Lavender Magazine, Minnesota's GLBT Magazine, continues to reach out to an ever broadening readership -- not only to...
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Contents |
LavenderMagazine.com
[ Minnesota's Gay-Lesbian-Bisexual-Transgender Magazine ]
Full Screen Lavender Digital Edition.
32 On the Record Disconnect from Desire • Light Classics • Maya • The Suburbs 34 Lavender Lens Uptown Art Fair 35 Lavender Lens Powderhorn Art Fair 36 Lavender Lens Loring Park Art Festival
FLIP FOR THE FULL SCREEN LAVENDER DIGITAL EDITION + WATCH LYNX IN ACTION
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Use Your Black “Bar” Tab To Find
BAR SCENE
DIGITAL EXTRA: DINING GUIDE
38 Bar Advertiser Guide Find Your Way to Hot Spots
38 Bartender Spotlight
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19 Bar: David 40 Bar Showcase Innuendo 42 Lavender Lens Lavender’s ThirstDays: Tickles 44 Bar Calendar Plan Your Bar Outings
YOUR CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES EVERY ISSUE! SARA BAREILLES KALEIDOSCOPE HEART CDS
CUISINE 46 Off the Eaten Path
Photo by Hubert Bonnet
Haute Dish: Puts Unexpected Twists on Old Favorites
Haute Dish
SPORTS & LEISURE 52 Twin Cities Black Pride Empowers and Unifies GLBT Communities of Color
52 Lavender Lens
JOE SOLMONESE
Human Rights Campaign Tee Up for Equality
53 Lavender Lens Imperial Court of Minnesota Coronation XIX
JUST WRIGHT DVDS
BACKTALK 54 The Network Business Services Directory Cover Photo Courtesy of Human Rights Campaign
54 Business Profile Homecare Assist
COMMUNITY DIALOGUE 8 A Word in Edgewise Fighting Words: “Ground Zero Mosque” 10 Letters Reparative Therapy Lawsuits? 12 Queer As Folks Yorek and Hart Crowned ICOM Emperor XIX and Empress XIX • Lynx Sign Whalen to Multiyear Contract Extension • TCGSL Wins 2012 Gay World Series Bid • 2010 Minnesota AIDS Trek Canceled 14 Police Calls at Saloon Increase 58.82 Percent 85 in 2009 and 76 in 2010 Through July 26
COVER FEATURE 16 Human Rights Campaign President To Appear at Local Dinner Interview with Joe Solmonese
55 LavenderMagazine.com Calendar Plan Your Fortnight
58 Classifieds
WandaWisdom.com
Find Some Classy Stuff
60 Community Connection GLBT-Friendly Nonprofits 61 Dateland A Farewell to Pants 61 Cartoon Trolín 63 Consider the Source Belonging to the Low-End Pool 64 Ms. Behavior Guilty But Satisfied 66 Yellow Pages Advertiser Index What’s Where This Issue
FALL GETAWAYS
Top Headlines Firefighter Accused of Attacking Transgender Woman US Justice Dept. Seeks Role in AntiGay Suit Against NY School NFL Player Apologizes for Gay Complaint On Twitter Prenatal Medical Treatment Could Prevent Some Gay Births
NEWS & POLITICS 24 Big Gay News August 27-September 9, 2010
National and World News
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26 Stonewalling and the Stonewall Legacy Target and Twin Cities Pride Keep Mum on Sponsorship 29 Lavender Lens Target Protests
The Art of Aging • The Dixie Swim Club • Therapy and Resistance • Wicked
Photo by Brian Roby
Your daily podcast of GLBT world news!
Life Is a Bowl of Cherries—and a Fish Boil 22 Mackinac Island History, Horses, Hospitality—and Fudge
30 On the Townsend
Drag Days of Summer As the long hot days of summer wind down, Wanda is poised to keep you panting with all sorts of random audio deliciousness! Simply click on over to http:// wandawisdom.com and download her daily podcast!
BigGayNews.com
20 Door County
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
America’s ORIGINAL Podcasting Drag Queen
This Issue ISSUE 398 August 27, 2010 Human Rights Campaign Dinner, Fall Getaways
Next Up ISSUE 399 September 10, 2010 Fall Arts & Entertainment, Fashion
Get Your News in 12 Languages! Big Gay News now offers TWELVE foreign language newswires! You can get international GLBT news from hundreds of sources in twelve different languages. There is absolutely no other site offering this much relevant content. Visit http://biggaynews.com today!
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Volume 16, Issue 398 • August 27–September 9, 2010
Editorial Editor Emeritus Ethan Boatner 612-436-4670 Editorial Director Sede Vacante 612-436-4671 Editorial Associate George Holdgrafer 612-436-4672 Editorial Intern Justin Reis 612-436-4670 Podmaster Bradley Traynor 612-436-4669 Contributors Kolina Cicero, Meryl Cohn, Carla Continenza, Julie Dafydd, Heidi Fellner, Terrance Griep, Chris Homan, Ed Huyck, Steve Lenius, Casey Merkwan, Jennifer Parello, Todd Park, Amber Schadewald, Elizabeth Stiras, John Townsend, Carla Waldemar
Advertising Sales & Advertising Director Barry Leavitt 612-436-4690 Senior Account Executive Suzanne Farrell 612-436-4699 Account Executive Jeff Newton 612-436-4675 Advertising Associate George Holdgrafer 612-436-4672 Sales & Advertising Traffic Coordinator Linda Raines 612-436-4694 Classifieds Suzanne Farrell 612-436-4699 National Sales Representative Rivendell Media 212-242-6863
Creative Creative Director Hubert Bonnet 612-436-4678 Creative Assistant Mike Hnida 612-436-4679 Photographer Sophia Hantzes Cartoonist Rodro Lavender Studios Hubert Bonnet, Mike Hnida
Administration Publisher Lavender Media, Inc. President & CEO Stephen Rocheford 612-436-4665 Vice President & CC Pierre Tardif 612-436-4666 Chief Financial Officer Carolyn Lima 612-436-4664 Administrative Assistant Austin Lindstrom 612-436-4661 Founders George Holdgrafer, Stephen Rocheford Inspiration Steven W. Anderson (1954-1994), Timothy J. Lee (1968-2002), Russell Berg (1957-2005), Kathryn Rocheford (1914-2006), Jonathan Halverson (1974-2010)
Letters are subject to editing for grammar, punctuation, space, and libel. They should be no more than 300 words. Letters must include name, address, and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be published. Priority will be given to letters that refer to material previously published in Lavender Magazine. Submit letters to Lavender Magazine, Letters to the Editor, 3715 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55407; or e-mail .
August 27-September 9, 2010
Lavender Media Inc. 3715 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55407 LavenderYellowPages.com 612-436-4660 office 877-515-9969 toll free 612-436-4685 fax 612-436-4664 subscriptions 612-436-4660 distribution 612-436-4698 advertising
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Entire contents copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Publication of the name or photograph of any person, organization, or business in this magazine does not reflect upon one’s sexual orientation whatsoever. Lavender® Magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertising. This issue of Lavender® Magazine is available free of charge during the time period published on the cover. Pickup at one of our distribution sites is limited to one copy per person.
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Community Dialogue > A Word in Edgewise
[ by E.B. Boatner ]
Fighting Words: “Ground Zero Mosque”
August 27-September 9, 2010
In 1978, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) defended the rights of the Illinois Nazis of the National Socialist Party of America to stage a march in Skokie, a heavily Jewish community, many of which were Holocaust survivors. Today, as emotions reach white heat over the issue of building a “Mosque at Ground Zero,” Abraham Fishman, head of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), says of the bereaved, “Their anguish entitles them to positions that others would characterize as irrational.” Really? Of course, the bereaved are entitled to whatever positions their emotions dictate—but should feelings trump the Constitution for everyone else? Free speech? Freedom to worship? The simple legality of erecting a within-code building on private property?
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As Valerie Dixon—among others—pointed out in The Washington Post, “Islam did not attack the United States on September 11, 2001. Criminals attacked this nation.” Just so, Christianity did not blow up the Murrah Building in Oklahoma City—rather, a criminal from a Christian background. Citizens of some 90 countries were killed on 9/11, numbers of them Muslims. Despite ADL’s position on the superiority of survivor anguish, not all the bereaved agree. In a moving August 16 Newsweek piece, two mothers who lost firefighter sons spoke out. One was adamantly against the center, while the other declared, “If we manage to get it built, and can avoid violence in the process, the world can see that we believe in and practice freedom of religion.” And the center itself? After objections to the name “Cordoba House,” it became “Park51,” from its Park Place address. Planned for its 100,000 square feet are a
large Islamic “prayer room” (the mosque?), classrooms, an auditorium, galleries, a restaurant, a swimming pool, a gym—and a memorial to 9/11 victims. Never was it thought that Park51 would be on “Ground Zero.” It would not even be visible from the 16-acre site. One of the founders, Feisal Abdul Rauf, for 30 years has been imam (pastor) of an existing mosque, a tiny storefront just 10 blocks north. President Barack Obama remarked, “As a citizen, and as President, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country.” Obama added later that he wasn’t passing judgment on the wisdom of building at that location, but “on the right people have that dates back to our founding. That’s what our country is about.” Waffling? No. The two are entirely different issues.
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Community Dialogue > Letters
Reparative Therapy Lawsuits? It’s time to stop reparative therapy! A week ago, I met another younger man who went through gay “reparative therapy.” This wonderful man in his mid-20s had horrid stories about what occurred in “reparative therapy.” This is nothing short of modernday torture.
August 27-September 9, 2010
My conversation with this young man is what prompted my letter. Unfortunately, I have heard this type of story a few other times, and each time, I have been appalled. The American Medical Association’s position on repara-
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tive therapy, which is listed under Patient-Centered Policies, states that the organization “opposes, the use of ‘reparative’ or ‘conversion’ therapy that is based upon the assumption that homosexuality per se is a mental disorder or based upon
the a priori assumption that the patient should change his/her homosexual orientation.” When I think of lawsuits against those running “reparative therapy,” I first think of a huge reward for pain and suffering. Then, I think of recouping the cost of “reparative therapy,” and recouping the cost of real therapy to help one recover from “reparative therapy.” Further, if youth are forced into “reparative therapy,” I interpret this as child abuse. Just as the legal system has forced parents to give children cancer treatment when the parents would rather only use prayer, it seems the legal system could stop parents from forcing GLBT youth to attend harmful reparative therapy sponsored by religion.
I see the potential for some significant legal lawsuits with huge rewards as a way to stop “reparative therapy” abuse of our GLBT community. I challenge our community (including straight allies) to figure out how to get this done. JEROME HAGER
Letters are subject to editing for grammar, punctuation, space, and libel. They should be no more than 300 words. Letters must include name, address, and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be published. Priority will be given to letters that refer to material previously published in Lavender Magazine. Submit letters to Lavender Magazine, Letters to the Editor, 3715 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55407; or e-mail .
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Community Dialogue > Queer As Folks
August 27-September 9, 2010
Emperor XIX (left), Steven Yorek, and Empress XIX, Roxie Hart.
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Lynx Coach Cheryl Reeve (left) and Guard Lindsay Whalen.
Photo by George Holdgrafer
Photo by Sophia Hantzes
Yorek and Hart Crowned ICOM Emperor XIX and Empress XIX
Lynx Sign Whalen to Multiyear Contract Extension
At Coronation XIX on August 14 at the Minneapolis Radisson Plaza Downtown in Minneapolis, Steven Yorek and Roxie Hart were crowned Emperor XIX and Empress XIX of the Imperial Court of Minnesota (ICOM). On September 11 at the Gay 90’s, the organization will host Investiture XIX, at which the monarchs will install their Line of Succession, including the Prince Royale and Princess Royale.
On August 12, the Minnesota Lynx announced that the team signed All-Star guard Lindsay Whalen to a multiyear contract extension. Originally acquired on January 12 via a trade with the Connecticut Sun, she currently is in her first season with the Lynx. The 5’9” player is a native of Hutchinson, Minnesota. For more information, including a schedule of games, visit .
TCGSL Wins 2012 Gay Softball World Series Bid
2010 Minnesota AIDS Trek Canceled
In a unanimous vote, the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAA) recently granted the bid presented by the Twin Cities Goodtime Softball League (TCGSL) to host the 2012 Gay Softball World Series. The event, which runs August 13-18, 2012, will draw to the Twin Cities an estimated 180 teams, including 2,600 athletes and 1,000 fans. TCGSL previously hosted the event in 1996.
On August 5, the Minnesota AIDS Trek Board of Directors announced that it has canceled this year’s event. The group cited a lack of participation and funding as the reason for its decision. It felt that the response from the community, mainly a low number of registrations for riders and crew, was not sufficient to ensure safety. The trek had been held annually since 1986.
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> Community Dialogue
[ by George Holdgrafer ]
Police Calls at Saloon Increase 58.82 Percent 85 in 2009 and 76 in 2010 Through July 26
August 27-September 9, 2010
The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) recently released statistics regarding the Saloon Bar at 830 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis. According to MPD records, for the period January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2009, a total of 85 police calls at the Saloon were reported. For the period January 1, 2010, through July 26, 2010, a total of 76 police calls at the Saloon were reported. Comparatively, that represents a 58.82 percent increase in reported police calls at the Saloon for the period January 1, 2010, through July 26, 2010. Police calls in 2009 included the following*: 13 “Disturbance” 9 “Suspicious Person”
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6 “Assault in Progress” 4 “Unwanted Person” 3 “Customer Trouble” 3 “Drunk/Intoxicated Person” 3 “Fight” 3 “Recover Property” 2 “Forgery in Progress” 2 “Theft” 2 “Threats” 1 “Domestic Abuse in Progress” 1 “Emotionally Disturb Person” 1 “Narcotics (Drug) Activity” 1 “Person with a Weapon” Police calls for the period January 1 through July 26, 2010, included the following*: 5 “Disturbance” 5 “Fight” 5 “Unwanted Person” 4 “Assault in Progress”
3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1
“Customer Trouble” “Drunk/Intoxicated Person” “Narcotics (Drug) Activity” “Suspicious Person” “Theft” “Threats” “Domestic Abuse in Progress” “Emotionally Disturb Person” “Forgery in Progress” “Person with a Weapon” “Robbery of Person” *The items in quotation marks are the exact wording from MPD records.
