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WINTER DOUBLE ISSUE
DECEMBER 2018-JANUARY 2019 Vol. 3 | Issue 4
Three Iowa Cities Earn a Perfect Score on HRC’s Municipal Equality Index
Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, & Dubuque Local Communtiy Leaders React to this Disctinction & Honor!
The Quire’s Holiday Concert December 18
Holliday Gift Guide P-12
Inside: One of The Great Believers: an interview with writer Rebecca Makkai
Holiday Theater Preview: “Inside Corridor Theater”
A Picture Worth More than a Thousand Words
Holiday Gift idea’s from Iowa Artisans Gallery
GoGuide Magazine is a monthly news & entertainment print and online publication proudly serving the local LGBTQ community and friends since 2016!
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Vol. 3; Issue 4 The Winter Double Issue Publisher & Editor Tim Nedoba Operations Gregory Cameron Copy Editors Mom & Dad Grammarly Premium Design GoGuide Media Contributors Gregory Cameron Matthew Brewbaker Bill Feld Julia Freeman Gregg Shapiro Terri Schlichenmeyer Erik Sosa Local Sales Reach Out Marketing, LLC www.romllc.us tim@romllc.us (319) 800-3223 National Sales Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863
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Table of Contents Winter 2018 Double Issue December-January Vol. 3 | Issue 4
Page 5 No Longer Welcome at 4-H Page 6 - Erik’s World: a column by Erik Sosa Page 8 - GGM News Briefs Page 10 - “Tis The Season Downtown Iowa City Page 12 - Holiday Gift Guide Page 16 - Inside Corridor Theater: a column by A Column by Matthew Brewbaker Page 18 - GGM Feature article: Cities Boldly Leading the Way to Equality Page 20 - Chic-fil-A not welcome at Rider University Page 22 - One of The Great Believers: an interview with writer Rebecca Makkai Page 26 - A picture is worth a thousand words Page 28 - Book Review Page 29 - Travel: Hawaii Page 31 - Retro Music: a column by Gregory Cameron
No Longer Welcome Compiled by staff reports
The Trump administration pushed the national 4-H youth organization to withdraw a controversial policy welcoming LGBT members – Reports The Des Moines Register. The Des Moines Register reported, November 18, 2018, that The Trump administration pushed the national 4-H youth organization to withdraw a controversial policy welcoming LGBT members — a move that helped lead to the ouster of Iowa’s top 4-H leader earlier this year It’s not only the Trump administration in Iowa that is behind this move. It’s no secret Bob VanderPlatts’ Family Leader organization also played a significant role. The Family Leader Bob VanderPlatts is a group seen by the The Family Leader Trump Organization as vital in its Iowa re-election bid in 2020. However, Trump should look at recent history and see that Bob VanderPlatts has never won a statewide campaign for personal elected office. For this reason, alone many downplay the political significance of his organization. The Des Moines Register story also stated that some states relented and fought this change in policy. In Iowa, Chaisson-Cárdenas, the first statewide Latino director of 4-H in the organization’s 115-year history, resisted. Emails sent to John Lawrence — vice president of Iowa State University’s Extension and
Outreach, which oversees Iowa’s 4-H program — reflect deeply felt opinions for and against the policy. Some said the policy was “great” and “very positive.” Others threatened to pull donations, leave leadership roles in their local extension or call their state legislator. Sources: www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/ investigations/2018/11/18/4-h-transgender-lgbt-iowa-john-paul-chaisson-cardenas-iowa-state-university-civil-rights/1572199002/ www.4-h.org www.iowa4hfoundation.org
GIVE THE GIFT OF EQUALITY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
We need your help to preserve and advance equality for LGBTQ Iowans. Make a tax-deductible gift today at oneiowa.org/give.
one1owa
Erik’s World The Most Wonderful Time of the Year A Column by Erik Sosa
“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh Many say that the Holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but I beg to differ because it’s a huge responsibility to make the holidays seems effortless, fuzzy, and warm. Trust me, this is not a humbug piece, however, I do want to get some points across. Like, why oh why do people still make or buy Fruitcake? Seriously, I wouldn’t be surprised if there are cakes out there from 1975, still trying to find a home. But yes, if I was a child or even a teenager, I could see how magical this time of the season can seem under the right conditions. In retrospect, I never got to experience perfect or even good conditions, so maybe that’s why my partner and I bust our butts during this time of year. Like any parent or family member, we want better for our loved ones. And unfortunately, there now seems to be a growing generational disconnect between what “better” really is.
