FREE | October 2019 | Vol. 4; issue 2
GGM GoGuide Magazine
GoGuideMagazine.com
GoGuide Election Guide: Coe College hosts historic LGBTQ Presidential Forum
Halloween fun GoGuide Style Is there a “gay” gene? Is PrEP safe? Scary & campy local theater previews
Hancher Auditorium hosts two fantastic events this October
Life | Culture | Scene
Iowa City | Cedar Rapids | Des Moines
features
Is there a “gay” gene? P-8
table of contents LIFE Erik’s World P-4 Is there a “gay gene” ? P-8 Is PrEP Safe? P-9
PreEP class-action law suites? Don’t worry, PrEP is safe. P-9 Visionary - Amanda Heeren; Mood Disorders Center; University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. P-12
Scary & campy theater treats. P-17
Coe College plays host to historic LGBTQ Presidential Forum. P-18
The Rocky Horror Picture Show P-10 Visionaries P-12 One Iowa Op-Ed P-14 Election Guide P-18 Open Statement: Iowa City Tenants Union P-23
CULTURE Inside Corridor Theater P-20 Book Review sponsored by Prairie Lights Book Store & Cafe P-22
SCENE 2019 Newbo Women’s Music Festival Recap P-24 Travel-African Safari P-26
Proudly covering the LGBTQ communities, friends, and allies since 2016
Vol. 4; Issue 2 October 2019
Halloween Issue
GoGuideMagazine.com Facebook.com/GoGuideMagazine Publisher & Executive Editor Tim Nedoba Cedar Rapids-Linn County Editor Julia Freeman Theater Editor Matthew Brewbaker Music Editor/Operations Gregory Cameron Photo Journalist Treyner W from Strey Photography Columnist Erik Sosa Graphics GoGuide Media Website Development AIT, Inc. | GoGuide Media Contributors Barry Joy (aka @asianmapleleaf) Gregg Shapiro Terri Schlichenmeyer
Coming this November just in time for the Holiday’s: GoGuide Magazine’s
Best Deals!
Search
Simply: Click Save
Go
GoGuide Magazine & GoGuideMagazine.com are published by GoGuide Media. Contact us at info@goguidemagazine.com Advertising infomation is available at www.ROMLLC.us.
Coralville PrideFest 9-6-20
https://www.facebook.com/ CoralvillePride/
Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Corridor LGBTQ Workplace Culture Summit
Cover Design: GoGuide Media
Local Sales:
Reach Out Marketing timr@romllc.us (319) 800-3223
National Sales: Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863
Contact GoGuide Magazine at info@goguidemagazine.com or call (319) 800-3223
Tuesday, Oct. 22 Kirkwood Community College Regional Center at the University of Iowa Coralville, IA LGBTQ community members - pay what you can pricing for tickets Visit oneiowa.org/corridorwcs2019 for tickets and more information
one1owa
sa
By E rik S o
Wor ld
Erik
’s
I yam what I yam “Woke up in the morning. Put on my new plastic glove. I served some reheated Salisbury steak with a little slice of love. Got no clue what the chicken pot pie is made of, know everything’s doing fine down here in Lunch Lady Land.” Adam Sandler is pure genius.