Saloon 135 Bar projected Police Calls 85
76
2009(Jan.2010 1-July 26)
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August 27-September 9, 2010
> Cover Feature
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Photo Courtesy of Human Rights Campaign
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN PRESIDENT TO APPEAR AT LOCAL GALA DINNER INTERVIEW WITH JOE SOLMONESE [ by George Holdgrafer ]
You have been President of the Human Rights Campaign since 2005. What do you see as the organization’s major accomplishments over the past five years? We have accomplished so much over the past five years. I think the single most important accomplishment was when the Matthew Shepherd and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was signed into law by President Obama in 2009 after 11 years of hard advocacy work. I’ll never forget being with
Dennis and Judy Shepherd when we got the news. It was the highlight of my career, and a truly touching day. Other noteworthy accomplishments are helping to elect fair-minded candidates to public office across the country; launching the Healthcare Equality Index, which rates the nation’s hospitals on a set of baseline standards of patient care for LGBT Americans; participating in the first-ever Congressional hearing exclusively on the issue of workplace discrimination against trans-
gender Americans; and taking the lead on lobbying on Capitol Hill for the statutory repeal of the prohibition on HIV-positive people entering the country for travel or immigration, and working to ensure that Department of Health and Human Services regulations were changed. In addition, we launched our “Welcoming Schools” program, a comprehensive resource that facilitates the creation of fully inclusive, respectful, and supportive elementary school environments for all students and their families. This program includes students from LGBT-headed families, and is being piloted in 11 schools across the country, including several in Minnesota. As well, we’ve brought over 500 clergy members to lobby on Capitol Hill on behalf of LGBT equality. This was the first time that many elected officials had met with clergy who were decidedly proequality, and for many, this was instrumental in their decision to support hate crimes legislation. There are so many accomplishments, but there is a lot more work to be done. Recently, the US District Court in California ruled Proposition 8 unconstitutional. What does HRC plan to do as the decision goes to the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals and possibly to the United States Supreme Court? The American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) has done a stellar job fighting Prop 8 in court. Few moments have been as exciting as the moment when we
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The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve GLBT equality. No Excuses: The 21st Annual Twin Cities HRC Gala Dinner takes place September 11. National HRC President Joe Solmonese and actress Kristen Johnson will appear at the event, along with Senator Al Franken, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and Representative Keith Ellison. Local entertainers Foxy Tan, Erin Schwab, Nic Lincoln, and Jon Herseth will perform. Lavender recently interviewed Solmonese about his five years at HRC, the Target controversy, and other issues.
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heard what we’ve known all along—that denying marriage equality is unconstitutional. As the nation’s largest LGBT civil rights organization, we will lend our voice and our resources to support AFER, as LGBT Americans continue on the path to full marriage equality. While we ultimately expect to win this battle, we understand there are many hurdles ahead, and our work as is far from over. We will keep our members and supporters engaged in the fight, and we will support AFER in every way we can. Target Corporation and Best Buy received a 100 percent rating on the most recent HRC Corporate Equality Index (CIE). How does HRC determine these ratings? The CEI measures the workplace practices of corporate America. HRC rates companies on a scale from 0 to 100, based
months since the Supreme Court decided the Citizens United case. Corporations can now give unlimited amounts of shareholder cash to certain political committees. While the ramifications of Citizens United remain to be seen, many believe that its impact on social justice movements—ours included— will not be good. The CEI is at a crossroads. Should it factor in political contributions, and if so, how in an objective way that does not ignore the reality that corporations give to candidates of both political parties for business purposes? That’s the question that we are studying. It’s important to point out that corporate America has largely led the way on policies for LGBT people over the past decade. While we still don’t have a federal workplace nondiscrimination law, 84 percent of the Fortune 500 have nondiscrimination policies in place that include sexual orientation, and 42
position that Target and Best Buy must correct the harm they caused by making a like contribution to a group that supports proequality candidates or causes. Has Target or Best Buy, or its foundations or executives, contributed directly to HRC? If so, how much? Both companies have sponsored HRC’s Twin Cities Gala Dinner through their LGBT employee resource groups. Target donated $15,000 and Best Buy donated $5,000 in 2009. What is HRC doing to overturn the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy? Our work on the ground across the country, and our partnerships with other LGBT and veterans’ organizations, have gotten us far. The US House of Representatives and the Senate Armed Services Committee have
I THINK THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ACCOMPLISHMENT WAS WHEN THE MATTHEW SHEPHERD AND JAMES BYRD JR. HATE CRIMES PREVENTION ACT WAS SIGNED INTO LAW BY PRESIDENT OBAMA IN 2009 AFTER 11 YEARS OF HARD ADVOCACY WORK.
August 27-September 9, 2010
on several criteria that include the status of nondiscrimination policies, transgender protections, employee benefits, and diversity training, among others. The rating also evaluates a company’s external engagement with the LGBT community in the form of advertising and philanthropy, for example. HRC also investigates ongoing litigation or shareholder actions that impact its policies, as well as any donations to organizations whose primary mission is antiequality. Target and Best Buy have historically had model workplace policies for LGBT employees. That’s why they have received 100 percent for the past few years.
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Given the HRC 100 percent ratings of Target and Best Buy, and the controversy regarding their donations to MN Forward, does a possible flaw exist in HRC’s rating system? Is HRC working to resolve this possible flaw? The CEI measures the workplace practices of corporate America. Target and Best Buy have traditionally had model employment policies for LGBT people. So, from that perspective, both Target and Best Buy have deserved their 100 percent rating. The simple facts that make this case unique are that these contributions were enormous, the Minnesota Governor’s race is key to marriage equality, and both companies aggressively markets themselves to the LGBT community. The American political landscape has changed considerably over the past eight
percent include sexual orientation and gender identity. And while most states do not yet legally recognize our relationships, 57 percent of the Fortune 500 offer domestic-partnership benefits to same-sex couples. What is HRC’s position on the current controversy regarding the Target and Best Buy donations to MN Forward? We are extremely disappointed in both Target and Best Buy. Both companies, and specifically Target, market themselves aggressively to the LGBT community. Samesex couples in Minnesota are denied the equality given to other couples in marriage, and state leaders are poised to right that inequity very soon. Because the next Governor will likely have the opportunity to either sign or veto marriage-equality legislation in the North Star State, this election is critical. The fact that both companies contributed to an organization that supports a vehemently antigay candidate closely associated with a Christian rock band that advocates death and violence to gay people is unacceptable. HRC has advocated that Target and Best Buy donate to a proequality organization an amount comparable to what they gave to MN Forward. Is this the best policy, or will it alienate another segment of Target and Best Buy’s employee and customer base? The vast majority of Americans are fair-minded, and will understand that we are merely asking for parity. It’s been our
both voted to repeal DADT. Now, it’s up to the full Senate. We have an exciting new campaign under way in partnership with Servicemembers Legal Defense Network called Countdown 2010. We are focused on 10 states with key lawmakers whose votes on DADT repeal are critical. We are mobilizing grassroots supporters of equality across the country through indistrict meetings, as well as a call-in and email campaign. I encourage everyone to go to to participate. As HRC marks its 30th anniversary this year, what is the future direction of the organization? We will keep working to achieve full equality for LGBT Americans in all aspects of their lives to include their relationships, their workplaces, and communities. In addition to changing the laws of our nation, it’s equally important to change hearts and minds. In the coming years, our work will continue to empower people of faith to speak out, press for transgender health coverage in corporate America, and ensure that LGBT people have the freedom to parent if they so choose. We have a big agenda in front of us full of opportunities. Twin Cities HRC Gala Dinner Sept. 11 The Minneapolis Depot 225 3rd Ave. S., Mpls.
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DOOR COUNTY
August 27-September 9, 2010
>
Fall Getaways
Cana Island Lighthouse.
Orchard Country Winery & Market.
Lake Michigan Beach Chairs.
Photos Courtesy of DoorCounty.com/Door County Visitor Bureau
Life Is a Bowl of Cherries—and a Fish Boil [ by E.B. Boatner ]
Water, water, everywhere—a good 300 miles of it, lapping three sides of the peninsula of Door County, Wisconsin. This 70-mile spit of land is a thumbs-up to the North, dividing Green Bay from Lake Michigan. Some 18 miles wide at its base, the Door tapers to a mere sliver at the tip, where one can splash simultaneously in the Bay and Lake. The ominous Death’s Door (Port des Morts) describes the once-lethal strait between Door County and Washington Island, now technology-tamed as the chief navigational passage between the two bodies of water. Door County’s 19 municipalities boast miles of waterfront and vacationable acres. The athletically intrepid can tandem-skydive, a terrific view at 25 mph freefall, I’m assured—. Or get right down in the water—. Those less eager to wrestle with the elements have myriad other activities, including orgies of antiquing and gallery foraging. Door County Maritime Museum’s new exhibit is Haunted Lighthouses of the Great Lakes—. Northcote Clock and Stein Shop features Ger-
man imports, while Peninsula Bookman, with 14,000-plus new, used, and rare books, specializes in regional material. Try cooking classes at the Savory Spoon—. Tour the Door on a trolley—. Choose from Lighthouse, Narrated Scenic, Premier Wine, Ghost, or Haunted Trolley Pub Crawl. Rather do it yourself? Rent a bike or moped at Edge of Park in Fish Creek—. From 7-speed beach cruisers to 24-speed mountain vehicles to children’s covered carts, you’ll find a pedal-powered one for you. A golfer’s Nirvana, 11 different courses—9 to 36 holes—range Door County, from the southern base up over Death’s Door to Washington Island. Door County Peninsula’s five wineries combine locally-grown grapes with premium Napa Valley fruits for a delightfully unique result. Door Peninsula Winery is the county’s original and Wisconsin’s largest winery—. Simon Creek Vineyard——and Stone’s Throw Winery (just 2,500 miles from Napa Valley, it’s quick to point out)——both welcome visitors, and offer tastings of their produce. Wine turns one’s thoughts to food, and Door County abounds with fine restaurants. Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor, a landmark since 1906, has an old-fashioned soda fountain, home-brewed draft root beer, and jukeboxes—. Door County, one of the top five cherry-producing
regions in the country, is known worldwide for that fruit, as well as freshly-caught Lake Michigan whitefish. Cherry DeLite——specializes in all things cerise: juices, syrups, cherry mustard, salsa, and beyond. Satisfy a craving for both cherries and whitefish at a traditional Fish Boil, a staple at many restaurants. The finale of this lumberjack and fisherman’s tradition is the “boil over,” a huge fireball boiling off any fish oils or other items that may have ac-
Sturgeon Bay’s gay-owned and -operated Chanticleer Guest House—. As owners Bryon Groesch and Darrin Day found, “Most of our guests come from urban areas, and have stressful jobs, as well as stressful lives. We promote the fact that we provide a romantic setting where couples can relax, and reconnect with each other. “Many people have the idea that you have to mingle with other couples at a bed-and-breakfast. We serve breakfast to each suite and cabin, and respect people’s privacy. If couples want to socialize, they are welcome to, but we try to provide an atmosphere where couples can hide away and not be bothered. “Our clientele is mostly straight, but we at the Chanticleer take great pride in making our GLBT guests feel comfortable and welcome.” Check out for a visitor’s guide, fact sheets, and videos.
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Fish Boil at White Gull Inn.
cumulated in the pot. The boil is topped off unfailingly with a huge slice of cherry pie. While dozens of fine accommodations are available, two are of particular interests to GLBT visitors. High-school sweethearts Steve and Sue Sherman met when they were 16, “although,” they admit, “it took us more than 20 years before we could fulfill our dream of living in Door County. We are now in our 15th year as owners/innkeepers at the Village Green Lodge.” This establishment in Ephraim caters to adults only (no children under 16)—which, the owners explain, “makes for a peaceful, relaxing getaway for our guests. Some of our very best customers are gay, and they have been coming for years.” While the 17-room lodge is run as a bed-and-breakfast, the Shermans emphasize that it has “the privacy of a small hotel—all the rooms have private entrances and private bathrooms.” Go to . Privacy is definitely the keyword at
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MACKINAC ISLAND
August 27-September 9, 2010
>
Fall Getaways
Morning along Main Street. Photos by E.B. Boatner
White Shoal Light.