“I work hard and play harder to create great memories but I have noticed that all this hard work is beginning to take a toll on what I see in the mirror. It’s a bah humbug look that I can only get away with in Halloween.”
I’m trying really hard not to go off on a tangent, and all this holiday talk has made me thirsty for some cheer. So, I’m going to get a drink and toast to my ADHD. Ok, so yes, I work hard and play harder to create great memories but I have noticed that all this hard work is beginning to take a toll on what I see in the mirror. It’s a bah humbug look that I can only get away with in Halloween. I no longer feel beautiful, you know a DILF.
So for me, beauty is such a trigger word for me. It’s one of those few words I put into a jar because I don’t know what to do with them. Much like; copulate, kakorrhaphiophobia, Papi, xertz, and now President Cheeto, to name a few. Now, this is going to sound incredibly shallow, but since the article is really about inner and outer beauty, I figure what the Hell. Listen, take it as you will, because at the end of the day I know who I am. Why? Because I’m inside beautiful. And no, not in a cover girl or hubristic cocky sort of way. I’m beautiful because I’m freakin’ old…..er. Honestly, it has taken me a long time, years honey, to think it, believe it and walk it. Swag, if I’m not mistaken. The key word is ‘years’ because with years, comes experience. Many I know, also call it life. And guess what? One not so dewy morning, all the minutes, days, weeks, and months show up knocking, and before you know it, you notice your body and its experiences have taken a toll and today you’re wearing it on your face. Now, the point to be taken is that although I am beautiful, I now look tore up and that makes me feel 6 beat up.
See the conundrum? Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m “I chose to go under the totally okay with the fact that I’m getting older and needle. I’m not ashamed to my looks were literally dragging. But, as a medical say it. So, I had some help. aesthetician once said, you don’t have to live with Is that so wrong? I mean, anything you don’t want to anymore.” And so, without I can’t do everything by a second thought, I chose to go under the needle. I’m not ashamed to say it. So, I had some help. Is that so myself.” wrong? I mean, I can’t do everything by myself. Look, I’m not looking for acceptance from anyone, but myself, and if that spa treatment is going to make this older, wiser Daddy look and feel great…then so be it!!! Time and my growing family is doing a number on me and it’s bittersweet because it’s finally making me grow up. Life is no longer one big party for many reasons and I am happy to accept this new reality. It has been happing for some time and now, I am in acknowledgment of its overtaking. In January I will be turning 44 and I’m happy to say that I am maturing into the old man I have always thought I would be. Ok, so maybe I would have wanted salt and pepper hair instead of a widow’s peak and crown, but life could be that much worse considering what is happening around the world. So for this season, I want a smooth forehead and that rested look all the young kids are sporting. In 1989, Kelly LeBrock said it best when she quipped: Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful for a Pantene ad. But if you are going to be a hater, then hate me because, frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn!
GGM News Briefs World AIDS Day Observed December 1 World AIDS Day, designat-
HIV/AIDS speaker panel, a benefit dinner, film screenings, a display of an AIDS Quilt panel, and more, depending on the year. w w w.fa c e b o o k . c o m / I C R e d We e k
Blue Wave Coming to ed December 1 every year since N.W. Iowa in 2020? 1988, is the international day It was no easy win for dedicated to U.S. Representative raising awareSteve King in his re-elecness of the tion bid this past NovemAIDS pandember 6th. King represents ic caused by the spread of HIV infection and Iowa’s fourth congresmourning those who have died of the disease. sional district (N.W. Government and health officials, non-govIowa). King defeated J.D. ernmental organizations, and individuals Scholten (see GoGuide Magazine’s extended around the world observe the day, often with interview with Scholten in the October issue). education on AIDS prevention and control. The Iowa Democratic Party (IDP) has already decided to attack Mr. King and begin the batAs of 2017, AIDS has killed between 28.9 mil- tle to flip his seat in 2020. In an IDP states in lion and 41.5 million people worldwide, and a fundraising email, “In 2018, voters in IA-04 an estimated 36.7 million people are living started to realize they are represented by an with HIV, making it one of the most important international disgrace of a Congressman -global public health issues in recorded history. and in 2020, we’re poised to vote him out.” IC Red - Started by ONE at the University of Iowa in 2012, IC Red Week has grown into a year-long series of events, hosted by a student led organization, IC Red, at the University of Iowa. IC Red Week promotes HIV/AIDS awareness around the Iowa City community and beyond, and all proRed Ribbon displayed ceeds are donated. with red flags on the the westside of the Old
J.D. Scholten ran a strong campaign. He clearly surprised Mr. King. In fact, the King campaign was forced to purchase $90,000 in last-minute television ads in order to help slow down the Scholten momentum.