Now, let’s see...Plastic gloves, check. Reheated food, unacceptable. Love, always. And trust me, a Lunch Lady always knows what’s in the pot pie. It¹s her job! However, as we all know, not all institutions are created equal, and I am only here to give you my sampling of the lunch menu. Who knew peaches and chicken patties were so popular among elementary students. This week I was given a dose of Lunchroom Power, which should never be confused with Cafeteria Duty. That¹s right folks, as of early this month, I slowly made my way back into the workforce, W-2 forms and all the fixin’s needed to be an employee of the State. I mean, it was bound to happen eventually after 15 years of not being in the workforce. I was beginning to lose touch with reality as an artist and stay at home, Dad. Yes, my art is doing well, and I can’t wait for my new show, No Paint Left Behind in January, but I needed somewhat of a routine and social stability to keep me from going Stepford. Our newly minted teen boys are now officially 13, and they want nothing to do with me. Well, as mentioned previously, unless it’s to be fed or driven. So, what better way to integrate myself into the social working system than by accepting a position as a substitute cook, or as I like to say, ³Lunch Daddy.² And, to not be egocentric in regards to my unique undertakings, but this idea was Cole and Parker. Never in a million years did I think I would even consider such a glamorous position of serving peas and scraping charred meat sauce from trays so big, I didn’t even know exist4 ed. But that is what happens when you raise minions. Oct. 2019 Your perspective and decisions on life and opportunities are challenged and reprioritized. Now, I’m not saying
h
I always make the right decisions, but it does happen from time to time! Now, as I write this, the biggest smile comes across my face because I loved being a Lunch Daddy for so many reasons. And, so what if I got the flu right after? What does one expect when confronted with a school of 700 germ-infested adolescents? I choose to see it as an initiation of sorts, and besides, it builds for a stronger immune system in the long run. Popeye said it best when he quipped, “I yam what I yam, and that¹s all that I yam. I’m strong to the finish cause I eat me spinach.” You know it was all canned, right?!? So, without further adieu, the following are my top 10 reasons as to why I choose to serve the younger ones. 1. Breaking stereotypes. As we all know, the kitchen is not just for the ladies. #BAM 2. Feeding the hungry. Nothing says love than a full stomach in which to help kids grow and learn. As they say, the fastest way to a person’s heart is through the stomach. 3. Conquering fears. One of the reasons I am not good in the kitchen is partly since I¹m seplophobic. I always think fruits and vegetables will rot the same day I get them. I’m learning that’s not the case if you refrigerate. So, hence, I am learning a few tricks and am starting to get comfortable being around food. 4. Expanding my horizons. Being around food allows me to better plan and prepare meals for our growing boys. Who knows, this small culinary step may be the start of the catering empire I never dreamt of. Start small, dream big! 5. Super Dad. Should anything happen to go down on school grounds, I am there to protect anyone in need. We live in perilous times people. Hey, did I mention my hair net doubles as a cape? Go-go gadget spatula! 6. I know what my kids are doing and eating at school. Besides the fact (Erik Sosa continued on next page)
(Erik Sosa continued from previous page)
that information on a string telephone travels quicker than a working potato clock, I am happy to report, that all meals cooked in that kitchen are made by hard-working and loving ladies who want nothing but the best for children. Yes, they may be a bit OCD when it comes to cleaning, but it’s needed and very much under-appreciated. Efficiency is the name of the game in Lunch Lady Land. 7. You can’t beat the schedule. I get summers are off and I’m hone by 2 PM. It’s a substitute position, so you really can’t go wrong with that. 8. Free lunch. Need I say more. 9. Working without the politics. The lunchroom is one of the major arteries of the school. However, it seems to bypass the day to day politics. “Honey, I just came in it to boil and serve some ham. Peaches, you go have a nice day.” 10. I get to be around kids. As an artist, I find value in vibrant energy that feeds my creativity. Plus, I get to stay on top of new trends and ideas. I’m getting shirts made for all my co-worker. It reads: All women are created equal, but only the finest become Lunch Ladies... and lassies.
Introducing +Life, A new digital lifestyle brand focused on living positively living with HIV Special to GoGuide Magazine
Los Angeles, CA - AOMEDIA announced September 25 the launch of +Life, a new digital lifestyle brand focused on eradicating the stigma of living with HIV. Designed to inform and inspire, +Life will feature original content that is educational, entertaining, and fun. More than 37 million people globally are living with HIV today. While incredible advances have been made in helping HIV-positive individuals live long, healthy, and productive lives, stigma remains an unfortunate side-effect, impacting access to health care, employment, and community. Karl Schmid, an internationally known entertainment reporter who has been a featured talent on leading networks as well as on programming in his native Australia, inspired the creation of +Life after he revealed his own HIV-positive status in a candid
2018 Facebook post. Now an activist focused on sharing his message and educating others on the realities of living with the disease, Schmid serves as +Life’s editorial director. “I kept my diagnosis secret for 10 long years because some well-meaning people I trusted told me that revealing my status would ruin my career. Did I really want to be known as ‘the guy on TV with AIDS?’ Then one afternoon while scrolling through The AIDS Memorial Instagram account, I was inspired to overcome my fear, and decided to share my positive status,” said Schmid. “I was amazed at the overwhelming support I immediately received from loved ones and strangers around the world, and my hope for +Life, is that it helps others learn they too, have the freedom to live and love proudly, and help change stigma-induced fear common among those living with the disease in private. A positive HIV status is not something that should hold anyone back from achieving their dreams and living life to its fullest potential.” Karl Schmid Photo courtesy Smithhouse Strategic Communications
Global studies over the past decade, continue to identify the impact of isolation among people living with HIV. In one study, 42% of HIV-positive individuals in North America said they feel especially isolated, with friends and families not really understanding the disease. While HIV stigma can lead to feelings of shame, fear, isolation, and despair, which can prevent people from getting tested and/ or treatment, it can also affect population health globally, impacting HIV prevention, testing, care, and treatment. +Life looks to change the impact of the stigma of HIV, by providing smart, engaging, fun and real content that can educate and shatter stereotypes, myths and inaccuracies. The site will launch with an original weekly video series called “+Talk.” Hosted by Karl Schmid, it will feature honest conversations, empowering information, and an entertaining look at the everyday life of a person living with HIV. New content will be added every weekday across social media channels, with +Talk episodes available on YouTube one week after airing. More can be learned by visiting https://pluslifemedia.com/. Editor’s Note – This feature has been edited for space.