History, Horses, Hospitality—and Fudge [ by E.B. Boatner ]
When I was 8, visiting New York with my parents, I first heard the unmistakable sound of horse’s hooves on a cobbled street. I listened to that “clop” recently on an island in Lake Huron. Michigan’s unique Mackinac Island heightens the senses: Sounds, smells, tastes, and textures remain with you. The land area totals 3.8 square miles. Since automobiles were banned on Mackinac a century ago, everything—except ambulances and fire engines—travels by horse-drawn vehicle, bicycles, or shank’s mare. Not as onerous as it sounds. Most restaurants and accommodations are within a mile of the city Visitor’s Center on Main Street, where historic Fort Mackinac looms, just steps above it all. Steep steps to be sure, but island services have made every effort to make the fort—as well as the entire island—accessible. Motorized wheelchairs, along with two-wheeled vehicles, may be rented at Ryba’s Bikes and others establishments. Mackinac is gay-friendly, according to Mary Slevin, Executive Director of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau. As Slevin explains, “Because we are a tourist town,
On the Ferry.
we open our eyes a bit more, and learn from the people who come to visit. We are exposed to people from all walks of life and all over the world, so there is a certain wisdom that comes with the territory. There is a motto here with the year-round folks: If your head and your heart aren’t connected, and you aren’t who you are, then you won’t make it here emotionally. I think it’s a great motto for life.” Bart Berkshire, a young man assisting Slevin, shares, “This is my first season on the island, and it’s been a great experience. I’m an openly gay man, and I have not had any problems with the tourists or the workers. I made a lot of friends quickly, and I feel very welcome. The island is a very romantic place to come to for gay and straight couples.” Visitors will find an activity for every energy level: kayaking, fishing, sailing, biking, horseback riding, and golf. I highly recommend the island carriage tour, which stops along the way at Wings of Mackinac, Butterfly Conservatory, and Arch Rock (falling sheer to white sand and water below). The sound of hooves, the smell of vegetation (and horses), and the up-close views of Lady Slippers and Trillium as you amble by linger long after. Horse note: A herd of more than 600 is stabled over the summer, with Belgians, Clydesdales, Irish Hackneys, Percherons, and Standard-Breds predominating. Some 20 draft horses winter over, while the others are ferried to the mainland, returning with spring. Colonial Michilimackinac is a reconstruction of the fur-trading village and military outpost originally built by the French in 1714-15. Each summer saw the convergence of voyageurs, traders, and hundreds of Native Americans.
Visitors can watch costumed inhabitants, and enjoy reenactments of daily life. Mackinac Island’s lively history in great part stemmed from its fur trading activities that continued into the 1830s. It’s proud to encompass Michigan’s only original Revolutionary War fort, whose compound includes 14 buildings. Today, soldiers in 1880s uniforms interact with visitors, demonstrating skills with US Army Springfield 45-70 rifles and cannon salutes over the harbor. A few steps down the bluff, you can lin-
Best of all, Mackinac Island is fun. Even when it rains, you’re snug in a carriage, listening to the clip-clop of hooves and the patter of water on the roof. No stalled traffic, no honking horns—just the patient horses walking their rounds. For more information, visit .
Approaching Grand Hotel.
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View of Marina from the Pink Pony.
ger over a delightful luncheon on the terrace of Fort Mackinac Tea Room, gazing out over the harbor. That view is a spur to join Captain Bruce Fink on his 40-foot catamaran, the Mackinaw Breeze. He’ll guide you on a 90-minute voyage, with a glorious view of the shoreline, as well as Round and Bois Blanc Islands. Another afternoon, sign on for the Lighthouse Cruise, during which you will pass under the five-mile long Mackinac Bridge, and around some of the noted lighthouses that kept the lake sea trade on course. Having built up an appetite, you’ll find numerous delightful establishments to assuage it. Dinner at Grand Hotel (jackets and ties for gentlemen, dresses for ladies) is a special treat. At Mission Point Resort’s Goodfellows Grill, the braised lamb shank was the most tender and flavorful I ever have eaten. Fudge is a community staple, with a constellation of candy shops offering varied flavors of that ambrosial treat. Off-island forays may include the Museum of Ojibwe Culture in St. Ignace, Michigan.
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Big Gay News > [ Written & Compiled by Bradley Traynor ]
NATIONAL IOWA GROUP HOPES TO OUST PRO-GAY-MARRIAGE JUSTICES The Des Moines Register reports that Iowa conservative activist Bob Vander Plaats, who failed to receive the Republican gubernatorial nomination in June, has announced he’s starting a group called Iowa for Freedom. It aims to oust three of the Iowa Supreme Court justices who were part of the unanimous 2009 ruling that led to the legalization of same-sex marriage in the state. The trio will be on the ballot in November. Vander Plaats told reporters, “They clearly legislated from the bench by saying Iowa will be a same-sex marriage state.” He added that the ultimate goal of the organization is to “preserve liberty, and protect our rights.”
CALIFORNIA SAME-SEX COUPLES MUST WAIT TO WED DURING PROP 8 APPEAL According to the Associated Press, a three-judge panel of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals has imposed an emergency stay on Chief US District Court Judge Vaughn Walker’s ruling that California’s Prop 8, banning same-sex marriage, was unconstitutional. He had ordered state officials to stop enforcing Prop 8. The stay effectively means no same-sex marriages will take place in California until the appellate court has had a chance to rule in the case. It agreed to fast-track consideration of the case, scheduling oral arguments for the week of December 6. A ruling isn’t likely until early next year.
August 27-September 9, 2010
LESBIAN CADET QUITS WEST POINT, CITES DON'T ASK
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The Associated Press reports that West Point cadet Katherine Miller, who says she’s a lesbian, has resigned from the military academy over the ban on openly gay service members. In a statement, she explained, “I intend for my resignation to offer a concrete example of the consequences of a failed law and social policy.” Miller, who has been admitted to Yale University, notes that she’ll work through her studies and political activism to fight for a repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
COP KEEPS CERTIFICATION DESPITE GAY ADULT FILM According to United Press Interna-
tional, former Hollywood, Florida, police officer Mike Verdugo, who lost his job after it came to light that he starred in a gay adult film, will be able to keep his police certification. Although the Hollywood Police Department sought to have his certification revoked, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement voted unanimously to let him keep it.
GAY AIR FORCE PILOT REACHES DEAL ON DISCHARGE The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network says an agreement has been reached in federal court that prevents the US Air Force from discharging Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach until a hearing is held in a lawsuit aimed at stopping his discharge. It seeks to keep him from being discharged, as well as having the military’s ban on openly gay service members declared unconstitutional.
WORLD GERMAN COURT RULES GAY COUPLES ENTITLED TO EQUAL TREATMENT The Canadian Press reports that Germany’s highest court ruled gay couples in state-sanctioned civil partnerships are entitled to the same beneficial inheritancetax rules as married heterosexual couples. It decided in favor of two plaintiffs, both of whom lost a partner, and had been forced to pay inheritance taxes as if they were distant relatives of the deceased. Prior to the ruling, a heterosexual spouse paid an inheritance tax of between 7 and 30 percent, while a same-sex spouse paid between 17 and 50 percent.
According to the Associated Press, Mexico’s Supreme Court has voted to uphold Mexico City’s law legalizing same-sex adoptions. The justices ruled 9-2 that because same-sex marriages were legalized— which the court upheld in August—it would be discriminatory to prevent those couples from having the same parental rights as heterosexual couples. The ruling applies only to Mexico City, but other states must respect same-sex marriages and adoptions made in the capital.
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MEXICO SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS GAY ADOPTIONS
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> News & Politics
Stonewalling and the Stonewall Legacy Target and Twin Cities Pride Keep Mum on Sponsorship [ by John Townsend ]
A
August 27-September 9, 2010
fter Mark Dayton won the Democratic gubernatorial primary on August 10, his Republican opponent, Tom Emmer, swiftly launched hyperbolic ads warning that Dayton and Independence Party candidate Tom Horner want to “impose” same-sex marriage on Minnesotans.
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Target Corporation recently donated $150,000 to MN Forward, a political action committee that backs antigay Emmer. Ironically, Target is known for its inclusion of GLBT employees. The Twin Cities Pride (TCP) mission statement proclaims: “It is the mission of Twin Cities Pride to commemorate and celebrate our diverse heritage, inspire the achievement of equality and challenge discrimination.” In 2010, Target was a TCP Silver Sponsor. According to the TCP website, that sponsorship level ranges from $15,000 to $25,999. Neither Target nor TC Pride will divulge the exact amount. However, TCP has painted itself into somewhat of an ethical quandary because
of an appearance of a double standard. After applying for a booth at this year’s Twin Cities Pride Festival, Wisconsin evangelist Brian Johnson was rejected, because he proselytized at past festivals. When TCP told him he could not pass out Bibles at this year’s festival in Minneapolis’s Loring Park—a public space—he exercised his First Amendment right in court. US District Court Judge John Tunheim ruled that Johnson had a right to evangelize there, as long as he was not disruptive. TC Pride’s pro bono attorneys for the case were Eileen Scallen, Professor of Law at William Mitchell College of Law, and Amy Slusser, of the firm Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi. TC Pride Executive Director Dot Bel-
stler said the organization deemed Johnson “was not supportive. He comes off that way initially. He really engages people in conversation. He’s really nice, and then all of a sudden, he gives people a free Bible, and tells them they’re going to hell, because they are sinners—homosexuality is a sin. He kind of has this bait-and-switch thing. It undermines the festival’s message of inclusivity.” When asked about the difference between excluding Johnson and not excluding Target, Belstler replied, “Right. No. I understand. Target has a very different message. They don’t bait and switch onsite. They are very family-oriented.” Belstler was referring to Target’s sponsoring TCP’s popular kids-friendly family section that offers a variety of activities. Indeed, it is a positive for the many progressive yet traditional families who attend Pride, but may not feel they have the vocabulary to explain other festival areas more suited to adults. The family section is also a hit with rainbow families. Target actually subverts itself with this offering. The double standard here is glaring. Target baits and switches offsite, funding a homophobic and heterosexist agenda beyond anything Johnson is capable of, but is includ-
agreement, or is it Twin Cities Pride’s agreement?” Carlson replied, “That information is proprietary.” I asked Carlson, “Is there a clause about confidentiality about the donation?” Carlson replied, “I don’t know. I would not be able to share specifics.” Enhancing the cloak of secrecy was Target’s GLBT workplace group. I simply wanted to know its general reactions and possible action plans in light of the donation. I played phone tag with Diversity Consultant Bradley Wagner to set up a time to converse. His voicemails were rote: “Thank you again for reaching out. I did talk to my colleagues here, and really, for any inquiries of this nature, we’re really going through the Target media hotline.” Daniel Duty, Target Director of Strategic Partnerships and Vendor Negotiations, also gave me the impersonal touch when I left a voicemail for him with his assistant, and e-mailed him. He e-mailed me back succinctly: “Thanks for your note. Someone from our Communications Team will be reaching out to you.” Curiously, Carlson e-mailed me: “Daniel Duty shared your request for an interview with me. We are not able to grant your request, as we are not providing team member interviews.” Note that “providing” is the word she used, instead of “permitting.” I wonder: Are Steinhafel’s robotic women and gay men the crucial, useful cogs of the new corporate patriarchy? Communicating with TC Pride was at least a more human experience than attempting to do so with Target. Belstler, of course, does not have the byzantine infrastructure that Steinhafel commands. She is TCP’s only paid employee, at $75,000 (from which she must obtain her own health care, disability, and retirement benefits). Unlike Steinhafel’s handlers, she answered me directly and personally. Clearly, Target is a fortressed monolith, and TC Pride is a primarily volunteer orga-
nization, which, like other 501(c)(3) groups, is beholden to generosity, a problem enough in good times, and much more so in the present aftermath of economic meltdown. On August 16, I attended TCP’s Annual Meeting. I asked what amount Target donated to TCP. Belstler responded that TCP’s contract with Target contained a confidentiality clause, just as every TCP sponsorship contract does. When I asked Belstler if TCP would join the GLBT community it serves in condemning Target for contributing $150,000 to MN Forward, Scallen stated that TCP could not take a position without jeopardizing its 501(c)(3) status. When I asked Belstler if TCP would join the boycott against Target, Scallen stated that it could not, because it would violate the organization’s 501(c)(3) status. In sum, TCP, like any number of GLBT organizations, is at the mercy of corporate caprice. A partial solution for TCP and others might be 501(c)(4) status—like that of OutFront Minnesota—which would allow them to take firmer political stands. However, in the wake of January’s Citizens United decision by the US Supreme Court, it would not circumvent the problem of corporations giving tremendous sums to special interests on the far right that militate against the GLBT community. We must ask: Are we seeing the beginning of the privatization of GLBT rights, so that corporations can seize control of discourse on it, while giving the false impression of being progressive—and then, turning around, and feeding the enemy propaganda that stirs its ignorant reactionary politics and homophobia? This seems to be the real issue that TCP must tackle. Forget the street evangelist. Clearly, both Target and TCP—an organization that purports to celebrate the Stonewall legacy—are engaging in a lot of stonewalling about their relationship.