Election History Made by State
Events during the Capital on the Univeristy of Iowa Pentacrest. Senator Elect Zach Wahls week include things GGM file photo by Tim Nedoba. l i k e Zach Wahls, Democrat, easily won in his bid fund8 raisers at local eateries, an to become an Iowa Senator representing
GGM News Briefs riage equality with us! We’ll honor reaching double-digits with our largest celebration yet. Tickets will go live later this summer, so stay tuned! We anticipate selling out, and you won’t want to miss it. For more information visit OneIowa.org or visit the event page on Facebook at www. Iowa’s 37th district with almost 80% of the facebook.com/events/400751420442262/ total vote. Wahls replaces longtime state senator Bob Dvorsky. Dvorsky retired following the 2018 session this past spring. Zach Wahls said of his win, “I have been informed that I appear to be the first person ever elected to an American state legislature to have been raised by openly LGBTQ parents. This moment is a marker of how far and how fast families like ours have come. As a state senator, I will fight for everyone who, like my family, has been left out or left behind or used as a political target. I will never forget how hard our family had to work to get a seat at the table, and I will never stop fighting for you or your family.”
Save the Date:
Tailgating with Pride Just Outside Kinnick Stadium
GGM file photo
One Iowa 10th Annual Gala Friday, April 12, 2019 6-11pm Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center 833 5th Ave, Des Moines Save the date to celebrate TEN YEARS of mar-
GoGuide Magazine .com
‘Tis the Season Downtown Iowa City Come enjoy downtown Iowa City this winter season and experience that
nostalgic, warm feeling of what the holidays should be! Downtown Iowa City knows how to celebrate the festivities and no matter what level of merriment you seek, we’ve got you covered. Downtown will celebrate the holidays all month long, designed to showcase downtown Iowa City attractions, retailers, entertainment venues, and traditional holiday activities. This month-long celebration provides something for everyone—from FREE horse drawn trolley rides from Country Gentleman’s Horse Drawn Carriage sponsored by Hills Bank & Trust, to holiday productions in Downtown theaters and FREE photos with Santa. HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES SPONSORED BY HILLS BANK AND TRUST DEC. 1, 8, 15, & 22 11:30AM – 2:30PM There is no better way to take in the sights and sounds of the holiday season than a Horse Drawn Carriage Ride around downtown. Enjoy a FREE whimsical ride while singing carols to the tune of antique sleigh bells, nestled in the enclosed comfort provided by Country Gentleman’s Horse and Carriage. (“TICKETS” WILL BE HANDED OUT AT HILLS BANK AND TRUST IN DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY, STARTING AT 11AM, EACH SATURDAY)
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Photo courtesy ICDD
(Article continued on page 14)
fees may apply. see back.
2018 Gift Guide compiled by GGM editorial staff
DowntownIowaCity.com
Gift Ideas from Iowa Artisans Gallery 207 E Washington St. Iowa City 319-351-8686 www.iowaartisansgallery.com
Barrick Candles: $18-$88 Chase Dreams Dog Mag- Mistaken Lyrics Coasters- Henrietta Glass Birds nets-Basic Spirit-$20 Bright Beam Goods - $32 - $25
Reclaimed Wool- Embroidered Ball Ornaments - $21
Reclaimed Wool- Sheep Ornaments - $27
Fabulous t-shirt for the holiday’s. Visit www.facebook. com/HollywoodHope1 to order your shirt.
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Wayne Village- Polar “Nevertheless She Persisted” Bear with Cub- $20 necklace. Kathy Bransfield $52
Lion Bridge Brewing Beer gift basket includes two glasses, an a can of each of our core beers Yard Sale IPA, Compensation Dark Mild, Bridge Beer Golden Ale, Centaurus Session IPA. This is a great gift and sampler for the beer lover in your life!