Study suggests no single “gay gene” exits Compiled by Tim Nedoba & additional media reporting
There is no ‘gay gene,’” says lead study author Andrea Ganna, a geneticist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Cambridge, Massachusetts as reported in Science.com on August 30, 2019. The study was undertaken by a group of scientists from universities and research institutes in the UK, the US, the Netherlands, Australia, Sweden, and Denmark. Primary results of the study: 1) Discovered five genetic markers that were associated with same-sex sexual behavior. 2) Found some hints as to what these genetic variants do biologically. 3) Using genetic data, found evidence that sexual behavior is a highly complex trait and that there is not a single dimension of sexuality. 4) Many of the same genetic markers influence same-sex sexual behavior in females and males, but we also found some markers with sex-specific effects. 5) Found that the genes that play a role in same-sex sexual behavior partly overlap with those for several other traits, including openness to experience and risk-taking behavior. source: https://geneticsexbehavior.info Additional conclusions: Same-sex sexual behavior is influenced by not one or a few genes but many. Overlap with genetic influences on other traits provides insights into the underlying biology of same-sex sexual behavior, and analysis of different aspects of sexual preference underscore its complexity and call into question the validity of bipolar continuum measures such as the Kinsey scale. Nevertheless, many uncertainties remain to be explored, including how sociocultural influences on sexual preference might interact with genetic influences. To 8 help communicate our study to the broader public, we Oct. 2019 organized workshops in which representatives of the public, activists, and researchers discussed the ratio-
nale, results, and implications of our study. – Science, August 30, 2019 23andMe’s contribution to the study: 23andMe is a commercial company that specializes in providing individuals with analysis of their genetic makeup, including detailed information about ancestry, relatives, and predisposition to traits and diseases. 23andMe also has a robust, long-standing research arm with a unique model in which customers are given the option to consent to participate in research, and their large database of user genotypes and self-reported traits enables this genetic research. The data provided by 23andMe also enabled the study group to understand the genetic relationship between same-sex sexual behavior and sexual attraction. Members of the 23andMe LGBTQ Community and Research Team also provided input on the interpretation of the study findings. 23andMe used an additional secondary consent form for questions about participants’ sexuality. All 23andMe data analyzed as part of this study was from people who had specifically accepted this secondary consent. More research is still needed.
Health News Iowa Experts: PrEP Program Safe and Effective By Tim Nedoba
If you’re like me, you’ve seen advertisements from law firms seeking class-action lawsuits against Gilead, the maker of Truvada. Truvada is the primary drug in the PrEP program. The PrEP program is designed to help reduce the spread of HIV. GoGuide Magazine reached out to one to one the law firms promoting the class-action suits, Jackson and Tucker, based in Atlanta for a statement regarding the Facebook ads. As of press time, GoGuide had yet received a call back from the firm. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) (Continued on page 16)
LIVING WITH HIV OR NOT...
WE’RE FIGHTING THIS TOGETHER STOPPING HIV IS POSSIBLE
Get tested. Know your status. Get Get Get in in care. care.
