 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/207 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/208 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2ecfe27e3b12a46ac23e546dd3d695a3.jpg e31c8ee637ff9c4c0434722b76b424e1 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/980b4bf4c6f61ea9460b03d7d04ed456.pdf 911a580c27831471af397710af23436a 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 2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Let us promote your business in a UNIQUE & D~VERSE market. Ca~ STAR AIDVERT~S~NG today. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 Arkansas’s 1st. Film highlights how the two gay men met in the military, how they confronted the troops in their unit and how they struggle today as an unmarried couple in their eighties. I really haven’t changed, I’m still a vegetarian and a lesbian. What has changed is that people know everything about me so it’s not controversial anymore. q-he 2006-2007 Broadway Season came to a close ~vith an Abba-solute hit when Celebrity Attractions presented the award-winning musical "Mamma Mia!" While the polite pickets of the mid- !960s may appear tame to contemporary activists, it took considerable courage for GLBT people to demand their rights at a time ~vhen homosexual conduct was illegal and gays were considered mentally ill. A general characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc is its distinctive, penetrating aroma, which can evoke scents of grapefruit, lime, green melon, gooseberry, passion fruit, freshly mown grass, and bell pepper. Gay Travelers: Las Vegas, Nevada Out of Town: Martha’s Vineyard Dining In or OUT L~$E~I],~N NOTI;O~$ Lesbian Notions, looks at the nomination of Dr. James W. Holsinger to be the U.S. Surgeon General. Pictorial review of Pride month in Oklahoma. ON THE COVER: k. d. Lmag STAR DISTRIBUTION: OKLAHOMA CITY * TULSA* LAWTON * MCALESTER * ENID * LITTLE ROCK * NORTH LITTLE RODK * FAYETTEVILLE * FT SMITH * EUREKA SPRINGS * HOT SPRINGS * BENTONVILLE * ROGERS * KANSAS CITY * SPRINGFIELD * JOPLIN * BRANSON AREA* WICHITA * PITTSBURG * JUNCTION CITY 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Jim Roth-A Pioneer for Ok ahomds Centennial by James Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK___Oklahoma celebrates its centennial this year and one would think that with 93% of the state’s history having occurred in the 20th Century there wouldn’t be much in the way of frontier left to discover in the 21 st. However, Oklahoma is full of surprises both on the regressive and progressive sides of the historical coin. Here’s one of those progressive surprises. In mid-May Governor Brad Henry appointed Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth to fill a vacancy on the state’s Corporation Commission. This is a very important position in Oklahoma for both the citizens and the corporations doing business in the state such as utilities, oil and gas companies, and transportation. Mr. Roth is a remarkable man with a razor sharp mind, an affable personality, and a happy home-life with his partner of seven years, Worth Ross. Just how remarkable is Mr. Roth’s appointment? It was made by a very conservative Democratic governor. It remains to be seen how the rural voters in Oklahoma will view an openly gay man running for state-wide office. www.0zarksstar.c0m Mr. Roth often says that his family goes beyond the biological and that officeholders should be held accountable by the voters for how well the job is done, not by who they love. Ttxe voters who elected Mr. Roth to his first term as county commissioner re-hired him with a 65% majority for a second term. The 2008 election will be important for Mr. Roth as he will be required to run a statewide campaign for election to complete the remaining two-year term and, again in 2010 for a full six-year term. Mr Roth and his campaign workers will need to be full of the pioneering spirit of the Sooners as they get the rest of Oklahoma acquainted with the future--a future where, to paraphrase Dr. M.L.King, office holders are judged on the quality of their character coupled with their job effectiveness, and not who they love. The flat earth view of many in Oklahoma will be made all the rounder with Mr. Roth in office. Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HtV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. V~/e provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV÷ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves, We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 91 8~585-9552 or e-mail harrismmjr@yahoo.com. OkJa omans for Equal Icon Honored oki~hom~ns for equality TULSA, OK___Print Magazine, one of America’s most prestigious publications in visual culture and design, has chosen the OkEq logo for its A+C=D Business Graphics Review to be featured in the September/ October issue. Every year Print sponsors five high-profile design competitions. The newest and fastest growing competition, A+C=D, brings together the full range of work done for corporate clients around the world--from print ads, corporate identities, and flyers to animated short films, websites, and interactive games. Print chose winners from selections submitted by firms worldwide. T. MOSS, Inc., a Tulsa-based graphic design firm, produced the award-winning icon as part of a branding campaign begun in June 2006. T.MOSS provides a full range of creative services, from strategic planning to print production and Web programming. With over 30 years in the business, the firm has met many design challenges. The development of the Ok~q identity provided its own set of considerations. "OkEq is a robust, purposeful organization that prides itself in its mission of inclusiveness, community outreach and human rights advocacy. We wanted to create a contemporary, upbeat visual image for OkEq that exemplifies their spirit and dedication," said Toni Moss who designed the logo. Oklahomans for Equality seel~ equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Community Center. the STAR 5 6 the STAR Diversity Business Association of Tulsa Faces o£Ok ahoma Pride 2007 With two great metropolitan cities, Diversity Pride is strong in this Bible Belt State of Oklahoma. We have elected officials who are openly gay and glbt supportive. There are equal rights organizations both in Oklahoma City and Tulsa fighting for our future. Two Gay Rodeo Associations, numerous gay and glbt welcoming churches, entertainment venues, clubs, hotels and, two Diversity Business Associations, DBA Tulsa and DBA Metro. We have Oklahoma based Gay/Lesbian owned print and internet news publications supported by you and the business community. Most important is that we have an opportunity to grow stronger as a united group of Oklahoman’s with a huge glbt community separated by only 100 miles of turnpike. Yes, GLBT Pride is alive and ~vell in Oklahoma and we did celebrate. Check out our Faces of Oklahoma Pride on page 25. Sincerely, Charles (Chaz) Ward Publisher/Editor in Chief ARE WE FABULOUS ORWHAT By Victor Gorin From Memorial Day weekend through the month ofJune, GLBT Oklahomans gathered to share their pride in ways that nobody could have dreamed of less than 30 years ago. As we celebrate our state’s centennial keep in mind that all of us, from cowboy to fluff, from leatherman to drag queen, from lipstick lesbian to diesel divas, from disco boy to businessman, helped play a part of it and will shape our future. Let’s all look forward to it. GREAT PLAINS REGIONAL RODEO This annual event was held again at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, bringing cowboys and cowgirls nationwide. Featuring standard rodeo events as well as the hilarity of"goatdressing," it proved again to be a major success for those who love the western lifestyle. TULSA GAY PRIDE FESTIVITIES Tulsa celebrated their Gay Pride Parade June 9. Beginning at 15th & Utica, it concluded at Veteran’s Park where celebrants enjoyed Tulsa’s 25th LGBT Pride Festival. Although not forgotten by the protesters (with a banner reminding us to remember Sodom and Gommarha) (sic) the Parade came to a fabulous finale. The Festival featured maW ofTulsa’s finest entertainers, with diversions ranging from a Family Fun Zone to a beer garden, offering something for everyone. An estimated 17,000 people from all walks of life were in attendance. That night the Pride continued with the annual Oklahomans for Equality Diversity Gala, held in the Grand Ballroom of the Doubletree Warren Place. This year their Russell G. Bennett Award for Spiritual Inclusion went to the Reverend Leslie Penrose of Community of Hope UCC of Tulsa. Their Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dennis R. Neill, for whom the Tulsa gay community center is named, following a video depicting his life of service on behalf of GLBT Oklahomans. OKLAHOMA CITY GAY PRIDE FESTIVAL Oklahoma City celebrated the 20th Anniversary of their Gay Pride Parade, with their theme coinciding with the Oklahoma Centennial. For the first time the Festival and Parade were separate events, the Festival held in Memorial Park June 16-17 for ~wo days, featuring live entertainment as well as numerous vendors & exhibitors, with the Parade scheduled for June 24. The event was supported by a proclamation by State Senator Andrew Rice & State Representative A1 McAffrey, with Bob Lemon receiving the Irene Tyson Award from the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus for his generous philanthropy and service to the GLBT community of Oklahoma. www.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 OKLAHOMAN CAPTU S THE TITLE OF MR GAY ALL AMERICAN By Victor Gorin 8 the STAR O~AHOMA CITY, OKOklahomanTaz Bailey placed first at the National Mr. Gay M1Mnerican Contest held at the Copa in Oklahoma City May 19. Based on a competition that incorporated talent, modeling & interview, he captured the title followed by Sebastian Armonte of Pittsburgh (1 st alternate) and Dean Taylor of St. Louis (2nd alternate). Hosted by former Miss Gay America Rachael Erikks and Mr. Gay All American 2006 Lucas Flander, the event gave the spectators good eye candy as wet! as inspiration. Mr. Bailey will now promote the Mr. Gay All American Contest as a positive gay role model throughout the county. Recognized by Keller Williams For outstandiilg achievement 2005 and 2006 RIgA LTY Chuck Breckenridge 918-706-1887 REALTOR~ ~47hether buying or selling I’ll work hard~bryo~ www.ozarksstar.corr (Top) Jack Reavley (L) and Bob Claunch in 1953 ~he weekend-long festival will exhibit more than a dozen films including some of the best releases this ),ear in the genre of gay cinema. For more information about the event contact Amos Lassen: 501-372-3403(h) 870-550-6298(c) PREMIERE DATE: Saturday June 23 TIME: 8:00 pm LOCATION: Easy Street Piano Bar - 307 W. 7th Street, Little Rock, AR 72201 Phone: 501-372-3530 TICKETS: Tickets $5, $10 available at the door For more information, photographs and trailer visit: www.bobandjack. org DOCUMENTARY ABOUT HALFCENTURY ROMANCE BETWEEN TWO MEN OPENS the 1ST ANNUAL ARY kNSAS GAY AND LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL. 7hisf!lm highlights how the two gay men met in the rnilitat3,, how they conj~onted the troops in their unit and how they struggle today as an unmarried couple in their eighties. LITTLE ROCK, AR__ In 1952 an Army sergeant was cornered and courted by his commanding officer. Their romance grew so obvious that rumors became anonymous tips to headquarters. They avoided court-martial by confronting their entire unit. That pivotal moment cemented Bob and Jack together for the rest of their lives. 52-years later they share how they remained a couple, how one man left his wife and children, how together they moved to a small town and became a fixture in the community, and today how they survive in their eighties without the benefits of marriage. Now Bob and Jack’s 52-Year Adventure, an award winning documentary about their relationship, will premiere Saturday June 23rd, 8 PM at the Easy Street Piano Bar as the opening night film of Reel Attractions, The Arkansas GLBTQ Film Festival. A discussion with director Stu Maddux follows. "We feel extremely honored to premiere at this festival," says Bob Claunch, now 81, from their home in Los Angeles, CA. "With everything going across the country with "dofft ask don’t tell" and with gay marriage, we hope people are encouraged by our story. We didn’t have it easy but we didn’t give up." "That’s one of the reasons we think that the film is a good message for young people too", says partner Jack Reavley, 83. "They need to know that they can have successful relationships. The skeptics are just waiting for us to fail when we try to have lifelong love. Well we didn’t, and we’re here to tell you that you won’t either’." 10 the STAR Eureka Sprin.qs Domestic Partnership R gistry Begins After two petition attempts Reverend Philip Wilson, pastor of Eureka Springs" First Christian Churchfailed to stop registration of same sex couples. Domestic Partnership Regist*7 began Friday, June 22, 2007 at 9:30AM. By Michael Walsh EUREKA SPRINGS, AR~ Blockage of the state’s first Domestic Partnership Registry scheduled to take effect June 22 left Advocates more determined than ever to see the measure implemented. The ordinance creating the registry was unanimously approved May 14 by the Eureka Springs City Council, after two months of&liberation and dtizen input. However anti-gay minister Philip \Vgilson halted the effective date late last week by submitting to the city clerk a petition of 147 signatures from opponents, three more than the minimum required to force a referendum on the issue August 14. Though disappointed by the delay, proponents are confident a majority of the resort town’s voters would ratify the measure. Broadbased support from hundreds of residents, toUrists, church groups and dozens of local businesses, suggest the effort to circumvent the city Council’s approval would fail at the polls. Unless the referendum can be tied to a pending sewer bond election, Wilson’s maneuver could cost the city already cash strapped between $6,000 and $9,000, the price tag for g Special election. Until then, the city wil! also be deprived of revenue $35 per couple from tourists and residents wishing to register. Hotel, restaurant, nightclub and gift shops will see no profit from Arkansas and out-of-state tourists who were holding off on vacation plans until the domestic partnership registry is in effect. Ironically, Wilson has asserted the Domestic Partnership Registry available to same-sex and opposite-sex couples would negatively impact the town’s economy, transforming it into a "Homosexual mecca" incompatible with such "faith-based" tourist attractions such as the Great Passion Play. .........................Continued next page. www.ozarksstar.com EUREY& SPRINGS REGISTRY Interestingly, almost 50 of the city’s businesses, about 25 percent, are gay owned and have existed in harmony with the Great Passion Play for years, even encouraging their customers to attend the staged production that depicts the life and death ofJesus Christ. Executives of the religious attraction, however, decline to return the favor, suggesting visitors avoid downto~vn Eureka Springs where they might see same-sex couples holding hands during any one of the city’s three annual "Diversity Weekends." Civil rights watchdog groups, such as the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and the ACLU have been monitoring events in Eureka Springs since April 9 when the Domestic Partnership ordinance first appeared on the city council’s agenda. So has the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association. One member of the association has said he will lobby to have the group’s annual meeting in Eureka Springs moved to another city if the Domestic Partnership Registry is not enacted. Big business also has been waiting to see the fate of the Registry. AT&T alerted thousands of its employees last week that domestic partnership certificates would be available in Eureka Springs. The city clerk of Eureka Springs Mary Jean Sell rejected a first and second attempt to bring a domestic registry to a public vote. The petitions missed specific wording needed to bring the issue to a special election. Domestic Partnership Registry began Friday, June 22, at 9:30 AiM. Applicants must appear in person with proof of age and the $35 registration fee in cash. Application forms are available online at (wwvv.cityofeurekasprings.org/DPRterm.html). Certificates of Registry will not be mailed to applicants. 2008 Great Plains Rodeo Poster Contest OKLAHOMA CITY, OK The Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association has just announced their 2008 Great Plains Rodeo Poster Contest. The contest is open to anyone and everyone. Entries must be received by OGRA no later than July 31, 2007. OGRA sponsors the annual Great Plains Rodeo on Memorial Weekend. This event has been taking place since 1985. The 2008 edition of the Great Plains Rodeo will be the 23rd Annual. OGRA is proud to present this event each year as one of their largest fundraisers. As a major part of the rodeo they sponsor a poster contest with the winning design used for the rodeo poster, t-shirts and other publications. All submissions have to be original works. THE WINNING DESIGN WILL RECEIVE $175.00 IN PRIZE MONEY AND BECOME THE SOLE PROPERTY OF OGRA, INC. The other entries will be returned to the contestant upon request. All entries should be submitted to OGRA Inc., EO. Box 12485, Oklahoma City, OK 73157. Please include a brief bio of yourself i£you wish. The entries will be judged by the OGRA Board of Directors with finalists being selected. Those finalists then will be put on display as a part of a voting competition. The OGRA Membership table will be setup inside the Habana Inn hallway, between the Finishline and Copa, the third weekend in August where the poster finalists will be put on display. For further information email info@ogra.net or ~ontact any OGRA Board Member. HOLLYWOOD HOTEL & SUITES COMPLEX-FUTURE UNCERTAIN By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__When the Hollywood Hotel and Suites opened in 2006, owned by John Lewis & Warren Burdick, there were high hopes of a grand complex that would not only serve Oklahoma City but also be a gay tourist attraction. In its heyday it boasted the Topanga a full service restaurant and bar, the dance bar Club Rox, and a leather club called Pecs. According to Oklahoma County records John Lewis purchased the hotel, originally constructed in 1971, in January of 2006 for $1.2 million under the name LB Financial Group Inc. As of this writing both clubs and the restaurant are closed, and no other information is available except that the front desk personnel stated that it was due to renovations. We have heard conflicting reports as to how long the hotel will continue operating. Responding to an inquiry by the Star at 11:20 a.m. June 20, the front desk person stated that there were no definite plans of a date to cease operations. ~le STAR attempted to contact the owners of the hotel for more details, but no one has returned our calls. www.ozarksstar,com the STAR 11 Wha were some GLBT protests The Stonewall riots ofJune 1969 are often cited as the start of the gay liberation movement, but several GLBT protests occurred during the preceding ),ears. These early actions included both organized demonstrations and spontaneous bursts of outrage at specific injustices. Perhaps the first unplanned protest occurred in May 1959 at Cooper’s Donuts, an allnight hangout in downtown Los Angeles frequented by hustlers and drag queens. According to author John Rechy, who was present, police harassed and tried to arrest a few of the patrons, prompting others to throw food and tableware; the officers retreated to their car and summoned reinforcements, who closed the street and arrested several rioters. A similar event occurred in August 1966 at Compton’s Cafeteria in San Francisco. After a police officer tried to grab a young queen, some 50 customers hurled dishware and overturned tables, while outside a police car was destroyed and a newsstand was set on fire. ire Stonewall? activists demonstrated against the military ban outside the Whitehall Induction Center in New York CitT; the picketers included members of the Sexual Freedom League, some ofwhom were heterosexual. In early 1965, Craig Rodwell (who would later open the Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop, the first gay bookstore in the United States) and others demonstrated outside United Nations headquarters to protest ill treatment of gays in Cuba. While the polite pickets of the mid-1960s may appear tame to contemporary activists, it took considerable courage for GLBT people to demand their rights at a time when homosexual conduct was illegal and gays were considered mentally ill. Police harassment of gay bars in Los Angeles also spurred early protests. Soon after midnight on New Year’s Eve in 1967, police raided the Black Cat bar on Sunset Boulevard, beating patrons and bartenders and arresting several people for lewd conduct. Protests erupted outside the bar that night and continued for several days. A year later, police raided the Patch, another gay bar in the same city. After owner Lee Glaze shouted, "It’s not against the law to be homosexual," the patrons marched to the nearby Harbor Division police station and pelted the building with flowers. The first organized GLBT demonstrations took place in the mid-1960s to protest antigay discrimination in federal employment and the military. Typically, these actions were small and polite, featuring men in suits and women in dresses walking in circles holding signs. In 1964, about a dozen In the spring and summer of 1965, activists with the East Coast Homophile Organizations - cofounded by Frank Kameny, who had himself been fired from a government job - picketed the White House, the Pentagon, the State Department, and the Civil Service Commission in Washington, D.C. That summer, 40 activists staged the first of four ’~mnual Reminders" at Independence Hall in Philadelphia (home of the Liberty Bell) on July 4. The demonstration was organized by members of the Mattachine Society, the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB), and Philadelphia’s Janus Society; among the participants were several individuals who became well-known figures in the GLBT movement, including Barbara Gittings (an editor of DOB’s magazine, The Ladder) and Kiyoshi Kuromiya (later a prominent AIDS activist). ~lhe ?mnual Reminders ended after 1969 and were supplanted by yearly Gay Pride celebrations. "\Ve cracked the cocoon of invisibility," Gittings later recalled. "We had finally stepped forxvard and said to the public, ’I’m not going to live in a closet anymore."’ Added fetloxv participant Lilti Vincenz, "We exploded the myth that real homosexuals could [not] possibly look happy and proud and dignified and visible." In early 1966, the North American Conference of Homophile Organizations met in Kansas City and called for demonstrations on Armed Forces Day to protest the military ban. On May 21, actions took place in several cities, including a motorcade in Los Angeles with Mattachine Society founder Harry Hay. Homophile activists also took on the psychiatric establishment, protesting at professional conferences beginning in 1968. Public pickets initially proved controversial, as some members of the GLBT community preferred not to call attention to themselves. By the late 1960s, however, the country was in the grip of an era of militant protest by groups espousing diverse causes. One of the first actions of what would become known as the gay liberation (as opposed to the earlier homophile) movement was a March 1968 "gay-in" in Griffith Park in Los Angeles. In the same ci9; activists also began picketing Bamey’s Beanery, a diner that posted a sign reading "Fagots Stay Out" [sic]. In San Francisco in the spring of 1969, young queer militants demonstrated outside the offices of States Steamship Line for ,veeks to protest the firing of gay activist Gale Whittington. Tixe Stonewall riots garnered much more media attention than previous demonstrations and sparked intensified gay organizing across the country. Since that time, GLBT protests have been a mainstay of the movement’s strategy, waxing and waning in cycles that reflect the overall national political and social climate. While the polite pickets of the mid-1960s may appear tame to contemporary activists, it took considerable courage for GLBT people to demand their rights at a time when homosexual conduct was illegal and gays were considered mentally ill. "Visibility has always been the keystone of our struggle for civil rights," Gittings said in the 2004 documentary Gay Pioneers. "We are pushing for equality through visibility. Today, we have visibility - oh, do we have visibility!" 14 the STAR ww,qozarksstar.com ~rna Mial Tour - Pictured Se~n ,~Jl~n Joan Marcus Wha a W dding! 200Z B~vacl~ay Season Ends with a Special Bonus By Joey De The 2006-2007 Broadway Season came to a close with an Abba-solute hit when Celebrity Attractions presented the awardwinning musical "Mamma Mia!" to Tulsa audiences May 8-13. Featuring the music of the sensational seventies group Abba, "Mamma Mia!" is the sho~v that not only brought their music to a new generation, but also birthed an entirely new genre on Broadway. Following the show’s nearly sold out run, there is no question why. Using over twenty of the European group’s greatest hits, "Mamma Mia!" tells Mamma Mia! Tour - P~ctur~cl Corey Greenan & Company Photo: 200~, Joan Marcua the story of young Sophie and her dream to find her father. Sophie’s mother, Donna, had a wild streak in the seventies and has never spoken much about her mate, leaving the young girl to invite three potential paternals to their quaint Greek island getaway just in time for her wedding. Brilliantly reflecting issues relevant to the Abba-generations such as fleeing fathers, self worth and the quest for true happiness, the show deals a heavy hand of social commentary wrapped in a comfortable blanket of feel-good comedy. In fact, the book brilliantly written by Catherine Johnson infuses the show with such a high dose of innocence and fun that its life lessons are delivered in witty one-liners. Amplifying the show’s feel good fun is the hit music that everybody knows. From "Dancing Queen," to "Take a Chance on Me," singing along with the young and enthusiastic cast becomes contagious. Perhaps though, the show’s greatest musical milestone is intertwining music that has been around for thirty years with an original story so seamlessly that you would swear they were written for each other. At the heart, "Mamma Mia!" is a fun, frolicking musical. It doesn’t pretend to be anything more than it is and it doesn’t fail to deliver. With its glitz, glam and spandex, it is a show that can make the most manically depressed smile. Following on the heels of"Mamma Mia!" is another show guaranteed to tickle your funny bone, or hit you over the head with a herring. As a bonus to the season, Celebrity Attractions will be presenting the smash hit musical "Monty Pythons Spamalot," the show that lovingly rips off the cult-classic film. "Spamalot," written by former Pythonite by Eric Idle, is based on the screenplay of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," written by the original Monty Python troupe of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Idle. Epic in nature, "Spamalot," is tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and their quest for the Holy Grail. It features a chorus line of dancing divas and knights, taunting Frenchmen, killer rabbits and one legless knight. Award-winning and side splitting, "Spamalot" will be in Tulsa Jul. 10-15. Tickets are on sale now at ~wcw.myticketoNce.com. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 15 "Roasted Sweet Red Pepper & Potato Soup" To make the soup more colorful, use a combination of red, yellow and orange bel! peppers. And if you want to dress it up a little more, you can garnish it with pesto, croutons or minced fresh herbs. For a chowder like consistency, do not puree the soup but be sure to cut the peppers, onion and potatoes into neat uniform dice. Ingredients: 4 - 5 large red bell peppers 1 large or 2 medium yellow onions, diced 1 - 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons olive oil 6 cups Chicken Stock 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 1/4 - 1/2 cup heavy cream 3 tablespoons chopped basil Kosher or sea salt Freshly ground pepper Procedure: Roast, peel, seed and dice the bell peppers. Heat the oil in a large pot and saute the onion and garlic over medium heat until translucent. Add the bel! peppers and stock and cook for 10 minutes. Add the potatoes and cook until tender. Puree the soup and strain it into a clean pot. Add the cream, basil, salt and pepper. Stir and bring just to a boil. Be VERY CAREFUL to heat the soup gently and take extra care NOT to boil it. Serv’es 8 to 10 people. More on FOG CITY DINER, San Francisco, California see page I9. we are in San ] www.ozarksstar.com O,,e ofthe most sce.,ic views on Martha’s Vineyard is Aquinnah Lighthouse, which isperched big,:, , bo ,e the is/a.o:’s ,,,,de beach, a’hoto 6,.a,d ew JULY 2007 By Andrew Collins Since Provincetown bursts at the seams all summer long with excitement and socializing, quite a few lesbians and gay men across New England have begun heading to a quieter but no less charming and remote seaside getaway, Martha’s Vineyard. Over the past several years, especially since Massachusetts legalized gay marriage, the island has seen a gradual but discernible growth in gay and lesbian visitation. One key to enjoying this sparkling emerald island off the southern coast of Cape Cod (it’s accessible by only ferry or plane) is to arrive with a lover rather than hoping to find one upon arrival. Of course, Martha’s Vineyard - along with its neighbor to the east, Nantucket - has long been a highly desirable destination. Families have been building the nmv-ubiquitous weathered-shingle cape-style houses here for more than three centuries, dating to the island’s origins as a sleepy fishing settlement. Yachting and hobnobbing among the rich and famous became official pastimes during the early part of this century. Glitterati such as Carly Simon, James Taylor, Spike Lee, Sharon Stone, Meg Ryan, Denzel Washington, Ted Danson, and Mary Steen bergen regularly spend time here. Members of the Kennedy clan have been sailing over for years, and political pundits will always associate Martha’s Vineyard with the Chappaquiddick scandal that ultimately cost Ted Kennedy the U.S. presidency. Come for a visit, however, and you’ll hear little talk of celebrity-spotting and rumormongering. Famous or unknown, gay or straight, folks come to Martha’s Vineyard to get away from the vagaries and pressures of life on the mainland. Here you’!l discover historic inns, some of the finest restaurants in coastal New England, and a handful of enchanting villages, each with its own pace and personality. The town of Vineyard Haven is an ideal base. This walkable village has a few gayfriendly inns, some hip restaurants and boutiques, and an enviable sheltered location overlooking Vineyard Haven Harbor. The other communities on the island are within a half-hour drive (or an afternoon’s bike ride - Martha’s Vineyard is ideal for cyclists, and there are rental shops near each of the ferry terminals). If you wish to stay right in Vineyard Haven, book a room at the breezy Crocker House Inn, a 1920s beach house owned by young and friendly innkeepers Jeff and Jynd! Kristal. Rooms are casually smart, with white-wicker furnishings, and some have fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. \Vithin a 10-minute stroll of these inns are several fine shops, a quirky old movie theater, and a few nice eateries. A favorite is Cafe Moxie, which presents an intriguing range of relatively affordable rood-American dishes. If you’re in the mood for a lobster roll, drop by the Net Result, a simple fish market a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal serving some of the freshest seafood around. Oak Bluffs and Edgartown are the two other major settlements on the island (they are also the only towns ~vith liquor licenses; restaurants elsewhere on the island are BYOB, although it’s expected that by 2008, Vineyard Haven will obtain a license that permits the sale of liquor at restaurants). Oak Bluffs has been more heavily developed than other towns on the island, with a bounty of lively bars and rollicking amusements popular with college students and teenagers. It’s a fun town for window-shopping, picking up an ice cream cone at a local parlor, and eating - there are plenty of terrific restaurants in Oak Bluffs. At the upper end, the Sweet Life Cafe serves outstanding regional American fare and occupies a handsome Victorian house along the town’s main drag, Circuit Avenue - try the squid-ink fettuccine with shrimp, scallops, calamari, and a tomato-basil-garlic broth. More casual and less pricey options, both of which are also fun places to sip cocktails and socialize, include Sharky’s Cantina, which serves up terrific Tex-Mex in a festive ambience, and the Lookout Tavern, a rustic seafood shack overlooking the sea and serving not only great platters of fried and broiled fish and shellfish but also first-rate sushi. Edgartown is the island’s somewhat more conservative community, at least in appearance if not necessarily in politics (this is still a highly liberal part of the world, especially on social issues). This posh historic village defined by gorgeous white-clapboard Colonial homes and neatly manicured gardens has several convivial eateries, and numerous high-end clothiers and boutiques downtown. Tops for dining are Detente, a 20 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com hip little wine bar serving superbly crafted, innovative fare like lemon-honey-basted halibut with truffled leek puree, baby artichokes, and oven-dried tomatoes. A more casual but still reliable bet is the Wharf Pub, which serves consistently good burgers, salads, and pub fare. Right in Edgartown you’ll find some lovely, gay-friendly accommodations, including the Shiverick Inn, a grand Second Empire mansion where romantic rooms have sumptuous Victorian bedding and antiques, and the Hob Knob Inn, a handsome and well-run 18- room Gothic Revival property with unfussy but attractive furnishings reminiscent of an English country house. Just south of Edgartown, with a fantastic location on Katama Beach, the Winnetu Oceanside Resort makes for a delightful retreat, especially if you’ve got kids in tow - in fact, this is one of the best gay-friendly, family-oriented properties on the East Coast. The property consists of a luxury inn with one- to four-bedroom suites as well as a cluster of three- to five-bedroom town homes. The resort offers dozens of diversions to keep you busy, from bike tours to whale-watching trips, and there’s a world-class tennis facility on-site. Also, Winnetu’s restaurant, Lure, serves some of the most inventive seafood fare on the island, such as butter-poached lobster with soft cornbread, roasted corn, and fava beans. This upscale resort draws mostly families with kids in summer, but it’s more of a couples destination during the mellower spring and fall shoulder seasons. Outdoors enthusiasts should stick to the western side of Martha’s Vineyard (referred to locally as Up-Island). Here you can sample fresh lobster dockside in the picturesque fishing village ofMenemsha (a great place to stop for a casual seafood lunch - just try one of the restaurants on the pier), or admire ocean views from the lighthouse and multihued clay cliffs at Aquinnah (formerly known as Gay Head). Below the Gay Head cliffs you will find, appropriately, a popular nude beach with a moderate following among gays and lesbians - when you hit the beach, turn right, and walk all the way to the end (about 30 minutes). A tip: If you’d like to check the scene out in advance, drop some change into one of the coin-operated magnifying lenses near the base of the lighthouse - it’s the closest you’ll come to a peep show on Martha’s Vineyard. In the Up-Island community of West Tisbury, set back on a wooded property slightly off the beaten path, you’ll find the island’s most opulent gay-owned property, Lambert’s Cove Inn. Innkeepers Scott Jones and I. Kell Hicklin have restored what had been a somewhat dowdy country hotel into a sophisticated boutique inn with smartly furnished rooms set among three buildings. Amenities include DVD/CD players, high-speed Internet, and plush Egyptian cotton linens, and some rooms have private screened-in porches. A sunken pool in back is the perfect place to while away a hot afternoon. And in the evening, the inn’s elegant dining room serves outstanding contemporary American fare, such as braised veal cheeks with sweet corn, English pea risotto, and a Madeira wine reduction. It’s the definitive venue for a relaxing Martha’s Vineyard hideaway. 1-800-535-NDS (2437) Ok~ahoma’~ H~V/STD Hotfine www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 21 J U L¥ 2007 Truth Calling Lesbian Notions, looks at the nomination ofDr. James VX Holsinger to be the U.S. Surgeon General. My phone rang recently, and it was a local radio station asking me to respond to samesex marriage still being the law of the land in Massachusetts. The measure calling for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage there was defeated by the full state legislature, 45 yes votes and a resounding 151 no’s. Of course, my response was measured, delivered in appropriate sound bites, and echoing what everyone else is saying about the victory. It’s great for Massachusetts, but even greater for the rest of the country, where many LGBT people are still struggling to attain basic civil rights. The vote lets us put our resources into 2008 where they need tO be - focusing on the presidential and pivotal state races, rather than having to pump tons of money into defeating another bad bill. Ah, but truth be told, this victory is sweet but short, because now we need to turn our attention to defeating a bad nomination - that of Kentucky’s Dr. James W. Holsinger for U.S. Surgeon General. My initial response after reading about Holsinger was, "Who the hell is givingWadvice these days?" Didn’t they see what would happen if they nominated a homophobic, radical Christian who started an ex-gay ministry? Did they think we wouldn’t notice? On the face of it, Holsinger seems like a credible medical professional. He is a cardiologist who holds the University of Kentucky’s Charles T. Wethington Jr. Chair in the Health Sciences, and is the former chancellor of UK’s Chandler Medical Center. Just because he’s from the heart of the Bible Belt doesn’t mean we have to automatically jump to conclusions about his politics. After all, Abe Lincoln was born there, the LGBT community is gaining political strength in the Bluegrass State through the Kentucky Fairness Alliance, and they’ve even got an openly gay man in the state Senate - Ernesto Scorsone. Well, maybe you should start jumping after all. Because as Wayne Besen ofTruth Wins Out put it, "Holsinger is an ideologue 22 the STAR whose medical views on gay and lesbian people resemble sorcery more than sound science." Holsinger is not only a doctor, but a devout Christian who is a high-ranking lay leader in the United Methodist Church - you know, the folks who talk about "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors" - except, of course, when it comes to us. In his position on the United Methodist Judicial Council (the place where the buck stops in the Methodist Church), Holsinger’s record is anything but promising for LGBT people. He opposed the 2004 decision to allow Rev. Karen Dammann, a lesbian, to continue serving as a minister. He backed the deftocking of Rev. Beth Stroud, who came out to her Pennsylvania church community at the First United Methodist Church of Germantown. And, in one of the ugliest acts of religious discrimination, Holsinger backed a Virginia pastor who barred an openly gay man from church membership. One could argue that those actions were his personal beliefs and wouldn’t interfere with him being the country’s top doctor. Perhaps...but one need only read the Pathophysiology of Male Homosexuality, a "scientific" paper Holsinger wrote in 1991 for the Church’s Committee to Study Homosexuality, to see how his personal beliefs impact his science. The piece is available online at abcnews. go.com/images/Politics/Holsinger_on_Homosexuality. pdf. (If you want some laughs, Stephen Colbert of The Colbert Report did a hilarious send-up of the paper and Holsinger - you can watch it at http://rawstory. com/news/2007/Colbert Report Why are gays still 0614.html.) One of my favorite passages reads, "...the logical complementarity of the human sexes has been so recognized in our culture that it has entered our vocabulary in the form of naming various pipe fittings either the male fitting or the female fitting depending upon which one interlocks within the other. When the complementarity of the sexes is breached, injuries and diseases may occur.... Therefore, based on the simplest knmvn anatomy and physiology, xvhen dealing ~vith the complementarity of the human sexes, one can simply say, Res ipsa loquitur - the thing speaks for itself!" I guess the thing that is "speaking for itself" is a penis, which, in his estimation, belongs in only one place - a vagina. This is more like the science of a 6-year-old, not a 68-year-old. I won’t get any more graphic. But ifyou want a great deconstruction of the paper, go to Jim Burroway’s xwwv.boxturtlebulletin.com, a site that is devoted to debunking the lies told about us through research and well-reasoned writing. His conclusion puts Holsinger’s snake-oil chicanery in the proper perspective. To add insult to injury, when Holsinger and his wife were congregants at Lexington’s First United Methodist Church, they helped their pastor form a new "outreach, congregation called the Hope Springs Community Church. Hope Springs sports an antigay ministry. According to them, being gay is just a lifestyle. With Christ’s love, anyone can be straight. Next up are Holsinger’s confirmation hearings. When they’re scheduled, Holsinger will go before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, which is chaired by Edward Kennedy (DMass.). Three Democratic presidential candidates - Hiltary Clinton (N.Y.), Chris Dodd (Conn.), and Barack Obama (I11.) - sit on the committee. Only Clinton has definitely said no to Holsinger. Dodd and Obama have strong concerns. John Edwards, although no longer in the Senate,opposes the nomination. We xvon in Massachusetts. Conservatives are calling for the repeal of "don’t ask, don’t tell." If there was ever a time for Democratic Party leaders to find their backbone, this is it. It’s time for truth to go a-calling- Holsinger’s homophobia has no place in medicine or in government. w~,~v.ozarksstar.com By Joey De \vgith the placing of the cro~vn, Oklahoma City based performer Adrianna became the new Miss Oklahoma Continental on May 25 at Club Majestic in Tulsa. The evening, filled with national title holders and special entertainers marked the reign of Miss Oklahoma Continental 2006, Kandy Cayne. For Adrianna, the achievement is another milestone in a career highlighted with titles. "I now have been a state title holder in 3 of the big 4 pageant systems," says Adrianna. "I was Miss Kansas USofA in 2000 and Miss Gay Oklahoma America in 2004." "There are several differences between those and Continental," notes the performer. "The major one is the addition of the swimwear competition. Also, the interview process was a new experience as well since it is a group setting, not one-on-one. Overall, the style of the system seems to be more ’fashion-forward’ than any of the other systems that I have been involved in." Adrianna entered the Continental system hoping to become "known for her unique sense of style. "I heard one time that the ability to accessorize is what separates us from the animals," she jokes. According to Thompson, Adrianna was born on Halloween at a DIFFA masquerade ball, and has been performing since 1995. "I began doing drag after my friends hauled me to Miss Gay Oklahoma America the year that Gertrude Garnet won. I was barely 21 and was engaged to a female. However, I knew from that moment on I belonged in a dress on that stage. The rest is history." For Thompson, much of his inspiration behind the character or Adrianna comes from his morn. "I was a mamma’s boy... she’s a great lady. She’s an elected official who is very politically active, and stands up for what she believes in." A self described performer since birth, Adrianna is the drag transformation of Sapulpa native Jon Thompson. Thompson, who spends his days as a customer care representative for a major telecommunications firm, says that he has been happily married to his husband (and fellow performer) Chris for the past two years. The couple also shares custody of their child, Alden, their miniature Schnauzer. With his forthcoming reign as Miss Oklahoma Continental, Thompson hopes to grow as a female impersonator and overcome new challenges. "I have already learned so much. It has made me expand my mind to think of drag in a new way. I have used it to launch me out of a rut, and made me have the perception that drag is fun again...I have been at it a few years, and like most things you can tire of it. But at this point...I am always thinking of the next best number or costume." Thompson also ~vishes to reach out as an ambassador of the community with his latest title. "I think that I am in a unique position by being a former Miss Oklahoma America. I can promote the pageant and the system by working with the other systems. I will also be launching a fund-raising campaign, in honor ofmy aunt who is a breast cancer survivor. The net proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen foundation." As a part of that campaign, Thompson will be walking with his cousin from Dallas to Fort Worth over the course of three days, and encourages people to visit www.the3day. org for more information. While not attending to appearances as Miss Oklahoma Continental, Thompson can be seen performing as Adrianna on the third Sunday of every month. For information and updates on special appearances, fans can visit www.myspace.com/mgo2004. OGLP¢’s Tyson Award for 2007, Nr. Bob Lemon By James Nimmo Photo by Victor Gorin. Left to Right Bob Lemon and Paul Thompson. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Mr. Bob Lemon, a staunch Oklahoma Democrat and devoted supporter of LGBT equality, was named the recipient of the 2007 Irene Tyson Award given annually by the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Caucus (OGLPC) (http:// www.oglpc.com/). The award is given to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated long term commitment to the furtherance of LGBT equality under the law, and who is a role model for changing public opinion The award was a complete surprise for Mr. Lemon but he was not at a loss for words. "Gay people aren’t broken and don’t need fixing," he said in defiance of the notion that LGBT citizens are second-rate Americans in need of counseling. Mr. Lemon also had the honor of reading to the crowd of enthusiastic listeners an Oklahoma Legislative Proclamation recognizing LGBT Pride events in Oklahoma City issued by State Senator Andrew Rice and State Representative A1 McAffrey, both Democrats in their first term of office and firm believers in our LGBT equality. Mr. Lemon is also a front-line supporter, member of Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats, (www.okstonewall.org) the LGBT voice of the Oklahoma and National Democratic Party, with chapters in all 50 states and Washington, DC. www.ozarksstar.com The STAR 23 The following column is very sarcastic and may not be suitable for sensitive readers. I present two potential clients that have threatened for months to begin a workout program with me. Simon is an affable creature who loves watching Diamondbacks and Cardinals games. He enjoys pina coladas and getting caught in the rain. He would give you the shirt offhis back if you needed it. The problem is you wouldn’t be able to use it. Or maybe you would. You would only, need to fit intoa Triple X kimono. Simon tips the scales at an awkward twenty-five stone. That’s 350 pounds for all you nonlimeys out there. He’s six feet tall so yeah that’s 99 Luft Balloons Big. This column is a la carte so I’!l feel free to load up Simon’s plate with more health impediments. Let’s add three packs ofViceroys per day. Don’t forget the four nights per week of all night benders and enough Sauza Gold to paralyze three Mexican towel boy,s. For good measure I’ll throw in the 6,0130 calorie per diem at "his expense" account. What advice would I give to Simple Simon? Dear see-mone, (enjoy the moment of French) I would recommend spending $10,000 on a remodeling project for your home. It would clearly be advantageous to blow your money on a whimsical attempt to make yourself feel better by painting the walls tropical tapioca and adding that new Ethan Allen collection to your living room. Think of hmv much excitement wil! pulse through your damaged vessels as you gaze adoringly upon your newly acquired Vc:aterford Crystal that sparkles like the glint of stupidity in your eyes. You were able to resist the temptation of hiring a qualified personal trainer for six months. This trainer would have only robbed you of those extra 150 pounds you have been safeguarding and would have charged you several thousands dollars for the difficult deed. He might have even saved you from hospitalization and tens of thousands of dollars spent on gastric bypass surgery. It’s lucky that you watch HGTV and have a subscription to Martha Stewart Living. Money well spent. Which room beckons next? Roger also weighs approximately 350 pounds and he too rises vertically to six feet. Roger eats like an F350 Ford truck and he waddles like an emperor penguin. He blames his excessive girth on a thyroid problem and has plenty more excuses ready if you don’t buy that one. He began his smoking career after watching Sunset Boulevard at age seventeen. He now smokes his Parliaments as elegantly as Gloria Swanson ever did. He has been ready for his close up for nearly 28 years. Roger works longer hours than an Indonesian schoolboy in a sweatshop. Fortunately for Roger he is earning considerably more money and is in no danger of breaking aW nails in his pristine white collar job. He has a significant stash of money and is well-educated from the University ofArizona. Roger complains about the rigors of the dating world. He elaborates ad nauseam on the difficulties of finding Mr. Right. He has found glimmers of hope from escorts, massage "specialists", and websites featuring boy,s who seek Mr. Night. My advice for Roger Rabbit is as follows: Dear Roger, Don’t worry! The right guy for you is out there. Thank goodness for you that we dodt live in a superficial world where you are judged by your looks. Most 23 year old guys with chiseled bodies and dashing good looks will seek out your 45 year old flabby, elephantine physique. Further good news for you is that none of these Adonises will be attracted to your BMW, Versace Suits, or 3,000 square foot wallet that can buy them presents. They will appreciate your knowledge, bubbly personalib; and the ability to pick out the correct port wine to sip with your Dairy Queen Royal Treat of the day. I would continue to spend your hard earned cash on vacations to places where no one wants to see you with your shirt off. Perhaps love will truly blossom in the midst of a massage or in the throes of professionalism from that elegant escort. I wouldn’t bother evacuating your money from the bank for trivial purposes of bettering your health. What need have you for physical training when you are immortal? Heart attacks, diabetes, and high blood pressure always happen to that other guy. I think (hope) you get the point. This sardonicism is brought to you by Ron Blake. Ron can be reached at blake.fimess@yahoo.com or at 480-241-5651. Celebrate your PRIDE Parade Starts at 10 ar The earlier if will begin at East, then ling left on ri Park. at 12 Noon in Agri Park in Fayettev e Pride, immediately 26 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com s 2pro 2LUB MAJESTIC catia He Love 2pro, Kris Kohl Benefig Show 8pm; CLUB MAJESTIC: Catia Led Love C~i~B MAJESTICi Carla Le~ Lo~e [h?~. L0~p~. )~. ¯ . i,, ~, ~LUI3.~UiJESTIC: ~tia~Love Show 10pm qlmw lOnm IH~ ~’A: r,acnae! ~rm~zs anow anow ~opm TrqE COPA: Rachad Erikks Show ~fi~ &brb~: Rachad Erikks Show l0 30pm THE COPA: Rachael Eril-~ Show 10:~0pm HID LOUNGE D6ai~ique lo:30pm h~U~A~CAY LOUNGE: Kris KohI HID~_d0WAYLOUNGE: Danc4w/DJ ~Xmas i~J~vSho~v 10-30~r~ HI LOUNGE: Dacew!DJ : 5how 10:~0pm, Colt 6-12, D~ncers 9:30pro BRADYTH~fA’~ER~ LyI~ I~ovett Co!t 6d2, Dancers ~30 .... ~Ii~ ......... [E ......... ~0ke ~ .... BA~ OO LOUNG : Kar 7p BAMBOO LOUNGE Karaoke 7pro .......... BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 7pro ¯ ~ES ifly:I0~ ;i~? :~,i ~!;"7 ~" .......... THE COP& Strip-OffContest HID~WAY LODGE: Kara0ke 8pro HID~VAY LODGE: Ka~oke 8pm THE COPA Strip-Off Contest 12~a BIG 4th 6fJuly THE COPA: Variety Sh~w I0:30pm BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke ; THE COPA: V:ariety Show lO:30pm HID LOUNGE: B0bby Page Ophn Talent Show 10:30pro FINIS~INE] Dart Toum~brlt 10pro 7pm THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pm FINISHLINE: DartTournament 10pro HID B~bby Page Open Talent Sh6~v 10:30pro ymEdmC6OrPeAt0: O30ppenmTalent wtShem0ane lmn-3:30am THE COPA Male Dancers 9pm lam-3:30am HIDEAWAY: Hip Hop Danc~ ParD" THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro HIDEAWAY: Hip Hop Dance Party ZOO AMPITISIEA~RE Lyle HIDEAWAY: Hip Hop Dance Party Lo~ett &. k. d. Lange 7:30pm THE COPA: Mate Dancers 9pro GUSHERSi Late Night Breakfast Buffet lam-3:30am HIDEAWAY: Hip Hop Dance Party BAMB66 LOgN~Ei F~ zpm2m C~LUB !vlAJESTIC: Carla Lee Love Show 10pm THE COPA: Rachael Erild~ Show 10:30pro HIDEAWAY LOUNGE: Dance wlDJ Colt 6-12, Dancers 9:30 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 7pm. TUESDAY July 3~ THE COPA: Strip-Off Contest Midnight. HIDF2XWAY LOUNGE: Karaoke 8pm After Dark is a flee service m our advertisers andis the responsibility of the advertiser to inform dxe STAR in ,amw.ozarksstar.¢om writing of updates, additions or discontinued events. The STAR is not responsible for accuracy. STAR 27 "Practice economy, Gemini!" Mercury is in Cancer turning direct, offering an opportunity to apologize for emotional outbursts and correct al! the problems that erupted while he was retrograde. If you don’t know where to start, try the kitchen. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Get to the root of recent household messes. If you own, fix plumbing, electricity, or whatever. If you rent, make a list for the landlord. Call family members and resolve misunderstanding& At least have a nice chat with Morn. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Mend fences with neighbors, and call or write to your siblings. It’s an excellent time to sign up for classes in any basic skills or techniques that have interested you, especially if they touch on domestic arts or community-building. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Think about your patterns in impulse spending. Everyone does it, but now is your time to look at your own finar~cial strengths and weaknesses, to get those books better organized, and to practice better economy. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): It’s OK - you can finally clean up the confusion and chaos that seem to have taken over in recent weeks. Look for long-latent, underlying problems at the root of those troubles. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Worries and fears that have been aggravating you lately now seem like ridiculous shadows. But they’ll be back to haunt you again if you don’t take a look at them and their roots. A meditative retreat should help. VlRGO (August 23 - September 22): Give your friends a chance to apologize and correct recent disappointments. Or maybe you should be the one patching things up. You can only take responsibility for yourself; still, shouldering more than your share of the blame could go a long way toward fixing things. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Recent misunderstandings may have you hiding out from your boss, landlord, or other authority figures, and/or undermining your own authority. Now is the time to clean up the lines of command and get your career back on track. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): All those reasons that kept you from taking classes, traveling, or otherwise expanding your world and your mind have fallen away. At least reconsider those opportunities and look at ways to get over the obstacles. 28 the STAR SAGITTAR~US (November 22 - December 20): Sex may be more trouble than it’s worth, but has that ever stopped you? You may have slowed down lately, but recent problems and odd shifts of desire can now be re-examined to achieve greater understanding and pleasure. Talking about those issues will help! CAPRlCORN (December 21 - January 19): You can finally clear up problems that have been brewing with your partner. That "seems-you-can’t-say-anything-right" period is over. Sing out, Louise, and let your baby hear what you have to say! Your listening skills are also suddenly improving. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Been delaying trips to the doctor or the gym? That’s probably been a good instinct, but get your tush back into action! See the doctor first for any problems with or advice about exercising. Discuss nutrition, too! And then renew your health regimen. PISCES (February 19 - hlarch 19): Your creative block is finally over! Drag out the canvases, manuscripts, and instruments. If your muse needs to be fed, get to the kitchen and dig out some long-neglected recipes. A small dinner party will help get your juices flowing, too. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! www.ozarksstar,com Arkansas, Bentonville/Rogers (479) NWA GLBT Ctr .... www.nwaglbtcc.org.........888-391-9222 Barnes & Noble Bks - - 261 N. 46th St., Rogers....479-636-2002 Arkansas, Eureka Springs (479) ..... Diversity Pride Events - www.e~vers ~ypr ae.com A Byrd’s Eye View..... 36 N. Main........... 479-253-0200 Caribe Restaurante.... 309 W VanBuren....... 479-253-8102 Henri’s ....... 19 1/2 Spring St ............. 479-253-5795 Lumberyard Bar&Grill- - - 105 E VanBuren....... 479-253-0400 MCC Living Spring - 17 Elk Street- Service 6PM- - -479-253-9337 Swiss Holiday Resort- Hwy 62 at Hwy 23 So.- .... 888-582-8464 Spexton 17B Spring Street .......... 479-98t-6060 Tiki Torch........ 75 S. Main Street- ..........479-253-2305 Tradewinds Lodge - 141 W. VanBuren.......... 800-242-1615 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Common Ground Restaurant- - - 412 W. Dixon - - - 479-442-3515 Condom Sense 418 W. Dickson...... -479-444-6228 Curry’s Video - - - 612 N. College Ave.......... -479-521-0009 Flames Bar - - - 40 E. Center- ............... 479-251-1922 Passages ......930 N. College Ave.......... -479-442-5845 Tangerine Club - -21 N. Block Ave............. 479-587-9512 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kin keads.......1004 1/2 Garrison Ave........ 479-783-9988 Klub XLR8 ......1022 Dodson Ave- - 479-782-9578 Red Rock City - - - 917 N. "A" St.- ............. 479-242-2489 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Jesters Lounge .... 1010 E. Grand Ave 501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street ....1021 Jessie Rd...............501-6642744 Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- ............... ~vw.dsra.org Discovery..... 1021 Jessie Rd...............501-666-6900 Sidetracks - - -415 Main St - -North L.R.- ........ 501-244-0444 The Factory ...... 412 Louisiana St.- ......... 501-372-3070 Club U.B.U. - ..... 824 W Capitol Ave......... 501-375-8580 Kansas, Junction City (785) Xcalibur Club...... 384 Grant Ave. 785-762-2050 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) PSU-QSA.-- 1701 S. Broadway- 620-231-0938 River of Life Church.- - 1709 N. Walnut- -Service 11AM Kansas, Wichita (316) Our Fantasy/South40..... 3201 S. Hillside......316-682-5494 Priscilla’s..... 6143 W Kellogg Dr- -316-942-1244 Club Glacier- ......... 2828 E. 31st South......316-612-9331 Missouri, Ava (417) Catus Canyon Campground ................. 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (4t7) MCC Spirit of Christ- - -2902 E 20th, - ......Sat Service-9:30AM Joplin Gay/Lesbian Cntr- PO Box 4383, zip 64803- -417-622-7821 Missouri, Kansas City (816) 40th Street Inn....www.40thstreetinn.com.......816-561-7575 Concourse Park B&B - - 300 Benton Bird 816-231-1196 Hydes KC Gym & Guest Hs - www.hydeskc.com - - 816-561-1010 Missie B’s....805 W. 39th St................816-561-0625 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge..... 424 Boonville Ave..... 417-831-4700 GLO Comm, Ctr---518 E. Commerical- 417-869-3978 JR’s Nightclub.... 504 E. Commerical- 417-831-9001 Martha’s Vineyard- - - 219 W Olive ........... -417-864-4572 Ronisuz Place....821 College............... 417-864-0036 Oklahoma, Enid (580) Hastings Books....104 Sunset .............. 580-242-6838 Priscilla’s. 4810-A West Garriott........ 580-233-5511 Oklahoma, Lawton (580) Ingrids Bookstore..... 1124 NW Cache Rd......580-353-1488 Oklahoma, l~cA~ester (918) ~cPride........... 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 Expw~j........ -405-947-2351 Christie’s Toy Box.....3126 N. May Ave ....... 405-946-4438 Church of Open Arms......3131 N. Penn...... 405-525-9555 Copa.............2200 NW 39th Exp.........405-525-0730 Eastern Ave Video- - -1105 S Eastern Ave....... -405-6726459 Finishline ....... 2200 NW 39th Expwy........405-525-9200 First Amendment Tatoo Shop- - - 2135 NW 39th - - -405-604-3911 Gushers Restaurant- ....2200 NW 39Exp ...... 405-525-0730 Habana Inn ........2200 NW 39th Exp 405-528-2221 Herland Sisters Resources.... 2312 NW 39th St- -405-521-9696 Hollywood Hotel.... 3535 NW 39th Exp ....... Hi-Lo Club 1221 NW 50th Jungle Reds .......2200 NW Expwy- Ledo.............2200 NW Expwy..... Naughty But Nice .... 3121 SW 29th St ....... Partners......... 2805 NW 36th St Pec’s -3535 NW 39th Expw ....... Priscilla’s......... 615 E. Memorial- Red Rock North- - - 2240 NW39th St. Rudy’s Place......3535 NW39th Expw......... Phoenix Rising .... 2120 NW 39th St- The Park........ 2125 NW 39th St ......... -405-528-4690 The Patio........ 3201 N. May Ave 405-917-1663 Topanga Grill & Bar- - - 3535 NW 39th. -405-947-2351 Tramps............2201 NW 39th-- 405-521-9888 Ziggy’s............ 4005 N. Penn- -405-521-9999 -405-947-2351 405-843-1722 405-524-5733 .... 405-525-0730 -405-681-5044 405-942-2199 -405-947-2351 405-755-8600 405-525-5165 405-947-2351 405-601-3711 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 Circle Cinema...... 10 S, Lewis- - - 918-592-3456 Club 209 ....... 209 N. Boulder ............ 918-584-9944 Club Majestic........ 124 N. Boston - 918-584-9494 Club Maverick..... 822 S. Sheridan 9t8-835-3301 Cosmo Dell & Bar - - 6746 S. Memorial -918-459-0497 Dreamland Bks .... 8807 E. Admiral PI -918-834-1051 Equality Center ..... 621 E. 4th Street- ........918-743-4297 Hideaway Cocktail Lounge--- 11730 E. 11th......918-437-0449 HOPE Clinic....... 3540 E. 31st - 918-749-8378 Midtown- 319 E. 3rd.............. 918-584-3112 Openarms Youth Projt - - - 2015 S. Lakewood.....918-838-7104 Our House, Too ....203 N Nogales Ave..... .....918-585-9552 Priscilla’s .........7925 E. 41st- .918-627-4884 Priscilla’s ........ 5634 W. Skelly ........... 918-446-6336 Priscilla’s ........ 11344 E. 11th -918-438-4224 Priscilla’s ......... 2333 E. 71st.............918-499-1661 Renegades 1649 S. Main ........... 918-585-3405 Rob’s Records- - -2909 S. Sheridan Rd......... 918-627-1505 Sappho’s........ 6373-C E 31st St.......... 918-836-0299 Tulsa CARES.... 3507 E. Admiral PI. 918-834-4194 Tulsa Central Library ...... 400 Civic Center- - - - 918-596-7977 Tulsa Eagle.....1338 E. 3rd ................918-592-1188 TNT’s ......... 2114 S. Memorial 918-660-0856 Yellow-Brick-Rd....... 2630 E. 15th.......... 918-293-0304 bitter girl email: bittergirl@qsyndicateocom www,joanhilty.net 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Keller Williams Realty Chuck Breckenridge Whether buying or selling I’I1 work hard for you. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 31 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2007] The Star Magazine, July 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 7 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 01, 2007 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd; Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele Jeanne Flanigan Paul Wortman James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Lz Highleyman Devre Jackson Chaz Ward Michael Leach 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 Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern 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, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 6 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/208 The Star Magazine, August 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 8 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/203 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/207 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/aa82cbbda58a8f60a735cb83dfd9d9dd.jpg 2485d9e2417fa32b2d4adde09d9df921 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/4a6a2ca907ad958b0e1ffc2d21c76426.pdf b0d512826d927ba9a896bbe54263bbfe Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document dAN UARY ~ 1 !Y ~nd Business Building From 2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com As you brmvse through this months issue, you’ll notice numerous articles on fund-raisers, benefit shows, volunteers ,vorking to build and just people helping people. GLBT people who are giving their time, money and effort to help make another human life better. Many who need help themselves. Giving, is the key issue. This past month seeing and hearing about the many events to raise money for those living with HIV/AIDS, food drives, toys for kids, meals for the home-bound and ~o many other efforts, all within our own community, reminded me of how very proud I am to be a gay man. Wouldn’t it be wonderful ifwe could maintain that giving spirit for the entire year and not just for the holiday season. The spirit should not end on December 26th. Giving, to support those people and organizations who are fighting for equality not only for GLBT’s, but for everyone is another important issue we have to face in this new year. I am very optimistic for 2007. Many have predicted this will be the year we see tremendous gains in equal rights for Gay/Lesbian people. But, we must do our part to insure this happens. We voted! And you see the results. "We can make a difference." This is the year to build on our past achievements and open doors for future generations. As we go to press we got the news that the Governor of New Jersey had signed the bill granting gay and lesbian couples all rights of marriage but the title. This is the third state offering civil unions to gay couples and the fifth allowing gay couples some version of marriage. It’s starting to happen! On behalf of everyone involved with the STAR, I want to wish all of you a great and prosperous New Year. May your lives be filled with the spirit. Dear Chaz, It was exciting and thrilling to see your 3rd ,~mniversary Issue of the Star! Having lived from the Southern most tip of Florida to Northern California, this is just the best publication ever. Your smiling personality continues to spread it’s enthusiasm in this tremendous endeavor. Our community in Joplin, MO and Eureka Springs, AR benefit so much from your publication. I have people in both cities asking ~vhen the next issue is coming out almost as soon as they receive the current one. Ti~ank you so much for a job well done for the four states. Rev. Steve T. Urie, Pastor Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin, MO Chaz, I just saw this month’s magazine and I wanted to send you a note saying "congratulations" on your third anniversary. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with you the past few months. I want to thank you for your important contribution to the GLBT con> munity and I wish you much success for many, maW years to come! Joe LaFountaine Board Secretary Little Rock Capitol Pride Dear Editor: I live in Texas and get to both Tulsa and Oklahoma City on business about once a month and never know xvhich bar to go to on any particular night. I noticed in the December issue of the STAR that you have begun to run a special page "AFTERDARI<[" where the bars let everyone knoxv exactly what is going on each night. This is certainly a tremendous help to anyone not living in Oldahoma City or Tulsa and most likely even a great help for those who do! What a great idea! I alxvays read the STAR online and enjoy it. Keep up the good xvork. Sincerely, C. D. Ward Publisher/Editor in Chief Sincerely, Randy Cunningham Dallas, Texas www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 3 NEW# N@N{N, NN~# N~NN, New Direction, Laura Belmonte, President of Otdahomans for Equality Speaks to the Community. Doug Ireland "Why should being Gay be a crime" A retrospective of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT history. Who was Joseph Beam? "The Wine Rack" Cabernet Sauvlgnon on review- page 16 Gay Travelers "Casa de San Pedro" Otit of Town "Buenos Aires" Kitten, it could have been worse, he could have left you with the gift that keeps giving, clap on--clap off. Laura Belmonte.............5 Commentary.............. 11 OUT in Arkansas........... 12 Inspiring Fitness ........... 13 Past Out.................. 14 Tulsa GLBT Center News..... 15 The Wine Rack............. 16 Ciao Travel ................ 17 Lesbian Notions............ 22 Star Scene................ 24 Uncle Mikey............... 26 After Dark ................ 27 Horoscopes............... 28 Distributors............... 29 Cartoons..................30 Classifieds................ 31 STAR DISTRIBUTION: New Tulsa GLBT Center Opens This Month - page 15 4 day Celtic Festival Eureka Springs - page 12 OKLAHOMA CITY * TULSA* LAWTON * MCALESTER * ENID * LITTLE ROCK ~ NORTH LITTLE RODK * FAYETTEVtLLE * FT SMITH * EUREKA SPRINGS * HOT SPRINGS * BENTONVlLLE * ROGERS * KANSAS CITY * SPRINGFIELD * JOPLIN * BRANSON AREA* WICHITA* PtTTSBURG * JUNCTION CITY 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com NEW HOME. NEW NAME. NEW D RECT ON. An amazing year has just passed for the organization formerly known as Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights / TOHR! As I write, a dedicated team of volunteers is putting the final touches on Phase One of our marvelous new center; Marc Acuff, our new coordinator of the Tulsa Pride and Diversity Celebration is securing corporate sponsors; and the Capital Fund Trustees and the Facilities Committee are drafting new documents and policies to ensure that our building is financially secure and well-maintained for decades to come. From our brilliant IT crew to the immensely creative Design Group, I an awed by the talented and generous individuals who are helping me lead Oklahomans for Equality into an exciting new era. Why the name change? Lots of reasons. For one, Tulsa Otdahomans for Human Rights was an offshoot on an Oklahoma City-based organization that folded over twenty years ago " hence there is no need to saddle ourselves with the awkward Tulsa Oklahomans construct. Another reason is that human rights had a very different connotation in 1980 than it does now. I have often been asked whether our organization does work like Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch. So, we searched for alternatives. We contracted a public relations consultant. We formed focus groups. We spoke to key stakeholders. We listened to a host of opinions. And, after much deliberation and careful consideration, we adopted a new name, a name that encapsulates who we are and what we want: Oklahomans for Equality. Equality is the core of the gay rights struggle. We want equal employment rights, equal housing and health care access, equal pension and veteraffs benefits, equal treatment before the law, and equal legal standing for our intimate, committed relationships. We want equality for all gay, lesbian, bisexuals, and transgender Oklahomans, not just Tulsans. Whatever their race, class, gender, religion, age, or ability status, we want all the members of our diverse and beautiful community to have the liberties promised each and every U.S. citizen. We want equality for our allies too. We cannot expect them to support us if we do not support them. We cannot ignore our common interests. We must harness the collective power of our causes and constituencies. How will we achieve these goals? By forming new partnerships that enable us to serve seniors, youth, those in physical or mental crisis. By offering programs that appeal across the entire spectrum of our community. By broadening our volunteer resources so that any Oklahoraan can call our GLBT helpline "the only one in the state" and find a gay-friendly doctor, a supportive counselor, or simply a place to meet GLBT people. By expanding our advocacy efforts to include allies throughout the state so that we can mobilize hundreds of people for elections, lobbying days, and combating anti-gay and anti-trans discrimination at the local level. We have so much to do and we’ll soon be doing it in one of the largest GLBT centers in the United States. We at Oklahomans for Equality wish you a Happy New Year and express our gratitude for the gift of your support. In Solidarity, Laura Belmonte President, Oklahomans for Equalit3~ (OkEq) Proudly serving "i\lisa & OKC\s GLBT communities since 1982 "At Century 21 Gold Castle our BESTproperties are our PEOPLE’ 430t NW 63rd, Suite 100 City, OK 73116 oldcastle.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5 JOHANNESBURG, South Afi’ica__ Vernon Gibbs and Tony Halls got hitched Friday in South Africa’s first gay wedding, a day after the government made same-sex marriage legal. The couple, who run a guest lodge and animal rehabilitation center on the southwestern coast, donned their game-ranger outfits and went down to the local home affairs office in the town of George. In front of marriage officer Petro Kruger they exchanged rings and were pronounced a married couple. LOAVES AND F SHE8 FUND-RAISER BRIGHTENS THE HOUDAY8 AGNR OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__On December 4-5 the Copa Club located in the Habana Hotel celebrated the 16th Anniversary of one of Oklahoma’s most heartwarming fund-raisers, the annual Loaves and Fishes Dinner and Show. This year it was dedicated to the memory of longtime activis.t Keith Smith who passed away November 20,2006. Featuring community icons Sonja Martinez, John Beebe, ToW Sinclair, Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald & Debbie Davies, the benefit raised OVER $5600 for this Catholic Charities ministry which provides meals & other assistance for those home bound by HIV. Judy Riley stated. "I am overcome by the generosity of the people who come to this event every year in support of our brothers and sisters who are living with HIV/MDS. Words cannot express the depth of our appreciation and gratitude to Sonja and all the performers, Nick Post and the Copa Staff, and also all the benefactors." OKLAHOMA CITY, OK The board of directors of the AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City has awarded grants to nine local non-profit organizations totaling $50,100. Grantees and their respective award amounts are: Regional AIDS Intercommunity Network (RAIN) $5000; AIDS Support Program/The Winds House $5700; Red Rock Behavioral Health Services/Red Rock North $5400; Northern Lights Alternative $6100; Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma $6100; Guiding Right $5400; Other Options $6400; Latino Community Development Agency $5000; and the HIV/AIDS Legal Resource Project of Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma $5000. Since 1998, the AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City has distributed more than $333,000 in grants to local non-profit organizations providing critically needed services to individuals living with HIV or AIDS. SAVE THE DATE FORTHE 2007 AIDS WALK OF OKLAHOMA CITY: Sunday, September 30th at the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Joplin Organia÷rs Announce Formation Of Long Awaited Gay Lesbian Center. JOPLIN, MO The Joplin Gay & Lesbian Center kick-offdinner was a rousing success on November 20th. Fifty people ate & drank great food, made new friends and saw old ones, and embraced the Center’s goal to raise money to build a community center. Guests were entertained by "Queer Duck," the Mike Reiss video shorts, Charlie Smith, Treasure Love, and the fab-u-lous Miss Latina Carlisle (Miss Gay Joplin 2002), who brought the house down with her version of"Somewhere Over the Rainbo~v." Door prizes included DVD’s of"Dante’s Cove" and "Fixing Frank," tank-top shirts from A & E’s original December movie, "Wedding Wars," and various CD’s, including music from Cirque de Soleil. Greetings and best wishes were offered by leaders ofUCC Family Fellowship, the Joplin Junior Chamber (~e Jaycees), Wal-Mart’s Office of Diversig; and Shekinah Glory Church. President Lee McDaniel spoke about the need for a center here in conservative, rural southwest Missouri to encourage people, especially our youth, to be who they are - and to knmv that we are just normal, everyday people. He reported that the Center has joined the national association of gay & lesbian centers and plans to join the Joplin Chamber of Commerce in order to increase its visibility. The Center also is a member of GLAAD and HRC. The Center extends its thanks to all those involved and to all who attended. Special thanks to all the volunteers, the performers, UCCFF for rental of its building, Mr. David Garrison for the terrific food, the Karpel Group, Corporate Edge Marketing, and to Lee McDaniel at Gold Key Mortgage and Carberry Development Group. The Center’s next major fundraising events will be in February and June 2007. Details will follmv via www.myspace.com/gaylesbiancenter and http://360.yahoo.com/gaylesbiancenter. For more info, please email or call the Center’s President, Lee McDaniel, at gaylesbiancenter@ya~hoo.com or 417-622-7821. The Center, founded in October 2006, may be reached at PO Box 4383, Joplin, MO 64803-4383. New-Jersey Denies Gay Marriage, Passes Civi Unions. TI~NTON, N.J. - Nexv Jersey’s governor signed legislation Thursday December 21 st giving gay couples all the rights and responsibilities of marriage alloxved under state law, but not the fltle. When the la\v goes into effect Feb. 19, Ne~vJersey xvill become the third state offering civil re’dons to gay couples and the fifth allowing gay couples some version of marriage. 6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 437 E, i41st Street Gtenpool, OK 74033 918.291.EARL (3275) ORDERS BY 12NOON GUARANTEED SAME DAY DELIVERY 8 the ,STAR www.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 Tu san°s B÷s end With 40 Bikes Chi d ÷n Of Pa ÷nts Living With H V/A D$o By Greg Steele P,6oto: 40 Bikes and over 3"00 other itemsf!lled the main bar of the climb. By Victor Gorin TULSA, OK No it’s not a bicycle shop and it’s not a Walmart store. It’s the Bamboo Lounge Tulsa. Bar owners Terry Hood and Stan Smith put the word out in early December that their annual Christmas Drive for the Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. food pantry would not be just another food collection. "Ihis year was for the kids. The goal was a bike for all 30 children of Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. clients. In an interview with Stan Smith he told us "The response was so incredible we had the 30 bicycle’s within a week and more were promised. We then called RAIN to see if any of their clients had children, there were five he was told. We have 35 bikes and five extra that I’m sure the two organizations will find homes for." Smith said. In addition to the bicycles, toys, non-perishable food items, toiletries, maW other gifts were donated. Well over 300 items filled the main bar of the club. The Tulsa Rough Riders also held a raffle and donated the proceeds. The 30 children of "/\~sa C.A.R.E.S. clients ages are 6 girls and 5 boys under the age of seven. 7-11 years of age, 3 female and 4 male. Ages 12-15 there are 4 girls and 8 boys. Some are themselves HIV positive but all are affected by the difficult lives of their parents living with HIV/AIDS. The majority of Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. and RAIN HIV/AIDS clients are living below the poverty line and don’t have the means to provide a decent Christmas for their children. \VTe talked with Michael at Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. after the truck loads of gifts and food items had been delivered and he told us, "We thought it was going to be just another Christmas for the kids, and then these folks come along with this wonderful gift. It will certainly make a big difference for them on this special day of the year for children" There is going to be a lot of happiness and smiling faces in the homes of those who have so much hardship. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__Club Rox located in the Hollywood Hotel and Suites held a Masquerade Ball fund-raiser for Red Rock Saturday, December 16. Featuring entertainer Alison Scott, it was organized by Hollywood crew member Beaux Leaf, proceeds from the fund-raiser would go to help Red Rock deliver meals to home bound people living with HIV/MDS. The event was great success and for a very worthy cause. Pictured above is an anonymous donor who gave $100. SPECIAL WORSHIP CELEBRATION HONORING DR. KING AND THE GLBT COMMUNITY OKLAHOMA CITY, OK___On Sunday, January 14 at 10:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. Church of the Open Arms will host a special service with a renowned guest preacher, the Reverend Dr. Randall C. Bailey. He is a professor at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, has lectured throughout the United States and abroad, and also has gained attention with his recent article, "Sanctified Hatred: Why Banning Same Sex Marriage is Wrong." This service is co-sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign, P-Flag OKC and the Peace House, and the public is invited. The theme says it all, "Peace ~vith Justice for M1- God has a Dream." Human rights leaders Clara Luper and the Reverend Orra Compton will be honored at the service. ~xis will be a landmark service, honoring not only the late Dr. King, but all people seeking equality including the GLBT community. It will coincide with the Oklahoma City Martin Luther King Parade which will be held the following day beginning at 2 p.m., at N.W. 7th Street & Robinson. 10 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com a crib÷? In 75 countries being gay is still a crime. French activist Louis-Georges Tin, founder of the International Day Against Homophobia, hopes to change that by having the United Nations adopt a resolution calling for the decriminalization of homosexuality worldwide. Tin spoke to The Advocate ahead of a press conference in Paris where he announced the news. By Doug Ireland On November 17 the Paris-based International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) will launch a global campaign for a United Nations resolution declaring that homosexuality should no longer be considered a crime anywhere in the world. The proposed U.N. resolution is the brainchild of IDAHO’s founder, Louis-Georges Tin, 32, a professor and author of a number of books (including the Dictionary of Homophobia) who is also a rising star of France’s emerging black movement for equality. Tin will simultaneously release a list of hundreds ofVIP endorsers of the proposed U.N. resolution, including a gaggle of Nobel Prize winners (among them, Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, Dario Fo of Italy, Elfriede Jelinek ofAustria, and Amartya Sen of India); political leaders, including two former French prime ministers (Laurent Fabius and Michel Rocard); academics (such as Princeton University President Shirley Tilghman and world-famous sociologist Richard Sennett); entertainers (such as Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep, David Bowie, Edward Norton, Mike Nichols, Lily Tomlin, actor-playwright Wallace Shawn, humorist Bruce Vilanch, and Spanish actress Victoria Abril); and a host of renowned writers, including Doug Wright, Jon Robin Baitz, Salman Rushdie, Gore Vidal, Sir Tom Stoppard, ToW Kushner, Martin Amis, Ian McEwan, Russell Banks, Bernard-Henri Levy, John Berendt, Lady Antonia Fraser, Christopher Hitchens, Michael Chambon, Peter Carey, and Edmund White. Getting the U.N. to commit to universal decriminalization of homosexuality is destined to become the central objective of the international LGBT movement for the next decade. Tin spoke to The Advocate. What chance do you think this resolution has of passing the U.N.? Many people believe such a resolution is beyond reach. I personally don’t. Why? Because there is already U.N. jurisprudence in our favor. In 1994, Mr. Toonen, a citizen ofTasmania, who had been condemned for same-sex relationships, won his case in what was then the U.N. Commission on Human Rights--it said his arrest was a breach of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and of the right of privacy. So we just ask the U.N. to extend this jurisprudence to other countries--75 in the world!--where same-sex relationships are still forbidden. There’s recent evidence that this is not as utopian a project as it might seem at first glance: In October this year, the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention declared that the imprisonment in Cameroon of 11 men who’d been caught in a raid on a gay bar on charges of homosexuality was "an arbitrary deprivation of liberty" that violates the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. That’s encouraging. How will you and IDAHO work for its passage? The campaign for the U.N. resolution will have two main components. An external media campaign to raise awareness within public opinion and governments will begin with the November 17 unveiling of a petition--for which VIP signatures are now being gathered--on IDAMO’s \geb site, ww~v.idahomophobia.org. Also, a host of international and country organizations have already signed on as cosponsors of the campaign for the resolution, like the International Lesbian and Gay Association and France’s Ligue des Droits de l’Homme. The second battle has to be waged within the new U.N. Council on Human Rights. \re have to lobby the states that are members and ask them to support the resolution or at least not to vote against it. We are talking with the government of South Africa, which is a member of the council to sponsor the resolution. South Africa was the first country in the world to include the principle of nondiscrimination against gays and lesbians in its constitution- and their sponsorship would show that LGBT rights are not just a "Western issue." What exactly does the resolution say? The text I wrote asl~ for a universal decriminalization of homosexuality. It is very clear, easy, and simple, and based solely on the articles of the U.N.’s Universal Declaration ofHuman Rights that were used to justify the decision in the Toonen case. I did not want to write a philosophical text on the issue, because an argument that may be relevant in one country will certainly be irrelevant in another one. We need a common language to support human rights. What could be more relevant and more international than the Universal Declaration of Human Rights itself?. Why did you choose this moment to launch this campaign? ~l}le Toonen case was ruled on 12 years ago, soI thought it was high time that LGBT organizations decided to take advantage of it at the U.N. To be honest, I fail to see any issue that could be more important than this one for LGBT organizations. On May 17, 1990, the World Health Organization decided that homosexuality could no longer be regarded as a disease, which is why I chose that date for the International Day Against Homophobia. The first IDAHO was only celebrated in 2005, so we really couldn’t do anything before that--but now our organization has spread to more than 50 countries and been endorsed by the European Parliament, so I think we are ready to go farther. Look, gays and lesbians around the world cannot wait any longer for their love to cease being made a crime. Many are in jail, or at risk of being jailed. Some are being killed. 