GIVE THE GIFT OF EQUALITY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
We need your help to preserve and advance equality for LGBTQ Iowans. Make a tax-deductible gift today at oneiowa.org/give.
one1owa
Open 7 days a week. Queer friendly all the time. Downtown Iowa City-www.beadologyiowa.com
(Downtown Iowa City continued from page 10)
HOLIDAY RETAIL OPEN HOUSE DECEMBER 1 10AM – 5PM Join our downtown retailers for a holiday open house! Each participating retailer will be hosting a holiday party in their store that includes snacks, drinks, or a gift for you at each stop. Participating retailers include: Akar, Catherine’s, Dulcinea, Glassando, Iowa Artisans Gallery, Moss, Prairie Lights, Revival, Tailgate, Velvet Coat, Ten Thousand Villages, Discerning Eye, Domby, Hands Jewelers, MC Ginsberg, RSVP, Textiles, Active Endeavors, Maker’s Loft Iowa City, Luxe Interiors, The Shop. Enjoy a free trolley ride to and from the Thieves Market at the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU). The trolley will be running from 10am – 5pm and making stops outside the IMU, Washington St., and Market St. DOWNTOWN HUNT FOR THE ELVES NOVEMBER 24 – JANUARY 1 Join us for a FREE kid-friendly scavenger hunt in downtown Iowa City! Starting Saturday, November 24th, there will be elves hiding in different downtown businesses waiting to be found! Once you have found the elves in each participating store, fill out the “I have found _____” cards and turn them in to Englert Theatre, Iowa Book, or Children’s Room at the Iowa City Public Library to receive a prize and to be entered to win a grand prize gift basket. Official list of participating businesses to come! DOWNTOWN TEDDY BEAR ROOM NOV. 24 – DEC. 23 10AM – 8PM Come see Teddy Bears galore! Yes, the Teddy Bear Room is exactly how it sounds, for 4 weeks, one of the Hilton Garden Inn’s rooms will be filled with over 100 teddy bears, big and small! From November 24th to December 23rd; families, children and anyone is invited to come by hug a bear, and take photos with the bears. Who doesn’t need to hug a bunch of Teddy Bears every once in awhile?!
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Photo courtesy ICDD
Inside Corridor Thea Holiday Cheer at Local Theater
A Column by Matthew Brewbaker
Well the holidays are upon us and many of
our local theatres are doing holiday themed shows. I thought I’d go over some of the options to get in the spirit
I am personally very excited to see Theatre Cedar Rapids production of the musical “Elf” based on the movie with Will Ferrell. This production is directed by Joe Link who I’ve had the pleasure of talking theatre with many times. Joe is the technical theatre director at Jefferson High School and is very inventive and creative. Elf runs from Nov 16th through Dec 16th; checkout www.theatrecr.org for more info
Riverside will be present “Rotten Eggnog”, a more adult holiday play featuring some amazing talent that I have had the pleasure to work with over 16 the years. Kristy Hartsgrove and
Mia Fryvecind Gimenez are incredible actors. Rob Merritt is also in the cast and although I’ve not yet had the pleasure to work with him, I know he’s also very talented. Rotten Eggnog runs from Nov 30th through Dec 16th and information on ordering tickets is on their website at www.riversidetheatre.org. Iowa City Community Theatre will be presenting Christopher Durangs’ Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge through December 9th. The show is based on A Christmas Carol but features the somewhat twisted humor we expect from Christopher Durang. This show has several great actors I have worked with (the others are probably great too of course I’m just not as familiar with them) including my favorite curmudgeon Josh Sazon as Scrooge. Info available on their website at www.iowacitycommunitytheatre. com or facebook group.
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians will be presented at The Giving Tree Theatre in Marion from Nov 23rd through Dec 16th. This play is based on a “awesomely bad b-movie”
ater and adapted for the stage by Emma Drtina and looks to be a hoot. Featuring a large (bordering on huge!) cast, this play is a staple of an LA theatre’s holiday season, and Giving Tree is excited to bring that campy fun to the CR area. More information available on their website at givingtreetheater.com including the full cast list. While not technically a “holiday” show, City Circle Acting Company of Coralville will be presenting Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Dec 7th through the 16th at the Coralville Center for Performing Arts. Remember when I mentioned the last show had a large cast? Well this one is even bigger and a sure hit for children and those with some Disney nostalgia to enjoy. Visit citycircle.org for coplete information. So that’s the shows I’ve heard about but I’m sure there’s a few more if you venture a little further outside the traditional CR/IC corridor. So, regardless of your tastes in holiday entertainment, be they enjoying the spectacle or wanting to laugh at the struggles of dealing with family and friends, there’s something for everyone. As always feel free to reach me via email at DreamwellAD@mchsi.com or through Facebook if I’ve missed something so I can mention your organization next time. Editors note: GoGuide Magazine is always looking for good Story or article ideas covering all topics. Please send your ideas to info@GoGuideMagazine.com.