StopHIVIowa.org
Meet Amanda Heeren Program Director, Mood Disorders Center; University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine A Julia Freeman Feature As one of two core staff members in a University of Iowa (UI) center that is actionably changing lives and fueling connections, Amanda Heeren is approachable and open to conversations about anything in social situations in a way that far outlasts typical engagement. Heeren is a social worker, adjunct professor, therapist, and program director of the UI Mood Disorders Center. The Center has a treatment profile including mood disorders outpatient, an inpatient mood disorders service, mood disorders partial hospital program, treatment-refractory mood disorder consultation clinic, women’s wellness service, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) programs, targeted psychotherapy workshops, and is starting a ketamine infusion program. The Center collaborates with the Iowa Neuroscience Institute to support research initiatives across the University. Research programs include those focused on molecular biology, genetics, proteomics, physiology, brain imaging, and clinical trials in mood disorders. The Mood Disorders Center wants to serve as a home landing for research volunteers impacted by bipolar, depression, and other mood disorders. Heeren mostly helps facilitate the support groups and connect people to resources. After exploring the majors of criminal justice, sports medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and physiology as an undergraduate at Iowa Central Community College and then transferring to the UI, she declared as a social work major. Social work professor at the UI, Dr. Sara Sanders, had a major impact and 12 her influence solidified Heeren’s career path. Along with Oct. 2019 Valerie Lovaglia, Sanders helped Heeren realize the insistence of doing the right thing. Now, with two children
of her own and multiple siblings, Heeren also attributes her parents and step-parents for showing her the importance of taking care to be present and contribute. Thanks in part to a grant from Iowa City, she has helped to create an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) group for parolees to expand mental health access and train parole officers accordingly. The 6-week design is more psychoeducational than similar program models, offers Amanda Heeren, MSW peer counseling, and numerous ways to change for parolees at a macro level of orientation; an aspect of social work that Heeren initially claims drew her into the field to enact change on a public policy scale. This project alone would qualify Heeren as a visionary, but she doesn’t stop there with her influence. The most difficult part of Heeren’s role is that she is so profoundly hopeful and fixated on solving problems to get through to the next step that it sometimes gets in the way. To go into work daily in a role that allows “me to be my authentic self as a profound extrovert” is the best part of her directorship, according to Heeren. Being surrounded by people fulfills her desire and need to connect through conversations with constant connection and sensationalizing important issues and values. She prides herself in serving as a home base to connect people to resources and then further refer out as needed. Heeren self identifies as a nonjudgmental, individual whole person-focused approach that understands that people are not boxes of symptoms or a diagnosis, rather they often need a systems viewpoint to include family and friends in diagnosis, treatment, management, and recovery. Call us (the Center) if you don’t know what to do,” she explains, “to get through the stage that you are in.” Since the Mood Disorders Center came into existence in 2016, they have been in a space designed to help manage medications, provide psychotherapy, and overall feel like a place where patients with mood disorders do not feel alone. She emphasizes that thoughts are not facts and specializes in expanding options, resources, and referrals for all people, regardless of identity. Help is possible. The Center can be reached at 1-319-353-6314
An Open letter from One Iowa On September 1, I assumed the role of Executive Director at One Iowa, the statewide organization that works to advance, empower and improve the lives of LGBTQ Iowans. Currently, the organization’s priorities include: improving workplace environments for LGBTQ people, increasing LGBTQ Iowans’ access to healthcare, advocating for transgender Iowans, providing training and mentorship to aspiring LGBTQ leaders through our LGBTQ Leadership Institute, and serving as a connector and capacity builder for LGBTQ community resources. In 2018, One Iowa staff provided LGBTQ inclusivity training and policy consultation to over 5,000 employers, healthcare professionals, law enforcement officials, city employees, and more. The organization also hosts educational events each year around the state like the LGBTQ Health & Wellness Conference, Midwest LGBTQ Older Adults Conference, and LGBTQ Workplace Culture Summits. These are just a few examples of the many services that One Iowa provides in support of the state’s LGBTQ community. However, while there has been tremendous progress made over the past several years, there is still more work to be done. As a prime example, the current administration is Washington D.C. has implemented more than 125 policies that adversely impact LGBTQ Americans including a full ban on transgender service in the military, severe cuts to HIV/AIDS research and multiple attempts to rollback basic workplace protections for LGBTQ employees. In Iowa, we’re seeing a state legislature that overturned a Supreme Court ruling that guaranteed transgender individuals the right to health care under Medicaid, and a governor unwilling to veto the bill. Continued on page 17
14
Oct. 2019
HIV & HEPATITIS C TESTING
FREE, RAPID, AND CONFIDENTIAL
@JCIOWAPH • 319-356-6040
JOHNSON-COUNTY.COM
(Open letter from One Iowa Continued)
Now our community finds itself, once again, in an historic fight for freedom and equality, to ensure that rights we fought so hard to achieve aren’t eliminated. As a community, we are resolute. If the marriage equality debate taught us anything, it’s that we will rise to the occasion to demand equality, fairness, dignity and respect. Now, perhaps more than ever, our voices need to be raised and One Iowa is here to help make that happen.