7his has to stop now. Ireland is a veteran political journalist who can be reached through his blog, DIRELAND, at Direland.typepad.com/direland/ www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 11 Four Day Celtic Festiva Eureka Springs EUREKA SPRINGS, AR~ PaperMoon Attractions presents Celtic Connections Eureka, a four-day festival celebrating Celtic heritage, music, poetry, food and drink as the clans overtake the tiW hamlet of Eureka Springs January 18 - 21, 2007. Timed for the birthday bash for the great Robert Burns, the "Bard of Scotland", Celtic Connections Eureka calls to celto-philes from the seven nations hither and yon. In these Ozark Highlands you’ll immerse yourself in the color and heritage of this rich world culture, as entertainers, crafters and historians from far and way create an experience designed to enrich your appreciatior{ and knowledge of Celtic traditions. The traditional Robert Burns Night Suppers are scheduled for Thursday and Friday evenings, with the Friday night dinner featuring a few extra touches including music and stories by Ed Miller, modern bard of Scotland and Scottish folksong preservationist. tartan attire, the seven Celtic nations, demonstrate musical instruments, and more. "11artanic, the bagpipe comedy theater band from Houston who took Eureka Springs by storm last January; returns for Friday night’s concert at the City Auditorium. If you’re not planning to go to Arizona in February, this may be your last chance to enjoy the amazing Tartanic experience. added Eureka Springs to thei~ growing fan base when they performed last year. Rowan will also perform Sunday morning at the Crescent Hotel’s Sunday Brunch. Also joining the event will be Arkansas Celts Tinker’s Dam and the Crooked Creek Irish Dancers from Harrison and award-winning Celtic Heartstrings Linda Brocldnton and Brenda Ramsey from Alexander playing traditional music on mountain dulcimer and flute. Throughout the weekend guests will have a chance to enjoy all the workshops, multiple music sessions and concerts, "The Gypsy Faire" vendor market, along with Celtic-flavored special offerings by area pubs and restaurants. All-Day Tickets are: $28 for Thursday including the Burns Night Supper; $25 for Friday’s events (without the Burns Supper); $45 or $80 per couple for Friday’s events, including the Burns Night Supper; $25 for Saturday’s events. For more information and to purchase tickets online see www. EurekaCelts.com or call 866-363-9545. Both evenings’ dinners are hosted by the historic 1886 Crescent Hotel Crystal Dining Room where the setting provides the Castle-like backdrop for all the pomp and circumstance. This annual, around-theworld birthday tribute to the life, ~vorks and spirit of Robert Burns is the 9th year for this event in Eureka Springs. The evening promises highland pipes, poetry and pride, the traditional Scottish dinner with roast beef and haggis, the drinking of Scotch whiskey and the recitation of Burns works, along with general merry-making and songsinging. "Robert Burns was truly the voice of the Scots. Any ethnic group will collect around a cultural voice and for the Scots who endured British oppression for centuries, Burns covered the whole spectrum of life in those ages," says Bruce Crabtree, author and historian, who will be performing "Robert Bruce’s March to Bannockburn" in traditional attire and full brogue. Crabtree will also present a workshop about the Gads during the festival, along with other workshop presenters who will discuss the Scots and Irish influence in the Ozarks, traditional "Eureka Springs can look forward to a pretty unique act," said Adrian Walter, the band’s lead, who also teaches theatre and dance in Houston, Texas. "The audience will see that bagpipes can go way beyond funerals," he quipped. "It’s like a rock and roll unplugged bagpipe theatre show without a plot. We do a fully audience integrated show that goes against the usual band formula." Tartanic will be right at home with the Eureka Springs culture. How does one describe Tartanic? "hnagine one dancer, six drums, six drones, 18 notes, fast fingers, high comedy, flying bagpipes, taste-defying stunts, scorching hot music played at over 120 beats per minute with driving speed and high volume, all brought to you by five men without pants." Also on the bill with Tartanic is Beth Patterson, Celtic singer-songwriter from Ne~v Orleans. Patterson, whose sound and style has been compared to Loreena McKennitt, also performs on Saturday night at the City Auditorium with Ed Miller and with Rowan, a traditional Celtic trio from Kansas who ANNOUNCING 2007 D VERSITY WEEKEND DATES Eureka 8pdngs, Arkansas VALENTINE’S DIVERSITYWEEKEND Friday, Feb 16, 2007 - Sunday, Feb 18, 2007 SPRING DIVERSITY WEEKEND Friday, April 13, 2007 - Sunday, April 15, 2007 SUMMER DIVERSITY WEEKEND Friday, Aug 3, 2007 - Sunday Aug 5, 2007 FALL DIVERSITY WEEKEND Friday, Nov 2, 2007 - Sunday, Nov 4, 2007 For more information go to: www.diversitypride.com 12 the STAR w~v.ozarksstar.com in the morning and stress at night; stress is that thing I just can’t fight. Or can you? Happiness is knowing that you can control the impact stress has on your life. This is important since stress has been linked to 70% of all illnesses. In addition, stress is directly related to negative health behaviors such as alcohol and drug abuse, and to psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression. This is no good my friends! Pay close attention and I’ll make it all feel better! Most stress is caused by inadequate time management. What do you want out of life? Write it all down on paper and then go back and prioritize. You can’t do it all so you will need to leave some of the items on the editing floor. Make a schedule of what you want to do each day or week and then stick to this schedule like a dutiful liege. Monitor this schedule and make changes accordingly as time marches on. It sounds so doggone simple but most of you do not listen to this sage advice. YOu watch American Idol when you should be washing the dishes or you gossip ad infinitum with Patty and Selma when you should be giving the dog his much needed bath. Don’t waste time on this pettiness unless of course you like this pettiness and it is part of your schedule. When you don’t prioritize and you try to force 36 hours into a 24 hour day, the first item up for sale is sleep. Did you know that lions sleep about 20 hours each day. ~lhat is quite fascinating but you will not need exactly that much of the forty winks! The average human adult needs between seven and eight hours of repose per night. You might believe you can maintain much less sleep than that each evening but stress will eventually get the better of you over the years. The Grim Reaper wilt just bide his time. The following are numerous suggestions for pleasant dreams: 1) Go to bed at the same time each night. 2) Don’t exercise right before bedtime. 3) Avoid eating meals shortly before lights out. A light snack is fine. 4) Do not watch TV in the bedroom. 5) Sleep in a cooler than normal room. 6) Avoid excessive alcohol. It causes restless sleep. All work and no play make Jack a dull boy! You don’t exactly want to emulate Jack Torrance at the Overlook Hotel. I could spout off a whole slew of abominable statistics and enlighten you on how much more that people are now working than they were fifty years ago. But I won’t. You are certainly keenly aware of this situation. When time is at a premium, the factors most neglected are personal health, relationships with the kiddies, and marriage or romantic time with the significant other. Recreation and leisure should be important components of your daily schedule. Why do you think the Japanese live so long? They work so much less than us Americanos and they love their play time. You can make your millions by the age of 40 but it ain’t gonna help ya if the stress sends ya packing early for that plot of land in Boot Hill. Be sure to factor in some moderate sessions of shenanigans along life’s yellow brick road! There are several relaxation techniques that might help you push your stress to the back of the line. The nominees for outstanding relief methods are the quick fix, prayer, and positive thinking. The quick fix means taking a five minute time out from the rat race. Go to a quiet spot, loosen your clothing, remove your shoes, and shut your eyes. Inhale deeply for about five seconds and then exhale slowly for about ten seconds. Repeat this several times. Now mentally picture something pleasant like a lake, a cloud, or Jamaica. Keep relaxing and breathe deeply. After five minutes, stretch briefly and head back to the real world with renewed vi.gor. The next technique is prayer. Studies have indicated that prayer can decrease blood pressure and can be a tremendous source of comfort. Prayer can provide confidence to function more effectively and thus reduce stress from your rigors of life. Catholic, Muslim, Buddhist, Protestant, Wiccan, or Taoist. It makes no difference. Try embracing the power of prayer. Finally there remains positive thinking. This is simple but not always followed. Do whatever it takes to create a positive mood when you have excessive stress. You do not want to dwell on any negative feelings. Always picture the positive side of life. Those that do this are those who prosper. Stress can be indeed harmful; stress can be quite a mighty hell; Stress ye now know must be managed for ye to be well! Ron Blake is a Certified Personal Trainer and Owner of Blake Fitness in Phoenix. He can be reached at 480-241-5651 or on the web at www.blakefitness.com. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13 Summary : Past Out is a retrospective of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT history. Each installment brings the past to life by exploring the diversity of the gay past and its impact on the queer present. was . osepb Beam? African-American author and activist Joseph Beam secured his place in GLBT literary history as the editor of In the Life, a groundbreaking anthology of works by black same-gender-loving men. Beam was born December 30, 1954, in Philadelphia. With his working-class parents struggling to ensure that their only child received a good education, he attended Catholic preparatory and high schools, where he was one of only a few black students. He later studied journalism at Franklin College, a small Baptist college in Indiana. Influenced by the civil rights and Black Power movements, he was an active member of the Black Student Union. After graduating in 1976, he pursued a Master’s degree in communications and stayed in the Midwest, working at odd jobs for a few years, before returning to his native city. Back in Philadelphia in the early 1980s, Beam got a job at Giovanni’s Room, a GLBT bookstore. He began writing news articles, personal essays, poetry, and short stories for publications such as _The Advocate, Body Politic, Gay Community News, and the New York Native, Much of his work reflected on the life experiences of black gay men, criticizing both the racism of the mainstream white gay and lesbian movement and the homophobia of the black community. In 1984, the Lesbian and Gay Press Association honored him with an award for outstanding achievement by a minority journalist. Beam also maintained ongoing correspondence with prisoners, which he later attributed to his "deep sense ofmy own imprisonment as a closeted gay m,an and an oppressed Black man." Having ensconced himself in the GLBT literary scene - and having met numerous 14 the STAR authors and community leaders - Beam was disappointed about the lack of black male voices. \York by white gay writers addressed three camps, he claimed: "the incestuous literati of Manhattan and Fire Island, the San Francisco cropped-moustache-clones, and the Boston-to-Cambridge politically correct radical faggots. None of them spoke to me as a Black gay man." While some of the leading lights of the Harlem Renaissance - such as Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and Richard Bruce Nugent - were knoxvn or believed to have been {gay or bisexual, Beam found that contemporary xvorks by black samegender- loving men were fexv and far between. "By mid-1983 1 had grown weary of reading literature by xvhite gay men," he xvrote. "More and more each day, as I looked around the xvell-stocked shelves of Giovanni’s Room...I wondered xvhere xw~s the work of Black gay men." Beam therefore began collecting material for his pioneering anthology, in many cases nurturing the budding talents of men who had never before ~vritten for publication. He said that In the Life, published by Alyson Publications in 1986, spoke for "the brothers whose silence has cost them their sanitT," as well as the "2,500 brothers who have died of AIDS." Beam regarded the book as a tool for organizing and community building. His oxvn essa}; "Brother to Broti~er," extolled friendship, love, and eroticism among black men as a means of self-affirmation and group solidarity in the face of the pain and anger that arose from dealing xvith a xvhite GLBT movement that failed to address the concerns of people of color, and a heterosexual black community, that refused to accept queer men. "I cannot go home as xvho I am and that hurts me deeply," he wrote. "Aren’t aH hearts and fists and min~ds needed in this struggle or will this faggot be tossed into the fire?" and relieving Black women Dom the role of primary nurturers in our commmxity;" he wrote. "For too tong we have expected from Black women that which we could only obtain from other men...I dare us to dream that we are xvorth wandng each other. Black men loving Black men is the revolutionary act of the eighties." One source of inspiration for Beam xvas the work of black lesbian feminist writers such as Audre Lorde. "I dream of Black men loving and supporting other Black men, An activist as well as an author, Beam worked as a consultant for the Gay and Lesbian ~ask Force of tile American Friends Service Committee. He helped resurrect the flagging National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays - originally founded in 1978 - joining the executive committee and editing the organization’s journal, Black/Out. Beam died of complications related to AIDS in December 1988, just three days shy of his 34th birthday. Though his life was brief, Beam’s influence was far-reaching. He served as both an inspiration and a mentor, promoting the idea that "visibility is survival." After his death, Beam’s mother and his fi-iend Essex Hemphill completed a second anthology of black gay men’s writing, _Brother to Brother_ (1991), which Beam was working on xvhen he died. Hemphill also remembered Beam in a memorial poem, "When My Brother Fell": He burned out his pure life force to bring us a chance to love ourselves... Forfiwther reading: Beam, Joseph (ed.). 1986. _in the Life:A Black Gay Anthologo,_ (Alyson). Harris, E. Lynn (ed.). 2004. _Freedom in this Village: Twenty-Five Years ofBlack Gay 2]/Ien’s Writing_ (Carroll & Graf). Hemphill, Essex (ed.). 1991. _Brother to Brother: New IN’itings by Black Gay Men_ (Alyson). www.ozarksstar.corn NEW CENTER OPENS gH S MONgH It’s been a long journe?; but the finish line is in sight. O-klahomans for Equality (OkEq) xvill open the permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 621 E. 4th Street, this month January 2007. The new Center, at 18,000 square feet, is one of the largest in the nadon and will be filled with nexv OkEq community programs, meeting rooms and spaces for community organizations, reception areas, educational, legal 8¢ xvellness services, the Events Center and much more! You’ll be xvelcomed in the Robert S. Cisar Lobby. With 14’ beamed ceilings, the front hall of the nexv Center features the reception area, an expanded Pride Store, OkEq offices and the original safe of the 1920’s building. Adjacent to the front hall is the Great Halt. The Great Hall " the living room" for the community is approximately 1,800 square foot of open space. A great space for receptions, parties and more, complete xvith a ~tchen, the space is a warm and inviting environment for the communi~: Through the rear lobby and to the right are the Gallery and Conference Rooms. With community groups and organizations in mind, the Gallery and Conference Room can hold small, medium and large groups. You’ll be surrounded by the art of coinmunity members in the Gallery while the Community Room features a floor to ceiling glass wall. Come up the elevator in the rear lobby and you xvill arrive in the Recreation Lounge. Around the corner, you’ll be welcomed into an expanse for the communits: The Nancy &Joe McDonald Rainboxv Library features over 3,000 GLBT tides. A new xveekly Legal Clinic and Counseling office is adjacent to the library. The David Bohnett CyberCenter has 10, flat-screen, DSL computer stations free to the public. The nexv, light-filled \Vellness Center, with planned yoga and meditation session and dance lessons \vill feature many new additional programs for the communi~: Past a relaxing lounge next to the Cyber- Center is the KidsCorner. Featuring xvritable walls and a mural, KidsCorner also has an interior window to keep watch of your little ones. You’ll see history on display in the Dennis Neill &John Southard History Project Room, as well as be able to look-over historical documents. The Health Testing office offers free HIV testing 3 times per xveek xvhile syphilis testing is offered once a month. The Community Office Area xvill xvelcome small desk/office areas for organizations, as well as a meeting space. The sumptuous Board Room, loo-king out over 4th Street can easily seat 12 to 25 indMduals. And there is still another 8,000 square feet! Back on the street level is the Events Center. Able to seat nearly 200 people for a luncheon or dinner, the nearly 3,000 square foot space comes complete xvith a catering kitchen, a separate entry, facilities and a clerestory windoxv nearly the len~h of the space. The Kenosha Suite, xvith approximately 1,500 sq. ft. of space and the 4th Street frontage of 3,000 sq. ft. of retail space xvill help invigorate the East End of downtown Tulsa. The nexv year of 2007 xvelcomes a nexv home, a new name and nexv direction for OHahomans for Equality. We xvelcome you to visit the new community center, 621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa, be involved xvith your community and join us as we continue our 26-year history of working for GLBT equality. Oldahomans for Equality (OkEq) seeks equal rights for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. Our House, Too offers a vadety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrismmjr@yahoo.com. ,J VmNW.ozarksstar.com the STAR 15 CaVe.net Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in many regions where red wine is made: Southern France, Spain, Italy, Bulgaria and Rumania in Europe; Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and California in the New World. Wherever it is grown you find reliable, quality, drinkable wines. Cabernet Sauvignon is at the heart of most Bordeaux red wines, often blended with Merlot; they are the benchmark against which other producers judge their products. At the upper end of the market, the Bordeaux chateaux, such as Margaux and Haut-Brion, reign supreme, but there is increasing competition from Australia and California. At the bottom end of the market, Bordeaux is struggling to compete. Examples from Latin America, Australia and Eastern Europe consistently offer an excellent drinking experience and value for money. Cabernet Sauvignon is a fairly small, thick skinned, tannic, dark red grape that crops well in suitable growing conditions. It survives cold winters and well-drained soils but does need adequate sunshine in order to ripen fully. ~he grape’s thick skin makes it resistant to spoiling by rain and attack by insects, around harvest time, which helps to ensure ripeness before picking and to maintain yields. ~-he predominant flavor is blackcU~i but it also can exhibit black cherry, cedar, leather and tobacco notes, depending on where it is grown. Because of its high tannin content, it has good ageing potential (five to ten years) and is often matured in oak barrels to enhance the flavor. ~-he effect of contact with oak modifies the tannin structure, leading to smoother, elegant, more complex wines. Whether as a varietal or blended with Merlot, Sangiovese, Shiraz or Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon is always a popular choice for informed lovers of red wine. Foods that pair well with Cabernet Sauvignon: duck, spicy beef, pate, rabbit, roasts, spicy poultry, cheddar, blue cheese, sausage, kidneys, pasta with tomato sauce and foods that are meaty, pungent or spicy. This year there are some exceptional Cab’s out there this year including; Chateau St Jean Cinq Cepages 2000 Justin Justification Paso Robles 2003 Irony Napa 2002 Beringer Napa 2002 Snoqualmie Columbia Valley 2004 Visit your favorite wine shop, bring a bottle & a dish and we’ll see ya there!! Devre 1 6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Past m this tiny and we do m~fi TINY ~ommfinity mVfi; kitchen j( they prepare the food. [[he so ~’0~ V[,ilt leave full. Karl and In the afternoons, they bake flesh pasrry/pk One night they drove us m Bisbee which is about 20 miles away. Bisbee is a very old mining town that has a lot of character. We dined at the Striped Stocking and had a wonderful evening. Bisbee ~s lust a very small town but has a very" active gay population. 1o800o535oAIDS (2437) minute OraQuick Test * Free Syphillis screening at the GLBT Community Center on Tuesdays from 6-Spin H.O.P.E. Testing Clinic Outreach Program Tulsa at {918) 812-7045 18 the STAR www.ozarksstar.c0m to P pnngs By Donald Pile and Ray Williams ings begiIi on Valentine~ Da?; FebruaD, rants in .~nerica and we certainly agree. Friday- Febru;apt 16, 2007 4 pm to 5:30 pm - Readings at the Melvyr~ is open ~br hmch Monday thru Friday from 11:30 to 3pro. Quee~ 0fHeart~ Hotel. Dinner is served daily 6 to 1 lpm. Lhampagn~ Brunch is served Saturday 2 February 17, 2007 3 pm - Book Signing at the Pepper- Saturday a,~d Sunday 9am to 3 pm. "Ilaeir web site is: www.inglesi- tree Bookstore. deim~.com. For reservations call (760)325-2323. Please contact Joanna or Denise ~br Reservations and information: By E-maiI: Casitas@CasitasLaquita.com Phone: 760) 416-9999 - Toll Free: (877) 203-3410 w~,,~v.ozarksstar.com the STAR 19 Fringing the ocean, Starwood Iqotels’g[amorolls andgay-J}iendly Atlantic resort has been a keyfeature ofFort Lauderdale’s stunning redevelopment. (P,~oto by Andrew Collins) January 2007 \vgith progressive attitudes on social issues and a spirited, chic style that evokes Paris, Rome, and New York City, buoyant Buenos Aires has become the GLBT capital of Latin America. In this distinctly European-feeling city, the worlds of high fashion, haute cuisine, and tango come together, and an unstable economy has become a boon for visitors from other nations, because it’s led to favorable foreign-currency exchange rates. Indeed, what was not long ago the most expensive capital city in South America has become one of the cheapest major metropolises in the world. This city of nearly 3 million (12 million live in the metro region) sits along the southern bank of the Rio de la Plata, a wide estuary that forms the border between Argentina and Uruguay. Spanish conquistadors established a foothold here in the early 1500s, and the city retains close ties to Europe - many _Portenos_ (as residents are known) have Spanish and Italian lineage, and significant numbers also trace their roots to Germany, Great Britain, Russia, and France. This is very much an international destination, and Buenos Aires has fol!owed the lead of many European cities by actively courting GLBT tourists (the tourism office produces an excellent gay brochure and map) and legalizing same-sex civil unions. North Americans are sometimes deterred from traveling to Buenos Aires by steep airfares (which typically range from around $800 to $1,200 round-trip), but once you’re actually in Argentina, the cost of travel is so amazingly low that you can easily spend less on a vacation here than you would in western Europe or the Caribbean. Also consider that during slower times, some airlines’ frequent flyer programs offer round-trip flights here for as few as 40,000 miles offpeak (typically March through May and again mid-August through November, which are perfectly pleasant times to visit). Prices for most goods - as well as food and cocktails, taxis, electronics, and many other items - are generally 40 to 70 percent less than in the United States. Look for especially great deals on leather goods (from wallets to jackets), and enjoy the shockingly low prices of fine steaks and wines (two products for which Argentina is justly renowned) at great restaurants. Buenos Aires (aka B.A.) is a sprawling city, but because cabs are easy to hail on the street and extremely inexpensive, they’re a very practical way to make your way around. This is also a generally safe and enjoyable city to explore on foot. The central neighborhoods of Microcentro, Congreso, and Retiro are typical business and commerce centers, and nearby Recoteta is a wealthy hub of high-end hotels and ritzy apartment towers. In these areas you’ll find many of the city’s top museums, performing arts venues, and political buildings, but you need to venture farther afield to get to know gay B.A. Start xvith a walk through Barrio Norte, a busy and bustling district with a sizable gay presence and loads of fine clothing, home-fur- ¯ nishings, and electronics stores along the main drag, Avenida Santa Fe. The most charming neighborhoods for exploring, however, are Palermo and the adjacent Palermo Viejo - the latter has the most pronounced GBLT presence in Buenos Aires. Narrow cobblestone streets lined with uber-chic boutiques, snazzy wine bars, Euro-inspired cafes, and offbeat galleries abound in both neighborhoods. but particularly in Palermo Viejo. Another district with gay cachet is San Telmo, which is close to downtmvn and whose elegantly faded 19th-century buildings, many of them former tenements, now contain a fabulous array of antiques dealers plus a growing number of hip restaurants. Among the many superb restaurants in Palermo Viejo, don’t miss Bar Uriarte, a sexy lounge with a convivial garden in back and outstanding brick-oven pizzas and innovative tapas; and Mott, a gorgeous, minimalist restaurant with high ceilings, stylish decor, and fantastic wines and healthful, light food. The beautifully modern space occupied by Miranda Restaurant fills up each evening with devotees of the kitchen’s delicious steaks and chops. Freud & Fabler is an intimate place that’s a great bet for creative Mediterranean-inspired fare, and sleek Olsen has earned a loyal following for both its intriguing people-watching and delicious Scandinavian food (there’s also a huge vodka selection). If you’re just looking for a spot with free Wi-Fi and light breakfast and lunch fare, stop by gay-popular Mark’s Deli, a dapper little place with a pretty garden, or old-world Bartok, a graceful Euro-style coffeehouse with 20 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com sidewalk seating overlooking the edge of busy Plaza Palermo Viejo. Bartok serves tasty salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Other gustatory highlights around Buenos Aires - and this is just a tiny sampling - include Milion, an uber-modern resto-lounge in Barrio Norte, and Bond, one of the gay-friendliest of the many excellent restatlrants in snazzy Recoteta, serving an eclectic menu of sushi, Mediterranean-inspired tapas, and modern Argentinean fare. To sample the tender steaks for which Argentina is known, head just around the corner to E1 Mirasol, which is tourist}, but absolutely dependable for outstanding beef. Owned by the same talented folks who operate Bar Uriarte, Gran Bar Danzgn is one of Recoleta’s trendiest wine bars, serving outstanding Continental and Latino food, too. As expected in a large, gay-friendly metropolis, Buenos Aires has a vibrant nightlife scene, although maW bars and clubs are only popular on certain nights of the week. It’s best to ask around to learn which are likely to be busy (or even open) on a given evening - also keep in mind that most places don’t get going until 2 or 3 in the morning (although they often remain busy until dawn). The majority of B.A.’s "gay" nightlife options draw a mix not only ofwomen and men but, in many cases, gays and straights - this is a city where folks ftom all walks of life seem to revel quite happily together. Some of the larger dance clubs include the aptly named GLAM in Barrio Norte, long-running Contramano in Recoleta, and see-andbe- seen Alsina in the Monserrat district. More intimate yet still highly popular bars and lounges worth checking out are Kim y Noyak, a cozy and stylish Palermo Viejo hangout that also serves good food; Sitges, which is also in Palermo Viejo and presents lively drag shows; and Bach Bar, a mostly lesbian spot in Barrio Norte. Buenos Aires also has a few bathhouses, the most popular being Buenos Aires A Full, in Barrio Norte. Prices of accommodations in Buenos Aires vary wildly, as the large and often very impressive international hotels, which appeal to business travelers and well-heeled tourists, tend to charge rates comparable to those in other major world capitals. Among the city’s best high-end hotels, the relatively new Park Hyatt, which opened in 2006, is an absolute treasure, its rooms sleekly and artfully designed, and its restaurants, courtyard patio, wine-and-cheese bar, and spa all top-notch. The Hyatt’s well-trained, thoughtful staffwhisks about, tending to guests’ every need. In the same neighborhood of Recoleta, the classic Alvear Palace Hotel has been serving discerning travelers since it opened in 1932 - the elegant rooms are among the largest in the city. In Palermo Viejo, Bo Bo is a smart boutique hotel with moderately priced, avant-garde rooms and an excellent restaurant popular with models and celebs. The intimate FIVE hotel contains - despite its name - 16 rooms, each done with handsome, contemporary furnishings, but the big draw here are the extensive common areas, including a lovely rooftop sundeck with great city views and a hot tub. Charming owner Adriana Teplixke and her knowledgeable staff can recommend great places to shop and eat, and rates here are quite reasonable, beginning around $100 nightly. If you’re on a budget, consider Palermo Viejo’s absolutely wonderful, gay-owned Bayres B&B, where it feels like staying vdth kind (and knowledgeable) friends in their simple but pleasant home. Rates (which run from $35 to $65 per night) include full breakfast, and there’s free high-speed Intemet and cable TV in every room, and private or shared bathrooms. Considering that Bayres costs hundreds less per night less than some of the city’s fanciest hotels, it’s truly an amazing bargain. Aiad with the money you save on rooms, you can invest in such heady pleasures as haute couture and cuisine - if you’re a serious shopper, bring along an empty suitcase to fill with your bounty. Owasse Community Theatre Opens The New Year With "StuaR Little" OWASSO, OK__Rehearsals have begun for the O~vasso Community Theatre’s presentation of Stuart Little by E.B. White, and performance dates have been scheduled for January 19-21 and 25- 27, 2007 at the Mary Glass Performing Arts Center in Owasso. All performances will occur at 7:00PM except the matinee on January 21st which will occur at 2:00PM. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 21 JANUARY 2007 "Resolve to Take Action" Well, it’s 2007, but many of us will probably be dating our checks 2006 for weeks to come. Old habits - 365 days worth - die hard, but soon the 2007 mental pathway will be established, and our dating habits (the written ones, anyway) will be corrected. Looking back, 2006 was quite a year. LOGO, the gay cable network, and the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association came up with their top 10 stories. It’s an interesting but not too surprising list, including everything from Outgames/Gay Games to Soulforce’s Equality Ride to Oscar coming out on Brokeback Mountain to Ted Haggard falling on his face (let alone from grace) to Mark Foley’s page folly to the Dems bringing democracy, back to Capitol Hill. I’m not about to rehash and recap - you can go to LOGOonline. corn and watch the four-part series complete with music, graphics, and Jason Bellini as anchor. My thoughts are on our future - what 2007 has in store for the community and for me, and even better, what we have in store for 2007. Personally; once the cast comes offmy ruptured right bicep tendon (when you’re almost 49, playing with the dog can be dangerous), I plan to segue physical therapy into future trips the gym. I’m one of those dykes who can put on weight just by thinking about it, and as I start my ascent to 50 1 really want to try and get back into some sort of shape. If any of you girls (or guys) have suggestions or secrets to share, just let me know. I’m open. Also, 2007 gives me the opportunity to tell my partner, Lynn, how much she means to me. Let your partner know how you feel, too - how important they are to you, how dreary your life wonld be without them, how much you love them. The new year also gives all of us the opportunity to let our family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues know how much our partners mean to us. I’m not talking about being all mushy all the time at work or at family gatherings. I am talking about being clear about your life, who you live with, how you identify. If there was ever a year to come out and build on our achievements, this is it. The more that people know us and feel connected with us, the more likely they are to stand beside us as allies and fight for our rights. It’s all about building relationships and normalizing straight people’s perceptions ofwho we are. With a new Congress (let’s all pray for Sen. Tim Johnson’s [D-S.D.] full recovery), and the president’s final two years in a death spiral, the ability for the LGBT community to make real change is within our reach. If a lesbian can get elected to the Alabama State House, anything is possible - ifwe put our minds to it. "lhis is the year we could overtnrn "don’t ask, don’t tell." It’s the year we could get the federal nondlscrn-nmauon act and mclus~ve hate-crimes legislation passed. It’s the year we could see our national organizations ~vorldng in tandem on the issues that concern us the most. It’s the year we could see real progress on our issues. But for al! of that to happen this year, next year, or beyond, we, as a community, have to support the organizations that represent us. "lhat support could be a check to your local community center and!or to your statewide organization and/or to the national organization of choice. If we are to move forward in 2007, we must put LGBT human and financial capital to work. This is also the year for us to point out the lies of the radical Christian right and hold them accountable for their ,vords. After Mary Cheney announced in early December that she was pregnant, _Time_ magazine asked Focus on the Family’s James Dobson to write an opinion piece. In his usual homophobic, antigay- family way, Dobson - like other radical Christians - chastised Mary for bringing a child into the world without a dad. To back up his arguments, he cited the academic work of feminist scholar Carol Gilligan and Yale School of Medicine’s Kyle Pruett, M.D. Instead of just dismissing Dobson’s rantings as those of a rattled homophobe, Wayne Besen ofTruth Wins Out contacted both scholars and asked them to repudiate this nse of their work. °II~ey did. Time’s embarrasment led the mag’s editors to ask Jennifer Chrisler of Fainily Pride to write a response. Her piece debunked Dobson’s dithering about how a kid needs a mommy and daddy more than she or he needs love. Besen plans to keep the heat on Dobson and others like him with his new website, xw~vw.dobsonlies.org. Join Besen, and kick off 2007 vdth some action - write Time’s editor, Patrick Smith (patrick_smith@timemagazine.com), and tell him that if his magazine is going to let the right rant, it also has to make them prove their points with facts, not rely on the pseudo-fiction they’ve been parading behind. After that, tell your honey you love her or him, tell your neighbor you’re gay, write a check, and don’t ever forget how important you are in the next 365 days. Gayly O ahomar No Lor ger Pr r t TULSA, OK The publisher of the 24 year old Oklalxoma GLBT news paper, Andrew Hicks, announced in the December 15th issue that the Gayly was shutting down their print version and going digital. "\V,/e ~vant to take the Gayly into the future and onto new levels and fulfill a vision that has kept this paper alive for nearly 25 years. The world is changing and our need for information is changing with it." Hicks said. The on-line operation is due to be up and running this month. For more information go to: wv~v.gayly.com 22 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com GAY R GHTS ADVOCATE & LOBBYIST KErFH SMITH PASSES AWAY AT AGE 51 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__Keith Smith died at Integris Hospital from pneumonia on Monday, November 20. Up until the time of his death he had been a tireless lobbyist not only for gay rights for also environmental causes, reproductive freedom, and civil liberties. Lobbying clients included the Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood, and the ACLU. He was also the co-chair of the Central Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats as well as a national board member A memorial service was held in the rotunda of the Oklahoma State Capitol, and speakers honoring him included ne~vly elected State Representative AI McAffre); State Senators Andrew Rice and Bernest Cain, former Governor David Waiters, Native American Rights activist Kalyn Free, Oklahoma ACLU Executive Director Joann Bell & his dear friend, Linda Gray Murphy. A native of Alva, Oklahoma, he is survived by his mother Berda Murrow, and three brothers, Craig, Kurt and Kyle Smith. www.ozarksstar.com FROZEN CRANBERRIES 2. Stir well. 3. Chill for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve... 4. Chill martini glasses with ice and water, 5. Add club soda to mixture. 6. Pour into martini glasses and enjoy. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ! The STAR 23 Congratulations Lawanda Jackson Miss Gay Oklahoma US of A 2007 by Victor Gorin Photo: Center LawandaJackson Miss Oklahoma US ofA 2007 & 1st runnerup Alexia" Nicole OKLAHOMA CITY, OK The Copa was filled with excitement as the pageant for Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA came together in all its glory December 7-10. A pageant of Ragfin Productions, this marked the 20th anniversary of the event. Promoted by Regie Finley (a.k.a. Raghenna, Miss Oklahoma US ofA 1990) the show featured Alyssa Edwards, the current reigning Miss Gay US of A. It was emceed by Rachael Erikks (former Miss Gay Oklahoma & America)& Reghenna herself, and their campy wit kept it lively. The winners were 2nd Alternate Victoria Weston, 1 st runner-up Alexis Nicole Whimey, and Lawanda Jackson was crowned the new Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA. Both Lawanda and Alexis Nicole will go on to compete for the national title in Dallas May 22-25 of next year. w~#v.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 25 Salutations and ~velcome to Uncle Mikey 2007! Yes Kittens, it ~vas a holiday triumph once more Kittens, as yours truly entertained, touched, and brought holiday warmth to those around me. According to the lucky, Uncle did all three. As we usher in the New Year, allow us to unite, if only for a moment in holiday cheer. Uncle Mikey, Why do so many people turn the holidays into future stories of drunken escapades? Doesn’t anyone take time to enjoy the true meaning of the season? Holiday-Cheer Dearest Cheer, Kitten, the holiday,s mean something different to everyone. For some it is a deep and meaningful time of their personal faith celebration. W~ile others, look at it as a time for friends and family, We cannot cheapen it by taking away from someone’s personal holiday meaning. Uncle sees the holidays as a bit different still yet. Christmas time for me is a time of white mink against the skin, while given a reason to dress hunk-a-licious men in red, green, and sliver holiday strings. Kitten; just remember that everyone has his or her own reason for the season! Smooches Mikey. Uncle Mikey, I thought I was going to get a commitment ring for Christmas and instead found that my partner is not as ready as I thought after all. It has been a year and still no advancement in the elevation of this relationship. Should I lClnd someone who is as ready as I, or hope that he will come around? Still Looking for Bling--Bling Dearest Bling, Can I get an amen? Uncle Mikey never committed to awthing less than two carats! Smooches Uncle Mikey Uncle Mikey, I was out at a club during my Christmas break from school, when I ran into an old flame from High School. We hooked up and spent some time together. I though we had renewed some old feelings for one another, however, the only thing he left me with was a cold release, when he went back to school, leaving me in the dust. Should I confront him? Trick Played Dear played, ~ Kitten, it could have been worse, he could have left you with the gift that keeps giving, clap on--clap off. Uncle says count your blessing and remember it for what it obviously was, a holiday romance. Smooches Mikey Kittens: We all can find drama in our life ifwe try, however the one thing that we seem to forget is that we allow the drama in our life to begin with. You were home from school, lonely during the Christmas rush, and jumped onto stallion number one. You rode him straight through break, only to complain at the dismount. Kitten, selfanalazation might point out that we only deal with what we allow ourselves too. ~-hink about it, you wanted deep penetrating! Well this is as deep as it gets. Smooches Uncle Mikey Uncle Mikey, I started dating this guy a while ago, and while I do enjoy his company for the most part, I think it is that I am more afraid of being alone than being annoyed. It is not that I am a loser. It is that I do not lie to myself. I am not the most intelligent, or even the most desirable. Therefore, my question is this; is it wrong to settle? Only the lonely Dearest Lonely, Kitten Kitten, get off the cross because Madonna needs the wood! It is a shame to hear someone cutting oneself. It is not the package that sells the gift, it is the gift that makes the package. Kitten, we all begin with the simple package that the Gay Gods deliver to us. We make our identity. If you want to look better, it’s called a gym. Want to be a scholar, it’s called education. Want to improve your attitude, It’s called therapy, Bottom line kittens, it is all about self-help in a self-serving world. You can be a player or you can be played. No Kitten, it is not wrong to settle, it is a self-defeating cop out! Smooches Mikey Dear Uncle Mikey, I caught my boyfriend in a lie. After I asked him if he was talking to people on the PC after I was in the bed, I decided to check for myself. I looked and found cookies left from him visiting the infamous site where they pick up booty calls. I didn’t’*=want to tell him I had been dipping into his business so I waited. Well, sure enough he told me that he had to be away on business overnight. After following him to the motel, it was clear what his business was. I have just been sick wondering what to do. Any advice for the betrayed? Seeing Red Dearest Red, Stalk-much? Kitten, a relationship is not worth it if you have to mistrust their every move. Kitten, I would strongly recommend some professional guidance here. I don’t mean spy gear either. Kitten, relationships are only as productive as the players in them. Ifyou feel that yours is not what you want, may I suggest the emergency exit! Smooches Mikey Well, like the trick in the alley, I must slide out once more. Kittens, here is to a New Year- May all of your dreams come true. Wishing you all a very Queer New Year! 26 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com and Combread 2pm, Karaoke 9pm PEC’S: -"?’Fell drinks 2.50 from 7-9pro wear leather. THE COPA: Stip-Off Contest 12am BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro. PEC’S: \Veil drinks 2.50 from 7-9pro xvear leather. TNT’S: Karaoke 9pm. THE COPA: \~ieD" Show 10:30pro FINISHLINE: Dart~lburnament 10pm CLUB IVlAJESTIC: Talent Show w/Rachael Erikks PEC’S: \X;dl drinks 2.50 from 7-9pro wear leather. THE COPA: Open Talent w/Shemoane Somemore 10:30pm FINISHLINE: Dart’l~3urnament i 0pro LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pro THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro CLUB ROX: Alison Scott, 9:30pro PEC’S: Mate Dancers, 9pm THE ROCKIES: OGRA Benefit Show 8:30pm THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet lam-3:30am PEC’S: Male Dancers, 9pro BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pm, Dancers 4pro CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Show 8:30pro. CLUB MAJESTIC: Carla Lee Love Show 10pro THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show 10:30pm BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm PEC’S: Well drinks 2.50 from 7-9pro wear leather. THE COPA: Stip-OffContest t2am XgCEDNESDA?f Januaq~" !0 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro PEC’S: ~Tell drinks 2.50 from 7-9pro wear leather. TNT’S: Karaoke 9pm. THE COPA: Variety Show !0:30pro FINISHLINE: Dart’Iburnament 10pm THO~DA~~ Jarmary il CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show w/Rachael Erild~s PEC’S: Well drinks 2.50 from 7-9pm wear leather. THE COPA: Open Talent w/Shemoane Somemore 10:30pro FINISHLINE: Dart %urnament ! 0pro LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pro THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro PEC’S: Male Dancers, 9pro THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast But})t 1 am-3:30am PEC’S: Male Dancers, 9pro BAMBoo LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pro, Dancers 4pm CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Shmv 8:30pro. CLUB ~JESTIC: Catia Lee Love Show 10pro THE COPA: I~chael Erik~ Show ! 0:30pm MONDAY Jauuary 15 BAblBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-Tpm TUESDAY January 16 ..... PEC’S: Well drinks 2.50 from 7- 9pro wear leather. THE COPA: Stip-Off Contest Midnight. BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro PEC’S: \Veil drinks 2.50 from 7- 9pro wear leather. TNT’S: Karaoke 9pro. THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pro FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show w/Rachael Erikks PEC’S: Well drinks 2.50 from 7-9pm wear leather. THE COPA: Open Talent w/Shemoane Somemore 10:30pm FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro LEDO: KarbOkie host, Pancho 9pm THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm PEC’S: Male Dancers, 9pm CLUB ROX: Mison Scott Shm~X):30pm CLUB MAJESTIC: Majestic Kings Shmv 10pro. THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet lam-3:30am PEC’S: Male Dancers, 9pro BAMBOO LOUNGE: 50’s-60’s Sock Hop, BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pm, Dancers 4pro Kris Kohl Show 8pm CLUB ROX: Whimey Paige Show 8:30pro. CLUB MAJESTIC: Carla Lee Love Show 10pro THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show 10:30pm BAMBOO LOUNGE: Christmas Dinher Served 3pro. Karaoke 9pro. PEC’S: \Veil drinks 2.50 from 7- 9pm wear leather. THE COPA: Stip-OffContest Midnight. BAMBOO LOUNGE: ICaraoke 9pro PEC’S: \Vell drinks 2.50 from 7-9pm wear leather. TNT’S: Karaoke 9pro. THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pm FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament t 0pro CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show wl Rachael Erikks PEC’S: \Yell drinks 2.50 from 7-9pm wear leather. THE COPA: Open Talent xvlShemoaue Somemore 10:30pro FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pro THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm PEC’S: Male Dancers, 9pro THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet 1 am-3:30am PEC’S: Male Dancers, 9pro BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pm, Dimcers 4pm CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Show 8:30pro. CLUB MAJESTIC: Carla Lee Love Show 10pro THE COPA: tLachael Eril~&~ Show 10:30pm BAMBOO LOUNGE: Christmas Dinnet Served 3pro. Karaoke 9pm. THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm PEC’S: V&ll drinks 2.50 from 7- 9pm wear leather. THE COPA: Stip-Off Contest Midnight. BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm PEC’S: \Veil drinks 2.50 from 7-gpm wear leather. TNT’S: Karaoke 9pro. THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pm FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro ~.ozarksstar.com the STAR 27 "Expect arguments, Sagittarius! ...... Sun and Mercury lining up in Capricorn clash with Saturn in Leo, making egos more important than actual ideas. Remember, you’re more often right if you can admit when you’re wrong! The open mind and humble ego will win in the long run. ARIES (r,~arch 20 o Apri~ 19): Your sense of your own brilliance may lead you to trust in a triumph of your will, but your confidence is a bit inflated and can get you into big trouble. Handle authority gently. Intuitive hunches will soon prove helpful. TAURUS (April 20 - IVlay 20): Tripping over your religious roots? Patriarchal authorities from childhood may still intimidate you or act out through you. See where that’s coming from and focus on humanitarian ideals to rise above it. GEi~IN~ (IVlay 21 - June 20): Your mouth is likely to get you into trouble, but the real problem is your ego. What do you need to prove? Shrewdly measured, carefully considered words will get the point across better, and holding back will nurture your genius. CANCER (June 21 - Ju~y 22): Fussing about debts, those you owe or those owed you, can damage a partnership or friendship. Get those accounts in order, but don’t gripe. A more philosophical approach to these relationships will prove helpful very soon. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Stressing out gets you into arguments with co-workers. Work smarter, not harder, and be nice about their suggestions - whatever you think of them. Success in that.area will help you look and feel sexier wherever you go. VlR60 (August 23 - September 22): If you start feeling old and cranky, try to make a game of it. Exaggerate your complaints whenever you can to make a joke of them. That will make it easier to put things in perspective and open up new opportunities for fun. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): You are normally the world’s greatest hostess. Not this week. Put some energy into your community, but keep your home a private _sanctum sanctorum_. Don’t let pessimism get you down; focus that energy into sensible caution. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Your clever notions are likely to irritate your boss. In order to get ahead, soften and adjust your ideas to fit the boss’ thinking, but be ready to backpedal as necessary. Your innovations will be more welcome, and more effective, very soon. 28 the STAR SAG~TTARIUS (November 22 o December 20}: Philosophy and pragmatism are heading for a nasty collision. Your challenge is to stay true to your ideals and to apply them in the real world. It will take some severe adaptation. Expect arguments along the way, and be ready to learn from them! CAPRICORN (December 2t o January 19): A little leather or some dominance games can bring up more than you’ve bargained for. Play with someone you trust enough to step back and explore those issues with. Switch roles? Aggravating sexual problems will soon be easily discussed. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Problems in relationships are bugging you. Take time out to examine the issues, bur remember you can only make changes on your side of the equation. Some rigorous introspection can make others seem more reasonable. PISCES (February 19 - March t9): Your idea of being a good team player may depend too heavily on the notion that your ideas and leadership are best. Focus on humility and attention to others. Still, offer your input - just don’t push! SPIRIT OF CHRIST JOPUN, ~O FREE NIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS Testing appointment 417-529-8480. 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 SATURDAY Service 9:30AM Your Invited to our Community Dinner Every Wed. 6pro just $4.00. No one is turned away. www.ozarksstar.com Arkansas, BentonvillelRogers (479) NWA GLBT Ctr .... www.nwaglbtcc.org.........479-586-1062 Barnes & Noble Bks - - 261 N. 46th St., Rogers....479-636-2002 Arkansas, Eureka Sp~’ings (479) Diversity Pride Events .............. www.diversitypride.com A Byrd’s Eye View..... 36 N. Main - - 479-253-0200 Caribe Restaurante.... 309 W VanBuren....... 479-253-8102 Henri’s 19 1/2 Spring St- - -479-253-5795 Lumberyard Bar&Grill--- 105 E VanBuren........ 479-253-0400 MCC Living Spring - 17 Elk Street- Service 6PM- - -479-253-9337 Swiss Holiday Resort- Hwy 62 at Hwy 23 So.- .... 888-582-8464 Spexton........ 17B Spring Street 479-981-6060 Tiki Torch 75 S. Main Street......... -479-253-2305 Tradewinds Lodge - 141 W. VanBuren 800-242-1615 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Common Ground Restaurant- - - 412 W. Dixon - - - 479-442-3515 Condom Sense ........ 418 W. Dickson.......479-444-6228 Curry’s Video - - - 612 N. College Ave...........479-521-0009 Passages ......930 N. College Ave- - -479-442-5845 Tangerine Club - -21 N. Block Ave 479-587-9512 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads.......1004 1/2 Garrison Ave- 479-783-9988 Klub XLR8 ......1022 Dodson Ave........... 479-782-9578 Red Rock City - - - 917 N. "A" St. 479-242-2489 Arkansas, Hot Springs (50t) Jesters Lounge .... 1010 E. Grand Ave ........501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street ....1021 Jessie Rd...............501-6642744 Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- ................www.dsra.org Discovery..... 1021 Jessie Rd- -50!-666-6900 Sidetracks - - - 415 Main St - -North L.R., 501-244-0444 The Factory ...... 412 Louisiana St.-- 501-372-3070 Club U.B.U. - ..... 824 W Capitol Ave- 501-375-8580 Kansas, Junction City (785) Xcalibur Club...... 384 Grant Ave. 785-762-2050 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) PSU-QSA.-- 1701 S. Broadway- 620-231-0938 River of Life Church.- - 1709 N. Walnut- -Service 11AM Kansas, Wichita (316) Our Fantasy/South40..... 3201 S. Hillside......316-682-5494 Priscilla’s..... 6143 W Kellogg Dr- .316-942-1244 Club Glacier......... 2828 E. 31st South..... -316-612-9331 Missouri, Ava (417) Catus Canyon Campground 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) MCC Spirit o1: Christ- - -2902 E 20th, - ......Sat Service-9:30AM Joplin Gay/Lesbian Cntr- PO Box 4383, zip 64803- -417-622-7821 Missouri, Kansas City (816) 40th Street Inn....www.40thstreetinn.com.......816-561-7575 Concourse Park B&B - - 300 Benton Blvd ........ 816-231-1196 Hydes KC Gym & Guest Hs -w~v.hydeskc.com -- 816-561-1010 Missie B’s....805 W. 39th St -816-561-0625 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge..... 424 Boonville Ave............. 417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- - -518 E. Commerical 417-869-3978 JR’s Nightclub.... 504 E. Commerical......... 417-83!-9001 Martha’s Vineyard- - - 219 W Olive - -417-864-4572 Ronisuz Place....821 College- 417-864-0036 Rumors---1109 E. Commercial- -417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Enid (580) Hastings Books....104 Sunset 580-242-6838 Priscilla’s........ -4810-A West Garriott....... 580-233-5511 Oklahoma, Lawton (580) Ingrids Bookstore..... 1124 NW Cache Rd......580-353-1488 Oklahoma, McAlester (918) McPride........... POBox 1515, - .... McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) American Crossroads B&B - POBox 270642...... 405-495-1111 Blue Dog Liquor- ......4015 N. Penn ......... 405-606-7000 Boom Room........ 2807 NW 36th St......... -405-601-7200 Border’s Books...... 3209 NW Expressway..... 405-848-2667 CD Warehouse...... 4001 N. Penn 405-525-7766 Club Rox.......3535 NW 39th Expwy.........405-947-2351 Christie’s Toy Box.....3126 N. May Ave ....... 405-946-4438 Church of Open Arms......3131 N. Penn...... 405-525-9555 Copa.............2200 NW 39th Exp....... -405-525-0730 Eastern Ave Video- - -1105 S Eastern Ave....... -405-6726459 Finishline ....... 2200 NW 39th Expwy....... -405-525-0730 Gushers Restaurant.....2200 NW 39Exp ...... 405-525-0730 Habana Inn ........2200 NW 39th Exp....... 405-528-2221 Herland Sisters Resources.... 2312 NW 39th St- -405-521-9696 Hollywood Hotel.... 3535 NW 39th Exp 405-947-2351 Hi-Lo Club ....... 1221 NW 50th- 405-843-1722 Jungle Reds .......2200 NW Expwy- 405-524-5733 Ledo.............2200 NW Expwy......... 405-525-0730 Naughty But Nice .... 3121 SW 29th St ........405-681-5044 Partners......... 2805 NW 36th St -405-942-2199 Pec’s- 3535 NW 39th Expw ....... -405-947-2351 Red Rock North--- 2240 NW39th St 405-525-5165 Rudy’s Place......3535 NW39th Expw..........405-947-2351 Phoenix Rising .... 2120 NW 39th St- 405-601-3711 The Park. 2125 NW 39th St ...........405-528-4690 The Rockies...... 3201 N. MayAve ......... 405-917-1663 Topanga Grill & Bar- - - 3535 NW 39th -405-947-2351 Tramps- .2201 NW 39th .405-521-9888 Ziggy’s- - - 4005 N. Penn- -405-521-9999 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge....7204 E. Pine -918-836-8700 Border’s Book Store--- 2740 E. 21st- 918-712-9955 Border’s Book Store - - - 8015 S. Yale .......... 918-494-2665 Club 209 209 N. Boulder- 918-584-9944 Club Majestic........ 124 N. Boston 918-584-9494 Club Maverick..... 822 S. Sheridan .918-835-3301 Dreamland Bks .... 8807 E. Admiral PI .........918-834-1051 GLBT Comm. Ctr- - - - 621 E. 4th Street.........918-743-4297 Hideaway Lounge..... 11730 E. 1 lth...........918-437-0449 HOPE Clinic....... 3540 E. 31st - - 918-749-8378 Jazz’s Lounge...... 426 S. Memorial 9t8-836-8544 Midtown.......... 319 E. 3rd- 918-584-3112 Openarms Youth Projt - - - 2015 S. Lakewood.....918-838-7104 Our House, Too ....203 N Nogales Ave- 918-585-9552 Priscilla’s -7925 E. 41st.............918-627-4884 Priscilla’s 5634 W. Skelly - 918-446-6336 Priscilla’s 11344 E. 11th....918-438-4224 Priscilla’s 2333 E. 71st.............918-499-166t Renegades. 1649 S. Main 918-585-3405 Rob’s Records- - -2909 S. Sheridan Rd- 918-627-1505 St. Michaels Alley......3324-L E 31st- 918-745-9998 Sterling & Co. Salon---1606 E.15th St.- 918-742-9999 Titan’s Lounge .... 6373-C E 31st St- 918-836-0299 Tulsa CARES.... 3507 E. Admiral PI.......... 918-834-4194 Tulsa Central Library ...... 400 Civic Center- - - - 918-596-7977 Tulsa Eagle.....1338 E. 3rd .918-592-1188 TNT’s 2114 S. Memorial- 9t 8-660-0856 Yellow-Brick-Rd....... 2630 E. 15th.......... 918-293-0304 NATHAN ANI~ RIBA WklOf9 NOW IN AN UNIT AT MOM~ AI~ YOU OKAY.~ HOW COM~ YOU~I~ IN A bitter girl email: bittergirl@qsyndicate,com www,joanhilty,net 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com NWArkansas GLBT Community Center "Linking Together as One" For more information: WWV,7.NWAGLBTCC.ORG EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ADVERTI SI NES SALES F;~EPRES E NTATIVE FOR [~3KLAHOMA~ KANSAS MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS qualifications to ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 31 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2007] The Star Magazine, January 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 1 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 01, 2007 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd; Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele Josh Aterovis Douglas Glenn Michael Dee Kay Massey Paul Wortman Carlotta Carlisle Victor Gorin Greg Gatewood Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ray Williams Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Devre Jackson Chaz Ward Format 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, December 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/225 The Star Magazine, February 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 2 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/205 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/206 Advice Column AIDs Walk Bamboo Lounge Bitter Girls Bringing up Baby New Year CARES Chelsea Boys classifieds Club Rox Comic Strips Gay Marriage-Africa gay-crime Gay/Lesbian center H.O.P.E HIV/AIDs testing horoscopes Keith Smith Lawanda Jackson Lesbian Notions Loaves and Fishes Miss Gay Oklahoma mixology New Jersey-Gay marriage OUT in Arkansas Past Q Scope RAIN Star Distributors Star Scene The Gayly Oklahoman travel Tulsa GLBT community center news Uncle Mikey https://history.okeq.org/files/original/faa554bbcf4aa7f5e371496025b3c195.jpg d9394e2dd85b5fe9373b6b04d98aa24c https://history.okeq.org/files/original/04d73a333e5edc76fa4a972a23a19cc0.pdf f5b1712b16862fb209444c90d79904ea 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 www.ozarksstar.com The of Sair t Valentine’s Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, February 14th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia.The lives of young boys and girls were strictly separate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl’s name from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry. Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine (photo above) was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius 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 element in these feasts by substituting the names of saints for those of maidens. And as the Lupercalia began about the middle of February, the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine’s Day for the celebration of this new feast. So it seems that the custom of young men choosing maidens for valentines, or saints as patrons for the coming year, arose in this way. www.ozarksstar.com 1 (2437) Oklahoma’s HIVtSTD Hotlir~e PROTECT CastI÷ "At Century 2I Gold Castle our the STAR 3 Eight new laws advancing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality and protections go into effect in California 4@ TV here! Networks’ Original Horror Series ’q2ae Lair" Coming This Spring. Starring Peter Stickles and David Moretti Who was Oliver Sipple? The Gay man who saved Presidents Fords life. "Cowboy Junction" DVD to be released Feb. 27th- page 11 Gay Travelers "Fire Island, NY" Out of Town "Phoenix, Arizona" Valentines Day. While some believe in saying it ~vith roses, Uncle has always been fond of unconventional tokens of affection. A bouquet of flavored lubes and massage oils always brought a little warmth my way. 5 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 22 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 "The Lair" StalTing Peter Stickles and David Moretti - page 10 STAR DISTRIBUTION: Equality Center Grand Opening -page 15 OKLAHOMA CITY * TULSA* LAWTON * MCALESTER * ENID * LITTLE ROCK * NORTH LITTLE RODK * FAYETTEVILLE * FT SMITH * EUREKA SPRINGS * HOT SPRINGS * BENTONVILLE * ROGERS * KANSAS CITY * SPRINGFIELD * JOPLIN * BRANSON AREA * WICHITA * PITTSBURG * JUNCTION CITY 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Eight new laws adv dng lesbian, gay; bisexual and transgender equality and pro ec ions go into effect irt California %gqth eight pro-equality laws going into effect this month, California stands head and shoulders above any ol/Jer state in treating all its people equally under the law. "-- Matt Foreman, Evec~tive Director; National Gay and Lesbian Task Force WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 -- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force applauds Equality California (EQCA) and legislative leaders for the record number of pro-equality laws taking effect this month in California. "With eight pro-equality laws going into effect this month, California stands head and shoulders above aW other state in treating all its people equally under the law," said Matt Foreman, executive ¯ director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "Thanks to the extraordinary leadership of Geoff Kors and Equality California and lesbian and gay members of the Legislature -- Senators Sheila Kuehl, Christine Kehoe and Carole Migden and Assemblymember Mark Leno -- tens of thousands will now have greater access to health care, discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in housing and state services will be prohibited, and the use of the pernicious ’homosexual panic’ defense will be limited, among many other advances." One of the most sweeping rneasures is the Equal Benefits in State Contracting law, which prohibits the state from contracting with businesses that do not offer equal benefits to employees with domestic partners on the same terms that benefits are offered to employees with spouses. The measure, authored by former Assemblymember and current Sen. Christine Kehoe, D-San Diego, passed during the 2003-2004 legislative session and took effect on Jan. 1. It was modeled after a very successful 1996 equal benefits ordinance enacted in San Francisco. "\gre are excited to see this policy become state law," said EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors, who initiated the idea of enacting an equal benefits policy in San Francisco in the 1990s. "The new law establishes the fair principle of equal pay for equal work, regardless of sexual orientation." In addition to the equal benefits law, domestic partners in 2007 have the right to prepare their California income tax returns together. Couples can file jointly in 2008, covering the 2007 tax year. Other new laws that went into effect on Jan. 1 reduce courtroom bias against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, expand the state’s nondiscrimination protections, and ensure dignity and stability for LGBT seniors. "These new laws not only provide essential protections for the LGBT community, but they also reiterate California’s commitment to treat all people equally under the law," Kors said. The following pro-equality bills were enacted in California on Jan. 1: Equal Benefits in State Contracting (2003) AB 17: Assemblymember Christine Kehoe, D-San Diego terms that benefits are offered to employees with spouses. Prohibits the state from contracting with businesses that do not offer equal benefits to employees with domestic partners on the same State Income Tax Equity Act SB 1827: Sen. Carole Migden~ D-San Francisco Enables registered domestic partners to file joint state income tax returns and have their earned income treated as community property. Civil Rights Housing Act of 2006 AB 2800: Assemblymember John Laird, D-Santa Cruz Prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability and sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, familial status and source of income. Older Californians Equality and Protection Act AB 2920: Assemblymember Mark Leno, D-San Francisco Ensures that LGBT seniors are adequately served by government services available to older Californians. Nondiscrimination in State Programs and Activities Act SB 1441: Sen. Sheila Kuehl, D-Santa Monica Prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in state-operated programs. Equality in Prevention and Services for Domestic Abuse Act AB 2051: Assemblymember Rebecca Cohn, D-Saratoga Creates a fund to develop and support education and services for LGBT victims of domestic violence. Gwen Araujo Justice for Victims Act AB 1160: Assemblymember Sally Lieber, D-San Jose Creates jury instructions and prosecutor training to limit the use of so-called"panic strategies" to influence criminal trial proceedings. Code of Fair Campaign Practices AB 1207: Speaker pro Tem Leland Yee, D-San Francisco Prohibits the use of negative appeals based on prejudice against LGBT people by candidates who sign the voluntary pledge in the Code of Fair Campaign Practices. (Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a similar bill in 2005.) MARDI GRAS FAT TUESDAY Official name Mardi Gras Also called Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday Observed by Various locales, usually ones historically associated with Catholic populations Type Local, cultural, christian Significance Celebration prior to fasting season of Lent. Date Day before Ash Wednesday 2007 date February 20 Celebrations Parades, parties Related to Carnival w~wv.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5 Northern Mexican state of Coahuila approves law recognizing gay unions The Associated Press Published: January 12, 2007 PIEDRAS NEGRAS, Mexico__ The legislature for the northern Mexican state of Coahuila approved a law recognizing gay unions on Thursday, the second assembly to take such an action in the predominantly Roman Catholic nation. The measure, which will provide gay couples with numerous social benefits similar to those of married couples, was approved with 20 votes in favor and13 votes against, said Rep. Julieta Lopez, of the centrist Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI. Lopez helped the draft the bill. Coahuila Gov. Humberto Moreira, who is also in the PRI, is expected to sign the bill into law. In November, the Mexico City assembly passed a similar measure for the first time in the nation’s history. That law has been sharply criticized by the Roman Catholic Church and the conservative Nation.al Action Party of President Felipe Calderon. While homosexuality is still taboo in many rural parts of Latin America, the region’s urban areas are becoming more socially liberal. Mexico City and Coahuila join the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires and the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul in legalizing same-sex civil unions. At the national level, lawmakers in Costa Rica and Colombia have debated, but not passed, similar measures. http://www.iht, corn/articles/ap/2007/01/12/america/LA-GENMexico- Gay-Unions.php Joplin Gay/Lesbian Center to host wine and beer reception. JOPLIN, MO__A "Freedom To Marry Week" event in support of Equal Civil Marriage For Gays and Lesbians will be held on Saturday night February 17th, 7pm to 1 lpm at the UCCFF Building, 204 North Jackson Ave. The event hosted by the Joplin Gay/Lesbian Center will include Dancing, Show, Music with DJ, Wedding Cake, Wine and Beer. The fundraiser is to raise money for Joplin Gay & Lesbian Center, to have fun, socialize, and to meet new people. The Joplin Gay/Lesbian Center is a newly formed non-profit organization in Joplin, MO. For more information contact Lee McDaniel at 417/622-7821 or email: gaylesbiancenter@yahoo.com Mardi Gras Parw at the Hollywood Hotel to benefit Her!and Sister Resources by Jeanne Flanigan OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__Lose the winter blues at the First Annual Herland Mardi Gras Party, on Saturday, February 17, at the Hollywood Hotel and Suites, 3535 NW Expressway, OKC. Tickets are $7 per person, at the door, or from Herland Sister Resources (HSR) Board members. Sorry, no table reservations. ~lere will be a cash bar, and the event is smoke-free. There are several smoking areas within the hotel, and outside under the portico. All room rentals are $45 during the winter season. The fun will start at 7 pm with live music by Tara Henry, Alison Scott, DeShawna, Shannen Porter, and others TBA. In between entertainers Miss Ivanna DeVille will dazzle the crowd, and a DJ will play tunes to get dmvn by. A costume contest for the Best Solo, the Best Couple and the Best Group will be held at 9 pm. Between music sets, a couple of other contests will be held: the selection of a King and Queen (by who raises the most money), not to be confused with the Hog-Calling contest (xvhich will raise the most laughs). A silent auction will be conducted, with bidding closing at 10 pm. Several tables near the entrance will be reserved for information from CimarronArts Project, Okdahoma Visual Arts Coalition, AIDS Mastery Workshop, Herland, and OKC Pride. HSR is a woraen’s collective founded over 20 years ago. Their bookstore is located at 2312 NW 39th, in OKC, just west of the Strip. The bookstore hosts poetry readings, art shows, and is a lending library and reading room, open Saturdays flora 1-5. HSR also sponsors monthly events, such as the Supper Club, nature hikes, game and nights, and potluck dinners. Yearly events include the Pride Picnic, the Spring and Fall Retreats, and several holiday parties. HSR is highly valued for the publishing of the "Herland Voice" newsletter, with events, articles, and an annual Poetry issue. Nxe Mardi Gras Party will help to pay for the printing and postage of the newsletter for 2007. Donations of auction items are needed, small and large, due Saturday, February 10th, at the bookstore. For further information, contact Herland at herland@herlandsisters.org, or call (405) 521-9696 and leave a message. All donations are tax-deductible. Herland’s website is www.herlandsisters.org Come and part,/down with the sisters.., and brothers too! 6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 DiversiW Weekend April 13-t5, 2007 437 E. 141st Street Glenpool, OK 74033 918.291.EARL (3275) ORDERS BY 12NOON GUARANTEED SAME DAY DELIVERY Glenpool Cleaners {inside Glenpoo[ Flowers] 9z8-z91-3275 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com works’ Or g na I orror Ser es LOS ANGELES, CA -January 16, 2007 - here!, America’s premium gay television network, is pleased to announce that it has wrapped production on the first season of the new provocative original, scripted series 7he Lair. The first of six half-hour episodes will premiere on the network in Spring 2007. "The Lair continues herd’s substantial rollout of provocative original programming in 2007 that can only, be seen on here!," said Paul Colichman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of here! Networks. "This newest addition to our line up authentically and unapologetically reclaims the horror genre for a LGBT audience." Set in a small coastal town, ~l~ne Lair opens as the bodies of young nameless men are turning up dead with vicious wounds to their necks. A young journalist is investigating a series of mysterious John Doe murders. Clues to these crimes lead him directly to a private gentlemen’s club called "Ihe Lair, where the deepest, darkest desires are fulfilled. As he gets closer to solving the mystery, Thorn finds himself ensnared in a blood thirsty coven of vampires. The Lair stars Peter Stickles, who gathered a following this year ~’rom his work in the acclaimed indie Shortbus, as Damian, the leader of the coven of gay vampires, as well as newcomer David Moretti, who takes the lead as "iI~om. "With a strong, talented cast, we are pleased to add "I-he Lair as another original scripted series to our growing slate of projects," noted Meredith Kadtec, here!’s Vice President of Original Programming. "Our programming runs the gamut, from sexy soap operas to thought-provokdng documentaries, and The Lair is a welcome addition to that line up." The Lair is the latest project reflecting here!’s commitment to bring fresh original programming to the LGBT communib: For a sampiing of provocative and innovative here! content, visit the here! Video Player found at www.heret~acom/videoplayer. Read more about here! and out how to get the channel in your area at www. heretv.com. Recent and upcoming here! original films, series and specials include: The DL Chronicles, an award-~vinning series focusing on the diverse stories of men of color who by consequence and by choice, live sexually duplicitous and secret lifestyles; The Lair, a provocative and sexy vampire horror series; Dante’s Cove, ranked "Best Soap of the Year" by The Advocate; the critically acclaimed Shock To The System: A Donald Strachey Mystery, the second installment in the series of original films starring Chad Mlen as a gay private investigator; the provocative six-part docu-series Lesbian Sex and Sexuality, an unblinking look inside the world of lesbian culture from award-winning producer Katherine Linton; and the original film Shelter, an indie romantic drama about love, family and trying to stay true to yourself. Photofi’orn: here! here!, America’s premium gay television network, was established in 2002 and is currently available nationwide on all major cable systems and Internet TV providers as either a 24/7 premium subscription channel, a video on demand (VOD) service, and/or a subscription video on demand (SVOD) service, here! offers a wide variety of ground breaking and acclaimed original movies and series plus the world’s largest collection of gay and lesbian films appealing to the broad-based, diverse LGBT audience. 10 the STAR w,~v.ozarksstar.com COWBOYJUNCTION DVD TO RELEASED FEBRUARY 27TH. BE James Bobby - The Coxvboy Matt Austin - Young Co~vboy The Hustler "Cowboy JunctioN’ was originally conceived as a short story entitled Me, Bobby McGee and the Gun. The simple yet sweet tale of two men who meet by chance and throw caution to the wind has always resonated for screenwriter Gregory Christian. "It is a fairy-tale of sorts," he has said. "Just think back to the last time you fell in love with a stranger." But this "boy meets boy" tale took on a completely different twist when he began adapting it as a short screenplay for entry into the film festival circuit. Suddenly, one of the boys was now a married man caught up in a world of homo-erotic fantasy and coveting his gardener (the Bobby McGee character now envisioned as a rugged cowboy). When the script was ready, the problem of finding two suitable leads arose. \Vhile working at the Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival, Mr. Christian decided, after much debate, to cast himself as the MAN and fellow actor James Bobby as the COWBOY. Bobby was more than up for the task of tackling such challenging and tongue-in-cheek material. The wheels were in motion and a summer 2004 shoot was set. Gregory calls the short a "one-day ,vonder." The entire piece was shot on a Saturday in August in less than 14 hours. When the final cut was ready, he began submitting it to numerous film festivals. In May 2005, the "Cowboy Junction" short premiered at the Miami Film Festival. It played on multiple screens at the Regal Theatre as part of their wildly popular "Boys’ Shorts" program. The piece was a definite crowd pleaser and also garnered a cover on local Floridian magazine "411" as part of an article about the festival. The short was so well-received, Mr. Christian announced at the showings that the short would be pulled off the circuit and a feature would be going into production. The script was ready, the cast and crew were in place and production was set for five days following the conclusion of the festival. The character of the wife was now a prominent part of the storlyine and would be played by veteran actress Elyse Mirto (another Kingsmen Shakespeare alumni). The tale was now a story of her husband’s sexual repression and gut-wrenching "coming out," amongst the most dire of circumstances. The entire movie was a wonder in it’s own right: completed in nine days of total production time. Gregory Christian - The Husband Executive Producer, Director Screemvriter Elyse Mirto - The Wife www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 11 Little Reck CapitN Pride Nects new President LITTLE ROCK, AR Little Rock Capital Pride Board President, David \vvq. Quinn, has stepped down in order to pursue other personal and professional goals. David plans to remain active in the group and the board wishes him well in his future endeavors. Following David’s resignation, the board of Little Rock Capital Pride has voted to name Board Secretary, Joe LaFountaine, its new leader. Joe is a native Arkansan that returned home this May, most recently from Atlanta, Georgia where he was a volunteer with Atlanta Pride Committee, which produces the third largest Pride festival in the United States. In October, Joe received a scholarship to represent LRCP at the InterPride World Conference in Portland, Maine. The conference provided workshops on many facets of Pride planning, entertainment and networking with over 200 Pride organizers representing over 50 Pride groups from across the world. With less than six months remaining until the third annual Capital Pride celebration, Joe asks the community for its support and assistance to help achieve the lofty" goals the board has set. Capital Pride will be held June 3rd at the Little Rock River Market Amphitheatre and financial support and participation is very much needed for a successful event. To learn more about how Capital Pride, please visit http://www.littlerockcapitalpride.org. About Little Rock Capital Pride Little Rock Capital Pride (http://www. littlerockcapitalpride.org/) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to host events that honor the history and diversity of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) individuals in the State ofArkansas and surrounding areas and create unity within the GLBT community and its allies by providing social support and enhancing awareness of the past and present contributions of GLBT individuals through community activities and services, including an annual Pride event. Arkansas Citizens First Congress is still seeking interns. Bill Kopsky LITTLE ROCK, AR The Arkansas Citizens First Congress is still seeking interns for this coming session of the Arkansas General Assembly. Interns are a key part of the Congress’ ability to monitor a legislative process that considers over 3000 pieces of legislation in a little over 3 months; while also moving key parts of a proactive agenda forward. The Congress is looking for one full-time intern who will receive $200 a week, and several part-time interns who will be volunteers. Academic credit is possible from many institutions. Interns will be joining an experienced staff led by lobbyist and Policy Director Alice Lightle who is a veteran of several legislative sessions as well as time in the Governor’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office and as a campaign manager for Federal and State Offices. We are recruiting mature candidates who want hands on experience in how state government works and how grass roots communities can affect it. Job description is pasted below as well as attached. Full-time position 45+ hours a week during the Arkansas legislative session January thru mid-April Part-time positions Minimum of 12 hours / week during the Arkansas legislative session January thru mid-April Send resumes and letter of inquiry to: The Arkansas Citizens First Congress 1308 West Second Little Rock, AR 72201 or email: Congress@CitizensFirst.org Web at www.CitizensFirst.org The Arkansas Citizens First Congress is a coalition of community and labor organizations from across Arkansas that advocate a common agenda before the Arkansas legislature and some state agencies. We are a multi-issue coalition working on the environment, civil rights, agriculture, economic justice, government accountability, and consumer rights. DIVERSITY WEEKEID DATES Eureka Springs, Arkansa VALENTINE’S DIVERSITYWEEKEND Frida> Feb 16, 2007- Sunda> Feb 18, 2007 SPRING DIVERSITY WEEKEND Friday, April 13, 2007 - Sunday, April 15, 2007 SUMMER DIVERSITY WEEKEND Friday, Aug 3, 2007 - Sunday Aug 5, 2007 FALL DIVERSITY WEEKEND Friday, Nov 2, 2007 - Sunday, Nov 4, 2007 For more information go to: www.diversitypride.com Creating Community for People iving DS 501 c (3) Non Profit Orga~aization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrismmjr@yahoo.com. 12 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Photo: Ronald Blake ~11IReally Need To Know was a book written by Robert Ful: simplicity. Everyone wants to make the that is why it becomes so complicated. and healthy body, let’s adhere to some of presented in Mr. Fulgham’s opus. Goldfish and white mice and hamsters all a mother load to throw at dressed sometime. The sooner, the better. This the time to prepare for the inevitable passing ofI the pondering as to why some lucky squares live others. \X~ny mommy? Because some folks treat ~ dumpsters while others treat them go easy on the booze, exercise frequently, and eat Lohan but less than Bruce Vilanch. Warm cookies and cold milk are morsel of advice. However, let’s wave the wand those delicious cookies into Snack~vells or wheat troduce that dairy product as a skim milk variety. you sir, can I have another? ~l:ake a nap every afternoon. A smashing and dare I cept. Don’t you even think of working through or engaging in that nonsensical gossip with your quiet office space or your Nissan Maxima and fifteen to twenty minutes. It’s a devil of a lot better Pepsi, a cancer stick, or that proliferation of a vicious ugly Betty in the loss prevention department. Wash your hands before you eat. Germs are omnipresent ing their opportunity to invade and infect you. There are places you go and many things you touch that are laden guys. Don’t go Mommy Dearest on me and obsess about the i of it all. Just lather up the Lifebuoy or the Lever 2000 away those microbial monsters before your eating events. Put things back where you found them. If you have a membershi]3 then you know the importance of this lodestar. conspicuous signs adorning the fitness room walls should www.ozarksstar.com ¯ the STAR 3 was Oliver Sipple? Oliver Sipple is credited with saving the life of President Gerald Ford in 1975, but the outing that followed his heroic act wreaked havoc on his personal life. Sipple, known by the nickname "Billy," was born in Detroit in November 1941. In high school, he was a star football player. During the mid-1960s, after moving to New York City, Sipple hung out with a circle of gay men who frequented Kelly’s, a hustler bar. He began a relationship with Joe Campbell (later immortalized as the "Sugar Plum Fairy" in Lou Reed’s song "Walk on the Wild Side"), who previously had been a lover of Harvey Milk. 7he couple moved to Fort Lauderdale, but S~pple soon left Campbell, prompting Campbel! to attempt suicide. During the Vietnam War, Sipple joined the Marine Corps as a private first-class. He was wounded twice, and completed his tour of duty in a Philadelphia veterans’ hospital. He received an honorable discharge in 1970 and moved to San Francisco, where he lived on a veteran’s pension due to physical and psychological disability. He had numerous friends among the city’s burgeoning gay community, and he worked on Milk’s campaign for a seat on the Board of Supervisors. On the afternoon of Sept. 22, 1975, Sipple was taking a walk when he joined a crowd gathered outside the St. Francis Hotel in Union Square to greet President Ford - who just weeks earlier had survived an assassination attempt by Charles Manson follower Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme. As Ford exited the hotel, Sipple noticed that the gray-haired woman standing beside him - later identified as Sara Jane Moore - had pulled a revolver out of her raincoat. Sipple grabbed Moore’s arm, causing her shot to miss the president by a few feet, then wrestled her to the ground to prevent her from firing again; Moore was captured, pleaded guilty, and is serving a life sentence in prison. (photo rig,bt) When questioned by police and Secret Service agents, Sipple asked them not to release his name. Nevertheless, reporters got wind of him, and he was hailed as a hero. According to journalist Randy Shilts, Milk told San Francisco Chronicle_ gossip columnist Herb Caen that Sipple was gay. "That guy saved the president’s life," Milk reportedly said. "It shows that we do good things, not just all that ca-ca about molesting children and hanging out in bathrooms." Caen noted in a column that Sipple was gay, and the news was picked up by several other papers across the country - including the Chicago Sun-Times, which called Sipple a "Homosexual Hero." But Sipple was not interested in being a "gay hero." "My sexual orientation has nothing to do with saving the president’s life," he said, "just as the color of my eyes or my race has nothing to do with what happened in front of the St. Francis Hotel." The outing devastated Sipple, who had not revealed his sexuality to his conservative family back in Michigan. "My mother told me today she can’t walk out of her front door, or even go to church, because of the pressures she feels because of the press stories concerning my sexual orientation," Sipple lamented to reporters. His brother George later recalled that he, his father, and another brother, all ofwhom worked for General Motors, were taunted on the factory floor. Sipple’s parents cut off contact with him, although George said that they did not disown him and eventually reconciled. Sipple filed a $15 million lawsuit against the Chronicle, the Sun-Times, and five other newspapers for invasion of privacy. A San Francisco Superior Court judge dismissed the case on First Amendment grounds, and a state appeals court upheld the decision in May 1984. Although Sipple received a letter expressing Ford’s "heartfelt appreciation," he was never invited to the White House to accept more formal recognition. Milk and some other activists attributed this slight to Sipple’s sexuality, but Ford later told a reporter that he thought he had "done the right thing," and that he hadn’t learned until sometime later that Sipple was gay. In the years that followed, Sipple grew 14 the STAR increasingly bitter and descended into alcoholism. "There were a lot of times he wished he had never saved the president’s life, for all the anguish it caused him," his brother recalled. "He said life -would have been so m~ch simpler if he hadn’t have done it." Though in ill health, Sipple was a regular denizen at several gay watering holes on Polk Street. On Feb. 2, 1989, after Sipple had failed to appear for several days, a friend found him dead in his Tenderloin apartment, the walls plastered with press clippings from the 1975 incident. Ford sent a letter of condolence to the patrons of the New Bell Saloon - acknowledging them as Sipple’s chosen family - stating that he "strongly regretted the problems that developed" for Sipple after the assassination attempt. The tragic end to Sipple’s life contributed to a debate within the LGBT community over identity politics and outing that persists to this day. In addition, his story is widely used in law and journalism schools as a case study in the ethics of revealing a person’s sexual orientation against his or her will. Oliver Sip2ole thwarted an assassination atte, wt on President Ford in 1975 For further information: Duke, Lynne. 