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ed. Johnson is honest about his homophobia and heterosexism, but is excluded. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s openly gay President, John Erwin, weighed in on its website on June 22: “Asking the Minneapolis Park Board to exclude someone from a public space because they have a differing view is a dangerous precedent. I happen to wholeheartedly agree with the message of Twin Cities Pride. I’m gay myself. But I also believe in every person’s right to free speech and expression.” Let’s put Johnson’s case in perspective. The first Gay Pride marches were potentially perilous for participants, because of homophobic onlookers. The Stonewall Riot of 1969 is remembered for the gay community’s defiance of New York City cops in league with the Mafia. The first Gay Pride took place a year later, a direct outgrowth of Stonewall. In contrast, according to Belstler, TC Pride has “a safety and security mix of hired police officers, private [Avalon] security, and volunteers.” Belstler states that the amount paid for the foregoing will be posted on the TCP website in December. To delve into the relationship between Target and Pride, I attempted to contact Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel—which is like trying to get an audience with the Wizard of Oz at the Emerald City. Steinhafel’s assistant, Denise May, handed me off to Jessica Carlson, the spokesperson for Target spokesperson Lena Michaud. Carlson told me I was to attribute her comments to Michaud, even though I never actually talked to Michaud. I felt like I had woken up inside the movie Michael Clayton. I asked Carlson, “Are you giving cash to Twin Cities Pride, or are you giving trade to Twin Cities Pride, or is there a combination—for the Silver Sponsorship level?” Carlson replied, “I cannot provide specifics.” I asked Carlson, “Regarding your agreement with Twin Cities Pride, is it your
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August 27-September 9, 2010
New & Politics > Lavender Lens
[ Photos by Sophia Hantzes ]
TARGET PROTESTS August 14 Edina
Edina
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St. Louis Park
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Arts & Entertainment > On the Townsend
[ by John Townsend ]
THE ART OF AGING Through Sept. 5 Minneapolis Central Public Library 300 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. (952) 847-8000
August 27-September 9, 2010
Time to Dance, by Lucy Rose Fischer
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As you enter this numinous exhibit, you see two large photographs by Bette Globus Goodman that look right into the faces of a woman confronting cancer and a woman with many wrinkles. It sets the tone for a viewing experience that makes no apology for looking at aging candidly. A wistful edge to it all recalls the distant faded past. Karen Searle uses cord and clothespins to signify a clothesline, with little-girl dresses knitted from copper wire and painted. Another clothesline displays little-girl images like those you’d see in a locket. In contrast, Jody Stadler’s charcoal and pastel works are frank and grimly stubborn depictions of women getting older, tougher, and more existential. Her arresting Annie Angry and Annie Resigned are the kind of works that make you wonder about just who the subject is and what she’s like. Lucy Rose Fischer’s Faces Like Road Maps also has a toughness, though the reverse paint on blown glass softens things somewhat. It also resonates with other dreamy Fischer pieces displayed that celebrate older women as global and galactic forces to be reckoned with. Just because a woman gets older doesn’t mean sexuality and sensuality must recede. Goodman’s nude and partially nude Women in Jars series attests to that with wondrous surrealist flair. Across the room, Searle’s dynamic NotSo-Shy Angel emanates a feral quality, with breasts protruding, and long hair stream-
Therapy and Resistance. Photo by Charissa Uemura
ing into space, like Lady Godiva asserting herself into the body-hating moralism of Western culture. She breaks through with crocheted, recycled telephone cord and rayon ribbon. THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB Through Sept. 11 Old Log Theater 5185 Meadville St., Greenwood (952) 474-5951
Lynn Musgrave was named 2008 Theater Artist of the Year and Sally Ann Wright was named 2008 Best Nonmusical Actress in this column. They’re now in one of the best-kept-secret hit shows in Twin Cit-
ies history. This new comedy by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Newton has been packing ’em in for six months at one of the state’s most beloved and historic hideaway theaters. Musgrave shares, “The Dixie Swim Club is more than just a funny little play about five women friends. When I read the script the first time, I immediately ‘knew’ these women—some better than others for sure— but the playwrights have written ‘truth.’ Certainly, it’s funny. Certainly, it has its sitcom moments. But the arc of these five women’s lives touches nearly everyone who sees it. And we’re discovering that women are coming back for the second and third times. Nearly every night, on the way to the
THERAPY AND RESISTANCE Sept. 2-19 Dreamland Arts 677 Hamline Ave. N., St. Paul (651) 645-5506
Carlyle Brown is a brilliant dramatist historian. His Are You Now or Have You Ever Been? searingly views Langston Hughes’s victimization in the McCarthy Era. Brown’s latest, Therapy and Resistance a solo play in which he plays a draftee in the decade following McCarthyism, has an atypical perspective to a period that has become rote in how it’s marketed.
Brown muses, “One of the many things that the Vietnam War was: a distraction from the Civil Rights Movement, the cause for social justice in America that the status quo claimed to be bringing to the people of South Vietnam. We must remember that in 1968, both Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy were both assassinated merely two months apart. There was a war going on right here in America. As the character is trying to get a deferment as a ‘manic-depressive schizophrenic with paranoid tendencies,’ the story is also about the proclivities of the human mind. Through his journey, he comes to appreciate what it means to have reason and will, the capacity for decision, and the ability to choose.” WICKED Through Sept. 19 Orpheum Theatre 910 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. (800) 859-SHOW
In its third local run, Wicked is more vivid and crisp than the two previous
productions, surely owing to Natalie Daradich as “good witch” Glinda and Vicki Noon as “bad witch” Elphaba. They clearly treasure their roles for all they’re worth. These young women are mind-blowing. Wicked overturns The Wizard of Oz’s notion of who the villain really was. Green-skinned Elphaba is misunderstood, and strives for ideals. Whiteskinned Glinda, a grandiose narcissist, strives for fame. It becomes a remarkable examination of a female friendship’s complexly-layered bonds. As well, Wicked is a spectral vision of how ego and fear have turned Emerald City into a surveillance state. The Wizard, played pitch perfectly by Don Amedolia, is both monstrous and congenial, as he would have Elphaba docilely surrender her ideals to espionage in service of fascism. Act II, in which this conflict plays out, never has been as powerful as in this tour. Act I, as usual, is glorious. The two acts together utterly defy gravity.
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parking lot, we’re stopped by audience members who say, ‘You’re my friend, Jane,’ or ‘You’re my sister, Kate.’” Wright calls it “a wonderful opportunity to work with other talented women in a woman-focused piece. Although my character is the ‘loser,’ I love her to pieces, because nothing gets her down! Vernadette’s hope and common sense keep her going, even in crisis. And I think she may be the funniest woman I’ve ever portrayed.”
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August 27-September 9, 2010
Arts & Entertainment > On the Record
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[ by Ed Huyck ]
Disconnect from Desire
Light Chasers
Maya
The Suburbs
SCHOOL OF SEVEN BELLS
CLOUD CULT
M.I.A.
ARCADE FIRE
Here’s a bit of cool electronic pop for the final hot days of summer. School of Seven Bells—a trio made up of Benjamin Curtis (formerly of Secret Machines), and twins Alejandra and Claudia Deheza (drawn from the wonderfully named On! Air! Library!)— make music that is loaded with space and mood, but also has a real musical drive. If you were around in the early 1990s, think Curve, but with Elizabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins as the vocalist. On their second album, School of Seven Bells unleash 10 of their signature tunes, from the appropriately swirling “Dust Devil” to “Joviann.” Lots of acts draw on the superficial sounds of the past, but School of Seven Bells embraces these influences as just part of their sound. Even a cut like “Carmarilla,” which brings to mind genre godfathers Kraftwerk, also clearly is a song from 2010. Toss in the pure joy of opener “Windstorm,” and you get plenty of musical pleasure.
While Cloud Cult’s latest won’t hit the streets in physical form until September, it is available now on their website at , and believe me, it’s worth an early listen. The Minnesota band always have dealt with expansive sounds and deep feelings, but it all comes into sharp focus on their latest epic, Light Chasers. Fueled by lush arrangements and subtle-but-driving songcraft, leader Craig Minowa takes listeners on a pretty amazing journey that is serious in tone without ever being somber. Give a lot of credit for that to the arrangements and playing, where decidedly nonrocking horn and string sections help craft an elegant musical backdrop. It’s the kind of album that can get away with subtitling two songs as part of an “Invocation” and five more as the “Journey to the Light.” In fact, this album deserves more thought than I can give it here. Just buy it, and hear it for yourself.
Polarizing and controversial, M.I.A. is, at the very least, never boring. On her third album, the Sri Lankan firebrand continues the personal revolution that fueled Arular and Kala. As is often the case with third albums, Maya sprawls quite a bit, sometimes threatening to lose control completely. Still, that only helps the music here—even the by-thenumbers tracks are driven by a sense of danger and imminent disaster. At its best, Maya stands with the finest music of 2010. Cool kiss-off “XXXO” and the incendiary “Born Free” drive the first half of the album, but don’t miss out on the punk vibe of “Meds and Feds” or the throbbing electro of “Teqkilla.” M.I.A. chooses to sing more here than on past albums, though when pressed, she’ll return to her signature half-rapped/half-shouted style, all with some mixed results. Still, it always has been about the full aural tapestry, and on “Maya,” that has become even more complex than the past.
Montreal’s Arcade Fire continues to follow a path laid out by many artists in the past: breakout debut with critical plaudits; difficult follow-up and resulting backlash; and now, a “we don’t care what you think” third release. After all, The Suburbs is a concept album (the subject is right there in the title), and a double album to boot. You know what? It doesn’t matter what has happened before in rock history or to the band. Taken on its own, The Suburbs is just a great, great release. Conceived as a missive from those oft-reviled communities (several band members spent their youth in a Houston suburb), the album is soaked in atmosphere, from the ennui of life far from the excitement to the moments of excitement occasionally punctuating the land. Above all, it’s a platform for one of the best modern bands to unleash more than an hour of prime, vibrant, and thrilling music.
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Arts & Entertainment > Lavender Lens UPTOWN ART FAIR
August 27-September 9, 2010
AUGUST 6-8 MINNEAPOLIS
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[ Photos by Sophia Hantzes ]
Arts & Entertainment > Lavender Lens
[ Photos by Sophia Hantzes ]
POWDERHORN ART FAIR
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AUGUST 7-8 MINNEAPOLIS
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Arts & Entertainment > Lavender Lens LORING PARK ART FESTIVAL
August 27-September 9, 2010
AUGUST 6-8 MINNEAPOLIS
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[ Photos by Sophia Hantzes ]
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Bar Advertiser Guide |
Bartender Spotlight | [ by George Holdgrafer ]
15 th
Hen nep in
Ave .
01
01
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ol Nic
l
. Ave
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ve. 08 et A
Lake St.
19 BAR
19 W. 15th St., Mpls. (612) 871-5553
Univ ersit
y Av e.
Selby Ave.
08
09
COALE'S
t.
TICKLES
420 S. 4th St., Mpls. (612) 354-3846
DAVID
TOWN HOUSE
1415 University Ave. W., St. Paul (651) 646-7087
• Somerset• Wisconsin Superior
2919 Hennepin Ave., Mpls (612) 824-6300
GAY 90’S
213 E. 4th St., St. Paul (651) 225-GLBT (4528)
Rumours: hottest dance club with fabulous DJs. Innuendo: casual, intimate "Cheers" ambience for quiet conversation.
BOOTLEGGERS BAR & GRILL 235 Main St. Somerset, WI (715) 247-2668
David
Recipe: Mint Sweet Tart 1 oz. Bacardi Rum 1 oz. Bacardi Limón 1 oz. Absolut Citron 1 oz. Triple Sec 1/2 oz. Crème de Menthe Splash of Rose’s Lime Juice Splash of Grenadine Shake Serve on the rocks or as a shot
Thu., Fri., Every Other Wed. 9:30 PM-2 AM
WHERE
WI
THE FLAME
19 Bar 19 W. 15th St., Mpls. (612) 871-5553
WI
THE MAIN CLUB
WHY
The New York Chic of Minneapolis. Gladius Goddesses Tuesday. Killer B's Karaoke Wednesday.
RUMOURS/INNUENDO
WHO
WHEN WI
GLADIUS
1111 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. (612) 332-9963
August 27-September 9, 2010
tS
WHAT
FUSION
Upper Midwest’s Largest Gay Entertainment Complex. Serving reasonably priced menu in main bar Wednesday-Sunday.
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er
719 N. Dale St. St. Paul, MN (651) 487-5829
408 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. (612) 333-7755
07
t.
07
Ro b
Fun neighborhood bar with a great mix of men and women. Karaoke. Drag shows.
Daily Happy Hour 4-6 PM. 1/2 price beer, sushi, spring rolls. $4 signature martinis. Bottomless glasses of wine!
06
hS
Live Piano Music. Full-Service Menu, Happy Hour, Sports on 10 Flat-Panel TVs, Pool, Darts.
Areanna Coale, proprietor. Now open. An eclectic enigma filled with joy and happiness. Everyone welcome!
05
7t
Grand Ave.
Completely remodeled elegant lounge featuring variety of entertainment: live piano, karaoke, male dancers.
04
03 University Ave.
BRASS RAIL
422 Hennepin. Ave., Mpls. (612) 332-RAIL (7245)
03
Minnehaha Ave.
09
Shoot pool or play darts at your neighborhood bar-----the Twin Cities’s oldest GLBT establishment.
02
Larpenteur Ave. Larpenteur Ave.
26th Ave. S.
04
pin
ne Hen
1s
▼
02 06
n
gto
Dale St.
ve. 1st A
hin
Snelling Ave.
W as
05
ve. 3rd A E .N ve lA tra Hennepin Ave.
1612 Tower Ave., Superior (715) 395-0101
1217 Tower Ave., Superior (715) 392-1756
“We’re an unpretentious neighborhood bar, serving our community since 1952, where you can have fun with friends.”
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Bar Scene > Bar Showcase
[ Photos by George Holdgrafer ]
INNUENDO
August 27-September 9, 2010
August 19
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Bar Scene > Lavender Lens
[ Photos by Mike Hnida ]
LAVENDER'S THIRSTDAYS
August 27-September 9, 2010
August 19 Tickles
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Bar Scene > Bar Calendar For club addresses, phone numbers, and Web sites, see “Bar Advertiser Guide” on page 38. For events not at bars, see .
FRIDAY, AUGUST 27 Live Piano: Gary Collins 5 PM. Tickles. Live Piano: Jeff Olson 9 PM. Tickles.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 Elegance 9 PM. Town House.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 Lip Service 9 PM. Town House. Official Pride Block Party The Flame The Main Club Superior, WI
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
August 27-September 9, 2010
Pride Drag Show Fund-raiser Benefits Northland HIV/AIDS Groups 8 PM. The Main Club. Superior, WI.
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46
PUTS UNEXPECTED TWISTS ON OLD FAVORITES
HAUTE DISH
Cuisine > Off the Eaten Path
August 27-September 9, 2010
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Faces Bar Area. Photos by Hubert Bonnet
F
irst, an admission: While I’m a die-hard foodie, I take pride in the goal this column seeks to fulfill, which is slightly different from that of others. Any decent food writer can criticize, and that has a valuable place, but my chief aim is to celebrate good food.
I marvel at what our earth produces, so I am a devoted fan of chefs who combine those raw materials, transforming them into a unique and—in every sense of the word—nourishing experience. In that quest, I usually search for the different, the surprising—and often, the out-of-the-way.