Hancher Kristin Chenoweth A New Year’s Eve Gala Monday, December 31, 2018, 9:30pm Black tie optional The Auditorium, Hadley Stage Visit: www. hancher.uiowa. edu/2018-19/KristinChenoweth for more information. TICKETS ADULT: $119 COLLEGE STUDENT: $119 YOUTH: $119 A superstar of stage and screen, Kristin Chenoweth and her quintet will help us ring in the new year with a concert for the ages. From Wicked to Glee (and so much more), Chenoweth captivates audiences with her matchless voice. This is a New Year’s celebration you won’t want to miss as we pull out all the stops to welcome 2019.
GGM Feature Article Cities Boldly Leading the Way to Equality The Municipal Equality Index rates munic-
ipalities of varying sizes drawn from every state in the nation. The seventh edition of the Municipal Equality Index (MEI) lays out the most comprehensive, pioneering roadmap yet of precisely what steps cities can take to protect their LGBTQ communities. This year’s MEI introduced brand new criteria (anti-conversion therapy protections, all-gender single-occupancy facilities, city services youth bullying prevention policies) and re-introduced a previously assessed test (city employee domestic partner benefits). Inclusive Workplace and Non-Discrimination Ordinance Enforcement by Human Rights Commission points were moved from bonus to standard points, and the MEI deducted points for religious exemptions that single out the LGBTQ community. Despite these most exacting standards to date, cities rose to—and in many cases, exceeded—the challenge. STEADY PRO-EQUALITY PROGRESS “For the past two years, LGBTQ equality has been under attack by those at the highest levels of government. However, while cynical politicians in
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Article compiled by Tim Nedoba & Julia Freeman
Washington, D.C. attempt to roll back our hard-fought progress, many local leaders are championing equality in big cities and small towns from coast to coast.” - CHAD GRIFFIN President Human Rights Campaign Foundation “Cities that enact LGBTQ-inclusive laws are better positioned to attract the next generation of top talent and the businesses that employ them. Millennials are the most diverse and educated generation of our workforce, and they value openness and connectedness at unprecedented rates. ” - RICHARD FLORIDA Director of the Martin Prosperity Institute at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management
Three Iowa Cities Earn a Perfect Score of 100 on HRC’s Municipal Equality Index: Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and Dubuque. Two other cities, Des Moines and West Des Moines, scored in the ’90s. I think the state of Iowa can be proud of several of our cities. There are other communities still struggling with local equality issues for the LGBTQ community. GoGuide Magazine reached out to a variety of community leaders from Iowa City and Cedar Rapids looking for feedback on this perfect designation and its impact on our local communities: “The Iowa City Council has been extremely focused on taking steps to create a more inclusive, just and sustainable Iowa City. This designation is a sign that progress is being made and we are very proud to be in a small group of cities that receives such recognition. That said, we know more work is needed and we are always looking for ways to further our efforts and help ensure that all people feel welcomed, included and safe in our community.” Geoff Fruin, City Manager, City of Iowa City
“Iowa City has been a pioneer in terms of civil rights for the LGBTQ community. Iowa City was one of the first cities in the country to provide protection under its non-discrimination laws for sexual orientation (which was in 1977) and gender identity (which was added in 1995). The state of Iowa did not add these protections in its non-discrimination laws until 2007. Because of this history, it is even more important to us that we continue to take the lead in our laws and policies for staff and for the community. So for us to receive a perfect score by the Human Rights Campaign, the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for LGBTQ in this country, is truly an honor.” - Stefanie Bowers, Equity Director, Iowa City Human Rights Commission “This recognition is significant because it brings validity and confirmation to who we believe we are as a community. The Iowa City area is embraces its diversity and it is something we celebrate and tout as an element that makes the area interesting to visit and live.” – Nick Pfeiffer, Vice President of Marketing & Communication, Think Iowa City “A welcoming environment is critical. Iowa City is a friendly place to be. Our diversity is celebrated and it’s an asset. Continued campaigns on diversity will help our community grow.” - Nancy Bird, Executive Director, Iowa City Downtown District
Other Iowa Scores: Ames – 82 Davenport – 80 Des Moines – 93 Sioux City – 67 Waterloo – 59 West Des Moines – 93
Cedar Reflects Cedar Rapids has some good news to celebrate as we close out 2018. In the areas of Municipal Services, Non-Discrimination Laws, Law Enforcement, Leadership on LGBTQ
Equality, and Municipality as Employers for city employees, a recent study by the Human Rights Campaign provided our city with a perfect score in all categories. This reiterates what city leaders aspire to achieve for the inclusion of all people, as detailed by Mayor Brad Hart, “Receiving a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation is a testament to the concerted, ongoing efforts by the City of Cedar Rapids to be an inclusive and welcoming community. I am extremely proud of our City’s commitment to treating citizens equally and supporting fair-minded businesses.” Areas such as the establishment of a human rights commission, proper enforcement from such a commission, and having an LGBTQ liaison in the Cedar Rapids’ executive office are present in the municipal services branch. There is an LGBTQ police liaison or task force, and the hate crime statistics for the city were reported to the FBI for Cedar Rapids showing an overall zero rate for 2016 earning all possible points in the law enforcement branch of the study. The role of leadership was also heavily emphasized throughout the report. Cedar Rapids’ City Manager Jeff Pomeranz agrees as “discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in areas of employment, housing, and public accommodations is not acceptable in our community. The City received all points possible in every area of the scorecard including non-discrimination laws, employment, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership. The scorecard reaffirms that Cedar Rapids is providing services to our community in both a thoughtful and respectful way.” Ashley Vanorny, who represents District 5 in Cedar Rapids, added, “I am committed to ensuring inclusivity for all Cedar Rapidians. This is one reason I championed Welcoming America.