2006. "Caught in Fate’s Trajectory, Along With Gerald Ford." Washington Post (December 31). hilts, Randy. 1982. The Mayor of Castro Street(St. Martin’s Press). www.ozarksstar.com GRAND OPENING of EQUALITY CENTER Defying conventional expectations, Tulsa is now home to one of the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community centers in the United States. Beginning February 14th, a five-day Grand Opening celebration will be held at the Equality Center, an 18,000 square-foot facility in the gentrifying East End district of downtown Tulsa at 621 E. 4th Street. For a schedule of events, see below. Oklahomans for Equality/OkEq (formerly Tulsa Oldahomans for Human Rights/ TOHR) mvns and operates the Equality Center. In addition to serving as a base for statewide advocacy efforts, the Equality Center will house wellness programs, a David Bohnett Cyber Center, the Tulsa LGBT History Project, meeting rooms, health testing services, a pro-bono legal clinic, an art gallery, retail operations, the Nancy & Joe Rainbow Library, and rental space for events. An eviction for using gay in signage at the first Tulsa LGBT Community Center and landlordsfi€TM repeated refusals to lease space to a gay organization inspired Oklahomans for Equality to purchase a home of its own. Established in 2000, the OkEq capital campaign has currently raised almost $900,000 in private and foundation gifts. Not a cent of public or corporate money has been contributed toward the costs of purchasing or renovating the formerly abandoned industrial building. Over the last year, more than 225 unique volunteers have worked over 6000 hours in refurbishing the facility. At the same time, an outstanding team of design professionals have volunteered their services in orchestrating exterior and interior design concepts and dra-wings. EQUALITY CENTER GRAND OPENING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Love: The Higher Law ~tlursday, February 14th In support of the 10th anniversary of Freedom to Marry Week, Oklahomans for Equality (O"~q) is sponsoring Love: The Higher Law, a Valentine’s Day demonstration calling for marriage equality for same-gender Oklahomans. A coalition of same-gender couples, pro-LGBT ministers, and activists will go to the Tulsa County Courthouse and attempt to register for marriage licenses. If you are interested in participating in this historic event, please contact OkEq President Laura Behnonte at labelmonte@hotmail.com or 918.906.2134. Xhere will be a mandatory training session for all participants prior to the demonstration. Following the Valentines Day action, a wedding reception will be held in the Great Hall of the Equality Center from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Free and open to the public, the wedding reception honors those ~vho attempted to register for marriage licenses earlier in the day and all same-sex couples denied the 1,049 federal benefits of marriage equality. Opening Doors Art Exhibit & Competition ~Pnursday, Februa~7 15tih Unique art that speaks to all and opens doors to the heart, soul and mind ~vill be featured during the Opening Doors Exhibit & Competition. The exhibit/competition debuts on Thursday, February 15, 2007 with a flee Champagne & Chocolate reception from 5:00-9:00 PM and runs through March 15, 2007. Each entry of the exhibit and competition will be on, or a part of, a door - car, cabinet, house or any other type of door. Individuals, groups and organizations are ~velcome to submit an entry free of charge. Awards, determined by a vote of the public, will recognize an outstanding piece by a young adult (under 21), as well as an adult entry. GayBingO Friday, February 16th No straight lines - just nice shapes. No toy prizes just cash. This isdt the bingo your grandmother played! GayBingO makes its debut on Friday, February 16, 7:00-10:00 PM, in the Event Center. Outrageous entertainment, 6 of the gayest bingo games you’ve seen, drink specials like the BingoBlast, and a couple of special surprises make GayBingO the night you won’t want to miss. Tickets, $15 in advance, include a fi’ee drink and are available at the Equality Center, 621 E 4th Street in downtown Tulsa. XWelcome Home Open House - LGBT Community Expo & TestFest 2007 Saturda> February 17th A full, free afternoon dedicated to the LGBT & allied community is featured on Saturday, February 17, 2007, 2:00-6:00 PM. The Welcome Home Open House features tours of the new facility and refreshments in the Great Hall. You’ll be able to learn more of the numerous community groups, social organizations, houses of worship and agencies during the LGBT Community, Expo in the Wellness Center. While you’re enjoying the afternoon, free HIV and syphilis tests will be available during Test- Fest 2007 in the Health Testing Ofiqce and additional locations in the Center. \Vild Hearts Ball VII - Mardi Gras Madness Saturday, February 17th The signature event of the Ok~q Capital Campaign, the Wild Hearts Ball, celebrates its 7th year with Mardi Gras Madness, 8:00-11:00 PM, in the Event Center of the Equality Center. Free food, delicious dancers, cash bar and a live DJ will make you want to dance the night away. The drawing for the Great Divide, your chance to win thousands of dollars ($20/ticket) in the 50/50 cash split, will also be held during the Wild Hearts Ball. Of course, it wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without a little madness. If you come in full Mardi Gras regalia, as long as itfi€% legal, you can compete for prizes during the costume contest at 10:00 PM. Tickets, $15 in advance or $20 at the door, are available at the Equality Center, 621 E 4th Street in downto~vn Tulsa ............ Continued2age-23 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 15 This IS the season to enjoy red wines. While visiting wine country in California this holiday season, I was most impressed with the Zins. From Paso Robles to Sonoma, Zins are truly worth exploring. Briefhistory ofthe grape: [ZIHN-fuhn-dehl] This is considered California’s red-wine grape because it’s not widely gro~vn in other parts of the world. Zinfandel vines were brought to California in the 1850’s. By the 1880’s, this variety was rapidly gaining acceptance by California growers, and it is now that state’s second most extensively planted red grape behind cabernet sauvignon. For years Zinfandel’s origins were ~" mysterious. Initially, research confirmed a relationship between Zinfandel Primitivo (a variety grown in Italy’s Puglia region), causing speculation that might have originated in Italy¯ ~However, in late 2001, DNA findetermined that Crljenak KaAitelanski (a little-known grape from and Zinfandel have identical DNA profiles. existence of Crljenak Ka~_itelanski could be found in only one vineyard " thousands of vines and dozens of varieties, of which only nine vines Zinfandel. Vineyards get replanted periodically, and nobody recognized special about this particular vineyard, so it is likely that in a few years grape might have ceased to exist. Beside the Zinfandel grown in California (and Italy’s Primitivo), there are only isolated planting of this grape, mainly in South Africa and Australia. Zinfandel is vinified in many styles, which vary greatly in quality. One popular style is white zinfandel, a fruity-flavored blush wine that’s usually slightly sweet and ranges in color from light to dark pink. When made into red wine, Zinfandel can produce wines ranging from light, nouveau styles to hearty, robust reds with berrylike, spicy (sometimes peppery) flavors, plenty of tannins, enough complexity and longevity to be compared to cabernet sauvignons. Another style is late-harvest Zinfandel, which exhibits higher alcohol levels and some residual sugar. The Italians produce dry red Primitivo grape-based wines that are similar to some California Zins. As Zinfandel’s popularity increases, more and more enterprising Italian Primitivo growers are labeling their wines "Zinfandel" and exporting them to the United States. Foods thatpair well: Vegetable pasta dishes, beef sirloin tips, BBQ ribs, sausages, brisket and some sharp cheeses¯ Some cool vineyards to look out for Rodney Strong Sonoma County Reserve 2004, Gnarly Red 2005, J. Lohr Old Vines 2004, Dancing Bull 2004, Norman Vineyards, the Monster, Fire Station Red/Old Vines 2003, Calistoga Cellars 2003 Thanks for reading, now go into your favorite wine shop and ask questions. Bring some bottles home and share some food & wine with friends. 1 6 the 8TAF~ www.ozarksstar.com Ingredients: -Spaghetti Josephine- (Serves: 4) 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup onion, minced 1/4 cup celery, minced 1/4 cup shallots, minced 1/4 cup carrots, minced 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1-1/4 cups (8 oz.) ground beef 1-1/4 cups (8 oz.) ground pork 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 cup dry red wine 2 cups brown veal stock Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg 1/’8 teaspoon red chili flakes 1 lb. fedelini pasta #2 Parmesan cheese to taste 1 ounce chopped parsley 1. Pour the olive oi! into a large saute pan over medium heat. Cook the onions, celery, shallots and carrots, stirring frequently, until soft. 2. Add the garlic, ground beef and ground pork. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring. Add the tomato paste and stir for I minute. Add the red wine and veal stock. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. 3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes and nutmeg. Taste for seasonings. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. In a large serving bowl, toss the pasta with the sauce. Add Parmesan cheese to taste and garnish with parsley. Serve. More on ChezJosephine ownerJean-Claude Bake~" andJosephine Baker, page 19. by Donald Pile and Ray Williams evening. ’~’~ also recon~at~e~d that you purchase your bee~ liquor and groceries in Sayvitle b4{bre tal~ng the f~rry to Fire Island and save yourself a LOT of money~ YOU can take ~;NYFHING on the ferry with you! \x;’%en you debark from the ferry they has,e F~E little red wagons for tourists tO Use to cart your groceries and luggage to your accommodations. Located abou~ 50 miles East ofNew York Cib~ on the South side of Long Island. Fire Island is the gay" Fantasy Island in the United States. It is a "barrier island approximately 30 miles long az~d a half mile wide. Once you get offthe ferry that takes you from Sa;~wille, New ~%rk to this ,£onderful enchanted Island, you KNOW }o~ are in gay heaven. It is a world unto itsel£ Except for the very :xpensive plane hop, the only way to the Island is by the ferry, " which takes about 20 minutes. It leaves every hour ~n the weekends a~3d ever5" two hours weekdays. From NYC you can take the bus m Sayville or, if you have a car, a just park it in the ferry parking lot. Fire Island is quite small and there are no autos, no bicycles or any other means of transportation other than walking, which At the Fire Island Pines, Low [lSa {aka "Ihe %a Dan~") is a tradition going back many mOonS that continues today on it’s original turf- ~ne Blue W~ale LoW%a takes place eac!~ day at the Blue Whale. From 5 PM to 8PM. Bartenders serve up concocuons to get your hydrated before you sweat it all out dancing to the tunes of one of their DJ~. High Tea is your chance to coot is done either on the beach or on the boardwalks. Literally, board down after burning " plank:; are raised above the sand and measure from ~hree to six feet i. tHuepldateLacohwd%ayaat wide. The ~wo communities on Fire Island are "l~ne Pines and Cherry" Grove which are located about a 25 minute walk apart, ~he Pines is more upscale and costly: Cherry- Grove is a bit more taSd back. Prices for accommodations, food mid drink are very expensive at either place. All fbod. liquor, hotd supplies, etc. have to be brought over by the ferry each day, so don’t expect any bargains here. But it is 99% ~y! You pay ~br what you get. Fire Island is a must when travding ro the East coast for a few days. New York gays have been coming here for years, mostly on weekends as a great ge>a-way fi:omthe cib: A lot ofNew 21~rkers have built weekend homes here and the parties run 24 hours a day" on weekends.. Don’t expect any great accommodations on Fire Island. there iust aren’t any. [~e Botet Pines and Dunes Yacht Club are the only public hotel in the Pines and it is really in need of updating. ~the Fire Island Pines is relatively new. On the CherU Grove side, there are severa! options including the Dune Poim, a small sb: unit lodging: the Carousel Guest House, Holly House and the Cherry Grove Hotel. Then there is the Belevedere Guesthouse which wa~ built in 1957 and has almost 40 rooms. It is qui~e nice and has wonderful views. Most of the restaurants on the, Island are in Cherry Grove. For night life you might enjoy Cherry} which has a piano bar, video bar and poll table or the Gro;,oe Hotel whi& has a grea~ disco bar. On the Pines side, be sure and check out Island Club with it~ piano bar and dance floor and the Pavilion which is the largest disco on the entire Island. the balcoW above Pavilion, High .Tea kicks off at 8 PM aid runs till 10 PM. It~ w)ur chance m lounge and watch all the the ashore with literally a boa>load of guys for you to meet. ~e sure and take your camera as there are real deer all over the Island and they wil! come right uP to you for fi~od, Nature hiking is a great exPefience here as the trees, bushes and flowers are very" plentiful. We promise you witi love it ~n Fire Island as it is an experience ofa lifetime, it is simply, the gavest place in Am4rica, even ~ore so than San FranciscO! "l:~t~e gr~at" webSites are:ww~a:fireisland,com/, htrp:/Ix~vw.cherrygrovd.com/and hrtp://www.fireistandmen.com/ Path:. sun and sex are the only reasons to go to Fire Island and you certainly won’, get much res,:. ~Ihey par~" begins the moment you step off" the ferry and doesn’t stop until you get back on it fi)r your return to the mainland. Needless to say~ dress is veiT informal and dnring the days, most just wear their swimming shorts or bikinis. ~lhe "IN" season begins on Memorial Day and runs through I.abor DaB however it is open all )’ear long. Ifyou are not looking to be with throngs of people the go during the offseason when the prices are much lower. Prices almost double on weekends so if you can, stay during the week. Another alternative would be to stay in 5a)’vil~e and take the ferry- over in the morning and return in the 18 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com "TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD" by Donald iPile & Ray \Villiams CHEZ JOSEPHINE in NewYork Citywho have dined at Chez Josephine~ and they relate ~he same sroLv that we had. "Ihey catfr wai~ ro return ro enjoy themselves. A grea restaurant stays basically the same year after year after year. It was perfect when they opened and it is soil perfect today. Why change a perfiect thing? But it is the "People" who make a restaurant. ~e owner/host, entire restaurant staff’as we!l as the customers who inrermi ngle with each other while enjoying their own fine dining experience. On our first dining experience at Chez Josephin& we nler a tfyou have never dined at Chez Josephine Restaurant in New ~i)rk City you sim ly have not lived mu Located at 4 !4 \g~est 42nd Street it is right in the heart of the Theatre District. For over 20 years, the "beyond Fabulous" owner, Jean-Claude Baker h£s been the finest host of any restaurant in the city. A tribute to the late Josephine Baker, the restaurant and it’s live music exude theatrical panache. Recently remodeled, now with a private dining room, this landmark jewel is even more inviting and romantic with its blue-On ceiling, red velvet walls and cavalcade of chandeliers which light up the vintage portraits of "La Baker": 7he eclectic menu reinvents the traditional Cuisine of the French bistro in an explosion of tantalizing flavors. They have won numerous awards over the years including the AAA Four Diamond Award and Zagats. When we dine out. whether it be in New York Cit% Chicago, Palm Beach, Palm Springs or wh~tever, selecting the right restaurant is so important. Any "cook" can prepare a ,ned that is edible! So we have ~ to search for something far beyond that. We always tell Our readers that when they travel, that "people" are the most important thing. So it is when had never had anyone send them a gift just for sitting next to them ar a restaurant but that is how it is when dining at Chez Josephine. It is £~ experience. dining at a restaurant.... People! From the moment you walk into the door at a restaurant until the time you leave, "People" is what it \g’~e have been in fine restaurants is all about. Sure, a restaurant HAS to have properly prepared food in the country from Coast to CoaSt but and presented in a wonderful manner. Tile restaurant itself~S to dais is one takes the cake so to speak for the finest have a certain ambiance. But it is the "People" who make a dining in everything! ~e ambiance, the service, the ~bod..... experience ~br us. everything is just PERFECY ! ! ! ! ! Jean-Claude lmows how to treat his guests and they return over the years in droves. It m~es for a From the moment we walked into Chez Josephine’s the first marvelous din!,ng experience. Fron.i the momentyo,u. step in th~ rime, the absolutely fabtflous host, Jean-Claude was standing there restaurant until you leave, you are m a completely different world, waiting, for us His Charm emnowered the entire restaurant The leaving behind your troubles and that of dae world. You really never waiters and entire staffmade certain that we were the most m" apor- ~ant to lea~~e¯ rant people in the restaurant, as they do with every- customer. Even thou we new none of the other customers we all had a common ca- "lhey serve dinner from 5 PM to 1 AM Tuesday thru Saturday maraderie amongst ourselves. We were all taking part in a delightful and Sunday Brunch and Dinner from Noon to 10 PM. Their menu and unfbrgettable dining experience and we all tmew it. You were in offers Spaghetti Josephine, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Maryland Crab a very special place ar a very special time and everything was perfect! Cakes. Lobster Cassoutet with Shrimp, Lemon Shrimp ~sotto, ~md we know }br certain that this takes place every day with every Boudin Noir, Elvira’s Down Home Fried chicken, French Cut customer at Chez Josephine’s. .~aixish Chicken Breast, Roasted Duck a t’Orange, Pan Seared Calf’s Live. Grilled Skirt Steak, Black _&ngus Filet Mignon arid Double Now that they have reached a memorable milestone of being i~ Cut Lamb Chops. business for 20 years, ttxere legacy just continues and gets better and better each year. As we travel to both coasts we talk with others Their website is: ww~v.chezjosephine.com and their phone number is: 212.594.1925. ~.ozarksstar.com the STAR 19 7/se S/semton Wild Horse Pass, just a 20-minute driveJ~om the gay nightlife and shopping of downtown Phoenix, is acclaimedfor its superb Kai restaurant and elegant Aji Spa. (Photo by Andrew Collins) Februa ’ 2007 The action centers on Copper Square and its massively expanded convention center, plus dozens of trendy restaurants, high-end hotels, and fine performance venues. There are also a 24-screen cinema, several museurns, and sports stadiums that host baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks and basketball’s Phoenix Suns. A cultural must is the outstanding Phoenix ~t Museum, a dramatic green-quartz structure containing 19th-century European paintings, delightful artworks of the American West, and Abstract Expressionist masterworks. Two blocks north is the Heard Museum, a 1928 Spanish Colonial Revival hacienda containing the nation’s top collection of Native American art and artifacts. ew cities have grown faster and more dramatically in the past half-century than Phoenix, which in 2,005 overtook Philadelphia to become the fifth most populous city in the nation. It s also larger in area than Los Angeles and the hub of a metro region that includes several other fast-growing metropolises, including Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, and Glendale. But the "Valley of the Sun" is much more than a popular place to live - tourism here has taken off thanks to the bounty of lavish resorts, a cultural renaissance in downtown Phoenix, and some of the best shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities in the West. More recently, the region’s oI~ce of tourism has begun enthusiastically wooing GLBT travelers. A highly contemporary metropolis surrounded by mountains and high desert, Phoenix is in many ways the last stronghold of the western frontier. The region is dogged by certain challenges prevalent in the West, such as rampant sprawl and sometimes oppressive smog. It’s also bone-dry here - only the Sahara is less humid than Phoenix’s Sonoran Desert. Most of the year, the weather is ideal for outdoor recreation, with winter highs in the mid-60s and spring and fall highs in the mid-80s. About the only period with blistering heat is summer, when daytime temperatures routinely climb into the low 100s (and many accommodations drop their rates precipitously). In terms of gay-friendliness, Phoenix defies labels. This somewhat conservative capital city has long maintained strong Republican leanings, but some of the region’s most famous right-of-center politicians - including Sen. John McCain and the late Sen. Barry Goldwater - have expressed relatively accepting attitudes toward gays and lesbians. And somewhat surprisingly in 2006, this traditionally "red" state became the first in the nation to vote down a proposed ban on same-sex marriage. Phoenix has a highly visible GLBT community, and a huge number of queer bars, social organizations, and "family"-fi’iendly eateries. Visitors to this area have traditionally madea beeline for swanky Scottsdale, with its chichi hotels, lush golf courses, haute galleries, and sumptuous spas. However, Phoenix proper - which is home to most of the region’s GLBT bars and other businesses - has enjoyed a notable comeback of late, especially the once soulless downtown commercial center. 20 the STAR Several peripheral residential neighborhoods have become gentrified of late, such as the Willo and Garfield Place historic districts. Of particular note is Roosevelt Row, a burgeoning mixed-use residential district that supports several excellent galleries as well as a wonderful bakery, Tammie Coe Cakes (stop in for a latte and a sweet treat or two). Speaking of baked goods, ardent pizza connoisseurs have been k~own to travel thousands of miles for a meal at Pizzeria Bianco, inside a historic building in the heart of the bustling Heritage Square section of downtown. Chef-owner Chris Bianco has been dubbed a pizza-making genius for his simply sensational wood-fired pies, including the Wiseguy (topped ~vith roasted onion, housesmoked mozzarella, and fennel sausage). Just beware the long lines. Vinophiles have taken a shine to Cheuvront Wine & Cheese Cafe, the brainchild of the city’s openly gay state senator, Ken Cheuvront. This happening place near the Phoenix Art Museum serves countless vintages by the glass and bottle as well as a long menu of stellar cheeses, salads, pizzas, and snacks. It’s a short walk down Central Avenue from here to reach the city’s premier gay bar, Amsterdam, an elegant lounge that’s part of a larger complex that includes Club Miami and Malibu Beach Bar. Other gay night spots within a short drive include the lesbian-favored Club Vibe, which replaced long-running Ain’t Nobody’s Biz and offers dancing, darts, and pool; the leather-and- Levi’s-oriented Phoenix Eagle; and the highenergy Karamba Nightclub. Gay two-steppers and country-western fans gather at Chartie’s, while fans of drag and karaoke get their fix at Burger Betty’s, an Aussie-themed gay restaurant and bar. www.ozarksstar.com With all the snazzy new resorts that have opened in Scottsdale and other outlying cities, it’s easy to forget that Phoenix itself is home to a pair of aces: the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Arizona Biltmore, and the intimate, old-world Royal Palms, both of which opened in the late ’20s. ~ne 40-acre Biltmore, with its gray, low-slung, angular buildings containing 738 guest rooms, lies in the shadows of Phoenix Mountain Reserve. There’s also fine golfing and an acclaimed spa. Set aside an evening to dine at Wright’s at the Biltmore, where such inventive regional American fare as milk-poached pork tenderloin with foie gras sauce draws fawning accolades. Many a diva whiles away a Saturday afternoon at the nearby Biltmore Fashion Park, strolling through high-end boutiques and snacking at trendy restaurants. ~lhe genteel and cozier Royal Palms Resort and Spa could pass for a splendid private villa in Spain, with its fanciful stone paths meandering past flagrant gardens and citrus-tree-shrouded casitas decked in old-world antiques and tiles. The weekend brunch at T. Cook’s - best enjoyed on the sunny patio - is a Phoenix tradition, and the resort’s tranquil Alvadora Spa provides some of the most supremely relaxing treatments you can imagine, from Watsu water therapy to crystal-stone facials. Die-hard massage junkies should book one of the seven state-of-the-art spa suites. In downtown Phoenix, the upscale Hyatt Regency Phoenix and the eight-story, moderately priced Best Western Central Phoenix Inn are solid options, all within a short drive or walk of area bars, restaurants, shops, and museums. A less obvious pick is the funky, gay-friendly Hotel San Carlos, a grand if faded 121-room Italian Renaissance-style lodging that’s allegedly haunted (by friendly ghosts). It’s definitely seen better days, but for the price, it’s a good bet with a convenient, central location - especially if you prefer quirky over glamorous. Nearby Scottsdale abounds with more recently built resorts, from the supremely cushy Sanctuary Camelback Mountain resort and swish Four Seasons Scottsdale, to the sexy and hip Scottsdale Mondrian and retro-chic Hotel Valley Ho. In Chandler, consider the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass (which is expected to become a Starwood Luxury Collection property later in 2007), an attractive spread on the Gila River Indian Reservation, 20 miles southeast of downtown. The vibe here is low-keyed and unpretentious, thanks in part to the consistently genial employees. The much-lauded Kai restaurant and the transcendent Aii Spa remind you,however, that you’re staying at a truly splendid desert hideaway. An equestrian center offering trail rides and a campy ersatz frontier town called Rawhide (think stagecoach rides, goofy gift shops, and gunfightin’ reenactments) may help you to channel your inner cowgirl or -boy. Greater Phoenix also has a handful of gay-oriented accommodations, which range flom homey B&Bs to saucy clothing-optional retreats. Downtown’s gay-owned but mainstream Yum Yum Tree Guest House, in the hip and historic Willo neighborhood, occupies a 1920s school building with soaring ceilings and Mexican-tile floors. Shaded patios and gurgling fountains surround the Spanish Mission-style building, which also adjoins a relaxing pool area. A racier option is the Arizona Royal Villa, a nudity-permitted men’s compound with an impressively enticing pool, hot tub, and sunning area and rooms and suites in a variety of configurations. For $10, non-overnight guests can spend the day here swimming, tanning, and mingling with fellow sun-bunnies. It may lack the pizzazz of the Biltmore, but this frisky compound is the closest you’ll find in these parts to a Palm Springs-style gay resort. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 21 FEBRUARY 2007 "The Facts Will Set Us Free" ~he Republican Party may be do,vn, but make no mistake, it is far from out. Ttxe foundation of its revolution is still solid, and perhaps more energized than ever. I’m not talking about the "Get Out the Vote" folks or candidates wing for office. I’m talking about the base from which most Republican activity evolves. Former New Jersey U.S. Senator and 2000 Democratic presidential candidate Bill Bradley ~vrote a piece in the March 30, 2005, New York Times entitled ’[A Party Inverted," which explained that the GOP is structured like a pyramid - with the top being the president, who can be changed every four years, and the base being the rich conservative financiers and the Republican think tanks they finance. It’s those think tanks - like the Family Research Institute or the Heritage Foundation - that have armed the Republicans with the "facts and figures" they use.to advance their conservative agenda. These think tanks have been instrumental in casting us as demons and sinners in any of the myriad issues we fight for, from nondiscrimination laws to marriage equality. Just because the Republicans have policy institutes doesn’t mean that tactically it’s the wrong way to do things. Developing think tanks on LGBT issues - and, hopefully, the well-to-do donor base one needs to fund them - is crucial if we are to succeed in being recognized as first-class citizens. Lee Badgett, an out lesbian, who also happens to have a Ph.D. in economics from the University of California at Berkeley, understands how important academia can be in shaping public policy - especially the public policy that affects our everyday lives. Currently the research director of the Williams Institute at UCLA, Badgett founded what is considered the first LGBT academic think tank in the nation, the Institute for Gay and Lesbian Strategic Studies (IGLSS), in the mid-’90s when she was living in Washington, D.C. "Living in D.C., I saw how important those big think tanks were. They were the heart of the Republican resurgence, well-funded, strategically creative - they pulled the various conservative movements together," Badgett told me in a recent telephone interview. "Together with activists and academics, we formed IGLSS because we all saw we needed to have some kind of institution to bridge the big gap of what was happening in the academic world and the real world. We needed the facts and figures to fight back against the stereotypes and distortions from the right." When Badgett got a teaching job at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, she brought IGLSS with her. As a separate not-forprofit, IGLSS was never formally associated with the school, but her colleagues were quite supportive. More of a virtual think tank than a bricks-and-mortar institution, IGLSS published a number of groundbreaking studies that have helped the community move forward. 22 the STAR "\Ve’ve done a lot of family-related research on domestic-partner benefits and the economics of marriage. We looked at the fiscal impact same-sex marriage would have on states," she said. "\Vvre’ve studied the psychological impact of antigay policies and the strategies to overcome them. We’ve also received funding from the Ford Foundation to do methodological research on how to ask questions about sexual orientation - it’s not as easy as you’d think." Badgett has successfully brought the Williams Institute and IGLSS together. "We’re talking about it as more of joining of forces," she told me, but the reality is that IGLSS has merged with Williams, creating an even stronger, more academically rigorous think tank for our issues. Whether Badgett will remain on the West Coast is a bit up in the air. She and her partner, Elizabeth Silver, a legal services attorney, are wife and wife in Massachusetts, so California, while warmer, may not ultimately be the best place for them. Badgett still has a position waiting for her in the UMass-Amherst economics department. What will be in her future is more research on LGBT issues. "I’m sure that marriage will continue to be one of our biggest areas of research," she said. "Policy makers want to know what the impact on their own particular states will be. These issues are pertinent everywhere because we are everywhere. We’ll be asking whether marriage really makes a difference for gay people, and what does it mean for those who dofft get married." She said that employment discrimination is also on the research agenda, since only 17 states have nondiscrimination laws. "A lot of people think this is good time to focus on this issue again," she said. "\Ve’re still lacking data - for some reason, people don’t want to believe that antigay discrimination really exists." As LGBT people, we live that reality every day. We know discrimination exists; we know that civil unions give us second-class status. With researchers like Badgett and think tanks like Williams, the truth (facts) will inevitably set us free. www.ozarksstar.com Equality Center: Brunch & Blessings Sunday, February 18th A buffet brunch & live gospel entertainment will close out the Equality, Center Grand Opening weekend on Sunday, February 18, 2007. You’ll have not one, but two opportunities to enjoy this unique event for the LGBT & allied community: An 11:00 AM seating, as well as a 1:00 PM seating, will fill your stomach with a delicious brunch and bring you to your feet ,vith hand-clapping, foot-stomping inspiration. Tickets, $10 in advance, are available at the Equality Center, 621 E 4th Street in downtown Tulsa. Please visit www.okeq.org or call 918.743.4297 for more information on the events of the Grand Opening celebration Equality Center serving the LGBT & allied community since 1980. Oklahomansfor Equalio, (OkEq) seeks equal rightsfor Lesbian, Gg)’, Bis~’ual dr 7?ansgender (LGBT) individuals andfamilies through advocao; educatian, lord,’ares, alliances, and the operation ofthe Equali{y Center: Hdp Feed Your CommunisT! Become A Distributor. By Steve T. Urie What a difference volunteerism can make in a community. In 2005 Spirit of Christ MCC, a member church of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches founded by Rev. Troy D. Perry, started serving the greater Joplin, MO community with a food program. One of the smallest MCC churches in the country and in the middle of the Bible Belt we found ourselves answering a call to provide lowcost, high value foods stuffs to people in our area. A large Christian church had previously worked with this program but gave up after being unsuccessful in maintaining a volunteer program large enough to serve the area. Spirit of Christ MCC with a membership of only 18 members took on the task and was the original site in Joplin. Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, nondenominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief to communities throughout the United States. Now serving 32 states it continues to grow as more people in different communities answer the need. www,ozarksstar.com The program is open to all people without restriction. It doesn’t matter what the need or socio-economic group; there is simply no qualifying. The program is set up to assist people to learn accountability by planning their food dollars, being responsible to pay for their food and to bring a box to take their food home in. A box of food (restaurant quality) will feed a family of four for about a week, two people for about two weeks and a single person for a month. host site is different but we continue to take checks, cash and are approved for Food Stamp EBT payments. Over half of our clients do not belong to our GLBT community and many of them have at times joined us for our Wednesday evening meal or Sunday service. Nothing but positive come from this good works being servants to our community. At Spirit of Christ MCC our volunteers will pack your food and carry it out to the car for you. We take orders on Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Questions concerning sites in Tulsa, OK; the greater Joplin, MO area or Eureka Springs, AR may be directed to spiritofchrist@cableone.net or you can go to www.angelfoodministries. com/and look under host sites. Donations for food orders may be sent to Spirit of Christ MCC, PO Box 4711, Joplin, MO 64803. Angel Food’s groceries are sold in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $25 per unit. Each month’s menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $50. Comparison shopping has been done across the country in various communities using a wide range of retail grocery stores and has resulted in the same food items costing from between $42 and $78. Organizations wanting to become a host of the program go to www.angelfoodministries for an application. Or call 770-267-7015 or 888-819-3745. ENADINE MES, ORANGES CHERRIES 1. Add all ingr with ice. ..... . ~ 2. Shake well. 3. Chil martini glasses with ice and water. 4. Pour into martini glasses and garnish with fruit. ENJOY The STAR 23 OKLAHOMA COUNTY By James Nimrao Photo by ½"ctor Gorin: Jim Roth taking oath Former Oklahoma State Attorney General Robert Hemy administers oath, partner Worth in background. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__Since the January 2nd swearing-in ceremony, two-thirds of Oklahoma County has been in the safe hands of the returning veteran Jim Roth, district 1; and the rookie Ray Vaughn, district 3. Later in the day, Mr.. Roth was re-elected for the third year in a row as chair of the County Commission. In his remarks from the stage Mr. Roth thanked the voters for re-hiring him and his team. He continued by renewing his commitment to doing good by the strangers ,ve will never meet the physically ~nd mentally ill, the downtrodden, the homeless those who rarely have an advocate in elected office. In his turn Mr. Vaughn pledged to run an office in a professional manner without personal disputes. Commissioners Roth and Vaughn, along with most of the County officers, are keen to restore the county budget board which will bring back greater scrutiny of tax dollar expenditures; this oversight board was abolished two years ago by Commissioners Brent Rinehart and Stan Inman. This action played a major role in removing Stan Inman from office. The remaining Commissioner, Brent Rinehart, district 2, was in attendance at the ceremony and seemed to be listening intently to the comments being made. Mr. Rinehart has proven to be divisive and contrary during the first two years of his term. He now has two good examples to work with. Should he wish to run for a second term, he’ll have to be a quick study and clean up his act in the less than two years remaining to him on the County Commission. Time will tell. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 25 Salutations Kittens Once more too Uncle 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 always been fond of unconventional tokens of affection. A bouquet of flavored lubes and massage oils always brought a little 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 oflovin’. 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 l~ow 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 maW 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 ofyou will always share. Most of all do convey the love you have in your heart for him. All 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. Tt~at 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 ,vas 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. Hmvever, 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 ,vhat 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 feel 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. I 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 help 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 allow 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 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! 26 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com CLUB IVIAJESTIC: Talent Show w/Rachael Erikk~ THE COPA: Open Talent wlShemoane Somemore 10:30pm FINISHLINE: Dart Tournanient 10pro LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pm THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm HIDEA\VAY: Male Dancers, 9pm THE COPA: !vide Dancers 9pro GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet lan~-3:30am HIDEAWAY: Male Dancers, 9pro SUNDAY Fe BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pm, Dancers 4pro CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Show 8:30pm. CLUB MAJESTIC: Cada Lee Love Shmv 10pro THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show 10:30pm HIDEA~,VAY: Male Dancers, 9pm TNT’s: Super Bowl Part)" wlfood. BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm THE COPA: Strip-Off Contest !2am BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm. TNT’S: Karaoke 9pm. THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pm FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro HIDEAWAY: Bobby Page Talent Shiny t0:30pm sharp. CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show w/Rachael Eril&s THE COPA: Open Talent w/Shemoane Somemore 10:30pro LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pm FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pra Febm~~ 9 THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm CLUB MAJESTIC: Majestic Kings Show !0pm. HIDEAWAY: Mate Dancers, 9pro SATURDAY February" 10 THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro GUSHERS: Late Night Break~st Buffet lam-3:30am HIDEAWAY: Male Dancers, 9pm SUNDAY February 11 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pro, Dancers 4pm CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Show 8:30pm. CLUB MAJESTIC: Catia Lee Love Show 10pm THE COPA: Rachael Eritd~ Show 10:30pm HIDEA"~SAY: Dominique LaRtle’s Girls Night Out, 10:30pro. MONDAY February 12 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm THE COPA: Strip-OffContest Midnight. VALENTINES DAY BAMBOO LOUNGE: RED PARTT! Karaoke 9pro TNT’S: Karaoke 9pro. THE COPA: Variety Shiny t0:30pm FINISHLINE: DartToumament 10pro HIDEAWAY: Bobby Page Talent Show 10:30pro sharp. TNT’s: Black & White Valentines Party, Open 7pm. CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show ~v/Rachael Erikks THE COPA: Open Talent xvlShemoane Somemore 10:30pm FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pm BAMBOO LOUNGE: Mardi Gras Part),!~ "\Vhat will you do for beads" THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm CLUB ROX: Mison Scott Showg:30pm HIDEA~VAY: Male Dancers, 9pm BAMBOO LOUNGE: Mardi Gras Party! "What xvill you do for beads" THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet lam-3:30am HIDEAWAY: Male Dancers, 9pm BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pro, Dancers 4pm Kns Koht Sho 8pm. Mardi Gras QUEEN & KING Contest, CLUB ROX: Whimey Paige Show 8:30pm. CLUB MAJESTIC: Carla Lee Love Show 10pro THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show 10:30pro HIDEA’~VAY: Male Dancers, 9pro BAMBOO LOUNGE: Kamoke 9pm. FAT TUESDAY THE COPA: Strip-O~Contest ¯ Midnight. BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm TNT’S: Karaoke 9pm. THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pm FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro HIDEAWAY: Bobby Page Talent Show 10:30pm sharp. CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show w/ Rachael Erikks THE COPA: Open Talent w/Shemoane Somemore 10:30pm FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pm THE COPA: Mate Dancers 9pm HIDEA’WAY: Male Dancers, 9pm THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet 1 am-3:30am HIDEA\VAY: Male Dancers, 9pm BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pm, Dancers 4pm CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Show 8:30pm. CLUB MAJESTIC: Carla Lee Love Shiny 10pm THE COPA: Rachad Erikks Shiny 10:30pm HIDEAWAY: Male Dancers, 9pm BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm, THE COPA: Strip-OffContest Midnight¯ BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm TNT’S: Karaoke 9pm. THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pm FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro HIDEAWAY: Bobby Page Talent Show 10:30pm sharp. After Dark is a free secvice m our advertisers and is the responsibility of the advertiser to inform the STAR in www.ozarksstar.com writing of updates, addkions or discontinued events. Nxe STAR is not responsible for accuracy. the STAR 27 "Roll up your sleeves, Capricorn!" We still have that Jupiter-Uranus square shaking things up. Mars and the Sun are helping us to see ways to turn surprises into opportunities. Ha~d work, foresight, and cooperation come a little more easily and will prove well worth the effort. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Hard work wilt pay off in any event. Utilizing your connections and looking ahead wilt help a lot. Coping innovatively with the inevitable snafus will get you recognized as a brilliant achiever. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Friends and their demands are getting complicated, leading to political conflicts. Going to bed with pals is not one of your values, so play that card carefully, if at all. Stay true to your own values and goals, and let your friends work around them. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Your partner’s efforts to promote your career will lead to some interesting new developments - perhaps a new career? Taking a long-range perspective and keeping your baby busy in bed can avoid trouble and help inspire your own career moves. CANCER (June 21 - Ju~y 22): Urges for novelty and experimentation can lead you into risky territory. Sexplay with someone you love and trust is the safest way to satisfy that desire. Exotic strangers can be great fun, but those you meet now may have some awful disease. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Real creativity takes discipline. This is one of those times you can be more creative by focusing your attention on the mundane tasks at hand and being supportive of your partner. Out of these everyday details will come inspiration and joy. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): It’s a great time for fussing around the house and decorating. Doing it with your partner, or even a roommate, can vastly improve your relationship. Play with new and different ideas; you don’t need to commit to any of them. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Explore some new, expressive outlet or take a class to brush up on neglected skills. Grab the first mad impulse in your head, think it through, make a plan, and let reality throw you into "Plan B." It will work out better than your "Plan A." SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Practicing domestic economy does not mean hitting the sales and spending "less" money. Sort treasures from trash, but take a creative look at the latter. There should be some new life or good resale value in your old junk. SAGITTARlUS (November 22 - December 20): You are especially articulate now on matters of family or community finances. Work on those issues with others in your tribe; 28 the STAR alone, you could invite disaster. Even without broaching the subject, talking with relatives will provide grounding and insight. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January t9): Volunteer work is ultimately about enlightened self-interest. Even if the point is ostensibly to help others, you’ll quickly see what you have to gain from your "altruistic" efforts. Roll up your sleeves and dig in! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Recent financial upsets could be opportunities in disguise. Confirm inspirations and hunches by talking with friends you trust about such matters. Your own brilliance may carry the day, but only if you acknowledge the efforts of others. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Friends will draw notice your way when you least expect or want it. Relax and accept the attention with good grace. It could prove very helpful for your career. Professionally or otherwise, your reputation will be boosted. SPIRIT OF CHRIST JOPLIN, MO FREE NIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS Tesdng appointment 417-529-8480. 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 SATURDAY Service 9:30AM Your Invited to our Community Dinner Every Wed. 6pm just $4.00. No one is turned a~vay. www.ozarksstar.com Arkansas, Bentonville/Rogers (479) NWA GLBT Ctr .... www.nwaglbtcc.org- .888-391-9222 Barnes & Noble Bks - - 261 N. 46th St., Rogers....479-636-2002 Arkansas, Eureka Springs (479) Diversity Pride Events .............. www.diversitypride.com A Byrd’s Eye View..... 36 N. Main. 479-253-0200 Caribe Restaurante.... 309 W VanBuren....... 479-253-8102 Henri’s ....... 19 1/2 Spring St- -479-253-5795 Lumberyard Bar&Grill--- 105 E VanBuren....... 479-253-0400 MCC Living Spring - 17 Elk Street- Service 6PM- - -479-253-9337 Swiss Holiday Resort- Hwy 62 at Hwy 23 So.- .... 888-582-8464 Spexton........ t7B Spring Street .......... 479-981-6060 Tiki Torch. 75 S. Main Street. - -479-253-2305 Tradewinds Lodge - 141 W. VanBuren. 800-242-1615 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Common Ground Restaurant--- 412 W. Dixon--- 479-442-3515 Condom Sense ........ 418 W. Dickson...... -479-444-6228 Curry’s Video - - - 612 N. College Ave- - 479-521-0009 Passages ......930 N. College Ave- - 479442-5845 Tangerine Club - -21 N. Block Ave-- - 479-587-9512 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads.......1004 1/2 Garrison Ave........ 479-783-9988 Klub XLR8 ......1022 Dodson Ave- - 479-782-9578 Red Rock City - - - 917 N. "A" St. 479-242-2489 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Jesters Lounge .... 1010 E. Grand Ave 501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street .... 1021 Jessie Rd...............501-6642744 Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- ............... www.dsra.org Discovery..... 1021 Jessie Rd- -501-666-6900 Sidetracks --- 415 Main St--North L.R. 501-244-0444 The Factory ...... 412 Louisiana St.-- 501-372-3070 Club U.B.U. - ..... 824 W Capitol Ave- 50!-375-8580 Kansas, Junction City (785) Xcalibur Club...... 384 Grant Ave. 785-762-2050 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) PSU-QSA.-- 1701 S. Broadway- 620-231-0938 River of Life Church.- - 1709 N. Walnut- -Service 11AM Kansas, Wichita (316) Our Fantasy/South40..... 3201 S. Hillside......316-682-5494 Priscilla’s..... 6143 W Kellogg Dr- -316-942-1244 Club Glacier......... 2828 E. 31st South......316-612-9331 Missouri, Ava (417) Catus Canyon Campground 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ- - -2902 E 20th, - ......Sat Service-9:30AM Joplin Gay/Lesbian Cntr- PO Box 4383, zip 64803- -417-622-7821 Missouri, Kansas City (816) 40th Street Inn....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, Springfield (417) The Edge..... 424 Boonville Ave.....417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr---518 E. Commerical- 4!7-869-3978 JR’s Nightclub.... 504 E. Commerical- 417-831-9001 Martha’s Vineyard- - - 219 W Olive -417-8644572 Ronisuz Place....82t College- 417-864-0036 Oklahoma, Enid (580) Hastings Books....104 Sunset .............. 580-242-6838 Priscilla’s........ 48!0-A West Garriott- ...... 580-233-5511 Oklahoma, Law,on (580) Ingrids Bookstore..... 1124 NW Cache Rd......580-353-1488 Oklahoma, McAlester (918) McPride- - POBox 1515, - .... McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) American Crossroads B&B- POBox 270642...... 405-495-1111 Blue Dog Liquor- ......4015 N. Penn 405-606-7000 Boom Room....... 2807 NW 36th St........ -405-601-7200 Border’s Books...... 3209 NW Expressway.... 405-848-2667 CD Warehouse...... 4001 N. Penn .......... 405-525-7766 Club Rox.......3535 NW 39th Expwy.........405-947-2351 Christie’s Toy Box.....3126 N. May Ave ....... 405-9464438 Church of Open Arms......3131 N. Penn...... 405-525-9555 Copa -2200 NW 39th Exp....... 405-525-0730 Eastern Ave Video- - -1105 S Eastern Ave....... 405-6726459 Finishline ....... 2200 NW 39th Expwy....... 405-525-0730 Gushers Restaurant.....2200 NW 39Exp ...... 405-525-0730 Habana Inn .........2200 NW 39th Exp....... 405-528-2221 Herland Sisters Resources.... 2312 NW 39th St-405-521-9696 Hollywood Hotel.... 3535 NW 39th Exp ........405-947-2351 Hi-Lo Club ....... 1221 NW 50th............ 405-843-1722 Jungle Reds .......2200 NW Expwy- 405-524-5733 Ledo -2200 NW Expwy.... - ..... 405-525-0730 Naughty But Nice .... 3121 SW 29th St - ~ ..... 405-68!-5044 Partners- 2805 NW 36th St ......... 405-942-2199 Pec’s...........3535 NW 39th Expw ....... -405-947-2351 Red Rock North- - - 2240 NW39th St........... 405-525-5165 Rudy’s Place......3535 NW39th Expw........ 405-947-2351 Phoenix Rising .... 2120 NW 39th St- 405-601-3711 The Park. 2125 NW 39th St- 405-5284690 The Rockies...... 3201 N. MayAve ......... 405-917-1663 Topanga Grill & Bar- - - 3535 NW 39th 405-947-2351 Tramps- .2201 NW 39th. - 405-521-9888 Ziggy’s- - - 4005 N. Penn- 405-521-9999 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge....7204 E. Pine Border’s Book Store--- 2740 E. 21st- Border’s Book Store - - - 8015 S. Yale Club 209 ....... 209 N. Boulder - - Club Majestic........ 124 N. Boston .......... Club Maverick..... 822 S. Sheridan Cosmo Care..... 67.46 S. Memorial -918459-0497 Dreamland Bks .... 8807 E. Admiral PI -918-834-1051 GLBT Comm. Ctr- - - - 621 E. 4th Street- 918-7434297 Hideaway Lounge..... 11730 E. 11th- -918437-0449 HOPE Clinic....... 3540 E. 31st- 918-749-8378 Jazz’s Lounge...... 426 S. Memorial ,- 918-836-8544 Midtown- 319 E. 3rd.............. 918-584-3112 Openarms Youth Projt - - - 2015 S. Lakewood.....918-838-7!04 Our House, Too ....203 N Nogales Ave.........918-585-9552 Priscilla’s -7925 E. 41st.............918-6274884 Priscilla’s 5634 W. Skelly - - - 918446-6336 Priscilla’s 11344 E. 11th 9184384224 Priscilla’s 2333 E. 71st.............918499-1661 Renegades. 1649 S. Main ........... 918-585-3405 Rob’s Records- - -2909 S. Sheridan Rd- 918-627-1505 St. Michaels Alley......3324-L E 31st- 918-745-9998 Sterling & Co. Salon- - -1606 E.15th St.- ........ 918-742-9999 Sappho’s........ 6373-C E 31st St - - 918-836-0299 Tulsa CARES.... 3507 E. Admiral PI. .918-8344194 Tulsa Central Library ...... 400 Civic Center- - - - 918-596-7977 Tulsa Eagle.....1338 E. 3rd -918-592-1188 TNT’s - 2114 S. Memorial. 918-660-0856 Yellow-Brick-Rd........ 2630 E. 15th- 918-293-0304 918-836-8700 918-712-9955 918-494-2665/ 918-584-9944 918-584-9494 .918-835-3301 ~ETt£ QUIT I~UNIGHIN~ OUI~G~L:VEG RDR B~tN~, (~A"/t ~TOP AND G’1"tART I~MBI:~&CIN~ AbL. WONP~RFUb THIN~G W~ ARE Bf~CAUBE W~ .4~ GAY: OUR/¢MMO~, OUR C~£4~I’IIZ~, OUR S~A~zT"/~.~ OUR ~A~J¢/OM, ANI::;’ OUR bitter girl email: bittergid@qsyndicate.com 30 the STAR www.joanhilty,net www.ozarksstar.com NWArkansas GLBT CommuniV Center "LinM" ng Together as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 \V\W~.NWAGLBTCC.ORG W~N.Ozarksstar.com E MPL[3YM ENT [:1F~IaB RTU N 1TY ADVERTIBINB BALES I:~E PREBENTATIVE FI3R BKLAHBMA~ KANSAS MIBBBURI BR ARKANSAS quaHficadons to ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net or m~ to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 the STAR 31 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2007] The Star Magazine, February 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 2 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 01, 2007 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd; Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele Jeanne Flanigan Douglas Glenn Michael Dee Kay Massey Paul Wortman Carlotta Carlisle Vicotr Gorin Greg Gatewood Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Devre Jackson Chaz Ward 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, January 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/206 The Star Magazine, March 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 3 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/209 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/205 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/d7349f39a2f6c24cf6b9a0d7271e216b.jpg 3a0eebcd52fabc90992327824369e289 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/f5077466eed5cf80f80d7a8a3b921cbb.pdf d75f628a0713f5eecab8bb4b82fa1156 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 Reservations: 918.585.5898 e 800.585.5! 01 2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.cor~ ,t,nffw.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 ~ [~OL~DAY G~VY ~DI~A~$ \Ve’ve been shopping for you! Something out of this world, one of the newest gadgets, and a few other items to enjoy. ~L~C~.L Karen Greenawalt photography exhibit Fundraiser nets $900 For Our House Too. November 29, 1984 (23),ears ago last m0nd0: West H01- lyw00d, Calif., incorporates as a city. Cool Wines for Cool Weather: And you know drinking some wines can almost be like listening to music in mono. "GAY VEGAS - A Guide to the Other Side of Sin City" Gay Travelers: Seattle, \Vashington Out of Town: Great Destinations Dining In or OUT NEW: Deep Inside Hollywood, reports on a new project for Sandra Bernhard, Justin Kirk, and Christopher Sieber, and Ugly Betty Sings. Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: Virgin Galactic 4 the STAR w~,~v.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5 6 the STAR Diversity Business ~[~ere were no gay men in America in the eighteenth centmy or Brokeback Mountain, the prequel. qlae author admits that was just to get the reader’s attention just as I got yours with my Jefferson, to the completely obscure, known Dofft let the word "Nstotical" dim yore bulb; it’s a very good introduction to our American gay heritage. qlxe period covered is approximatdy 1660 m 1850, ~md centers on the dme of the One p~;mt the author stresses is that the flowery writing style seem in private letters should not distract us from the gender of the writer and the letter’s recipient. hy a young wom~n and read, ’Often too, he sha~ed mypillow, or I his, and how sweet to sleep with him, hold his beloged form in my embrace, to have hi# arms about my neck, to imprint upon his face sweet kisses.’ We reasonably assume that she and the maa in quesdon shared a sexual relationship, There is no justifiable grounds for changing that amumpdon when we faarn that the words were actu~y written by Albm Dodd, a Yale undergraduate in the 1830s, describing his relationship with a fallow student, Anthony Gore Vidal (ff I could only know what he’s forgotten since bre~ffast): "What is sheer high animal spirits in the roaring boy who buys a pre-femlnlst girl is vileness in the roaring boy who buys another bo)~" Yes, indeed, it wasn’t just a style, it was the real McCoy of same-sex attraction. Benjamin Walker and William North were in the Revoludorxary Army under George Woshingmn, served honorably, attained blgh rank, a~d were set on a wall-w-do coarse in Iifa after their discharge. Both of them served Ln the House and Senate of Congress representing NewYork state. They kept in much through letters and "dsits when they were able. As was the style at that tlme dose male friends would name a child in honor of the other; however North’s wife, Polly, would not a~low their son to be named in that manner. It’s thought by the author that Polly suspected her husband and his friend children the author takes this as a sign that perhaps she xnd her husband were no longer connubial. "lhe whole friendship ends on a sad note with londiness and mLfaLfilled hope. Either this w~s very prescient on their part or we, here in the 21 st century, axe contimfing the emotional, erotic needs of ot~" gey/lesbian orientation and coming much cIoser th~n our forefathers ever couldi We devil or representative of the decay of the To read this book sometimes fads so modern, the need and desire for love and c~maraderie are sdll the same, only the al~ity to www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 Chuck Breckenddge 918-706-1887 REALTOFt TESTING CLINIC 1-800-535-AIDS (2437) Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline "At Centuq 21 G~ld Caslle ourBEST properties are our PEOPLe’ 3627 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405.840.2106 www.¢21 goldcasge.com Let us promote your business in a UNIQUE & DIVERSE market. Call STAR ADVERTISING today. (918)835-7887 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Vir#n Galactic C~rTo Space fromNe~Marcus find the m~n in the moon you were 8 years old?). Now, for the time, the heavens are truly w~thln reach, when you charter Virgin G’a]actic for the We’ve been shepping for you! Something out of this world, one of the newest 9adgefo, and a few other items to en]og occur in mid-air. SpaceShi~pTwo will detach, fire its custom-designed hy~orid rocket, and propel you into the majesty of space. Conditions Gendarme Spray ColOgne q~e ffeshesfl Casually sensual, yet profes~ sion~ly down-to-business, Distiacdv¢ly driven to be assertive, yet ever so cleverly subde. Made for a man. It blends tmlquely with the user’s musk, to create his/her ow~ signature scent. ~fl~e un-off~dal fragrance of Californ’a." "Greeff’ with citrus and verbena top notes. "Herbal" with a dry-down ofjasmine and thyme, bound to a him of leather. A for 12% oil blend for a compelling long last, that won’~ overpower the room, Ingredients herbs, oils, etc. Price: 2oz $48.00 4oz $68.00 Six-Person S aceTrip Charter OCBP7_NMO2199 www.genda*me.com or 800÷2894363 More Gift Idea’spage 16 s & Gifts Earl Wheeler 437E. 141st Street Glenpool, OK 74033 918.291.EARL (3275) ORDERS BY ~2NOON GUARANTEED SAME DAY DELIVERY Santa/We deliver everywhere!" the STAR 9 Oklahomans for Equality opens Karen Greenawak photography exhibit at Dennis Ro Neill Equality Center TULSA, OK (P/R) __ %e Dennis R. Neil! Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-9pro, ~lhursday, December 6, 2007, for the opening of its December exhibit, photography by artist Karen Greenawalt. Greenawalt grew up in eastern Pennsylvania and earned a degree in art education at Kutztown University. She received a camera at an early age and has been taking pictures ever since. After taldng a course in college she got more serious and started honing her skiIls. She studied at the Santa Fe Photographic "Workshops and other photography classes. Karen discovered Oldahoma and has made Tulsa her home since the mid 70s. She has been a Financial Consultant most of that time and has been expanding her photography business in recent years. \~qen her fellow photographers complained that there was nothing worth t~ng pictures of in Tulsa, she took ~hat as a personal challenge and started studying the city with a creative eye. She’s produced many stunning images of details that are often overlooked. Photo: Driller By Karen Greenawalt She will not sell an image more than once in the same size, so each of her pictures is unique. She has made an exception with one print that is available as a limited edition, so that it could be more affordable. Karen has exhibited in galleries and festivals around the area, and her work is included in collections across the country. The exhibit will remain up through the month of December, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pro. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the-web at okeq.org. DBAT Hos s Holiday Receptior TULSA, OK (PR) __ Diversity Business Association ofTulsa members a.s well as those interested in joining DBAT are invited to attend a Holiday Wine and Cheese Reception on ~gednesda}; December 12th at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, 621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa. The reception will be help from 6:00 to 9:00pro. DBAT provides a forum to the gay; lesbian, bisexual and transgender business and professional community and its allies for the purpose of networ!dng, professional development, creating increased visibility and strengthening relationships among business and professional community members. We’re the heart ofLGBT networking and business growth. We support. -We lead. X,ge promote professional development, business diversity and personal enrichment - so get involved today! For more information contact Susan Hartman at slhartman@ scrubs2go.net or 918-274-1699. Oklahoma’s firs o.p.e ly gay legislator v s ts DalIaSo DALLAS, TX (P/R) __From one "blue" region to another, gay Oklahoma Rep. A! MckA}’rey came to share his experiences with Dallas’ political activists. "We ha:¢e a lot in common with his district," said Jesse Garcia, president of Stonewall Democrats of Dallas. "He’s in a little blue island of Oldahoma City, and he’s coming to Dallas County where there’s another blue island in a sea of red." 10 the STAR vcww.ozarksstar.com Tu sa’s Socia Event of the Yea A Campy C assi¢ Show for a Great Cause, Photo Czarina Rotc,~acokoff, l~Iiss Bamboo 2007 (by default) and Handsome Escort, Prince Hartness. Top Photo: right il/Iiss Bamboo 2008 Sydney Vicious, left Miss Bamboo 2006Mona Lott and selfproclaimed "Empress ofthe Bamboo" By Greg Stede TULSA, OK __ November 17th marked the 6th annual Miss Bamboo Pageant Fundraiser and was the most successful ever. ~’he crown was held in top security by BrinkT Security Armored Division and entered the building only after the votes had been counted by the Accounting Firm of Chicken, Bunns and Stevens. Votes for each contestant were determined by the amount of money each was given by the audience for their performance. Our House Too ofTulsa was the recipient of this years proceeds of $900.00. Our House Too offers a variety- of services for people who are HIV÷ or living with .AADS. You can contact the Director Milton Harris at (918) 585-9552 or harrismmjr@yahoo.com ~his years event was hosted by Kris Kohl a Tulsa Diva and MC’d by Earlena Detrick a local flower sales person. A wonderful job was done by both. The winner of the coveted crown for 2008 Sydney Vicious, an unknown bag lady who just happened onto the scene, wowed the crowd with a stunning performance, and our sympathy goes out to Queen Vicious as we understand at the time of this writing, her grocery cart was hit by Ms. Detricks Hummer in the parking lot and completely totaled. The big surprise at this years pageant was Miss Bamboo 2006 and self proclaimed Empress Mona Lott who was extremely well behaved. A tradition at past Bamboo events, all were expecting her usual display of vulgarity, a ritual wimessed every year that is nothing less than sleazy striptease. Thank you Mona for being a perfect lady this year. No prelim, no registration fees, not known for glamour, but an absolute celebration of campy fun with a big heart. That is the Miss Bamboo Pageant. Copa, OKC Hosts National Mro Gay A erica Cor teSto By Victor Gorin Photo: (left) 1st runnerup Austin Gene ofTulsa, (cwnter) Taz Bailey M~ Gay AllAmerican 2007 of~Iidwest City Oklahoma, (right) Sebastian Armonte a~Ir. Gay AllAmerican 2008 Pittsburgh, PA OKL~IOMA CITY, OK__ It was a steamy Saturday night at the Copa with the national Mr. Gay All American Contest held November 10. ~With 5 contestants and 7 former winners present the audience got treated to mankind at their best. Owned for the past 2 years by OKC local John Beebe, a former Mr.Gay All American himself (1996), he has taken on the project of this contest -with the passion it takes to do the work to make it come together. The contest began over 24 years ago as part of Norma Kristie’s Pageant System in Little Rock, Arkansas (owned by Norman Jones of the Miss Gay America Pageant System), and even today the scoring system and categories are the same. It separated from that system, taken over by Gib Hauersperger for several years until 2002. It then was purchased by Paul Lopez ( also a former Mr.Gay All American), then it was taken over by Richard Greer who had it until 2005 when it dosed. Mr.Beebe then saw an opportunity to revive the contest, and took it over in 2006. Although it did prove to be a lot of work, Mr. Beebe has secured several national sponsorships of the event and is optimistic about the future of the contest. There is now a $2500 prize package for the winner, and those interested in participating should contact Mr.Beebe at wvw.myspace.com/mgaacontest or johnbeebe96@yahoo.com ~,#ww.ozarksstar.com the STAR 11 REVIEW By Donald Pile a~d Ray Williams gay~avders@aol.com "GAY VEGAS - A Guide to the Other Side of Sin City" by Steve Friess We have just read one of the and we thought that we knew Then he tells about the "best oftbe best" and the MUST DO and MUST SEE things about Las Vegas. Any gay person going to L~ Vegas whether for the first time or if they flare been there many times should purchase this book. Steve’s "Gay Las Vegas" book deals with lodging, restaurant% shows, gay nightlife, shopping, gay weddings ~nd is the most definitive book for gaps gohag to Las Vegas. Steve has lived in Las Veg~ since 1996 and was originally from Long Island, New York. Ftiess ~nd his partner, NBC producer Miles Smith, co-host "The Strip" podc~t, a weekly Vegas~centrie celebrity-hiterview progsara found at q~eStripPodc~st.com. Fdess and Smith wed at the Pabos Hotel- Casino in March 2007 and live with their two Chihuahuas, Black and Jack. Steve is a former contributing writer for q~e Advocate, Friess has also covered gay topics for USA Today, the New York Times, Newsweek, and dozpns of other major periodicals. 12 the STAR ff yot~ can’t go to Las Vegss, buy Stevens book and read it and you w~l think that you are there! He writes so directly ~d tells about all aspects of the cit~ "llaere should be a informative book like this written about all the great gay cities in the country. Steve LOVES his city and it shows! He has certainly done his research and pulls no punches in describing the different aspects of gay life ~nd gay destinations when going to l&s Vegas. Gay Vegas - A Gnlde to the Other Side ofiSin City can be purchased around the country at mmay Borders and Barnes and Nobles and also on line thr~ Amazon.com. We HIGHLY recommend rhls great book! It w’dl save you a lot of time ~d money die next time you visit Las Vegas. On a side note. Kansas City’s own Wes Winters entert~as at the Liberace Mtmettm weekly in Las Vegas. A~ always, when we write ~nything about L~ Vegas, we like to remind everybody to remember the words of lAberace, "No one will believe in you unless you believe in yourself! " G.ay ca.ndidates v ctonous across the U.S. WASHINGTON, D.C. (P/R) __ Dozens of openly gay and lesbi~a~ candidates running in municipal and state legislative races across the country won their elections Tuesday, according to the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. Ofthe record 71 candidates endorsed by die gsoup in 2007, at least 31 won their races on Tuesday, while 10 were elected earlier this year. At least three more endorsed candidates received enough votes to edvance to runoff elections. V~ctory Fund president and CEO Chuck Wolfe said the growing number of out candidates demonstrates the gay community’s increasing involvement in electoral politics. ~Thls is the path to change. We are not content to sit on the snlelLqes and hope that others do the right thing for our community. We will step up and lead the fight for a more equal and fair America, mad we will win," Wolfe said. ¯ae Victory Fund’s 7I endorsements set a new record for an odthnumbered year in which there ~re no scheduled federal elections. In 2006, the group endorsed 88 cmadidates ~ad it expects to endorse more than 100 candidates in 2008, according to Wolfe. He added that planning has already begun for n~xt year’s races. "2008 will be another record-breaking year for gay c~adidates, and they’ll need help to counter the inevitable amacks from anti-gay hate groups. We’ll be ready to fight," Wolfe Among the h@lighrs Tuesday: ¯ Joel Burns, a candidate for the Fort Worth, Tex., City Council edv~lced to a December rtmoff election as the top votegetter a~er being subject to anti-gay smears from an opponent. ¯ Craig Covey won his race for mayor of Femdale, Mich., becoming the first openly gay mayor elected in the state of Michigan. ¯ Michefie Bruce, an openly transgender incumbent on the Riverdale, Ga., City Council was the top vote-getter in her race and advances to a runoff election. ................Continued next page Gay car didar.es cont. @ New Jersey State Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, who became the state’s first openly LGBT state legislator when he came out publicly during his current term, won re-election to his seat. @ Jeffrey Anderson was elected to the Duluth City Council, becoming the first openly gay elected official in northern Minnesota. Tim Eustace won his race for mayor of Maywood, N.J. @ Brian Bates, won a seat on the Doraville, Ga., City Council, becoming the first openly gay Republican ever to win office in the state. @ Lydia Lavelle won a seat on the Carrboro, N.C., Board ofAldermen, becoming the seventh openly LGBT candidate ever elected in the state. For up-to-date election results for all endorsed candidates, go to www.victoryfund. org. The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund is the only national organization dedicated to increasing the number of openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender public officials at all levels of government. It is the nation’s largest LGBT political action committee. Since its founding in 1991, the Victory Fund has helped grow the number of out elected officials from just 49 to nearly 400 in the United States. OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATS FUNDRAISER AT ANGLES A SUCCESS By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Bringing together the GLBT community and their allies together for an evening of fun and unity was hosted by the newly reopened Angles Club of Oklahoma City. The fundraiser featured not only the executive Director Jon Hoadley, but also elected officials State Representative AI McAffrey & Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth. They were also entertained by Alison Scott & Miss Gay Oklahoma 1 st Runnerup Melody Michaels, a British lass now a US citizen and proud member of Stonewall. Stonewall welcomes new members, only requiring that one be a registered Democrats & believe in equality for all Americans including the GLBT community. Person interested in joining may log in on our Oklahoma website v~vw.okstonewall.org, or call Treasurer Jim Nimmo at (405) 843 3651.The website of the national organization is www.stonewalldemocrats.org. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at the Otdahoma State Democratic Party Headquarters located at 4100 N. Lincoln Boulevard in Oklahoma City and are open to all. QuotaNe Quotes AIDS vaccine didn’t guard against virus~ Drugmaker Merck & Co. released new data on an experimental AIDS vaccine that failed to work, the data shows volunteers who got the shots were far more likely to get infected with the virus through sex or other risky behavior than those who got dummy shots. www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 13 November 29, 1984 (23 years ago last month): West Hollywood, Calif., incorporates as a city. How did West Hollywood become so gay? os Angeles has been a town of many firsts for the GLBT communisy, including, in the 1950s, the llrst enduring U.S. gay and lesbian orga~zizations and publications. West Hollywood, an enclave within L.A., is widely regarded as the world’s first gay city Popularly known as "WeHo," West Hollywood is a small city ofjust 1.9 square miles located in the northwest part of LOs Angeles County, suzrounded by L.A.’s Hollywood district and the independent city of’Beverly During the first halfof fire 20th century, gay people also began gravitating to West Hdilywood. ~ie area was beyond the reach of the notoriously homophobic L.A.ED. and convenient for the gay creative talent work~ hag behind the scenes in the fihn industry. So many gay men bought and renovated working-class bungalows ha the 1960s and 1970s that the area around the Strip became known as the "Swish Kips." In fire 1960s, the Sunset Strip underwent a revival and became a hub of the hippie sic venues such as the Roxy and the ~ghisky a Go Go. But fire gay social scene centered on Santa Monica Boultward. A plethora of flubs, restaurants, and boutiques catering to gay patrons sprang up on fire west end of the street, dubbed "Boys Town" (though it also included a longolived lesbian bar~ The Palms). But not eceryone w~s gay-friendly Barney’s Beanery, a popular eatery since the 1920s, for decades posted a sign reading "Fagnrs [sic] Stay Out," the target of nttmer- The land that is now West Hofiywood was occupied by the Tongna Indian tribe when Spanish missionaries and ranchers setded the ~ea in the late 18di centmy. More than 100 years later, the Los Angeles ~aad Pacific RaJlway was built, and a small town ca~ed Sherman grew up around the main tall yard and trolley barns to accommodate the The people of Sherman declined to be incorporated into the city of Los Angeles. Because the town was outside the jurisdiction ofthe L.A. Police Dep~rtment. gambling casinos flourished a~d alcohol flowed freely din:rag the Prohibition era. In the 1920s and 1930s, the Sunset Strip running along WeHo’s northwest border became the ~playgsotmd of the stars,’~ a major nightlife destination for celebrities of the burgeoning motion picture industry. Nearby, posh apartment complexes housed Ho0ywood luminaries. One of fire most lavish - lesbian acrxess KiLn Nasimo~a’s Garden ofAlLah ÷ became infamous for its wild parties, But during World War ii, celebrities opted for a more wholesome public image as the cotmt~T’s pofiricad climate became more conservative, and the Strip fell out of £avor. The grittier east end of Santa Morea Boulevard. near the border with Hollywood, became a well-known prostitution stroll frequented by male hustlers ~nd transvestites. In the 1970s, the area was home to cheap motels, massage parlors, and sex shops. A Time magazine article in Aprtl 1976 described the so’etch as a "a flelible ribbon of smut that expands or contracts according to the apathy or indignation of the surrounding stucco-house neighborhoods." Indeed, there were periodic campaigns to clean up the area, but fire illicit activity never completely disappeared. In the 1980s and 1990s, the city saw an influx of Russian Jewish immigrants. With a large population of renters, residents grew concerned when L~. County proposed scrapping rent control amid skyrocketing real estate prices. A coalition of gays, Jews, ment to establish a separate city. West Hob lywood was incorporaied on November 29. I984, and elected the first-ever city council with a gay majority and the first operdy lesbian mayor, Valerie Terrigno. The council quickly passed strong rent conu’ol and anti-eviction laws and an ordinance bam~ng antigay discrimination, Terrigno bersulf 14 the STAR removed the "Fagots Keep Out" sign from Barney’s Beanery In 1985, WeHo bega~ offering domestic parmership benefits, becoming the first An~erlcan city to legally recognize same-sex rrlarionships. But Ter rig.no resigned later that yca~ after she was charged with embezzling from her former employer, and the scandal divided the gay community. While West Hofiywood has never had an actual gay majority, it has perhaps the Largest proportion of gay residents of any city - es~ated at around 40 percent of a to’cA population of 39,000 - and is a hub of queer cultare. The Christopher Street West Pride parade and festival, first held in 1970, moved from Los Angeles to West Hollywood in 1979; in 1987 the city started its annual Halloween Carnaval, which attxacts halfa million revelers. R~nbew flags fly on Santa Moniea Boulevard year-round, and even the L.A. County Sheriff vehicles that patrol the city sport a rainbow logo. While San Frandsco’s Castro, New York City’s West Village, and Chicago’s North Ha[stead area are renowned gay enclaves in the midst of larger cities, only in West Hollywood are the reins ofpolirical power firmly in the hands oftbe GLBT community "In the sixties, many of us - mysdf inaluded - stood on the outside and shouted epithets," said Steve Sehulte, an original WeHo city council member and later mayor. "But one of the really important lessons of die eighties is that gay and lesbian people have to run for office and get elected." Forfurther reading: Faderman, Lillian, and Stuart Timmons. 