[ by Heidi Fellner ]
> Off the Eaten Path
Charcuterie platter: chicken liver pâté, mortadella, head cheese, and pork terrine.
August 27-September 9, 2010
[
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Dining area.
WHAT YOU SHOULD ANTICIPATE IS A CHEEKY PLAY ON SOME OF THE MAIN INGREDIENTS, PRESENTED ENTIRELY DIFFERENTLY, WITH A FEW FLAVOR SURPRISES.
But this time, I followed on the heels of other local columnists, eager to sniff out Chef Landon Schoenefeld’s new digs: Haute Dish. In my defense, his cuisine is everything I enjoy: It is irreverent, exciting, and all his own. Schoenefeld has built an impressive résumé (112, Sea Change, Brasa, Porter & Frye). Now in his own kitchen, his object is to not to bring French or Italian cuisine to the Midwest, but to elevate Midwestern cuisine itself. Though the names of his dishes are all recognizable and approachable—so much so that they are almost disappointing at first glance—do not expect to know what comes out of the kitchen.
This isn’t your grandmother’s hot dish. It’s not really anyone’s hot dish, per se. What you should anticipate is a cheeky play on some of the main ingredients, presented entirely differently, with a few flavor surprises. So, order, and then, try to think about something else. A rather old-school cocktail list seems to suit the handsome gentlemen’s-club decor. The bar is comfortable, and even on a Monday night, it attracted a surprising collection of hipsters and epicures. Have you heard? Being a food geek is now considered cool. My dining partner and I melted over the Mint Julep ($9). Not to disparage the mojito, but give me a julep any hot sum-
[
mer day—preferably, something like Haute Cuisine’s, with Woodford Reserve bourbon, fresh mint, simple syrup, and soda. The Sazerac ($10) is pure New Orleans splendor: smooth and subtle, with a little tease of Le Tourment Vert absinthe. Our server encouraged us to order Char-Cuts ($13)—a quartet of housemade charcuterie. My heart skipped a food-geek beat when our server mentioned the spicy head cheese. As soon as it arrived, I dug furiously into the jalapeño-topped piece o’ heaven. However, in doing so, I believe I cheated the delicate, more subtle slices of mortadella of their full impact. The pork pâté with mustard was
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> Off the Eaten Path
August 27-September 9, 2010
Steak & Eggs: steak tartare, Bloody Mary oyster shooter, romaine hearts, toasted brioche, egg in a hole.
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another favorite, but following it with an almost-too-smooth chicken liver pâté was something I also would reverse on a return visit. We sipped the crisp, charcuteriefriendly Domaine de Pellehaut ($7/$28), which, despite its crispness, drew out and embraced the smokiness in the meat. Next was “Steak & Eggs” ($12)—steak tartare, that is, heavily spiked with capers and mustard, and topped with onion. The egg is a pretty and very satisfying version of “frog in a hole,” but it was the fiery Bloody Mary oyster shooter that won my heart. Mac & Cheese ($15) was similarly unrecognizable as such, but I appreciated Schoenefeld’s over-the-top treatment. The cheese is tallegio, and the pasta isn’t exactly macaroni. Add meaty pieces of king crab, sprinkle with tobiko and truffle-infused breadcrumbs, finish with another drizzle of olive oil, and
Fried Chicken, with cucumber salad, watermelon, cherry tomatoes, spoon bread.
voila: apparently…Mac & Cheese. Gee— I’d kind of like this guy to whip me up some Pigs in a Blanket sometime. I was curious enough to plow on to General Tso’s Sweetbreads with Foie Fried Rice ($14). While I appreciated the switch from tofu or chicken to sweetbreads (imagine a much silkier texture with a mild organmeat aftertaste), I personally would have enjoyed a little more kick. Of course, I’m a spice fiend, so take my comment with a grain of crushed red pepper. As the menu is set to change shortly, we chose Steak & Potatoes ($18/$28 depending on cut) over some of the other “Last” plates. While I enjoyed the inclusion of a marrow bone and gremolata, I found the steak slightly on the tough side. While our server had several recommendations for wine pairings, the full, spicy Rioja Alta
“Vina Alberdi” Reserva ($12/$48) definitely was up to the task. We finished with Sorbet of the Moment ($5). In that precise moment, it was cherry white pepper sorbet served over diced peaches. It will be very interesting to see how Haute Dish’s frequently-changing menu evolves over time. Rumor has it that Schoenefeld plans to feature the heirloom tomato next. I’m imagining dishes with names like “Fries & Ketchup,” or perhaps a festive version of “Cocktail Wienies with Tomato/ Bourbon Sauce.” Maybe I don’t want to know. Surprise me. Haute Dish 119 Washington Ave. N., Mpls (612) 338-8484
Sports & Leisure |
Twin Cities Black Pride Empowers and Unites GLBT Communities of Color
This year’s Black Pride takes place September 3-11, with a number of events at various venues in the Twin Cities metro. The unofficial kickoff is the monthly Soul Friday on September 3, 9 PM-2 AM, at Nomad World Pub, 501 Cedar Avenue, Minneapolis. On September 9, 6-9 PM, the Fashion Show, a fund-raiser for Twin Cities Black
Pride, and the Honorees Ball, recognizing four individuals for their impact on the GLBT community, conjoin at the Millennium Hotel, 1313 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis. A gospel musical will be performed on September 10, 6-9 PM, at Robbinsdale United Church of Christ, 4200 Lake Road, Robbinsdale.
The Red House Ball on September 11, 8 PM-2 AM, at the North Star Ballroom of the Student Center, 2017 Buford Avenue, St. Paul, on the University of Minnesota campus, offers HIV and syphilis testing, along with Benny Ninja, mentor and dance instructor, who has been featured on America’s Next Model. Black Pride caps off with the annual Park Event/Family Reunion on September 12, Noon-6 PM. It’s a chemical-free afternoon of healthy food, along with activities for kids. The location is to be announced. For more information, visit
LavenderMagazine.com
According to its mission statement, “Twin Cities Black Pride is an organization that creates a platform in which black LGBT communities as well as other LGBT communities of color are heard, affirmed, celebrated and unified both individually and collectively.”
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Sports & Leisure > Lavender Lens
[ Photos by Sophia Hantzes ]
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN TEE UP FOR EQUALITY
August 27-September 9, 2010
AUGUST 9 HILLCREST GOLF CLUB ST. PAUL
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Sports & Leisure > Lavender Lens
[ Photos by Paul Nixdorf ]
IMPERIAL COURT OF MINNESOTA CORONATION XIX
LavenderMagazine.com
AUGUST 14 RADISSON PLAZA DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS
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Business Profile | [ by Heidi Fellner ]
HOMECARE ASSIST ▼
August 27-September 9, 2010
Michele Roberts. Photo Courtesy of Homecare Assist
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My family went through an ordeal recently: moving my grandmother from her one-bedroom apartment to senior housing. Her new home, affiliated with her beloved Moravian church, is more than most of us could ask for in her circumstances— spacious, comfortable, and flexible enough to provide her with more care if she needs it. Moreover, homemade meals, daily social activities, and outings keep her quality of life high. She was not exactly thrilled to be leaving her apartment, though, and our family was hard-pressed to help her scale back her intimidating amount of possessions. But it was inarguable that caring for herself, and keeping her apartment clean and organized, became too much for her. For countless others like my grandmother, it may have been helpful to have information about Homecare Assist, an inclusive, licensed agency that provides home-care aides, nurse visits, medication setup and monitoring, end-of-life care, transportation—and even help with basic tasks like decluttering and household chores for the aging and chronically ill. While I believe our family made the right choice for my grandmother—she thoroughly enjoys the social opportunities that her facility provides—perhaps Homecare Assist could have made her last few years in her own apartment easier and
more pleasant. Not everyone wants to leave their apartment eventually, however. Many other long-term care facilities have a history of being unfriendly, or just uninformed about the needs of the GLBT community. Stories of neglect and discrimination reached the ears of Homecare Assist owner Michele Roberts (then an employee), who has a lifelong passion for working with the elderly. She had many friends in the GLBT community, so she was appalled to hear of the poor treatment they received. As Roberts says, “All people need care— and safe care—and I wanted to be someone who was able to make that happen. Roberts, who eventually took over the company, ensures that her aides and nurses are trained to be sensitive to the needs of their GLBT clients. In Roberts’s words, “We’re not the only safe place, but we have set ourselves apart a bit by proactively learning and educating ourselves about their needs.” For more full-time care, Homecare Assist’s rates are usually comparable to or less than what a long-term care facility would charge. For people who may need care just a few times a week, the cost is much lower. Furthermore, it is a smaller agency that can be more flexible about meeting an individual’s varying needs. Roberts explains, “[A client’s] support system may not be a traditional family. It may be through friends, or a partner. And then, what happens when they get busy? If there’s a problem, and someone can’t be there, we can.” Homecare Assist deals with long-term care insurance. It also will work with people who pay for their services directly. For more information on what the company could provide for each individual and circumstance, call, or visit the website. NAME OF COMPANY: HOMECARE ASSIST YEAR FOUNDED: 1990 PRESIDENT/CEO: MICHELE ROBERTS NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 35 PHONE: (763) 557-1126 WEBSITE:
The Network Calendar | [ LavenderMagazine.com ]
Accounting & Computer Sales & _ _ _ _ ____________ Bookkeeping Services Services__
FRIDAY, AUGUST 27 Previews. At Theatre in the Round’s annual benefit, actors will perform short scenes from the nine shows in the upcoming season, from Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead to The Fantasticks. It features a silent auction, plus a desert and ice cream bar. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Show begins at 8 PM. Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. (612) 333-2919. . Spilling Me Softly; or Once the Gulf Goes Black, It Never Goes Back. Brave New Workshop drills deep into current events. The truth is always funnier than fiction, so you may as well laugh while you get your update on local, national, and world news. 8 PM. Through Oct. 30. Brave New Workshop, 2605 Hennepin Avenue, Mpls. (612) 332-6620. .
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 Say Thanks Day. Minnesotans say “thanks” to Minnesota’s service members, while enjoying a scenic Walk/5K Run along the Mississippi River. Live music and great food. Free for all military service members and their immediate families, as well as children under 12. What a great way to enjoy the day, and support a great cause! Check-in at 9 AM. Sign up now. Harriet Island, St. Paul. .
Addiction Info & ______ Treatment_______ Financial Services______ ______ Attorneys______
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Concrete and Grass Music Festival. The fourth annual festival returns to St. Paul’s Mears Park. The free three-day event welcomes music lovers of all ages. It features classical, indie rock, opera, hip-hop, jazz, punk rock, and blues on two stages. Through Sept. 11. .
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. The play is set on a plantation deep in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Brick and Maggie struggle through an unhappy marriage. The entire family gathers to celebrate the birthday of Brick’s father, Big Daddy. Throughout the celebration, family secrets are revealed, as Maggie vies for Brick’s love. This production is intended for mature audiences. Through Sept. 10. 420 E. Main St., Anoka. (763) 433-2510. . The Glass Menagerie. Amanda, an overbearing single mother, lives on memories of her flower-scented youth, while her children bear the weight of her unrealistic dreams for their futures. But when a gentleman caller offers false hope to the family, their precarious world shatters, with haunting results. Through Oct. 17. Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. For ticket information call: (612) 822-7063. .
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Health & Wellness____
Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon. Get ready for the 29th annual Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, whether you’re a part of the Neighborhood Cheer Zones or an avid runner. It’s not too late to get in shape. Oct. 3. To part in the TC 10K, TC 5K, or Marathon, visit . Queen of Mean. Lisa Lampanelli returns to Minneapolis for a special one-night appearance, celebrating the Sept. 14 paperback release of her autobiography, Chocolate, Please: My Adventures of Food, Fat & Freaks. Prepare, because she takes insults to a whole new level. Sept. 25. State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. .
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TICKETS ON SALE Tickets On Sale
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The Network
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Calendar
Rock of Ages. This five-time Tony-nominated musical stars Tony Award-nominee and American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis. In 1987, on the Sunset Strip, a small-town girl met a big-city dreamer, and in LA’s most legendary rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the ’80s. Oct. 19-24, Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Avenue, Mpls. . Ongoing ON GOING Always & Forever. Set in a 1970s urban neighborhood barbershop, the play gives audiences a view of various aspects of love through the eyes and experiences of four African-American men, as they relate their stories through popular R&B songs of the 1960s and 1970s. Includes tunes by the Jackson Five, Percy Sledge, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smoky Robinson, and Earth, Wind & Fire. 8 PM. Through Oct. 3. Illusion Theater, 528 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. (612) 3394944. .
Home Services_______
August 27-September 9, 2010
Always & Forever. Photo by Lauren B Photography
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The Dead Sea Scrolls. History buffs: Check out what is believed to be one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of our time. See the collection of 2,000-yearold documents that shed light on a period in religious history. The scrolls, some of the oldest surviving written documents in human history, were discovered in a cave along the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea in 1947. Through Oct. 24. Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. . Renaissance Festival. Experience the magic of our realm, as the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, the country’s largest Renaissance- themed festival, celebrates its 40th season. 9 AM–7 PM, rain or shine. Through Oct. 3 on weekends, plus Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6, and Fri., Oct. 1. Located three miles south of Shakopee on Hwy 169. . The Scottsboro Boys. It’s based on the true story of the infamous 1930s Scottsboro case. A group of nine innocent African-American teenagers falsely was accused of a terrible crime against white women in Alabama. After a series of trials, the Scottsboro events ultimately provoked a national outrage that helped to spark the Civil Rights Movement. Watch as one of the most important and notorious chapters in American history is brought to the stage. 7:30 PM, Through Sept. 25. Guthrie Theater, 818 S. 2nd St., Mpls. (612) 377-2224. . Wicked. Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the Land of Oz. One, born with emerald green skin, is smart, fiery, and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious, and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes for a completely gratifying musical. Through Sept. 19. Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. (800) 859SHOW (7469). .