(Health News continued from page 9)
is a prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of contracting HIV-1 through sex when taken every day and used together with safer sex practices. GoGuide reached out to the HIV Clinic at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics about Truvada and was emailed the following statement from Jack Stapleton, M.D,
“The older form of Truvada (TDF) is associated with reduced bone density and kidney problems in a small percentage of people. From corporate board rooms to It is a very well tolerated drug the halls of the State Capitol, One clinically which is why it became Iowa continues to share a vision one of the leading drugs used to of Iowa where everyone can treat HIV over the past 20 years,” be free from discrimination and violence and lead productive and Jack Stapleton, M.D. is a Profeshappy lives. I am very excited sor, Division of Infectious Diseasfor this new opportunity and our es; Depts. of Internal Medicine & team looks forward to continuing Microbiology and Immunology; our work on behalf of the state’s Director, Levitt Center for Viral LGBTQ community and its allies. Pathogenesis. To learn more and to donate visit www.oneiowa.org . Dan Royer; One Iowa; Executive Director
Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) was also contacted for this article, and they “...believe strongly in these programs as safe and effective ways to fight the spread of HIV in Iowa” IDPH administers the CDC grant.
GoGuide Magazine wants to hear from you. Send your letters Next month GoGuide will take a more in-depth look into PrEP and U=U with to info@GoGuideMagazine.com. interviews from Iowa Department of Public Health.
Scary & Campy Halloween Theater Treats
By Matthew Brewbaker
Well, it is that time of the year, football is back, sweatshirt weather is here, and of course, with it being October we get some fun Halloween activities. Several theatres in the area will be taking advantage of the season to present some scary and even campy Halloween treats. Theatre Cedar Rapids will be presenting Dracula adapted by William McNulty. Directed by Kehry Anson Lane, this production will be shown in the Grandon space, which will allow the audience to be very close to the chills and the action. I’m pleased to be a part of this production, playing the character of Briggs. This is quite a loaded cast including Matthew James, Mic Evans, and Tad Paulson. There’s’ a lot of fantastic people in this show, many of whom I’m working with for the first time. I can’t give away too much, but Joe Link has designed a set that will work well for the special effects and gothic horror this show needs. Dracula opens Oct 18th and runs through November 3rd. We are prepared for sell-outs so get your tickets fast, for more info go to https://www.theatrecr.org/ Iowa City Community Theatre presents a more campy version of a Halloween horror story with Evil Dead: The Musical. Yes, that’s right, a musical based on the cult classic horror movie Evil Dead. Directed by William Asmus, the show features a lot of good friends and acquaintances including the always great Rob Merritt, Hannah Green, and Erin Mills. Rumor has it that some parts of the audience seating will be a “splash-zone”! The show opens October 25th and runs through Nov 3rd at ICCT at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Tickets and info available at http://www.iowacitycommunitytheatre. com/. Old Creamery Theatre in Amana will be presenting an Agatha Christie Mystery, The Unexpected Guest from Oct 24th through November 10th. This will be an excellent chance for a theatre that’s a little scary and tense, but nowhere near as bloody. Who doesn’t love a good Agatha Christie mystery? There will also be a chance to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show for a screening paired with live show co-produced by local improv group Comics in Action. Come out at midnight on Sat Oct 26th and be part of the fun! Come in costume, and you might even win a prize! Theater story ideas? Email info@GoGuideMagazine.com
GoGuide Election Guide: The 2020 Iowa Caucuses Coe College plays host to historic LGBTQ Presidential Candidate Forum By Julia Freeman
On Friday, September 20, 2019 inside Sinclair Auditorium on the campus of Coe College the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) issues were at the forefront of the first public event of the 2020 election cycle with a forum exclusively around them on the campus of Coe College in Cedar Rapids. With questions and answers from candidates for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, a trio of the event sponsors made of the moderator crew for the event. The Gazette was represented by columnist Liz Lenz, Buzzfeed/The Advocate’s editor in chief Zach Stafford, and One Iowa Policy Director Keenan Crow cycled through interviewing the ten participating candidates. Angelica Ross, of ‘Pose,’ made history as the first trans person to host a presidential forum. ‘Queer Eye’ star Karamo Brown also made an appearance, along with country singer Billy Graham singing the national anthem in front of a sold-out crowd. Marianne Williamson was the first candidate to participate as her primary message was that special and equal protection was needed for the LGBTQ community. Joe Sestak spoke about the common mission to remove the military ban on trans persons. Next to the stage was Joe Biden to articulated the courage it took and takes for LGBTQ people to come out and how the country owes a gigantic debt of thanks to those that participated in Stonewall.