2006. Gay L.A. (Basic Books). Gierach, Ryan. 2003. Images ofAmerica: West Hollywood (Arcadia Publishers). v,~wv.ozarksstar.com Red wine in stereo is a and can have lots of ripe, ing black cherries, black roast coffee or chocolat~ mas. On the palate Black raspberry and bright fruit fill can be full and livel, can be a similar www.wineed~ Included here are a white wines, champagne I think we’ve got it all covered. Mr. D’s baker’s dozen. Po~t Grahams 6 grape port a with Mr D also hosts wine & food events as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. Cab Elyse Nei Sang Masi Copain BR Cohn Joel Gott Cabemet’05 w~rw.ozarksstar.com the STAR 15 "Ihe holiday season means many things to many people. For many gays and lesbians, it me~.s wardrobe shopping and new acces sories. Oh yes] When it comes to looking sharper th~ ever this fall, the sleeker, smarter, stronger MotoroIa’s RAZR2 has redefined the mobile phone into a must- "lhe Sa~ Francisco Chronicle recendy wrote, =...the phone itse~’has got to be one of the most fashionable devices out there, with its solid construction and k~ury feel." "Ibis new phone is "Out" already. The less tech]more fashion conscious in our community will have a tough decision to make with the variety of colors including the Mahogany V9 from AT&T, Espresso Vgm from Verizon Wireless, or Dark Pead Grey Vgm rlom Sprint. Prices vary depending on the carrier. Sprint is $249.99 with two-year contract. For more consumer informarion, visit http:lhwcw.motorota.coml2. the STAR Monin Gourmet Classic Flavors revered in my- ,e and eternity, luicy sweet fl as,~r. ~0w Monin Pomegranate and a dash of playfitL Perfect in cocktails rlom m~rdnis to daiquiris, Monin Pom~granate’s deep red color makes a dramatic statement while its Monin produces many other flavors and products for that perfect girl. 800-966-5225 Spexton Jewelry 222 S Lansing Trdsa, OK 74120 877.981.6060 Factory Store Now Open Now open in Tul~s Downtowns East End] Visit the soatho shop and watch them make your favorite Spexton jewelry. On the corner of 3rd and Lansing, across the street and around the corner from the Tiny Lotmge (Formerly 818). Hours: Mon-Sat Noon to 7:00pm Spexton Pal7013 Knurled Gold "Koenig" NEW!. H~ndcrarled stainless steel ring by Spexton. Featttres 22k gold inlay in raised center stripe with ~ knuded fizAsh and mirror edges, Sizes boxed. Order $450.00 -~vw,spexron.com Spexton NEI062 3 Dot Pendant New! From o~ new pendant collection, this intricate design per and s~lver blending gift-boxed Give a subscription to the STAR, 12 issues only $33.95. Send Check or Money Order to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheddan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 Seepag~ 29for onter blank. see page 22. ~ of the brown su~gar until light. Add the egg well after each addition. Fold TRAVEL SEATTLE, WASHINGTON We have fuutid olle oftbe most wonderhi[ arid exciting eldes in the country to visit. Tile first mid most imporoult thing about Searde is that you do nor need a car! "!hey have one ofthe fin- ~st pubhc tr~u~sportatlon systems hi the country. Upon our arrival, we first went to the Gay Colrmlunity Cew~er, 1122 E. Pike, which is open daily to help tourists and locals as weIh "lhey offer a very infurmative packet of hlformation for the gay traveler. Check them out at www.seardelgboorg. ’~hey are open 10 AM to 9 PM dally and 11 AM to 8 PM on Sunda}z What a real treat to be welcomed to a city[ qhey have a veer" strong Greater Seatde Business Association which has been se~vlng w~dr pride since 1981. Check them out at: tkegtha.org. A~er that we checked into the Gaslight Inn Bed andB~t located at 1727 15th Aver~ue which is in the Capitol Hill area. qheir websise is: w~w.gaslight itm.com. You woHt find a more congenial or ftiend~ier host that Steve Betmett. Steve has owned a~d operated die Gaslight for over 25 years. A~er all these years, Steve is still "bubbly and enthusiastic about life" and it shows. He can give you great ideas on what to do and where to go whoa visiting and he can a~sist you in finding the right bars to go to. It is located in a wonderful old home and it’s motif is the arts a~l crafts period. It is decorated with beaurihii old Stialdey furniture and Steve has a great collection of contemporary glassware as well as some American dian artifacts. The rooms and suites are great, some with fi~eplac~s, omside decks and there is a heated swimming pool. It is located right on the bus llne and every 12 minutes you can catch a bus to downtown. "fh]k about accessibility? Within a few blocl~ you can walk to a dozen gay bars and 3 dozen restaurants in the area. Tiae Gaslight is the ONLY place to stay. The great thing about St~y~ig at a B and B is that you get to meet other travelers as well. Tom and 18 the STAR Doris from I ~rtg Island were staying there and they were ddightful! (Most straight people hate that word, But, they WERE delightful ).. Also staying there was Greg from Attstralia. He was just starting out on a three month business trip around the world[ He was extremely enjoyable ttl talk with and we wish him well on his trip. He has since emailed $evei~] thnes to keep tl.S up to date on his journey. Downtown Searde is one rd" the most be~miful, cLean, modem vib~axt downtowns in the cmmtry: Pike Place Market is the fu~t place that we went and enioyed the antiques ard gift shops as well performers, musicians and a~dsts. You can purchase a huge bouquet of flowers for $10 to $15 which would run $50 and up anywhere else in the country. Pike Place Market is celebrating their 100th year this year. Pioneer Square is also downtown aad is extremely historic with ilx tmdergrmmd tours. Most of the buildings in this area are over 100 year old. You cou!d spend all day in downtown Seattle iust lookir~g at all the wonderful old architecture. We drove all around Searde one day and visited mar~y different neighborfu~:ls which were all quite ultique atrd di[~hrent. Tile-i have dozens and dorxns of hadlvidually mvned cafes and restaurants. From downtown you can take the Monorail to the Seattle Center which has the Space Needle as weg as Pacific Science Center, Science Fiction Museum mad Hag was built for the 1962 \gorld’s Fair. The elevator ride takes just 43 seconds to get to the top which is 520 feet to the observatiori dock. scum of Flight where they have a Concorde, ALr Force One and 85 other pL~n~, the Museum of Iq-istory ~a~d Industry, the Seattle Art M~setun and the Burke Mt~scum of Natural History and Cdlture. Seattle is one beck of city to visit! !rod they also have a great Gay Meffs Chorus! Aj&ican pen~dns amble about the beach at Cape Town’s Boulders National Park, apopular spot on the tours qffTe’ted by Premier Tours. (Photo by Andrew Collins) Unusual Tours to Great Destinations If you’ve come to associate organized tours with massive chartered cruise ships, packed buses, and onerously large groups of fellow travelers, you might want to give this concept a fresh look. Today’s organized-travel options include a tremendous variety of companies offering intimate, upscale, customized adventures. In many cases, the method of transportation - canal barges, bicycles, vintage trains - are part of the excitement. Many upscale tour companies that cater to relatively small groups are also extremely gay-friendly, attracting educated and sophisticated travelers who appreciate a diverse mix of participants. Here’s a look at five exceptional tour operators, four of them mainstream and one specifically gay-oriented, but all offering guests unusual ways to experience some of the most intriguing destinations in the world. Ride the Rails q-hrough nhe Rockies With its accepting and tolerant attitude toward gays and lesbians, Canada continues to generate plenty of interest from GLBT travelers. Ofcourse, it doesn’t hurt that parts of this country rival just about anywhere in the world for stunning scenery - the Canadian Rockies, a region best explored by luxury rail, are especially breathtaking. Gay-friendly Royal Canadian Pacific offers cushy, distinctive rail excursions from late spring to early summer. Transportation and accommodations are inside beautifully refurbished 1920s and ’30s railcars, where large windows afford dazzling views of snowcapped mountains and pristine lakes. At a number of points, passengers leave the train for touring, hiking, golfing, fly-fishing, and horseback riding through the countryside. The 6-day Royal Canadian Rockies Experience starts and ends in "Calgary, Alberta (you spend the first night at the historic Fairmont Palliser Hotel), a modern and lively city with an intriguing gay scene (and, in late June, the Canadian Rockies International Rodeo - the 20 the STAR world’s largest such gay event). The route winds west through Canmore (where Brokeback Mountain was filmed), Banff National Park, Lake Louise, and the Columbia River town of Golden. Then the train heads south through the Rockies before cutting east at Cranbrook and venturing into the Canadian Prairie and the city of Lethbridge, before finally heading north back to Calgary. Tne 6-day Royal Culinary, Wine, and Music Experience is another great itinerary - it begins in Calgary and continues through Banff, Yoho, and Glacier national parks, before ending at beautiful Kamloops, with a side trip to the stunning Kelowna and Okanagan \Vine Country. Royal Canadian Pacific tours include fantastic food and ultra-posh accommodations, and they start at around $5,500 per person, double-occupancy. Stroll Through Northern New Mexico, Tuscany; or New Zealan~l We live in a super-speedy, boom-boom world, and it’s in part for this reason that so-called "walking" vacations have become increasingly popular in recent years. One company that has tapped into this market with great success, offering tours to a variety of stunning and gay-popular destinations around the world, is The Wayfarers, whose intimate and pleasingly slow-going 4- to 12-day rambles cater to educated, independent-minded, and curious adventurers who are fit enough for extended walks but still appreciate upscale accommodations and superlative food. On Wayfarers vacations, during the day you’ll hike with a guide and your small group of fellow travelers, maintaining a leisurely clip through some of the world’s most picturesque terrain. At night, you stay in distinctive accommodations, from adobe inns in Santa Fe to posh resorts in the South of France to seaside villas on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. ~’~vw.ozarksstar.com Wa)4:arers offers tours in several regions, including such European destinations as the British Isles, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, the South of France, and Spain. In the United States, you can tour the Maine coast, New Mexico, Utah, Washington’s Cascades and Olympic Peninsula, and Santa Barbara. In a few destinations (Italy’s lakes, England’s Cotswolds, New Mexico) you can choose between women- only and mixed-gender tours. These trips are great for couples or groups of friends traveling together. They’re well-suited to outdoorsy types, but they’re also accessible and enjoyable to globetrotters who don’t get outside much yet still enjoy occasional opportunities to commune with nature. Prices vary a bit according to the itinerary - the 5-day New Mexico trip is about $2,300 per person, the 6-day Tuscany adventures cost $3,500 per person, and the 12-day New Zealand treks cost $4,200 to $4,500 per person. Pedal Across Provence, Adalucia, or Iceland Of the many gay-oriented (i.e., open to gays and lesbians as well as friends of the community) tour companies out there, few have earned a more stellar reputation over the years than Alyson Adventures, which offers a slew of soft-adventure getaways that focus on such invigorating activities as canyoneering, rock-climbing, hiking, kayaldng, rafting, and scuba diving. In particular, Alyson offers wonderful bike tours through some of the world’s most fascinating places. These tours typically last about a week; are led by knowledgeable guides; include accommodations in well-chosen, mid-range hotels; include all breakfasts and some lunches and dinners (for others you’re on your own); and use of a bike. The trips are geared toward all levels of biking experience (they average 25 to 40 miles of travel per day, depending on the route), as participants are free to go at their own pace, and you’re as likely to meet single travelers on these adventures as you are couples or groups of friends. Alyson offers about a dozen itineraries, most of them in France (Provence, the Dordogne River, the Loire Valley, etc.), but others through Tuscany, Spain’s Andalusia, Iceland’s volcano and hotsprings country, Vietnam, and Arizona’s Mission Trail. There are tours from mid-spring through mid-fall, and prices range from about $1,700 to $2,800 per person, double-occupancy. This helpful company has even created a website, www.gay-bike.com, filled not only with further information on the tours it offers but also with tips on traveling by bike. If you’re keen on other types of adventure, consider some ofAlyson’s similarly intriguing getaways, such as rafting the Grand Canyon, diving offthe Caribbean island of Saba, or eco-touring Costa Rica. Cruise the French Canals and snacks, and richly furnished dining rooms in which you’ll be treated to superb classic French cuisine and fine wines. Special meals are also planned at a number of restaurants along each itinerary. French Country’Waterways cruises last a week, are offered April through October, and cost from about $5,000 per person, double occupancy. Trek Xhrough the African Bush Among the many companies out there offering African safari adventures, Philadelphia-based Premier Tours earns kudos for its distinctive and well-planned itineraries, which provide participants a nice mix of in-the-bush adventure and sophisticated big-city and wine-country diversion. The gay-friendly company has a huge range of trips covering several African nations - Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Gay travelers should book a trip that includes some time in the scenic and vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa. For instance, the 7-day Cape Town & Safari excursion includes Cape Town and nearby wineries as well as safari experiences in Kruger National Park and the stunning Hephant Plains Game Lodge. There are also much more extensive 15- to 17-day South Africa tours, some that include Johannesburg, Zambia’s Victoria Falls, and Swaziland. The company’s many different types of tours cater to a wide range of interests and capabilities, as you can try anything from a rugged adventure trip that includes hiking and camping to cushier trips where you spend the night in fine hotels and posh game lodges. Premier Tours provides accommodations, many of the meals, airport transfers, game-viewing experiences, and other daily tours. Tour prices start around $1,300 per person, double-occupancy, for the 7-day Cape Town & Safari tour. This is a pretty amazing deal, when you consider the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see elephants and leopards in the wild, not to mention the swank restaurants and lively gay nightclubs of Cape Town. French Country Waterways offers travelers an intimate, upscale way to traverse some 4,800 miles of navigable rivers and canals throughout the Gallic countryside. This is not your conventional cruise adventure. These leisurely and romantic excursions are offered in four regions: Champagne (a short distance east of Paris), the Upper Loire, Burgundy, and Alsace-Lorraine. If you’re planning a gay vacation to Paris and its hip Marais District, consider tacking on one of these boat trips after your city stay. The company uses five beautifully outfitted barges, which accommodate from 8 to 18 passengers, and whose staterooms and suites all have private bathrooms and individual climate control. Each barge has a large wooden sundeck, ample lounge space and bars stocked ~vith complimentary beverages w~w.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 21 by Donald Pile & Ray X~dliams Featufmg Cuisine From Coast m Coast YELLOWSTONE’S FAMOUS OLD FAITHFUL INN Located in the heart ofYellowstone National Park in Wyoming, the ru~tlc-style lodge, with log and wood shingle exterior is located adjacent to the world famous Old Faithful Geyser. The original part of the Inn, knovm as the "Old House" was completed in 1904 and hadudes an immense tobby with a huge stone place. The East and West Wings were added in the teens and the twenties, with many rooms having been remodeled ha recent years. Guest accommodations include rooms with and with shared baths. Additiona~y, deli, gift store and interpre- 22 the STAR items and buffet. Ltmch offers a selection of fresh salads, sandwiches, house specialties and a western buffet. For dinner you c;m either enjoy the dinner buffet or choose from a menu offering signature specialties such as p~n-se~ed dk medallions or pork osso buco. Add all of the Li Lato a thzker 3/4 full of cracked cocon~ a~d I slice ofpeach / Sip, sip--and enjoy! ’,wvw.ozarksstar.com by Chaz & Victor Ianl thirty-eight years old and I recently desired a change in my life. I contemplated the notion of dying my hair, buying a convertible, wearing skater shoes, and purchasing a cool puka shell necklace. I was informed that these are all signs of a midlife crisis and I can’t be associated with any labels like that. I thus decided to satisfy my hunger for variety in a non-crisis fashion and I joined a softball team. It’s been about a month and I’ve managed to survive about a half dozen softb,~Jl games. ~xese are my stories. I have been a solitary runner for twenty years. Teamwork has not been a necessary part of my designated sport of distance running. I have been master and commander of my ship. Softball demands that ten players contribute for the common good of the tem-n. My days of spinsterhood, playing solitaire, and reclusiveness are over. I have to look out for my fellow brethren. It has been great learning to be part of something. I can’t function without them and vice versa. Not everyone is good. Some of the outfielders race in to catch a fly ball only to see it sail thirty feet over their noggin. There are still others who throw like Blanche, Rose, Sophia, and Dorothy. I have experienced the trials and tribulations of watching guys swing the bat with all the grace of a fairy godmother and her wand. I don’t mind these dreadful displays of athleticism. It is humbling to me because I k~ov¢ that there is something out there that I am horrible at. I proceed with this mindset and complete understanding 26 the STAR The theme song for this season of roundball cotfld easily be P~M’s "Everybody Hurts". To my disbelief, I have already been injured and I have felt the sting of many a painful practice and game. I run forty- miles a week, I workout three days per week, and I even take long bike rides for cross-training purposes. How could this suffering be a possibility for someone like me? The reality is that I am working a different range of motion for my muscles. Even Superman has his Kryptonite and Achilles had his heel. I have given greater credence to the expression that what doesn’t kill me will only raake me stronger. Softball certainly has its gadabout tendendes. I am especially fond of this social side of the sport. The reward for engaging in the weekly ritual of two consecutive seven-inning games is found in a mug of Bud Light at ye olde watering hole after the barbarism has subsided. Rewards have even been known to involve some backTard frolicking in our shortstop’s pool ~xe horse is bound to gallop when he has that carrot stuck in front of his nose. Our team has tremendous galloping power thanks to our "carrots". I am enjoying the break in my daily monotony that has come from this thing called softball. I am reaping the benefits from the healthy mental and physical aspects of the activity. I have found a niche that has proved exciting for me. It has been quite cheaper than acquiring that box of Clairol, the ragtop Mustang, the black pair of Vans, and the island accessory with the shark tooth that would have adorned my neck. I even feel ten years younger since my first day of taking to right center field. My midlife emergency has suffered a crippling blow. The world is safe now, but for how long? This health and fitness column is brought to you by that guy whose ten gallon hat has been largely unaffected by his fifteen gallon mouth. That guy is Ron Blake and he can reached at www.goblakefitness.com. Quotable Quotes The first five-star gay hote! in Latin America opened Wednesday in the Argentine capita! of Buenos Aires, an increasingly popular destination on the worldwide gay tourist circuit. The hotel, set near the historic San Telmo neighborhood, is the second of its kind developed by Spain’s Axel Corp., which opened a five-star, 66-room gay hotel in Barcelona in 2003. Creating Community for People living A 501 c (3) Non Profit Organization Our House, Too offers a vaiety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail hardsmmjr@yahoo.com. www.ozarksstar.com awarded 5500 000 Joint coL~aboration wfl! address LGBT a&in~ concerns and improve qualig~ o~ ~iFe £o_ LGBT seniors NEWYORK, Nov. 13 -- Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) and the _’National Gay and Lesbian Task Force announced this week they have received a $500,000 grant from the kacus Gay and Lesbian Fund to support a joint national advocacy and policy effort around lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) aging. For this new project, SAGE and the Task Force will collaborate on a series of ventures that push public policies that address LGBT aging concerns and enhance support, protections and quality of life for LGBT seniors. The grant will fund two new staffpositions -- one at each organization -- and related prograna expenses. "As the one organization that focuses on the full gamut ofLGBT aging issues both locally and nationally, SAGE is thrilled to partner with the Task Force on this national effort to improve the lives of the senior members of our community," said SAGE www.ozarksstar.oom Executive Director Michael Adams. "This initiative serves a critical need: in the ne~:t 20 years the number ofLGBT people age 65 and above will grow by 70 percent -- from approximately 3 million now to roughly 5 million over the next quarter century. This demographic tida! wave, combined with the endemic invisibility, marginalization, and discrimination faced by LGBT older people, lends an added urgency to this first-of-a-kind national advocacy effort. Thanks to this Banding from Arcus, we wil! be able to launch a strategic and focused effort to increase visibility; awareness, policy protections and support for LGBT older people." Adams added that the new initiative is especially timely since SAGE is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2008, just launched an online community ofLGBT aging advocates and service providers nationwide, and plans on hosting its fourth national conference on LGBT aging next fall. "We are grateful to the Arcus Foundation for funding this innovative partnership between the Task Force and SAGE," said Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "This project will combine the Task Force’s federal policy and research expertise, SAGE’s unparalleled understanding of the needs ofLGBT elders, and the energy of activists across the nation to shape a better future for all our seniors." The Task Force’s existing aging initiative, headed up by Amber Hollibaugh, a Task Force senior strategist and specialist on LGBT aging issues, convenes and coordinates the National LGBT Aging Roundtabte, worked successfully with SAGE to gain the first-ever specific inclusion ofLGBT elders in the Final Report of the 2005 VThite House Conference on Aging (which will guide federal aging work through 2015), and will be issuing a second edition of Outing Age, a seminal report on policy issues affecting LGBT elders, issued in 2000. The new SAGE-Task Force collaboration has four main goals: to build and provide leadership to an action-oriented national LGBT aging network; to win strategic policy victories for LGBT older people at the federal and state/local levels; to build the capacity for LGBT aging policy advocacy in communities across the country; and to ensure that LGBT aging issues are a focus in broader aging policy discussions. SAGE and the Task Force will carry out this work in dose collaboration with local LGBT aging organizations, as well as "mainstream" and "minority" senior organizations. Quotab ÷ Quotes Editor and comic writer ~dan Coren asked actor MichaeI Caine, who once was a neighbour of actor Richard Gere. Coren: "You must know the answer to the big question, Michad. Is Richard Gere gay?" Caine replied: "I don’t know if he is actually gay, but he would probably help out if they were short-handed." Ireland’s government announced late last week that it will introduce legislation legalizing civil unions for same-sex and heterosexual couples by March 2008. Known as the Civil Unions Bill 2006, the legislation will provide gay couples with unions legally equivalent to marriage, akin to the Civil Partnership _Act in the United Kingdom. Both openly-gay members of Congress have now endorsed Hi!lary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination. The New York senator secured the support ofTammy Baldwin, the "Wisconsin congresswoman who is the only out lesbian in the House, months ago. And this week Clinton gained the enthusiastic endorsement of House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank, the only out gay man currently serving in the chamber. the STAR 27 "Have a Plan B, PiscesV’ The Sun square Uranus inspires bold acts of daring and innovation, but most of those will lack proper planning and precaution. Keep everything in the mental realm; explore new ideas and philosophies. This is not the time to try out skydiving! ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Don’t let anyone trust you with a secret. Even your own aren’t safe now. Exploring new ideas or arguing over old ones can lead to deep new insights. Carefully choose the company, time, and place for opening up. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Sexual tensions with a friend come to the surface, offering the potential of "benefits." Acting on those impulses might bring trouble, but discuss it, clear the air, and see if it might be worth exploring. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Your partner or a close work colleague may let a secret slip that could change your reputafion. How you handle it can prove more important than the "scandal" itself. Keep a sense of humor and perspective, and be flexible with everything except the truth. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Accidents, arguments, weird allergic reactions, and other rude surprises are just waiting in the wings. Be ready to adapt and improvise, as there’s no escape. Often the difference between an adventure and a disaster is in your attitude. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Novelties in erotic play will open up new doors for you that you’d never imagined. Just be very careful, as some kinks require special precautions, and everyone is a little more accident-prone these days. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Arguments at home are almost inevitable. Accept them as a chance to clear the air. You’ll be surprised at what comes up. Problems revealed now can be solved later. Explore new ideas, recognizing that they will need work. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Impatience can lead to outbursts that you’ll regret. You’re a bit too eager for adventure, which could lead you into accidents. Try to focus that energy into learning new skills, especially those that could be useful at work. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21 ): Most of your brilliant inspirations about money are ready to blow up in your face. A few of those ideas are actually good, but talk them over with someone whose advice you can trust, and take time to think them over. SAGITrARIUS (November 22 - December 20): You may find it liberating to divulge family secrets, but your family probably doesn’t share your opinion. The benefits of disclosure may be worth the trouble, but the trouble will be considerable. Think it through before saying anything! CAPRICORN (December 21 -January 19): Stay quietly in the background, and keep your ears open. What you hear will be astounding and potentially very helpful. A noisy brain may seem like an impediment to meditation, but letting it run is part of the process. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Arguments with friends over money will come too easily. Do your best to make sure debts are paid and everything’s even. You’re likely to create friction despite your best efforts, so be prepared to apologize and back off. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): The impulse to strut your stuff may have you showing off a lot more than you intended. Make sure presentations are thoroughly planned out, complete with a Plan B if things go completely awry. MCCo METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! 28 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com DOWNTOXY[N PLAZA ofTULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 w~w:downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 ~a~w~:habanainn.com K~LLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant DREX£L ON THE PARK APTS. 3041 NW41ST Oklahoma City, OK 405-946-0588 SUSAN HARTMAN Independent Broker Oklahoma and Arkansas 918-698-2977 susanlhartman@gmail.com CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 ww~:c2 lgoldcastle.com CHUCK BI~CKENRIDGE Keller \Villiams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn ANGLES 2117 I’,BW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK w~v.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 w~wv.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918:584-9494 w~w,v.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 ww~:habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 www.realacceptance.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 \Vorship Sundays 6pro NWARKANSAS GLBT CENTER Bentonville/Rogers 888-391-9222 WW~.NWAGLBTCC.ORG *wvw.HisRoom.net Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: Address: City: St: Zip:. Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: www.ozarksstar.com 29 Chuck Breckenridge 918-706-1887 FINAI.J.Y! A~V HONF-.f,’~" I~EPUELIO~I! 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com w~vw.ozarksstar.com the STAR 31 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2007] The Star Magazine, December 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 12 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 01, 2007 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd; Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele Jeanne Flanigan Paul Wortman James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Devre Jackson Chaz Ward 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 Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern 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. 2007; Colume 4, Issue 11 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/211 The Star Magazine, January 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/246 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/204 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2e52778fbcc544e93d5bfef3d7a2abfd.jpg 08633d2d73d3318eda50a34658eb9baa https://history.okeq.org/files/original/ca78b619bfc20eb37da0d4fdea5c6994.pdf b292af46b2d9025a4dc40b9cc320e523 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 W~N.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 T ~ Y~3LSA HONE YO~3R Brady Heights has a spectacular history of rebirth. Suffering from abandonment and crime in the 60’s and 70’s, a renaissance began in the early 80’s when Brady Heights was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Scheduled Events for Summer Diversity Weekend Eureka Springs Arkansas. August 3-5th In April 1954, Los Angeles station KTTV ran a program called Confidential File featuring a policeman, a psychiatrist, and a gay man, Dale Olson. SUMMER WINES: She said "I want to discover new white wines for the warm weather and the wines must be ABC." Gay Travelers: St. Louis, Missouri Out of Town: Portland, Oregon Dining In or OUT Approximately, 50,000 served prison terms as convicted homosexuals, while an unknown number were institutionalized in mental hospitals. Ferguson could be the first openly transgender candidate for President. BOOKS This book will help you to live authentically and achieve your dreams. You can embrace who you are, get ,vhat you want, and make a difference in the world. Love, money, joy, peace, power and passion can be yours. ON THE COVER: EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS STAR DISTRIBUTION: OKLAHOMA CiTY TULSA LAVVTON MCALESTER * ENID * LITTLE ROCK * NORTH LITTLE RODK * FAYETTEVtLLE * FT SMITH * EUREKA SPRINGS * HOT SPRINGS * BENTONVILLE * ROGERS * KANSAS CITY * SPRINGFIELD * JOPLIN * BRANSON AREA* WICHITA* PITTSBURG * JUNCTION CITY 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Home Tour sllated for O dest Historic District "Brady Heights" Green Renovation Home Tour 2007" TULSA, OK___On Sunday, October 14th residents of Brady Heights, Tulsa’s oldest historic district, will open their homes to the public for a neighborhood tour of some of the State’s most original and historic homes, as part of Oklahoma’s Centennial celebration. Oklahoma’s early political, mercantile, oil, spiritual and social leaders made Brady Heights their home in an era that spanned Territorial Days through the 1930s. The homes vary in style and design from Victorian and American Foursquare Style, through to the Wright inspired Prairie Style and the Craftsman Bungalow Style. Residents have lovingly restored the homes and guests will be treated to casual discussions by the homeowners relating the history of their home and the machinations they Went through to restore them. Many of the homes still retain original details such as: leaded glass, carriage houses, craftsman made detailing and broad front porches. The tour provides a unique look into the preservation of Oklahoma’s architectural history while highlighting resource conversation. Visitors will have the opportunity to review the resource-conserving materials and practices used in these historic restorations as well as talk with providers of"greeff’ products and technologies. Brady Heights abuts the Brady Arts District and lies on North Denver and North Cheyenne Avenues. The tour will start at 12 noon on Sunday, October 14th and begins at the Centenary United Methodist Church, 621 N. Denver Ave. The fee is $7.50 for adults and $3.00 for children under seventeen with no charge for children under twelve. Tickets will be available until 4pm the day of the event and the tour ends at 5pm. Advance tickets are available at www.bradyheights. com. Proceeds will benefit community projects of the Brady Heights Neighborhood Association. www.ozarksstar.com Brady Heights has a spectacular history of rebirth. Suffering from abandonment and crime in the 60’s and 70’s, a renaissance began in the early 80’s when Brady Heights was placed On the National Register of Historic Places. The most diverse neighborhood in Tulsa, Brady Heights boasts a co!- lection of families and individuals of all races, income ranges, ages, sexual orientations and religions. Proud urban pioneers were guaranteed continued historic integrity of their homes and neighborhood when the Brady Heights Historic District was granted the Historic Preservation Overlay Zoning by the City ofTulsa. For more information about Brady Heights mad The Historic Home Tour, please visit www.bradyheights.com. the STAR 5 6 the STAR By James Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ I’m a big fan of the Internet and think it’s one of the most momentous advances in human communication since our hairy, howling, humanoid ancestors developed spoken language. Then, with Gutenberg and the invention of movable type, it became possible for large numbers of people to communicate over great distance and beyond life times, two of the greatest inconveniences in maintaining human progress. Now, the electronic Internet takes care of distance and time, while cell phones introduce the convenience of mobility in communication. TXT MSGing (text messaging) has caught on in a big way. It allows frequently used expressions to be condensed to acronyms and abbreviations for quick notes to be displayed in the small confines of the cell phone display window. "l-he American LGBT equality movement has its own list ofTXT MSG acronyms that represents the core of discrimination still being directed at us, even as many countries in western Europe, the Southern Hemisphere, Canada, and Mexico have recognized the inherent right of their own LGBT citizens to the legal equality of a modern, humane society. ENDA -- Employment Non-Discrimination Act MSA/HCPA -- Mathew Shepard Act/Hate Crimes Protection Act DOMA -- Defense of Marriage Act DODT -- Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (Don’t Pursue) Anyone who knows he/she is LGBT should be familiar with these text letters and know the importance of having the first two passed and the last two overturned. ENDA and MSA have passed the House where there is a Democratic majority, though full disclosure nags me to remind you that Oklahoma’s lone DEMO in DC, Dan Boren, voted against our LGBT citizenship, but then he was swimming upstream against the popular tide with the minority of House GOP’ers. I say against the tide because a recent NYTimes poll indicated that 75% ofDEMOS and 49% of GOP’ers thought same-gender couples should have marriage equality or civil marriage. Can it be anymore clear that the people are ahead, the engine is in front of the caboose. A recent report tabulating the current roster of presidential candidates published by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF, www.thetaskforce.org) shows that based on the candidates’s own words, all the DEMOS support ENDA and MSA, while the GOP’ers have disdain or no opinion. With DOMA and DODT the count is much the same. But some DEMOS are dragging their feet in regard to same-gender marriage. Only Kucinich and Gravel clearly support unequivocally full-blown same-gender marriage. IMO, we LGBT people need to tell our candidates to get on the equality train. Never before have our issues been so prominently in the spotlight of public view and we need to push our candidates, regardless of party, to keep the light on fairness and parity. BTW, CUA, and THX for reading. EOM. Creating Community for People living ~7ith H Dd/AiDS A 501 c (3) Non Profit" Org~tnizat~ioia Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the soolal isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those "~,’ho are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves, We invite anyone would like to volunteer or provide nancial assistan~ to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrisrnmjr@yahco.com. www.0zarksstar.c0m www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 Recognized by Keller Williams For outstanding achi~rnent 2005 and 2006 Chuck Breckenddge 918-706-1887 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 Summer 2007 Diversity Weekend Eureka Springs, Arkansas, August 3,5 By STAR Staff EUREKA SPRINGS, AR__Ifyour planning a trip to the Gayest little city in America, this coming weekend should prove to be a fun time, and if you plan to hitch up with that special love of your life with a Domestic Partner Registration you will need to get there early on Friday August 3rd or you’ll have to wait until Monday. Applicants must appear in person with proof of age and the $35 registration fee in cash. Application forms are available at http://www. cityofeurekasprings.org/. Certificates of Registry will not be mailed to applicants. The City Clerk’s office is in the City Hall, lower level of the Western Carroll County Courthouse, 44 S. Main. Office hours are 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Once you have that certificate safely tucked away in your travel bag, step out and enjoy some live action, good food and the great hospitality of Eureka Springs. Friday/Saturday, August 3, 4: Hitch up the U-Haul: The 12th annual YARDS AND YARDS OF YARD SALES (almost 100 last year). Find locator maps at shops and restaurants. Sponsored-oddly-by the Greater Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce. Patronized-avidly-by antique queens from far and near. Friday - Sunday, August 3, 4, 5: Hitch up the Pop-up: DIVERSITY CAMP OUT, Lake Leather~ vood (nice combo there, doncha think?) campground (479) 253-2866. Advance reservations for RV sites ($15/night) and cabins ($70/night) required. Tenters ($10/night) pre-register at (479) 387- 2871 or RaeSwt@yahoo.com by July 30. Canoe & Paddle Boat Rentals Available. Fishing, Hiking, Biking and Swimming. Community Potluck Dinners & Campfires. Weenies and S’mores. Just two miles west of Eureka Springs offU.S. Highway 62. Frida~ August 3 S&M: Stand and Model at the Diversity Weekend Kick-Off Party. Serious cruising begins here. ’PRINCESS’ WELCOME MIXER Caribe Restaurante y Cantina, 309 W. Van Buren, 7-9 p.m.ish. Cosponsored by Diversity Pride Events and Eureka Pride. Mix and mingle with locals and visitors from around the country- Lipstick ladies and sturdy gurls, leather to Levi guys, twinks, trans, clones, bis and burly bears. Contact: info@eurekapride.com Spin Cycle: 10 pm - DJ Kyle Egan Live at Henri’s Just One More, 19 1/2 Spring St. Dance to the hottest hip hop and R&B mixed live on two turntables. Shot specials all night. Saturdaj6 August 4 Straddle This: DIVERSITY BIKERS BRUNCH & RIDE 10AM. Join Diversity Pride Events and the Diversity Bikers at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks, 207 WVan Buren. Then, saddle up and ride to show your true Rainbmv colors. \Vet n’ Wild: MENS AND WOMENS SWIM PARTIES, 11 a.m. to 4 p,m. MEN: Rodeway Inn Swiss Holiday Resort, 2015 E. Van Buren. Featuring DJ Rob. \VOMEN: Carolyn’s Ozark Swiss Inn, 3061 E. Van Buren. Kiss Off: PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION (PDA) photo shoot, 12 noon in Basin Park band shell, downtown. A G-rated opportunity to smooch your sweetie-or the perfect stranger-for posterity. And to amuse the tourists and annoy the fundies. A chance, too, to show a Christian biker group-the Jericho Riders from Missouri-the difference between love and hate. The bikers will be in the park at the same time, praying for the Domestic Partnership Registry to go away. Not a chance. But be NICE to them anywa): Remember, the whole world is watching. Cake ’n Cocktails: A reception honoring DOMESTIC PARTNERS, family and friends at 6 to 8 p.m. Generously hosted by Henri’s Just One More, 19 1/2 Spring St. Sponsored by gaynewsbureau. com. No cover. Cash bar. Open to the public. Even-or especially-the Jericho Christian Bikers. Splane it to us Lucy: Robbie Walker and a special guest, or a cavalcade of stars, xWith Robbie, you just never know. 9 pm Saturday night at Henri’s Just One More. Come early. Robbie PACKS the house. Subterranean Collision Course: Diversity Pride Events brings "COLLIDE" DANCE PARTY to Eureka Live Night Club, one flight belmv street level at 35 N. Main, 9 p.m.-2 p.m. Featuring DJ Rob. Contact: deborah@diversitypride.com Disco Hoedown: Diversity Pride Event’s RETRO/COUNTRY D~a~NCE & CABARET, 9 pm. to 2 p.m. at Caribe Restaurante y Cantina, 309 W. Van Buren. Featuring DJ/singer Mary King and additional performers. Contact: deborah@diversitypride.com Sunday, August 5: A Feather In Your Cap: See Hitchcock classic "THE BIRDS" at our downtown BYO-canvas-chair-or-blanket and kids-and-dogs outdoor, under-the-stars Luckyl3 Starlight Cinema. The TIPI HEDREN LOOK-ALIKE CONTEST alone is reason enough to extend your visit to Eureka Springs one more day. In the parking lot next to the Basin Park Bath House (huh?), 1 N. Main St. Start time: When the bats fly. Weekend schedule provided by http://www.eurekagaynews.com/ 10 the STAR ~wvw.ozarksstar.com Joplin’s Seventh Annual "Night of Stars 2007" %Viii Feature Ben Miller Band By STAR Staff JOPLIN, MO Tim and Tom’s 7th annual Night of Stars Gala is scheduled for September 12th. ~Ihe Event will be held at Kitchen Pass Bar and Restaurant, 1212 S. Main Street, Joplin, MO. Phone 417-624-9095. The Night of Stars affair is held each year to raise awareness within the GLBTA community, and to raise money for the critical needs of those living with HIV/AIDS in the SW Missouri area. All proceeds go to the non-profit organization AIDS Project of the Ozarks. In an interview Tim said, "We still need auction items. This year we are doing a buffet from 5:30 pm to 7pm and 2 beer tickets for $25.00 per person or you can buy a table for 10 for $200.00. After 7:00 pm door charge will be $6.00 per person. Entertainment this year will be the Ben Miller Band. The silent auction will start then also. I think it will be a great night and raise money for a greater cause. We are looking forward to seeing you there." If you have any questions please feel free to call Tom @ 417-629- 8994 or Tim @ 417-629-8995 1-800-535-NDS (2437) Oklahoma’s HIVISTD Hotline www.ozarksstar.com No Surprises Staying with... Rodeway inn Ozarks Family Owned! Great Sunday, Thursday Rates ’Visitors center and area attraction ticket center o Jacuzzi king rooms for two, On.site weddings and wedding .packages Close to restaurants and attraCti0ns Small pets allowed. Family reunions ,0~ark Mountain Motorcycle Tours of popular area deStinations, Picnic. and barbecue area- Group rates and package plans Church group packages,a{,ailable , Friendliest atmosphere in Eureka.Springs Family . ofwonrgeudeasntsd.oCpoenratitneedn,taTlroblrleeyaksfatospt . MFreeeetitnagnnr0inog~bteod h01d 80 with full kitchen ; On-site massage therapy mater,Guest aundry Center of all attracti0ns Call for toll free reservations: 1-888o582o84 4 P.O’ Box 430° Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 479’253-9501 www,eurekaspringsresort,com the STAR 11 ]~t~s hard to believe. Here’s a x 6thcentury Baroque master whose bold naturalistic painting style t~rst created whose life was filled with ~e turbulence and excess of a do~e:n Mario Pu~o novels. ~ouM~,u~yfound re~mption and i~ormliW in his ~t. But does the averag~ kid on the s~eer even know ~vho Carava~io F~hgedaboudit. T~ ~d. Xs~cmHy when you consider how much our c~ldren can lea~ ~om the conflicted life a ~eat ar~st like Miche~ngelo Caravaggio. ~e grew up in less ~an ideal circ~stances. Most ofhis f~ily died m the plague. Much of his youth was misspent on the mean s~¢ets of Rome. And as a young artist he strt~gg]ed for years to make a living. He was angry. Yet the angry contrast between iight and darkness in h~ work isthe very reason it no~v hangs in countless museums ~around the world. If nothing else, it’s a case study of the importance of having art as an outlet. Unfomanately, one we’re fast removing from our kids" lives. If the arts are indeed a vital part o£ your child’s education ~and studies show you believe they a~e), th,n you should demand his or her fair share. To find out how, or for more information about benefits of arts education, please visit us at AmericansForTheArts;org, Because, as Caravagglo would tel! you~ life without artis tomlre. Historic American Event August 9th on LOGO TVo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Maintaining its grassroots traditions, the Oklahoma Democratic Party and OK Stonewall Democrats will host a meet-n-greet on Thursday, August 9, starting at 6:00pm at the Party’s headquarters at 4100 N. Lincoln Boulevard. This informal reception will have refreshments and live entertainment until 8:00pro. Following immediately will be a watch party to view the live streaming video of the LOGO TV and Human Rights Campaign sponsored forum between the Democratic Presidential candidates. This is the first forum in American election history devoted exclusively to LGBT concerns. Both events are free to the public. Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats (wwv.okstonewall. org) is a chapter of National Stonwall Democrats in Washington, DC (wvw. stonewalldemocrats.org) and a recognized dub of the State Democratic Party (www. okdemocrats.org). We work for the equality ofAmerica’s LGBT citizens in its social and political life. TAMMY FAYE DIES AT AGE 65 WASHINGTON, DC~The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force expressed its condolences at the passing ofTammy Faye (Bakker) Messner, ex-wife of disgraced evangelist Jim Bakker. Messner died last Friday after a long battle with cancer. Statement by Matt Foreman, Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force "Tammy Faye became an icon for our community. In spite of-- and perhaps because of the hardships she faced -- she embraced us, she refused to judge and repudiated those who did. She will be long-remembered and deeply missed. Our condolences go to her family and her wide circle of loving friends." Christmas In Ju y Fundraiser A Great Success! By STAR Staff TULSA, OK Yes Mrs. Hood, there is a Santa Clause! But in July? Bamboo Lounge Tulsa and Miss Bamboo 2007, Holly Rose hosted the First Annual Miss Bamboo Christmas in July charity event to a packed house and a delighted crowd. The entertainers and auction raised $600 to benefit H.O.EE. Clinic ofTulsa. Clinic personnel were also in attendance and administering free AIDS/HIV testing. H.O.EE. testing clinic is a non-profit Mens Outreach program providing free HIV testing, including the 20 minute OraQuick test. The Clinic is located at 3540 East 31st Street in Tulsa. Phone (918) 812-7045. The Clinic is closed on Friday and Sunday. Their Oklahoma HIV/STD Hotline number is (800) 535-2437 Combine ingredients in mixi~ glass. Add ice, stir to strain into your chille( Glass. Pop in CD for fun www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13 stream society elevision is a major influence on American popular culture, and the evolving presence ofLGBT people on the small screen has both reflected and fostered acceptance of gays in main- In the 1950s and 1960s - a time when homosexuality ~vas regarded as a crime or a mental illness - a few brave queers began appearing on local television talk shows. In April 1954, Los Angeles station KTTV ran a program called Confidential File featuring a policeman, a psychiatrist, and a gay man, Dale Olson. Asked whether he would change his sexual orientation if he could, Olson replied that he would not; the next day, he was fired from his job. Four years later, New York’s WABD ran a similar program featuring sympathetic psychologist Albert Ellis and Gonzolo Segura, a gay chemist who wore a hood to hide his identity. In November 1964, New York Mattachine Society member Randy, Wicker went undisguised on the popular Les Crane Show, and in 1967, activists Franklin Kameny, Jack Nichols, and Lilli Vincenz appeared on channel WOOK in Washington, D.C. "Once we started appearing on TV and on talk radio shows, [the public] started seeing us as more real," Vincenz later said. LGBT people garnered a national audience in March 1967 with a special episode of CBS Reports entitled "The Homosexuals," hosted by Mike Wallace. The program - which ran with virtually no ads since sponsors wouldn’t touch it - featured Jack Nichols, author Gore Vidal, a federal judge, and conservative psychiatrist Charles Socarides; though Nichols used an alias, he too lost his job. That same year, New York Mattachine president Dick Leitsch appeared on The David Susskind Show, which aired on PBS stations nationwide. In 1971, Susskind featured a panel of lesbians, including Daughters of Bilitis member Barbara Gittings, Wayland Flowers (with his puppet "Madame") who proclaimed, "Homosexuals today are taking it for granted that their homosexuality is not at all something dreadful - it’s good, it’s right, it’s natural, it’s moral, and this is the way they are going to be." By the late 1960s, talk show host Phil Donahue also began featuring queer people (originally on his local program in Dayton, Ohio, which was later nationally syndicated), despite his fear that some viewers might think he was gay, himself. After the Stonewall Riots in June 1969, occasional queer characters began to appear on TV with increasing frequency. The CBS series Medical Center (1969-1976) featured perhaps the first-ever sympathetic portrayals of gay and lesbian characters on television. During the first season of CBS’s _All in the Family_ in 1971, Archie Bunker was taken aback to learn that an old drinking buddy - a former pro football player - was gay. The show prompted then-president Richard Nixon to complain to his staff, "Goddamn it, I don’t think you glorify [homosexuality] on public television." In a later episode, Archie saved the life of a female impersonator, and in the spin-offThe Jeffersons, lead character George reunited with an old Navy buddy who was now a woman. The 1970s also saw the first sympathetic made-for-TV movies, including That Certain Summer (1972), in which a teenage boy discovers his father is gay. While reality TV is often regarded as a recent phenomenon, the 1970s PBS series An American Family portrayed the real-life travails of a Southern California family, the Louds. Teenage son Lance came out on screen in January 1973, sparking both condemnation and applause. He performed in a punk rock band and wrote for magazines, including The Advocate, before dying of liver failure related to HIV and hepatitis C at age 50. Variety shows of the 1970s, such as Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In and Saturday Night Live, addressed homosexuality in their skits, often by making fun of stereotypical gay characters. By mid-decade, three gay men - Paul Lynde (~vho previously played a bachelor warlock on Bewitched), Charles Nelson Reilly (who had a role in the children’s show Lidsville), and Wayland Flmvers (with his puppet "Madame"), had become flamboyant fixtures on popular game shows, though they did not openly acknowledge their sexuality. While several programs in the 1970s occasionally featured queers, regular LGBT characters were scarce, q-he first, in 1972, was Peter Panama, a gay designer on the short-lived ABC sitcom The Corner Bar. This was followed in 1975 by the first gay male couple, on the network’s Hot L Baltimore. An unhappily married woman on the daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives admitted she was bisexual in 1977, but the storyline was brief. A longer-running and better-known example of a recurring queer character was Jodie Dallas on ABC’s Soap (1977-1982). 14 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com As the gay liberation movement gained political clout, the National Gay Task Force and other activists protested against shows that cast queers in a negative light, including a 1974 episode of Marcus Welby, M.D., in which a male teacher molested a boy. During the first season of Soap, the campy, effeminate Jodie dated a closeted football player and planned to have a sex-change operation, until the Task Force successfially demanded that the script be altered. By the late 1970s, however, the religious right had also become more powerful, and producers and advertisers began to face competing boycott threats from queers and conservatives. (Continued in part 2.) What were some milestones for queers on television? (Part 2) milestones. espite growing pressure from conservatives follmving the proliferation of LGBT characters in the mid-1970s, the 1980s and 1990s witnessed no shortage of queer television In 1981, ABC’s popular Dynasty introduced Steven Carrington, the first openly bisexual regular character in a dramatic series. The network’s daytime soap opera All My Children featured its first gay storyline in 1983, when erstwhile heterosexual Devon McFadden declared her love for her lesbian psychiatrist. Five years later, ABC presented the first recurring out lesbian character in prime time - nurse Marilyn McGrath on the short-lived medical drama Heartbeat. During these decades, television increasingly addressed issues of concern to the LGBT community. The 1985 made-for-TV movie An Early Frost offered one of the first portrayals of people with AIDS. MTV’s The Real World also dealt with AIDS, featuring HIV-positive Pedro Zamora during its 1994 season. That same year saw the first televised gay male wedding, on the CBS series Northern Exposure, set in a small Alaska town founded by a lesbian couple. www.ozarksstar.com Paul Lynde (who previouslyplayed a bachelor warlock on Bewitched) The first same-sex wedding be~veen two women - with activist Candace Gingrich serving as the minister - came on Friends in 1996. NBC’s TV movie Serving in Silence (1995) related the story of Lt. Margarethe Cammermeyer, who was ousted from the military after acknowledging that she was a lesbian. But not until 2006 did The L Word introduce Moira/Max, the first female-tomale character to transition on the small screen, followed later that year by Zarf/Zoe’s male-to-female transition on All My Children. In a bid for increased visibility, LGBT people continued to appear on television talk shows, even as such programs shifted from the measured affairs hosted by David Susskind and Phil Donahue to shows in which hosts and audience members blatantly attacked the guests. The controversy over "trash TV" came to a head in March 1995, when Jonathan Schmitz killed Scott Amedure after Amedure revealed his crush on Schmitz on The JenW Jones Show. Over the years, expressions of same-sex affection between women were more accepted than those between men. In November 1989, the sitcom thirtysomething lost more than $1 million in ad revenue when it showed two men in bed together, even though a preceding kiss was axed. In February 1991, C.J. Lamb and Abby Perkins, two attorneys on NBC’s L.A. Law, shared the first lesbian kiss on network TV. In 1994, over the objections of network executives, Roseanne kissed a lesbian character played by Mariel Hemingway, and the following year on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, the character Jadzia Dax kissed a woman who xvas the re-embodiment of her dead husband. AJanuary 1997 episode of Relativity showed a passionate, close-up lesbian lip-lock, and two years latin; TV lawyer Ally McBeal shared a prolonged smooch with a female office rival. Fox’s _Melrose Place_ deleted a planned prime-time gay male kiss due to boycott threats in 1994, leaving Jack and Ethan on WB Network’s Dawson’s Creek to break that barrier in 2000. The late 1990s saw the first shows with prominent LGBT lead characters. On April 30, 1997 - after months of innuendo - Ellen DeGeneres had the most famous smallscreen coming-out, in a star-studded episode of her ABC sitcom Ellen that attracted some 35 million viewers. But not tong thereafter, her same-sex kiss on the show prompted a parental advisory warning, and the program’s ratings dropped as it began to focus more on gay issues. NBC’s Will and Grace also broke new ground, though some viewers were disappointed that the gay male lead never had an ongoing romantic relationship. The turn of the century witnessed the most visible queer personality on reality TV since Lance Loud, when self-proclaimed "fat naked fag" Richard Hatch - who later served time for evading taxes on his prize money - won the first season of Survivor in 2000. Reichen Lehmkuhl and Chip Arndt, the couple who triumphed in the fourth season of CBS’s The Amazing Race (2003), proved to be more likable gay role models. That year also saw the debut of Bravo’s popular Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, featuring five gay men giving fashion and lifestyle advice to style-challenged heterosexuals. Cable television offered the most daring series featuring primarily queer casts, beginning with Showtime’s Queer as Folk in 2000 and The L Word in 2004. In a reflection of growing LGBT economic clout, Canada’s PrideVision (later renamed OutTV) became the world’s first channel offering full-time programming for a queer audience in 1991. The U.S. cable channels Here! TV, QTelevision Network, and MTV/Viacom’s Logo followed suit, ................ Continued page 23 the STAR 15 One ofPortland’s hippest hangoutsfor cocktails and terrificfood, the Mint restaurant and adjoining 820 bar are owned by highly talented and openly gay drink mixologist Lucy Brennan. (Photo by Andrew Collins) It’s both a cliche and an injustice to compare Portland xvith Seat~e and Vancouver, but people do it all the rime - the three eiries are, after all, the crown jewels of the Pacific Northxvest. Portland stands very much on its oxvn, however, and despite its considerable groxv~ in recent years, it retains a surprisingly intimate scale and lowkeyed personalit3: Gay and lesbian visitors xvill discover a city xvith no predon~finantly alternative neighborhood, but a progressive, welcoming attitude that permeates every inch of the city. The city’s strengths include a plethora of classy, gay-friendly, boutique-style hotds (many of them xvithin walking distance of the city’s best gay bars); a pedestrian-friendly downtown with lively cultural venues and engaging retail strips; and one of the most exciting restaurant scenes around. Even better, accommodations and meals cost considerably l~ss here than in other West Coast cities of comparable acclaim. If it seems odd that you haven’t heard more about Portland, keep in mind that locals are fiercely intent on keeping it from groxving too big and too croxvded - the city is, by design, a well-guarded secret. Portland lies just below the confluence of the Columbia and the Willamette rivers. The Columbia forms the border between Washington and Oregon; from it, the Willamette txvists in a southerly direction, bisecting the city and its attractive skyline. In this eclectic city center, high-end boutiques border funky pawn shops, dapper bistros sit beside humble burger joints, and postmodern office towers rise above cast-iron Victorians. Along the river, Tom McCall Waterfront Park stretches for more than a mile, providing a scenic venue for cycling, jogging, and sunning. Brown baggers congregate at Pioneer Square, a tidy redbrick plaza at Yamhill Street and Broadxvay. Many high-end chain stores are clustered here, including NikeTown, the unabashedly commercial tribute to the Portland-based maker of athletic wear, and Nordstrom. South of Pioneer Square the impressive Portland Center for the Performing Arts presents ballet, opera, and classical music, and the Portland Art Museum specializes in Native American, regional contemporary, and graphic arts. A fexv blocks northwest lies the city’s compact gay entertainment district, mostly along bar-studded Stark Street. Vintageclothing, book, and used-record shops line Burnside and Oak streets, including one of the nation’s most famous bookstores, Powell’s, which has an enormous GLBT section. Across Burnside is Portland’s hottest neighborhood, the swank Pearl District, where massive warehouse buildings have been converted into trendy loft-style condos and hip eateries. The Pearl District’s Bluehour is well-regarded for its inventive seafood, such as semolina-encrusted halibut with lava beans and an herb-risotto cake. The same culinary team is behind Saucebox, a sdf-conseiously hip care delivering tasty multinational fare. Budget time to explore Portland’s Northwest neighborhood, along 23rd and 21st avenues, where upscale boutiques and restaurants proliferate, including one of Portland’s hottest purveyors of Pacific Northwest cuisine, Wildwood. The menu here changes often but might feature, for example, day-oven roasted leg of lamb with summer squash grarin. From Northwest you’re a short drive from Metro Washington Park Zoo, which anchors 322-acre, densely wooded Washington Park, opposite xvhich sits the International Rose Test Garden; 10,000 bushes with more than 500 varieties are displayed xvithin its 4 acres. Just up the hill is a serene Japanese garden. The wooded grounds abut the 5,000-acre Forest Park, great for hiking and biking. Across the Williamette River from downtown you’ll find several neighborhoods acclaimed for their artsy fed, popularity with gays and lesbians, and wealth of great shopping and dining options. The Hawthorne District might just be Portland’s most lesbian-popular neighborhood, and it also has scads of pleasing retail and dining options, including the superb Castagna Restaurant, known for its creative regional Northwestern cuisine. Bread and Ink Care is another Hawthorne favorite, captivating regulars with its Mediterranean, Mexican, and Yiddish fare (how’s that for an unlikely trinity?). The cheeseburgers garner raves all around, as do the chicken enchiladas. Nearby Southeast Stark and Southeast Belmont streets also hold a share of the area’s coffeehouses, boutiques, and music clubs. Other East Side neighborhoods of note 20 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com include Alberta, Division/Clinton, and East Burnside. And the once derelict industrial area on the northeastern shores of the Willamette, the Lloyd District, now contains a convention center, sports stadiums, and the impressive 200-store Lloyd Center mall. The variety of excellent, gay-friendly restaurants on the East Side is staggering, but standouts include Mint/820, a contemporary bistro and cocktail bar owned by openly gay and nationally renowned drink mixologist Lucy Brennan; and Rocket, a see-and-be-seen space known for such simple but mouthwatering fare as braised beef rib with red wine jus and black cod with a radish salad. Also consider sassy Rou_x for imaginatively rendered New Orleans-style cuisine; Helser’s on Alberta for amazingly delicious breakfast and lunch fare; and Vindalho for modern Indian food. There are countless opportunities for getting out and enjoying the countryside within a short drive of Portland. Rooster Rock (aka Cock Rock) State Park lies 20 miles east of the city in the scenic Columbia Gorge and is a favorite place for gay sunbathers. Sauvies Island, about 8 miles northwest of Portland, has another scenic and scene-y clothing-optional beach with a decidedly gay following. This area is also poptflar for kayaking and boating - you can rent kayaks or take tours from Scappoose Bay Kayaking, and Portland’s own Out Kayatdng is a GLBT social group dedicated to this very ?ctivity - it welcomes visitors on its frequent weekend excursions. In the other direction, magnificent Mt. Hood (elevation 11,300 feet) offers year-round skiing, great hiking, challenging rock-climbing, and plenty more to get the blood flowing. In the same area, you can take a hair-raising whitewater rafting trip on the roiling Clackamas River - a highly reliable outfitter for this activity is Destination Wilderness. And south of Portland, you’ll find the fantastic Willamette Valley wine country, which has become internationally renowned for its pinot noir and pinot gris. Numerous wineries in the valley are open for tastings. With one of the more pronounced and vibrant women’s scenes on the West Coast, Portland has not only a couple of popular lesbian bars but also many spots where both women and men congregate. Near Hawthorne, the Egyptian Club is the most popular such venue, with strippers some nights and always a big crowd for dancing. Also on the east side of town, Crush is a swish and sophisticated cocktail lounge drawing a mix ofwomen and men. The kitchen here turns out excellent bistro fare, and there’s a popular brunch on weekends. Stark Street has the bulk of the city’s top gay clubs, including Boxxes and Red Cap, a pulsing dance club-cum-video bar; Eagle PDX, a cruisy leather bar; Silverado (think go-go boys); and Scandals, a convivial and laid-back video bar popular with the after-work set. After the bars close, gay meets grunge in the neighborhood’s 24- hour diner, the Roxy; on any given night you’ll see big hair, pierced extremities, lotsa muscle, leather, rubber, drag - you name it. Old Town, a short walk from the Stark Street area, also has a handful of noteworthy gay hangouts, among them the upscale steak house Hobo’s - this popular lounge has piano music nightly. Darcelle XV Showplace is famous for its elaborate drag revues; on nights the gals don’t dress up, strippers dress down. C. C. Slaughter’s is Old Town’s top gay dance club, pulling in a mostly under-35 crowd and pulsing into the late hours. Portland abounds with distinctive hotels. The famously gay-friendly Kimpton Group has a pair of gems. With the Hotel Monaco, Kimpton improved on a familiar Portland strategy: Take a classy old building and convert it into a charming hotel. Many of the accommodations here are full suites, and all have such high-end amenities as DVD players and 12Occitane bath products. You’ll find the same level of quality at intimate Hotel Vintage Plaza. Rooms in this restored downtown 1894 building are large and done in warm colors; many have two-person hot tubs and spiral staircases leading to second-story sleeping lofts. The hotel’s Pazzo Ristorante serves exceptional contemporary Italian fare. You’l! find several more gay-friendly hotels of note around the city, some high-end, and some geared toward travelers on a budget. On the inexpensive side, try the offbeat Ace Hotel, which is set inside a vintage 1912 building along Stark Street’s gay bar strip. There’s a bohemian sensibility to the place, from the coffeehouse off the lobby to the contemporary paintings in the large but modestly furnished rooms. Upscale choices include the Hotel Deluxe, a retro-cool property with plush rooms and one of the coolest little bars in the city, the Driftwood Room. Its sister property is the even more stunning Hotel Lucia, a modern, artful lodging in the heart of downtown. Among the perks are iPod docking stations in every room. For a more intimate experience, try the MacMaster House B&B, which is on swank King’s Hill, two blocks from Washington Park. This grand turn-of-the-century Colonial Revival home is convenient to the business district. The rooms have a romantic mix of antiques and reproductions, and four have fireplaces. Arguably Portland’s most distinctive accommodations, however, are found at the Jupiter Hotel, which is just across the Willamette from downtown and is a favorite roost among hipsters, musicians, artists, and bon vivants. The once prosaic motor court has been transformed into a mod boutique hotel with sleek furnishings and a playful sensibility. ~he on-site Doug Fir restaurant and lounge hosts a wide range of indie rock bands, and the Jupiter has its own branch of the popular Portland adult erotica shop, Spartacus Leathers. This is one hotel where you’re never far from romantic inspiration. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 21 AUGUST 2007 Repeating Holocaust History Lesbian Notions, looks atpeople who seem toforget the history ofthe Holocaust. Photo: Anti-Gayprotest marc,b 1939Nazi Germany it wasn’t unril the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., opened in 1993 that this treatment was brought to national and international attention. As a second-generation Jew on the cusp of turning 50, I grew up with stories ofWorld War II and the reality ofthd Holocaust. My father fought in the war; my mother was in the Signal Corps. Anti-Semitism was a hatred I was taught about at an early age - from hearing the stories of pogroms in Eastern Europe, where my family was from, to reading and talking about Hitler’s rage against anyone different from his Aryan ideal. In the 1960s and ’70s, few publicly questioned whether the Holocaust happened, as some revisionist historians, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and others do today. It was a time when the slogan "Never I was in D.C. for the 1993 lesbian and gay March on Washington. Hundreds of us gathered at the museum the evening before it opened, laying down carnations to symbolize the lives of gays and lesbians lost in the Holocaust and praying for their souls. Since opening, the museum has printed educational material, sponsored major exhibitions about gays and the Holocaust, and has an online exhibition dedicated to the subject. Thousands of gay men were killed in the concentration camps, forced to wear pink triangles so everyone knew why they ~vere there. These men ~vere not only abused - and even killed - by the Nazis and the people who ran the camps, but they were also subjected to the homophobic reactions of their fellow prisoners. Again" was a rallying cry for American Jews More than 100,000 gay men were arrested under the Nazis’ notorious Paragraph 175 so that we would never forget the six million law that broadly defined lewd behavior who died in the camps, between men. A man could literally be ar- It was only after I came out that I learned that gay men and lesbians were also interred in the concentration camps. It certainly wasn’t something I was taught in Hebrew school. I knew early on that Jews were not the only ones targeted by the Nazis, although we were the largest group. Germans with disabilities or mental illness, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Gypsies, Poles, and Soviet prisoners of war, among others, also found themselves in concentration camps. But no one ever talked about the gays. Richard Plant published The Pink Triangle in 1988, which chronicled the atrocities against lesbians and gays inthe camps. But rested for just looking at another man the "wrong" way. Approximately, 50,000 served prison terms as convicted homosexuals, while an unknown number were institutionalized in mental hospitals. Hundreds of men were castrated under court order or coercion. According to the museum, record-keeping on gay concentration camp victims is sketchy, but it estimates that between 5,000 and 15,000 gay men were imprisoned at the camps, where many died from starvation, disease, exhaustion, beatings, and murder. After the camps were liberated, many of the German gays were sent back to prison to finish their terms, because Paragraph 175 was not among the Nazi laws that were repealed. 22 the STAR The museum is one of the world’s leaders in making sure we don’t forget what happened during the Nazi reign of terror. Too bad some others - like the ultra-orthodox Haredi sect ofJews in Israel - apparently haven’t made the trip to D.C. or availed themselves of the museum’s online resources. The Haredi are the folks who routinely protest Gay Pride parades in Israel - the country that was established as a democracy that would be a haven for the persecuted Jews of Nazi Germany, the former Soviet Union, and other countries. All the Haredi are doing is repeating the hatred that fueled the Holocaust in the first place. They put a hate-filled coalition of reactionary Christians, Muslims, and Jews together to try and stop World Pride from happening in Jerusalem. It always amazes me how conveniently and quickly enemies become allies when it comes to denying us our rights, our pride, our way of life. This year in Jerusalem, the Orthodox Righteous Court of Law actually placed a curse on the city’s Pride parade organizers and marchers, as well as on the police who helped to keep the event safe and secure. It went like this: "To all those involved, sinners in spirit, and whoever helps and protects them, may they feel a curse on their souls, may it plague them and may evil pursue them; they will not be acquitted of their transgressions from heavenly judgment." Then you have the ultra-orthodox members of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, sponsoring bills to outlaw al! gay Pride parades or to establish "rehab centers" to teach us how to repress our sexuality. Knesset member Nissim Ze’ev considers us dangerous and says that the government needs to keep an eye on us. The rehab centers would be staffed with a special team of psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers who will help us return to "a normal life." According to Ze’ev, lesbian and gay people must be made aware of "how their lifestyle is destroying our existence." Camps, curses, making us the enemy of society - it all smacks of Hitler’s rhetoric. But this time, it’s wrapped in an ultra-orthodox tallit (prayer shawl) that gives it a credibility it doesn’ deserve. www.ozarksstar.com Past Out: producing original programs such as Noah’s Arc - described by The Economist as a takeoff on Sex and the City from an African- American gay male perspective - and the supernatural gay drama Dante’s Cove. The increased presence of LGBT people on TV over the past half century reflects the growing influence of both out queers in the entertainment industry and straight producers who grew up in an era of greater acceptance of sexual diversity. Nonetheless, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation found that during the 2006-2007 broadcast network television season, only 1.3 percent of regular characters on scripted, prime-time programs were gay or lesbian, and none were bisexual or transgender. For further information: Alwood, Edward. 1996. Straight News: Gays, Lesbians, and the News Media (Columbia University Press). Eisenbach, David. 2006. Gay Power: An American Revolution (Carroll & Graf). Raymond, Susan, and Alan Raymond. 2002. Lance Loud! A Death in an American Family (PBS documentary). Transgender Seeks Office ofPresident of the United States. by STAR Staff HUTCHINSON, KS__Bennie Lee Ferguson, of Hutchinson, Kansas, has officially declared candidacy for the office of President of The United States, and for a House of Representatives seat in Kansas district 104. Born on February 25, 1953 at Grace Hospital in Hutchinson, Kansas. The son of an Air Force aerospace engineer and a Kansas farm girl, he spent his childhood in cities and towns all across the nation, from Massachusetts to California, always returning, however, to his home in Reno County and Hutchinson. Ferguson is running on the Libertarian ticket, and will be a write-in candidate in the General Presidential Election in 2008. While openly transgender candidates for office like Kim Coco Iwamoto (HI), Dana Beyers (MD) and Amanda Simpson (AZ) have experienced some modicum of success at the state level, Ferguson could be the first openly transgender candidate for President, and is certainly the first transgender candidate for a state legislative seat in the state that elected Sam Brownback (R, KS). It should be noted that now Republican Presidential Candidate Brownback was one of the three candidates at the first Republican debate to declare the theory of evolution invalid. Ferguson’s campaign isn’t necessarily based on being transgender. The candidate’s platform is firmly rooted in the Libertarian philosophy, preservation of personal civil liberties being the supporting plank of the Libertarian platform. While Ferguson is not running specifically as a transgender candidate, the idea of the preservation of individual liberties is certainly consistent with the interests of the transgender community. Candidate Ferguson faces an uphill batde in both the Presidential and the House of Representatives race. This is her second bid for a seat in this district. Of course, the opportunity to project a positive image of transgender people as active participants in the American political process is certainly an endeavor worth supporting. Ferguson holds a Bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University where he is currently enrolled in the graduate program. He expects to graduate with a Master’s degree in history in spring of 2008. In connection with his master’s thesis on the subject of micropatrology (the study of small self-proclaimed nations), he has founded The Kingdom of Fergus within the city limits of Hutchinson, Kansas. The principles espoused by the micronations movement are philosophically akin to Libertarian views. Following his graduation, he intends to commute to law school at Oklahoma City University having already taken the Law School Admissions Test in 2004. Ferguson also continues to work as an entertainer. The Ben Ferguson Band is a popular attraction throughout the area and he has appeared several times at Hutch Fest and the Kansas State Fair. Bennie will answer your questions and accept campaign contributions at bennieleeferg@ hotmail.com. www.ozarksstar.com The STAR 23 ARE RIGHT AROUND THE CO ER FROM NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY AND SHE IS COMING OUT IN A BIG WAY @~nother National Coming Out Day is approaching and change is in the air. Gays are fighting for the right to get legally married and to be legally protected against hate crimes and discrimination. Scientists are looking for the gay gene. Gay themes are frequently seen in major T~. shows. We have GLBT cable stations, LOGO and here! and shows like Queer as Folk, Will and Grace, Noah’s Arc, and the L-Word, which focus on the lives of homosexual people. Openly gay people like Rosie O’Donnell, Melissa Ethridge, and Ellen have successful careers that are building a bridge between gays and straight people. And The Secret, a new bestselling book by Rhonda Byrnes, describes a new spirituality, a new way of thinking about God, the universe and ourselves. So, where are we headed? We are running down the yellow brick road toward freedom - freedom in the truest sense of the word. Freedom from discrimination; freedom to marry the one we love; freedom from traditional spirituality; freedom to feel good about ourselves; freedom to break down cultural walls, freedom from labels of good and bad, freedom from society’s rules and government propaganda, freedom from the "musts" and "shoulds" and "need tos;" freedom from limiting beliefs about who we are and our value to the world; freedom from separateness and freedom to pursue our dreams. Grace Lawson realized at the age of 41 that she is gay. Since then she has gone through significant personal transformation including leaving a heterosexual marriage, finding her true love, and moving from a traditional Christian view of God to a much deeper spirituality. She has written a book called Coming Out Coming Alive which is about personal freedom; about becoming who you truly are. And this book is the final stage of her own coming out. The environment at the corporate office where she works may be homophobic and she could loose her job over this, but she is willing to take the risk for the sake of the book and what it can do for the world. This book will help you to live authentically and achieve your dreams. You can embrace who you are, get what you want, and make a difference in the world. Love, money, joy, peace, power and passion can be yours. htm. Coming Out Coming Alive will be in stores on September 1st, but you can get it early at http:// www.comingoutcomingalive. com/COCABook. 26 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Openly-Gay Democrats Elected to Lead Young Democrats ofAmerica Stonewall Democrats to Serve as YDA President and Vice President WASHINGTON, DC Today July 23rd, the Nationa! Stonewall Democrats (NSD) congratulated a newly-elected leadership of the Young Democrats ofAmerica (YDA), including two openly-gay Stonewall Democrats who will now lead the organization as President and Executive Vice-President through 2009. "Young voters are the new base of the Democratic Party, and we are proud that the Young Democrats ofAmerica support equality for LGBT families and have placed their faith in the leadership of two great Democratic leaders who happen to be gay," said Jo Wyrick, NSD Executive Director. "The future of our party now has an opportunity to demonstrate to all Democrats how fully engaging our community is politically viable and smart." On Sunday, David Hardt (Texas) was elected as President of the Young Democrats ofAmerica with 93% of the delegate votes during the organization’ s national convention in Dallas. Also elected on Sunday was Chris kaqderson (Tennessee) as the organization’ s Executive Vice President. The election of Hardt and Anderson mark the first time that the Young Democrats ofAmerica will be led by an openly-gay leadership team. The Young Democrats of America GLBT Caucus also elected its new leadership on Saturday, including the election of NSD Board Member Kyle Bailey (Georgia) as Caucus Vice-Chair. Bailey also serves as President of the Atlanta Stonewall Democrats. The other elected GLBT Caucus officers include Rachel Kau-Tayler (California) as Caucus Chair, Rob Hudson (Florida) as Caucus Secretary and Byron LaMasters (Texas) as Caucus Treasurer. The Young Democrats ofAmerica have undertaken a dramatic outreach to LGBT Democrats over the past several years. Congruently, the National Stonewall Democrats have also increased their outreach to LGBT Young and College Democrats. NSD has established youth scholarships for national trainings, including the "Keith Smith Fund" designed to honor the outreach work of former NSD Board Member Keith Smith of Oklahoma. Over the past two years, young leaders within the Stonewall Democrats have also established Stonewall Young Democrats chapters across the country, which serve to organize LGBT Youth within the Democratic Party. As the official youth arm of the Democratic Party, YDA mobilizes young people under the age of 36 to participate in the electoral process, influence the ideals oft,he Democratic Party and develops the skills of the youth generation to serve as leaders at the local and national level. YDA has 43 chartered states and US territories with over 1,500 local chapters. In 2003, members of the National Stonewall Democrats authored and passed language adopted by YDA which declared the organization’ s support for civil marriage for same-sex couples. To learn more about the Keith Smith Fund for LGBT Students go to: www.stonewal ldemocrats, org/smithfund/ Task Force, Inc., releases first comprehensive analysis of2008 presidential candidates’ positions on LGBT issues WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Inc., today released the first comprehensive analysis of the top 19 candidates for the 2008 presidency on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues. Democrats discussed in this report include Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama. Republicans include Rudy Giuliani, John McCain and Mitt Romney. The report, The 2008 Presidential Candidates’ Positions on Lesbian, Gay; Bisexual and Transgender Issues, and its accompanying chart are based on an analysis of the voting records and public statements of the candidates in eight key LGBT issue areas, including sexual orientation and gender identity nondiscrimination and hate crimes laws; HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment; lifting the military’s ban on openly lesbian, gay and bisexual service members; and partnership recognition for same-sex couples. According to the report, all Democratic candidates are supportive of the majority of LGBT issues, including transgender-inclusive nondiscrimination and hate crimes laws. Only two Democratic candidates support marriage equality for same-sex couples, however, yet all of them are in support of other partnership recognition fights, such as civil unions. Across the board, Republican candidates were in opposition to the majority ofLGBT issues, with most publicly opposing lifting the military’s ban on openly lesbian, gay and bisexual service members. Ten of 11 Republican candidates also oppose any partnership recognition for samesex couples, whether it be marriage equality, civil unions or domestic partnerships. U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich is the only 2008 presidential candidate who has publicly supported all eight LGBT issues. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is the only 2008 presidential candidate who has publicly opposed all eight LGBT issues. Statement by Matt Foreman, Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Inc. "The differences between the Democratic and Republican fields of candidates on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues are shockingly stark and profoundly depressing. Over time, the majority ofAmeficans have moved to support basic fairness for LGBT Americans, including nondiscrimination and hate crimes laws, repeal of ’Don’t Ask Don’t’ Tell,’ and protections for our families. Sadly, the Republican field has gone in the opposite direction, still dearly pandering to the venom of the so-called ’religious right.’ This only means that they will continue to use our lives as cultural wedge fodder whenever it’s deemed politically expedient. "The public statements and voting records of the Democratic candidates show that they are clearly light years ahead of the Republicans on almost every issue important to the LGBT community. Nevertheless, the lack of courage on marriage equality is disturbing on both political and moral grounds. Politically, being for civil unions but against marriage doesn’t bring a single voter over from the other side. Morally, it’s hard to understand how a Democratic candidate can say to people they know individually and to one of the most loyal and generous voting blocs the party has, ’Sorry, I just can’t go there -- you understand, right?’ Actually, we don’t." wvw~.ozarksstar.com the STAR 27 "Take a hike, Sagittarius!" Venus squaring Mars provokes libido and creativity. Mars is moving forward from Taurus to Gemini, and Venus is retrograding from Virgo into Leo. This activity creates bold talk and uncertain or ill-considered action. Be very careful what you wish for, especially out loud! ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Baby wants to play! But it’s going to end up costing you in ways you hadn’t bargained on. Caution and forethought were never the best traits of your sign; this would be a good time to work on developing them! TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Most families are mortal embarrassments, but we see the flaws at home far more clearly than our guests do. (At least we’ll invite the guests back!) These universal constants are driving you mad. Think about home impro.vements, but don’t act now. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): With your current inability to keep a secret, you must be careful to listen to none. Your own secrets - so deep and dark, even you don’t know them - can come to light in playful banter, so be careful whom you play with! CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Your friends will surely enjoy your charitable impulses, but let a little generosity go a long way. Spending like a drunken sailor could leave you with a titanic financial hangover. LEO (July 23 - August 22): You feel pretty, and you _are_ pretty. Everyone already sees that, and even your slightest efforts to play up your glamour will only push you way over the top. Relax, honey. You’re already too fabulous. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): You want to be absolutely correct, but nobody is! Don’t fret. Worrying about it can lead you into silly arguments, provoking others to feel criticized and take offense, even when your aims are entirely self-critical. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Your reputation as a lover is getting around, perhaps with details you’d prefer to keep quiet. Take it all with good humor. Cheerfully refusing either to admit or to deny anything may be your best bet. Or invite some of the gossipers to find out for themselves. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): You’re concerned about your career, but you have other problems closer to home. Discussions, even arguments, with your partner should clear the air, perhaps even shedding light on those issues at work! 28 the STAR SAGITTAR~US (November 22 - December 20): Your wanderlust is showing, and that could be causing both general nervous tension for you and irritation among your colleagues. Go ahead and get away if you can. At least put on the lederhosen and go for a hike in the hills. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): You’re feeling a little too frisky, and everyone’s noticing it. Getting it out of your system won’t stop the indiscretion; but if everyone suspects you of philandering, you might as well be guilty! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Are you showering your darling with too much or too little praise and attention? Pay close attention to your baby’s needs, but you’re still likely to get it wrong. Talking about it at home helps. Listening is even better! PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Wanting to shine at work can cause friction with your colleagues. Just do your best work, let it speak for itself, and make sure to share all due credit - and perhaps a bit more - with the rest of the team. MCC METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479,253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and Blessed Day! www.ozarksstar.com Arkansas, Bentonville/Rogers (479) NWA GLBT Ctr .... www.nwaglbtcc.org.........888-391-9222 Barnes & Noble Bks - - 261 N. 46th St., Rogers- - - -479-636-2002 Arkansas, Eureka Springs (479) Diversity Pride Events .............. ww~.diversitypdde.com A Byrd’s Eye View..... 36 N. Main........... 479-253-0200 Caribe Restaurante.... 309 W VanBuren....... 479-253-8102 Henri’s 19 1/2 Spring St ............. 479-253-5795 Lumberyard Bar&Grill- - - 105 E VanBuren....... 479-253-0400 MCC Living Spring - 17 Elk Street- Service 6PM- - -479-253-9337 Swiss Holiday Resort- Hwy 62 at Hwy 23 So.- .... 888-582-8464 Tiki Torch........ 75 S. Main Street- 479-253-2305 Tradewinds Lodge - 141 W. VanBuren- 800-242-1615 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Condom Sense 418 W. Dickson...... -479-444-6228 Curry’s Video - - - 6t2 N. College Ave- -479-521-0009 Flames Bar--- 40 E. Center-- -- 479-251-1922 Passages ......930 N. College Ave- - -479-442-5845 Tangerine Club - -21 N. Block Ave. 479-587-9512 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Klub XLR8 ......1022 Dodson Ave- - - 479-782-9578 Red Rock City - - - 917 N. "A" St.- 479-242-2489 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Jesters Lounge .... 1010 E. Grand Ave ........501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street ....1021 Jessie Rd- -501-6642744 Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- ............... www.dsra.org Discovery- .... 1021 Jessie Rd- -501-666-6900 Sidetracks- ~- 415 Main St--North L.R. 501-244-0444 The Factory ...... 412 Louisiana St.- ......... 501-372-3070 Club U.B.U. - ..... 824 W Capitol Ave. 501-375-8580 Kansas, Junction City (785) Xcalibur Club...... 384 Grant Ave. 785-762-2050 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) PSU-QSA.-- 1701 S. Broadway- ..............620-231-0938 River of Life Church.- - 1709 N. Walnut- -Service 11AM Kansas, Wichita (316) Our Fantasy/South40..... 3201 S. Hillside......316-682-5494 Club Glacier- ........ 2828 E. 31st South......316-612-9331 Missouri, Ava (417) Catus Canyon Campground ................. 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) Fantasy- 2331 E 7th St- ....... -417-626-7275 MCC Spirit of Christ- - -2902 E 20th, - ......Sat Service-9:30AM Joplin Gay/Lesbian Cntr- PO Box 4383, zip 64803- -417-622-7821 Missouri, Kansas City (816) 40th Street Inn....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, Springfield (417) The Edge..... 424 Boonville Ave- 417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- - -518 E. Commedcal- 417-869-3978 JR’s Nightclub.... 504 E. Commerical. 417-831-9001 Martha’s Vineyard- - - 219 W Olive -417-864-4572 Ronisuz Place....821 College............... 417-864-0036 Oklahoma, Enid (580) Hastings Books....104 Sunset 580-242-6838 Oklahoma, Law-ton (580) Ingrids Bookstore..... 1124 NW Cache Rd......580-353-1488 Oklahoma, IVlcAlester (918) McPride........... POBox 1515, - .... McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) American Crossroads B&B - POBox 270642...... 405-495-1111 Blue Dog Liquor- ..... -4015 N. Penn 405-606-7000 Boom Room....... 2807 NW 36th St- 405-601-7200 Border’s Books...... 3209 NW Expressway- .... 405-848-2667 CD Warehouse...... 4001 N. Penn 405-525-7766 Christie’s Toy Box.....3126 N. May Ave 405-946-4438 Church of Open Arms......3131 N. Penn...... 405-525-9555 Copa- ,2200 NW 39th Exp........ -405-525-0730 Eastern Ave Video- - -1105 S Eastern Ave....... -405-6726459 Finishline ....... 2200 NW 39th Expwy........405-525-9200 First Amendment Tatoo Shop- - - 2135 NW 39th - - -405-604-3911 Gushers Restaurant- ....2200 NW 39Exp ...... 