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Accommodations Whistle Stop Bed & Breakfast. Whether you’re planning a business trip, honeymoon, observing an anniversary, or just an “escape” from the ordinary, the Whistle Stop is at your service. New York Mills, MN (800) 328-6315, www.whistlestopbedandbreakfast.com.
Employment
For Sale
Real Estate_________
MEN’S CLOTHING – Excellent Condition: Southwick, Polo, Norman Hilton, more… Suits: (Size 42). Sport Coats: (42). Sweaters: (M, L), Cardigan, Pullovers – wool & cotton knits. Trousers: dress (36 & 38, 30” inseam). Belts: leather, (36 & 38). Outerwear: Leather, Wool, Cotton Jackets (M & L). Overcoats, Raincoats: (Size 42). Hats: beaver (Size 7). Gloves: leather (8-8 ½). Private Party – Edina: (952) 929-7342.
Health/Fitness Frustrated with results from dieting and exercising? Let an expert guide you achieving your goals. Over 1100 hours in Anatomy/Physiology, 6 years experience in Health/ Fitness. Buy 5 sessions, get a FREE full body massage. (612) 396-8912. www. MassageFitnessMpls.com.
Help Wanted FREE ARTS MINNESOTA: Looking for volunteers to work with abused, neglected, at-risk children using art and mentorship. Time commitment of 1.5 hours weekly. More information, Hannah, (612) 824-2787. www. freeartsminnesota.org.
August 27-September 9, 2010
Home Furnishing
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COTTAGE HOUSE • An Occasional Market • Next sale: FRENCH COUNTRY! • SEPTEMBER 15, 16, 17, 18, 19. Wed: 1 - 8pm. Thurs-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun: 10am - 6pm • 4304 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN. www.thecottagehousempls.com. FLAMINGOS • An Occasional Sale • Next sale: Wednesday - Sunday, September 15-19, 10am - 6pm, 3404 Cedar Ave. Minneapolis, MN (612) 767-4548.
Home Services Handyman Services Available for your Summer Projects. Professional. Insured. Oriel Flores (612) 385-2102.
Classifieds House Cleaning
Real Estate
Real Estate
Rentals-Residential
The Maids Home Services gives you the healthiest, most thorough housecleaning, guaranteed! Supervised teams, bonded, insured, environmentally safe cleaning products are why Nobody Outcleans The Maids. Free estimates (952) 929-6243. www. maids.com. ECO-GREEN RESIDENTIAL CLEANING SERVICE. $40 discount for first time customers. GREEN DARLENE. Professional staff-bonded and insured. Budget friendly to bring you a sparkling clean. Free estimates. (612) 232-6573. www.greendarlene.com. TERRY LIDDELL, Residential cleaning. Dependable - Honest. Excellent references. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, flexible schedules.
[email protected]. Call Terry: (612) 834-4887. MUSIC
Music
PROFESSIONAL SONGWRITING or VOCAL DEMOS: C-Sharp Productions Demo Studio. Visit Sharpmusic.com or call (763) 545-1969.
Photographers
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rogue Photography has a unique vision and is passionate about her photography. Call Ann for your family portraits, weddings, senior pics, pets, and real estate listings. (612) 308-1488. www.roguephotography.com.
Rentals-Residential
Psychotherapy
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Are you in crisis, feeling depressed or struggling with life? Do you need to talk to a mental health professional now? Call Tris Casciaro, MA LPC, 1-866-864-8924. Accepts Visa/MC/AmEx/Discover. IRENE GREENE, MSEd, Psychotherapist: 24 years experience. Individual, Couples Counseling, Mediation. Life changes, relationship, gender, sexuality, parenting, anger, anxiety, depression. Coming Out, Sexual Abuse, DID Groups. Sliding fee. Professional, nonjudgmental, confidential. (612) 874-6442.
[email protected]. DENNIS CHRISTIAN, LICSW. (612) 9407033. www.dennischristian.com. KATE HEFFELFINGER, MA, Licensed Psychologist. 18 years experience. Individuals/Couples. No cost initial sessions. Some insurance accepted. Visa/MC. (612) 922-9100.
[email protected].
Sunny, open, Victorian style Turn-of-theCentury home on extra large corner lot offers beautiful natural oak woodwork, maple floors, stained glass windows, open staircase, built-in buffet, and much more. This 2 bedroom, 3 car garage, is within walking distance from the Mississippi Parkway, Falls, Guthrie Theater and all the River Road offers! Take a 360 degree interactive tour at http://www.obeo.com/ Public/Viewer/Default.aspx?ID=622272 and contact realtor Susan Hoffman at www. riverrealty.net, (612) 743-8912, susan@ riverrealty.net.
Spa Services
Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic Massage
The Tranny Factory @ The Spa. Complete Makeovers for Men becoming Women.
[email protected]. (612) 986-4929. Private-Supportive-Affordable makeup-nailswardrobe-hair-waxing.
BORING...BORING...BORING !!! Sick of boring, mediocre sessions? This time...get unbelievably pampered and have lots of fun with a hot, talented masseur! These sessions are very unique, extremely erotic, totally uninhibited, and smokin’ hot!!! Call for details (no pressure to hire) - you’re gonna love this! Kevin, (612) 229-0001. R & R STUDIO. A rub above the rest. Offering Therapeutic Massage. SPECIAL: $60/hour or $75/1.5 hour. In/Out by appointment only. Convenient downtown location. Free parking. Ryan, (952) 261-4944.
[email protected].
STRONG & RELAXING hands, resulting in bodywork at its best! Bruck, MT, DC in South Minneapolis @ (612) 306-6323. FULL BODY DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE. Relax & Unwind from Head to Toe. Private S. Mpls Studio. Music, Candles, Jacuzzi, Full Bath. In/Out Calls. 7 days. 10am - 10pm. (612) 388-8993. Keith. ZENTRAL MASSAGE welcomes the GLBT community to a customized therapeutic massage, facial or body polish with a trained therapist. Music, hot towels and comfortable tables enhance your relaxation journey. (612) 369-8641.
Therapeutic Massage FULL BODY MASSAGE. Warm relaxing atmosphere, Minneapolis. Hour Massage $60.00. Shower Available. (612) 219-6743. 7 days a week, 10 am - 10 pm. Therapist: 5’10, 167#, 32 waist.
LavenderMagazine.com
Real Estate
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Community Connection Community Connection brings visibility to local GLBT-friendly non-profit organizations. To reserve your listing in Community Connection, call 612-436-4698 or email advertising@ lavendermagazine.com.
Co-op Living. Old Town in Town Co-op. 1 to 3 bdrms from $650-$1,225. www. oldtownintown.org (612) 209-2045 Ask about Move In Specials!
Education Addiction & Treatment
Hazelden Providing comprehensive treatment, recovery solutions. Helping people reclaim their lives from the disease of addiction. P.O. Box 11 15251 Pleasant Valley Rd Center City, MN (800) 257-7800 www.hazelden.org
AIDS/HIV & Treatment
Aliveness Project, The Community Center for Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS -- On-site Meals, Food Shelf and Supportive Services. 730 East 38th St. Minneapolis, MN (612) 824-LIFE (5433) www.aliveness.org HIM Program One of the Red Door Services of the Hennepin County Public Health Clinic. 525 Portland Ave. 4th Floor Minneapolis, MN (612) 348-9100 www.himprogram.org www.StopSyphilisNOW.org www.CrystalClearMN.org www.inSPOT.org/Minnesota
MAP AIDSline MAP AIDSLine is the confidential statewide toll-free HIV information and referral service. 1400 Park Ave. Minneapolis, MN (612) 373-AIDS (metro) or (800) 248-AIDS (statewide)
[email protected] www.mnaidsproject.org Park House Day Health / Mental Health Treatment Program for Adults Living with HIV/AIDS. 710 E. 24th Street, Suite 303 Minneapolis, MN (612) 871-1264 www.allina.com/ahs/anw.nsf/page/ park_house_home U of MN Research Studies Looking for HIV+ and HIV- individuals to participate in research studies. 420 Delaware Street SE Minneapolis, MN (612) 625-7472
August 27-September 9, 2010
Art Galleries
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Minneapolis Institute of Arts Enjoy Masterpieces From All Over The World And Every Period Of Human History. Free Admission Daily! 2400 3rd Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN (612) 870-3000 www.artsmia.org
Zeitgeist Arts Cafe Duluth’s newest dining experience offering contemporary American dining and full bar in an art-filled setting. 222 E. Superior St. Duluth, MN (218) 722-9100 www.zeitgeistartscafe.com
Art Institutes International Minnesota Helping prepare students for careers in the visual and practical arts. 15 South 9th Street Minneapolis, MN (612) 332-3361 www.artinstitutes.edu/minneapolis
Events Minneapolis Bike Tour Annual bike ride in September supporting Minneapolis Parks. Fully supported route, refreshments and music in finish area. 2117 West River Rd. Minneapolis, MN (612) 230-6400 www.minneapolisbiketour.com
[email protected]
Library
Quatrefoil Library Your GLBT Library with stacks of DVDs, books, and magazines. Check out our online catalogue. 1619 Dayton Ave., No. 105 St. Paul, MN (651) 641-0969 www.qlibrary.org
Literacy
The Loft Literary Center Where writers learn from other writers. Visit www.loft.org for classes, events, conferences, and more. 1011 Washington Ave S. Suite 200 Open Book Minneapolis, MN (612) 215-2575 www.loft.org
[email protected]
Media & Communications Minnesota Public Radio Providing in depth news coverage, classical music and emerging artists on our three regional services. (651) 290-1212 www.mpr.org
Red Ribbon Ride Four-day Bike Ride in July Benefiting Eight HIV/AIDS Service Organizations in Minnesota. 4457 3rd Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN (612) 822-2110 www.redribbonride.org
Radio K 770 Radio K is the award-winning student-run radio station of the University of Minnesota 330 21st Ave. S. 610 Rarig Center University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN (612) 625-3500 www.radiok.org
Fitness
Museum
YWCA of Minneapolis Healthy Me. Healthy Community. Co-ed, full-service health clubs. Locations in Downtown, Midtown and Uptown 2808 Hennepin Avenue South Minneapolis, MN (612) 874-7131 www.ywcampls.org
Health & Wellness GLBTCALLITQUITS.COM If you’re ready to quit smoking, we’re here to support you. (866) 434-9736 Rainbow Health Initiative Working to improve the health of LGBTQ Minnesotans through education, clinical practice, outreach, and advocacy. RHI is the lead agency for the MN Tobacco-free Lavender Communities. 611-A West Lake Street Minneapolis, MN (877) 499-7744 www.rainbowhealth.org www.mntlc.org Sexual Health Empowerment (S.H.E.) Clinic Uninsured? Underinsured? Sexual health services for female-bodied, queeridentified individuals provided on a sliding fee scale. 33 South 5th St. Minneapolis, MN (612) 332-2311 www.midwesthealthcenter.org
Walker Art Center Internationally recognized as a leading venue for the presentation of the art of our time. 1750 Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis, MN (612) 375-7600 www.walkerart.org
Performing Arts
Ballet of the Dolls Resident Company of Newly Renovated Ritz Theater. Twin Cities first year-round dance-theater program. 35 13th Ave. NE Minneapolis, MN (612) 623-7660 www.ritzdolls.org Flower Shop Project Producing new and local works of theatre that are smart, ballsy and fundamentally entertaining. At Bryant-Lake Bowl & Patrick’s Cabaret Minneapolis, MN (612) 388-8628 www.theflowershopproject.com
History Theatre Plays and musicals that illuminate the broad American experience, celebrating local legends, rock icons, and everyday people. 30 East 10th Street St. Paul, MN (651) 292-4323 www.HistoryTheatre.com Illusion Theater Nationally Renowned For Developing Artists and New Work While Sparking Conversation About Challenging Human Issues. 528 Hennepin Ave., #704 Minneapolis, MN (612) 339-4944 www.illusiontheater.org Jungle Theater Professional theater producing contemporary and classic works in an intimate setting in the Lynlake neighborhood. 2951 Lyndale Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN (612) 822-7063 www.JungleTheater.com Minneapolis Musical Theatre “Giving Voice to the Human Experience” New and Rarely-Seen Musicals. 8520 W. 29th St. Minneapolis, MN (612) 605-3298 www.aboutmmt.org Minnesota Orchestra Led by Music Director Osmo Vänskä, the Minnesota Orchestra, one of America’s leading symphony orchestras. 1111 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN (612) 371-5656 (800) 292-4141 www.minnesotaorchestra.org Northrop Presenting world-class entertainment in the heart of the Twin Cities. 84 Church St. SE Minneapolis, MN Business Office: (612) 625-6600 Ticket Office: (612) 624-2345 northrop.umn.edu One Voice Mixed Chorus Passionate about building community and creating social change by raising our voices in song. 732 Holly Ave. Ste. Q Saint Paul, MN (651) 298-1954 www.ovmc.org
[email protected]
Guthrie Theater Come On In! Performances, Classes, Dining, Tours. 818 South 2nd St. Minneapolis, MN (612) 377-2224 www.guthrietheater.org
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Hosting, presenting, and creating performing arts and educational programs that enrich diverse audiences. 345 Washington St. St. Paul, MN (651) 224-4222 www.ordway.org
Hennepin Theatre Trust Orpheum, State and Pantages Theatres Twin Cities’ best live entertainment: Broadway shows, music concerts, comedy, dance and more! Minneapolis, MN (612) 673-0404 www.HennepinTheatreDistrict.org
Park Square Theatre Creating entertainment that matters; transporting you to unique worlds through exceptional talent and masterful stories. 20 West Seventh Pl. Saint Paul, MN (651) 291-7005 www.parksquaretheatre.org
Backtalk > Dateland
[ by Jennifer Parello ]
A Farewell to Pants
I’ve got pants on my mind lately, mainly because I’ve decided to replace many of the ones in my wardrobe with skirts and dresses. Yes, my friends, I finally have decided to embrace my inner—and, frankly, inherent—fem. I’ve decided that in my middle years, it’s time to sparkle. My mother never has been so happy. I was raised by a super-feminine mother who stuffed me into fine Italian knit dresses, until she finally, reluctantly, let me start dressing myself when I was a sophomore (!) in high school. I rebelled by wearing nothing but jeans until I graduated from college. Once you get out of a dress, it’s hard to get back into one. For years, every time I put on a dress, I felt like I was slipping into a costume. It felt unnatural. And, ladies, let’s face it: The lesbian community doesn’t exert much peer pressure to be girlie.