(See Cedar Rapids on Page 21)
Rider University Officials block a Chick-fil-A on campus over LGBT views
The Washington Blade reported November 28, 2018, Rider University, a private university in New Jersey, blocked a potential Chick-fil-A location on campus citing the fast-food chain as “widely perceived to be in opposition to the LGBTQ+ community.” CEO of Chick-fil-A Dan T. Cathy has openly opposed same-sex marriage. The franchise has also donated money to organizations that oppose same-sex marriage. Chick-fil-A responded to the controversy in a statement saying that the company has “no policy of discrimination against any group.” “Rider University’s survey was recently brought to our attention, and while we respect the University’s decision, this news story represents a good opportunity to clarify misperceptions (Sp.) about our brand,” according to a statement from the company. “Chick-fil-A is a restaurant company focused on food, service, and hospitality, and our restaurants and licensed locations on college campuses welcome everyone. We have no policy of discrimination against any group, and we do not have a political or social agenda. More than 120,000 people from different backgrounds and beliefs represent the Chickfil-A brand.”
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Here is the text from Rider University officials dated November 23, 2018, to the university community explaining its decision: Dear members of the Rider community, A few weeks ago, we sent a survey to students to elicit feedback on options for bringing a new restaurant franchise to Rider. Although it was included in previous surveys, Chick-fil-A was removed as one of the options based on the company’s record widely perceived to be in opposition to the LGBTQ+ community. That decision required a difficult assessment of competing interests. We sought to be thoughtful and fair in balancing the desire to provide satisfying options for a new on-campus restaurant while also being faithful to our values of inclusion. The choices in this situation, like in so many others, were imperfect. They challenged us to reflect on our values and consider what kind of community we want to provide for those who live and learn at Rider University. Ultimately, we decided to lean in the direction of
creating a welcoming environment where differences can be appreciated and where each individual can expect to experience dignity and respect. We understand that some may view the decision as being just another form of exclusion. We want to be clear that this was not the spirit in which the decision was made. We fully acknowledge an organization’s right to hold these beliefs, just as we acknowledge the right for individuals in our community and elsewhere also personally to hold the same beliefs. In many ways, this issue is one that goes beyond our decision and touches on a complex conversation taking place throughout the country. We believe this is a conversation worth having, and we encourage dialogue to take place where many individuals with different perspectives can engage one another respectfully. As an institution of higher learning, we believe strongly in the open exchange of ideas and positions — especially around a complex issue such as this one. Because of that, we’ve asked Rider’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion to organize a campus forum so that the voices of students, faculty, staff, and others can continue to be heard, and we can all grow from this experience. We will share more details when they become available. Sincerely, Gregory G. Dell’Omo, Ph.D. President Leanna Fenneberg, Ph.D. Vice President for Student Affairs
(Cedar Rapids Continued from p-19) This has always been my mission and seeing the scores our city obtained via HRC is not surprising. We have an incredible staff who work hard to provide a workplace where we can empower and mentor, support, and encourage. We serve enthusiastically, team up, and enjoy serving our great city. I will work to ensure we maintain scores like this with my colleagues, and am again proud to be a Cedar Rapidian, and set an example for other employers.” The study was subdivided into focal areas to show that leaders were going above and beyond requirements labeled as bonus areas in each of the major categories as well. While Cedar Rapids did not pick up any bonus points towards their score, such areas included but were not limited to the city providing LGBTQ elders, homeless, and youth with services as well as having single occupancy all-gender facilities and offering domestic partner benefits to city employees. So there is indeed an area for improvement for Cedar Rapids, although it is by far a more open and affirming population than many Iowa transplants are accustomed to as a hometown.