405-525-0730 Habana Inn .2200 NW 39th Exp 405-528-2221 Herland Sisters Resources.... 2312 NW 39th St--405-521-9696 Hi-Lo Club ....... 1221 NW 50th............ 405-843-1722 Jungle Reds .......2200 NW Expwy Ledo- .2200 NW Expwy- - Naughty But Nice .... 3121 SW 29th St ....... Partners. 2805 NW 36th St - Red Rock North- - - 2240 NW39th St- Phoenix Rising .... 2120 NW 39th St. The Park 2125 NW 39th St The Patio........ 320! N. MayAve ........ Tramps. -2201 NW 39th. Ziggy’s. -4005 N. Penn. -405-524-5733 405-525-0730 -405-681-5044 -405-942-2199 -405-525-5165 -405-601-3711 -405-528-4690 -405-917-1663 -405-521-9888 -405-521-9999 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge....7204 E. Pine Border’s Book Store- - - 2740 E. 21st. Border’s Book Store - - - 8015 S. Yale Circle Cinema...... 10 S. Lewis- Club 209 209 N. Boulder - - Club Majestic........ 124 N. Boston ...... Club Maverick- .... 822 S. Sheridan Cosmo Dell & Bar - - 6746 S. Memorial - ~ ...... Dreamland Bks .... 8807 E. Admiral PI .... Equality Center ..... 621 E. 4th Street........ Hideaway Cocktail Lounge--- 11730 E. 11th..... 918-836-8700 918-712-9955 918-494-2665 918-592-3456 918-584-9944 .... 918-584-9494 .918-835-3301 -918-459-0497 -918-834-1051 -918-743-4297 -918-437-0449 HOPE Clinic- ...... 3540 E. 31st ............ 918-749-8378 Midtown 319 E. 3rd- 918-584-3112 Openarms Youth Projt - - - 2015 S. Lakewood.....918-838-7104 Our House, Too ....203 N Nogales Ave.........918-585-9552 Renegades........ 1649 S. Main 918-585-3405 Tulsa CARES.... 3507 E. Admiral PI- 918-834-4194 Tulsa Central Library ...... 400 Civic Center- - - - 918-596-7977 Tulsa Eagle.....1338 E. 3rd 918-592-1188 TNT’s 2114 S. Memorial- 918-660-0856 Yellow-Brick-Rd....... 2630 E. 15th.......... 918-293-0304 HAG R~,~Y AN GOTTA TAKE TNIG... ART CRITIC FROM THE VO/C~" bitter girl email: bittergirl@qsyndicate,com 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com N~V Arkansas GLBT Communi~ Center "Linking Together as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 WWW.NWAGLBTCC.ORG www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 31 F Ghad[¢k 07 Speakers, 9ames, food, information booths and our terrific #i¢ni¢ show! GING LAMAR Oklahoma’s Cowboy Crooner Matthew HeathoFitzgerald Susan Leah 10i Ways Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2007] The Star Magazine, August 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 8 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 01, 2007 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele Jeanne Flanigan Paul Wortman James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Devre Jackson Chaz Ward Michael Leach 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 Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern 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, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 7 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/207 The Star Magazine, September 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 9 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/213 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/203 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/e55031f065f86e3701d41a630abec1ba.jpg ffebf03a45fa657bc0ed12c461061961 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/febaebca52f3452d65ebcbc2adabbca2.pdf ab6605bd3fa7ec87a02c5d07a10cd9e8 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 2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Eric Alva, 36, a native of San Antonio, was sworn into the U.S. Marine Corps when he was 19 years old after attending community college. He graduated from Southwest High School in 1989. Alva served in the Marine Corps for 13 years, and ~vas a member of the 3rd Battalion of the 7th Marines. At the age of 22 he was deployed to Somalia, and later he was stationed in Japan and Iraq. He re-enlisted following the Gulf War. On March 21, 2003, Marine StaffSgt. Alva was traveling in Iraq in a convoy to Basra with his battalion -- where he was in charge of 11 Marines -- when he stepped on a landmine, breaking his right arm and damaging his leg so badly that it needed to be amputated. Alva was awarded a Purple Heart and received a medical discharge from the military: Alva, the first American wounded in the war in Iraq, has been on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and various TV news shows and has appeared in People magazine and major newspapers. Alva, who was a distance runner before his injury in Iraq, continues to run and ski with a prosthesis. Currently he is studying for a degree in social work in San Antonio where he lives with his partner, Darrell, to continue, he says, to work for "social justice." Eric recently became a National Spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign. He publicly announced, for the first time, that he is gay during a Capitol Hill press conference. ....................................Feature story on page-5 www.ozarksstar.com No Surprises Staying with:, Rodeway Inn Ozarks Family Owned! Great Sunday "Thursday Rates ¯ Visitors center and area attraction ticket center o Jacuzzi king rooms for two° On-site weddings and wedding packages o Close to restaurants and attractions. Small pets allowed, Family reunions . Ozark ao.untain Motorcycle Tours of p.o,pular 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 b for guests o Continental breakfast, Meeting hold 80 with full kitchen. On-site massage therapy center. Guest laundry. Center of all attractions Call for toll free reservations: i =888-582o84 4 P.O. Box 430 o Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 479-253,950t the STAR 3 On March 21, 2003, Alva was in charge of 11 Marines in a supply unit in Iraq when he stepped on a tandmine, losing his right leg. "Is Your Baby Gay? -What ifYou Could Know? What ifYou Could Do Something about It?" What is the history of"ONE, Inc.?" Founded in the early 1950s, was at the forefront of the nascent homophile movement. ~~ ~AO TRAVEL Gay Travelers "Texas Mansion" & New Orleans, Go or Not? Out of Town " Puerto Vallarta, Mexico" "Now I shall show Uncles immeasurable appetite for the dish". Uncle Mikey changes course. Eric Alva lobbies for repeal of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" - page 5 NDEX Repeal "DADT". ............5 Gay Gene................ 10 James Nimo .............. 11 OUT in Arkansas........... 12 Past Out.................. 14 The Wine Rack............. 16 Ciao Travel ................ 17 Lesbian Notions............ 22 Star Scene................ 24 Uncle Mikey............... 26 After Dark ................ 27 Horoscopes............... 28 Distributors............... 29 Cartoons..................30 Classifieds................ 31 STAR DISTRIBUTION: Equality Riders Arrested - page 6 MOVIES: "300" - page 25 OKLAHOMA CITY * TULSA * LAWTON * MCALESTER * ENID * LITTLE ROCK * NORTH LITTLE RODK * FAYETTEVILLE * FT SMITH * EUREKA SPRINGS * HOT SPRINGS * BENTONVILLE * ROGERS * KANSAS CITY * SPRINGFIELD * JOPLIN * BRANSON AREA * WICHITA * PITTSBURG * JUNCTION CITY 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com FIRST U.S. MILITARY SERVICE MEMBER TO BEWOUNDED tN IRAQ\VAR COMES OUT, URGES REPEAL OF ’DON’T ASK, DON’T TEL12 Eric Alva Named Human Rights Campaign National Spokesperson \VASHINGTON --February 28, 2007. Today, the first U.S. military personnel wounded in the Iraq war, retired Marine StaffSgt. Eric Alva, came out as a gay man. The Human Rights Campaign announced that Alva will serve as a national spokesperson in an effort to repeal the U.S. military’s discriminatory "Don’t Ask, Dodt Tell" policy. On March 21, 2003, Alva was in charge of 11 Marines in a supply unit in Iraq when he stepped on a landmine, losing his right leg. Alva spent months of rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Hospital where he was visited by President Bush, First Lady Laura Bush and former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his service and received a medical discharge from the military. Alva publicly announced, for the first time, that he is gay today during a Capitol Hill press conference to reintroduce the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, legislation to repeal the ban against openly gay and lesbian Americans serving in the military. "When Eric Alva lost his leg in Iraq, it didn’t matter whether he was gay or straight, only that he was a courageous American serving his country," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "Eric’s voice represents the sacrifice of thousands of gay and lesbian service members fighting for the safety and freedom of all Americans. We believe his story should help move this issue forward and educate Congress as to why it’s so important to lift the discriminatory ban that compromises our nation’s security." "Any Americans willing to serve their country shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not the government will give them fair and equal treatment when they return home," said Alva. "My, proudest moment in the military came when I would confide in one of my friends about my sexual orientation, and they still treated me with the same respect as before. And although I’m no longer wearing the uniform of the U.S. Marine Corps, my mission continues to be protecting the rights and freedoms of all Americans." Alva has widely discussed his recovery and the war through appearances on numerous TV news shows and "The Oprah Winfrey www.ozarksstar.com Show." He has also been profiled in severa! major newspapers and in People magazine. But today is the first time he has publicly talked about his sexual orientation in relation to his military service. "We salute Eric for his bravery on and off the battlefield," continued Solmonese. "The courage and sacrifice of gay and lesbian service members, like Eric Alva, should be heralded, not silenced." As spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign, Alva will raise awareness of the harmful effects of the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy through public appearances, media interviews and blog postings. Alva will also meet with key congressional leaders to urge the repeal of this costly, discriminatory policy during the Human Rights Campaign lobby day on Thursday, March 1. In 2005, the Government Accountability Office estimated that the cost to recruit and train replacements for enlisted service members separated under the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tel!" ban was more than $!90 million from fiscal years 1994 through 2003. Americans support allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly. The vast majority ofAmericans support the right of service members to serve openly and honestly, and the majority of service members are comfortable serving alongside gay and lesbian troops. In addition, numerous allies in the war on terror allow gays and lesbians to serve openly and proudly. ® 67% of civilians support allowing gays to serve openly. (Annenberg 2004 survey). In 2003, FOX News reported 64 percent support, and the Gallup organization 79 percent on a similar question. ® Nearly 3 in 4 troops (73%) say they are personally comfortable in the presence of gays and lesbians. (Zogby International & the Michael D. Palm Center 2006 study). o 1 in 4 U.S. troops who served in Afghanistan or Iraq knows a member of their unit who is gay. More than 55% of the troops who know a gay colleague said the presence of gays or lesbians in their unit is well known by others. (Zogby International). The DADT policy serves no purpose as troops already know and are comfortable serving alongside gays and lesbians. ® All published Pentagon studies, induding the 1993 Rand Report, conclude that there should be no special restrictions on service by gay personnel. ® 24 other nations, induding Great Britain, Australia, Canada and Israel, already allow open service by gays and lesbians, and none of the 24 report morale or recruitment problems. 9 nations allowing open service have fought alongside American troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition, 12 nations allowing open service fought alongside U.S. troops in Operation Enduring Freedom. * 23 of the 26 NATO nations allow gays and lesbians to serve openly and proudly. The United States, Turkey, and Portugal are the only NATO nations that forbid gays and lesbians from serving openly in the armed services. ® Federal CIA, FBI, DIA and Secret Service agents all serve proudly as openly gay and lesbian personnel fighting the war on terrorism. To support the "Military Readiness Enhancement Act" to repeal DADT, contact your elected officials today. the STAR 5 By Jeanne Flanigan Photo by l~ctor Gorin: Reverend Kathy ~kIcCallie ofChurch ofOpen Arms with Casey ofEqualio, Ride OKLAHOMA CITY, OK The SoulForce Equality Ride bus arrived in Oklahoma City Tuesday, March 13, in preparation for a civil action at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee. Twenty five riders were greeted by members and friends of Church of the Open Arms at a dinner that night. Their plan was to go to OBU the following day to talk to students there about the school not including sexual orientation in their anti-harassment policy. ~hursday the riders would go to OBU again, construct a tapestry of Pride rainbow colors, with affirmations, scriptures and personal messages to OBU students. Friday would be a de-stress day, with a BBQ held for students, riders, and community friends at \goodland Park in Shawnee. Events went as planned by OBU Action Coordinators, Rachel Loskill, Michigan, and Greg Johnson, OKC. Equality Riders went to the campus to try to talk to students, met with an administrator, and attempted to attend the chapel where a service was being held for students and faculty. OBU called the Shawnee Police to have the riders removed from campus, and 5 were arrested and held for 8 hours. SoulForce pays for bond and fines for each activist immediately upon arrest. It is not dear why the riders were held for so long. Loskill, who was arrested, said she and others prayed, meditated, and talked quietly while in jail. ~eir training is in nonviolent actions, which involve bringing forth love from your heart in speech and thought, even for those arresting and challenging you. Reaction to the civil disobedience was mixed, with some students saying that homosexuality is a sin, but finding the arrests shocking, upsetting, and unnecessary. Several students revealed to riders that ¯ they were hiding their sexuality while at OBU, and appreciated the riders’ attempt to enlighten the administrators and students. On Wednesday; the tapestry was constructed near OBU campus, and was brought to the wall near the student center, where 6 people were arrested. There was more community and student support this day, with 2 students arrested also. Another two students brought the tapestry into the student union. When the riders were allowed to leave and return to the bus, they were greeted with hugs of support for their commitment and courage to bring to life the .......................... Continued page-23 6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 Let us promote your business in a UNIQUE & DIVERSE market. Call STAR ADVERTiSiNG today. 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com L LY TOML N AT THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER "THE LADY ST LL ROCKS" By Victor Gorin Photo left to right Chaz Ward, Lily Tomlin & Hctor Gorin back stage. TULSA, OK__On March 18 Tulsans were treated to a night of timeless laughter when the legendary comedienne Lily Tomlin graced the stage of the Tulsa Performing Arts Center March 18. Playing to a packed house that included Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor, she entertained all ages, but the crowd surely had many who had probably seen her on "Rowan and Martin’s Laugh Id’ in times past, and of course a lot of family. Doing her one woman show she kept the pace lively, mLxing past and present laments, hopes and societal change that she proved had a funny side. She touched on the GLBT community, commenting that "when we start imitating heterosexuals, we’re going on a slippery slope." She also touched on politics, expressing admiration for "our duly elected president, A1 Gore." She took many of us down Memory Lane, bringing to life her many personas including Edith Anne, Trudy the Street Lady, Madame Lupe & of course the classic telephone operator Ernestine. W’nile celebrating the past she and her audience shared together, she also talked about her present and future plans including her upcoming HBO series, "Twelve Miles of Bad Roads", where she will play a matriarch of a very rich Dallas real estate family In that series Mary Kay Place (Tulsa native & star of"Mary Hartman Mary Hartman’) will portray her sister and Leslie Jordan her cousin Kenny, Uniting the diverse audience together in laughter, she truly gave them a night to remember, and was proof positive that the gal’s still got it! Tulsa Pride 2007! United for Equality June 2- June 9 Afew hundred people gathered at Chandler Park in 1982 for the first pride celebration of the Tulsa lesbain, gay, bisexual & transgender (LGBT) & allied community. This June, over 15,000 individuals and families are expected to take part in the 25th Anniversary celebration of Tulsa Pride & Diversity 2007! oklahomans for equality (OkEq) * 621 E 4th Street * Tulsa. OK STAR Fan Discovered Fort Laudetda e! FORT LAUDERDALE, FL Taylor, a senior at New York University is an avid fan of the STAR on-line. While vacationing in Fort Lauderdale he was delighted to get his first hard copy of the Ozarks Star Magazine. The Gay Travelers, Donald and Ray captured this photo ofTaylor relaxing by the pool at the Grand Resort and Spa in Fort Lauderdale. wvvw.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 Editor’s Note: The Reverend R. Albert ~lohlet; president ofSoulhern Baptist Theolo~cal Seminaq and a long-#me leader in the Southern Baptist Conven#on, the largest Protestant denomination in the United States, su~ested he would support medical treamzent to change the sexuM orientatiou ofa~tus inside its mother~ womb~om homosexual to heterosexual, fsuch treatment were available. Mohlerfloated the idea in his blog on 3£mvh Z 200Z STATEMENT BY The Reverend Elder Nancy L. Wilson Moderator Metropolitan Community Churches REMARKS: I read with horror the recent article by Nae Reverend R. Albert Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, entitled "Is Your Baby Gay? What ifYou Could Know? What ifYou Could Do Something about It?" Generally we say someone or something has added "insult to injury." But Rev. Mohler has, I believe, done genuine harm to countless lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people (LGBT) who will read or be mistreated because of his words. And his rhetoric has accomplished something rise: It is an affront to the God-given quest to tear down the walls of separation between communions of the faith and create a future with hope and promise for all life. With his chilling words, Rev. Mohler has accomplished something both startling and tragic: He has added injury to insult. Here is Rev. Mohler’s suggestion: With a growing body ofevidence to suggest that sexual orientation may in some measure be the result ofbiologicalfactors, Christians have a moral responsibility to use any medical advancements at their disposal, including experimental hormonal treatmentsforpre~ant women, in an effort- to change a child’s inherent orientation, and-- he goes on to claim -- therebyfiwther the good ofhumanity and God’s glory. In this, Rev. Mohler crosses the line that merely separates differing opinions and moves into a realm that justifies violence against human beings who are created in God’s image. His suggestion is eerily Mengelean. The use of Scripture and faith perspectives to justify prejudice and hatred, and ultimately our extinction as a people, cannot be condoned by anyone who "knows God’s love and acceptance for all creation. Today, on behalf of Metropolitan Communit,,# Churches, I am joining my voice with the rising chorus of those condemning Rev. Mohler’s shameful misuse of Scripture and science to inspire prospective parents to genetically eliminate LGBT people while simultaneously justifying our condemnation. Biological determination of sexual orientation, he maintains, would not "compromise or mitigate" Biblical condemnation of LGBT people because, he claims, we are the result of sin and God’s judgment. I beg to differ, Rev. Mohler. All life, including LGBT life, is the result of God’s love and God’s creative genius. All life is pronounced "good" by God. There are no exceptions. God knew us by name and knit us together in our mother’s wombs. This is the witness of Scripture. Rev Mohler also writes: "... The human genetic structure, along with evety other a~pect ofcreation, shows the pernicious effects ofthe Fall and ofGod’sjudgment. The discovery of a biological basisfor homosexuality would be ofgreatpastoral significance, allowingfor a greater understanding ofwhy certain persons struggle with these particular sexual temptations. " Let me say clearly: Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are not the result of sin or God’s judgment. If some LGBT people struggle with our identities, it is not because our orientations are in any way inherently sinful. ivly more than 35 years of affirming, supportive ministry to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of faith reveal the underlying reasons why some LGBT people struggle with their own acceptance and identities: -- It is because some of our brothers and sisters in Christ insist that we are an aberration, call for our virtual elimination from the human race, and advocate "unapologetic support" for "the use of any appropriate means" to change our God-given orientations. -- And it is because too many faith leaders have used their positions of authori9, and their publicly acclaimed voices to fan the flames of homophobia, leaving some LGBT people singed with unnecessary shame and false guilt. I thank God that the Scriptures offer the promise of a "more excellent way" (I Corinthian 12:31). MORE RETIRED MILITARY OFFICERS COME OUT TO SUPPORT REPEAL OF "DADT" Seven retired military officers publicly came out of the closet March 16th, hoping their actions will stir Congress to repeal "don’t ask, don’t tell" and force Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; to apologize for calling gays "immoral" this week. The officers are all highly decorated and have earned numerous honors and commendations. They include Army Col. Stewart Bornhoft; NaW Capt. Joan E. Darrah, Naval Reserve Capt. Robert D. Dockendorff; Army Chaplain Col. Paul W. Dodd; Naval Reserve Capt. Sandra Geiselman; Army Col. E. A. Leonard and NaW Capt. Robert Michael Rankin. 10 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com We’ve been warned! Gay Needs to Get of the Wars! By James Nimmo We’ve been warned! Religious fundies are going to now use the tactic of lobbying all 50 state legislatures to demand that Congress pass an anti-gay constitutional amendment outlawing same-gender marriage. (http:l/okstonewall.org/forums/index.php?topic=1663.0) Ever notice that the history ofhomophobia has nearly always been rooted in religious dogma? With the halting progress that gay equality has achieved in America, we’ve seen the spectacle of religious hypocrites advocating for strict opposite--gender marriage laws which they claim will stren~hen the "natural, god ordained" institution of marriage. But these same loud, in-your-face, self-appointed advocates of piety are very quiet when you ask them about opposing dNorce, the undoing of marriage. Nope, nary a negative word drops from their slavering lips. As they proclaim marriage to be a religious rite, they forget, or disingenuously disguise that they ever knew, that this right of marriage is only possible due to the issuance by the state in which they are living a license to marry. That is, the civil authority, not any religious corporation, is what makes a religious marriage ceremony valid under state and federal law. No one is compelled by law to have a religious prelate validate the state-issued marriage license. AW ot~cial described by law can complete the marriage license and the opposite-gendered couple is as married as if they had the Pope or any other suitably costumed ot~ciate, doing the honors. When legislators trumpet that marriage is a religious bond between heteros that should not be tampered with, they are ,nixing the emotion- laden desires of religion with the neutral point-of-view that civil justice requires. They are violating the First Amendment of the Constitution: Congress shall make no law honoring religion nor interfering with its practice. By this long-established legal precedent, the states which refuse to honor the request of same-gendered people for a marriage license are violating the b~asic premise of justice--previous decisions are used to provide consistency to the implementation of laws deemed necessary for a just society. What are we to make of the denominations which do honor the desire and need ofsame-gendered people to marry and receive the federal and state civil benefits given to those who have followed the procedures set out by state law’? http://www.marriageequality. org/meusa/facts.shtml~. reh’~~"lous-vs-C’lv!’l Why is the dogma of the United Church of Christ, which performs same-gender blessings, suppressed by the dogma of the Southern Baptist Convention? Why is Reformed Judaism held hostage to its cousin, Hasidim Judaism? Why is Roman Catholic dogma more authoritative than the Episcopal Church? (Interesting side note being that the Anglican Church of which the American branch is called Episcopal is only here as an historical relic of the need for Henry VIII to get a divorce.) Why should American cM1 law be immersed in the hornet’s nest of religious doctrinal disputes--the verbal equivalent of civi! war? Why does the "God" of the legislators and homophobes only seem to speak for the public record to them? The word "marriage" is a loaded religious word that carries hundreds of years of tradition that doesdt include gay people. "Civil union" is self-defining--no supernatural intrusion has weighed this phrase with oppression. That’s why I’m going to be agitating for la,vs to be passed that legalize civil unions, domestic partnerships, reciprocal benefits, whatever civil language is developed that recognizes the full citizenship of America’s gay people who want all the rights and benefits received by straight people. As Ms. Jo-Ann Adams of the Hawaii GLBT Caucus said recently in regard to Ha~vaii’s tabling of a marriage rights bill, "If you can’t give us the word, give us the rights." Spiritual gay people can always find a welcoming minister, rabbi, or priest that will bless them for as long as necessary. No homophobic religious building will ever be required to host a same gendered marriage ceremony, "and what sane couple would try to force such an imposition on that denomination’s property anyway? The time is here that our gay equality leaders recognize that our civil equality will not be won in an endless contest of dueling bible verses. Religious teachings are based on historical conflicts of a Bronze Age mentality that has very little to do with us here in the 21st century other than as examples of how ignorance should not be used to advance human decency. We need to declare victory and, indeed, march to our own drummer. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 11 A Sa£e P ace £or Recovering GLBTI’s EUPdSKA SPRINGS, AR__Recovery from alcoho!, drugs, sex or any other addictions is a challenge of a lifetime for anyone, but GLBTI’s, their spouses, friends and families really have it tough when they live in smaller towns. They themselves may not even realize what. they’re missing. Well meaning, but inadequately informed sponsors and mental health professionals, may erroneously assume an "addict is an addict" and sexual orientation or gender identity is not a significant factor. Specialized therapy and support are almost non-existent. Professional assistance may be sometimes tainted by the prejudices ofthose providing it, or at a minimum be limited by the caregivers’ lack ofknowledge ofthose aspects ofthe GLBTsocie~y that distin~dsh" itJ~ora the larger straight communi~ These limitations may become morepmnounced when one seeks assistancef~om mainstream sobriety self-help groups, where prejudices and lack ofknowledge can be more glaring in lay men and women who, though sober; may lack professional helping skills. "-- Gayalcoholics. corn It is imperative to help create safe and supportive environments for GLBTI’s and their loved ones. With that goal in mind, starting this Spring, at least one regular meeting will be held on every Diversity Weekend in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Diversity Pride Events has enlisted the help of Marty Perry, Exec Director of the Pride Institute, one of the top experts in this rid& Mr. Perry will attend SPRING ’07 DIVERSITY WEEKEND and present a short 1/2 hour presentation for GLBTI’s & their Sponsors, friends and families on Saturday April 14, 2007 at 10am. An hour "Recovery in Pride" selfhelp group style meeting will follmv. In addition, Mr. Perry will return the following weekend during the 31 st Annual "SPRINGTIME IN THE OZARKS" Convention, 4/19 - 22, 2007. On Saturday April 21, 2007 at 3pm, for the first time, there will be a special one hour presentation for *Mental Health Professionals, Sponsors, & Allies of GLBTI’s in Recovery. An hour "Recovery in Pride" self-help group style meeting will follow. 12 the STAR (*Attn Mental Health Professionals and Sponsors, please RSVP for the presentation so we will have an idea of size of space needed) Spring Diversity Weekend SAT 4-14-07 10am to Noon * Topic: Chemical Dependency / Mental Health In Our (LGBT) Community o 30 minute presentation followed by a 1 hour LGBT AA style meeting o Audience: LGBT and Allies attending Diversity Weekend This brief presentation will address why addictive behavior has become so prevalent in the LGBT community (studi~s estimate 25-50% of LGBT people struggle with an addictive behavior in their lifetime). Understanding hmv LGBT identity develops will guide us to what our needs may be as adults. For many, these unmet needs fuel addictive behavior and create barriers to successful recovery. Treatment, 12-Step support, and therapy ,vill be discussed as options to overcoming addiction and leading healthier lives. "Springtime in the Ozarks" Convention SAT 4-21-07 3pm to 5pro o Topic: Chemical Dependency in the LGBT Community o I hour presentation followed by a 1 hour LGBT AA style meeting ¯ Audience: Mental Health Professionals, Sponsors, Allies in Recovery This presentation will cover addictive behaviors and how they manifest in the LGBT population. Studies show that alcohol and drug addiction occurs in 6-8% of the mainstream population; in the LGBT population, however, addiction occurs in 18-24% of the population -- three times that in the mainstream population. Said another way, approximately 1 in 4 LGBT individuals (25%) have an addictive behavior issue at some point in their lives. Many studies suggest that this estimate is low; that true numbers may be nearer 40-50%, especially in urban areas. In order to address chemical dependency issues in the LGBT community, we must first understand the complex factors associated with chemical dependency in this specific population. Co-occurrence with depression / anxiety, internalized heterosexism, identit), / self-esteem issues, and sexual issues need to be addressed simultaneously with the chemical dependency to assure optimal chances for successful recovery. Identifying / developing LGBT-friendly resources is a critical need of our communities if LGBT people are to have successful recoveries. We wdcome volunteers and encourage emails with any other resources for the GLBTI community with details and contact person/s to Recovery@diversitypride.com. Relevant Links: http://www.pride-institute.com http://wwvv.hp-h.com/p/arkansasaalspringtime. htm http://ww~v.diversitypride.com CONTACT INFO: Deborah Rose 479-253-2555 deborah@diversitypride.com Rodeo Time Litt ÷ Rock LITTLE ROCK, AR__Diamond State Rodeo Association (DS1LR) will ki& off the 2007 season for the four state area. Oklahoma (OGRA) will saddle up next for their event in Oklahoma City. Missouri is scheduled for September. Kansas has not released a date. 13th Annual DSRA "Rodeo In The Rock 2007" April 20-22, 2007 Arkansas State Fairgrounds Equestrian Center Schedule of Events: o Thursday, 4/19 - Welcome to Little Rock Party at the DSRA Clubhouse. o Friday, 4/20 - Registration at Fairgrounds plus Sparkles & Spurs Party at SideTracks in North Little Rock. o Saturday, 4/21 - Rodeo and Dinner/Dance at the Fairgrounds o Sunday, 4/22 - Rodeo and Awards at the Fairgrounds plus Last Roundup Party at DSRA Clubhouse. Go to w~vw.dsra.org for more info. www.ozarksstar.com By Tim Gillea~ PRELI~o~ TO ~a~$$ GAY OKLAHOMAAMER~CA April 4, 2007 10:00 PM @The Copa, OKC OK CONTESTANT INQUIRES CALL MARK OR JAMES (NIKKI STARR) (580) 216-2715 must be 21 y~’s old to enter colt5294@yahoo.com TULSA, OK__Openarms Youth Project (OYP) hosted twelve Boston University- undergraduates and their faculty chaperone during Boston. U’s spring break, from March 10th-17th. The college students chose Tulsa as the destination for their community service volunteer trip, with the goal of helping OYP complete several major planned improvements and upgrades. "Ihe group drove an astounding 30 hours in a van and arrived to a grand welcome and lunch served by Openarms youth and board members. After leaving for the hotel to catch a quick nap, they returned to have dinner and begin preparations fbr a week o£hard labor and clean up projects. During their week-long visit, the students improved almost every room at Openarms, including the dance floor and patio area. They worked long and hard getting all of the projects completed, from painting the walls and building a trestle for the newly-redone OYP stage to disposing of" excess rubbish and dusting most of the building. Beyond p!~ysical renovations, the Boston team helped even more by preparing dinner on "fhursday for the youth and leading a group discussion about coming out at school and the importance of attending college. ~ll~ey were also present for Wednesday’s movie night, where the crowd opted to watch the OYP Fashion Show video from last Pride week and then the Miss USofA pageant from 20O6. The Boston group later got to enjoy an evening of dancing and relaxation compliments of David at the Club Majestic on Thursday. Finall> on Friday evening, the youth o£ Openarms hosted a special party for the Boston team. ~Ihey opened the center just like it was a Saturday- evening Social night, and they allowed everyone to come in free to dance and have some entertainment. Performances at the party included Daphne Rio, Lady Tamia, Damien Sky and special guest Melissa fi’om Boston University. It was great fun, and all the youth of Openarms were amazed to see all of the great improvements the Boston students were able to complete during their week in Tulsa. What a great experience for all of the youth and benefit for Openarms. w~w.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13 WNat is the history ofONE Inc.? ONE Inc., founded in the early 1950s, was at the forefront of the nascent homophile movement, and has played an important role in preserving GLBT history and culture to the present day. In the wake ofWorld War II, Los Angeles became the hub of a burgeoning homosexual community. In October 1952, two years after Harry Hay co-founded the Mattachine Society, several members decided to start the first gay magazine with a national circulation. The founding members included Dorr Legg, Donald Slater, Martin Block, Tony Reyes, Merton Bird, and Dale Jennings, who months earlier had becoine a movement hero when he successfully contested a false charge of sexual solicitation. The group was interracial from the start, and before long women took part, too, including Joan Corbin, Irma Wolf, and Stella Rush. In November, the group incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization called ONE Inc. - inspired by writer Thomas Carlyle’s "mystic bond of brotherhood that makes all men one." Its stated goal: "To promote the integration into society of such persons xvhose behavior varies from current moral and social standards." The first issue ofONE was published in January 1953. Along with essays, poetry, and book reviews, the magazine also featured the "Tangents" column by Jim Kepner, which compiled relevant news from around the world. Initially sold in gay bars for 25 cents, the magazine achieved a nationwide circulation of 5,000 copies by the end of the decade. By the mid-1950s, the Mattachine Society had ousted its founders and turned in a more conservative direction, leaving ONE Inc. as the community’s radical voice, promoting, in the words of historian John D’Emilio, "a stance of combative pride in being gay." In 1954, the Los Angeles postmaster refused to accept the October issue, branding it "obscene, lewd, lascivious, and filthy." ONE Inc. sued, and the case (ONE v. Olesen) made its way to the United States Supreme Court. In January 1958, the high court unanimously overturned two lmver court rulings, affirming that gay publications were not, per se, obscene. ONE Inc. also made history as the first homophile organization to open a public office. Located in a run-down area of downtown Los Angeles, the two-room office became the first de facto gay community center. As the only visible homosexual presence outside the bars, the young organization began offering social services such as job placement and help for newcomers to the city. Legg, the group’s business manager, quit his job as an architect and was hired as the nascent movement’s first full-time paid employee, earning $25 per week. Within a few years, ONE began offering courses on various aspects of homosexuality and compiled a library of research materials. In 1956, Legg, Kepner, and retired University of Southern California (USC) professor Merritt Thompson established the ONE Institute of Homophile Studies, the first American academic institution dealing with gay issues. Two years later, the group created the first gay scholarly journal, the _ONE Institute Quarterly of Homophile Studies_. Kepner served as the initial editor, but left to concentrate on his own gay archives, which grew out of a collection of books and newspaper clippings he had started in the early 1940s. In 1964, ONE began receiving funding from female-to-male philanthropist Reed Erickson, which for tax purposes was funneled through a new nonprofit, the Institute for the Study of Human Resources (ISHR). But the influx of money spurred disagreement about ONE’s mission. In 1965, Legg, the chairman, installed his allies on ONE’s board, and Slater (then editor of ONE magazine) retaliated by removing the contents of ONE’s offices in a late-night raid. After a series of lawsuits, Slater obtained the organization’s property, while Legg retained exclusive use of the "ONE" name. Slater changed the title of his magazine to Tangents and founded the Homosexual Information Center. Legg’s faction contin ued to publish a separate magazine called ONE until 1968. Under Legg, the ONE Institute and ISHR coordinated the compilation of an extensive bibliography of homosexuality and offered a public lecture series featuring GLBT luminaries such as Harry Hay and writer Christopher Isherwood, as well as heterosexual allies, including psychologist Evelyn Hooker and sexologist Vern Bullough. In 1981, the ONE Institute Graduate School of Homophile Studies was accredited by California to offer the first raaster’s and doctoral degrees in GLBT studies. But the relationship between Legg and Erickson gre~v increasingly contentious, sparking a legal battle that consumed the organization’s attention well into the 1990s. By 1986, ONE stopped granting degrees, though it continued its lecture series and maintained its library; Legg exercised control over the institute until his death in 1994. In the mid-1990s, what remained of the ONE Institute and ISHR merged with Kepner’s International Gay and Lesbian Archives. In May 2001, the combined ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives - the largest collection of GLBT material in the world - opened in a building donated by USC. More than 50 years after its founding, ONE remains, according to its current mission statement, "dedicated to collecting, preserving, documenting, studying, and communicating our history, our challenges, and our aspirations." For further information: ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives: w~v.onearchives.org. D’Emilio, John. 1983. _Sexual Politics, Sexual Communities: The Making of a Homosexual Minority in the U.S., 1940-1970 (University of Chicago Press). Faderman, Lillian, and Stuart Timmons. 2006. Gay L.A. (Basic Books). 14 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Employment Opportunity $tate°s Leading Civil Libe ies Organic zation seeks a 20ohour week emNoyee. Duties include data entry in Quick Books; using Microsoft Front Page to post information on organizational website; using office equipment, filing and some research. He or she should have strong written and verbal communication skills. He or she should also be adequately proficient in basic mathematics, logic and organization. Retirees, people with disabilities, students, racial minorities, ethnic minorities, Gay men, Lesbians and bisexual or transgender people are encouraged to apply. Position could possibly become full-time later. Mail or FAX resumes with list of references to: J. Bell Attn: Personnel 3000 Paseo Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73103 email: jbell@coxinet.net FAX: 405-524-2296 No phone calls please. GLBT People Included in Federal Hate Crimes Legislation Introduced. Statement by Matt Foreman, Executive Director NGLTF WASHINGTON, DC__"At long last, Congress is poised to recognize the reality of hate violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. It’s a disgrace that bigotry and ignorance have prevented Congress from taking real action to address hate crimes for nearly 20 years. "Federal laws embody the values of our nation and through this legislation Congress will say clearly and unequivocally that the people of this country reject and condemn all forms of hate violence, including crimes motivated by hatred of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. 3~ne symbolic importance of this cannot be overstated, particularly in light of the venomous disinformation campaign that has been waged against the bill by right-wing forces. "No one can deny the reality of hate violence against LGBT people -- in fact, almost everyone has seen it firsthand growing up. For the last 25 years, since we created our groundbreaking Anti-Violence Project in 1982, we have been working to get the federal government to take a stand against this scourge. Sadly, little progress has been made in the 17 years since Congress passed the Hate Crimes Statistics Act. Why? The hard but real answer is that right-wing forces would rather see anti-LGBT crimes go unaddressed by law enforcement than have the words ’sexual orientatioff or ’gender identity’ appear alongside other protected classes in federa! law. "This bill is important for the entire country because it adds or improves federal hate crimes protections based on race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability. www.ozarksstar.com L,egal Notice Class Actior~ Sett~emeat FuR Cash Payers, Co-payers and their Heirs are Included You may be able to get cash from Who Represents You? a $24 million Proposed Seitlernent if you paid for the presm:ipdon drug Serostim. The Proposed Settlement is with Merck Serono International, S.A., Serono Laboratories, Inc., and EMD Serono, Inc. ("Defendants"). It is ~nding in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. What Is the Class Action About? Plaintiffs claim that Defendants improperly marketed Serostim, a drng approved by FDA to treat HIV/AIDS wasting or cachexia. The lawsuits claim that Defendants encouraged doctors to prescribe Serostim based on diagnostic criteria that were not approved by FDA. The lawsuits do not allege that Serostim is dangerous to padent health, or that Serostim is not sate and effective for its approved uses. The Defendants deny any liability and have decidedm settle to avoid the expense and uncertainty of litigation. Who is Involved? The Proposed Settlement Class includes all persons or entities nationwide that paid in whole or in pea~ for the drug Serosfim from July I, t995 to December 3I, 2006, and their heirs. What Does the Proposed Settlement Provide? o $10.8 million will be allocamd to certain large Third-Party Payors (e.g., insurance companies) who have a separate agreement with the Defendants. - $13.2 million will be allocated to the remaining Third-Party Payors (82%) and consmners (18%), after attorneys’ fees and the costs of administering the Proposed Settlement are deducted. The Court has appointed attorneys to represent the Consumer and TPPs who comprise the Class. Class Counsel wilt request the Court award fair and reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs not to exceed $3.96 million, plus reimbursement of expenses. You may him your own attorney, if you wish. However, you will be responsible for that attorney’s |~es and expenses. What Are Your Options? o If you do not want to be part of the Proposed Settlement, you must exclude yourself, in writing, postmarked by May 21, 20!)7. Excluding yourself will allow you to bring your own claims against the DeK-ndants. -If you stay in the Setdement Class you can file a claim. Your claim must be posunarked by July 19, 2007. All claim documentation submitted by you will be kept confidential and will be used only for the purpose of proce~ssing claims. o You may object to or com.ment on any part of the Proposed Settlement. Your objection/ comment must be written and postmarked by May 21, 2007. Yon may also request in writing to speak at the Final Approval Hearing. The Notice of Proposed Class Action Settlement explains excluding yourself, making a claim, objecting/commenting and requesting to speak at the Heating. Wilt the Court Approve the Proposed Settlement? The Court will hold a Final Approval Hearing on June 19, 2(3)7 at 2:(3)p.m. and wil! consider wbether to approve the ~Opo~ Settlement, award attorneys’ fees and allow reimbursement of expends. For Additienal information For the Notice of Proposed Class Action Settlement, information on your rights and how to file a claim: Call: 1-800-378-3615 ~s~t: ~.Serost~mge~lement.com or Write: Serostim Litigation Administrator c/o Complete Claim Solutions, LLC PO Box 24676, West Palm Beach, EL 334:~6 the STAR 15 "TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD" by Don~d Pile & Ray ~qlliams Featuring Cuisine From Coast to Coast CAFE POCA COSA Tucson, Arizona In what is arguably Tucson’s most creative Me,can restaurant, t~he chet7ovmer Suzar~a Devila prepares recipes inspk~d by ~ff~t tenons of her native Mexico. fhe ~enn, w~ch ch~gesd~ k~clude chicken mole or pork pibil (made x~dth a tmg~ Yucatan becue season~g). Serv~gs ~plenoM, and each ta~e gets a of warm corn tort~as and a bowl of beans to share. Or~te~ m~ davy Plato Poca Cosa. and the chef w~ select one bee£ one cNckeni one veget~rian enu:~e for you to sample. The bold-colored W~= h~g with Ladn Ame~cma art. It is worth makh~g the ~p to Tu just to dh-~e at tl~s restaurant. They are located at 1t0 E. Pen,~ St. in downtown T~acson. ~so wh~e ~ Tucson be s~e to Stay ~ t the Royal Elizabeth Bed and Breakfast inn. Their website is: ww~ro~,alelizaberh.com. By Donald Pile and Ray Williams New Orleans is aquestion on many traveler’s minds. Do you go or do you not go.> It would be great to say that the entire city has completely rebuilt itself since t~e devast£~ing hurricane how’eve~ it has not. "I?aNc lights are stin no! up and rhnning in many, parts of the cit> abandoned autos are ex er;~where and houses still’ stand emp~D~ and unlivable. Many business owners just simply Walked away and left. Others are trying to come bac~:, but ~;{th few tourist dollars coming in they are l~ar£1y making it. Such a shame, bu~ i{. is the truth. ~xTionths )}er~vards the core ~f the City is still a c0rn2 plete mess. We had several friends who ~ent for £,Iardi Gras thi} year was terribly disappointed and will never return. Right in the French Quarter ther£ is part of the hustle and bustle of~vhat used to be, but it just isn’t the same. ~e crime rate has exp!oded in New Orleans both in robberies ~ well as muggings. In great cities such as Chicago, New York CiD; San FranciSco a~d thd like, they would KNOW that they would HAVE to rebuild their cities if so~ething were to happen and the entire population of the City- would get behind the effort to rebuild. And they would do it quickly! In New Orleans however thousands oftheir ~esidents simply fled the;city and are staving asvay and the city government is not doing its job at all. 2Ihere is so much inner turmoil between all the departments. New Orleans was always a big parD’ town, and it seems that once the ~’party atmosphere" is gone that the city, is also gone. We have been to New Orleans several t!,mes before }he hu,yricane and enjoyed the citT, but it was always the part7 atmosphere that kept us ~oifig back a!l the time. Like So many things in li~, some things just are not meant to go on forever and ever, and we are afraid tfaat NeW Orleans is one of those things. We have been back once after WWW. ozarksstar.com Puerto Vallarta, which has grown to become one ofthe world’spremier gay resort destinations, enjoys an enviable setting overlooking Bandera~ Bay (Photo by Andrew Collins) APRIL 2007 By Andrew Collins especially during the bustling high season (from about December through April), certain blocks of Zona Romantica seem at least as gay as the downtowns of Provincetown and Palm Springs. ~here are a few more general attributes that further enhance Puerto Vallartgs standing. Although the city has become significantly more expensive as its star has risen, it’s still less costly than many other alluring tropical resorts. Dinner entrees at top restaurants rarely cost more than $25 and often run $10 to $15. Hotel rates, cab rides, cocktails, fashionable clothing, and handcrafted gifts also tend to cost less than those in the Caribbean, Hawaii, or California, although it’s absolutely possible to find high-end exceptions to many of these rules. It’s hard to name a gay resort destination in North America that has more going for it than Puerto Vallarta, a fast-growing city on the Pacific Coast’s fabled Mexican Riviera. PV’s historic downtown ("El Centro") is nestled beneath the verdant slopes of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Just south of E1 Centro, in Zona Romantica, you’ll find a bustling gay scene comprising hip martini bars, pulsing dance clubs, relatively affordable hotels and condo rentals, and critically acclaimed restaurants. But there’s far more to this friendly city that offers everything from posh full-service resorts, exhilarating recreational activities, and gorgeous scenery. With a population of roughly 220,000, Puerto Vallarta has seen huge growth in recent years, to the point that it bears little resemblance to the sleepy fishing port that provided the 1963 filming location for the movie version of Tennessee Williams’ The Night of the Iguana. Star Richard Burton and new love Elizabeth Taylor, ~vho joined him on the shoot, became entranced with the city - they bought a house here together during filming. In recent years, PV has developed into one of Mexico’s most desirable resorts, its diverse elements appealing to a wide range of visitors. It’s a major port on the Mexican Riviera cruise-ship circuit (along with Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Acapulco, and Manzanillo). Sprawling international resorts and condo developments, which have been built from the edge of downtown to many miles north of the city, attract families, retirees, and honeymooners. Sporting and adventure enthusiasts come for the zip-lining forest canopy tours, scuba diving, mountain biking, deep-sea fishing, and many other outdoorsy activities. Zona Romantica is a compact patchwork of hilly lanes tucked beneath the Sierra Madre foothills. The neighborhood fringes Los Muertos Beach, and narrow auto and pedestrian bridges connect the district with E1 Centro. The relative isolation of Zona Romantica as well as its elegantly faded veneer and historic charm may very well account for its ever-increasing draw among gay visitors and bohemian types. It’s a neighborhood that cdebrates its insularity and diversity - everyone is welcome, but Although it helps to understand Spanish, you can get by easily in PV speaking only English. Adding to its draw, this city set stunningly in the center of Bahia de Banderas (the largest natural bay in Mexico) enjoys a spectacular climate. The city is generally dry and breezy with temperatures in the 80s, the exception being the summer rainy season (generally June through September), when highs often reach the low 90s and humidity can sometimes be oppressive. Puerto Vallarta receives far fewer visitors off-season, and some businesses dose for extended periods in summer. If you’re a fan of outdoor activities or are interested in some of the many side excursions available from this area, book a trip through the gay-friendly outfitter Vallarta Adventures. One excellent tour option is the company’s thrilling Outdoor Adventure, which entails a white-knuckle boat trip across the bay, folloxved by a bumpy mule ride up a hillside, zip-lining through a lush forest, and rappelling down waterfalls. The company also offers trips to colonial San Sebastian and bustling Guadalajara as well as whale-watching, scuba and snorkeling, sailing trips, and up-close encounters with bottlenose dolphins. PV has dozens of outstanding restaurants as well as a slew of hip bars, and the scene is continuously evolving, but among dining options, there are some "must tastes." At the upper end, don’t miss Care des Artistes, a sumptuous spot with refined service and rarefied contemporary cuisine. 20 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com For authentic regional Mexican food served in a &arming, warmly furnished dining room, try lesbian-owned E1 Arrayan. Boca Bento serves some of the tastiest fusion Latino-Asian fare in town, and the setting - a handsome historic hacienda - is quite elegant. Chiles and Kit-Kat are a pair of hip gay lounges that also serve reasonably priced lunch and dinner fare, and slightly more upscale Banana Cantina turns out superb contemporary Latin cuisine. For a snack, grab a sandwich or iced java at the gay-owned Coffee Cup, or enjoy a hearty meal at the campy gay diner, Mama Dolores. When the mood to socialize strikes you, keep in mind that things start late here and continue into the wee hours. The after-dinner crowd tends to congregate at one of the low-keyed lounges, such as lesbianowned Apaches, upscale La No&e, or the tiny but fun Stereo. Another great bet is Garbo, a jazz dub and piano cabaret that’s often packed. Bench and Bar, an import from Oakland, Calif., is a great Latino bar with lively drag shows. And just about everybody ends up at the city’s hottest gay dub, Manana’s, a stunning former hacienda with a big swimming pool in the center of its open-air lounge-and-dance area. "II~is spacious, trendy club also has a separate strip bar to one side, and a large show stage. This is just a sampling of favorite options - Puerto Vallarta has more than dozen gay bars. The city also offers a wide range of accommodations. Many gay travelers opt to stay in or near Zona Romantica, within walking distance of bars, but if you’d prefer to chill out at a large mainstream resort that’s a bit far from the fray and actually has a nicer beach than Los Muertos, consider the regal Marriott CasaMagna, a s~vanky full-service resort that’s just a short cab ride from the airport and enioys an enviable oceanfront setting. To be sure, it’s a mainstream property popular with families and honeymooners, but the management is very gay-friendly. This is a nice option, especially the day you arrive or the day before you leave, when it’s handy to be near the airport. The resort’s stunning new Ohtli spa, one of the most lavish on the Mexican Riviera, opened in February 2007. In Zona Romantica, you’ll find a nice mix of gay-friendly options. If you’re on a budget and seek a clean, comfortable, and friendly gay property in the center of the action, check into the 28-room Hotel Mercurio, which is just steps from many gay bars and restaurants (and two blocks from the beach), and offers compact but pleasant rooms and a youthful, social vibe - there’s always plenty of frolicking going on around the pool, and the staffis super-friendly. PV’s famed Blue Chairs Resort is a six-story hotel right on the gay beach - the location couldn’t be better, but the property underwent some major management changes recently, and it remains to be seen how this will affect the quality of the place. An intimate gay B&B with a stunning view and a quiet location in the upscale Con&as Chinas district just south of Zona Romantica, the lovely Arco Iris B&B is run by helpful owners Ran and Thom - the latter is a expert chefwho whips up amazingly tasty break fasts each morning. This elegant hideaway, just a 10-minute walk from the beach, comprises three smartly furnished units, each with sweeping bay views. Amenities include an eight-person Jacuzzi and a theater room with a 70-in&-screen, plus satellite TV and free calls within North America. Puerto Vallarta is also home to one of the most alluring, dramatically situated gay resorts you’ll find any- where, the stellar Casa Cupula, which excels as much for its stately accommodations as for its friendly, knowledgeable, and charming staff. The main building comprises six rooms and two unbelievably lavish suites, and owner Don Pickens also rents out two cozier but still comfy rooms in his adjacent villa - these share a with unparalleled of the city and Banderas Bay. Casa Cupula has also developed the ~vorld’s first gay condo hotel - these seven residences adjacent to the inn are currently under construction and for sale (for full or fractional ownership). Facilities - for the inn and the condos - include a well-stocked gym, a pool, and a large open-air lounge with adjacent computer room. The property, which tumbles down a hillside high above Zona Romantica, is a 10- to 15- minute walk from the gay beach and the many bars and restaurants. But once you’ve spent a little time relaxing here, away from the crowds and in full view of Puerto Vallarta’s stunning shoreline, you may find it hard to leave this romantic resort. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 21 APRIL 2007 Spoiled for Choice Who ~vould have ever thought that gay Republicans ~vould be spoiled for choice in the upcoming presidential primaries? 2Pnere are actually two Republican contenders who support us, in some way, although with reservations, caveats, and conditions. Neither supports same-sex marriage. But let’s be honest - neither do the leading Democrats. Rudy Giuliani is solidly in the civil union camp, with a record of signing a generous domestic-partner law into effect when he was New York City’s mayor. He supports gay rights - anti-discrimination and hate crimes laws - and ~vhen his marriage to Donna Hanover hit the skids, he moved in with a gay couple so that he could canoodle with his then-girlfriend, now-wife, Judith Nathan. So I guess you can say that both personally and politically, he’s OK with the gays. (For a hysterical bit of him in drag, go to ~wcw.youtube. com/watch?v=4IrE6FMpai8.) Giuliani is also pro-choice, although he tries to mollify the radical Christian Republicans on the abortion issue with his undying love and affection for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia (clearly antichoice), and his contention that, as president, he would appoint strict constitutional constructionists. Another issue where Giuliani diverges with the radical Christian mullahs guiding the moral center of the GOP is gun control. They’re against, and, of course, Giuliani supports it - he wa~ the mayor ofNew York. He brought down crime by taking guns off the street - and giving unprecedented power to the police department. He also cleaned up the city. I’m sure there are many in the Big Apple’s LGBT community who considered Giuliani’s actions to be sanitizing the city, not just cleaning it up. But for this girl from Long Island who has spent the last 30 years living in Albany, I have to tell you it is nice to go visit and feel safe on the streets. Yes, Disney may have taken over 42nd Street, but, from my perspective, I’d rather see The Lion King than signs for "Girls, Girls, Girls," and guys, guys, guys walking out of peep shows with their zippers still undone. And then there’s 9/11. Almost six years after the fact, Giuliani is still considered ’~rnerica’s Mayor." When he starts talking about fighting terrorism, he has a credibility- whether you agree with him or not - that can’t be undermined by political doublespeak, Democratic or Republican. While some radical Christians may have trouble with Rudy because he’s been divorced t~vice and is pro-gay-rights and pro-choice, the looking-for-a-reason-to-get-excited, middle-of-the-road Republicans (as well as independents) may well get energized by his tough stand on terror. Like no other candidate for either side, he can talk about our borders being breached by terrorists and the impact it had on this nation’s greatest city. Then there’s U.S. Sen. John McCain (Ariz.). While Rudy’s popularity surges as he supports the troop surge in Iraq, McCain’s campaign is faltering under the weight of his support for the ~var. Go figure. When it comes to our issues, McCain supports basic civil rights for LGBT people - like protection from being fired from your job or thrown out of your apartment - but is a little schizophrenic when it comes to marriage equality. He was vocal in his opposition to the federal amendment to ban same-sex marriage, but then in 2006 supported an amendment to his state’s constitution that would have also denied recognition to any type of legal status for our relationships. Thankfully, the voters didn’t listen, and the state amendment failed 51 percent to 49. McCain is also not a darling of the Christian right. He’s gotten into some hot water with them over the years. They were categorically dismayed by his opposition to the federal amendment and for taking Bob Jones University to task during his 2000 presidential bid. The school, a Christian fundamentalist college, bans interracial dating - McCain thinks that’s not right. However, McCain’s penchant for power is outpacing his politics. He has been playing footsie with Jerry Falwell and recently spoke at a pro-abstinence event in South Carolina. McCain’s actions, however, don’t play with political idiot savant James Dobson of Focus on the Family, who says "no way’’ to McCain. In an attempt to deflect attention away from his lukewarm support for us, McCain’s camp intends to target Mitt Romney,s flip-flopping on LGBT issues. McCain has hired Rob Gray, a former Romney political operative out of Boston, to help him shape his New England strategy and pick away at Mitt’s new-found social conservatism. Rudy Giuliani and John McCain - are gay Republicans spoiled for choice, or faced with pretty slim pickings? If the country continues in the direction it’s headed, it really won’t matter - the electorate will be so sick and tired of Bush and Iraq, they’ll clamor for the anti- George candidate, the Democratic nominee. 22 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com SoulForce motto: Freedom for LGBT people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance. The BBQ in the park was a great way to unwind after a couple of tense days, even for seasoned veterans of the ride. Many people from the community and student body came out for the free food and fellowship. Several riders attended the Peace Rally at the capitol on Saturday, and Sunday they headed to Dallas and Baylor University. Riders expressed various reactions to their challenging days. They said that each person experiences each arrest differently. Some of the riders have been arrested for a misdemeanor in several states, with SoulForce la~vyers standing in for them at hearings after they had gone on to other locations. They all make a commitment to non-violence in their application process, and bond together through this mutual experience. The misdemeanors show up on their records, and have to be explained to employers, friends and family, and, in one case, Divinity School. Equality Rider founder Katie Higgins is a rider with this bus, called the East Bus, which loops down from Iowa to Oklahoma and Texas, to Mississippi, Georgia, then up to Pennsylvania, and back to Minnesota. The West Bus goes from Indiana, to Kansas, Utah, California and Oregon, then back through Montana to Minnesota. This year 32 colleges are targeted, mostly for having policies banning the enrollment of openly LGBT students. SoulForce is supported by many individuals, foundations, businesses, and corporations. Details about the buses and their destinations, sponsoring the riders, and a blog from the road are on the SoulForce website: www.soulforce.org Videos and books are also available. Equality Ride East Bus wants to thank Church of the Open Arms, OKC Cathedral of Hope, Stilhvater and OKC PFLAG, SODA, Cimarron Alliance and the Habana Inn for supporting their stay in Oklahoma. Jays Tat~nt Seaxch ~ Call Toaay (405)946~5297 See 0u¢" Display Ads in Fr~Sb~an ~ Men Mag~e Creating Community for People iving H V!A1D8 A 501 c (3) Non Profit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HtV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrismmjr@yahoo.com. 1 oz. White crer Ch0c0 ate stick for garnish (optional) Pour liquid ingredients into mixing glass. Add ice and to chill. Strain into martini glass and garnish h chocolate stick. ~wvw.0zarksstar.c0m The STAR 23 Starring: Gerard Butler; Lena Headey ; Michael Fassbender If your fantasy is naked Gladiators and drop dead gorgeous hunks with not an ounce of body fat, "300" is a must see. ~he women aren’t to shabby either. As Marc Breindel of Planet Out said in his review, "We’re not just talking pretty boys here, although every man in "300" is movie~star handsome. They’re also the baddest-ass near-naked, body-armor-bedamned fighters since "Fight Club." Each one of the 300 semimude warriors from the movie’s title fights to the death for Sparta, skewering or decapitating every overdressed Persian soldier he can get his bloody sword on. It’s a battle of shirts versus skins, with the gloriously skin-baring, zero-body-fat Greeks taking the day in the audience’s heart, at least." "Occasionally the testosterone overflows to uncomfortable levels of machismo. Leonidas curses his supposedly wimpy allies in neighboring Athens as "philosophers and boy-lovers." In fact, scholars credit Sparta with initiating the culture of Greek homoeroticism as part of its military indoctrination; Leonidas himself is raised away from home by men, spending a good portion of his adolescence wrestling guys in underwear. " 300 is a 2007 film adaptation of the graphic novel 300 by Frank Miller, itself a fictionalized account of the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. ~-he film is directed by Zack Snyder with Frank Miller attached as an executive producer and constfltant, and was shot mostly with bluescreen to duplicate the imagery of the original comic book. Spartan King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 Spartans fight to the last man against Persian King Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) and his army of more than one million soldiers. "~e sacrifice of the Spartans inspires all of Greece to unite against the Persian invaders. In Sparta, Queen Gorgo (Lena Headey) attempts to rally support for her husband. ~l-he story is flamed by a voice-over narrauve by the Spartan soldier Dilios (David Wenham). As 300 uses historical narrative to introduce fantastic creatures, it fits within the genre of historical fantasy. 300 was released in both conventional and IMAX theaters in America on March 9, 2007. The film broke box office records, although critics were dMded over its look and style. Some acclaimed itas an original achievement, while others accused it of favoring visuals over characterizatiom Controversy arose over its depiction of the ancient Persian and Greek civilizations. "STAR TREK" New Movie Will Have Gay Characters[ "Star Trek" has always had a tremendous gay following, but has al~vays been void of a definitive GLBT character. 7his will soon be rectified by "Star Trek" New Voyages "who produces homespun but highly slick short movies is making a queer Web episode. As pre-production on David Gerrold’s "Blood and Fire" continues, additional guest cast members are announced for the upcoming episode. Bobby Rice is already slated to join the New Voyages crew as Ensign Peter Kirk, nephew of Captain James Kirk. A recent addition to the team is Evan Fowler, who will play Lt. Alex Freeman, a significantly pivotal role in "Blood and Fire." This story will center around Capt. James T. Kirk’s nephew, Ensign Peter Kirk (played by Bobby Rice) and his boyfriend, Lt. Alex Freeman (Evan Fowler). It is scheduled to shoot in June. For more info: wwv.startreknewvoyages.com the STAR 25 by Michael Hinzman Salutations Kittens- Uncle Mikey here... \Vvrhat a year it is turning out to be - not only has Mr. Tiddles gotten a tummy tuck, but I am learning to accept those that are less fabulous than yours trul}~. Yes, this is a new uncle which shall reach out to those that need that special touch, and touch them I shall. We find a female and an African American presidential hopeful, a stronger policy protecting our brothers and sisters in the military, same sex couples adopting children into their fashionably superior loving homes not to mention the wonderful new personal care products for men now on the market. What an exciting time it is in our country. Uncle has a dream of a rainbow election not too far off in the distance. Can you imagine the White house White parties? search you sought from me. Even the lovely Chef* John left a special warm memory in my heart, one that is keeping Uncle selfinspired on those chilly spring evenings. Moreover, it is onto bigger issues for this Queen. Yes, Uncle Mikey has been called to arms by those in the community. Uncle shall be writing articles in depth on a plethora ranging from the paramount as well as the delicious. Look for big things here Kittens. Now l shall show Uncles immeasurable appetite for the dish. Uncle is just full of Pride kittens, as I watch my community grow in strength, pride, and most of all, knowing that Uncle has become a part of your community, here at the Star family. Chaz has truly built something great and Uncle firmly believes the best is yet to come. Keep reading and support your family. Yes, it has been such a roller coaster of a ride with the Twinks seeking the delightful substance of wishes while the lesbians sought sanity within their U-haul contracts. -Yes, Uncle remembers all and even those that he couldn’t forget at gunpoint. Yes, Crisco boy! I have still not recovered from the deep As that ciga,ette smoking tart, Virginia Slim, would say, "We’ve come a long way baby!" It has truly been Uncle’s pleasure, being the house Guru here at the Star for so long. I have watched as our widdle family has grown and became a publication of great pride and high standard. Yes Kittens, Uncle Mikey is moving onward and upward (maybe even underward), as I continue to serve the gay community. After all, we all know servicing is in a queen’s nature, Wherever there is a lonely man (of course, pending a credit check) I’ll be there. Where there is a Twink in the night, I’ll be there too. Uncle Mikey is not leaving you, just spreading those glittery wings and flying over Queerdom, seeking only to serve his fellow man and sister alike. Ok, so maybe my service wil! be more in depth with the male members of the community, however, I am there for my sisters too. As ~ve move forward Uncle wants to hear from his readers. Know a topic that needs 26 the STAR a Queenly touch? Name the hot issue that you want to hear Uncle Mikey take on. Drop a line and share your thoughts. Uncle ~vill take on the issues with his Queenly flare. Write to Uncle at Unclemikey4you@ ao!.com and tell what is on your mind. Your man on the scene, no matter how many locker rooms, steam houses, underwear shoots, Uncle Mikey will go down to into the depths to get the scoop! Uncle shall talk about the Hollywood slim down, the Washington ho dmvn, yes Uncle shall be there when the ho does fall. No issue too scandalous, no dish to sweet for uncle to serve. You can count on a view gaily straight. No issue to small, no issue to big. Uncle Mikey shall take them all! You know, they have been saying it for years in the ladies room, Now I shall show Uncles immeasurable appetite for the dish. Just as a face can launch a thousand ships, a single voice can overcome the silent ignorance which has ran amuck for so long, so Queerdom stand proud and be heard! Watch the upcoming issues for the new face of the scene... Smooches-Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too... AKA The Ass Whisperer Contact: Undemikey4you@aol.com www.ozarksstar.com BANIBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pm, Dancers 4pro CLUB MAJESTIC: Catia Lee Love Show 10pro THE COPA: Rachae! Erikks Show 10:30pro EASTER SUNDAY BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pro, 5th Annual Easter Bonnet Contest CLUB MAJESTIC: Catia Lee Love Show" lOpm THE COPA: Rachad Erikks Show 10:30pm BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pro, Dancers 4pro Kris Kohl Show 8 m. ~UB MAJESTIC: Catia Lee Love Show 10pro THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show t0:30pm BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pro, Dancers 4pro CLUB/~kJESTIC: Carla Lee Love Show 10pro THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show 10:30pm BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro. MONDAY Apdl z3 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro. THE COPA: Strip-Off Contest 12am BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pmo THE COPA: 2008 Miss Gay Newcomer 10pm THE COPA: Strip-OffContest 12am ~rEDNESDAY March 11 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pro THE COPA: Strip-Off Contest Midnight. BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pm FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro THURSDAY;Apri! CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Shmv CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show w/Rachael Erikks wlRachael Erikks THE COPA: Open Talent w/Shemoane Somemore 10:30pro THE COPA: Open Talent w,tShemoane FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm Somemore 10:30pm LEDO: Kari-Olde host, Pancho 9pro LEDO: Kari-Olde host, Pancho 9pro FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm Show I0pm. FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm CLUB IVlAJESTIC: Talent Show" wl Rachael Erikks THE COPA: Open Talent w/Shemoane Somernore 10:30pm FINISHL1NE: Dart Tournament 10pro LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pro THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm CLUB MAJESTIC: Majestic Kings THE COPA: Mate Dancers 9pm THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet lam-3:30am GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet lam-3:30am THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet lam-3:30am THE COPA: Strip-Off Contest Midnight. 25 BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pro FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm ~URSDAYApril 26 CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show" w/ P~tchael Erikks THE COPA: Open Talent w!Shemoane Somemore 10:30pm FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pro FRIDAY April 27 THE COPA: Male D~mcers 9pro THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm GUSHERS: Late Night Brealdhst Buffet lam-3:30am BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch 2pm, Dancers 4pm CLUB MAJESTIC: Carla Lee Love Show 10pm THE COPA: Rachael Erik"~ Show 10:30pro wv~viozarksstar.com BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm. After Dark is a free service to our advertisers and is the responsibility of the advertiser to inform the STAR in xvriting of updates, additions or discontinued events, The STAR is not responsible for accurac): the STAR 27 "Swallow your pride, Taurus" Mars enters Pisces on April 6, and he’ll be there for about six weeks, diffusing energy into steamy or esoteric, directionless pursuits. It’s a good time for dance lessons, martial arts, spiritual pursuits, or meditation, but a challenging time to accomplish anything. Try to stick to established plans. If that becomes difficult, let go of the process and stay focused on the goal. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Recent plans you made with friends can get lost in the shuffle or morph into something unexpected. It doesn’t matter, as long as enjoying their company remains most important. Exuberant drinking or drugging could be a problem. Collaborate instead on some community service. SAG~TTAR~US (November 22 - December 20): Lately, you’re especially outspoken, but logic deserts you now. You can argue about artistic matters, but most academic ideas will leave you swimming. Political arguments could best be made satirically - maybe through a drag persona. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Beware of hidden costs, balloon payments, and other sudden expenses popping out of nowhere. Making charitable donations could help, but be sure you know where that money is going. Treating buddies to drinks is not charitable! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February t8): Your energy has been high, but your focus is getting weak, which could make you especially susceptible to accidents or simple screw-ups in anything you try. Go slow and easy, and take time out to meditate and clear your busy brain. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Your increased efforts at work could be misguided, causing confusion, perhaps even arguments, with the boss. Swallow your pride. A humble, flexible approach will work best in the long run, even if it’s uncomfortable now. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Mars entering your sign makes you forceful - but to what end? You could experience some sexual magnetism, but you need to decide with whom to enjoy it. A quiet retreat is recommended now, but you don’t have to be all alone! GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): It seems you have so much to say, but your usually well-organized thoughts are a mad, impressionist jumble. Whenever you feel logic-impaired, explore the illogical. New artistic and/or musical experiences will offer great, original insights. CANCER (June 21- July 22): Recent adventures in sexual exploration can leave you wondering, _Is that all there is?_ Never! Erotic technique is not emotional connection. Your emotional desires may exceed real possibilities. Enjoying fantasies is fine - as long as you remember that’s all they are. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Recent changes in your partnership are running into confusion. You could let go of logic and old expectations and enjoy a sensual, poetic adventure. Just avoid anything involving legal obligations or entanglements. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Be especially careful of your health. Moderate your exercise, and guard against anything that’s going around while you are so susceptible. If you’re working too hard, stop, think, focus on the goal, and rethink your approach. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Kick up your heels and dance! Physical activity will open creative channels, but you’re a little spacey for sporting events. Dancing, tai chi, swimming, and meditative jogs are good. Still, be careful. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Resist the urge to stay at home, for whatever "good reasons." Get involved in something to help your neighborhood or community. You have a lot more to offer, and to gain, than you realize! 28 the STAR SPIR~T OF CHRIST JOPLIN, MO FREE NIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS Testing appointment 417-529-8480. 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 SATURDAY Service 9:30AM Your Invited to o~ Community Dinner Every Wed. 6pm just $4.00. No one l’S turned away. www.ozarksstar.com Arkansas, E~entonvillelRogers (479) NWA GLBT Ctr .... ~rww.nwaglbtcc.org.........888-391-9222 Barnes & Noble Bks - - 261 N. 46th St., Rogers....479-636-2002 Arkansas, Eureka Springs (479) Diversity Pride Events .............. www.diversitypride.com A Byrd’s Eye View..... 36 N. Main 479-253-0200 Caribe Restaurante.... 309 WVanBuren....... 479-253-8102 Henri’s ....... 19 1/2 Spring St-- -479-253-5795 Lumberyard Bar&Grill--- 105 E VanBuren....... 479-253-0400 MCC Living Spring - 17 Elk Street- Service 6PM- - -479-253-9337 Swiss Holiday Resort- Hwy 62 at Hwy 23 So.- .... 888-582-8464 Spexton........ 17B Spring Street .......... 479-981-6060 Tiki Torch........ 75 S. Main Street. - -479-253-2305 Tradewinds Lodge - 141 W. VanBuren. 800-242-1615 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Common Ground Restaurant- - - 412 W. Dixon - - - 479-442-3515 Condom Sense 418 W. Dickson...... -479-444-6228 Curry’s Video - - - 612 N. College Ave- - -479-521-0009 Flames Bar--- 40 E. Center- ............... 479-251-1922 Passages ......930 N. College Ave- -479-442-5845 Tangerine Club - -2! N. Block Ave-- - 479-587-9512 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads.......1004 1/2 Garrison Ave........ 479-783-9988 Klub XLR8 ......1022 Dodson Ave- - 479-782-9578 Red Rock City - - - 917 N. "A" St. 479-242-2489 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Jesters Lounge .... 1010 E. Grand Ave ........501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street ....1021 Jessie Rd. Diamond State Rodeo Assoc. Discovery..... 1021 Jessie Rd Sidetracks--- 415 Main St--North L.R.~ The Factory ...... 412 Louisiana St.- Club U.B.U. - ..... 824 W Capitol Ave- 501-6642744 www.dsra.org .501-666-6900 501-244-0444 501-372-3070 50t-375-8580 Kansas, Junction City (785) Xcalibur Club...... 384 GrantAve. 785-762-2050 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- -620-231-0938 River of Life Church.- - 1709 N. Walnut- -Service 11AM Kansas, Wichita (316) Our Fantasy/South40..... 3201 S. Hillside......316-682-5494 Priscilla’s..... 6143 W Kellogg Dr............316-942-1244 Club Glacier- 2828 E. 31st South......316-612-9331 Missouri, Ava (417) Catus Canyon Campgrou nd ................. 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (4t7) MCC Spirit of Christ- - -2902 E 20th, - ......Sat Service-9:30AM Joplin Gay/Lesbian Cntr- PO Box 4383, zip 64803--417-622-7821 Missouri, Kansas City (816) 40th Street Inn....www.40thstreetinn.com.......816-561-7575 Concourse Park B&B - - 300 Benton BIvd 816-231-1196 Hydes KC Gym & Guest Hs - www.hydeskc.com - - 816-561-1010 Missie B’s....805 W. 39th St- Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge..... 424 Boonville Ave- GLO Comm. Ctr- - -518 E. Commerical. JR’s Nightclub.... 504 E. Commerical Martha’s Vineyard- - - 219 W Olive Ronisuz Place....821 College- --816-561-0625 417-831-4700 417-869-3978 417-831-9001 417-864-4572 417-864-0036 Oklahoma, Enid (580) Hastings Books....104 Sunset- 580-242-6838 Priscilla’s.........4810-A West Garriott....... 580-233-5511 Oklahoma, Lawton (580) Ingrids Bookstore..... 1124 NW Cache Rd......580-353-1488 Oklahoma, McAlester (918) McPride- - - POBox 1515, - .... McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) American Crossroads B&B - POBox 270642...... 405-495-1111 Blue Dog Liquor- ..... -4015 N. Penn - 405-606-7000 Boom Room....... 2807 NW 36th St- -405-601-7200 Border’s Books...... 3209 NW Expressway..... 405-848-2667 CD Warehouse...... 4001 N. Penn 405-525-7766 Club Rox.......3535 NW 39th Expwy.........405-947-2351 Christie’s Toy Box.....3126 N. May Ave ....... 405-946-4438 Church of Open Arms......3131 N. Penn...... 405-525-9555 Copa.............2200 NW 39th Exp....... -405-525-0730 Eastern Ave Video- - -1105 S Eastern Ave........405-6726459 Finishline ....... 2200 NW 39th Expwy........405-525-0730 Gushers Restaurant- ....2200 NW 39Exp ...... 405-525-0730 Habana Inn ........2200 NW 39th Exp....... 405-528-2221 Herland Sisters Resources.... 2312 NW 39th St--405-521-9696 Hollywood Hotel.... 3535 NW 39th Exp 405-947-2351 Hi-Lo Club ....... 1221 NW 50th 405-843-1722 Jungle Reds .......2200 NW Expwy- 405-524-5733 Ledo.............2200 NW Expwy- 405-525-0730 Naughty But Nice .... 3121 SW 29th St ........405-681-5044 Partners- 2805 NW 36th St - -405-942-2199 Pec’s 3535 NW 39th Expw ....... -405-947-2351 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. MayAve ......... 405-917-1663 Topanga Grill & Bar- - - 3535 NW 39th. -405-947-2351 Tramps- 2201 NW 39th 405-521-9888 Ziggy’s- 4005 N. Penn- -405-521-9999 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge....7204 E. Pine -918-836-8700 Border’s Book Store- - - 2740 E. 21st- 918-712-9955 Border’s Book Store - ~ - 8015 S. Yale 918-494-2665 Circle Cinema...... 10 S. Lewis....918-592-3456 Club 209 209 N. Boulder ............ 918-584-9944 Club Majestic....... 124 N. Boston Club Maverick..... 822 S. Sheridan Cosmo Deli & Bar - - 6746 S. Memorial Dreamland Bks .... 8807 E. Admiral Pt Equality Center ..... 621 E. 4th Street........ Hideaway Lounge..... 11730 E. 11th HOPE Clinic....... 3540 E. 31st Midtown 3!9 E. 3rd- 918-584-9494 -918-835-3301 -918-459-0497 .918-834-1051 -918-743-4297 918-437-0449 ---918-749-8378 918-584-3112 Openarms Youth Projt - - - 2015 S. Lakewood.....918-838-7104 Our House, Too ....203 N Nogales Ave.........918-585-9552 Priscilla’s -7925 E. 41st -918-627-4884 Priscilla’s 5634 W. Skelly 918-446-6336 Priscilla’s 11344 E. 11th -918-438-4224 Priscilla’s 2333 E. 71 st- -918-499-1661 Renegades........ 1649 S. Main - - 918-585-3405 Rob’s Records- - -2909 S. Sheridan Rd......... 9!8-627-1505 Sappho’s......... 6373-C E 31st St- 918-836-0299 Tulsa CARES.... 3507 E. Admiral PI- 918-834-4194 Tulsa Central Library ...... 400 Civic Center.... 918-596-7977 Tulsa Eagle.....1338 E. 3rd ................918-592-1188 TNT’s 2114 S. Memorial- 918-660-0856 Yellow-Brick-Rd....... 2630 E. 15th 918-293-0304 bitter girl email: bittergirl@qsyndicate.com www.joanhilty,net 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com NW’_Arkansas GLBT Community Center "Linking Togeti~er as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 WWW.NWAGLBTCC.ORG www,ozarksstar.com the STAR 31 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2007] The Star Magazine, April 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 4 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 01, 2007 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd; Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele Jeanne Flanigan Dougls Glenn Michael Dee Paul Wortman James Nimmo Victor Gorin Greg Gatewood Kibby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Devre Jackson Chaz Ward 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 Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern 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, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 3 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/209 The Star Magazine, April 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/210 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/202 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/e630b22f0547c185dc6217b0f9f80c72.jpg 78a2addce6b305037752c6c1175f8681 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/3d425fe4b36394781ccc0dc0f72c783a.pdf 8d2ecd86c3fdc71351621ce90983b66a 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 Exclusive Interview with Ron Marlett Democratic Candidate for State Rep. Dist. 84 against Sally Kern. See Page-3 WWW.METROSTARNEWS.COM "WE DELIVER DIVERSITY" SEPTEMBER 1, 2008 GLBTQYou h Center Struck by TULSA, OK (PR) __ In the early morning hours ofAugust 12th, Openarms "ibuth Project ~vas yet again su’uck by vandals. An unidentified individual broke into the facility by prying the fence loose from its post and kicking down a secondary gate to enter the patio area ofthe youth center. Upon entry, they overturned trash cans on the patio and threw a large rock through the window ofthe double doors used to access the patio. The invasion immediately triggered the alarm system and the vandals fled the scene. This is the most recent of four acts ofproperty damage directed at Openarms Youth Project, the only center in the Tulsa area serving the GLBTQyouth ages 14-21. GLBTQ youth are particularly vulnerable to harassment and depression. By providing a safe environment to be themselves, Openarms believes it allows the youth an opportunity to grow and mature into the young adults they are meant to be, without the fear o£jndgm~, ~p~narms Youth Project is governed by the y0uth it serves for progtamming as well as an adult Board of Directors and financial mana which they will not accomplish] ] mofi~ away from th~ pro~anS vulnerable population. This latest act ofdefiance will literally[ take food from their mouths as the Thursday night dinner is one ofthe largest group gatherings at the youth center. Each Thursday as many as fifty youths arrive for a warm meal and social time together. This meal, fimded by community supporters, costs Openarms over $100.00 per week and is a program the youth and adult board are dedicated to continuing weekly. q-he Board ofDirectors and volunteers are determined to raise the money needed to install an updated security system which the police say is the only way they can address the situation. This system will place cameras around the perimeter ofthe building that will begin recording when triggered by movement. This updated system will allow Openarms to provide authorities with photographs of the perpetrators should they return. This system will cost approximately $4,000 and the money must be raised in addition to Openarms regular operating budget to prevent the downsizing ofprogramming at the center. You may visit their website at www.openarmsproject.org or phone 918-838-7104 for additional information. Openarms Youth Project is a fully qualified 501c3 non-profit corporation. 