But lately, I find myself returning to the type of things my mother tried to get me to appreciate in my youth. I’ve taken out of storage the long-neglected fine china she forced me to buy. I started to look forward to, rather than resent, holidays with the extended family. And I gradually introduced a small gaggle of skirts, jumpers, and silk shifts to my wardrobe. Nothing too frilly. Just showing enough leg to put people on notice that my tree-climbing days are over. It all started with a skort. For those of you not in the know, a skort is simply a pair of shorts pretending to be a skirt. It looks like a skirt, and acts like a skirt, but underneath is a pair of shorts. Still confused? Turn on any ladies professional golf tournament. Most of the players are in skorts. My girlfriend, who likes girlie girls, tricked me
Hmmm… I’m thinking. Hmmm… je réfléchis.
I get it! Je comprends!
into one last summer. “Try on this pair of shorts,” she demanded in a tone scarily similar to my mother’s. They have much too much in common. It’s frightening and kind of creepy. I slipped it on, and stepped in front of a mirror. “Hey!” I exclaimed. “It’s a skirt.” “Exactly,” she said smugly. We bought several pairs in different colors. Once the genie was out of the bottle, it was hard to get back into slacks. I had forgotten how frickin’ comfortable skirts are. And, for me at least, comfort trumps postadolescent rebellion every time. The first time I wore a skirt to work, my boss, who is kind of an idiot, and is used to seeing me in suits, said, “What’s that?” “It’s a skirt, you idiot,” I said. And I quickly realized that switching from slacks to skirts has its own coming-out process. People who are used to seeing you one way have to adjust to this new version of you. And it makes them uncomfortable. But I couldn’t care less about their comfort. That’s one of the nice things about getting older—you just don’t worry too much about what people think of you. That’s why when I see guys happily driving in nothing but their underpants, I nod in approval, and give them a “right on, brotha” thumbs-up.
The Indian line was created by an Indian gay. La file indienne fut créée par un indien gai.
LavenderMagazine.com
I have a long commute to work, which gives me a lot of time to think important thoughts. Today, for example, I calculated the percentage of male drivers who choose not to wear pants while driving long distances. It’s a surprisingly high percentage, based on my sophisticate algorithms that involve calculus, a working knowledge of the heat-index, and observation. Just crane your neck, and peek into the driver’s window of the car next to you. Chances are very good that he is wearing only underpants.
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Community Connection Performing Arts The Minnesota Opera America’s most exciting opera company tickets start at just $20. 620 N. 1st St. Minneapolis, MN (612) 342-9550 www.mnopera.org Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus An award-winning chorus that builds community through music and offers entertainment worth coming out for! 528 Hennepin Ave., Suite 307 Minneapolis, MN (612) 339-SONG (7664)
[email protected] www.tcgmc.org University of Minnesota Theatre Arts and Dance Educating artists and audiences through a diverse mix of performances on both land and water. U of M Theatre 330 21st Ave S, Minneapolis, MN (612) 624-2345 www.theatre.umn.edu
Pets/Pet Services Animal Humane Society Adoption, rescue, outreach, training, boarding. Buffalo, Coon Rapids, Golden Valley, St. Paul and Woodbury. (763) 432-4527 www.animalhumanesociety.org Wildcat Sanctuary A non-profit accredited sanctuary for over 100 abandoned and abused bobcats, tigers, leopards and more. Sandstone, MN (320) 245-6871 www.wildcatsanctuary.org
Politics & Rights Human Rights Campaign Advocates for all GLBT Americans, mobilizes grassroots action, invests strategically to elect fair-minded individuals. P.O. Box 50608 Minneapolis, MN www.twincities.hrc.org www.hrc.org Minnesota Log Cabin Republicans Inclusion Wins. 115 Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis, MN www.mnlogcabin.org
August 27-September 9, 2010
Pride
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Twin Cities Pride The third-largest national Pride celebration seeks sponsors, volunteers, and board members. Contact us today. 2021 East Hennepin Ave, Ste. 460 Minneapolis, MN (612) 305-6900 www.tcpride.org
Religious & Spiritual Central Lutheran Church We welcome all people to discover, celebrate and share the love of Christ. 333 Twelfth St. S. Minneapolis, MN (612) 870-4416 www.centralmpls.org
Edina Community Lutheran Church Upbeat, growing congregation committed to inclusion, justice, peace, community and proclaiming God’s YES to all. 4113 W. 54th St. Edina, MN (952) 926-3808 www.eclc.org
University Lutheran Church of Hope Reconciling Congregation - All Are Welcome. Social Justice Opportunities. Strong University Links - Questioning Encouraged. Great Music. 601 13th Ave. SE Minneapolis, MN (612) 331-5988 www.ulch.org
Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church Take a Spiritual Journey With Hennepin’s Faith Community Through Worship, Education, Fellowship, Service, and More. 511 Groveland Ave. Minneapolis, MN (612) 871-5303 www.haumc.org
Westminster Presbyterian Church A Covenant Network Congregation, Working Toward a Church as Generous and Just as God’s Grace. Nicollet Mall at 12th St. Minneapolis, MN (612) 332-3421 www.ewestminster.org
Mayflower Community Congregational United Church of Christ An open and affirming, peace with justice church welcomes you. 106 E. Diamond Lake Rd. (I-35 & Diamond Lake Rd.) Minneapolis, MN (612) 824-0761 www.mayflowermpls.org Mount Olive Lutheran Church Ours is a welcoming parish, rich in music, liturgy and opportunities to serve the community. 3045 Chicago Ave. Minneapolis, MN (612) 827-5919 www.mountolivechurch.org Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis A Beacon of Liberal Theology. Progressive Christianity, Traditional Setting & Service, Social Action, The Arts & Music. 1900 Nicollet Ave. at Franklin Minneapolis, MN (612) 871-7400 www.plymouth.org Spirit of Hope An Independent Catholic community. At our table, all are welcome. Mass at 5 PM Saturday evening. Fr. Marty Shanahan. Worship at: St. Anne’s Episcopal Church 2035 Charlton Rd Sunfish Lake, MN www.spiritofhopecatholiccommunity.org St. Luke Presbyterian Church We’re a joyful, compassionate community on a spiritual journey, seeking justice and peace. Join us. 3121 Groveland School Rd. Wayzata, MN (952) 473-7378 www.stlukeweb.org St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral Wherever you are on your faith journey... St. Mark’s Welcomes You. 519 Oak Grove St. Minneapolis, MN (612) 870-7800 www.ourcathedral.org St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church with Wingspan Ministry + PASTORAL CARE + EDUCATION + WITNESS + ADVOCACY + Outreach of St. Paul-Reformation Church to the GLBTQA Community. 100 N. Oxford St. St. Paul, MN (651) 224-3371 www.stpaulref.org
Retirement
The Kenwood Retirement Community Our full service retirement community provides Independent, Assisted Living and Short Term apartment rentals. 825 Summit Avenue, Minneapolis, MN (612) 374-8100 www.thekenwood.net
Sexual Health
Family Tree Clinic LGBTQ Health Matters at Family Tree! Offering respectful, affordable sexual health service to meet your needs. 1619 Dayton Avenue St. Paul, MN (651) 645-0478 www.familytreeclinic.org Man2Man Interactive events where guys talk to one another about being gay/bi, dating, sex, life! Metro (612) 626-7937 1-800-552-8636 www.M2M.mn
Social Organizations Imperial Court of Minnesota P.O. Box 582417 Minneapolis, MN www.impcourtmn.com
Social Justice
Community Shares of Minnesota Community Shares of Minnesota raises funds and awareness for local organizations fighting for justice and equality. 1619 Dayton Avenue, Suite 323 St.Paul, MN (651) 647-0440 changeisbetter.org
Sports & Recreation
Twin Cities Goodtime Softball League (TCGSL) Join 500 GLBT softball players as we celebrate 32 years of gay softball in Minnesota. PO Box 580264 Minneapolis, MN www.tcgsl.org
Travel Door County Visitor Bureau Your Stories. Our Setting. Like Nowhere Else. Door County, Wisconsin. PO Box 406 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (800) 52-RELAX (73529) www.doorcounty.com/
[email protected]
Grand Marais Area Tourism Association Visit the North Shore's only harbor village - art, dining, shopping, outdoor activities, the perfect escape. P.O Box 1048 13 North Broadway Ave Grand Marais, MN (888) 922-5000 (218) 387-2524 www.grandmarais.com Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism America's Gay Oasis is Beautiful Palm Springs. www.palm-springs.org Visit Minneapolis North Convention & Visitors Bureau We take pride in helping individuals find the ideal location for events & celebrations. 6200 Shingle Creek Parkway, Suite 248, Minneapolis, MN (763) 566-7722 / (800) 541-4364 www.visitminneapolisnorth.com Winneshiek County Convention & Visitors Bureau / Discover Decorah Refresh, rejuvenate, rekindle....whatever R&R you’re up for, the Decorah area is the ultimate heaven 507 West Water Street Decorah, IA 52101 (800) 463-4692 www.visitdecorah.com
Zoos
Minnesota Zoo Open year-round. More than 2,400 animals to explore. Numerous special events. 13000 Zoo Blvd. Apple Valley MN (952) 431-9200 www.mnzoo.org
Backtalk > Consider the Source
[ by Julie Dafydd ]
Dick had always been the quintessential “friend-of-afriend” who took care of everyone’s insurance needs. I am generally dubious about any “friend-of-a-friend,” because my friendships tend to be inexplicable bonds rooted in childhood, and propelled purely by a fear of others. A “friend-of-a-friend” is, therefore a colossal leap into the world of strained and reluctant association. Even more troublesome is that Dick’s actually the “friend-of-a-friend-of-a-family-member”—a combination that cannot yield anyone of worth. As promised, however, Dick stopped by my apartment yesterday. He was curious about my current insurance needs. Insurance needs? All I know about insurance is that someone takes a lot of money from my monthly check. I invited Dick in, but rebuffed his request to sit down. He asked if I had a copy of my current policy. I rifled through a drawer with some pens and underwear, where I keep all my important documents, but I found nothing. Undaunted, Dick insisted that I needed $20,000 in uninsured motorist coverage. Apparently, even if an accident is the fault of the uninsured, I remain responsible. Somewhat chagrined, Dick admitted that the system favored the uninsured, as well as being sympathetic to the deranged. Dick eased his way into the sensitive subject of liability. He told me I had to protect myself against potential medical expenses by another driver following an accident, and without insurance, the only medical expense I could absorb would be for a thermometer. Dick proposed that I insure myself for $300,000. His formula was simple: annual income, multiplied by the number of stars. Imagine Dick’s horror when he learned
that I didn’t own a car. We moved on to the issue of renter’s insurance, where Dick attempted the standard scare tactic: “Suppose someone broke in and stole everything. Wouldn’t it be comforting to be insured?” A provocative question for some, but I knew no one would break into a one-room studio that had a note on the door reading: “Handyman—Please leave that hot plate under the mat.” Dick tiptoed back into the area of what my possessions were worth. I told him that it would be hard to calculate, because I didn’t know the precise value of the objects holding up my bed. He advised that I insure all my personal property for $10,000, saying that was the absolute minimum. I told him I’d insure my
belongings for $3,000. He said that such a pawltry policy could be farmed out to a secondary underwriter, one that specialized in the low-end pool. I’d always yearned for a sense of belonging, and the low-end pool made that possible. We pushed forward into the sobering world of life insurance. Dick knew that this was a fragile subject, so he waited several seconds before he asked, “If you were to die tomorrow, who would pay off your student loans?” It was a chilling thought. I wasn’t actually planning to graduate until I was 76 years old, and I figured I wasn’t going to live much beyond that anyway. Then, for the third time in 10 minutes, he pressed me to assess my worth. I told him $600, and backed it up with a high-ball appraisal from a now defunct S&L. Dick was curious if I had ever made out a will. I actually had, bequeathing everything to Goodwill. Unfortunately, Goodwill stipulated they couldn’t pick it up unless I died on a Tuesday afternoon. Then, Dick published hard for me to get a $100,000 life insurance policy. I felt that was unreasonable, because the only person I even knew who was worth that much was an illegal copper scavenger. Dick and I went back and fourth for a while, debating the need for life insurance. Negotiations broke off, however, when I referred to this meeting as a near-death experience.” It was time to usher Dick away. We got into one of those awkward exchanges that “friends-of-friends” often do. Dick wondered aloud, “Say, how do we know each other?” Consider the source here, but I told him we had bumped into each other—sitting around the low-end pool. Bye for now. Kiss, kiss.