One of The Great Believers: an interview with writer Rebecca Makkai By Gregg Shapiro
If you’ve been waiting
for the arrival of the best book of 2018, look no further than The Great Believers (Viking, 2018), the new novel by Rebecca Makkai. Starred reviews in Kirkus Reviews and Publishers’ Weekly, as well as an “A-” review in Entertainment Weekly, are not exaggerations. Makkai’s dazzling epic about the AIDS epidemic and its impact on a group of friends in Chicago during the 1980s is insightful, sensitive, revelatory and nothing short of a tearjerker. I had the privilege of speaking with Rebecca on the actual publication date of The Great Believers. Gregg Shapiro: Rebecca, I’d like to begin by congratulating you on the rave review for The Great Believers in the June 22 issue of Entertainment Weekly. What does a review such as that mean to you? Rebecca Makkai: Thank you! I’ve been thrilled about getting excellent magazine coverage ahead of publication which always means a lot. Entertainment Weekly has fantastic book coverage. I don’t think we usually think of it as the venue for that. I think we think of it more as covering movies and music and things like that, but they do a fantastic job on books. Everything’s a bit 22 of a blur to me right now; it’s
publication day today. However, I know that was a lovely review. You work “in the dark” for a few years, alone, writing without an audience, not knowing how people are going to receive the book. It’s a little bit like getting dressed in the dark and showing up at a party without having looked in the mirror. You hope that it all works and that people get it. You’re grateful for all reviews, no matter what someone’s opinion is. All pleasant, complimentary reviews, of course, you’re over the moon about. GS: When I interviewed you in 2015 about Music for Wartime, you told me you were working on a novel set in 1985, “with the specter of AIDS looming in the background.” This made me think about how 20 years ago, straight women such as Ann Patchett (The Magician’s Assistant) and Jane Hamilton (The Short History of a Prince), we’re creating these wonderful gay characters, and more recently you, Hanya Yanagihara (A Little Life) and Meg Wolitzer (The Interestings), for example, are doing something similar. Can you please say something about this trend? RM: It’s interesting, I also think that gay men happen to write straight women spectacularly well. I do. You look at someone like Michael Cunningham or Darren Star and Sex and the City. I think there is more familiar with straight women and gay men than, for instance, with straight women and straight men [laughs], for sure. I feel more comfortable writing gay men than I do writing straight men. I get them better. I also tend to good friends with them in real life. I think that’s part of it. I do always have an eye on the problems of possible appropriation. GS: I’m so glad you mentioned that. What precautions did you take? RM: I didn’t undertake this project glibly. I was continually thinking as I wrote whether a project like this is going to mute or amplify more direct LGBTQ voices. Ultimately,
I wouldn’t have kept writing if my answer hadn’t been the latter. First of all, the success of any book featuring LGBTQ characters and storylines and a plot having something to do with AIDS, is going to mean that publishers are more likely to put money behind something like that in the future; first-person accounts, etc. Also, I can use the opportunity as I’m writing essays about the book, as I’m talking about the book and promoting it, to refer people to fictional and non-fictional accounts by LGBTQ writers. That said, I do think there is a strong kinship between the straight female experience and the gay male experience with a lot of tremendously fundamental differences, many of them societal. Those are people I’m drawn to, and characters I’m drawn to, again and again.
this in school to the extent that we talk about World War II, and for the same reasons. So that history doesn’t repeat itself, to understand America the way it is now because of what’s already happened, to understand the cause and effect of history, and so on. This is a drop in the bucket. It’s cool that these things are out there, but when I hear people say “There’s so much stuff right now,” (I think) there should be 85 times more. I’m shocked that there hasn’t been. I was shocked, setting out to research this book, and specifically AIDS in Chicago, finding next to nothing about the AIDS crisis in Chicago. Not a single big book of non-fiction about it. It’s not even in the index of a lot of the big trade book about AIDS, such as (David France’s)How to Survive a Plague. Chicago’s not even in the index.
GS: The subject of AIDS has recently made a return to the cultural zeitgeist. In addition to The Great Believers, there is Tim Murphy’s 2016 novel Christodora, Kenny Fries’ 2017 memoir In the Province of the Gods and an essay in the new David Sedaris book Calypso. It’s back onstage in the Broadway revival of Angels in America, which won a number of Tony Awards earlier in June, as well as on TV in Ryan Murphy’s new FX series Pose. Why do you think that is?