2008 STATE FAIR TULSA, OK You know fall is near when you can smell the aromas and take in the sounds of Oklahoma’s two great state fair’s. Now bigger and better both the Oklahoma State Fair in Oklahoma City and the Tulsa State Fair will lure you in with new entertainment, mountains of corn dogs, indian tacos and rivers of cold beer. The 2008 Oklahoma State Fair® LIVE! tickets went on sale July 12. Gate admission tickets are free for children 5 and undeh $5 for children (ages 6-11), $8 for adults (12 and older), q-his year’s fair opens ~lursday, September 11 and runs through Sunday, September 21 at State Fair Park, Oklahoma City. .......................Continued see STATE FAIR Page-12 OKLAHOMA MUST HAVE GLBT INCLUSION IN HATE CRIMES LAW By Chaz Ward Oklahoma’s hate-crimes law makes it a crime to "intimidate or harass another person because ofthe person’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin or disability" and adds punishment beyond what would be imposed for the underlying crime, such ,as assault or vandalism. Oklahoma is one of 17 states whose hate-crimes laws don’t include protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people who are targeted because of their sexual orientation or identity. The 2006 FBI Hate Crime Statistics show an 18% increase in hate crimes against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. GLBT people now make up 16% ofhate crimes in the United States. "Ilae National Coalition ofAnti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) reports a recent rash ofat least 13 brutal and violent hate crimes that have occurred throughout the country on the heels ofthe murder of 15 year-old Lawrence King in Los Angeles and the brutal beating ofDuannaJohnson, both in February of2008. NCAVP reports that these hate crimes may indicate a frightening trend ofincreases in both the n~ber ~nd SeV~r-iW of anti-LGBT Violence: ReC~tly at the home ofRobert S~6der and hisp~erin east Tulsa near 21St and Garnett, was spray-paintedwith m~ssages "I’ll be back" and "Gay lviust G6". There Were damages 0n two different occasions including a car that was parked in the driveway that~~pray-painted and burned. We must not forget the Oklahoma City, October 26, 2007 brutal murder of Steve Domer (Photo) who was killed because he was ~. Tortured and murdered by Darrell Madden a member of the United Aryan Brotherhood, a white supremacist group. It was speculated that Mr. Domer’s murder may have been a gang rite of passage. The murder garnered national attention, somewhat reminiscent of the murder of Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming in 1998. Darrell Madden could not be charged with a hate crime because Federal and Oklahoma hate crimes laws do not cover sexual orientation. In the 2008 Oklahoma legislative session, five bills were introduced pertaining to hate crime laws but all of them failed. The voice ofthe GLBT community has not been heard at the State Capitol. Activists, advocacy groups and some legislators have failed to get the attention of those elected officials who believe sexual orientation inclusion in our hate crimes law is not needed. We have to consistently voice our outrage to those who remain an obstacle in our fight for equality. ...............Continued See HATE CRIMES Page-4 2 Met~oS~’AR September 2008 Fascism Can Not Be Tolerated Oklahoma An Interview With Ron Marlett by Victor Gorh-~ PSAL~¥h "Let the wordsj~om my mouth and the meditations ofmy heart be a blessing to God’~ "It ~ a shame thatpoliticians can’tpractice what this Psalm says. 3d.y opponent has a history ofusing character assawsination, whisper campaigns, and misinfo~vnation. I refi,se to use those tactics, but rather want tofollow that Psalm’; Ron 3~[arlett. Born in Binger, Oklahoma, Ron Marlett was raised in Union City until he graduated from Union City High School in 1967. He went on to get his degree in social work and began working for Oklahomas Department of Human Services, later becoming a licensed clinical social worker. He met his wife Liz in 1974 While attending OU, and they wi]] proudly celebrate their 25th Anniversary this year. Photo: Ron d~Lm’lett Democrafc Candidatefor State Rep. Dist. 84 against SalO, Kern. Currently employed with Community Pathways Unlimited, he counsels the elderly and disabled in nursing homes across the state. Today he faces the trials and tribulations that come with running for office, ~d does so ~vith pride and optimism. VICTOR: This is sure to be a formidable race. Xgrhat inspired you to run against Sally Kern? RON MARLETT: I have always been suspi- I received a contribution from a gay man living in Latvia, and he said that in today’s society no candidate would ever openly attack blacks using the n word, or refer to women or other ethnic groups in a similar way. Yet gays are considered fair game, and with some people this tactic can get you votes. This is wrong and has to be challenged. VICTOR: What you do think is the purpose ofthis scapegoating ? RON MARLETT: To serve as a distraction from the degradation of freedom and equality, and economic hardship. cious ofextremism on the left or the right, as VICTOR: Other than your support for GLBT both can rob us 0f0ur fre~d6nls~ Over the years equality, do you differ fromMrs. Kern in other ................... ar*e~? .... I read a wonderfiil book called "American Fascists" by Chris Hedges. I was reading that when Sally’s youtube conunents came out. W’hen I heard the comments she made it dawned on me that she had taken positions also taken by fascists. Xhe minute I heard it I decided, ’Tin got to run. This cannot go unchallenged." VICTOR: How did your family feel about that ? RONMARLETT: Without seems to have a fundamental misunderstandhag ofthe Constitution, and the separation Of Church and State. For a legislator to come out and declare themselves a "warrior forJudeo Christianprinciples" is a clear threat to that. The job ofgovernment is to protect the rights ofall religions, to see to it that minorities~ren’t persecuted. RON MARLETT: At first they were shocked, they are now su portive¯ I don t think anyone who runs for o~ce for the first time has any sense ofwhat demands it ~vill make on your life. AA McA~-ey (State Representative District 88) told me it would the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. VICTOR: Are you convinced now that he’s right? RON MARLETT: I’m convinced yes. I also think families offirst time candidates have no idea ofwhat is involved, what sacrifices have to be made. VICTOR: Do you still think it is worth it? RON MARLETT: I have no doubt whatsoever. It is worth it because if this extremism is not stood up to and challenged America is going m slip further and further towards a fascisQtyl-e dictatorship. Naomi ~31fe, in her book The End ofAmerica;’ lists ten steps that have to be taken to move from democracy to dictatorship, and the Bush administration has accomplished at least hdfofthose. As in Nazi Germany anytime a group is a scapegoat, marginalized, persecutedandin the worst Cme exterminated, they move on to another scapegoat. VICTOR: And on economic issues ? RON MARLETT: I drastically disagree with her in that area as well. She is so tied into the "trickle dmvn" theory ofeconomics. She has no goal, no dreaan or vision for anything to create opportunities for working people to achieve their dreams. VICTOR: I remember when she opposed raising minimum wage when it was $5.15 an hour, claiming that those on minimum wa e needed to better budget their money, g RON MARLETT: V/ell I would challenge her to forfeit all ofher salary in excess ofwhat she would earn .on minimum wage and then get back with us and let us know how well it works. I see people worldng minimum wage jobs that have to Work mor~ than one job]She is woefully out oftouch with these issues~ She further demonstrated that when she voted to remove the sales tax from gold and precious metals while retaining it on groceries. VICTOR: You also grew up in a union household. Can you tell us about that ? .............Continued see MARLETT Page-4 ww~v.metrostarnews.com NetroSTAR 3 RON MARLETT: My father worked as a lineman for Caddo Electric Coop near Binger Oklahoma. He climbed utility poles, working in close contact with 7200 volt wires, sometimes during thunderstorms and made about $1.65 an hour. No matter how well we tried to budget, my family scraped by month by month. When that coop was’successfully unionized by their employees, wages went up, 0aad we began to live more comfortably and were able to attain the American dream, which would not have happened otherwise. Despite what opponents claimed, the Coop continued to operate and rates did not dramatically increase. I feel that organized labor today could play a major part in making the lives ofworking people better. VICTOR: So despite the promises made, do you feel that Oklahoma benefited when Right to Work ~vas passed in 2001 ? Governor Keating claimed we’d get a $75 a week raise. RON MARLETT: They also promised massive manufacturing jobs I have yet to see. I have seen companies leave our state including GM, Delta Faucet and Bridgestone Tires. Clearly, Right to ~Zork was wrong. VICTOR: You are a strong supporter ofpublic education. Howdo you differ from your opponent in that area? RON MARLETT: I’m certain Ms. Kern would like to bring public education to a screeching halt. I understand that she was once a teacher h-~ Oklahonaa City, but she has betrayed her fellow teachers by accusing them of attempting to seduce young children into the homosexual lifestyle, and she has likewise accused librarians. She would support providing vouchers to send their ch~ldre~ to l~rivate religious schools. As for myself, you couldn’t find a stronger supporter ofpublic education. No system is perfect, all systems can improve, however this system has worked well. I am a product of public education. VICTOR: How about the enviromnent ? RON MARLETT: I believe we have a moral responsibility to care for the earth and the environment. Long term use offossil fuels will .harm us more than help us. I would support tax credits for home insulation, hybrio cars, or energy efficient major appliances. I would favor rewarding positive changes. VICTOR: Getting back to your campaign, o oMCC United ~~~ A Metropolitan Community Church Sunday Services @ 11:00 AM 1623 N. Maplewood Tulsa, OK 91.8-838-171.5 www.mcctulsa.org it has garnered national and international attention. Also it represents no.t iust a state house race, but two vasdy different icteologies. RON MARLETT: I may get more e-mails than other candidates, and I doubt ifany other candidate has gotten a contribution from Latvia. But even with this higher profile, you face the same pressures and do the same things, you go tO fund-raisers, you meet people, and knock doors. VICTOR: How has the door knocking gone so far ? RON MARLETT: With door knocking Independent and Democratic households, I’ve only had 2 people state that they would vote for nay opponent. The Democrats are in a slight majority in nay district, and my response from Independents has been extremely encouraging. I have had Republicans assure me they would vote t’or me, and there are even 2 Republican voters displaying my yard signs. I am also encouraged by the number ofyoung voters and/or ne~v voters. On August 30 there will be a Voter Registration Drive & Concert at Elderline Park in Bethany. We hope to see oflot ofhopeful voters there. VICTOR: Sally Kern was unopposed in 2006, and in 2004 was elected by a wide mar~in over a Democratic opponent. Do you mink there have be~n changes in the district and in America that wil! help influence voters to elect you? RON MARLETT: I think things have changed, including a great increase in presidential power that concerns both conservatives and liberals. I think things have gotten worse for all Americans, economically and politicall~; mad it can’t be allowed tO continue. _~ definition of insanity is tocontinue to do what didn’t work in the first place, and to expect a different result. W’e need different ways ofmaking things work. I think the biggest difference between me and nay opponent is that I ~vill fight for everyone’s ffeedora. She has already made it clear in her own words that not all religions or lifestyles are equal. IfI am elected to represent District 84, Ihope this will send a message not only to our state but also to our nation that the pendulum needs to swing the other way, and that our freedorns and equality are important. This could also show candidates that you can proudly take this stand and win. I appeal to the GLBT community and all progressives who want a better Oklahoma, I need money and volunteers. VICTOR: Well I hope you get them, and ~ve wish you all the luck in the world, because there is a lot at stake here. Thanks for running. NOTE: To contact Ron 3darleit see back cover advertiseraent. Local Artist Gives Back By Judy Gabbard Photo: Dennis Olson Dennis Olson a medal winning gymnast and sociology major has made his mark among artists and writers. Dennis attended San Jose State University on a gymnastic scholarship and received a degree from UCLA in Sociology. He has proved his talent without formal training in the arts. A Native American residing in Oklahoma City he has gained international attention through his art shows in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Indianapolis and Germany. Dennis donates proceeds from sales ofhis art and poetry back to the community and to advocacy organizations. Tulsa’s Equality Center is among the many recipients. Dennis has used his talent to improve relationships with our con~nunity by building bridges 3f tini{y: Hi~ talents in sociology and gymnastics has gained Olson respect around the world but he has not stop there. He plans to continue to use art and writing in his pursuit of diversity and equality. Oklahomans for Equality Executive Director, Freddie Owens and his organization believe that the law needs to be revised to include GLBT people and to increase the punishment by changing a first-time offense from a misdemeanor to a felony. "Passing legislation to have a hate-crimes law to inclt[de ~exual orientation is something that the organization has been working on for years," Owens said. "We are really going to beef up our advocacy efforts at thest~ite and local level. We are positioning ourselves to be the premier organization in the state of Oklahoma that deals specifically with these issues." It is our right and obligation to speak out. The tirades of people such as Sally Kern and Brent Rinehart only fuel hatred toward the GLBT community. \Vho will be next? You, a family member, or your next door neighbor? We are all vulnerable and potential targets t’or these hateful acts. At the recent OkEq public forum on hate crimes, Robert Stotle~ the East Ttdsan who was vandalized said. "We are not asking for special privileges, but equality." 4 September 2008 From ~0.95 AskAbo~ Our Suites Californiarulingchanged more than marriage law Shannon Minter, legal director ofthe National Center for Lesbian Rights and lead lawy~’for the successfidgay side in the Calij$rnia same-sex marriage case Photo by Rex l~Vockner The California Supreme Court’s May ruling legalizing same-sex marriage did much more than that. says Shannon Minter. legal director ofthe National Center for Lesbian Rights and lead lawyer for the successful gay side in the California nlarriage case. In an Aug. 2 interview with Los Angdes journalist Karen Ocamb, Minter said: "The fun&- mental-right-to-marry part ofthe holding was extremely significant, but the court’s holding that sexual orientation is a suspect classification was shinning-- completely unprecedented. I think it will forever change the legal landscape for LGBT people in the country; it’s going to have a huge impact on courts in other states and, ultimately, on the federal courts. We are now living in a different legal world because of what the court did2 The court’s determination rneans that any discrimination based on sexual orientation is constitutionally subject to the strictest level ofscrutiW by California courts, which makes it dramatically harder for aW level ofgovernment to defend itsdfin aW arena where gays, lesbians and bisexuals are not treated the same as heterosexuals. A government now has to prow it has a specific "compelling interest" -- rather than a mere "rational basis" -- when it treats GLB people differently in any way. hi another interview; with the Palm Springs gay" magazine The BottomLine on Aug. 1, Minter said that ifthe California ballot measure to amend the state constitution to re-ban saanesex marriage fails in November, it will be a "crushing defeat" for gays’ opponents. "Ifwe defeat this proposition, as I bdieve we will, that victory will resonate across the country," he said. "Not only will marriage in California be secure, but we will have demonstrated Wockner wire service that efforts to politically exploit anti:gay bias no longer work. xare have a chance here in California to deal a crushing defeat to the anti-gay forces that have caused incalculable damage to our community for years. This is our opportunity to make a difference that will go down in history books as a critical turning point." Ellen, Portia get married Minter also talked with Nle BottomLine about his 1996 sex-change operation. "I have been struck by how much more immediate ’unearned’ credibility and respect I get as a completely average-looking man than I did as a visibly masculine-appearing woman," Minter said. "The difference is stark -- whether it is service in a restaurant or on a plane, or appearingm court. Gay man likely to be elected to Congress Jared Polis ofColorado is considered a shoo-in to become the sixth openly gayperson elected to the U.S. Congress, and thefirst open,gay man elected to Congress as a nonincumbent. Campaign photo An openly gay man won the Democratic primary in Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District Aug. 12 and is considered a shoo-in to win the general election in November. Ifhe does, Jared Polis, 33, will become the first openly gay man elected to Congress who was out when elected for the first time. U.S. Rep. Tammy Bal&vin, D-Wis., holds the female distinction in that regard. "At the Millennium March on Washington in 2000, Congressxvoman Tanamy Baldwin told hundreds ofthousands ofLGBT people gathered on the National Mall, ’Ifyou dream ofa world in which there are more openly gay elected officials, then rtm for office ... and you will live in such ~ world,’" said Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund President Chuck Wolfe. "I thought ofthat quote dlis evening when I learned that Rep. Baldwin and Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) will be joined by another openly gay colleague in the United States House of Representatives." Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, 50, and actress Portia de Rossi, 35, got married Aug. 16 at their home in Beverly Hills. They are the biggest names to tie the knot since the California Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage took effect onJune 16. Reports said 19 people attended the ceremony, including both women’s mothers. De Rossi’s mother came from Australia for the wedding. DeGeneres wore white pants and a white vest. De Rossi wore a big pink dress. DeGeneres had announced their engagement on her TV show the day after die Supreme Court’s May 15 ruling. "Yesterday, ifyou haven’t heard, the California Supreme Court overturned a ban on gay marnage;’ she said. "So I would like to say right now for die first time, I am annou~acing I aan getting married.... I’m so excited. If I’m this emotional now just saying it, I can’t imagine how that’s gonna be, but it’s something dlat I’ve, ofcourse, vce’ve ~vanted to do, and we want it to be legal and we’re just very, very excited:’ In a September 2005 interview with The Advocate, de Rossi said: "I ran into Ellen (again) at a photo shoot about a year ago and she took my breath away. That had never happened to me in my life, where I saw somebody and (experienced) all of those things you hear about in songs and read about in poetry. My knees were weak. It was amazing. And it ~vas very hard for me to get her out ofmy mind after that. And then when I saw her again that night (at the VH1 awards show) we started talking and that’s that. W-e just were kind ofsupposed to be together. ~lat’s my side ofthe story. I really, really hated all the pain I put (then girlfriend) Francesca (Gregorini) through, and I really didn’t want to hurt her. But I just couldn’t ignore the feelings I had for Ellen: ...........Continued see POLIS Page-7 Directory ofLocal Animal Shelters Tulsa Shelter 918-669-6299 Broken Arrow 918-259-8311 OKC 405 297 3104 Muskogee 918 686 7297 Stillwater 405 372 0334 Coweta 918-486 2137 Siloam Springs 479 524 6535 Claremore 918 341 1260 Sand Springs 918 246 2543 Jenks 918 299 6311 Owasso 918-272-4965 Sapulpa 918 227 2722 Norman 405 321 6725 Collinsville 918 371 1000 Courtesy ofwww.labrescue.net (3 NetroSTAR September 2008 Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau annonces "Win a Trip to Dallas" sweepstakes winner DALLAS, TX (PRAug. 5th) __ The Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau (DCVB) announced today the winner ofits "Win a Trip to Dallas" sweepstakes. Yvette Roper ofJamaica , NYwas selected to receive a vacation package to Dallas. The promotion is part ofa new integrated marketing communications campaign that targets the lesbian, ga~; bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. The campaign launched in April at a Dallas press tour that included members of the domestic and international gay press. Ms. Roper will receive two roundtrip American Airlines tickets to Dallas and a two-day, threenight stay at the Crmvne Plaza Hotel Dallas Market Center. In addition, Roper xviLl receive two tickets to attend Gay Day at Six Flags Over Texas, compliments ofthe Dallas Voice. A gift basket will await the winner at the hotel, complete with goodies to make their Dallas visit memorable. Ms. Roper and a guest will travel to Dallas in September and experience Dallas Pride fi~sthand. 2-he city celebrates 25 years ofPtide wheu the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade marches through the Oak Lawn neighborhood on September 21, 2008. "TMs promotion is part ofour ’Try Dallas on for Size’ campaign;’ said Phillip Jones, president & CEO ofthe DCVB." Dallas is a diverse and vibrant city, with more than $12 billion in development that adds additional dining, shopping, cultural and entertainment options every year. September weather is perfect for ,vatching one of the largest pride parades in the nation, with participants that include city officials, community leaders and thousands of supporters. We look forward to showcasing our city’s ’Live Large. Think Big’ way oflife." For more information on Dallas Pride, or to discover more about how Dallas reaches out to the LGBT community, visit wv~wc.glbtdallas. com. Dallas is a destination that inspires big ideas and promises many memorable experiences. This richly diverse city is home to some of the best shopping and dining in America ; one Of the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender populations; and outstanding performing and visual arts in the largest contiguous urban arts district in the nation. Dallas is an authentic, sophisticated and distinctive gatewa): For additional LGBT visitor information, please visit ~z~v.glbtdallas.com. US Border Agency Says It Can Seize Laptops Agam Shah, IDG News Service Travelers beware: U.S. agents now have the authority to seize and retain laptops indefinitely, according to a new policy detailed in documents issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. As part of border search policy, government agents are now authorized to seize electronic devices and inspect documents in them, the document states. The electronic devices might include laptops, cell phones, portable music players or storage devices such as portable hard drives. Agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection will also be allowed to translate and share documents with other government agencies. The DHS document, issued July 16, appears to state publicly a policy that has already existed. Laptops and electronic devices have been subject to search in the past, and travelers have reported not getting their devices back. The policy has drawn strong criticism from lawmakers and nonprofit groups, who charged that the searches were invasive and a violation ofan individual’s privacy rights. Computers contain a vast amount ofprivate information about family, finances and health, which could be easily copied and stored in government databases, the Hectronic Frontier Foundation has complained. ~e policy document states that being able to examine documents and electronic devices is. crucial for "detecting information concerning terrorism, narcotics smuggling.., contraband including child pornography, and.., other import or export control laws." The new DHS policies allow customs agents to analyze the contents oflaptops without any suspicion of~vrongdoing, U.S. Senator Russ Feingold said in a statement. "The policies that have been disclosed are truly alarming;’ Feingold wrote. The policy could blur the distinction between "search" and ’seizure; which could also allow DHS officials to steal personal documents from laptops it has retained, Feingold wrote. -he American Family Association called a boycott of McDonald’s The organization is upset that the fast-food giant has joined the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, given it mone); and put one of its executives on the group’s board. The AF,A says its nearly 3 million supporters dont want to sp,e,n~t money at establishments that actively promote the homosexual agenda, including homosexual marriage." Broad and historic inclusion ofLGBT issues in proposed Democratic National Platform Never before in our country’s history has there been a nationalpartypla~omn that is so indusive ofour entire community.... Is thepla~ormperfect? No.... Is it agoodfoundation ? Unequivocallyyes." -- Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund Phota: U..S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-~Vi3) WASHINGTON, DC (PR) __ National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund Executive Director Rea Carey spoke today at an audio press conference about the Democratic National Platform, which was hosted by the National Stonewall Democrats and featured U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), a member ofthe Platform Committee. Carey talked about the historic Significance ofthe proposed Democratic National Platform as it relates to issues impacting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)community. Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund "The vision put forth in the 2008 Democratic National Platform is historic in its embrace of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. Never before in our country’s history has there been a national party platform that is so inclusive ofour entire community. "It is a forward-looking platform in so many areas, including those relating to LGBT people. The Task Force Action Fund is certainly pleased to see that in the opening paragraph of the section tided ’A More Perfect Union,’ for the first time the platform explicitly calls for an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This demonstrates the success and unprecedented partnership between LGBT advocates and courageous public leaders, including Representative Baldwin, in educating the public and policymakers on the need for fully inclusive anti-discrimination protections. "The plank that includes a comprehensive Employment Non-Discrimination Act recognizes the LGBT community’s call ~br fully inclusive legislation, a critical element ifwe are to have legislation that protects all of us, equally. "Is the platform perfect? No. There is much more work to be done, especially to improve issues of family recognition. However, is it a good foundation? Unequivocally yes." Wolfe called Polis’ likely win in the heavily Democratic district an important gay milestone. "It sends an unmistakable signal that voters are willing to consider gay people as leaders at the highest level ofgovernment, and brings us closer to the kanerican ideal ofa truly representative government," he said. In his victory speech, Polis introduced his partner, made reference to being gay, and said, "I always wo}ried that would get in the way (of) giving back and contributing to our society:’ A millionaire who made his money in online ventures, Polis spent $5 million ofhis mvn funds in the primary campaign. If elected, he ~vill fill the seat ofRep. ~4ark Udall, who is running for the U.S. Senate. Polls would become the sixth openly gay person to serve in the House of Representatives, following in the footsteps ofBaldwin, Frank, and former Reps. Gerry Studds, D-Mass., who is deceased, Steve Gunderson, R-Wis., andJim Kolbe, R-Ariz. Frank, 68, is now the powerful chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. Frank told the Denver Post, "We are reaching that point where among Democratic voters sexual orientation ofa candidate is not a factory He also said that once he’s no longer the only gay male congressman, he won’t feel as much pressure to be a role model and plans to start smoking cigars in public again. "I can start indulging some bad habits;’ Frank told the Post. "Let the young gay people find someone else to emulate." Indonesian transgender woman wins U.S. asylum A 42-year-old transgender woman from Indonesia won asylum in the U.S. based on Indonesia’s treatment oftransgender people, the Jakarta Post reported Aug. 11, citing activist reports. Michelle Saras~vati, who was a man named Michael Setiabudi until 2006, had been in the U.S. since 1998, remaining in the country illegally when his work visa expired in 2001. As a gay man, he lost an asylum claim in 2005. Saraswati then reapplied for asylum as a transgender woman in 2006 and won her case at the San Francisco Immigration Court. The Post said Saraswati convinced the court that Indonesia lacks legal protections and employment opportunities for transgender people. www.metrostarnews.com NetroSTAR 7 ,~thith the heat of summer coming to a close, this season marks what many consider to be white wine’s last hurrah. Lots of people seem to want to drink more reds in the colder months so we’re listing some cool white wines that don’t live in the spotlight and iust happen to start with the letter V’ And this month, we are all about the ’V! Viognier [vee-oh-nay] For those who haven’t experienced Viognier, the first glass is quite a revelation. This wine xvill embody al! or some of the following: honeysuckle, citrus blossoms, lychee, ripe melon, freshly picked peaches or apricots and ripe pear. Winemaker Craig Williams, from Joseph Phelps Vineyards, says Viognier contains floral compounds called Terpens. They are also found in Muscat and Riesling. So, think of the most aromatic Muscat or Riesling you’ve ever encountered, then concentrate it and you have Viognier. The majority of French Viogniers are sold as Vin de Pays in the Languedoc. In the Pdaone wine region, the grape is often blended with Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache blanc. In the Northern Rhone the grape is sometimes blended with Chardonnay. Since the late !980s, plantings of Viognier in the United States and Canada have increased dramatically. The Rhone Rangers of the mid 1980s help spark the increased interest in Viognier in California and now Californigs Central Coast is the leading producer. Cline 2007 California Yulamba Y’ series 2007 Austrailia White Knight 2006 California Verdelho [vehr-DEH-lyoh] IVb&_DEIP,A’S most widely planted white-wine grape, Verdelho is classified as a noble or classic grape. On the Portuguese mainland, it is recommended in the DAO region’s ,vhite wines and in the production of white port. Some Portuguese l~mles call this Gouveto, Vouvrav The Godello ~rape~gr6wn in northwest Spain ~ is believed torte the ~ame variety as Verdelho. Wines from the to The grape has bee~ successful in the vineyards of styles from ofAustralia, parfieularly the Hunter Valley tages In region, Langhorne Creek and the Swan Valley. Australian versions of Verdelho are noted for their intense flavors with hints of lime honeysuckle. California is this varietal as well. St. Amant 2005 Mar~ Verdejo [ver-day-ho] This is a has long region about the 11 th Century. For winemakin on Verdejo. As a consequence, In white wines from the Rueda region were ognized by a Denominaci6n de Origen Wmeslabeled Rueda must contain 50 Y0 ,s Verdejo" must contain 85% Verdejo, and often 100% Verdejo. Verdejo wines are aromatic, often soft and full~bbdied. They can be somewhat reminiscent OfSauvignon blanc wines ftom a ~varm climate. Garci Grande 2006 Spain Marquis de Riscat 2007÷~Spain rather than chenin 3roduced in bulk vintners and post-teen party-goers Good Vouvray i, firm, and delicate, character. France Picard 2006 France ~o to your favorite wine and purchase a bottle or : food & wine with friends and for yourself D’ This writer also bar tends and hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts ofTulsa. Rqgrences indude: the ~4BC’s ofwine byJames Laubd wwua ~,VineSpectatomom www.FoodandFVine.com www.PVikipedia.orgwww.77:d’Vorldl~deWine.com This months recipe: Springfield, Ill DIRECTIONS MAKE THE SAUCE: Set up a double boiler or se~ a medium-sized stainless-steal bowl over a pot 0fsimmering water. Check to make sure the bottom ~Ho~v;eshoe Sandwich" Recipe for Horseshoe Sandwich 2 slices of’toast ( 1 slice oftoast is a Worcestershire ,vith Salt to taste. To avoid a stringy sauce, it is ponyshoe) topped with a slice ofham, important to constandy stir the Ch~ese and be hamburger, turkey or chicken. Cover in Cheese sauce a~d topped with s}tre tha.t the water is not boiling, but rather french ~ies. sunmenng. Cheese Sauce 3 ctws Shredded Cheddar Cheese (some people prefer white sharp cheddar) 1/2 cup Beer 2 e~yokes 2 tablespoons butter i re,pooh Vgorcestershire sauce salt & pepper to taste COOK THE MEAT: Whichever you choose, just cook in the usual way ASSEMBLE THE DISH: For each serving, place two slices ofthe toast on a large plate and top each with the meat. Pour the rarebit sauce over the meat and top the sauce with French fries. Serve immediately. 8 Net~°oST~kR September 2008 Wockner News Service Lesbos residents lose ’lesbian’ lawsuit Three residents of the Greek islaaad of Lesbos who filed suit to reclaim the word "lesbian" and stop the group Homosexua! and Lesbian Community of Greece (OLKE) from using it lost their case July 22. The plaintiffs claimed the alleged theft of "lesbian" from the island’s residents amounted to "psychological and moral rape." .An Athens court found the claim baseless mad ordered the trio to pay $363 in costs. Plaintiff Dimitris Lanabrou vmved to appeal the ruling. Gay women are believed to have adopted the word in memory of Sappho, a poet who lived on the island in the sixth century B.C. and ~vrote about love between women. Con}ugal visits blocked for Costa Rican gay inmates Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court ruled Aug. 10 that gay inmates have no right to conjugal visits. The ruling came in the case ofa former inmate who had been allowed such visits with a current inmate, only to see them halted later by prison officials, However, reports said another, similar case is still before the court, but ~vith different arguments. That case claims it is a violation ofim~qates’ right to sexual freedom to restrict conjugal visits to heterosexual couples. Panama legalizes gay sex Panamanian President Martin Torrijos Espino signed a decree July 29 repealing a 1949 law that criminalized sodomy trader penalty ofa $500 fine or jail time. The move followed protests by the gay group New Men and Women ofPanama and other human-rights defenders, local media said. The decree, issued by the Ministry of Health and also signed by Health Minister Rosario E. Turner, said the ban was at odds with the Panamanian Constitution and international htmaan-rights treaties Panan~a has signed. It also said the law conflictedwith the Health Ministry’s policy to "maintain respect for the sexual preferences ofeach person, without the existence ofany type ofdiscrimination" in the operation of its sexually transmitted diseases programs. According to Amnesty International, 11 nations in Central America, South America and the Caribbean continue to ban gay sex -- Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. All of the countries are former British colonies. Georgian gay leader discusses invasion Georgian gay activist Paata Sabelashvili, head of the Tbilisi-based GLBT group Inclusive Foundation, communicated with San Francisco blogger Michael Petrelis on Aug. 11. The country, a former Soviet republic, has been at war with Russia since being attacked Aug. 7. A ceasefire agreement was signed on Aug. 15, but some fighting has continued. "Let me thank you for expressing solidarity in this difficuk moment," Sabelashvili wrote. "Unfortunately, I have not been able to take good care ofthe NGO (nongovernmental organization) these days as I was helping out journalists who covered the events. I was with Danish TV2 journalists as close to capital of South Ossetia as 6 km today. Bombs have been dropped around us. We saw 3 jets and heard more, as well as the noise from more than 20 charges being released." "It is close to panic situation," Sabdashvili said. "I am now sitting in the office and try to get (hold of) family and friends. Mobile phones are down. I am not sure ~vhen will Internet go off. Russian troops are stationed 20 km west to capital Tbilisi and people are fleeing the city. I do not know what is on invaders’ mind but it is really bad xvhat is on in town. Only reason our Web site still works is that it is placed outside Georgia and does not have Georgiaff domain. "It is not so easy for me to make clear points. So, obviously, I need to stop writing and go back to why I came to office: to back up all our workfiles in case office is bombed. I thank you for thinking of us and I wish peace to all ofyou no matter where you are. By the way, we are out and publicly visible -- you can see that in our magazine as well." Xhe group’s Web site is inclusive-foundation. org. Estonia considers samesex partnersh’p 1aw Estonia’s Justice Ministry is drafting a same-sex partnership laxv, with plans that it come into ~0rce in 2009. The proposed statute is expected to cover such areas as inheritance, property rights and citizenship. Apoll by the nevcspaper Eesti P~ievalehelt sugests the measure willt~p~ass Parliament, as long as ~t doesn t include adopnon rights. President defends gay rights in draft Ecuadorean constitution President Rafael Correa has defended a new draft Ecuadorean constitution that grants same-sex couples the rights of marriage, E1 Teldgrafo reported Aug. 1. Photo: Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa. Photo: Presidencia de la Rep(~blica del Ecuador tion based on race, sex, sexual orientation, etc" The document faces a popular vote Sept. 28. Speaking in the city ofMonteverde, Correa said: "Jesus ofNazareth never preached hatred, homophobia or segregation; instead he kne~v to say, ’Love one another.’ "It is false that (the draft) is recognizing as family the union ofhomosexuals. What we are doing is recognizing the dignity ofall people without discrimina- "Let’s hope, now that there’s been so much talk about moral incompatibilities bet~veen the new constitution and the Gospel, sometimes utilizing falsehoods, that we also can talk with equal force about the profound incompatibility ofthe social situation -- of that inequality, of that existing social injustice -- with the Gospels," Correa said. A poll released Aug. 5 found that 47 percent ofcitizens plan to vote for the constitution and 31 percent plan to reject it. A "yes" vote ofmore than 50 percent is needed for the document to take effect. The poll questioned 1,160 citizens nationally and had an error margin of4 percent and a confidence level of95 percent. Hate crimes mar Europride in Stockholm A series ofhate crimes marred the 10-day Europride cdebration, held this year in Stocltholm from July 25 to Aug. 3. OnJuly 27, two men ~vho had just kissed were stabbed and robbed oftheir cell phones in the Tantolunden area by attackers who shouted anti-gay slurs. One of the victims was seriously injured. OnJuly 30, two men were assaulted outside a 7-Eleven store in the downtown area by attackers who shouted homophobic insults, q-hey suffered minor injuries. Police later arrested three alleged assailants, ages 17 to 20. Police classified both incidents as hate crinqes, said the Stockholm publication The Local. In addition, three Lutheran churches were vandalized because the Church of Sweden took part in Europride. The buildings and grounds were plastered with flyers condemning homosexuality and the pride events. Xhe flyers described the perpetrators as "orthodox Christians: On Aug. 2, about halfa million people turned out for the Europride parade, despite drenching rainfall. Ecuador draft constitution creates same-sex unions A new draft Ecuadorean constitution approved by a special assembly in July will grant same-sex couples the rights of marriage. The document faces a popular vote on Sept. 28. "Ihe hierarchy of the Ecuadorean Roman Catholic Church has denounced the draft because of the recognition ofgay unions and its apparent failure to ban abortion outright[ Gays arrested in Saudi Arabia Fifty-five young men were arrested at a gay dance party in Saihat, Saudi Arabia, July 28, local media reported. Col. Abdul Aziz Soleiman, spokesman for security forces in the Eastern Region, said the party took place on a farm and that two of the detainees were wearing women’s makeup and dancing for the other attendees. The Propagation ofVirtue and Prevention of Vice Unit took part in the raid, reports said. Saudi authorities have raided other gay parties in recent months, according to the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. w,~.metrostamews.com MetroSTAR 9 Pagan Pride exhibit at the De m% R. Neill Equality Center TULSA, OK (PR) Tile Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First q’hursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-9pm, Thursday, September 04, 2008, for the opening of it’s ne~v exhibit, Pagan Pride. Fly Over Trees q-his is the second year in a row the Equality Center has hosted the art show, consisting of Pagan/Heathen artists, in conjunction ~vith q~e Oldahoma Pagan/Heathen Alliance, Inc. (OPHA). This year’s Gallery show will be expanded to include even more art mediums. There will be watercolours, acrylics, oil on canvas, digital art, photography, day sculpture, custom glass, textile art, and more. OPHA has gathered together artists within the Pagan and Heathen comnaunities to showcase themes that have been given birth through the artist’s spirituality and reflection on die world. Autumn Dancers More information on the artists and the Pagan/Heathen Alliance can be found on the web at http://www.oklapha.org. The reception will be generously catered by donation by Brother’s Pizza. The exhibit will remain up dirough the month of September, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pro. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. Beloved Daughter This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s~r Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rightsfor Lesbian, Ga3~ Bis~al & ~’ansgender (LGBT) individuals andfamilies through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation ofthe Dennis R. Neill Equality Cente~ Tulsa, Ok 74119 @The Ledo, Oklahoma City @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @Angles, Oklahoma City @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Finishline, Oklahoma City w~v.metrostarnews.com t~÷t~°oSTAR 11 "Following on the heels of the very successfu! Centennial Celebration last year, we are looking forward, with great anticipation, to the second century of the Oklahoma State Fair," said Tim O’Toole, president and general manager of the Oklahoma State Fair. "This year’s event is shaping up to rival what we offered last year. We are planning a very large and LIVE! party for the people of Oklahoma." ~ae 2008 Oklahoma State Fair° LIVE! returns xvith four premier attractions: Disney’s High School Musical: q-he Ice Tour, Beauty & the Bulls, PRCA Rodeo Action and Extreme Monster Truck Nationals. LIVE opens with Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour School is cool again when Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour is in session. Starting Thursday, September 11, the 10-show ice production of High School Musical and High School Musical 2 featuring the songs and dance from both smash hit movies and a cast ofworld-class skaters will keep guests cheering for more. Tulsa State Fair begins September 25 and will run through October 5th. q-he 2007 run had an attendance of 987,057. Ticket Prices: Adults: $8.00 Seniors aged 62+: $4.00 Military Personnel: $4.00 with valid ID Children 6-12:$5.00 Children 5 and under: FREE! Advance Tickets went on sale August 1 lth, September 22nd at area QuikTrip, Reasors, and Homeland !ocations, as well as the Expo Square Ticket Ot~ce. $20 for a book of 4 gate achnission tickets. $10 for a book of 20 ride tickets. ~]ae Community Stage will host a variety of entertainment throughout the 11 day run, 33 artists in all. Paid events following the rodeo will include country artists Rodney Atldns, October 2, Pat Green October 3, and Gary Allen October 4. Disney Highschool Musical will run September 25-28. Country Star Cris Cagle Beer Garden shows will include a popular Oklahoma band, the Stars. Rockandcountryroll Hurricane Mason, SeXtion 8, Red Dirt Rangers, Jumpstart, Mojo Dogs, eleven groups in all will keep you entertained. Boyz II Men will perform on the Oklahoma Main Stage Sept 27, 8pm, Oak Ridge Boys Sept 28, Cris Cagle Sept 30th 8pro and eleven other popular stars. ROCK RED NORTH SEEKING NEWLOCATION By Victor Gorin Photo: Chuck Longacre, Outreacb Educato? ~t Red Rock North For over 5 years Red Rock North has served the GLBT community and those infected or affected by HIV at their current location at 2240 N.W. 39th Street, an area long kalown in OKC as the 39th Street Strip. HIV Outreach educators Chuck Longacre, Randy Shanahan and Mike Maus, along with director Connie Motleyprovide free HIV testing and counseling, which clients often need regardless oftheir test results. Recently they have begun a support group for those living with or affected by HIV on Tuesday nights at 5:30 p.m. In addition there is now a Supper Club on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays as well, providing those individuals with a non alcoholic socia[activity. Red Rock is a statewide nonprofit organization (50 lc3) headquartered in Oklahoma City at 4400 N. Lincoln, with facilities in Tulsa along with smaller communities including Chandler, Elk City and H Rent, which helpsprovide a much n~eded rural outreach. Co~l~ined with standard forms ofoutreach ( word ofmouth, advertising and networking with organizations), many clients are reached through the Internet, with counselors communicating in gay chatrooms answering questions and encouraging those at risk to be tested. This ne~v outreach has grown so that around 10% ofthose coming in have been reached by cyberspace. Clients are provided an oral test which is completed in around 20 minutes. The quick results can sometimes show a false positive result, so those testing positive receive an additional blood test to be conclusive. The tests are very important, not only to prevent transmission of HIV to others, but also so that those infected can begin treatment which often can enable them to stay healthy. According to recent CDC estimates, almost i out of4 ofwith HIV infected don’t know they are infected In addition to counseling, Red Rock provides free condoms, lubes, dental dams and other preventative items, as well as offering education. While offering the supplies and facts, counselors at Red Rock recognize emotional factors that come into play including the complexities ofrelationships, selfesteem issues, and homophobia. Since a year ago the proportion of their clients testing positive has doubled, showing a clear need for more a~vareness. As Chuck Longacre puts it, "You just have to tell them ~vhat the risks are and let them make their own decisions, to empower them with the facts to encourage safe sex practices.’ As ofpress time it isn’t certain where the ne~v location for Red Rock North will be, although hopefi~ y it could be nearby to best serve their current clientele. However, they are still in operation, and are still encouraging those at risk to be tested. They are also willing to speak to interested groups about testing and their other work in this area. For more information call 405 524 6500, then dial 200 for the operator. Neil Patrick Harris wants to represent ’normal’ gays W-ockner wire service Gay actor Neil Patrick Hare’is. GLAADphoto Openly gay actor Neil Patrick Harris from TV’S How I Met Yohr Mother tells Out magazine in its September issue that he wants to be a role model for normal gay people. "I’m striving to be an example of normalcy," Harris said. "Because I’m noticed as an actor, people are aware ofwhat’s happening in my life.... I’m a big proponent of monogamous relationships regardless of sexuality, and I’m proud of how the nation is steering toward that. ~aen you can look around and say, ’I really deeply feel like I’m in love with this person, there are people who feel the same thing, and those models are normal.’ The ’normal’ couples were sort of in the shadows for the past 15 or 20 years because you sort of needed other people to come forward and speak out." Out magazine’s 3day 2007coven In a more lighthearted moment, Harris told Out he thinks CNN anchorman Anderson Cooper is dreamy and is not a Candidate for outing. "He’s dreamy. Just dreamy," Harris said. ’Tve been a fan of his since season I ofThe Mole. I just thought he was so cool when he talked in this cool, low, secret-agent voice ~- ’If you can accomplish this task...’" Harris continued: "Listen, no one can tell anyone how big their steps should be or when they can take them. You can take issue with someone making overtly denying statements, and you can take issue with people straightup presenting themselves as someone that they’re not -- because I think that’s kind of shady and not very stand-up. But you can’t fault someone for going through the process at their own time." In May 2007, Out put two models on its cover holding pictures of Cooper and Jodie Foster in front of their faces above the words, "The Glass Closet: Why the Stars Won’t Come Out and Play." Cyndi Lauper: I had to come out as straight Pop singer Cyndi Lauper told The Times of London on Aug. 2 that she had to come out as straight. "My sister was gay, my best friends were gay, so I figured I had to be gay; she said. "So I did everything they did. I tried kissing girls. But it didn’t feel right for me and eventually I was forced to come out as a heterosexual." Lauper also launched a broadside against George W. Bush. "When I hear people like George Bush talk about the gay community being anti-American it makes my blood boil," she said. "The guy who saved the Vghite House, one of the heroes who crashed that plane on 9/11, was gay -- the rugby player Mark Bingham, who died on United 93. And does Bush ever mention that ? ... That gay guy saved his lousy ass:" "12 ~etroSTAR September 2008 ifest > enteAainm t Hadrian Gay Emperor By Arifa Akbar His attempt to fortify the Roman Empire is well lra~own. But an exhibition focuses on another side of the man The bust is classically Roman, the face imperious. But this is no ordinary emperor: As a major new exhibition at the British Musenm makes dear, Publius Aelius Traianus Hadrianus was not 0nly a peacemaker who pulled his soldiers out of modernday Iraq. He was also the ilrst leader of Rome to make it clear that he wa~ gay. Hadrian: EiTapire and Conflict will see the bust make pilgrimages to both ends of HadriaNs x~htl, the first time it has left: the British Museum since being found in the Thames 200 years ago. But it is the singular life-story of the gay emperor d~at is likely to capture the interest of most visitors. ~rer being made emperor AD117, he inherited a Roman Empire in its prime, which had thrived on a policy of endless expansion and conquest. His first move, within hours of coronation, was to withdraw his troops from Mesopotamia, now Iraq, and fortify the empire~ boundaries by building his eponymous wall in northern England and others in the Danube and the Rhine valleys, ushering in a ne~v era of peace. The reign that followed can be traced through 200 ancient treasures, many ofwhich have never been display in Britain. Several of the artefacts relate to his male consort, Andnous, who accompanied him on his travels around the empirel These items include a poem written on papyrus, featuring the two men hunting together, and new finds that include memorials to the dead lover at Hadrian’s villa in Tivoli. .Although it was not uncommon for his predecessors to have taken gay lovers alongside a female spouse, Hadrian was unique in making his love "official" in a xvay that no other emperor had before him. Are you going to California to get married? Send us your wedding announcement with photo’s. To: starnews@sbcglobal.net We will include you in the Metro Star wedding section. Your contact info must be included. ~.metrostamews.com ~÷troSTAR 13 by Donald Pile and Ray Williams SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS AND WAS PRESIDENT LINCOLN GAY? "~tbraham Lincoln PresidentialMuseum &Library" ¯ Springfield is the Capital of Illinois and also the resting place ofour 16th President. It is located 100 miles north ofSt. Louis on Interstate 55. q-he Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library opened in downtown Springfield three years ago to huge crowds every day. On weekends, tourists come from all over to visit and on weekdays schoo! children are bussed in so it is busy all the time. The Museum is in one building and the Library is directly across the street. Was our 16th President gay or bi? For some good information on that subject, we suggest you read THE INTIMATE WORLD OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN by C. A. Tripp. The renowned psychologist offers an entirely ne~v perspective on our most enigmatic president. It is the new "bombshell" 0fa book asking a startling question: W-as Lincoln gay? While downtown, visit Lincoln’s Springfield home as well as the old State House. Springfield is full ofhistory and among the many things to see are the Vachel Lindsay Home which is the 1879 birthplace ofthis native Springfield poet/artist. Also visit the Lincoln Depot where Lincoln departed his beloved Springfield for the Presidency, the Executive Governor’s Mansions, the Illinois State Capitol, the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office where Lincoln practiced law from 1842 to 1852 and the Dana-Thomas House which is one ofFrank Lloyd Wright’s finest prairie-style homes. One would think that this house was built in the 1950’S or 1960’S but it was actu~ly built between 1902 and !904. It has 15 rooms and is spread out over a halfblock area. Luckily the owner sold the property to a Publishing CompaW in the 1940’S with all the furniture intact and then in turn sold it to the State of Illinois in the 1980’S with the furniture still intact so this is the only Frank Lloyd Wright house with all furnishings intact. Even ifyou are not into the arts and crafts design movement, this is a must see tour. Other sites to visit are the Illinois Fire Museum, Illinoi~ State Museum, Illinois State Military Museum, Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation Museum and E&vards Place, which is a beautifully preserved Italianate mansion ~vhich was built in 1833 which is now part of the Springfield Art Association. Not tired ofwalkingyet? Then also visit the Air Combat Museum, the Lawrence Memorial Library, the World War Illinois Veterans Memorial, Daughters ofUnion Veterans ofthe Civil War Museum, Grand Army’ofthe Republic Memorial Museum and ofcourse no visit to Springfield would be complete without going to the Lincoln Tomb which is located in the Oak Ridge Cemetery just north ofdowntown. You can take a tour thru the mausoleum to visit the final resting place of President Lincoln and his wife. It will take you several days just to visit everything in Springfield so ifyou have just a couple ofdays, be sure and check out everything on line to make your major list ofplaces to visit. There are a lot of restaurants in the city. They are famous for their "horseshoe sandwiches2 which is bread, topped with french fries and your choice ofbeef, turkey or chicken and then a nice blended cheese sauce on top. Although it is called a sandwich you have to eat it with a fork. Be sure and try one ofthem while you are there. For nightlife, we always enjoy the Station House Bar at 306 East ~Fashington downtown. ~Ilae owner and bartenders are extremely friendly and make out oftowners always feel welcome. It is just the right size of a bar..., not huge yet not cramped. They have a side room the same size as the main room xvhen the crowd gets really big. They have a great rectangular bar in the center where it is easy to see and tall to everybody. They have been there for several years. Did we mention that everybody there is extremely friendly? Other gay bars seem to come and go in Springfield but the Station House is always there. They usually have quite a few events going on all the time. There is no smoking in aW bar or restaurant in the entire State of Illinois (the 19th State to have a no-smoking policy) so everybody is certainly glad about that! The MCC Church is located at 50! West Monroe and their website is ww~v.heartlandcommunitymcc. org. There are several other churches in the city that welcomes gays and lesbians. Springfield is a very progressive and liberal-minded community. So ~vhether you visit Springfield for a day, a couple of days or a week, you will find plenty of things to see and do. You can take great day trips within 60 miles to visit also. The cities ofBloomington, Peoria and Decatur offer a lot ofinteresting places to visit also. ~ae airport is just to the north of tmvn so ifyou’re flying in you can pick a rental auto right there. Shopping, sight-seeing, dining, nightlife, Springfield has it all and more. The historical things to see and do in Springfield are really mind boggling! Just the Lincoln factor alone makes it all worthwhile! Before going to Springfield be sure and check out a few websites including, www.visit-springfieldillinois. com and www.alplm.org/home. html for the Lincoln Museum. There are dozens ofmainstream motels and hotels in the greater Springfield area to stay. Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! "Lincoln Bronze Statue" Getting Information Before Traveling By Donald Pile and Ray Williams A lot oftimes when visiting a new city, state or an area that you are not familiar with, where can you find information about it ? \Veil, sur- Prisingly there are several great sources. Trave! books of course are the number one ideal thing to read. Just check out a few at the local library and do your research before traveling. ~rrite down all the information, addresses and phone numbers that you think you might need. If you want to tour museums, galleries, historical sights or whatever just be sure and find out when they are open and their hours. There is nothing worse than driving someplace only to see a closed sign. Reading travel columns in both gay as well as straight publications also gives a good insight on xvhat to see and do. The writers have actually been to those places and give a better perspective on what to see aaad do. Almost all travelers are interested in different things to do, be it sports, arts, fine dining, sight-seeing or whatever so each traveler really is a very spe,cial and unique person. Many gay travelers don t even hav-e a desire to go to a gay bar When traveling. They are just interested in doing so many other things. In our travels to major resort cities it seems as thou a lot ofgays just stay right in their resort and take advantage ofthe social activities that they offer there. You can also find great.ideas about a place by just "talking to people. On a flight not too longago a friend ofours happen to mention to the flight attendant that he was going to Atlanta and had never been there before2 ~e flight attendant was ex~emei~ friendly; told him that he flies there all the time and has to stay over a few days mad wrote down several restaurants, bars and museums for him to visit. Sometimes the person sitting next to you has some ideas on where to visit and dine. In restat,~,rants as well a,s, bars, ifyou just take the time to talk to people you will be surprised how much information you can get from the locals. Bartenders seem to always know where the locals go and where not to go, Ifyou are going someplace really different, like the Grand-Canyon, Ye-llowstone or places like that then head down to your local library and check out some videos on your destination. Most ofthese scenic places really offer so much to See that you need to narrow it down to just the best parts that you want to see. And of course the Internet is still one ofyour best tools to use before traveling. Almost every city, state, museums, galleries, historical attractions now have their own website so you can visit and obtain the vital information that you need to know about before traveling. Many times you can purchase tickets to these p!aces you want to visit right on line before takin~ offon your trip. Both the Convention anti Visitor’s Bureaus websites for cities and states really offer a lot of ideas on what to do when visiting them and the surrounding area. Many times local business will even advertise on their websites with coupons for restaurants and the different places to visit, so be sure and pick up a copy of the local newspaper to see what newis happening. 14 M~t~oSTAR September 2008 v~w,~.metrostamews.com ~et~oSTAR 15 Participate in the iarS;est LGBT Corn[]unity Survey in history, and help demonstrate the Everyone who completes the survey by Sept 14, 2008 wi~! be entered into a drawing to win one of FiVE iP0d Shuffles or the 6rand Prize of TWO free airline tickets fr0~0 any of the participating airline’s destinations in the 48 continental U.S. States, plus Canada, Mexico and the Restrictions apply. by Jack Fertig September 2008 "Stand up for yourself, Virgo!" A Sun-Saturn conjunction in Virgo sounds like hard work and criticism. This one harmonizes a dangerously boisterous Mars-Jupiter square, bringing focus and purpose to high energies that could otherwise be squandered. Cladfy your goals, work with others, and be open to criticism, and you can achieve almost anything! ARIES [March 20 -April 19): Your leadership Skills can shine through if you’re a good follower. Let others take the lead, and be willing to work with them. Your suggestions and efforts as a humble part of the team will serve the team well, and you even better. TAURUS [April 20 - May 20): If having fun feels like too much work, try to have fun at work. A little creativity on the job can boost morale and encourage you and your colleagues to work smarter, getting more done with less effort. GEMINI [May 21 - June 20): Fun may seem too important, and you could be frittering away energy that could be used in more satisfying - and yes, more deeply "fun" - ways. Start at home. Your partner, roommate, or even parent could have some very helpful ideas. CANCER [June 21 - July 22): Working too hard at making your partner happy could backfire. A serious discussion can open up issues you need to work on. It sounds P~ease take the survey today, and tell your friends! Caribbean. Tren~end0us strides toward full equality have been achieved by our communities over the past decade. There’s Power in Our Pride. Power to make a difference: tough, but this is a golden opportunity to improve things tremendously. LEO [July 23 -August 22): The big picture seems a bit off, and your efforts to correct it could be too all-encompassing to be effective. Focus on crucial details. What’s most important? Don’t be embarrassed to seek help from an authority. VIRGO [August 23 - September 22): Letting others choose your fun and games can get expensive. Don’t be afraid to set your limits and state your desires. Being a team player means compromises on all sides. You will all have more fun if you stand up for yourself. Bay and lesbian survey studies have opened doors (and minds) in leading con,~orations and organizations, which in turn have recognized the value of their LGBT employees through the establishment of equal hiring policies and domestic partner benefits. This has been a catalyst, leading to sweeping changes in political and Social inclusivity. Demographic reports also influence marketing investment. Virtually absent until recently, we now see a growing variety of products and services represented in gay media, celebrating our diversity. Ads keep LGBT publications and websites in business, serving their communities with independent news and information. Beyond simply advertising, though, these companies support us in many ways, including sponsoring community events and funding community-based charities in order to earn our loyalty. Taking an annual pulse on market trends through surveys helps demonstrate the LGBT community’s growing power, and influences positive change. We respect your privacy. All personal survey data is held confidentially by Community Marketing, Inc., an independent market research and communications firm based in San Francisco (founded 1992, and proudly 100% gay-owned and -operated) and will not I be sold to third parties or used for marketing purposes. Thank you! Community Mark÷ting, ® 2008 Community Marketing, inc., 584 castro st. #834, san Francisco CA 94114 USA ~.ComrnunityMarketinglnc.com LIBRA [September 23 - October 22): You[ current rash of energy could be eas ly exploitedby’a f~ily member or housemate. Stop and think. What do you really want to do? Some volunteer work will do both you and your community a lot of good! SCORPIO [October 23 - November 21): Worrying about what others think will only clog up your brain. Focus on your personal goals and where you want to be in 10, 20, or 30 years. Meditation helps. Planning is even better. Doing both is best. SAGITTARIUS [November 22 - December 20): Real friends love you for your charms, not your generosity. Entertain and plan as if you were head of accounting. Be resourceful! You can be frugal and fabulous, which will also impress the people who count. CAPRICORN [December 21 - January 19): Teamwork is the key to success. Do you really want to be in charge? You’re probably better as the power behind the throne. Your best ideas, .important as they are, have room for improvement. Discuss them with an expert. AQUARIUS [January 20 - Februar3, 18): Those arguments that seem so irresistible are not that important. Make your point and let it go. Take a quiet, amorous holiday, exploring techniques of pleasure. Discover what really works for you and your partner. Don’t fall back on habit or presumption! PISCES [February 19 - March 19): Top? Bottom? Could be time to switch. Don’t be afraid to interrupt lovemaking to discuss needs, techniques, or other important issues, not necessarily sexual. An older friend, maybe an ex, may have very helpful insights. 16 &~troSTAR September 2008 Small Business: Economic Woes Lead to Oppornmity Despite the bleak news about the economy and the continuing credit crunch, small b~lsiness owners have some built-in advantages for survMng-- and thrMng--during troubling times like these. Unlike corporate giants, they have flexibility on their side, allmving them to respond more quickly to customers’ needs and even to try t~- ing their businesses in new directions. Small businesses also are uniquely poised to adjust their budgets to offset a downturn in sales. A nimble small business owner can reduce costs overnight, trimming office supplies, water delivery services, travel expenses and trash pick-ups. Also many LGBT businesses can rely on loyalty within their general community and with their LGBT customers to offset any drops in sales that might come from wary consumers looking to cut back. ® Identifying core markets and targeting marketing efforts to them. Finally, a more personal approach to boosting business may be increasing networking ef~brts: Alliances with other LGBT business owners can lead to financial opportunities. By taking advantage ofweeldy breakfast meetings, receptions or cocktail parties hosted by the local LGBT chamber, entrepreneurs can make connections that translate into business and profits. "As chamber professionals, we need to be out talking to people about the choices they’re making;’ says Minnesot£s Sam McClure, executive director ofQ~orum: The Tvcin Cities GLBTA Chamber ofCommerce. "We have to ask ourselves: ’Does all of this move us forward?’ Supporting this or that LGBT business should be part ofthe larger effort to move us all forward. It’s the whole rising-tide concept. ~V~nat distinguishes successful LGBT businesses is their connection to their communities;’ says Justin Nelson, co-founder and president of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber ofCommerce. "They have strong ties to their customers, and they are participants in the success oftheir communities. The loyalty they engender through their support ofcommunity events and causes can come back to them in tough economic times:’................ gqlile keeping a close eye on the budget and taking advantage 0fcustomer loyalty will help maintain business, it won’t necessarily create new business. That’s where the confident entrepreneur n~eds to stay the course and bravely ma~e even gr{a{&" inxestments in marketing and advertising to stand out fi’6m fl~e crowd, experts say. "~ne tendency is to want to cut back on all your spending to reduce your overall budget," says Kimberlee Willialns, principal and ~narketing director ofFEMWORKS, LLC, a Newark, NewJersey marketing firm that specializes in outreach to the African-American LGBT community. "But what you need to do is invest more money into marketing at these points. Customers still need your services and products, and this might be the time where you can stand above the crowd because your competitors are cutting back their marketing dollars." Some other suggestions for surviving an economic downturn include: ~ Evaluating workforce needs and adjusting accordingly, hiring temporary staffor interns to fill the gap or instituting a hiring freeze; ~ Offering overtime benefits to hourly employees to stave offhiring a full-time employee; ¢ Talking to your bank about extending a line ofcredit; ® Staying in touch with customers and letting them lmow the value oftheir business; ÷ Asking vendors and suppliers for concessions on the length ofpayment periods and interest rates; ÷ Being more aggressive xvhen collecting money owed the company, including offering clients the choice of charging their payments; "Ifwe let aW ofour LGBT business owners fail when we could have helped them, then xve’re doing a disservice to them and our entire cormnunity. They’re creating jobs and the energy that fuels philanthropy. I think we should be out there reminding everyone that it makes a difference where you buy your coffee or your gas or your office equipment? (Source NGLCC http:i/www.nglcc.org/BIZ/index ) METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Orie Spidt of Christ MCC 2902 E2Olh Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-52~80 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spdng 17 Elk S~eet Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a GOd filled and BleSSed Day! www.metrostarnews.com N~troSTAR 17 1o800o535oAIDS (2437) Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline Community for P÷opl÷ tiving Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are H1V+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves, VVe invi{e anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrismmjr@yahoo.com. KING OF MASSAGE Groat Touch Man to Man Fult Body Massage 2 hands or 4 hands available Keller Williams Realty Chuck Breckenridge Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. ~NWAGLBTCC~ORG Metro Star Classfieds 2" square ON SALE! £oras little as $33 per issue. Email: starnews@sbcglobal.net offer good until 9/16/08 918.835.7887 SAVE & FILL YOUR PIGGY [] WWW.METROSTARNEWS.COM 18 ~etroSTAR September 2008 Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. DOWNTOWN PL.aLZA ofTULSA I7 West 7th Street ~Ihtsa, OK 918-585-5898 *~vw.downto~vnplazatulsa.com I-LABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com ~LLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oldahoma City, OK v~,~v.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 v~aw<bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON ........ Tulsa, OK 918£584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 i’~V 39TH EXPP,_ESSWAY O~-~.homa City, OK 405-5252073~3 w~wc.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW- 39TH ~RESSWAY OkAahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 ~a~vw.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY OkJahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 wv~v.habanainn.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oldahoma’s HIV/STD Hottine SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service SatOrday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-!715 ~,w.v.mcctulsa.org OPEN,MRMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oldahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklakoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 wvw.c2 lgoldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S PdSSTAURANT 2200 ~xWg 39TH ~RESSWAY Oklalmma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn DALLAS CV~B Dallas, TX ww~v.glbtdallas.com www.metrostamews.com ~etroSTAR 19 "I’m Ron Marlett and i’m .......... running for State House District 84 because I want a chance to bring about change that really matters for my fellow Oklahomans: good jobs, affordable healthcare, a quality educational system and real freedom and equality." ! NEED YOUR HELP TO WIN THIS ELECTION, WE. CAN MAKE ~T HAPPEN! need money and volunteers! Ron Marlett P.O. Box 854 Bethany, OK 73008 (405) 840-2069 www.ronmarlettforhousedistrict84.com Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2008] Metro Star Magazine, September 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 9 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 01, 2008 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd; Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Rex Wockner Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blak Ray Williams Jack Fertig Devre Jackson Chaz Ward 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 Southwestern 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 Metro Star Magazine, August 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 8 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/198 The Metro Star Magazine, November 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 11 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/200 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/201 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/076a5bb6a56465df4fdce16156314088.jpg 9827cfd2bb72d258ee41dcc7d49917d5 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/20c2dab467cae8b8f01ea335c9dbeacc.pdf 9eb53b6a9f42eeb9ec85a375edbac995 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 WWW.METROSTARNEWS.COM "WE DELIVER DIVERSITY" By Metro Star Staff U.S. Senator Barack Obama State SenatorAndrew Rice Corp. Commissionerfim Roth Ron Marlett Chad Hawkins "A_merica, this is our moment. This is our time. Our time to turn the page of the policies of the past." Blade on Sept. 10. "Michelte and I have been blessed with many openly gay and lesbian friends and cotleagues whom we have been close to for many years," the Democratic presidential candidate said. "xghile that fact has made the issues facing the .....Cont. see OBAMA pg-6 Andrew Rice, currently a State Senator District 46, is running against incumbent Republican James Inhofe for U.S. Senate Anarew born April 23, 1973, attended Casady College in 1996 with a bachdor’s degree in Religious Studies, then went on to receive his Masters in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School in 1999. From 1996 to 1999, he studied drug addiction problems and treatment in urban India. During graduate school he produced a documentary .....Cont. see RICE pg-6 ROCKNORTH NEW PLACE, SAME MISSION By Vicor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ For over 10 years Red Rock North provided free HIV testing and counseling at their former OKC location on the N.\V. 39th Street Strip. It came to be a haven where those questioning their HIV status, those affected by HIV, and those needing to learn more about it could seek help in a non-judgmenta! place. Now located inside the Red Rock Behavioral Health Services Headquarters at 4400 N. Lincoln Boulevard, they still provide those services in the same way, their mission unchanged. The testing clinic is located on the 2nd floor, and the testing is free and confidential on a walk-in basis from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday thru Thursday, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Fridays. Testing is free & available for those over 13 years old. Other services are provided as well, including mental health and substance abuse assistance & counseling focused mainly on the GLBT community and/or those who are HIV infected or affected. Red Rock is a nonprofit agency, worldng in partnership with the Oklahoma State Health Department, that also ...........Continued see RED ROCK pg-11 Jim Roth-incumbent Democrat Oldahoma Corporation Commissioner running against Republican Dana Murphy. When Jim Roth was elected to represent thd citizens 0f Oklahoma Countys D~stnct 1 in 2002, it was a milestone not only to the GLBT community but also for Oklahoma County residents who longed for positive change. Needless to say, they got it. A welcome change during his first term was that he got 8 bridges built in his district, while his predecessor only got one. He i spearheaded expanding a policy of nondiscrimination for Oklahoma County employees that included sexual orientation and the handicapped. Jim not only won widespread respect for himself, but unprecedented respect for the office itself. This was dearly shown ....Cont. see ROTH pg-6 Democrat Ron Marlett is running against incumbent Republican Sally Kern of State House District 84. opp~rt~fiity to run against a state representarive with mo~ nation~ (and even som~ ifite> nati0nal) fiotoriety. Sal!~ the ineumbefit for ,vas already we!! lmo~ for her agenda as a self-described "warrior for Judeo-Christian values". She crusaded against the book "King and King" being in the Children’s Section of Oklahoma Public libraries, referring to it as "obscene" and claiming that Oklahoma libraries were attempting to "sexualize your children." SWnen minimum wage was $5.15 an hour she opposed raising it, wanting a study of how people on this income level budget their money. During hearings on immigration, she asked a wimess who stated that she was Puerto Rican if she was an American. But ,#chat finally prompted Ron Marlett to run was hearing the infamous ....Cont. see MARLETT pg-6 "I think any crime committed against a person because of their sexual orientation that is not considered a hate crime, is unacceptable. A hate crimes glii ~tis~be~a~to i~t~de sexual orient,+ion/’ Tulsa ~emScrat Chad Hawldns for state Re~+++ntatig+ Di++ric~ ~9 against[ Repiiblidm~ i~eumr b+nt Weld0fi Wat+ofi! Chad Hawldns, born in Tulsa, a graduate ofJenks High School, Tulsa Community College and Northeastern State University. "I believe in this country, I believe in the State of Oklahoma and I believe in the City ofTulsa. Unfortunately, poor leadership and lack of or simple disregard for foresight and planning has lead to a rotting infrastructure, substandard education, and a dependence on foreign energy sources due to a failed national energy policy." For more info. visit: Hawkins4tulsa.com NOVEMBER 1, 2008 Dana Orwig Dana Orwig is running against Republican Jason Nelson, who worked as a fund-raiser in 2001, raising $6 million dollars Dana Orwig is running f’or the second time to represent the constituents of State House District 87. She ran unsuccessfully in 2006 against Republican incumbent Trebor Worthen, who is not running for the position again. Now not having to run against an incumbent, with a better campaign and strategy and voters more hungry for change, she is very optimistic about this upcoming election. She has lived in the District for more than 28 years, with her husband Steve, who is a physician Oklahoma City’s VA hospital. They have 2 daughters, along with 2 son in-laws and 2 lively grandsons. She has been ordained as a deacon in the Episcopalian Church, and has served in ways ranging from ....Cont. see ORWIG pg-6 Latino Night at Local ~ gays m Club Successful Law ~Marl~t. "I’m Ron Marlett and I’m running for State House District 84 because I want a chance to bring about change that really matters for my fellow Oklahomans: good jobs, affordable healthcare, a quality educational system and real freedom and equality." I NEED YOUR HELP TO WIN THIS ELECTION, WE CAN MAKE ~T HAPPEN! need money and volunteers! Ron Mar~ett RO. Box 854 Bethany, OK 73008 (405) 640-2069 www.ronmarlettforhousedistrict84.com www.metrostarnews.com ~t~oSTAR 3 LATINO NIGHT AT OKC’s ANGLES Sabados maravillosas otre veces! By Victor Gorin When Latino night debuted at Angles September 28, it was a time of anxious anticipation. ~fhere had been numerous attempts to bring business up at Angles since Nick Post had acquired it last year. During the last few ),ears Angles had gone from being packed on the weekends to virtually empty, and there had been many ideas and brainstorms to bring back the crowds they had before. One of these was Latino Night, featuring Spanish music where GLBT Latinos & their friends could celebrate their culture and be themselves, something that had been successful at the late Club Rox ( inside the late Hollywood Hotel) and at Sisters (a former Lesbian dub now the location of Phoenix Rising). This was a party with no place to go that Latino partiers were dying to celebrate. Spearheading this effort was DJ Juan Adame, who with his friends spearheaded the idea. The first night was trepidation personified, but they distributed flyers, talked it up, texted & emaited everybody they knew and hoped for the best. Needless to say Angles was overvchelmed ~vith a huge crowd of partiers, gay and lesbian Latinos, some Asians, some Caucasians, and some straight people who know a good time when it’s happening, many coming from Tulsa and other places to fiesta with the locals. It needed to happen because as DJ Juan puts it, "We could go to straight Latino clubs where we guys could not dance together. At gay clubs we could occasionally hear Latino music, but we knew we needed a place of our own where we could dance together, enjoy our music and culture as Latinos." Gender Advocacy Team, and other community leaders for a special evening remembering individuals who have died as victims ofantitransgender hatred or prejudice. The event will be at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center on Thursday, November 20th, 2008, at 7:00 PM. ~ne Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th Street, on the corner of 4th Street & Kenosha in Downtown Tulsa, Oldahoma. He wants to thank those who helped him make it happen. "The Gay Latino community is growing, and the people helping me have been wonderful, bringing music, giving me ideas, being together and supporting each other as one, and I want to thank these people who helped me put this together." For the community, it fills a need. As Latina Yogi Doroteo puts it,"It means a lot for our community, it gives the gay Latino community a place to go, to meet other Latinos. It also helps the community as a whole get to l~aaow us better, and that is needed." P~6~n a suc~es~ Latifi6 nigh~ Will h~n ev~ ery other Saturday at Angle.s for those seeking tiempos buenos ( good times). It obviously was long overdue. ( November Schedule is Saturdays 8 & 11) Transgender Day o£Remembrance Observance On November 20th at Dennis R. Neill Equality Center "Sometimes, as a cornmunity, we forget the struggles of people who are not as visible as others. Yet, I am proud of our organization’s commitment to the full inclusion of the transgender community. This June saw a very successful "Gender Avengers" production celebrating the "T" ofLGBT Pride. We have very dedicated transgender volunteers, program participants and committee leaders. The full participation of all members of our community is essential to fulfilling our mission." said OkEq Board President Toby Jenkins. Zoey Sloane, a member of the Pride Marketing Team and the Gender Advocacy Team, noted that, "Discrimination and violence towards gay and lesbian people, as well as towards transgender people, is usually because of a real or perceived gender or gender-role variance. A guy is targeted because he’s "too feminine," or a girl is targeted because she’s "too butch." It really has much more to do with gender issues than sexual orientation. Hopefully, that realization will cause more people tobe commi~t~ ~ th~ ~!! i~[~ ...... ~i0~; ~f’e~ ~nd ~fiality 6f ~ebpl~ who af~..... transgender." According to the website http://gender. org/remember/day/, the Transgender Day of Remembrance serves the purpose of raising public awareness of hate crimes against transgendered people. It publicly mourns and honors the lives of our brothers and sisters who might otherwise be forgotten, and it allows the expression of love and respect for real people here in our communities in the face of local and national ignorance, indifference and hatred. TULSA, OK (PR) __ Please join the members and friends of Oklahomans for Equality(OkEq), the members of the OkEq CC United Metropolitan Community Church Sunday Services @ 11:00 AM 1623 N, Maplewood Tulsa, OK www,mcctu sa,o g 4 ~et;oSTAR November 2008 wv,~N.metrostarnews.com ~et~’~STAR 5 GLBT community more personal, the fundamental reasons I have for supporting equality are greater than any individual.... We need to end the divisive politics of George W. Bush and pursue policies that treat all of us, regardless of identity or background, with dignity, equality and respect." Obama vowed, "If elected, I would call on Congress to enact legislation that would repeal DOMA and ensure that the over 1,100 federal legal rights and benefits currendy provided on the basis of marital status are extended to same-sex couples in civil unions and other legally recognized unions." For more information visit: w~wa~.BarrackObama.com entitled Ashes, which focused on the AIDS epidemic there. Back home again, he won election to the Oklahoma State Senate in 2006, representing approximately 71,000 people in central Oldahoma City. He has served on the Committees of Business and Labor, Health and Human Resources (co-chair), and Public Safety and Homeland Security. He led a successful effort to make it easier for lo~ governments to donate abandoned properties for use by Habit for Humanity" for lo~v income housing. He also authored legislation to create a State Veteraffs Health Insurance Program to provide coverage to uninsured Oklalaoma veterans. Unlike Senator Inhofe, who coined the phrase God Guns and Gays and has also stated that he’s proud that his family history has no homosexuality, Andrew Rice supports equalitty for all Oklahomans and will take those values to Washington. He is supported by the ~eace and justice community and organized bor, as opposed to Inhofe who has a 0% rating from the AFL-CIO, has opposed most minimum wage increases, and is ~vell known as a ruatter of record that he is no friend of working people. Andre~v also doesn’t share Inhofe’s view that global warming is a hoax. ~ae choice could not be more clear. Let’s elect Andrew Rice to be our voice in Washington. by his re-election in 2006 when his opponent, David Mehlhaff ran his campaign almost totally on the premise of bigotry, rarely if ever bringing up Mr. Roth’s job performance. When the constituents could see first hand the benefits of competent compassion, they recognized what was important and voted Jim back in handily with 63.4% supporting him. His abilities and dedication were recognized by Republicans and Democrats from many walks of life, including Governor Henry, who appointed him June 1, 2007 to serve Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode’s unexpired term when she resigned to take a job in the private sector. Although many constituents don’t give it much thought, the Commission touches our lives as we get gas for our cars or flip a light switch, as,vell as many other blessings ~ve take for granted. He has proven himself again in the time he has already served on the Commission that he is beholden to the people and not special interests, and has the courage to stand up for ~vhat is rig~ht even if he has to stand alone. As Jim puts it: "I’m standing for over 3 million Oklahomans who want a brighter tomorrow. I’m mindful that it takes an oath, a responsibility and the ethics to serve 100% of this state. It’s been my honor to take the oath to do it, and I hope for the opportunity to continue to serve." Sunday school teacher to prison ministry. She has been a teacher in both public and private schools, and truly understands firsthand issues of education. She also understands and is committed to the needs of working Oklalaonaans. Endorsed by the AFL-CIO Central Labor Council, she is committed to helping Oklal~oma’s small businesses stay competitive and supporting the companies already here. VC-hen asked if she supports the "gay agenda", this is her answer. "I have friends and family members who are gay. I also have supporters how are gay. My position is that our government should protect the civil rights of all its citizens." recording (the one that made youmbe) of Sally Kern speaking at a Republican meeting, where she stated that gays were a bigger threat than terrorism or Islam, and compared them to cancer. Ron Marlett heard the comments about the GLBT community, and decided that he had to run, to offer the Oklahomans of District 84 something better. Currently a social worker with Community Pathways Unlimited ( an agency working with disabled and elderly people in Oklahoma nursing homes) he said in an interview with the Metro Star that he could not let Ms. Kern go unchallenged. Mr. Marlett earned an excellent score when he responded to a survey from the Oklahoma Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus, and has been an outspoken advocate for equality .... for all Oklalaomans. He grew up in a union household, supports workers’ rights and won the endorsement of the Oklahoma State AFLCIO, in contrast to the voting record and statements of his opponent. He faces a tough race in a very conservative district. His main point? " I think the biggest difference between me and my opponent is that I will fight for everyone’s freedom. She has already made it clear in her own words that not all religions or lifestyles are equal. IfI am elected to represent District 84 1 hope this will send a message not only to our state to also to our nation that our freedoms and equality are important." Directory ofLoca_[ Animal Shelters Tulsa Shelter 918-669-6299 Broken Arroxv 918-259-8311 OKC 405 297 3104 Muskogee 918 686 7297 Stillwater 405 372 0334 Coweta 918-486 2137 Siloam Sprfngs 479 524 6535 Claremore 918 341 1260 Sand Springs 918 246 2543 Jenks 918 299 6311 Owasso 918-272-4965 Sapulpa 918 227 2722 Norman 405 321 6725 Collinsville 918 371 1000 Courtesy ofw,a~v.labrescue.net 6 ~/et~"oSTAR November 2008 Wockner News Service Connecticut Supremes legalize same-sex marriage Three down, 47 to go. Connecticut’s Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage Oct. 10, following in the footsteps of California and Massachusetts. In a 4-3 decision, the justices said denying same-sex couples equal access to marriage violated the state constitution’s guarantee of equal protection under the law. "Interpreting our state constitutional provisions in accordance with firmly established equal protection principles leads inevitably to the conclusion that gay" people are entitled to marry," the decision said. "To decide otherwise would require us to apply one set of constitutional principles to gay, persons and another to all others." The ruling is expected to take effect around Nov. 7. Attorney General Richard Blumenthai said he ~vould not challenge the decision in any way: Gov. M. Jodi Rell said she didn’t like the ruling but has no plans to oppose it. "The Supreme Court has spoken," she said. "I do not believe their voice reflects the majority of the people of Connecticut. However, I am also firmly convinced that attempts to reverse this decision -- either legislatively or by amending the state constitution -- will not meet with success." The case was brought in 2004 in New Haven Superior Court on behalf of eight gay and lesbian Connecticut couples who had been denied marriage licenses, q-he couples now have been together for between 10 and 32 years and are raising a total of 14 children. Tne court’s 85-page decision can be read online at tinyurl.com/conndec. Same-sex marriage also is legal in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, South Africa and Spain -- and will become legal in Norway in January. Jay Leno supports samesex marriage TV talk show host Jay Leno expressed unequivocal support for same-sex marriage on his Oct. 1 broadcast. During a chat with out talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, Leno said: "I come from Massachusetts, and they’ve had it in Massachusetts for a !ong time. And it’s.fine. Tile world doesn’t collapse. "You know, I must admit, I go to West Hollywood -- people know that’s the gay area. The nicest area, the cleanest area, the safest area. I mean, I dofft get it. I mean, if two people warn to have something together -- the economy is falling apart, I don’t care what you do!"