18
Oct. 2019
A key part of the forum was Cory Booker lifting up Stafford as the two greeted each other on stage. Booker then highlighted his record of proudly raising the Pride flag publicly in 2006 at Newark, New Jersey’s City Hall during his time there as the mayor. Tulsi Gabbard shared
the aloha meaning, as well as highlight the true cost of wars to and for the country. Kamala Harris spoke about allocating federal resources to put into places where youth can thrive as her means of investing in the future generations. Pete Buttigieg, with husband, Chasten watching from the auditorium crowd, reminded the audience of the importance of the forum’s date is the eighth anniversary of the federal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy being overturned. Amy Klobuchar spoke to the importance of assault weapon bans and the issue of gun violence in response to Pulse survivor Brandon Wolf’s question about her plan to address the threat. Elizabeth Warren read aloud each transwoman of color’s name that has been murdered in the country to date and how the current administration is robbing the country of wealth and dignity. Julian Castro believes that there are no second class citizens, including members of the LGBTQ community. Ross kicked off the forum with a captivating speech that set the tone for the remainder of the night about the importance of black trans lives and that 19 lives lost are too many in this year alone. She also reminded everyone to vote at the end of the night and to ask questions to candidates that did not participate. “Firing someone just for being LGBTQ is wrong and not up for debate,” emphasized GLADD’s President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. The forum was sponsored by One Iowa, The Gazette, and the Advocate.
Follow the GoGuide Election Guide Exclusively at
Kamala Harris speaks at the forum Photo by Julia Freeman
GoGuide Magazine.com
Inside Corridor Theater By Matthew Brewbaker
Hancher Auditorium at the University of Iowa has two fantastic events coming up in October. First, Sankai Juku brings a new performance to Hancher (and the United States!). I had the pleasure of watching this troop perform some 25 years ago at Carnegie Hall in New York. As a student of performance art and dance, it was an epiphany! For those not familiar with the breathtaking Japanese dance form of Butoh, please do yourself a favor and see this. The artistry and Photo’s courtesy Hancher athleticism of the performers are always stunning to watch. They will perform Oct 22nd for one night only. Following this, the SITI theatre company brings The Bacchae directed by the legendary Anne Bogart to Hancher. This is a new adaptation of the Greek classic. According to their website; “Dionysus, the god of wine, ritual madness, fertility, and theater, Photo by Stephanie Berger returns in disguise to his birthplace in Greece.” Ms. Bogart will be on hand and will host a post-performance conversation. Visit https://hancher.uiowa.edu/ tickets for tickets to either of these fantastic events.
20
Oct. 2019
Theater story ideas? Email info@GoGuideMagazine.com
Prairie Lights Iowa City’s iconic, independent bookstore since 1978
15 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City, Iowa 52240 319-337-2681 prairielights.com BOOKSTORE
&
CAFÉ
BOOKSTORE HOURS: Mon–Fri 1O am – 9 pm, Saturday 9 am – 9 pm, Sunday 1O am – 6 pm, CAFÉ: opens 9 am daily & closes w/bookstore.