LavenderMagazine.com
Belonging to the Low-End Pool
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Ms. Behavior© | [ by Meryl Cohn ]
Guilty But Satisfied Dear Ms. Behavior: I recently bought a piece of furniture from my friend, Sally. The bureau was beautiful, but pricey, especially because she was trying to sell it to friends during a private moving sale. But I fell in love, and had to have it. Anyway, when my girlfriend and I got it home, we found some sex toys in the bottom drawer—really nice, expensive ones—and a bottle of lube. We put the things in the dishwasher, and took them for a spin, if you know what I mean. The question is: Are we obligated to tell Sally she left them in the drawer? Must we return them? Or is this a finderskeepers situation? In a way, with the dildos thrown in, the price of the bureau feels fairer. On the other hand, if she has to call and ask for them back, we’d be mortified. But we might lie and say no, too. What’s the right thing to do? —Guilty But Satisfied
Dear Guilty But Satisfied:
August 27-September 9, 2010
Your experience would be a great feature for Antiques Roadshow: “What happens when you think you’re buying an old bureau, but it turns out to be a treasure chest?” If Sally forgoes her possible embarrassment, and attempts to reclaim the sex toys that unwittingly were included in her furniture sale, you’ll have many choices about how to respond: (1) “Dildos? What dildos?” (2) “Oh, were those sex toys? I gave them to my dog.” (3) “Thank you so much! I have one inserted right now.” (4) “I didn’t realize you wanted them back. I put them in the Goodwill box.” But maybe you never will hear from her. It’s entirely possible that Sally knowingly threw in the sex toys, just to please you.
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Dear Ms. Behavior: This guy, Charlie, does yard work for my boyfriend and me. Charlie is a sweet and innocent guy—a kid, really—barely 24. Not long ago, he told us he was “dating” Cara, a notoriously fickle lesbian in our small-town community who is in and out of relationships with women, sometimes with our lesbian friends. We hadn’t
known her to date men, but she’s a wild card, so we didn’t think much of it. Last week, Charlie asked if he could sleep in our basement, because “his girlfriend” and he broke up. When we asked him about it, he said Cara had gone back to an ex of hers, a woman. He also said that she was pregnant with triplets, and that the babies were his. The multiple-birth information put up a red flag for us. We asked a few female friends of ours about it, and sure enough, Cara has been trying for a couple of years to get pregnant with frozen sperm and fertility drugs. She must have given up on paying for the frozen stuff, and found Charlie. Of course, the fertility drugs probably created the triplets. How do we handle the situation? Charlie seems so proud and distressed, so upset about his “breakup.” He thinks Cara’s lesbian relationship is a phase, and that she’ll come back to him. Do we tell him the whole story, and let him know that he has been used? Or do we mind our own business, and just let him bunk on the mattress in our basement? —Gay Gardeners It may be kind to tell Charlie the whole story, so that he can unhook from his fantasy that Cara just will stop all that silly lesbian nonsense, and return to him with the triplets. It doesn’t sound like she’s bisexual. It sounds like she’s a lesbian who wanted a baby (or three), and she found Charlie to be a ready fount of sperm. Just tell him what you know to be true—e.g., Cara always has been with women, and had been on fertility treatment before—without embellishing the details, or forcing him to understand the scenario you believe is true. While it always has been true that some women will go to any lengths to get pregnant, don’t call her a lesbian vampire, or bluntly say, “She used you for your spooge, Dude.” Charlie may not be ready to take it in all at once, but he’ll understand what happened when he is ready. Meanwhile, be supportive, and let him sleep in your house for a while. If he ever has sex again, remind him to use rubbers. © 2010 Meryl Cohn. Address questions and correspondence to . She is the author of Do What I Say: Ms. Behavior’s Guide to Gay and Lesbian Etiquette (Houghton Mifflin). Signed copies are available directly from the author.
LavenderMagazine.com
Dear Gay Gardeners:
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Yellow Pages > Advertiser Index Adult
Events
Hardline Gay Chat........ 65 Megaphone ................... 64
Lavender First Thursdays 11 Lavender’s THIRSTdays 45 Minneapolis Bike Tour... 11 Out at the Movies .......... 2 Summer of Pride ............ 28
Arts & Entertainment Art Institutes International Minnesota ...................... 31 Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.... 29 Lisa Lampanelli .............. 33 Pepito’s Parkway Theater ............................ 33
Automotive LaMettry’s Collision ....... 21 Morrie’s Mazda ............ 9 Morrie’s Subaru............. 24
Financial Ameriprise ...................... 15 Harbor Group................ 11, 55 Moltaji, Roya .................. 13 Palm, Karen .................... 7 ROR Tax Professionals .. 55 US Bank.......................... 68 Wells Fargo Bank .......... 13
Floral & Garden Bars & Nightlife Bar Advertiser Guide .... 38 19 Bar ............................. 43 Brass Rail ........................ 40 Coale’s ........................... 44 Fusion: Restaurant Bar Lounge ............................ 43 Gay 90’s ....................... 41 Gladius ........................... 42 Rumours/Innuendo ........ 42 Tickles ............................. 40 Town House .................. 43
Beauty & Relaxation Anew Aesthetic Medical Center ............................. 24 Barbers on Bryant.......... 55
Beverages Budweiser ....................... 39 Miller Lite ........................ 67
Casino Black Bear Casino and Resort .............................. 14
August 27-September 9, 2010
Communications
66
AM950, The Voice of Minnesota .................. 23 Radio K 770 ................. 8
Computer & Internet Big Dog Solutions .......... 55
Employment Pride Talent Acquisition . 11
Landscape Junction ....... 56
Funeral Services Johnson Hannah, Barbara ......................... 55
Gifts Fantasy Gifts .................. 19
Uptown Dermatology & SkinSpa .......................... 57 Vader, Kathy................... 57
Home Services 4 Quarters Design & Build ................................ 7 A-Z Electric .................... 57 Good Stuff Moving ....... 57 Granite Transformations 56 Hi-Tech Installations ....... 56 Matt’s Tree Service ........ 57 Personal Pride Construction ................... 56 R. Davis Construction, Inc. .................................. 56 Ryan’s Tree Care ........... 57 Seal King ........................ 56 Soderlin Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning................... 56 SOS Homecare ............. 56 The Tile Shop ................. 19 Twin City Heating and Air............................ 8
Grocery Stores Wedge Co-op ................ 49
Health, Wellness & Recovery Advanced Foot and Ankle Care ..................... 9 Amble, Paul DDS ........... 7 Burns, Steve .................... 57 Carrillo, Dr. Thomas P.... 58 Chase, Lisa ..................... 57 Childs, Julie .................... 58 Fitness Together ............. 5 Get Real Fitness ............. 56 Heteroflexible Therapy . 57 HIM Program ................. 6 Homecare Assist ............ 7 Minnesota Department of Health......................... 45 O’Hara, Paul .................. 58 Pride Institute .................. 55 Running Tiger Shaolin Kenpo ............................. 56 Shaklee ........................... 55 Stolz, James.................... 57 University of Minnesota, Infectious Diseases ........ 3
Insurance American Family Insurance ........................ 25 Baldwin, Davina ............ 57 Wagner InsuranceFinancial Services .......... 57 Wolfson, Steve ............... 57
Jewelry Max’s .............................. 23 T Lee Fine Designer Jewelry............................ 9
Legal Albertson, Martha ......... 7 Bohn & Associates ........ 55 Cloutier & Brandl ........... 19 Davis Law Office ........... 14 Dean, Jeff ....................... 5 Family Solutions Law Group ............................. 21 Heltzer & Burg ............... 25 Hoffner Law Firm ........... 10 Moshier, Becky .............. 7 Terry & Slane ................. 9
Mortgage Lozinski, David ............... 6 Gleason, Pat ................... 5 Grunewald, Mark .......... 8
Optical Specs Appeal................. 31
Pet Products & Services Animal Humane Society ........................... 33 Now Boarding ............... 24 Cat Nap Inn ................... 57 Larpenteur Animal Hospital .......................... 21
Real Estate & Rentals Bowker, Kent .................. 58 Bowman, Jennifer .......... 58 Calfee, David ................. 58 Farinella, Marilyn .......... 58 gayrealestate.com ......... 58 Haubrich Homes............ 58 Leviton, Ann .................... 58 McGee, Michael ........... 8 Ruzick, Amy & Johnson, Kay.................................. 6
Restaurants French Meadow Bakery & Café ............... 51 Fuji-Ya.............................. 49 Ginger Hop/Honey ...... 49 Jakeeno’s Pizza & Pasta 49 KinDee Thai Restaurant . 49 OM ................................. 45 Roat Osha ...................... 49 Uptown Diner, Woodbury Café, Louisiana Café, Grandview Grill .. 51 W.A. Frost....................... 51
Travel & Accommodations Graves 601 Hotels ........ 28
Dining Guide Listing | AVERAGE PRICE OF A TYPICAL ENTREE $ LESS THAN $15, $$ $15-$25, $$$ MORE THAN $25
Our Guide to the Metro Eateries Featured in This Issue Lavender Magazine’s Dining Guide is your resource to GLBTfriendly restaurants. We recommend calling restaurants before visiting to confirm information. Lavender’s cuisine section and updated dining guide appears each issue. Please direct questions about the directory and cuisine advertising to
[email protected]. Kindee Thai. Photos by Hubert Bonnet
FUJI YA JAPANESE RESTAURANT $$ Japanese & Sushi Authentic Japanese food, finest sushi available, Uptown Minneapolis, downtown St. Paul. 600 W. Lake St., Minneapolis (612) 871-4055 Mon: Closed • Tues – Thurs: 5 PM – 10 PM • Fri – Sat: 5 PM – 10:30 PM • Sun: 5 PM – 9 PM 465 N. Wabasha, St. Paul (651) 310-0111 • Mon – Fri: Lunch 11:30 AM – 2 PM. Dinner 5 PM—10 PM • Sat: Dinner 5 PM – 10 PM • Sun: Closed www.fujiyasushi.com GINGER HOP $$ Asian Fusion Specializing in pan-Asian classic dishes. As we like to say, “East meets Northeast”. Lunch, Dinner 201 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis (612) 746-0304 www.gingerhop.com THE GRANDVIEW GRILL $ American Fresh hand ground hash browns, French toast, omelets, pancakes, coffee, juices, soups, salads & sandwiches. Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch 1818 Grand Ave., St. Paul (651) 698-2346 Mon – Fri: 6:15 AM – 2:30 PM • Sat: 6:15 AM – 3 PM • Sun: 8 AM – 3 PM HONEY $$ Small Plates Fine cocktails, wine, small plates and artisan chocolates in an intimate setting. 205 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis (612) 746-0306 www.honeympls.com
JAKEENO’S PIZZA & PASTA $ Italian Traditional red sauce pastas, thin crust pizza & homemade sauces. Lunch, Dinner 3555 Chicago Ave. S. Minneapolis (612) 825-6827 Mon – Fri: 11 AM – 11 PM • Sat – Sun: 4 PM – 11 PM Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St., Minneapolis (612) 7671102 Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 8 PM • Sun: 10 AM – 6 PM www.jakeenos.com KINDEE THAI $ Thai This isn’t your traditional everyday Thai restaurant. Lunch, Dinner 719 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis (612) 465-8303 Mon: Closed • Tues – Thurs: 11:30 AM – 9 PM • Fri: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM • Sat: 11 AM – 10:30 PM • Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM www.kindeethairestaurant.com THE LOUISIANA CAFÉ $ American Fresh hand ground hash browns, French toast, omelets, pancakes, coffee, juices, soups, salads & sandwiches. Breakfast, Brunch, 613 Selby Ave., St. Paul (651) 221-9140 Mon – Fri: 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM • Sat: 6:30 AM – 3 PM • Sun: 8 AM – 3 PM NEW UPTOWN DINER $ American Fresh hand ground hash browns, French toast, omelets, pancakes, coffee, juices, soups, salads & sandwiches. Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch 2548 Hennepin Ave. S. Minneapolis (612) 874-0481 Mon – Wed: 6 AM – 3 PM • Thurs – Sat: 24 Hours • Sun: Close at 6 PM OM $$ Indian Modern approach to Indian cuisine featuring bold and distinctive flavors. Dinner 401 First Ave. N., Minneapolis (612) 338-1510 www.omminneapolis.com
lavendermagazine.com
FRENCH MEADOW BAKERY $ Certified Organic Bakery Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 2610 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis (612) 870-4740 Sun – Thurs: 6:30 AM – 9 PM • Fri – Sat: 6:30 AM – 11 PM www.frenchmeadow.com
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Kindee Thai.
The Grandview Grill.
New Uptown Diner.
ROAT OSHA $$ Thai Uniquely crafted authentic and American influences. Decor that invites conversation Lunch, Dinner 2650 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis Sat: 11 AM – 11 PM • Sun: 11 AM – 10:30 PM • www.roatoshathai. com TOAST WINE BAR AND CAFÉ $ Wine bar with Italian influence Neighborhood wine bar serving pizzas, cured meats and small plates. Dinner 415 N. 1st St., Minneapolis, MN (612) 333-4305 Tues – Thurs: 5 PM – 11 PM • Fri – Sat: 5 PM – 12 AM • Sun: 5 PM – 11 PM www.toastwinebarandcafe.com
July 30–August 12, 2010
W.A. FROST & CO. $$ Since 1975. Enjoy the open air setting in the summer & the spectacular historic architecture year round. Sensation wine selection, cuisine & ambiance provide the perfect dining experience. Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch 374 Selby Ave., St. Paul 651-224-5715 Sun – Thurs: 5 PM – 10:30 PM. Bar open until Midnight • Fri – Sat: 5 PM – 11 PM, Bar open until 1 AM www.wafrost.com
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THE WOODBURY CAFÉ $ American Fresh hand ground hash browns, French toast, omelets, pancakes, coffee, juices, soups, salads & sandwiches. Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch Bielenberg & Tamarack, Woodbury, MN (651) 209-8182 Mon – Fri: 7 AM – 2:30 PM • Sat: 7 AM – 3 PM • Sun: 8 AM – 3 PM