~ DeGeneres said to Leno, "They are trying to ... stop gay people from marrying, like somehow Portia and I staying at home watching Dancing With the Stars is affecting anybody." Etheridge, Michaels to marry Singer Melissa Etheridge, 47, and actress Tammy Lynn Michaels, 33, are getting married, Etheridge told tile TV show Extra on Oct. 1. "Yes, we have four children and we’re trying to find the right time," Etheridge said. California’s Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in June. On Nov. 4, voters will decide whether to amend the state constitution to undo the ruling. Polls have shown support for same-sex marriage as high as 55 percent and as low as 42 percent. They have clocked opposition to same-sex marriage as high as 47 ~percent and as low as 38 percent. Seven to l0 percent of voters have polled as undecided on Prop 8. FLORIDA State Amendments Seem Likely to Lose Posted by Daily Queer News October 20, An effort to rewrite the Florida Constitution to prohibit gay marriage is falling short of the numbers needed for victory in the Nov. 4 election, a Sun Sentinel and Florida Times- Union poll shows. Tne poll of 600 likely voters shows support for Amendment 2 at 53 percent, less than the 60 percent approval rate required to change the constitution. ~ae gay-marriage question is one of six statewide referendums on this year’s lengthy ballot. The poll found uncertainty high on all of the rest, which range from tax breaks for homeowners who install hurricane protection to elimination of racist language from the state constitution. Backers of the gay-marriage ban say the poll should be a wake-up call to conservatives to vote. Opponents say the poll shows they have made progress in explaining that the proposal could jeopardize domestic partnership benefits that many governments and companies offer straight and gay employees. California protects gay seniors Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill Sept. 28 to help prevent anti-gay bias in senior-care facilities and nursing homes. The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, requires licensed health care professionals who have constant interaction with seniors to attend a training program on preventing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. "Some members of the (GLBT) community living in nursing homes have been denied their most basic rights, including the simple choice to spend time with a loved one, because of their sexual orientation or gender identity," said Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors. "We appreciate the support of Gov. Schwarzenegger and the Legislature for approving this measure, which ¯;viii prractively create a culture of respect and understanding for all seniors living in care facilities." EQCA said basic rights such as the choice to live in the same nursing home with a partner and the right too hospital visitation are routinely denied to older same-sex couples. Connecticut residents support same-sex marriage decision A Hartford Courant/University of Connecticut poll has found that 53 percent of state residents support the Oct. 10 state Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage, and 42 percent don’t like it. Among Democrats, 72 percent support it while, among Republicans, 69 percent oppose it. The poll of 502 adult residents had a margin of error of 4.4 percentage points. In a 4-3 decision, the Connecticut justices said denying same-sex couples equal access to marriage violated the state consn" tun"on’s guarantee of equal protection under the law. "Interpreting our state constitutional provisions in accordance with firmly established equal protection principles leads inevitably to the conclusion that gay people are entided to marry," the decision said. "To decide otherwise would require us to apply one set of constitutional principles to gay persons and another to all others." The ruling is expected to take effect around Nov. 7. Same-sex marriage also is legal in California, Massachusetts, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, South Africa and Spain -- and will become legal in Norway in January. There is no residency requirement to get married in the three U.S. states or Canada. Gays protest at Louisville McDonald’s Gay activists and others protested outside a downtown Louisville McDonaM’s on Oct. 10 after an employee called a gro.~p ofgay customers ’faggots"and a sup~isor said the incidwnt was no"big deal" and refused to refiand the customers’ money. Fairness carnpaign photo Gay activists and others protested outside a downtown Louisville McDonald’s on Oct. 10 after an employee called a group ofgay customers "_faggots" and a supervisor said the incident was no "big deal" and refused to refund ~e customers’ money. "For any business to treat its gay customers this way is beyond the pale," said protester Becca O’Neill from the University of Louisville’s Lambda Law Caucus. q-he demonstrators carried signs reading, "Discrimination Don’t Belong in a Happy Meal," "Homophobia Served Here" and "NOT Lovin’ It." "We have a law against anti-gay discrimination in Louisville, but we want people to know that these incidents still happen and that bttsinesses that take part in this kind of illegal discrimination will be held accountable," said Jeff: Rodgers, co-coordinator of the Fairness Campaign. Ryan Marlatt, Teddy Eggers and three friends had stopped for lunch at the East Market Street McDonald’s on July 26. As they waited for their food, an employee referred to them as "faggots" to another employee. Marlatt and Eggers asked to speak with a manager, who then refused to refund the group’s purchase. Marlatt said he attempted several times in the following weeks to contact the general manager of the restaurant and the corporate offices, but got no response. The group seeks an apology, a refund of $28 and disciplinary action against tile employees involved. w~,~w.rnetrostarnews.com }&~troSTAR 7 LGBT Entrepreneurs Keep Going as Financial Titans Struggle Despite this past year’s economic slowdmvn, the recent credit crunch and plummeting stock prices on Wall Street, LGBT small business owners, like many of their straight counterparts, are successfully riding out the storm. Top economists and business leaders have declared the current financial morass an "economic apocalypse," yet recent congressional action on the $700 billion bailout bill points the way to what many hope is a brighter economic future. "This bill’s success shows that Americ£s la,vmakers understand the importance of a strong economy--and particularly that the tightening credit crisis was risking the ability of small businesses to make payroll, stock shelves and keep up with day-to-day expenses," says Chance Mitchell, co-founder and CEO of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. "In short, without this package, small businesses which make up the engine that run the United States economy seriously risked coming to an abrupt halt," Mitchell adds. The biggest threat to small businesses from U.S. financial woes is the tightening of credit markets. Credit is a lifeline for small businesses looking to grow and maintain operations, and in some places, it’s getting harder to find. Many banks are boosting credit score thresholds and tightening credit all around. "Small business owners, whether or not they use credit to run or expand their own businesses, know that access to credit and a fully functioning financial market are important to them and to their customers, suppliers and vendors," says Todd Stottlemyer, president and CEO of the National Federation of Independent Business. For LGBT small businesses, the focus is on making do in this unpredictable economy. Ask Izzy Schechner, a member of Plexus, the LGBT chamber for Cleveland, Ohio. He owns D&I Restaurant Group, a corporate catering company that’s closer than most small businesses to the banldng crisis--one of the cafeterias D&I runs is for a commercial bank. "A lot ofmy customers in the cafeteria are either cutting back their orders drastically or bringing food from home," says Schechner. "That has impacted our business by about 25 or 30 percent." In addition to dropping customer orders, Schechner has stopped cashing his own paycheck while making some painf~ cuts to his business. "For the first time we’ve been going to discount wholesalers like Sam’s Club and Costco to get the same products we norm_ally have delivered. We’ve had to lay offa few people and we’ve stopped giving vacation pay this year for the first time ever," he says. Marci Bair, a financial planner and employee benefits consultant in San Diego, has only gotten busier. "~lhe majority ofmy clients are small business owners coming in for advice on how to cut costs and [,,estructure their employee benefits," sa~ys Bair. We primarily look at ~il the aspects or the business where we can cut costs; a significant cost is in the health insurance area." Bair, who belongs to the her local LGBT chamber, the Greater San Diego Business Association, says that business owners for the most part want to keep as many options open for their employees as possible. "Now is not the time for employees to be without insurance," she says. "Some owners are going for a ~igher deduct!ble plan, while others want to hang in there with their current plans" in anticipation of better times. And making sure to do business in the community is key to bringing those better times back, says Sam McClure, executive director of Twin Cities Quorum, the LGBT chanaber of commerce for Minneapolis and St. Paul. "We’re seeing relationships among LGBT businesses grow e~’en tighter since this economic crisis started," says McClure. "We’re talking about how important it is to do business in your community again, even more than usual, and that’s something that we haven’t really talked about since the late 80s." McClure also points to individual measures businesses can take, and that her chamber has consistently pushed,,, such as maintaining a high credit ratin,g. ’ Planning strategically, . for growth is cruc,al now, because I dont th~nk businesses are going to have,as much flexibility as in the past, she says. ’ So being part of .the community has taken on a higher level of importance. Bair too is doing her part for the LGBT coinmunity and members of the LGBT chamber. She’s helping LGBT couples and individuals maneuver through complicated financial and health care decisions as they face layoffs and office c!osures. 8chechner says that he feels supported by fellow LGBT entrepreneurs as wellas he maneuvers through this difficult economy. "It’s comforting to have a sounding board from our chanlber of commerce, just to bounce ideas off of and to help with cost-saving strategies, networking, and to help utilize our resources to the max," he says. McClure suggests LGBT entrepreneurs practice an economics of conscience. "Whenever we earn or spend a dollar inside of our community we are flexing our considerable economic muscle. I would say to every gay and gay-friendly business owner, choose thoughtfully where you buy your next cup of coffee, where you have your next lunch meeting, where you invest your retirement funds, where you go for happy hour. "Every choice is a new opportunity to drive our economic power for change." (Source NGLCC http://v~ccw.nglcc.org/BIZ/ index ) 8 P#~÷t~oSTAR November 2008 How to Protect Your Loved Ones When the State Will Not Life planning helps same-sex couples protect each other. By Attorney Susan A. Muscari I~hoto: 7~dsa AttornG Susan A. 3d.,~scari Same-sex couples face several challenges when it comes to the legal and tax system, especially in the state of Oklahoma where same-gender marriages are not recognized. If one partner dies, the remaining partner may find themselves in a legal battle against the deceased~ family - unless a legally binding plan has been put into effect. Ira homosexual couple was married in a state that recognized it as legal, and then moved or returned to Oldahoma, Oklahoma still does not recognize that marriage. For same-sex couples, the tax burden is much larger than that ofheterosexua~ married couple. However, while all residents must abide by Otdahoma’s laws, there are ways to navigate them to ensure the assets and real estate of you and your partner are titled to enable fewer tax penalties. Tixere are also preparations partners can make to ensure each person’s wishes are fotlmved in the situation of a catastrophic illness, temporary incapacitation, or the event of death. ~xere are five essential documents that same-sex couples should create t~ protect themselves and their partners. Prepare an Advanced Medical Directive Setup Durable Power ofAttorney Create a Revocable Living Trust Prepare a Last Will and Testament Setup an Authorization to Disclose Medical Records First, an Advanced Medical Directive allows same-sex partners to name each other as healthcare proxy, permitting a partner to speak with physicians on the other’s behalf. It is often hard on both the individual’s family and partner in times of distress and tensions can arise resulting in conflicting opinions in terms of care. The medical directive ensures there is no confusion as to who will be making the decisions on behalf of an individual if they are unable to do so for themselves. Along that same line, instituting a Durable Power ofAttorney provides same-sex couples the right to make personal and financial decisions on behalfofa partner if they ever become disabled. By ~vorking with a team of an estate planning attorney and a CPA, same-sex couples can esfablish finite directives and asset protections through a Revocable Living Trust, allmving couples to pass assets to their partner. Though the state of Oklahoma may not recognize or respect same-sex marriages, samegender trusts are recognized by the state and have not been successfully challenged. A trust, with very careful planning, can also help same-sex couples avoid several tax consequences. There am two ways for domestic partners to set up a trttst; one option for couples is to set up separate trusts and designate each other as the beneficiaries. This is the best option for couples Who may have competing interests such as a child from a previous relationship. Separate trusts can provide for the child as well as the partner in a worse-case scenario situation. The second option is to create a joint trust in which the assets of both indMduals are combined into one trust. While this is the ideal for long-term couples, it is imperative to enter into this arrangement xvith the understanding that there will likely be tax consequences. Ti~e best advice for couples who decided to go the course of a shared trust is to let the assets remain in the trust. As long as the assets stay where they are, the surviving partner can avoid extreme tax consequences that same-sex couples often fall under. Lastly, with an authorization to disclose medical records and a Last Will and Testament in place, same-sex couples can institute a No Contest Clause, effectively establishing partners as personal representatives of each other. It also protects the remaining partner from anyone who may contest their rights as a representative and beneficiary. The crt~x of the matter is that there are ways to plan for domestic partners, but do not count on Oklahoma and its laws to provide that protection. Same-sex partners deserve the same protection that their heterosexual counterparts receive, but it takes careful life planning aa~d the right documents in place to do so. For a personal consultation on your specific needs, you may contact Susan at (918) 770-3423 or visit: ,aw~w.muscarilaw.com. Palin Indicates Support for Federal Marriage Amendment Nearly 60 percent ofAmericans oppose writing discrimination into U.S. Constitution WASHINGTON, DC (PR-HRC) __ Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the GOP nominee for vice-president, has indicated in an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network that she would support an amendment to the U.S. Constitution excluding gay and lesbian couples from marriage. The so-called Federal Marriage Amendment has faced bipartisan opposition in both houses of Congress, both of which have voted the FMA down twice. Sarah Pahn ~s out of step w~th the majomy ofAmericans, nearly 60 percent ofwhom are opposed to writing discrimination into the U.S. Constitution," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "Her view stands in stark contrast to the ideals that make America great: freedom, opportunity, and eq~,ality. These are the tenets upon which our nation was built. An August 2008 poll from TIME Magazine shows that 58 percent ofAmericans believe that the U.S. Constitution should not be amended to define marriage as being between one man and one woman. The Human Rights Cam,paign PAC, the political action committee of the nations largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, previously released an online video in response to comments made by Patin in which she stated that she believes homosexuality is a choice. The video released by HRC PAC is narrated by Michael Cole, senior manager of HRC’s media center, who flew to Alaska with a video production crew to talk with Wasilla’s LGBT community. View the video at http:/ha~-,v.youtube.com/hrcmedia. www.metrostarnews.com ~I®t~~STAR 9 Palin tries to walk center line on gays News analysis by Rex Woc¼aer Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is strongly against same-sex marriage and has a history of speaking against gay rights, but in the current campaign she’s attempting to strike a middle ground. "I am not going tO judge Americans and tile decisions that they make in their adult personal relationships," she recently told CBS News. "t have one ofmy absolute best friends for the last 30 years who happens to be gay, and I love her dearly -- and she is not my ’gay friend,’ she is one of my best friends, who happens to have made a choice that isn’t a choice that I have made, but I’m not going to judge people." Palin, however, was judged for that comment by gay activists, who took exception to her saying that being gay is a "choice." There also has been Internet chatter that no one can identify who Palin’s lifelong lesbian pal is. Patin likewise attempted to appear tolerant during the Oct. 2 vice presidential debate. "If there~ any kind of suggestion at all from my answer that I would be anything but tolerant of adults in America choosing their partners, choosing relationships that they deem best for themselves -- you know, I am tolerant and I have a vmT diverse i]amily and group of friends and even within that group you would see some who may not agree with me on this issue, some very dear friends who don’t agree ~vith me on this issue," she said. "But in that tolerance also, no one would ever propose, not in a McCain-Paliri administration, to do anything to prohibit, say, visitations in a hospital or contracts being signed, negotiated bet~veen parties." But then she stated unequivocally: "I will tell Americans straight up that I don’t support defining marriage as anything but between one man and one woman, and I think through nuances we can go round and round about what that actually means. But I’m being as straight up ~vith Americans as I can in my nonsupport for anything but a traditional definition of marriage." Because Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Joe Biden also claim to oppose same-sex marriage, because Palin was trying to sound tolerant, and because debate host Gwen Ifill was anything but aggressive in her questioning, some debate viewers xvere lei~ with the impression that there is no difference between the two teams on issues of gay equality. Nothing could be further from the truth. Obama and Biden support giving same-sex couples all the rights of marriage -- everything but the word -- and oppose attempts to ban same-sex marriage in the states where it is legal. John McCain and Palin, on the other hand, support statewide bans on same-sex marriage, do not speak in support of civil unions, and, in the final analysis, seemingly would go only so far as letting gay people visit a sick partner in the hospital and allowing them to sign private contracts to attempt to protect their relationship legally. That’s a far cry from the Democratic position in favor of granting gay" couples all marriage rights under a different label. "Do I support granting same-sex benefits?" Biden asked during the debate with Palin. "Absolutely positive!): Look, in an Obama-Biden administration, there will be absolutely no distinction from a constitutional standpoint or a legal standpoint between a same-sex and a heterosexual couple." Rea Carey; lesbian, gay; bisexual and transgender rights leader, demands higher standard from national candidates WASHINGTON, DC (PR) __ Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund, responds to the vice presidential debate between Republican Gov. Sarah Palin and Democratic Sen. Joseph Biden.Statemerit by Rea Carey, Executive Director National Gay’and Lesbian ~ask Force Action Fund Press releasephoto: Rea Care),, Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Ta~-k Force Action Fund "I found myself reacting as ifI had heard fingernails on a chalkboard when Gov. Sarah Palin talked about her tolerance. I’m sorry, but tolerance with a smile does not equal support for our lives nor does it honor the validity of our relationships and families. Much of the country has moved well beyond the condescension and dismissiveness of’tolerance.’ We have higher expectations than patronizing statements of tolerance by anyone seeking to lead this nation. We also have higher expectations for those political leaders, such as Sen. Joseph Biden, who have been our allies on so many issues to finally, and unequivocally, stand up for our full equality. "I look fotward to a day xvhen the leadership of our country can set an example and dearly state that it is time for the rejection of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans to end. Too many elected officials have not even met the low bar of calling for complete legal equality for all Americans. "We live in difficult times. Families sit at their kitchen tables dealing with the challenges of our day, -- keeping their jobs, putting fuel in their tanks and food on the table, and obtaining good and affordable health care. Our families -- LGBT families -- are dealing with the exact same concerns, only without the legal protections that are so critical to our welfare. What I wanted to hear in the debate, and did not, is a belief that protections and opportunities, like marriage, should exist so that our families have the ability to both thrive and to contribute to society on equal footing with our straight friends and neighbors." ¯he Fruit Doesn’t Fall Far From the Tree ? or A Tragedy Waiting for an Ending By James Nimmo O~HOMA CITY, OK __ I attended the last of two debates between Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth and the GOP opponent Dana Murphy. Held at Oldahoma City University" in the School of Law Building there were about ! 50 people listening including GOP Rep, Sally Kern and her husband. I think if you’re reading this you know that Ms. Kern carried a loaded hand gun twice into the Oklahoma Capitol Building and that every waking moment of her life is devoted to thinking about how gay men and lesbians conduct their private lives and how she can break up the action. I think her husband, Rev. Steve Kern, chief minister at Olivet Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, is also devoted to the s,ame voyeurism consuming his wi~. I believe this because I ve attended in the early spring five services preached by Rev. Kern and he never failed to mention the clinical, pseudo-scientific word "homosexuality" in those sermons and the great evils spurting there from. He even said that men having sex with other men look like dogs. I swear I’m not making this up! Imagine saying this in front of 60- and 70-year old white hetem men and women steeped in the blood of their G-sus! At the conclusion of the debate I went up to Ms. Kern and reminded her that it’s also illegal to carry a gun onto a college campus. She replied that I was ~velcome to call a securityguard and have her purse searched. I declined the invitation saying I wanted to make sure she knew the law. Fearing that his Biblica! help-meet made from a rib ~vas losing the thread of the discussion, Rev. Kern asked me why I was so hung tip on Sally’s gun toting. I asked Rev: Kern why were he and Sa!ly~ so hung up on "homosexuality"? Is it because the fruit hasnt fallen far from the tree? Oh, but Rev. Kern said they’re only interested in morality and that I should attend their church and see what it’s like. I reminded him I’d been to their church five times and I had all the X-tian morality I could stomach. Let me tell you I was the unidentified man escorted from the Bethany City Hall two weeks ago when I stood up at a political forum and asked on behalfof public safety ifSally Kern was carrying her gun in a "no weapons" area such as the auditorium we were sitting in. Shouldn’t it bother you to know that there are people on the public payroll who have no intention of obeying the law when it applies to their idea that they are ABOVE earthly law and prefer the higher law of the Triune heavenly father-son-holy spirit? An interview with Jesse Kern, one of the sons of the hetero- Kerns, appeared in the Tulsa World ( http:,//tinyurl.com/ 39kpsq ) earlier this year when his mothers You Tube speech ( http:lltinyurl.comlyq91ak ) was burning on the internet like the purifying fires of hell. Jesse said he was not gay and had given his sexuality to his god. That’s funny. I didn’t know God needed a sex buddy. I’m no psychiatrist, I’m purely an observer but doesn’t something he-re smell a bit musty, like it’s been in the closet too long? Let me see: a grown man raised in a fervently fundie church doffs that background, ( http://tinyurl.com/66axyu ) joins a new-age kind of commune, and devotes his sex life to the god of his imagination. At the same time his parents are on a 24-7 rampage for morality, looking for semen stains between every sheet, and partner their politics to organizations associated with some unsavory characters. ( http:l/gossip-boy.comlKern_Campaign.html ) It seems to me that Sally Kern and her family are a tragedy waiting for an ending. 10 ~÷t~°oST,~R November 2008 Ten years. ousands victimized. Not action. Thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have been victims of hate-motivated violence since Matthew Shepard’s death, and still there is no federal hate crimes law covering sexual orientation and gender identity WASHINGTON, DC (PR) __ Sunday; Oct. 12, marked the 10-year anniversary of the brutal death of Matthew Shepard, and many states and the federal government have yet to enact hate crimes protections covering both sexual orientation and gender identity. This, despite the fact that thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people have been the targets of hate-based violence in the decade since Shepard’s murder, according to statistics from the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP). Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund provides referrals for assistance for housing, food and other medical issues. Despite the change in location, many of their former clients from the N.W. 39th Street area have come to the new place, as well as others from that area. Although not as ideal as the other location, Mike Maus, a longtime counselor for Red Rock, states that it has worked out. He also feels that because he is well known as a openly gay man who is HIV positive, this helps clients feel comfortable and OK with seeking testing "Ten years ago, the shocking murder of Matthew Shepard sent a national clarion call for stronger federal la~vs to combat crimes motivated by hate. Since then, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have continued to fall victim to hatestoked violence in shocking numbers. Despite this epidemic ofanti-LGBT violence, the federal government has refused to enact a hate crimes law covering sexual orientation and gender identity. This shameful failure of national xvill and resolve must end in 2009 with a new president and a new Congress. "Today, we remember mad mourn Matthew Shepard. We also remember other young people whose voices fell silent this past yeai: "We mourn Ashley Sweeney of Detroit, Mich., shot to death in February 2008; we mourn Lawrence King of Oxnard; Calif., shot to death in his middle-school classroom in February 2008; we mourn Simmie Williams Jr. ofFt~ Lauderdale, Fla., shot to death in February 2008; and we mourn Angle Zapata of Greeley, Colo., beaten to death with a fire extinguisher in July 2008. We remember and mourn all victims of hate violence, but especially these and other young gendernonconforming people, who died in the hope of freedom to live their lives as they wished." Assessment of progress during the past 10 years Currently, 31 states and D.C. have hate crimes laws that track or make illegal crimes motivated by sexual orientation mad/or gender identity and expression. However, by the time of Matthew Shepard’s death in 1998, 23 of these 31 states had already passed their laws. Since his death 10 years ago, only eight states have added hate crimes protections (Colorado, Hawaii, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Tennessee and Texas). In 19 states, there are no hate crime laws protecting anyone in the LGBT community. On the federal level, champions in both the House and Senate have continued to prioritize passage of legislation that would expand and sn-engthen federal hate crimes legislation. In the 110th Congress, both chambers with bipartisan majorities passed the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act as a free-standing bill in the House and an amendment to the Department of Defense Authorization Act in the Senate. This is the first time both chambers have considered a bill that included both gender identity and sexual orientation. However, strategic and procedural problems prevented Congress from sending a bill to President George Bush, who promised to veto the bill if it did reach that point. Epidemic of anti-LGBT violence LGBT people are disproportionately affected by hate violence. Reports produced by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Photo provided by aJ~iend ofthe victim shows Universi{y ofWyominggay college student Matthew Shepard who was beaten and Ie’.fifior dead in a W~ominy’.gpastute near Laramie, I~210.,~y on Oct. 7, 1998. In the 10 years since, more than 30 states havepassed laws addtessing bias-related crimes against gays, but gay,rights advocates point to a series offrustrations including thefailure of federal hate-crime legislation. (AP) Forc~ (i984=1993) and the National Coalition ofAnti-Violence Programs (1994-2007) have documented more than 35,000 anti-LGBT crimes over the last two decades. It is important to note that these statistics are based on reports from only a handful of local LGBT crime victim assistance agencies. Indusion of transgender people in hate crimes laws is especially important because violence against transgender people is widespread, largely underreported, and disproportionately greater than the number of transgender people in society. The total number of victims reporting anti-LGBTQ violence to NCAX¢~ in 2007 was 2,430, which represents a 24 percent increase over the total number of victims reported in 2006. ~-he Task Force has led the movement-wide effort to secure an effective and full governmental response to hate crimes against LGBT people, beginning with the launch of its groundbreaking anti-violence project in 1982. Task Force organizing, coalition building and lobbying resulted in the 1990 passage of the Hate Crimes Statistics Act, sponsored by U.S. Rep. John Conyers. Ouotable Ouotes "But our country’s journey toward equality is not finished. It’s been five years since Lawrence v. Texas. It’s been 39 years since Stonewall. And we still have more work to do before we achieve equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans. Election Day offers an opportunity to take another crucial step toward equality. Millions have joined this movement for change. People are hoping again -- believinggaain -- that we can come together to create, a stronger, fairer nation. And on November 4 we 1! have a chance to put that hope into action." Michelle Obama Photo: Red Rock Counselor ~adike Maus by Victor Gorin As Mike puts it, ’~We are stil! testing as many people as we were before, and we will continue to have a presence in the gay community, keeping on with outreach programs, passing out condoms inthe barsl and educating When possible, particularly at special events such as Pride and World AIDS Day." "We are here to help people determine their HIV status, and develop a plan to deal with that status. Treatment is available for all people with HIV in the United States, regardless of xvhether you have a job, money or insurance. We want to get the word out that we’re here to help." Red Rock HIV testing 877-339 3330 Mike Maus--(405)425-0473 Red Rock Behavioral Health Services (405) 424 7711 Oklahoma STD Hotline 800 535 2437 Oklahoma City-County Health Department STD Clinic (405) 427-8651 Positively Living Support Group-Every Tuesday at Red Rock 5:30 p.m. for those infected or affected by HIV. Tuesday Night Supper Club---Social dinners at varied restaurants every other Tuesday for those likewise dealing with HIV. For more information Chuck Longacre (405) 425-0448. Direct Cremation From $595 TION MORTUARY SERVICE,~ Traditional Funeral Services at Affordable Prices (405) 230- 1310 or !-800-913-1310 Pre-Need Plan CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED 2415-C North Walnut Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma www.rnetrostarnews.com NetroSTAR 11 @Club 209, Tulsa @Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ The Lab Rescue, Tulsa By Greg Steele xk~/rith all the outing of gay penguins, sheep, dogs and other species, is there a possibility there are gay turkeys? How would you know if you were eating one of our own? I mean the poor critters are just herded into the slaughter pen, humanely killed, I presume, plucked and whisked off to Walmart. I for one wil! be asking the Walmart meat lady ifmy turkey was gay! I refuse to bake, fry, barbecue or boil a family member. We assume that all turkeys are hetero, and it’s OK to bake or fry ect., a homophobic hetero turkey, but what ifyour turkey was hetero and gay friendly? This outing of animals and now fowl is just not right. It raises so many questions and creates so many problems and it’s Thanksgiving for God’s sake. W~here are r~e Fowl Rights people when you need them! Have a Great Holiday! 12 ~VI÷troSTAR November 2008 Artists Cindy Swanson and Sharyl Landis e ibit at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center Mosaic "Just Balother Day" TULSA, OK (PR) The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-9pm, Thursday, November 6, 2008, for the opening of it’s new exhibit featuring artists Cindy Swanson and Sharyl Landis, Swanson will be displaying many of her mosaic works of art. Drawn to the art form by her attraction to the colored glass, Cindy has qtudie.dthe medium i~ Italy under the guidance of two master tlqosalsts. Landis will be featuring her mixed-media art at the show, which She describes as "fascinating and full ofwhimsy’!. Shawl loves using her hands to transform objects into unique designs through the blending of colors, shapes, and textures. Since 1997, beading has been Sharyl’s primary form of expression, though in recent years she has expanded into hand dyed textiles and using beadwork as a 3-D addition to her paintings and textiles. The exhibit will remain up through the month of November, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-gpm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. ~Pnis monthly event is hosted by Oldahoman’s for Equality (OkEq). OkEq seel~ equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual &:Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families {lx~bugh advocac~ education, programs, alliances, and the Operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. urban living 13 TOWNHOMES SOPHISTICATED DESIGN EXPANSIVE GLASS FRONTS PRIVATE OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES DESIGNER FINISHES AND FIXTURES ENERGY EFFICIENT GREEN AMENITIES AVAILABLE ELEVATOR OPTIONAL ADJACENT TO TULSA PARKS SPACIOUS COMMON DRIVE ROOFTOP PATIO GARDENS AVAILABLE MARTIN NEWMAN 9 I 8.582.4673 MLONEWMAN 2 1 st @ BAain Street VIEW OF DOWNTOWN SKYLINE OPEN LIVING SPACES ELEVATOR OPTIONAL POOL OPTIONAL SECURE GATED ENTRY UTICA SQUARE NEARBY ’PET FRIENDLY GATED GUEST PARKING ONE BLOCK FROM RIVER TRAILS SMART URBAN LIVING CONTEMPORARY STAINLESS APPLIANCES HEATHER MCGRAW 918.607.1 t77 HMCGRAW@MCGRAWOK. COM www.metrostarnews.com ~etroSTAR 13 Mitcham is sad he was only out gay at Olympics Gold-medal diver Matthew Mitcham told the Sydney Morning Herald on Oct. 8 that he is sad he was the only out gay man at the Beijing Olympics. "I was actually very surprised I was the only out male at the Olympic Games," he said. "It’s a little bit sad. I think, because statistically there should be a lot more but, you know what, it’s each to one’s own. I’m not going to pressure awbody else to come out of the closet because it’s their own choice. But I’m proud to be there, proud to be that one that lots of other people can look up to." Some 10,500 athletes took part in the games. Mitcham’s gold-medal dive received the highest score in Olympic diving history. kish trans laws need updating Ireland needs to fix its laws on transgender issues, the Irish Human Rights Commission said Oct. 1. Among other things, post-op transsexuals should be able to get a new birth certificate aa~d get married to someone of the opposite sex, the commission said. The group recommended the government move on the matter with urgency; pointing out that the current laws rtm afoul of decisions by the European Court of Human Rights. Norwegian church will not marry gays when law takes effect Norway will become the seventh nation to grant same-sex couples access to full marriage in January, but the dominant Church of Norway will not marry gays, the state church’s bishops said Oct. 8. Pastors will be permitted to offer prayers for gay couples who get married but may not bless them, the bishops said. Same-sex marriage also is allmved in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain and, in the U.S., California, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Head ofBritish army addresses gay conference The head of Britain’s army, Gen. Richard Dannatt, chief of the general staff, made history by addressing a gay conference in London Oct. 9, The Sunday Telegraph reported. In remarks to the Fourth Joint Conference on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual Matters, Dannatt said that respecting GLBT officers and soldiers is "a command responsibility" that is mandatory- to ensure "operational effectiveness." "We have made real progress in our understanding of equality and diversity in the military context, and there is a desire to achieve more yet," he said. "Respect for others is not an optional extra, it is a command responsibility and an essential part of leadership, teamwork and operational effectiveness." Britaiffs arrned forces lifted their gay ban in 2000 on orders from the European Court of Human Rights. Iraqi gay leader assassinated The Baghdad head of the international group Iraqi LGBT was assassinated in late Seprember, activists in London reported. Bashar, 27, was gunned down in a barbershop. "Militias burst in and sprayed his body with bullets at point-blank range," said leading British gay activist Peter Tatchell. "~e exact identity of the gunmen is unclear, but he was probably murdered by the Islamist death squads who are targeting lesbian and gay Iraqis for ’sexual cleansing.’" Bashar was the local coordinator of foreignfunded "safe houses" for gays and lesbians living in Iraq. "His efforts saved the lives of dozens of people," Tatchell said. "Bashar xvas a ldnd, generous and extremely brave young man -- a true hero who put his life on the line to save the lives of others." Dutch men on trial for deliberate HIV transmission Three men from Groningen, Netherlands, are on trial for ddiberately infecting at least 12 other men with HIV, several news agencies reported. Hans Jurgens, 39, Peter Mulder, 50, and Wim Deld~er, 49, allegedly advertised gay sex parties online, lured participants to their location, then drugged them, raped them and injected them with HIV-positive blood. Prosecutors want the trio to be jailed for between eight and 15 years. Wockner News Service Larry K ng quizzes Ahmadinejad on gays in 1ran U.S. TVinte,wiewer Lar~y King quizzed Iranian PresidentMahmoud Ahmadinejad on his nation’s treatment ofgays Sept. 23. Screen-capture photo U.S. TV interviewer Larry King quizzed Iranian President Malamoud Ahmadinejad on his nation’s treatment of gays Sept. 23. q]aere have been persistent, though unconfirmed, reports for years that Iran hangs men for the crime of engaging in gay sex. King said: "People (are) protesting that they don’t have the same rights as other people. Homosexuals -- you said last yea,; you denied there were homosexuals (in Iran). There’s homosexuals everywhere." Ahmadinejad replied: "I said it’s not the way it is here (in the U.S.). In Iran this is considered a very -- obviously most people dislike it. And we have actually a law regarding it and the law is enforced. It is a law that was passed. It was legislated. And it is an act that is against human principles. A lot of things can the private realm of people. ~ais is at the (level of) nor-private, public morality. In their own house, nobody ever interferes with people." Last year, during a speech at Columbia University in New York City, Ahmadinejad also was asked about the nation’s treatment of gay people. He responded: "We in Iran ... don’t have hamjensbaz (a derogatory term for homosexuals) like you have in your country. In our country; there is no such a thing. In Iran, such a thing does not -- in Iran, in Iran, absolutely such a thing does not exist as a phenomenon. I don’t know who told you otherwise." Iran is known to have executed several teens and men accused of engaging in sodomy, happen. It can cause psychological problems, although in nearly all the cases that have been social problems that affect the whole society, publicized in recent years the individuals were Remember that God’s rules are to improve human life. In our religion, this act is forbidden and the Parliament has legislated about it. Not now, 70 years ago. This is something that happened 70 years ago, before the Islamic R~public became --" King interjected, "So what happens to gay people?" Ahmadinejad replied: "Well, of course, nobody has held protests. You are -- are you concerned for 70 million Iranian people or a few homosexuals? Let’s assume in Iran -- let’s assume in the United States that 200 million people drive cars and a million violators are rounded up and they just basically violate driving laws. Should we be worried for the 199 million people whose safety we must be concerned about or the one million violators? The law is the law and it’s law. And it must be enforced. Ofcourse, we do pay attention that in Iran nobody interferes in the private lives of individuals. We have nothing to do with accused of other crimes as well, such as rape. The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission has said it suspecrs that other charges often are tacked onto sodomy cases to prevent the public outrage that wood accompany executions carried out solely for the crime of consensual adult gay sex. The group also has said it believes executions solely for gay sex are taking place out of the public eye. "Our suspicions (are) that their current practice really is to rid society of lesbians and gay men," the organization said last year. Human Rights Watch, on the other hand, has said it cannot fully document any executions in Iran in recent years carried out solely for the crime of consensual adult gay sex. 14 ~et~oSTAR November 2008 Re Roc Horror Show- Next in "Lyric at the Plaza" Series With art: Frank ’iV’ Furter (Monte WheekO prepares to give Brad (Brad!o, Beah~) andJanet (Heather Hawkins) a wild n~ht to remembe~ (_Photo by ~ndy Mutz) O~HOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ Lyric ~eatre, Oklahoma’s premiere professiona! theatre company, concludes the 2007- 2008 "Lyric at the Plaza" season with the big, bad, rock-n-roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show. From October 9th through November 1st, Lyric will present the live version of the spectacular cult classic film about the madcap adventures of Brad Majors and his fiancd Janet Weiss, who approach the spooky Frankenstein place to find help for a flat tire. In the house, though, they encounter the maniacal Dr. Frank ’N’ Furter, the rippling Rocky, the vivacious Magenta, and experience the boldest, naughtiest party of their lives. Lyri& production of Tne Rocky Horror Show will be directed and choreographed by Nick Demos and will be his final show at the helm of Lyric ~qeatre. The Rocky Horror Show was first created by writer/actor Richard O’Brien as a stage musical in 1973. The cinematic version starring Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon followed t~vo years later and went on to become one of the most famous and ardently followed cult films of all time. This popularity has kept the live musical in almost continuous production at theatres around the ~vorld ever since. Oklahoma audiences are encouraged to get into the intended spirit of the show by dressing up and participating in all of the talk-back and extracurricular activities that make Rocky Horror such a wild theatrical experience. Audience participation packages will be available for purchase at the theatre. Like all Lyric productions, The Rocky Horror Show features a blend of talent both from New York and from Oklahoma. Monte ~qaeeler (Off-Broadway: The IT Girl, Streakiri!) stars as Frank ’N’ Furter, Bradley Beahen (assistant director- Enter Laughing, the Musical) performs as Brad, and Oklahoma native Heather Hawkins (Broadway: Avenue Q) gets down and dirty as Janet. The role of Rocky himself is played by Nick Adams, best known for performing opposite Mario Lopez in the Broadway revival ofA Chorus Line. Local talent letting loose for Rocky Horror indudes Renee Anderson as Magenta, Brian Hamilton as Rift Raft, Stephen Hilton as the Narrator, and Michael Todd as Eddie/Dr. Scott. They and a whole host of actors playing Phantoms and Transylvanians will lead the raunchy celebration that includes timeless numbers including "S~veet Transvestite", "Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me", and the rousing "Time Warp." Tickets for The Rocky Horror Show are $40. Senior discounts (ages 65+), Group discounts (10+), and College Student discounts (week ofshow with ID) are also available. Performances are October 9th through November 1st: Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 6:00pm & 10:00pm. However, t_he Friday, October 31 st performance and the late Saturday, November 1st performance will both begin at midnight instead of the times previously listed. For tickets: w~wc.lyrictheatreokc.com, (405) 524-9312, or in person at 1727 NW 16th St, Oklahoma City, OK. Lyric’s production ofThe Rocky Horror Show is sponsored by the Oklahoman, King’s Limo & Private Jet, the Copa, and Angles. Annual support is provided by Mlied Arts and the Oklahoma Arts Council. In Oklahoma City, the renovation and opening of Plaza ~eatre as an intimate live performance venfie has enabled Lyric to expand its programming to include even more entertainment options for adventuresome theatergoers. Get ready for a night of frolics and fun at The Rocky Horror Show! (rated R for strong language, sexually explicit scenes, and mature themes) Carrie Underwood Oct 29, 2008 at BOK Center Carrie Underwood’s Carnival Ride Tour October 29th, 2008 7:30 pm Prices: $55, $45, $35 Tickets on sale Friday, Sept 12 @ 10am Checotah, Okla. native and two-time Academy of Country Music Top Female Vocalist, Carrie Underwood, is scheduled to stop at the BOK Center on October 29, 2008, for a live performance from her Carnival Ride Tour. With a recordbreaking start to her career, Carrie Underwood has been ,,the top-sellin,g artist,, to come from Fox’s hit television, show, American Idol, and has taken the country mus,c world by storm. Eagles Nov 11, 2008 at BOK Center By popular demand the Eagles will return for a second show!!!! Ticket prices: $187, $87, and $52 The Eagles coming back to play a second date at the BOK Center is a huge accomplishment for the city and attests to the level of excitement and enthusiasm for both the band and the new BOK Center. We need to show the band a gratitude of thanks for ~eturning for a second date in the form of another sell-out said John Bolton, General Manager. Due to overwhelming d,,e,mand, the Eagles have a,dded a second Tulsa date to their Long Road Out of Eden world tour. The Eagles will perform live on Tuesda); November 1 lth at the BOK Center and the band - Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe ~Valsh and Timothy B. Schmit - will be perfo,r,ming curre,,nt !~its from Long Road ,,Out of Eden including How Long and Busy Being Fabulous as well as their classic songs. The Eagles have sold more than 120 million albums worldwide, earning five #1 U.S. singles and four Grammy Awards. Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 is the best-selling albu,,m of all time, exceeding sales of 29 million units. The bands Hotel California and Tneir Greatest Hits Volume 2 have sold more than 16 and 1 ! million albums respectively. The Eagles were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Celine Dion Nov 13, 2008 at BOK Center Tickets On Sale Now! Time: 8:00pm Doors: 7:00pm Ticket Prices: $167.00, $127.00, $77.00. $49.50 BUY EXCLUSIX.~ GOLD HOT SEATS Tulsa is one of 45 cites and the only city in Oldahoma on this tour. Throughout her career, Celine has been honored with over 1000 Awards, including Grammys, Oscars, Golden Globes, World Music, Juno and Felix Awards. She is the biggest- selling female artist of all time. Celtic Thunder Nov 19, 2008 at BOK Center Show time: 8:00pm Ticket Prices: $37.50, $47.50, $57.50, additional surcharges may apply CELTIC THUNDER, a brand-new show created and produced by Sharon Browne, will make its debut in the U.S. with a public television special airing on local stations nationwide in March 2008. Filmed in Dublin the special features five male vocalists (ranging from !4 to 40 - Damian McGinty, Keith Harkin, Ryan Kelly, Paul Byrom, and George Donaldson) perfor,,m,ing an eclectic mix of songs, ranging from the traditional Mountains ofMourne" and "Come By the Hills" to international hits such as "Brothers in Arms" and "Desperado," as well as original compositions by CELTIC THUNDER’s legendary musical director and composer Phil Coulter. November At ~lhe P.A.C Tulsa Nov 1, Janis Ian John H. Williams Theatre Nov 5, FREE Brown Bag It: Rossitza Jekova-Goza, violin tCathleen Westby Pavilion Nov 6-23 FREE Pictures From Lookout Mountain PAC Gallery Nov 7-9, 13-15 Master Class Liddy Doenges Theatre Nov 7, Liz Carrol John H. Williams Theatre Nov 8, Missa Solennelle and Stabat Mater Chapman Music Hall Nov 12, Forces of Nature Dance Theatre John H. Williams Theatre Nov 12, FREE Brown Bag It: Randy xY~imer, guitar Kathleen Xgestby Pavilion Nov 13, Ivory and Gold Trio John H. Williams Theatre Nov 15, Tt~e Magical Music of Disney Chapman Music Hall Nov 15, Essence of India: Bharata Natyam John H. Williams Theatre Nov 18, Akoka (Messiaen I~ASMIX): David Krakauer, Matt Haimovitz and Friends John H. Williams Theatre Nov 18-23, Available by Subscription The Rat Pack Chapman Music Hall Nov 19, Krakauer/Haimovitz Cabaret Charles E. Norman Theatre Nov 19, FREE Brown Bag It: Anam Cronan, Celtic flute and harp Kathleen Westby Pavilion Nov 20-23, Moonlight and Magnolias Liddy Doenges Theatre Nov 21-22, Not Currently On Sale (TU Forensics) Charles E. Norman ~eatre Nov 23, American Chamber Players John H. Williams Theatre ~#ww.metrostarnews.com ~÷troSTAR 15 Chardonnay The Chardonnay grape variely is a classic white wine grape grown all over the world. The original fame of Chardonnay comes fi’oru its success in the region of Frande. \Vhite Burgundy must be made from the Chardonnay grape unless the label indicates it was made from a much less well ka~own grape, Aligot& he winter holidays are on their way. And though I may talk more about the following types of wines in my next few columns, we felt they needed an introduction for this season of sharing food & wine with family & fi’iends. We’re covering Chardonnay, which is the most popular ~vhite wine and pairs well with chicken, vegetable dishes &: turkey breasts. Pinot Noii; whichpairs well with hams, breaded stuNng & dark meat turkey. Sparkling ,,vine/Cava, which pairs well with raw ftuits & nuts. Port which pairs well with Chocolate cakes, sweet potato pies & pumpkin cheesecakes. ~he following is a brief description of the grapes and wines priced around $15. The Burgundy region, located in the central part of eastern France, is the home of some of the finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines in the world. The Chablis area is a sub region of Burgundy that makes wonderful Chardonnay based wines from a chalkT soil. ~l]~e wines ftom the vineyard ’Le Montrachet’ and from the adjoining vineyards of Chassagne Montrachet and Puligny Montrachet are prized around the world for their fine quality. Chardonnay takes oak well, and many higher priced versions of this grape are tTpically fermented and/or aged in oak barrels. When Chardonnay is aged in oak barrels, it may pick up vanilla overtones in its aromas and flavor. Chardonnay also ages well in the bottle, though it will not age as long as many red wines. It likes slightly cooler climates (warm days/cool nights) and develops less aciditT than Sauvignon Blanc. Some producers put their Chardonnay (or some of it) through malolactic fermentation which reduces crispness and brings out a rich, buttery taste. This usually shortens the life of the wine as far as aging is concerned. Chardonnay is planted at hundreds of ~ Withr This months recipe courtesy of: Rent, Nevada P~CIPE: MEXICAN CEVICHE ~ Ib batibut fillet or sea bass fillet or red snapper fillet ~ or use a mixture of fish and ~hrimp) %6 limes (Enough Juice to cover fish) ~ cup diced fresh t6mato ! green pepper, sweer, chopped 4 tablespoons chopped parsley or chopped cilantro l/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon oregano 2l’alapefi° peppers, chopped (or more ro suit your taste) 2 tablespoons white vinegar 1 medium onion, findy chopped 2 tablespoons fi’esh cil£ntro, Chopped 1 clash %b~co sauce lettuce leaf (to line serving bowls) avocado {optional) black olives, sliced (for garnish) (optional’, Directions: Dice the fish tapproximately 1A inch, dice ifusing shrimp. Marinate fish in dae lime juice in the fridge overnight (this step cooks the fish). Pour of~most of the lime iuice. Add remaining ingredients except lettuce, avocado and olive. [!oss xvell and arrange in individual serving bowls that are lined with lettuce leaves. Then garnish with sliced avocMo and sliced black olives. wineries throughout the world including h:aly, New Zealand Spain, South Africa, Ausn-alia, Chile and Argentina. In the U S, \Vashington State and California’s Russian River and Carneros areas~produce some of the best domestic versions of this wine. problem starts with duce a and shape Pinot Noir Pinot noir grapes are grown around the world, mostly in the cooler regions, but grape is chiefl? region of France. It is widely to produce some of the fines~ ~vorld. Pinot noir has pellation famous Pinot Noir produces age veiT wel! in good flavors as they age, often 20 years after the vintage. ~urgundy~ can Wonderful Pinot Noirs come the world. It’s grown in many is known by’ different names in different countries: Some locations and names Algeria; Argentina, Australia, Austria Blauburgunder or Spatburgunder), Brazil, Canada, Czechoslovakia, England, France, Germany (Sp~tburgunder), Greece, Hun Italy (P!not Nero or Blauburgunder), New Zealand, Switzerland (Clevner, labeled "D01e" when blended with Gamay Noir), emerge ness, ted in s " includin ~: cherry; plum, strawberry. Complex flavors revealing chocolate, earthitrut~ es. Only Pinot Noir, td Meunier grapes are permitwines from the Champagne Cava used in Spain for sparlding using the same method in France’s Champagne disfamous region fi)r spar- ;. While a good Cava will rarely be with top Champagne, it wii! still be quite pleasant. Additionally, Cava is inexpensive enough to be an evmTday drink between special occasion splurges on Champagne. Cava is the name of a type of white or pink sparlding wine, produced mainly in the Pened~s region in Catalonia, Spain, 40 kin to the south west of Barcelona. Its name is U~{i{dd States, and Yugoslavia (Burgundac). . .........Continued see 3~NE page-20 Pinot is a diNcult grape to work with It’s >~ ......... hard to get a consistent, great P~not and {he ~’: :..... h6ine November 2008 More gay- characters on TV this year ..Woclmer News Service Tile number of GLBT characters on broadcast-TV networks’ scripted series has more than doubled in the new season compared with last year, says the Gay & Lesbian Mliance Against Defamation. GLBT representations account for 2.6 percent of all scripted series regular characters in the 2008-2009 broadcast television schedule, up from 1.4 percent in 2005, 1.3 percent in 2006 and 1.1 percent in 2007, GLAAD said Sept. 23. Shawn PyJ~om plays openly gay Andrew Mi,’hael Urieplays openly gay Marc l~n De Kam]) on the ABCseries Despwate St. flames on t,SeABCs~’ies Ugly Housewives. GlAADphow Bert); HRCphoto The study looked at 88 scripted comedies and dramas airing in the new season on ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and Tile CW. It found 16 GLBT characters, compared ,vith seven last season. "This dramatic increase shows how far many networks have come in deve!oping ~omplex, multilayered lesbian, gay; bisexua! a~d tran~gender characters," said GLAAD President Nell G: Giuliano. ABC is offering seven such characters this year, Fox has five, NBC has three, The CW has one, and CBS has none. The nunaber of non-contract, recurring GLBT characters also has risen this year -- from 13 to t9. "Ti~egrowing number of recurring characters is another example of the networks’ progress towards being more inclusive," Giuliano said: "As the networks gradually add characters from all backgrounds and walks of life-to primetime programming, more and more Americans are seeing their LGBT friends and neighbors reflected on tile smal! screen." On mainstreara cable networks, the number GLBT series regular characters h~s dropped to 32 from last year’s high of 40. ~ae gay networks here! and Logo have 39 series regular GLBT characters this year. For fut! details, visit http://~wcw.glaad.orgleyelontv/20081. OKC Civic Center Music Hall November Events Oct. 17 - Nov. 8 DOUBT, A PARABLE a drama by John Partick Shanley Oct. 17 - Nov. 9 The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, adapted by Harvey Mackie Oct. 31 - Nov. 1 HITCHCOCK AT THE MOVIES presented by the Oklahoma City Philaharmonic Nov. 2 UNDERTHE BIG TOP: SYMPHONY AT THE CIRCUS presented by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Nov. 8 CARMINA BURANA presented by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Nov. 9 Terry Fator - LI’V~ Nov. 11 - Nov. 16 THE RAT PACK-Live at tile Sands! Nov. 23 OLIVERI presented by Broadway Tonight Nov. 28 - Dec. 21 ROMEO &JULIET Nov. 28 - Dec. 20 A NICE FAMILY GATHERING a comedy by Phil Olson www.metrostarnews.com ~etroSTAR 17 More gay characters on TV this y-ear ..Wockner News Service The number of GLBT characters on broadcast-TV networks’ scripted series has more than doubled in the new season compared with last yeal; says the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. GLBT representations account for 2.6 percent of all scripted series regular characters in the 2008-2009 broadcast television schedule, tip from 1.4 percent in 2005, 1.3 percent in 2006 and !. 1 percent in 2007, GLAAD said Sept. 23. ldm De I&mp on theABCseries Des~am &: flames on theABCseries Ug& Housewives. GLAADphoto Bet~. HRCphoto The study looked at 88 scripted comedies and dramas airing in the new season on ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and The CW. It found !6 GLBT characters, compared with seven last season. "This dramatic increase shows how far many networks have come in developing complex, multi!ayered lesbian, gay, bisexual and tran.s.....g.. ender characters, ’ sa~" d GLAAD Pres"ident Nell G: Giuliano. ABC is offering seven such characters this year, Fox has five, NBC has three, ~ae CW has one, and CBS has none. The number of non,contract, recurring GLBT characters also ha~ risen this year -- from 13 to 19. "Thegro~ving number of recurring characters is another exanapie of the networks’ progress towards being more inclusive," Giuliano said. "As the network~s gradually add characters from all backgrounds and walks of life-to primetime programming, more and more Americans are seeing their LGBT friends and neighbors reflected on the small screen." On mainstream cable networks, the number GLBT series regular characters has dropped to 32 from last year’s high of 40. ~ae gay net-works here! and Logo have 39 series regular GLBT characters this year. For ful! details, visit http://w~v.glaad.org/eye/ontv/2008/. OKC Civic Cen er Music Hail November Events Oct. 17 - Nov. 8 DOUBT, A PARABLE a drama by John Partick Shanley Oct. 17 - Nov. 9 The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, adapted by Harvey Maclde Oct. 31 - Nov. 1 HITCHCOCK AT THE MOVIES presented by the Oldahoma City Philaharmonic Nov. 2 UNDERTHE BIG TOP: SYMPHONY AT THE CIRCUS presented by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Nov. 8 CARMINA BURMNA presented by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Nov. 9 Terry Fator - LIVE Nov. 11 - Nov. 16 THE RAT PACK-Live at the Sands! Nov. 23 OLI’\@Pd presented by Broadway Tonight Nov; 28 - Dec. 21 ROMEO &JULIET Nov. 28 - Dec. 20 A NICE FAMILY GATHERING a comedy by Phil Olson w"etw.metrostarnews.com ~÷troSTAR 17 by Donald Pile and Ray Williams RENO, NEVADA Biggest Little City in the /brld" Photo: Downtown Reno Nevada First off, we have to say that in all of our travels, Reno is one of the friendliest places we have been. We stayed for four nights and met dozens of gay men and lesbians. Reno is like I.as Vegas was 20 or 30 years ago, a small, friendly town that is extremely easy to navigate. During the week there are not a lot of people there, and most things are within walking distance. Sometimes they do have "special" weekends, so if you are not into major crowds then go during the week. They day we left they were having a motorcycle convention with several thousands coming in so we were glad be on our way out oftown. Being a tourist town, everyone is extremely friendly and hdpful. Tne downtown area is very safe and well lit but of course one always has to be on guard at all times. Thl-here are no gay accommodations in Reno, but the Sands Regency Casino Hotel, which is located right downtown, welcomes everybody, qlle hotel hosts several gay events, and they have great rates. We were there in the middle of the week and got a mini-suite for just $39, which is unbelievably inexpensive. It also has the largest outdoor swimming pool in Reno. Several other gay men were staying at the hotel, and we all partied pool side. They have several nice restaurants and snack shops. The hotel often has lastminute room specials on its Web site, voww. sandsregency.com. Actually, wherever you are traveling, it is a great idea to check out the hotel/motel website as they do often have special, last minute rates. Six gay bars are listed in Reno. Tne downtown bar is a complete dump and dirty, and we do mean a "dump and dirty"! %vo on the east side of town are not open when their hours say they are, and the one on the west side of town opens and closes when it wants to, so omit those four bars from your list. Isn’t it amazing that some gay bars don’t seem to have the common business acumen to be open when they post their business hours right on their front door? One bar was to open at 2 PM and we and the beer delivery man were waiting for it to open. Nae delivery man said that it was always late opening by an hour or two. We liked Carl’s Pub, 3310 S. Virginia St., which is about 30 blocks south of downtown. It is an extremely friendly bar. Everyone ~omes up and introduces themselves and makes you .feel very welcome. They are always having "special theme nights" and something is always happening. The other bar in Reno is the Patio Bar. It is clean, and the bartenders and patrons are friendly. We (as well as a few other patrons) had some issues with drink prices as the bartenders charged different patrons different prices for the same drinks. We confronted the bartenders and owners about this problem and they didfft want to talk about it. Apparently they charge locals one price and travelers another higher price, so we left and didn’t return. For those wanting a bathhouse, Steve’s Baths, 1030 x~ Second St., is open 24 hours a day. All the casino/hotels have great food specials all day long. Inexpensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets can be found at most all of the casinos. Luckily we found one of the finest Mexican restaurants in the country. Beto’s, a family-owned restaurant which is right across the street from the Patio Bar, and they make the finest homemade meals from scratch. Do not miss dining there. It is very inexpensive, and the food is outstanding. There are so many things t0 do and see in Reno. You really should stay right downtown so you can walk the strip and see all the sights and sounds. Reno has a lot of art galleries and museums. The Fleischmann Planetarium and the Nevada Historical Society Museum are dose to one another at 16th Street and North Virginia Street. The National Automobile Museum is at 10 S. Lake St., and the Nevada Museum ofArt is at 160 W. Liberty St. One day, hop in your auto and take a driving trip down to Carson City, the state capital which is just a 35-minute drive to the south, and it makes a great short day visit. It is a very old city, and the architecture is remarkable. Actually, you could spend the entire day there. Places of interest include the Capitol building and other government buildings. Virginia Cit); in the mountains, is a must on your return trip to Reno. It was an old mining town, and you can take tours visiting mines, schoolhouses and homes from the late 1800’S. It is located right in the mountains. Be sure and take your camera. Lake Tahoe is a short drive from Reno and is a "must see and do" thing to do when visiting Ren6. Lake Tahoe is best knmvn for its beautiful blue and clear water (99% pure) ,and is surrounded by mountains which rise more than 4,000 feet above the shore. The lake is 22 miles long, 12 miles wide; about one-third lies in Nevada, the rest in California. The water drains from Lake Tahoe through the Truckee River which is one of a few rivers that run inland to the desert rather than towards the ocean. Pyranaid Lake, the remnant of ancient oceans which used to cover Nevada’s desert is the final destination of the Truckee River. Lake Tahoe is the third deepest lake in North America as it has all average depth of 989 feet but the deepest point is about 1,645 feet. The surface ~vater (12 feet) can warm to 68 F in summer, allowing swimming, while depths below 700 feet remain a constant 39 E Perhaps this is why Lake Tahoe is comfortable through the summer despite its proximity to the desert. Annual snowfall averages 40 feet, with snow pack averaging 20 feet which explains why downhill and cross-country skiing are very popular in the winter. Summer activities include hiking, white water rafting, beach picnics and other water activities. There are many ski and summer resorts as well as state park locations to choose from. Hevation at the lake is 6,229 feet Tney, of course, have gaming everywhere, even in the small towns and villages in Nevada. By the way, we just love how they have changed the name from gambling to gaming. Guess they want u~to forget that we are losing our money and think instead that we are participating in a game, to make it more fun! Uuless your winning money then LOSING money is Not fun! Between the inexpensive hotels, food and entertainment, Reno is a very good choice for a wonderful traveling experience. Before going to Reno, check out renodean.com for a complete listing of things to see and do there for the gay traveler. Dean is a ~vonderfu! guy, and he is more than glad to help you with suggestions. Another good website to check out is http:/lwww.visitrenotahoe. com/. You can have them send you a free booklet with a listing of everything to see and do there. Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! EUR£KA SPRINGS Fall Diversity Weekend 10/31 - 11/02 2008 EVENTS SCHEDULE: FRIDAY 10/31/08 Eureka Springs Limousine will provide rides for the weekend with wristbandfor $20. Mixer at Marquee’s at 7 - 9 PM. Karaoke with Tiny and Lady A with Costume Contest at Henri’s 9 PM. Ashley McBryde at Jack’s Place 9 PM. Costume Contest at Tiki Torch 9 PM. Costume Contest at Eureka Live 9 PM. Diversity Band at Chelsea’s 9 PM. Miranda Ray at the Lumberyard 10 PM. After Hours Breakfast at Harp’s 57. 11 PM -3AM SATURDAY 11/01/08 "Name that Tune" with Sandy at Smokehouse Cafe 8 - 11:30 AM. Diversity Bikers "Show N’ Shine" and "Hall N’ Back" Poker Run, Halloween Theme. Planner’s Hill Parking Lot 10 AM. Walking Tour starting at Basin Park. 10 AM. PDA (Public Display ofA_ffection) Basin Park 12 Noon. Matinee’ Diversity Drag Show with Caribou Barbie at Tiki Torch 2 PM with encore at 10 PM. Rocky Horror Picture Show Part/at the Gem (Basement of the Aud). Doors open at 6:30 PM. Karaoke with Tiny and Lady A at Henri’s 9 PM. Ashley McBryde at Jack’s Place 9 PM. Kiss Tribute Band (Male Illusionist) at the Lumberyard 7 PM. Drag Show with Alexis LaRue at the Lumberyard 8 PM. Miranda Ray and the Backwoods Divas at Eureka Live 10 PM. After Hours Breakfast at New Delhi Deli from 9 PM to 3 AM. After Hours Breakfast at Harp’s 57. 11 PM -3AM For more informations visit Diversity Pride Events www.diversitypride.cora or www. eurekapride.com 18 November 2008 derived from the Catalan word for cellar. There are a small number of areas in Spain outside Catalonia that also produce Cava. Cava is produced in varying levels of dryness of the wine which are: brut nature, brut (extra dry), seco (dry), semiseco (medium) and dulce (sweet). Under Spanish Denominaci6n de Origen laws, Cava can be produced in six wine regions and must be made according to the Traditional Method with second fermentation in the bottle and uses a selection of the grapes macabeo, parellada, xarelolo, Chardonnay, Pinot noir, and Subirat. Port Tawny ports are wines made from red grapes that are aged in wooden barrels, exposing them to gradual oxidation and evaporation. As a restflt, they gradually mellow to a golden-brown color. The exposure to wood imparts "nutty" flavors to the wine, which is blended to match the house style. Ta.wn~ ports are sweet or medium dry and typicany drunk as a dessert wine. When a Port is described as Tawny, without an indication of age, it is a basic blend of wood aged port that has spent at least seven years in barrels. Above this is Tawny with an indication of age which represents a blend of sev,e,ral vintages, with the averse years "in wood stated on the label. TiLe omcial categories are 10, 20, 30 and over 40 years. For each category, the average age of the various vintage is at least that of the given category. It is also possible to produce an aged white t~ort in the manner of a tawny, with a number of shippers now marketing 10 year old White Ports. And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. qSis writer also bar tends a~d hosts wine & food events known in town as the bitter glrl E-Mail- KylesBnB@aol.com by Jack Fertig November 2008 "Keep it p~atonic, Aquarius!" Venus is in Sagittarius, wanting to play, but she’s triggering an opposition between Saturn and Uranus. Harness that wild, fun energy to balance responsibility and inspiration. ARIES (March 20 -Apri~ 19): Let your eye and ear wander to new artistic perspectives. Challenge yourself to appreciate things you’d normally avoid. The stimulation will help you to understand your place in the world better, to mend old friendships and make new ones. TAURUS (April 20 -May 20): Too much self-criticism is blocking the creative edge you need to realize your goals. Sexual adventure - yes, something entirely new! - will help you over that hump. The stars suggest exploring domination fantasies. If you have a better idea, follow your own dreams. GEMIN! (May 21 - June 20): Your political skills and foresight are especially sharp now. Look at any conflict, not as a logical argument, but as a dramatic scene to be resolved. The best answers will c0me way0~ of left field. GANGER (June 21 = July 22): New approaches at work are worth trying, if only experimentally. Whether they work or not, your adaptability and thoughtful acceptance of criticism is what really counts. Bite your tongue and challenge your brain: Ambitious rivals may prove more helpful than well-meaning friends. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Being playful, charming, outspoken, and fun certainly has its place, but it also makes you the target of annoyed persons at home and at work. That offers a creative challenge to focus and grow; but find a place to have your fun, too! CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Don’t get caught up in debates. Just listen to new ideas and arguments against them. If they contradict deeply held beliefs, accept the challenge quietly, and see where you have room to grow. Allow yourself an impulse buy for your home. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): A friend who wants "benefits" risks spoiling a good thing. Keep it platonic. Discuss the possibilities so your pal can realize what a disaster it would be in the long run. In the end, it should be good for a laugh. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Too much fun at work can make your partner feel neglected. What really counts in your career? What satisfactions does it offer that you don’t find in love? Reevaluate your priorities, and be frank with your baby about them. LEO (July 23 o August 22): Your naturally playful eroticism can get a little out of hand, leading to rude surprises. Have a very deep heart-to-heart with your partner about sex, but also about whatever philosophical or religious differences you may have. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Take your partner Or roommate windowshopping for some exotic house decor. No need to buy; just browsing will help clarify domestic problems. A new approach to housework is also helpful, and remaining problems might be best resolved in the bedroom. LIB~ (September 23 - October 22): Life is stressful lately. Find a good friend and let it all out, even if it seems like a long, rambling, nonsensical torrent. That’s what good friends are for. Playful competition in some intellectually stimulating game also offers a sense of balance. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Any efforts to deal with finances now can cause more frustration than they would alleviate. Find cheap ways to enjoy the company of your friends. Spiritual lessons from childhood will help you deal with competition at work. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spidt0fChdst MCC 2902 E 20~ S~eet J0plin, M0~04 417-52~8480 W0mhip Saturdays at 10:00AM C0mmuni#! Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC 0fthe Living Spring 17 Elk S~t Eureka Slxings, AR 72632 47~253-9337 W0~hip Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a GOd filled and BleSSed Day! www.metrostarnews.com ~÷troSTAR 21 out calls 5) K~NG0~ MASSAGE Great T0uch Man to Man Fult Bo~{y Massage 2 hands or 4 hands available Now Hiring Male & Female Keller Williams Realty Chuck Breckenridge Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. (2437} Oklahoma’s HIV!STD Hotiine PROTECT YOURSELF PROTECT YOUR Community for People ~iving A 50I c (3) Non Peofit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of NWArkansas GLBT Community- Center "Linldng Together as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 WWW.NWAGLBTCC.ORG IN MEMORIAM MATTHEWARON VH-IITE Tulsa a~ {9!8) 812.7~ activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-nlail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net Matthew passed from dais life at the OU Medical Center at 5:30 a.m. September 12 after losing a battle with cancer. He was known to his many fi’iends as a happy caring person, truly shown by his many years workingas a nurse her~ in Oklahoma where his good nature touched countless lives. Born March 10, 1966 in Grenta, Virginia, he left home at age t6 as his family could not accept him as agay man, and he traveled the kountry before settling in Oklahoma, working as a jack of all trades. His funeral service was held at Epworth United Methodist Church October 20. He leaves behind a legacy of many fi’iends. [] ~ WWW.METROSTARNEWS.COM 22 November 2008 HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Cit); OK 405-528-2221 wv~,v.habanainn.com Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. OUR HOUSE, TOO ~=l=] Tulsa, OK 74127 ~ KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant OKC MORTUARY 2415-C N. WALNUT AVE. Oklahoma City, OK 800-913-1310 ANGLES 2117 NV¢" 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK ;m~w.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 v~ww.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 w~v.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 ~-~W 39TH EXPI~SSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 wvw.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 ~,PvV 39TH EXPRESS\VAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 ww~v.habanainn.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pro MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 v~wamcctulsa.org OPENAI~MS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. L~ewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oklahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NV$ EXPRESS\rAY Oldahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 lgoldcasde.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com 21 EAST TOWNHOMES 21ST & MAIN Tulsa, OK 918-582-4673 or 918-607-1177 www.21East.us GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NV¢- 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn TOM & JERRYS 1501 N.W. 23RD Oklahoma City, OK 405-524-9100 A $ B~ A F i ¢ R D O ODOI FE AT OD LE H L DE A N R ANID ~ L DA SIS A T ~y ¢ T Y$ A LE OS T E N Y L ~G E RA AR YN U NN B ~ ¢O N O B TR RH www.metrostarnews.com NetroSTAR 23 We believe tha~ hornosexua~i~ is no~ a g÷netic trait but a chosen ~ifes~y~e. We oppose the portraya~ of hornosexua~ or promiscuous behavior ~n a positive ~igh~ ~n We oppose ~he erosion of our military read~ness ~h~o~gh openly practicing homosexuals serving ~n ~he m~ary We oppose ~he ~romo~on o~ homosex~a~, ~h~ e~m~na~on o~ ~aws aga~ns~ sodomy, ~nd ~he granting o~ m~nor~y pro~ec~on or ~pec~a~ s~a~s ~o any person based upon sex~a~ preference or ~es~e choice. "We support the ful~ inclusion of a~l families, including same-sex coupbs, in ~he ~ife of our nation,and support equa~ responsibility, benefits, and protections. We wi~ enact a comprehensive bipartisan employment non-discrimination act. We oppose the Defense of Marriage Ac~ and a~! a~ernpts to use ~his issue to divide (Page 52, 2008 DNC P~afforrn) + +.oksPonewal+.org Taken from current platforms of the Republican and Democratic parties of Oklahoma. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2008] Metro Star Magazine, November 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 11 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 01, 2008 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd; Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Rex Wockner Susan A. Muscari Vernon Britt Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Devre Jackson Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Magazine, September 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 9 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/201 The Metro Star Magazine, December 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/199 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/200 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2698e69563dac442975726fa3ccdc324.jpg 91080cec75c4608c9092062fd36d7424 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/db0ee4c2ed6d12764a885c1600e0ad76.pdf 7d031eefaacd3f2b0159c6bb31da4c3d 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 ~NWW.METROSTARNEWS.COM "WE DELIVER DIVERSITY" DECEMBER 1, 2008 life and times ofan OHahoma legend. ByMetro StarStaff WoCkmer News Service Photo) Bill Francisco,~Clogger Bill, haspofarmed over 350 b~efits andfundraisenfor the ~dsa and surrounding Communities since !93Z In the beginning, God created heaven and earth and Bill Francisco on September 5, 1931. He was born in the middle of the Great Depression. His Mother and Dad were Portuguese farmers, poor as the dirt they farmed. His job until school years was pulling weeds in the garden. "My career started when I was six ),ears old. I was in the 1st grade in Tulsgs Longfellow Hementary Schoo! at sixth and Peoria. We did a fund-raiser for the school. They staged still life portraits of Oklahoma history. I was selected as the young boy in the Ponca City.statue of The Pioneer Woman for my very first on-stage performance. Playing a statue, I had to stand perfectly still and not move for three minutes! The most difficult thing in the world for a six year old boy to do is stand still! I wanted to do such a good job, every night when the curtain went up, I would hold my breath the full three minutes so I wouldn’t move a muscle and be the perfect statue, but of course I almost passed out." ........Continued see SANTA page-15 protesting Califom,as ’assage ofl~ropost, tion 8. Wackner News An estimated 7,500 to 15,000 people marched through former New York Ammerican Civil Liberties Union Executive Manhattan Nov¯ 12 protesting caiifornia’~ Proposition 8, the Director Normal Siegel Said t~e was c0mfortable ,vith a figure - - state ~-on~titution of 7i500; and longtime gay activist Bill Dobbs, who opposes Nov. 4 to end same:sex marriage, which yeas legalized by the same.sex marriage, favoring civil unions instead, said 5,000 to 7,000. ~e march began at the Mormon Temple on Columbus Av, "Tonight was an amazing success and I was proud ofNew enue, went down Broadway, turned east on 61St Street, then York City standing in Solidarity with California and getting south on Central Park West to Columbus circle, people out in the streets doing something meaningful," said Johnson, who is director of government affairs at a Wall Street realresta*e-development firm and political director of the popular gay blog Towleroad. California’s Supreme Court has been asked to delete Prop 8 from the constitution, anda ruling is expected rdatively Estimates of the turnout for the march varied. Journalist and quickly. The American Civil Libe*:ties Union, Lambda Legal, radio personality Michelangelo Signorile reported 15,000; the National Center for Lesbian Rigl!ts and other parties say Gay activists have claimed that more than half of the money that funded the ubiquitous TV ads that convinced Californians to vote for Prop 8 was donated by Mormon families at the church’s urging. lead organizer Corey Johnson estimated 12,000; blogger and Prop 8 illegally "revised" the state constitution rather than participant Joe Jervis (JoeMyGod) Said 10,000 to 15,000; merely amending it. .,,,,....,.:Con{inued see NYC Page-8 My name is Chili. 2 December 2008 ~#w.metrostarnews.com Oklahoma City GLBT and Allied Community Rallies Over two hundred demonstrators t~llied on the Oklahoma City, City Hallsteps to p~otest discrimination voted in by California, Arizona, Florida andArkansas on Nov 4. Photo by ~ctor Gorin. On November 15 on the steps ofthe Oklahoma City Hall, there was an outpouring ofemotion & solidarity as over 200 GLBT people and their fair minded allies gathered together to protest the passage ofProposition City, yet nobody here was involved, so I decided that I was going to do this." At 24, a lifdong Oklahoman, he brought it together through Internet work and word of mouth, naakAng a grand occasion that received mainstream televithe rights ofthose who may want to marry later, but also left in legal limbo s~ae sex couples who had already gotten married For Trey Dill, who brought it all together, organizing this protest was his first venture in social activism. As he puts it, "After the passage ofProposition 81 found myself kind ofangry, and Igot on the Internet and began browsing every GLBT website. One day I stumbled onto the jointheimpact.com website, which was organizing these rallies nationwide. There ~vas a listing forOklahoma McCullar and Marlena Weaver, who had gotten married in California October 20, xvhose marriage is now in legal limbo. Although they realized that their marriage would not be recognizedqn Oklahoma, the passage ofProposition 8 still hurt. As Kara put it, "It makes us feel like we’re not worthy enough. ~aey’ll take our taxes, ~ve l~ve in the same community, yet we are second class citizens. We’re here to protest this, because gay or straight we all should have the same rights. STOP HATE IN THE HALLWAYS By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY. OK Educators, mental health professionals, activists and others interested in Oklahomds students came together November 13 for the 2nd Stop Hatred in the Hallways Conference. Following the success of the first conference held in Oklahoma City, this meeting was held at the U.S. Postal Service’s National Facility for Employee Development in Norman, bringing in people throughout Oklahoma interested in making Oklahoma’s schools safer. The Conference was originally organized by Cimarron Alliance, mainly because ofa glaring need that wasn’t being met. While there have been many incidents ofschool violence, and conferences and discussion to address it, there had never been a conference, seminar or major Ann Simank Social worker &former OKC Councilperson, Randy Tate Conference organiz- ~ Tanya Cox representingACLU Oklahoma. Photo by Victor Gorin meeting that included what many feel is the most common form ofbullying, those who are or are perceived to be gay or lesbian. Whether the problem is growing or simply being recognized and addressed is open to question. What is certain is that there definitely is a problem. In a national study, over 30% of U.S. students reported being involved in bullying either as a bully 13%, a victim 11%, or both 6%. Coming dose to home, the Oklahoma State Department of Health did a study surveying 7848 Oklahoma students. They found similar results, with 33% that had been involved in bullying, 12% as the bullg, 14% as the victim, and 7% involved in both. One in five students worried often or daily about being bullied. More than halfnever reported it to an adult at school or a parent. When asked what could be done about the situation, 213 of those xvho were bullied and halfofthose not bullied wanted better adult supervision. Not only is bullying damaging to both the victims, but frequendy the bullies suffer as well, with over 60% ofthose categorized as bullies in grades 6-9 having at least one criminal conviction by age 24. A study with the U.S. Department ofEducation of37 school shooting incidents found that 71% ofthe shooters felt threatened and/or persecuted, or had been attacked. Following a welcome by Richard Odgen, Chairman of Cimarron Mliance, the conference was addressed by Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson. He pointed out how things have dhanged, how prejudices of home are brought to schools, and those who ,ire different frequently become objects ofbullying. .............Continued see STOP HATE page-11 December 2008 Room Rates From $42.95 A~About Our Su#es www.metrostarnews.com ~et~tJSTAR 5 What’s the Matter with Oklahoma? By Gov. David V/alters Photo: Gov. David Walters (nndb.conO I waited three days in the hopes that my fuming at Oklahoma’s counter performance to the collective heave ho that the rest of the nation gave to the Republicans would subside. It has not. Axnending the title ofTnomas Franks’ insightful book about how conservatives won the heart of g,ansas ,.. "What’s the Matter with Oklahoma?" Did we really just do this? We’re the winner of the national championship for the highest McCain/Palin margin at 65.6 percent; the only state where Republicans gained ground in the state house, senate and statewide offices; and the only state in which McCain/Palin carried every county. Not one of our 77 counties ,vent Democratic, not a single blue dot. Sen. Obama polled 10.8 percent in Beaver County. This was not out of 100 votes where percentages are easily distorted, but out of 2,462 votes cast. Now you are thinking that we cannot expect mu& progressive thought out of a county best known for its cow-chip throwing contest (two tries if you lick your fingers after the first). BUt I have been to Beaver county and met good people and don’t understand 89.2% decided Sarah Palin should be vice president of the United States. It’s not just our friends in Beaver scouring the landscape for aerodynamic cow patties. Twenty-one counties fell below 25 percent for Obama and 39 counties, more than half of the 77, fell below 30 percent. The top bastion of Democratic performance? Cherokee county, where they used to spray for Republicans, held McCain/Palin to "only" 56.percent. The heart of our most Democratic county only allowed Obama to get within 12.2 percent of a single county victor,/. Howard Dean called me as I was looking at these ..........Continued See WALTERS OkEq Sponsors a Care Drive TULSA, OK (PR) __ OkEq is sponsoring a Care Drive as part of our Home for the Holidays. Donations are being accepted at the Center for Our House Too, which serves approximately 75 clients affected by HIV and AIDS. Our House Too needs personal items such as cleaning supplies and toiletry items. The Parish Church of St. Jerome’s Food Pantry served over 500 householcks and over 1000 people last year. The food pantry needs canned foods, stuffing mixes, hamburger helpers, etc. The drive will continue until the end of the year. A full list 0fitems needed is available at the Center and on our website, ~wccw.okeq.org Holiday Music Is In Air TULSA, OK (OKEQ) Council Oak Men’s Chorale Presents "A Holiday Happening" - an event so festive even Rudolph will be jealous! December 2nd, 5th, and 6th starting at 8:00pro at the Trinity Episcopal Church. For more information visit the web site at http://vcww. counciloak.org. Sisters In Song is also holding a Holiday Concert. The event scheduled for Dec 13th. Stay tuned for details or visit ww~v.myspace. com/sistersinsong. NEW GAY CLUB OPENS INJOPLIN JOPLIN, MO (PR) __ With several new GLBT bars opening and closing this past year, the Joplin Gay Community is looking forward to a place to gather and have fun that they can depend on to be open the next day. The PLA-Mor Lounge should be just that. Local business man and owner ofthe new dub, Bill Jack is well know and respected in the area. They are open Monday- Saturday 3:00PM to 1:30 am. Located at 532 South Joplin Ave Joplin MO 64801, phone 417-624-2722. OGRAAnnounces 2009 Royalty Team OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) _ OGRA has announced the New OGRA 2009 Royalty Team. Miss OGRA 2009, Anita Ryder Mr OGRA 2009, Larry Bourne Ms OGRA 2009, Brooklyn Rachelle OGRA would like to invite everyone to come and join us for our next genera! membership meeting, Sunday December 7th 2008 at 2:00 PM at the Ledo, in the Habana Inn Complex. The OGRA 2009 Royalty Team would !ike to invite everyone to their first fundraiser of their reign, Saturday December 20th 2008 from 8:00 PM until 10:00 PM at the Finishline, in the Habana Inn Complex. They ~vill be raising money for the 2009 Great Plains Rodeo and their Charity Partners. During the evening a Christmas wreath auction will be held and door prizes will be given away. They will also be issuing the organizations contributions to the charity partners for 2008. "Please join us to recognize al! the hard work the organization has done for this community during the 2008 year." N~e 2008 charity partners are RAIN Oklahoma and Other Options. Dennis R. Neill Equality Center opens December exhibit TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R Neill Equality Center Gallery exhibit for December is a fundraiser for the Gallery. The theme for the exhibit is ’Reflection on a Red Stiletto’. Each ofthe eleven participating artists were given ~a red stiletto to use in their creation or to use as inspiration for their creation. That piece ~vill be donated to the Gallery and available for purchase throughout the exhibit in a silent auction. The Opening Night Reception for the exhibit ~Vill be Thursday, December 4th, from 6 to 9pro, at the Center, 621 E 4th St, Tulsa. The exhibit and silent auction will rm~ through December 31. Each artist will also have one additional piece ofhis/her artwork on display for sale. Proceeds from this fuaadraiser will go towards the purchase ofwood benches for the Gallery, additional lighting, additional display pieces, etc. Artists that will be participating include: Michael Christopher Ann Marie DiStefano Karen Greenawalt G Krysta Hamilton Allie Jensen Nick Kountoupis Sharyl Landis Josh New Jessica Newman Directory ofLocal Animal Shdters Tulsa Shelter 918-669-6299 Broken Arrow 918-259-8311 OKC 405 297 3104 Muskogee 918 686 7297 Stillwater 405 372 0334 Coweta 918-486 2137 Siloam Springs 479 524 6535 Claremore 918 341 1260 Sand Springs 918 246 2543 Jenks 918 299 6311 Owasso 918-272-4965 Sapulpa 918 227 2722 Norman 405 321 6725 Collinsville 918 371 1000 Courtesy ofwvoCalabrescue.net 6 ~etroSTAR December 2008 Wockner News Service Colorado sends openly gay man to Congress Schwarzenegger: State Supremes may undo Prop 8 Photo:j~red Polls by Rex l~ckner Openly gay Jared Polls was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 4 from Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District, which encompasses areas north and west of Denver, including the city ofBoulder. Polls, a 33-year-old Democrat, is the first openly gay man elected to Congress who was out when elected t’or the first time. U.S. Rep. Tamlnv Baldwin. D-Wis., holds the female distincrmn in that regard. California Gov. A,wold Schwarzenegger thinks the state Supreme Court may annul Prop 8. Photo by Rex Wockner " California Gin: Arnold Schwarzenegger told CNN on Nov. 9 that the state Supreme Court may welt "undo" Proposition 8, the voter initiative that re-banned same-sex marriage Nov. 4 by amending the state constitution. ,~d the governor suggested he thinks that would be a good ~ove. "They had a very, very strong campaign, the pro-Proposition 8 people, and I think that the people that tried to defeat it did not have, "~e voters of out" district have spoken clearly maybe, as goo_d a campaigner had as much that they ~an~ change brought t~Washing~rn,- moneY behi"nd ~" t, whatever, Schwarz’ enegger Polls told the Denver Post. "I look fbr~vard to said. "I think it is unfortunate, obviously, but taking my out-of-the-box approach and creative ideas to help shake up "Washington? In his primary-election victory speech in August, Polls introduced his partner, made reference to being gay, ~d said, "I always worried that that ~vould get in the way (of) giving back mad contributing to our society:’ A millionaire who made his money in online ventures, Polis spent $5.6 million of his own funds in the campaign. Polls becomes the sixth open gay to serve in the I-louse ofRepresentatives, following in the footsteps of Baldwin, current Rep. Barney Frank kD-Mass.), and former Reps. Gerry Studds (D-Mass.), who is deceased, Steve Gunderson (R-Wis.) and Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.). Frank, 68, is now the powerful chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. Frank told the Post in August, "We are reaching that point where among.Democratic voters sexual orientation ofa candidate is not a factor." He also said that once he’s no longer the only gay male congressman, he won’t feel as much pressure to be a role modd and plans to start smoking cigars in public again. it’s nrt the end because I think this will go back into the courts, this will go back to the Supreme Court because the Supreme Court very clearly in California has declared this unconstitutional. It’s the same as in the 1948 case xvhen blacks and whites were not allowed to marry. This falls into the same category. So, I think that we will again, you know, maybe undo that, if the court is willing to do that, and then move forward from there and again lead in that area? In addition to the anti-gay side’s having aired much more effective ads than the pro-gay side did in the huge TV-advertising war, Schwarzenegger said there were other factors that aided Prop 8’s passage. "Because of the big turnout amongst African- Americans and Latinos, that had an effect also, which they did not expect, so there’s all kinds of other things there;’ he said. "And I think the religious groups have done a really big campaign, a lot ofthem, to support Proposition 8, and so on, and so it’s a very, very difficult thing." Before the TV ad war started, Prop 8 had been losing in the polls by as much as 17 points. 2qae governor also offered some advice to California’s gay population. °I can start indulging some bad habits; Frank said. "Let the young gay people find someone else to emulate? "(Y)ou should never ever give up; he said. "They should never give up. They should be on it and on it until they get it done: Laxwers for the gay side filed suit in the state Supreme Court on Nov. 5 seeking to annul Prop 8. They said it is not merely an amendment to the constitution but rather a "revision" that fundamentally alters the guarantee of equal protection. Constitutional revisions require a t~vo-thirds vote ofthe Legislature to reach the ballot. Prop 8 got there by activists’ collecting signatures on petitions. "Proposition 8 is invalid because the initiative process was improperly used in an attempt to undo the constitution’s core commitment to equality for everyone by eliminating a fundamental right from just one group -- lesbian and gay Californians," said the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. "Proposition 8 also improperly attempts to prevent the courts from exercising their essential constitutional role ofprotecting the equal prote. ction rights of minorities," the groups said. Same-sex marriages begin in Connecticut Don Perata and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass. Gay groups and others have filed suit seeking to invalidate Prop 8, arguing that it unconstitutionally "revised" the constitution, rather than merely amending it. When changes in the constitution have farreaching effects on the document’s structure and purpose, the process of amending it must begin in the state Legislature, with a two-thirds vote. The process cannot start solely with voters signing petitions, as was the case with Prop 8. "Proposition 8 is invalid because the initiative process was impropetly used in an attempt to undo the constitution’s core commitment to equality for everyone by elinainating a fundamental right from just one group -- lesbian and gay Californians;’ said the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Same-sex couples began marrying in Connecticut on Nov. 12 after final judgment was entered in a case decided by the state Supreme Court on Oct. 10. In a 4-3 ruling, the court had declared that the state’s policy ofoff~ring same~sex couples:only civil unions violated that state constitution’s guarantee Ofequal protection under the law. One report, based on partial data, said 66 marriage licenses were issued to same-sex couples across the state in the initial hours after samesex marriage becanae legal. With California voters’ recent decision to re-ban same-sex marriage, Massachusetts is the only other U.S. state where gay couples can marry. ~ae California move, which anaended the state constitution, is under assault in several new lawsuits filed with the state Supreme Court, and gays and their supporters have staged numerous large street demonstrations up and dmvn the state since Nox: 4. On S,a.ra,,y, No . 15, w=e .ge, ,-ooraihated anti-~grop 8protests across the country at 10:30 a.ra. Ca~fornia time. 7his was the scene in San Francisco. Viockner Newspboto by Steve Silb~an Legislators want Pro overturned Forty-four California legislators filed a brief with the state Supreme Court on Nov. 10 urging that Proposition 8, the constitutional amendment that voters passed to qe-ban same-sex marriage, be overturned. Signers included Senate President Pro Tempore 8 Direct Cremation From $595 MORTUARY SERVICE, ~c Traditional Funeral Services at Affordable Prices (405) 230- 1310 or !-800-913-1310 Pre-Need Plan CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED 2415-C North WalnutAvenue, Oklaho www.metrostamews.com MetroSTAR 7 California Supreme Court Grants Review In Prop 8 Legal Challenges Court To Determine Constitutionality of Prop 8 SAN FRANCISCO, CA (PR) __ November 19, 2008) -- Today the California Supreme Court granted review in the legal challenges to Proposition 8, which passed by a narrmv margin of 52 percent on November 4. In an order issued today, the Court agreed to hear the case and set an expedited briefing schedule. q-he Court also denied an immediate stay. On November 5, 2008, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the American Civil Liberties Union, and Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit challenging the validity of Proposition 8 in the California Supreme Court on behalf of six individuals and Equality California. The City of San Francisco, joined by the City of Los Angeles and Santa Clara County, filed a similar challenge, as did a private attorney in Los Angeles. The lawsuits allege that, on its face, Proposition 8 is an improper revision rather than an amendment of the California Constitution because, in its very title, which ,vas "Himinates the right to marry for same-sex couples," the initiative eliminated an existing right only for a targeted minofit): If permitted to stand, Proposition 8 would be the first time an initiative has successfully been used to change the California Constitution to take way an existing right only for a particular group. Such a change would defeat the very purpose of a constitution and fundamentally alter the role of the courts in protecting minority rights. According to the California Constitution, such a serious revision of our state Constitution cannot be enacted through a simple majority vote, but must first be approved by two-thirds of the Legislature. Since the three lawsuits submitted on November 5, three other lawsuits challenging Proposition 8 have been filed. In a petition filed on November 14, 2008, leading African American, Latino, and Asian American groups argued that Proposition 8 threatens the equal protection fights of all Californians. On November 17, 2008, the California Council of Churches and other religious leaders and faith organizations representing millions of members statewide, also filed a petition asserting that Proposition 8 poses a severe threat to the guarantee of equal protection for all, and was not enacted through the constitutionally required process for such a dramatic change to the California Constitu~ tion. On the same day, prominent California womeffs rights organizations filed a petition asldng the Court to invalidate Proposition 8 because of its potentially disastrous implications for women and other groups that face discrimination. In May of 2008, the California Supreme Court held that barring same-sex couples from marriage violates the equal protection clause of the California Constitution and violates the fundamental right to marry. Proposition 8 would completely eliminate the right to marry only for same-sex couples. No other initiative has ever successfully changed the California Constitution to take avcay a right only from a targeted minority group. Over the past 100 years, the California Supreme Court has heard nine cases challenging either legislative enactments or initiatives as invalid revisions of the California Constitution. In three of those cases, the Court invalidated those measures. For more information on dais case, go to: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/courts/supreme/ highprofile/prop8.htm MISS BAMBOO 2009 CROWNED By Greg Steele Photo: Miss Bamboo 2009 Lady Katherine TULSA, OK __ No prelim, no registration fees, not known for glamour, but an absolute celebration of campy fun with a big heart. That is the Miss Bamboo Pageant. Although this year’s contestants did break with tradition and were quite stylish. Lady Katherine was a bit sleazy with her very revealing Victoria Secret underwear! Votes for each contestant were determined by the amount of money each was given by the audience for their performance. Our House Too ofTulsa ~vas the recipient of this years proceeds of $625.00. Our House Too offers a variety of services for people who are HIV+ or living with AIDS. You can contact them at 918-585-9552 or 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 Conspicuously absent from the entertainment line-up this year was self proclaimed Empress of the Bamboo, Miss Mona Lott and Miss Bamboo 2007 (2 X default) Czarina Rottchacokoffwho’s Hollywood caliber talent was very much missed. A constitutional revision requires a two-thirds vote of the Legislature to begin the process, while an amendment can be placed on the ballot simply by collecting enough voter signatures on petitions, as was the case with Prop 8. "Proposition 8 is invalid because the initiative process was improperly used in an attempt to undo the constitution’s core commitment to equality for everyone by eliminating a fundamental right from just one group -- lesbian and gay Californians," the legal groups said. "Proposition 8 also improperly attempts to prevent the courts from exercising their essential constitutional role of protecting the equal protection rights of minorities," the groups said. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Nov. 10 expressed support for overturning Prop 8. "This will go back to the Supreme Court because the Supreme Court very clearly in California has declared this unconstitutional," Schwarzenegger told CNN. "It’s the same as in the 1948 case when blacks and whites were not allowed to marry. This falls into the same category. So, I think that we will again, you know, maybe undo that, if the court is willing to do that, and then move forward from there and again lead in that area." Schwarzenegger also urged gay Californians to "never ever gir.e u.p".o.n marriage.e.q.u.al.i~.: "They should be on it and on it until they get it done," he said. 8 ~®t~oSTAR December 2008 Neiman Marcus Gift Idea For Christmas 2008 Limited-Edition Fighter Motorcycle There’s the startling, dare we say sex); design that fuses raw power with crisp simplicity. It’s an evolution of the machine, at once taken back down to its core elements while being reinvented and re-engineered for optimal performance. It’s our street-legal sci-fi dream come to life, in the form of the limitededition Fighter Motorcycle. Ours exclusively courtesy of Confederate Motor Company°, the first ever Fighter packs 190 mph of performance into its cutting edge carbon fiber, titanium, andaluminum chassis~ There’s the 64" wheelbase, 27"H seat, integrated braking system, tots of high-tech bells and whistles, and custom NM edition features. But, honestly, ride it once and you’ll be too jacked up on adrenaline to remember all the details. (To view them in all their glory, go here.) Item Limited-Edition Fighter Motorcycle Price $110,000.00" OCBF9_NMO3594 To score one of only 45 of these raw, raging, right on machines, call 1.877.9NM.GIFT. *Manufacturer’s suggested retail price. Price excludes all taxes, tide, licensing, registration f~es, and transportation costs. Neiman Marcus is acting as the advertiser of this product. All sa]es will be conducted solely by participating, authorized dealers in the United States. Un A Metropolitan Community Church Sunday Services @ 11:00 A}4 1623 N. Maplewood Tu{sa, OK 918-838-1715 % w.mcctu sa.org v~.metrostarnews.com ~®t~oSTAR 9 Is Gay Marriage A Q,Eestion Of Rights? By Gerald Libonati ~e marriage protection amendment that bans same-sex couples from marrying was on the ballot in three states last Tuesday. It passed in Florida and California by a margin of 52% to 48% with a majority of the precincts counted. In Arizona, a conservative state that once rejected the amendment, it passed by 56% to 44%. [[he results came as no surprise, emphasizing once again that the rights of unpopular minorities should never be put to a popular vote. How many times was the Equal Rights An,~,endment for ~vomen squashed? The first public Womans Rights Convention was held in 1848 west of Syracuse, New York. African-Amlericans did not win equal rights by a popular vote. The country vehemently fought against it. Equality for blacks required an act of Congress. So too, should equal rights for cay men and lesbian women be written into lave, not restricted y it. Some might feel gay marriage is not a question of rights, yet the expression of religious values is protected by the first amendment. After all, it is a religious Viewpoint that same-sex couples should not be allowed to marry, and it is the spiritual vie~cpoint of gay and lesbian couples (and the mental health community) that homosexuality is a good and valid expression. It is, to be sure, a religious debate as well as one of legal benefits. One can’t help feeling violated every time there is a gay/lesbian issue on the chopping block. It becomes a lightning rod for the religious right to rally agm’nst with their bumper stickers and selbrighteous slurs. How many gay and lesbian people feel battered during times like this? Yet, the struggle for gay rights may be part of a process that has not yet finished. Certainly, the zeitgeist has improved significantly over the years regarding attitudes toward gay/lesbian people. And if it is hard to imagine a time when GLBT people are a part of the Atnerican mainstream, remember it was once hard fbr women and black Americans to imagine, too. Gerald Libonati is an award-winning wrimr in South Florida. He has writtenfor the Sun-Sentinel, 7he Miami Hera~ 7he Advocate and various gay/lesbian newspapo’s. He is the author ofthe new novel, ’7~eter Wo~" the sto~ ofafamous gay rock star who goes incognito mfind love. NO on Prop 8 Campaign Leaders Call on Community to Stand Together SACP,AMENTO, CA (PR) __ Top leaders from the NO on Prop 8 campaign today issued the follmving statement urging leaders in the community to stand together following the passage of Prop 8. "This has been an incredibly difficult week for Californians who are disappointed in the passage of Proposition 8, which takes away the right to marry for same-sex couples in our state. We feel a profound sense of disappointment in this defeat, but know that in order to move forward we must continue to stand together as one community in order to secure full equality in California. "In working to defeat Prop 8, a profound coalition banded together to fight for equality. Faith leaders, labor, teachers, civil rights leaders and communities of col0r, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, public officials, local school boards and city councils, parents, corporate law firms and bar associations, businesses, and people from all walks of life l’oined together to stand up against discrimination. We must build on this coalition in order to achieve equal rights for all Californians. "We achieve nothing ifwe isolate the people who did not stand with us in this fight. We only further divide our state if we attempt to blame people of faith, African American voters, rural communities and others for this loss. We know people of all faiths, races and backgrounds stand with us in our fight to end discrimination, and will continue to do so. Now more than ever it is critical that we work together and respect our differences that make us a diverse and unique society.. Only with that understanding will we achieve justice and equality for all." Geoff Kors, Executive Director, Equality California Kate Kendell, Executive Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights. Lorri Jean, CEO, Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center Delores Jacobs, CEO, San Diego Gay and Lesbian Center 925 L Street, Suite 1200 Sacramento, CA 95814, Time for Waiting is Over -he Time for Action is NOW. By James Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ A recent joint press release from Equality California, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center ,,,a,,n~d the San Diego Gay and Lesbian Center is counseling that We achieve nothing ifwe isolate the people who did not stand with us in this fight. We only further divide our state ifwe attempt to blame people of faith, African American voters, rural communities arid others for this loss. I disagree completely. No longer, no longer, no longer must religion be used as the cudgel to separate any person from their legal rights of fair treatment and protection under the law. I walked by a religious proselytizer today in downtown Oklahoma City. I hadseen him yesterday when he made a speech for Gee-sus on the bus I was riding. Today, though, he was on the sidewalk and said to me, "Did you know God loves you?" I looked him in the eye for a few seconds and replied, "F*** ofiq.", and walked away. I’ve never acted that way to a stranger before and depending on the perceived physical danger to me, it wofft be the last time I respond to an uninvited encounter with a proselytizer. Religion has and continues to be the major block to the implementation of rights for gay/lesbian citizens because of wh~tt we do in private and who we love in public. Religion ,vas the chain around the necks of slaves, it’s been the chastity belt forced on women’s reproductive choice, and it’s been the Closed book preventing the age-appropriate teaching of responsible sexual information to children. Religion instructs the empty-headed to fear our differentness, to treat us with disrespect and with barely concealed contempt to encourage violence against our property and bodies. Wegays/lesbians are far too complacent, accepting, and willing in our own disenfranchisement from our birth right as citizens. I welcome the peaceful protests in California and elsewhere that are demanding the protection and benefits of the laws that are applied to others but not to us. Our self-appointed equality leaders who counsel shyness and acceptance of a later time should act like leaders or get out of our way. The time is long past for coyness and politeness. Dr. M. L. King said it best in his "Letter from Birmingham Jail", April 16, 1963 with this paragraph: X~re know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given b~ the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct-action campaign that was "well timed" in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. For years now I have heard the ~vord Wmt. It nngs ~n the ear of every Negro with piercing familiarity. This "Wait" has almost always meant Never. We must come to see, with one ofou distinguished jurists, that "justice too long delayed is justice denied." ( http://www.mlkonline.net/jail.html ) With the immorally presented kangaroo-court vote that passed Prop 8 in California and with other anti-gay measures in Arizona, Florida, and Arkansas, I think we gays/lesbians have waited long enough. Let the marches continue! As we march, let’s take our chant from the newly-elected President Obama’s campaign, Yes, we can! numbers. He wanted to say, "thank you" ... for what I have no earthly idea. I unloaded about our local results, but Howard didfft take the bait. His politically correct language has been finely honed from thousands of scathing attacks on each of his utterances. He opined that the economy is much better in Oklahoma than most states and that many other states have a sizable portion of their popul,a,tion tl~at,~ould normally be concerned about leaders who are different than they are. But in those states the economy and the need for change overwhelmed their normal reticence to select someone "unlike" them. Man that guy can talk. While t am fuming, foaming, uttering and mumblin,F, obscenities, he sounds like he just graduated from The vabama School of Cool. So should we do anything? Ofcourse we should. Not just for competitive partisan reasons, but because it’s not good for Oklahoma to run so counter. One national media service recently said bas,,ed on the polls, the future of the Re,publica,n Party lies with old white people and hayseed states. I, dont believe that, but much ofme nation does and we dont need to be in that category. Another pundit said that to understand the current Republican Party one has to "understand the unique culture and politics ofAppalachia." Are you kidding me? Hayseed states and Appalachia! Call your local chamber and ask them if they think this is somehmv good for us. From a national image it’s a disaster. From a local basis can you imagine how this emboldens Republicans in the state house, now firmly in control of the l~gislature? Do you think we are going to hear much about education, health care and jobs -- or are we simply going to get a double dose of Guns, God, and Gays? Gun sales in Oldahoma skyrocketed immediately prior to the election and particularly afterwards. The vast majority of these Oklahoma voters really believe that Obama -- in addition to not being a Christian, being affiliated with terrorists and intent on doubling our taxes -- is also going to take their guns! What was that comment during the campaign about clinging? So what do we do? Before we start shouting and stepping all over each other like the national Republicans, we should first calmly talk about process. Hmv do we determine what are the highest contributing factors to this unusual trend in Oldahoma? Let’s assume that we can identify with polling and focus groups the top 20 contributing factors, and then perhaps we can identify that half of these we cannot do an) thing about.., but a plan to address the other half may have merit. I have lots ofideas ... but I really have to cool off first. Posted by David Waiters at: http:llreddirtblog.typepad.coml red dirt blog/ 10 ~÷troSTAR December 2008 Rhis was best shown by the keynote speaker, Stephen Wessler, who directs the Center for the Prevennon of Hate Violence located in Pordand, Maine, and was a former assistant Attorney General in that state was well. He is the author ofthe book, "The Respectful School," and has received many awards for his work in the area of civil rights. OkA¢homa State Attorney Gene~alDrew Edmondson. Aspeaker at the 2nd Stop Hate in the Hallways Conference. Photo by Hctor Gorin He pointed out that serious bullying begins with words. He told ofa student (pseudonym John), ~vho was perceived to be gay by 4 male students at his school. At first they talked behind his back, and nobody objected. It escalated to name calling direcdy to John. ~aen it escalated to tripping and shoving in the hall, with no objections or intervention. The following February he ~vas jumped by three boys and severely beaten, and nobody intervened or told an adult. This followed by 3 more similar incidents, including an attempt in the bathroom to put his head in an unflushed toilet, and another incident where a boy put John’s head in a noose and pulled it tight for over 40 seconds. Finally, When one ofthe boys threatened to shoot John, the threat was overheard by a girl ~vho reported this to school authOrities, Finally the police were called and Mr. Wessler, as a prosecutor with the state hate crimes prosecution unit, finally took action. Ironically, the four boys involved in the harassment were age 12. Although the conference included the issues ofGLBT students, it was also inclusive ofother forms as ~vell, including those of Islamic students ~vho were harassed (frequently called terrorists), Latinos frequently called "beaners" or "tacos". Other issues included students with disabilities, and other characteristics such as being overweight. Reverend Scott Jones ofOklahoma City’s Cathedral ofHope led a panel discussion ofreligion and the role it played in harassment, and also those who are victimized. Another workshop conducted by Kathy Middleton with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, showed and demonstrated how bullying could be prevented, and how students & administrators can deal with it. And intervention can’t come too soon, not only for those bullied, but for all Oklahoma students who have the right to a productive, safe education. Oklahoma Couple Marries Photp: Rex Ball, Architect/Urban Designer, aformer US Commissioner ofFine Arts and Stephen Edwards, multi-award winning Interior Designer in Oklahoma were mar~ed October 24 in Palm Springs, CA by Mayor Steve Pougnet. The couple has been together for 24 years. Both are originally from Central Oklahoma where they first met. Having also lived in Washington, D.C. the couple settled in Tulsa in 1996. B~th ~e a~tive iii Hist0fi~il PreserVation and have renovated two Tulsa houses for themselves both ofwhich are located in neighborhoods on the National Register of Historic places. In Oklahoma City they renovated the Mid-Century landmark Raymond Carter designed Residence on Barnes Circle which is also visible from Pennsylvania Avenue. The services were conducted on Friday, October 24 by the Mayor of Palm Springs in the Mid-Century designed City Hall. q-he Mayor hadwritten the words of the service. Witnesses were former Tulsans Mike Green and Jim Trotter also Architect Dan Logan of Palm Springs and Malibu. The couple has 5 daughters and nine grandchildren. Father and son marry partners in Palm Springs double wedding By Rex Wockner Charles Robbins, executive director of~e Trevor Project, and Damon Romine, director ofentertainment media at the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, got married Nov. 2 in Palm Springs in a double ceremony that also saw Romine’sfather, David, marry hisparmen La~wy Barrett. From left: Robbins, Damon Romine, David Romine and Barrett. Photo by DavidA. Lee Charles Robbins, executive director of~he Trevor Project, the national suicide-prevention helpline for gay youth, and Damon Romine, director of entertainment media at the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, got married Nov. 2 in Palm Springs in a double ceremony that also saw Romine’s father, David, marry his partner, Larry Barrett. Robbins, 46, and Damon Romine, 42, have been together for nine years and Barrett and David Romine have been together for 16 years. It was believed to be California’s first same-sex double wedding ceremony shared by a father and son. Same-sex marriage became legal in California on June 16, following a Supreme Court ruling, and became illegal again on Nov. 4, following passage of a ballot initiative that amended the state constitution to negate the ruling. Gay groups have filed suit to block the amendment from taking effect. At press time, the State Supreme Court had not ruled on the case, and county officials had stopped issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Will & Grace creator marries Max Mutchnick, a creator and executive producer ofTV’s Wilt & Grace, got married to lawyer Erik Hyman on Oct. 25 in Beverly Hills. "We wanted to be a part of the wave of same-sex couples getring married before the election," Mutchnick told The New York Times. ~e couple have been together for two years. They moved in together a week after meeting and have never spent a night apart since. Mutchnick told The Times that Hyman is the most intelligent and confident man he’s ever met, and the only one he’s met who can withstand his insecurities and histrionics. Hyman said he felt hard for Mutchnick’s passion, charm and humor. The couple have two daughters, who were born to a surrogate. California voters ended same-sex marriage in the state Nov. 4, amending the state constitution to say, "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." Gay groups have filed suit to block the amendment from taking effect. At press time, the State Supreme Court had not ruled on the case, and county officials had stopped issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. OKLAHOMA CITY COUPLE WED IN CALIFORNIA Kara McCullar & Marlena Weaver demonstrate on Oklahoma City Hall steps. The couple was legally married in California October 20. Photo by Victor Gorin. www.metrostarnews.com MetroSTAR 11 @Club 209, Tulsa @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, TulSa ..... @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ The Copa, Oklahoma City 12 @Angles, Oklahoma City @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @ Steve’s Hideaway, Tulsa Community Fellowship "A place where you can be who God created you to be andfi’iends’hips becomefamily" Worship Experience Sundays 5:30p.m. Pastor Neill Spurgin PastorNeih’@ExpressionsOKC.com (40 ) 76 - 7s ~w.ExpressionsOKC. corn Lansbrook Event Center 6009 NWExpressway Oklahoma City, OK December 2008 On Saturday, Nov. 15, there were coordinated anti,Prop. 8 protests in 300 cities in all 50 states and several other countries at 10.30. a.m. California time, ~lengthy march from San Diego’s Balboa Park to the Count~ 25;000 ~ar~hers, Photo by Re~ Wockne~ On Sa~twday, Nov. 1£ there were huge, coordinated anti-Prop 8protests across the country at 10:30 a.m. Ca~lifo~ia time. ~is wa~ the stone in San ~,n&co. ~&nerNewspbom by Steve 39am the stage to repeate!ly create a~ant rambowflag, to the de@,}t ofnews photographers and cameramen. ter and ~dsa rallied in opposition to California’s Prop S. Arqzona, Florida outlJwedMardage ~quality an~ Arkansas voted toprobibit GLBT~doption, Saturda November 15, 2008 25,000 str~g mti~Prop 8 grassroots protest in San Di~g0~ N Wockner News Service Caribbean health offidals call for repeal of buggery laws UK Ministry ofDefence paid $6.2 million to sacked soldiers Gay couple arrested in Mexico for kissing and hugging UK to give lesbians equal access to fertility treatment Some government officials in attendance at The United Kingdom’s Ministry ofDefence the recent annual meeting ofthe Pan Carib- has paid $6.2 million to people who were Txvo male U.S. citizens were arrested in Playa A controversial bill that passed Britain’s House del Carmen, in Mexico’s Q,~intana Roo state, ofCommons Oct. 22, authorizing stem-celt bean Partnership Against HIV/AIDS called kicked out ofthe armed forces before the gay for kissing and hugging in public, the Mexico research that implants human cells into animal for repeal oflaws that criminalize gay sex as a ban was lifted in 2000, officials said Nov. 7. eggs creating hmnan-animal hybrids, also pathway to slowing the spread ofthe virus, the City daily E! Universal reported Oct. 22. cleared the way for lesbians to access fertility Caribbean Media Corporation reported. Sixty-five people have been compensated, receiving an average of $96,300 each. Eric Schroeder, 22, andJosd Mdndez, 35, were treatment and for a lesbian couple to be named "Ifxve repeal the Buggery Act it reduces risky accused of committing "a moral misdeed" (una on a birth certificate as a child’s parents. behavior and puts the onus on men who have "Over the past few years the MoD has made falta a la moral), jailed for 15 hours and fined sex xvith men to act in a responsible way," strenuous efforts to reach amicable settle- 2,000 pesos ($148). The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill passed the House ofCommons 355-129 and is said Dr. Peter Figueroa, head ofthe Jamaican ments in relation to those legal claims which Ministry of Health’s AIDS program. "When remained outstanding and we are pleased that Schroeder told the paper that on Oct. 10 the unlikely to be further modified before becompeople see themselves as excluded or discrimi- compensation has now been awarded in all couple was "resolving some differences that ing law. hated against and stigmatized, it promotes these cases;’ a spokesman said. we had" and, as they walked out ofthe house, risky behavior? "there were a few hugs and a kiss out front:’ "We’ve always thought it scandalous that lesbian couples could lawfully be excluded from the Britain’s armed forces lifted their gay ban on safety of (National Health Service) clinics, for The health minister ofthe island nation of orders from the European Court ofHuman At that point, police arrived, handcuffed them, Dominica, John Fabien, agreed, saying: "We Rights. then drove them around while they "picked up which we all pay," said Ben Summerskill, chief need to take this to another level, I think the more people who presumably had committed executive ofleading gay lobby group Stonewall. other crimes," he said. "Often they’ve been forced to use unregulated level ofprime ministers.... The whole ques- backstreet services instead? tion ofmen who have sex with men ... we can’t bow our heads in the sand and say it do~s no{..... .................. 1 ...."-They,wanted money and realizingthey , ,, DutCh men convlc~:eG weren t going to get it, they drove us around Children in lesbian and gay families develop happent.rayndtoI,villsee howbderivveincgou, ldthe getPr°cessthingsbaCkgoingh.°.m..e of injecting sex partriers Schroeder said. ’ in exactly the same social and intellectual way gge need to really fall in line mad try to get it off the books." Barbados’ health minister, Dr. David Estwick, asked, "What are we going to do about reaching men who have sex with men when we have laws against their sexual activity in most Caribbean countries. Jamaica’s Figueroa added that when gay sex is stigmatized, "it drives not only the epidemic underground, but it also means that men ~vho have sex with men disguise their sexuality, take on a girlfriend and have sex with women who are unaware that they are really people who have sex with men, and therefore this acts as a bridge in terms ofHIV transmission from the gay community." The lneeting was held in Montego Bay, Jamaica. According to Amnesty International, 11 Caribbean-area nations continue to ban gay sex -- Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jmnaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Hungarian Parliament passes nexv hate-crime laws Hungary’s Parliamentpassed legislation in early November extending hate-crime laws to cover members "ofa social group" and making it possible to initiate civil proceedings against someone ~vho engages in degrading or intimidating behavior toward another based on "sexual orientation." The changes need the approval of President L~szl6 S61yom and also must be able to withstand possible Constitutional Court challenges. The court previously has struck down socalled hate-speech laws on freedom-of-speech grounds. with HIV Two men in Groningen, Netherlands, were convicted Nov. 12 of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm by injecting several men ~vith HIV-infected blood after apparendysedating them during gay sex parties arranged over the Internet. One of the perpetrators, who vcas also convicted ofrape, received a nine-year prison sentence and the other was sentenced to five years. The Groningen District Court determined that while all the victims in the case were HIV-positire, there was no way to know if the assaults caused their infections, given that they had willingly participated in barebacking orgies. Resistance in UK to gay adoption A recent ICM Research survey conducted for the United Kingdom’s National Adoption Week revealed a high degree of resistance to adoption by gay couples. The poll of 1,007 people found that 40 percent ofth0se questioned think gay male couples should not be allowed to adopt and 36 percent think lesbian couples should be banned from adopting: Susan Cotton, adoption manager for the charity Action for Children, told the BBC the findings xvere "shocking and disappointing." "We have successfully placed children with both gay couples and single people. We know it works," she said. The couple’s eventual incarceration at the main police station ended after they paid a cop a 300-peso fee to take one oftheir credit cards and withdraw money to pay the 2,000-peso fine, Schroeder said. SPain’s ueen Sofia hot water with gays Spain’s Q~een Sofia is in hot water with gays after the newspaperH Pals published excerpts Oct. 29 from an upcoming biography of the queen by journalist Pilar Urbano. ha "The Q~_een Up Close" ("La Reina muy de cerca"), Sofia, 69, is quoted as saying: "I can understand, accept and respect that there are persons ofother sexual tendencies, but should they feel proud to be gay? Should they ride on a parade float and come out in demonstrations ? ffall ofthose ofus who aren’t gay came out in protest we would halt traffic." She went on: "Ifthose persons want to live together, dress up as bride and groom and marry, they could have a right to do so, or not, according to the laws of their country, but they shouldn’t call dais matrimony, because it isfft. q-here are many possible names: social contract, union contract? Spain is one ofsix countries where same-sex couples have access to full marriage. A royal spokesperson conaplained that the quotations are not "exactly" accurate. The State Federation ofLesbians, Gays, Transse~ uals and Bisexuals demanded that Sofia recant her reported statements. as any others," he said. "This latest step forward for our communities is an important reminder that lesbian and gay families are every bit as loving and tender and magical as any other." Irish president condemns Speaking at a GLBT youth forum in Galway on Oct. 30, Irish President Mary McAleese condemned anti-gay bullying. "Homophobic bullying continues to be a societywide issue, including in our schools, and the link between it and suicide sends a clear message that this trend must be reversed," she said. "By refusing to go along with loudly voiced prejudices, we can overcome the bias and hostility experienced by many young gay people throughout the country." McAleese also said people don’t choose to be gay but rather discover that they’re gay. Australian de facto couples who split to be treated as divorced Australia’s Senate passed a bill Oct. 16 to treat unmarried couples who break up the same as married couples who divorce. The measure, which was returned to the lower house for approval ofSenate anaendments, will create a uniform national standard for separating de facto coupmsles, gay and straight, sending them to federal family-law courts to work out property settlements, pension splits and other Issues. Attorney-General Robert McClelland said the changes are "long overdue." 14 ~÷troSTAR December 2008 "In my junior high school years at Wilson Jr. High I delivered the Tulsa Daily "World morning paper on horseback for three years on what was then a two lane country road called Yale Ave. I had to quit riding horseback because the customers of a new housing development called "White City" complained that my horseback deliveries was tearing up their beautiful yards. I graduated in the 10th graduating class of Will Rogers High Schoo! in 1949." "The start of my dancing career was 1950 ~vhen I joined the new qfillsa Opera Ballet. ~-his was the time when opera companies retrained a Corps de Ballet and operettas were popular. ~l~.e Tulsa Opera_ Ballet would practice in the ballroom of Richard Mansfield Dickenson’s home on Riverside Drive and F!ouston Ave., which is now known as the Spotlight Theater on Riverside Dr. "t received a scholarship in 1952 to study dance with the "Ruth St. Denis Dance Foundatioff’ in Hollywood. While I was there I also studied ballet and jazz at the "Eugene Loring School of Ballet. M1 of the great dancers of the Holly~vood musicals of the 50’s would teach in their idle time at Loring’s studio, t was honored to take classes with some of Hollywood’s best. I was accepted with 150 other dancers in the Chorus of"On the Rivera" staring Danny Kaye and the Great "Gwen -Verdoff’. However, I nm~er made it to the final Audition because my dance career was interrupted in 1953 with a draft call from UNCLE SAM. Thinking my dance career was oveI; ! found it was just beginning." Photo: Bill Franc#co served in the A4ilimry 1953-1955 "My tour of duty took me to the occupation forces in Augsburg, Germany. I was blessed! They allowed me to continue my volunteer dancing for tile kindergarten kids in West Germany." "I was honored for nay volunteer dancing in Germany by becoming the only American awarded a medal by the city of "Augsburg at the 1954 Fashing Festival. They even wrote a nice article about me in the Augsburg newspaper which was in Get,nan and I didn’t understand a word of it. I sent it home to my mother in NAsa and she gave it to the Tulsa \Vorld to interpret and they published it in English in the Tulsa World Sunday Mar. 21, 1954." "Rett,rning home to Tialsa in 1955, I again auditioned for the renowned Tulsa Opera. I landed the leading male dancer, all with gold pigment and Crisco! I was beautiful (like an Oscar) but I had to work the next day. I took a shower to wash the gold pigment away and my hair turned green! I went to work and was ridiculed, LOL, the boy with the green hair." "In 1956 1 began dancing with the "Tulsa Civic Ballet" today knmvn as Tulsa Ballet Inc. I danced the premier of The Nutcracker and also performed the first Dr. Coppelius In Tulsa at the Municipal Theater today our Lady on Brady I also danced in the first two summer musicals with the "Tulsa Little Theater" at the 15th and Delavcare Playhouse." keShe could er my given name. She what my name was and \ in his usual vivacious reply said "just// CLOGGERB I //, Because volunteer dancing could not sustain me financially, I went to work for American Airlines in 1955. In 1961 American decided to move their finance department to NYC where they purchased their first computer. This was my opportunity to see hmv the professionals dance in the Big Apple. Let me tell you, I was just a little worm in the Big Apple. What a culture shock, nobody does volunteer dancing in New York. Everyone is a union professional. ! realized my love of country folk music, bluegrass and clogging there. I studied with the International School of Dance one semester. I realized dogging was what I wanted to dance the rest ofmy life. Isn’t is ironic? I fell in love with dogging in ]"FYC and had it all around me growing up in Tulsa. I returned home to Tulsa after 13 years in New York and spent all my free time attending clogging classes and workshops. The IGRA had become very popular with clogging teams throughout the U.S. and Tulsa. I attended a fund-raiser for OGRA in 1987 at "STROKES" and saw the renowned "Bunkhouse Cloggers" from Oklahoma City perform. I was so excited and impressed to see a rodeo clogging team that I wanted to form one from Tulsa for OGRA. Thus the "GREEN COUNTRY CLOGGERS" ~vere born in 1988. The Green Country- Cloggers became famous from the Mississippi west to Los Angeles, dogging to standing ovations in Oklahoma City, Dallas, Phoenix, Denver, Los Angles, Kansas, Joplin and Tulsa..We performed for two seasons at Tulsa Mayfest and the Bluegrass/Chilifest. When the Green Country Cloggers moved their practices to Tulsa’s Silver Star for bigger dance space we were doing a big fund-raiser to raise money to take the cloggers to Los Angeles ~br a rodeo performance. Our Mistress of Ceremonies was a eighteen year old (not old enough for the bar) known as KA~S KOHL. To this day in 2008, Kris Kohl has done more benefits and fun&raisers than any other entertainer in Tulsa and she is the real legend of this community. Our music maestro, arranger, recording artist and D. J. from the cloggers conception in 1988 was Ron Greenwood. Thank you Quake for all your loyalty and contributions to the cloggers. Kris Kohl was to introduce my solo. She could not remember my given name. She asked Qtmke what my name was and in his usual vivaciotrs reply said "just call him CLOGGERBILL" And from that time on, fbr 18 years, to the birth of"Santa, I have been known as "CLOGGERBILL" Now I’ve forgotten my real n~e. I left the Green Country Cloggers in the capable hands of the worlds best Leather Clogger "Gene West" who took the cloggets to new heights. I formed the "OK Country Cloggers" from other Cloggers around Tulsa. We performed benefits for Tulsa Opera at Cains Ballroom and Tulsa Ballet Inc, at Harwellen. The OK Country Cloggers quickly dwindled into a trio competition team. The Ok Country Cloggers had performed for two seasons for "Black Gold Days" in Glenpool. I was teaching a clogging class at the community center. They asked if I would dress as Santa and clog for the kids at their Children’s Christmas Party, of course I said yes. That was the birth of"Santa Clog". The kids just loved Santa Clogging and a lot of adults also. The next year I created my own Santa Suit, and started growing nay own beard with theatrical white wash. Since I’ve performed hundreds of Santa Clog benefits over the past ten years. It was so much fun (because I’m such a ham), that’s when I decided I wanted to be the real Santa for the rest of my life. In 2004 1 entered "SANTA_" in the Grand Lake dogging championship in Grove, Oklahoma. I had worked so hard on the choreography that I pinched the ~ciatic nerve in my left hip and neuropathy begin to set in. But I kept going. I knew I had to win that competition before I could qualify for National World Competition. I did win mad took 1st place in that show. I guess when you stop your career, you should always stop at the top, when everyone knows who you are, not what you were. I tried to do a couple more Santa Clog benefits in 2005 but my leg was in such pain I could not continue. I then had lower back surgery and the severe pain was gone but the neuropathy would not go away. I would like to thank my two very best friends for sticking by me and helping me through this crisis. Mr. Paul: (aka), Helga. another community legend of spirit, giving, benefits and caring, for getting me the best surgeons, standing by me thru surgery and coming by my home on his way to ~vork every day to wash my ass and change my bandages. Arnie XWard, for taking so much time offwork to take me back and forth from exams, doctors and hospitals. SANTA loves you both so dearly. I would not have survived without you. No~v Santa only does children benefits, private corporate parties and my favorite adult bars: N0 eio~ng; just takAng pictures, giving out pre~ents havi@ ~ iittl~ ~,~ arid .... loving every moment. Now I am one of the most sought after Santa’s in Tulsa. I begin getting requests for appearances in July for the December season. Santa has appeared in four magazine and six newspaper articles. Someday I dream of Santa dancing again in the spirit of the season. From 1937 to 2004 (67 years) I have danced over 350 performances, benefits and fund-raisers for the Tulsa and su> rounding communities. I was actually paid union wages for one show. The Vandever’s summer fa~shion show at Southern Hills Country Club about 30 years ago. So, if you divide the $50.00 into 350 performances, I have been paid just about .07 cents per performance. Does that make me a professional volunteer? I would like to take this opportunity to let the world know how very much I appreciate all the support and devotion of good friends, entertainers and bar~8~ners (past and present) for helping me do what I love best, DANCE !! As Santa said when he rode out of sight, Happy Holidays and to all a Good Night ! ,~w.metrostarnews.com ~etroSTAR 15 QEe’ Syrah, Syra :: Celebrate the holidays with a cool red wine Briefhistory ~ais grape may not be commonly associated with the holidays like other red wines, however, this varietal rates highly among the most elegant, tastefhl and food friendly wines. To that end, I recommend that we consider adding a bottle or two to our wine shopping list for this season. We have much to celebrate and sharing wine & food with friends & family is the best thingwe can do. For most wine lovers, as we talk about Syrah or Shiraz; two specific places ofthe xvorld come tO mind: Rh6ne Valley in France and Australia. Syrah is found in other wine regions of the ~vorld, though- California, Italy and South Africa- hmvever the reference areas of this grape are still considered France and Australia, each being identifiable for its particular style. Ofcourse, of the two regions, the one having a longer tradition is the Rh6ne Valley, whereas in Australia, Syrah - or Shiraz, as it is commonly known in the land ofkangaroos - has a history shorter than two centuries. (which translates as New Castle common in southern Languedoc-Roussillon blended with Grenache Noi C Syrah fro aromas ofblack pepper - associated with wines Food parings The northern part of the Rh6ne Valley, in France, remains one of tl~e undisputed reference point.s for the production ofwines made with the Syrah grape. The best examples of varietal Syrah, are the ones produced with the appellations Hermitage, C6te-R6tie, Cornas, St-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage. Wines produced in these areas have Strong fruit aromas, a good acidity, dry body and an appreciable mineral taste. Hermitage has a deep color and intense fruit aromas, in particular black currant, full body and evident astringency. Syrah is also common in the southern part ofRh6ne Valley and it is used in Ch~teauneuf-du-Pape to emit often area. Trinity ’04- Oregon Slammer ’06- California Pousseur ’06- California to your favorite wine purchase a bottle or ~d & wine with friends and r yourself. Syrah is a good turkey or ham F ’ " who knew ? We always think Pinot best red wine choice. A lot may hinge on the way your meat is prepared. Appetizers with veggies or cheeses with a sharp like flavor can also pair ~vell. This writer also bar tends and hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts ofTulsa. www.~neSpectato~:com www.Foodand~ne.com ............. www.~Vikipedia.org This months recipe courtesy of: Directions: Ogunquit, Main Christmas Goose With Cabbage About 4 hours before ser~,ing: Remove giblets and neck from goose. Refrigerate giblets and neck to use in soup another Discard fat from body cavity; rinse goose with running cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Fasten neck skin to the back with 1 or 2 skewers, With goose breast-side up, lift wings up toward neck, then fold under back of goose. With string. tie legs and tail together. With fbrk, prick goose skin in several places. Place goose, breast-side up, on rack in open roasting pan. Rub goose with 2 teaspoons salt. Insert meat thermometer into thickest part of meat between breast and thigh, being careful tha pointed end of thermometer does not touch bone. Roast goose in 350 degree oven about 3 hours. Start &ecking for doneness during last 30 ~ninutes of roasting goose. slotted spoon, remove bacon to paper travels to drain. In bacon fat in saucepan over medium heat, cook green cabbage, onion, caraway seeds, and I teaspoon salt until cabbage and onion are very tende}, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally; keep warm, About 20 minutes before goose is done, in small saucepan, heat red currant jelly and marsala. Brush goose occasionally with idly mixture. Goose is done when thermometer reaches 180 degrees to 185 degrees and thickest part ofleg feels sof~ when pressed ~th fingers protected by paper towels. When goose is done, remove skewers and string. Linep,latter with reserved red and green cabbage leaves. Place goose on cabbage leaves: let stand 10 minutes for easier carving. Spoon red and green cabbage on platter with goose. t frozen goose (12 pound size), thawed salt 1 medium sized head red cabbage I medium sized head green cabbage 1 medium sized onion 1 large green cooking apple 1 package (8 ounce size) sliced bacon 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1/4 cup currant jelly 2 tablespoons &T marsala wine Mier goose has roasted fbr I hour. prepare red andgreen, cabbage’, reserve fi.~v outer leaves of red and green cabbage for garnish. Slice red and green cabbage and onion; dice apple; cut bacon into 1/2 inch pieces, In 12-inch skillet over medium- lmv h~r. cook half of bacon until browned. With slotted spoon, remove bacon to paper towels to drain. In bacon tht in skillet over medium heat, cook red cabbage, apple, red wine vinegar, sugm; and 1 teaspoon salt until cabbage is very tender, about 25 minutes. stirring occasionally; keep warna. Meamvhile, in ~-quart saucepan over medium-low heat, cook remaining bacon until browned.iWith Jonathaffs Restaurmat ~ Bourn it into a )resence 16 #~®troSTAR December 2008 Trace Adkins At the BOK Center, Tulsa TRACE ADKINS with special guests: Craig Morgan &Jason Michael Carroll Tickets On Sale Oct 3 @ 10am Ticket Prices: $52 and $42 When Trace Adldns appears on stage, his towering presence and floor-shaldng baritone instantly energizes the crowd. With a string ofhits spanning more than a decade like "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk; "Hot Mama," "I Got lVly Game On," and "Ladies Love Country Boys;’ and his powerful, heart-stirring ballads like "I’m Tryin;’ "Arlington;’ "Every Light In The House;’ and "I Came Here To Live;’ Adldns takes his audience on a roller coaster ride ofemotions. Cirque du SoleiFs Saltimbanco Dec 10, 2008 to Dec 14, 2008 at BOK Center Cirque du Soleil’s Saltimbanco December 10th at 7:30 December 1 lth at 7:30 December 12th at 3:30 & 7:30 December 13th at 3:30 & 7:30 December 14th at 1:00 & 5:00 Ticket Prices:S97, $77, $62, and $42 Group tickets: For groups of+20 or more receive 10% offyour tickets, group discounts do not apply to Friday or Saturday show times. For group tickets please call 918-894-4252 Cirque du Soleil weaves its magic in Tulsa for the first time with Saltimbanco. Saltimbanco is the very first "classic" Cirque du Soleil touring show to be presented in arena. The Saltimbanco arena tour, proudly presented by iShares, will performed 8 shows at the BOK Center from December 10 to 14 inclusively. December At ~lhe P.A.C. Tulsa Performance Dates 3 FREE Brown Bag It: Tulsa Festival Ringers John H. Williams Theatre 4-28 FREE Artist Janet Duvall PAC Gallery 5 Available by Subscription Tina Brown Chapman Music Hall I View Interactive Seating Chart 6 BUY Christmas with TOC Chapman Music Hall I View Interactive Seating Chart 11-14, 16-23 BUY A Christmas Carol John H. Williams Theatre Dec 12-t4, 19-21 _ Wind in the Willows, Charles E. Norman Tl~eatre Dec 12-14, 17-20 BUY The Santaland Diaries, Liddy Doenges ~eatre Dec 13-14, t8-21 BUY The Nutcracker (Tulsa) Chapman Music Hall More ENTERTAINMENT see page 20 www.metrostarnews.com INSIDE HOLLYWOOD By Romeo San Vicente Deep Inside Hollywood, which reports on new projects for Nicole Kidman and Jane Fonda Fonda Returns to Broadway with Moises Kaufman She’s a producer, memoirist, exercise guru, and multi-Oscar-winning actress, but fihn legend Jane Fonda’s roots go all the way back to Broadway. And while she hasn’t strutted and fretted her hour upon the stage since the early 1960s, Fonda is preparing her return to the Great White Way in a new play ~vritten and directed by Moises Kaufman, the gay writer behind "The Laramie Project". "33 Variations" focuses on a musicologist (Fonda) and her study ofBeethoven’s obsession with a particular piece of music. Fonda hasn’t been completely absent from the stage--in recent years, she:s participated in several one-night-only special presentations ofEve Ensler’s "The Vagina Monologues". Get ready for New York to be abuzz when the woman who was Barbarella returns to Broadway this winter. Landon’s Career Remains Hot with "Burning Palms" "Burning Pahns" may sound like a clothing-optional gay resort, but it’s actually the new film written and directed by Christopher Landon, the openly gay son ofTVlegend Michael Landon. On the heels of Christopher’s success as the co-writer of the hit "Disturbia", dais Holl)-a,ood legacy returns with a new satire that pokes fun at the residents ofvarious segments ofLos Angeles, and "Burning Palms" boasts an interestingly eclectic ensemble. Slated to star in the fihn are Dylan McDermott, Shannen Doherty, Lake Bell, Nick Stahl, Zoe Saldana, Adriana Barraza ("Babel"), Colleen Camp and Rosamund Pike. They’ll play characters whose storylines overlap in five different vignettes set in different L.A. neighborhoods. Vditch for the smoke in 2009. Kidman and Tneron Go Out [’or "Danish" Nicole Kidman and Chadize Theron both won Oscars for playing lesbians and for ~vearing fake noses--in "The Hours" mad "Monster", respectively--but the mind reels about what kind ofprostheses will be required for their next movie. "The Danish Girl" will star the duo as real-life artists Einar and Greta Wegener. Einar (Yddman) began life as a man but later became the world’s first transsexual in 1931; Einar’s road to womanhood began xvhen he stood in for a female model in a painting that Greta (Theron) was creating. Anand Tucker ("Shopgirl", "Hilary and Jackie") will direct from Lucinda Coxon’s adaptation ofDavid Ebershoff’s book. Look for Kidman and Theron to astound the world almost as much as the real Wegeners did, when "Tne Danish Girl" eventually hits theaters. Soon, We’ll MI Be "Spartacus" The smash success of"300" put muscular, leggy men in togas back on the ctfltural radar, and "Xena" exec producer Sam Raimi (who directed some obscure art films with "Spider-Man" in the tide) intends to keep them there. Raimi is one ofthe driving forces behind "Spartacus", a new series for the Starz cable channel that centers around a legendary slave rebellion against the Roman Empire. Insiders say the show will shoot for the same intense violence and distinctive graphic-novel look ofboth "300" and "Sin City", so Romeo figures that means lots ofoiled up, brawny lugs fighting each other to the death in leather miniskirts. And that’s good TV! "Spartacus" starts shooting in New Zealand at the beginning ofthe year ~vith an eye to unfurling its muscular majesty on Starz next summer. N~troSTAR 17 entire country, we want to thank the gays and lesbians in California for fighting this batde for us. And keep fighting until we win! by Donald Pile and Ray Williams GAY TRA¥ LER’S, BOYCOTT UTAH "Morman Church Millions Help Pass Prop 8" Photo: Salt Lake CiF Temple things "right", it is time for the rest ofgays and lesbians in the rest of the country to do what they can to help. M1 travelers have a choice..... a choice as to where to go, where to stay, where to dine and where to visit. A few years ago the state of Colorado made some very bad decisions and thousands and thousands ofboth business as well as personal travelers made the choice NOT to visit or spend any money in that state. The state was financially hurt terribly by that boycott as conventions and business meetings were canceled. Fortunately the state mended its ways and now the gay community has once again started visiting the state. We are extremely" proud ofthe fact that Colorado elected the first openly gay congressman, Jared Polls. He was certainly the best person for that position. So secondly; we are telling our readers to BOYCOTT UTAH ! Salt Lake City is the world headquarters of the Mormons and the Mormon’s account for about 62% of the population of Utah. Tourism brings in about $6 billion a year to Utah. They have ~vorld-class skiing, the film festival among many, things. Thousands ofMormons worked as volunteers and spent tens ofmillions ofdollars on Proposition 8. As just one gay couple out of the nearly 20,000 gay couples who were LEGALLY married this summer in California, we resent the Mormon Church’s involvement in our civil rights. Is it okay they can have 10 spouses, but yet deny us to have just one ? Mormon spokesmen say that they had a right to do ~vhat they did. \Ve also have a right to do what we are doing, ha 2008 you just cannot take away anybody’s civil rights and expect not to get a backlash. You cannot take away our legal marriage and get away with it. No, NO, NO! Photo: Golden Gate B,;idge San Francisco. Califo, saia’sflght against Prop 8failed on November 4 mobilizing hundreds ofthousands who held protest rallies around the world. Visit California. And now we come to Proposition 8. As one ofthe nearly 20,000 gay couples who were LEGALLY married this summer, we were devastated with the results on Nov. 4. Since we do not live in Cali~brnia we are not able to attend any of the rallies and protest marches but our readers from around the country have sent us dozens and dozens ofemails asking what they can do. We have told them two things. First, GO to California, spend money with those ~vho are wanting our business. There are thousands ofstraight owned businesses in California who are on our side. There are thousands ofgay mvned businesses who have worked hard on defeating Proposition 8 as well as thousands and thousands ofgays and lesbians who went door to door and worked tirelessly. They are all to be conm~ended highly. They did not sit idly by and just hope for a victory. They worked long and hard. So as the gays and lesbians who live in California take to the streets and protest and march and do whatever that they can to have the California Supreme Court step in and make No matter what state you live in, BOYCOTT the Mormon Church but by all means BOYCOTT the entire state of Uta!! Don’t go there, don’t spend your gay dollars there, don’t purchase anything from any company that is based in Utah. There will be plenty oflistings of businesses who gave money for Proposition 8. Boycott them all! The gaypress in California has done and will continue to do a fabulous job ofkeeping all ofus informed about Proposition 8. This is not just a California story, but a story for the entire country. With Barack Obama becoming the first African-American President of the country it wotfld have been nice to think that prejudices were going to be a thing ofthe past. However the Mormon Church proved us wrong about that. Hate still does exist and mainly in the eyes ofthe Mormon Church. Photo: Echo Lake Denver; CO. Fortunately Colorado mended it’s ways and now thegay community has once again started visiting the state. On behalfofmillions ofgays throughout the Eureka Springs Tourism Increases Despite Tough Economic Times EUREKA SPRINGS, AR (PR) __ In one of the slowest economic periods in recent memory, and at a time when other tourist destinations are experiencing downturns, this Ozarlcs getaway is doing remarkably well. Mayor Dani Joy’s o~ce reports that receipts f~r Eureka Springs city sales t~es have increased, year-to-date, 2.36% over last year. Meanwhile, City Advertising and Promotion Commission figures reflect an even larger improvement. Operations Manager Sheila Hulsey said 2008 C.A.EC. tax collections year-to-date are up 9.6% over the same period in 2007. Mayor Joy believes several factors are respon- ;ibte for the city’s strong economic showing in the face of national financial turmoil. "First of all, our community has come together this year in a coordinated effort to make the tourist’s stay in Eureka Springs the best it can be. "And, simultaneously, we’ve done a better iob of marketing ourselves." Tne mayor also cited high gas pr!ces as afactor. "When gas was near!y" $4 a gallon, travelers saved money by staying closer to home." She continued, "Some chose a domestic vacation instead of taldng an overseas flight. Many others picked a destination within a few hours drive over one a few days away." Joy also believes Eureka Springs’ relatively inexpensive lodging and meals have helped the city grow while other tourist destinations have declined. "We’re quite a bargain compared to the larger, glitzier vacations spots," she said. Finally, the city’s quiet, relaxing feel could be a factor. "When you come here you feel like you’ve stepped back in time," the mayor stated. "We have Victorian homes, locally owned shops in an historic downtown, and no stop lights or mega-malls. We’re a very refreshing escape from the rat race--and, especially these days, people value that!" Once October figures are received by the city and the C.A.P.C., Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Feldman believes they will shove an even larger improvement. "Most of our members say they’re having an excellent month," he commented. ’~md several business owners have told me they’ve had their biggest days and weekends in history." For info on Eureka Springs, contact Ken Rundel, CAPC, P.O. Box 522, Eureka Springs, AR, 72632. 479-253-7333 ken@eurekasprings.org 18 ~÷troSTAR December 2008 www.metrostarnews.com #~®troSTAR 19 OKC Civic Center Music Hall December Events Nov. 28 - Dec. 20 A NICE FAMILY GATHERING a comedy by Phil Olson Nov. 28- Dec. 21 ROMEO &JULIET Dec. 4 - Dec. 6 A VERY MERRY POPS presented by the Oklahoma City" Philharmonic Dec. 5 - Dec. 21 THEJUNGLE BOOKby Rudyard Kipling, adapted by Rick and Erin Cheek Dec. 5 - Dec. 21 A TUNA CHRISTMAS by Ed Howard, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams Dec. 6 - Dec. 7 THE NUTCRACKERpresented by the Tulsa Ballet Dec. 7 CANTERBURY CHRISTMAS Dec. 11 CARLOS MENCIA Dec. 12 John Prine with Iris DeMent Dec. 13 - Dec. 21 THE NUTCRACKER - OI<C Ballet CompaW Photo afMike P~,or in American ~eatre Co’s produ~:tion ~se Santaland Diaries. Photo by MichadErvin, Ervin Productions. TULSA, OK (PRy __ The Santaland Diaries, a merrily subversive t~ale, is David Sedaris’ humorous and acerbic acconnt ofworking as an elf at Macy’s in Manhattan. It has become an ’anti-holiday’ cult classic. NPR humorist and best-selling author David Sedaris made his comic debut reading his "Santaland Diaries" on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition. Sedaris’ sardonic humor and incisive social critique have since made him one ofNPR’s most popular and humorous commentators. In 2001, Sedaris became the third recipient ofthe Thurber Prize for American Humor, and was named by Time magazine as "Humorist of the Year." The Santdand Diaries runs December 12th through 20th in the Doenges Tneatre ofthe Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Curtain time is at 8:15 PM xvith matinees at 2:15 PM. Tickets at MyTicketO~ce.com, area Reasor’s stores, at the Performing Arts Center at 3rd and Cincinnati, or chage by phone a 596-7111. Website- www.lo bitter girl iecomics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB(~aol.com emalh bittergirl@qsyndicate.com 20 December 2008 by Jack Fertig December 2008 "Be playfut, Libra,"" Mercury is in Sagittarius stimulating talking, so work on listening. He’s tripping through aspects first to Uranus and Chiron, offedng healing through inspiration and wild experiments, then to Saturn, Neptune, and Eris, offering ways to either protect or unblock tribal notions and boundaries, especially across religious/spiritual barriers. It’s a good chance to get through to fundies in the family. ARIES (March 20-Apri~ 19): Some of the craziest ideas from your wildest dreams will have some practical application. They will need some work. Hash it out with a few friends to see how those wacky notions can fit in the real world. TAURUS (AprR 20 - May 20): How do social pressures influence your sexual autonomy? Playing with others necessarily requires some compromises, but you’re entitled to stand up for yourself. You may want to hold back on the impulse and negotiate a more fulfilling position. GEMiNi (May 21- June 20): To reconcile problems with a partner or colleague, try exploring entirely new ideas. What you eventually do work out can inspire fu[ther innovations to provide a new ~roach to long-standing problems at home. CANCER (June 21- July 22): Sexuality can be healing, catalyzing new ideas - especia!ly when you try something new! Open yourself up to exploring fantasies. The oneg that are hardest to verbalize will teach you tocommunicate in new ways. LEO {July 23 - August 22): Casual jests can be unintentionally hurtful. Be ready to apologize, and to learn something in the process. Your humor will be handier when grappling with arguments that leave you wondering What’s really important. Balancing sympathy and logic is the tdck! VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Cleaning house can help solve problems with your partner, or just bring up problems that have been hidden. Keep up the effort even if it means an argument. The make-up sex will be terrifi!! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Trying to be logical at work will backfire. Be playful and allow yourself to be inspired. Playing competitively with others can bdng out some long-hidden demons. Open discussion and humor can exorcise them once and for all. SCORPIO (October 23- November 2t): Set aside some money for impulse spending, but keep the receipts! Arguments with friends are especially likely, but keep in mind that these are people you have to live and work with. Keep your disagreements civil and your ego under control. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): You’re even more loquacious than usual, but that can help heal old family problems. Work problems are more complicated, but keep talking. Focus creative, competitive playfulness towards achieving your ambitions. CAPRICORN (December 2t - January 19): Let your mind wander a bit. Discuss the crazier dreams and ideas that emerge with a friend. Letting yourself sound a bit weird can prove valuable. You don’t have to agree with old-fashioned notions, but study them well to develop a clearer argument against them. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Your friends are used to your weird side so don’t be shy. Revealing some of your wilder fantasies can prove therapeutic, maybe for them as well. Airing those notions can also help you clarify your sexual.boundaries. PISCES (February 19 - March t9): Some of your ambitions are unrealistic; talk privately with a boss or some expert to develop clearer goals. Then take time out to consider what you need to do to improve your relationship. Never mind your partner’s faults. What do _you_ need to do? MCCo METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spidt0fChdst MCC 2902 E20~ S~t J0plin, M0~04 417-52~84~ W0mhip Saturdays at 10:00 AM C0mmun~ Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spdng t7 Bk SHeet Eureka S~gs, AR 72632 479-25~9337 W0mhip Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! ww-w.metrostarnews.com #~etroSTAR 21 Keller Williams Realty Chuck Breckenridge KING OF MASSAGE Great Touch Man to Man Fu!t Body Massage 2 hands or 4 hands available Now Hiring Male & Female lo800o535oAIDS (2437) Oklahoma’s HlVlSTB Hotline Creating Oommu nity for People ~iving with H~V/A~DS 501 c (3) No~-I pi:ofit Orga~zatlon Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that l~nany of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HtV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. VVe invite anyone who ~zould like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhouseloo9865@sbcglobal.net ~rhether buying or selling I’!1 work bard for you. [] WVg,r~TgZMETROSTAR2qEVgS.COM 22 {~*~{?troSTAR December 2008 Support those who support us. Their HABANA INN 2200 1"-,I%z 39TH EXPRESSV/AY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 ,a~,vw.habanainn.com Fd~LLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. I-IMRVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Cerdfied Public Accountant VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.~. I3th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Wbrship Sundays 6pm OKC MORTUARY 2415-C N. WALNUT AVE. Oklahoma City, OK 800-913-1310 ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma Cig; OK ww~v.anglesclub.com MCC LFNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 ,a~ovw.mcctulsa.org OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 ,~vw. openarmsproject.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 BAMBOO LOUNGE KING OF MASSAGE 7204 E. PINE In or Out Calls Tulsa OK ...... ..... Oldahoma City, OK 918-836:8700 ........................ 405-314-3898 wv,~v.gambooloungetulsa.com CHUCK BP~CKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 I,~V 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn TOM & JERRYS 1501 N.W. 23RD Oklahoma City, OK 405-524-9100 0 >> CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK ~18-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictutsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 I’~77 39TH EXPRESSWAY OHahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 xwzw.habanainn.com CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW- EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 tgoldcastle.com STEVES HIDEAV/AY LOUNGE 11730 E. llTH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun- Sat 2pro to 2am THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 THE LEDO 2200 I’,IW 39TH EXPRESSVc’AY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com EXPRESSIONS Comm Fellowship 6009 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 405-761-1878 ~a~a~v.expressionsOKC.com L ~ L $ ~ R A A V E A N I ! A T N A R N D 0 C R E E R ! $ E E A "A H A L A $ A P A R T 0 N A N N E ¥ W O 0 Og $ AB L ! AG 0 A D RE N RO AR GA U P S S E S $ T www.metrostarnews.com N®troSTAR 23 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2008] Metro Star Magazine, December 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 12 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 01, 2008 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd; Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gotin Rex Wockner Susan A. Muscari Vernon Britt Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Devre Jackson Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource Metro Star Magazine, November 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 11 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/200 The Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/132 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/199