GoGuide Book Review
Sponsored by Prairie Lights Book Store & Cafe www.PrairieLights.com 15 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City Adolescence stinks. “We Are Lost and Found” by Helene Dunbar Book review by Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm Sez
Look, there’s no other way to say it: it’s horrible. You’re expected to be an adult but you’re treated like a kid. You can see freedom but you can’t have it. And in the new book “We Are Lost and Found” by Helene Dunbar, you’ll see that nothing ever really changes. Michael, James, and Becky. They’d been best friends for ages and Michael couldn’t imagine it any other way. On that New Years Eve 1982, their future looked stellar, even though Becky was in an iffy relationship, James kinda-sorta crushed on Michael, and Michael was sixteen and solidly single. On that, he was careful. Months ago, his parents had kicked his older brother out because he was gay, never suspecting that Michael was, too. Michael figured they were secretly hoping he’d find a “nice girl” like Becky but instead, he was using his friends as cover while he snuck into his favorite club to dance all night with boys. It was there that he met Gabriel. It was there, not long after, that he fell in love. But what was love, anyhow? Michael had never had much experience with guys – surely not intimately – and he badgered Becky with questions. How did he know he was in love? He asked James how he’d know if Gabriel 22 was The One. [ Continued on next page ] Oct. 2019
Neither of them had any good answers. James was distracted by a play he’d written, and by a disease that seemed to be killing gay men all over New York. His sadness kept reminding Michael that AIDS was still an unknown and that, for now, safety was everything; when Michael learned one of Gabriel’s secrets, he knew that James was right. But there was no use thinking they could avoid this disease. One way or another, it was going to get them all. With that as a backdrop to this coming-of-age novel, you might think that it’s a story too depressing to tackle. Nothing could be further from the truth, though: “We Are Lost and Found” absolutely sparkles. Readers who endured the ‘80s as young adults, however, might see this novel as eerily biographical. This, she does as she so perfectly, so evocatively captures the angst, uncertainty, and shaky self-confidence of adolescence that it might make you wince. c.2019, Sourcebooks; $17,99; 304 pages. Full unedited review available at GoGuideMagazine.com
Open Statement to GoGuide Magazine “The Iowa City Tenants Union is a democratically run organization comprised of Johnson County Tenants. Our goal is to represent the interests of all tenants in Johnson County both on an individual level with landlord disputes and on a collective level by pushing the county and cities for more equitable and just housing practices. As part of this mission for equitable and just housing practices, we strive to fight for all historically oppressed and marginalized groups, as housing has often been a tool for oppression and segregation. Housing discrimination can be a major issues for LGBTQ tenants, even in a relatively liberal area like Iowa City, and our union is available to fight for any tenants who are experiencing housing discrimination or improper landlord behavior based on gender identity and/ or sexual orientation.” Derick Delloro Communications Officer Iowa City Tenants Union (ICTU) iowacitytenantsunion@gmail.com www.facebook.com/IowaCity TenantsUnion
2019 Newbo Women’s Music Festival Recap By Julia Freeman
Just like there is no one type or style of music that satisfies all people, there is no make or model of a woman that makes someone a musician or entrepreneur. This was an underlying theme of the very diverse and eclectic performances and vendors at the 2019 Newbo Women’s Music Festival as August came to a close. The free festival stretched over two days with two high energy acts kicking off the festivities on Friday night and the remainder of the performers taking the stage on Saturday. NAOMI was the first act on the main outdoor Bankers Trust stage at the Newbo City Market. Next, Alisabeth Von Presley more than earned an iced coffee from inside the market with her all original set of songs outdoors with a band that lacked her traditional female lead bassist. There was a mixture of original songs and cover songs performed throughout Saturday. Both the lead singers from Friday attended several performances on Saturday as well to support their fellow artists, festival, and excellent music. The rain and football schedules did not damper the attendance or quality of talent with artists performing on one of two stages, an indoor or outdoor main stage. There were more duos and acoustic performances from Brittie, Oceana, Amy Friedl Stoner, Josia Eden, Harper and Lee, and FRIEND designed for indoor Rotary Hall. Meanwhile on the larger stage, The Dandelion Stompers, Boot Jack Band, One for the Ditch, Alicia Monee, Avey/Grouws Band, The Feralings, and youth from Eastern Iowa Arts Academy’s Scarlett Letter performed with more multiperson stage full bands.
24
Oct. 2019
One for the Ditch kicked off the Saturday main stage right with a great cover of Shania Twain’s Man I Feel
Like A Woman as well as other female empowerment songs. Monee, who performed last year as well, again represented soul music well with her renditions of Beyonce’s Halo. Folk music was represented by The Feralings instrumental renditions of their original songs. With an ever demanding stage and audience presence, Dandelion Stompers with their renditions of popular Roaring 20’s jazz music made some very powerful statements musically and otherwise. Blues music blasted from the Avey/Grouws Band and entertained everyone in attendance. Amy Friedl Stoner showcased a wide range of vocal talent with her cabaret performance inside the market on the Rotary Hall stage. FRIEND provided easy listening tunes and melodies. The major dilemma of the festival was whether to catch The Boot Jack Band outdoors or Oceana indoors. Both performed in the previous festival, which only had one indoor stage due to weather. This year, each performed at 5 pm on their respective stages. They are very different types of music, yet each magical and inspiring in their own right. The Trisha Yearwood cover by the Boot Jack Band was excellent, yet the original music of Oceana is true artistry at it’s finest. Also, the positive vibes and energy from both electrified the crowd surrounding each stage. Overall, the festival was well attended and sponsored.
African Safari It’s undeniable that going on a safari in Africa is at the top of the list when it comes to experiencing unique travel adventures. Seeing the animals in the wild is a life-changing and unforgettable experience that you must see at least once in your lifetime. And if you are going for the first time, here is a quick guide to help you plan for your first safari so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning scenery. Plan Ahead There is so much to see and do in Africa. One of the top tips is to do your research and determine all the things you want to see and which countries to focus on most. Sadly, you can’t see it all during your first trip, unless you are planning to go for an extended period of time. When to Go The best time to visit is during the great migration. The prime of the migration is during July and August in Kenya and Maasai Mara, but it is also crowded and more expensive. If you go a bit off-season (June, or September/October), you can still see all the animals, and you could still be able to see the migration, but you may need to be flexible to move from Kenya’s Maasai Mara to Tanzania’s Serengeti. What to Wear Dress comfortably and in neutral colours. Some colours scare and aggravate the animals. You don’t want to do that! It tends to be warm during the day and cool in the evenings, so bring layers to adjust to the temperature changes. Also, bring a good pair of hiking shoes. What to Bring for Sightseeing and Pictures Bring binoculars and telephoto lens. You may get up close to some animals, but some will still be far away, and your phone’s camera won’t be enough. I bought a USD 100 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens, and it was perfect for the trip. Binoculars are helpful to have so that you can see what animals are 26 doing in detail, especially when you can’t get too close. Oct. 2019 Chances are, binoculars will allow you to see incredible things.
National Park Fees and Service Tips Most national parks, natural reserves, and private conservation areas charge a fee to enter, and they all have their pricing system. Most safari packages include that fee, but double-check to make sure yours does. Bring cash for tips. Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling, but they accept USD everywhere. As always, tip moderately and in accordance with the level and quality of service provided. Here are a few tip suggestions: One of the best parts about the trip is that you never know what you are going to see each day. Every safari is different because animals are so unpredictable! It truly feels like you are on the set of the Lion King when you are there, although not at every moment. Also, the best time to see the animals is early in the morning before the sun comes out, so don’t plan to sleep in. And remember that it takes time, patience (and quiet) to see the animals. You might be driving for hours with not much to see, but eventually, you will, and it will be so worth it! Tip 1: You need to get a visa to enter Kenya – you can either get it in advance before your trip (e-visa) or in-person upon arrival. If you are doing it in person, make sure you bring the right amount of cash to pay. Tip 2: Make sure you look into all the vaccinations you need before you travel to Africa. This article was submitted by Barry Joy (aka asianmapleleaf), an ambassador of all things travel – he was born and raised in Toronto and currently lives in New York City. Follow his adventures on asianmapleleaf.com or Instagram @asianmapleleaf
SITI Company The Bacchae
$10
STUDENT TICKETS
Directed by Anne Bogart
Saturday, October 26, 7:30 pm In this new English translation and innovative take on one of the Western world’s greatest dramas, SITI Company invites us to Thebes where Dionysus—god of wine, ritual madness, fertility, and theater (and in this production imagined as a rock star of the first order)—is opposed and imprisoned by King Pentheus. The struggle between wildness and order (and frivolity and seriousness) is at the heart of this play, which still resonates all these centuries later—and perhaps at this moment in particular. SITI Company’s famed co-artistic director Anne Bogart will be on hand to participate in a variety of residency events, including a post-performance conversation with the audience. TICKETS: ADULT: $45 | $35 | $25 COLLEGE STUDENT: $40 | $10 YOUTH: $22 | $10 Order online hancher.uiowa.edu Call (319) 335-1160 or 800-HANCHER Accessibility Services (319) 335-1158
EVENT SPONSORS: The Cosmo Catalano Family Miriam Gilbert
Audio Description is available for this performance.
Discover more at hancher.uiowa.edu Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Hancher in advance at (319) 335-1158.