GS: Since the beginning of the epidemic, much of AIDS literature was set in New York City and San Francisco.
RM: Yes, exactly. Even from the perspective of people writing the history of Chicago, where’s the doctoral dissertation being turned into a book? It’s not out there. I searched for it for five years. I’m thrilled to see Angels in America back on Broadway. I think it’s one of the seminal works of the 20th century. I can’t speak to some of these other pieces of fiction RM: As much as I think it’s impressive that all just because I was specifically avoiding fiction this stuff is out there, I am much more interabout this book. I was reading non-fiction and ested in why there isn’t doing direct research. I’m more of it. Here’s the thrilled that they are out “People who are interested in thing: you go to someAmerican history that is. Where there, but this is such a one’s house, and they are the books about AIDS? They small amount of space have 18 books about the that that epidemic takes, don’t have books about AIDS on Civil War on their shelf. whether we acknowltheir shelf. Where is the museum? edge it or not, in our They have 32 books Where are the monuments? This history. about World War II. Peois one of the significant events of ple who are interested the 20th century. “ in American history that GS: You’ve already dealt is. Where are the books with queer issues in The about AIDS? They don’t Borrower and Music for have books about AIDS on their shelf. Where Wartime. However, The Great Believers is is the museum? Where are the monuments? something else entirely. How do you think This is one of the significant events of the your core readers will respond to it? 20th century. We should be talking about (Continued on next page)
RM: I don’t know also because who my core I’ve stayed at readers are. I know artists’ resiindividual people. dencies such I think different as Ragdale (in readers might like Lake Forest) my work for entirely and Yaddo different reasons. I (in Saratodon’t think there’s ga Springs), a consensus out having dinner there about why every night people like or dislike for three 1983 candlelight vigil outside Cook County Hospital me [laughs] for that weeks with all matter. It’s not as if I’m different disciknown for mystery novels, and suddenly I’m plines. You get a sense of their world; the doing this. I think that ultimately everything galleries, the representation world for artists I’ve written has been character driven. It’s today. And then, of course, staying friends always had literary aspirations. I feel like I’ve with those people and going to their shows been all over the board in subject matter or seeing their Facebook updates. I certainly and style even. A few things that what I write needed to do much research into that world, have in common is that I tend to be frequent- as well. However, I think I had a glimpse into ly writing about artists or academics, and that that world through personal friendships. The was helpful for this book. It’s not that it’s dark flames of my interest were fanned through humor, but my work is always going to be those friendships. humorous on some level and dark on some level at the same time. That’s also holding for GS: Regarding the book’s timeframe, The this book. Great Believers are told in alternating chapters. Were all of the ‘80s/’90s chapters GS: Yale, the main male character, works written at once. The same with the 2015 at a gallery on the Northwestern Universichapters? ty campus. Through his job, as well as his friendship with main female character Fiona, RM: I could say neither or both. I was initially he becomes involved in presenting a special writing about the `80s, writing Yale’s story. I exhibit of rare artwork. Can you please say got about 150 pages in with just that when something about your knowledge of the art I realized that the story needed broadening. world and artists, and if there was much At that point, I wanted another character, research involved in this part of the book? another point of view. I also wanted another time frame. I spent some time figuring out RM: There are two sides to that. There’s what that would be. Ultimately, I went back the art history side, and there’s the gallery into the manuscript and found Fiona who world. For the art history side, because had been a minor character until that point. we’re talking about Paris in the `20s, that I decided that she would be my voice for the was much reading. For the art world side, of other chapters. I went back and wrote her course, there was reading involved, but a lot first few sections, weaving them into the of my introduction to that world was through story, breaking Yale into chapters as I did that. artist friends. Specifically, in Chicago, in the Once they were caught up to each other, I wonderful arts scene that we have going wrote forward in alternating chapters. here and the cross-pollination between the disciplines that goes on in the city. However, GS: In the 2015 chapters, when Fiona is
searching for her daughter Claire, you incorporated the attack on the Bataclan in Paris. Was this always something you intended to weave into the fabric of the novel? RM: No, because I was writing in 2013 and 2014 and early 2015. It was the fall of 2015 when I was writing Fiona’s section, and that happened. I was thrown by it. For one thing, it was a jarring event to hear about. But also, I’d been writing every day, dropping the little guy into the Google Maps and walking around Paris and looking at everything. It felt imaginative like I was there. When it happened, I was also thrown narratively regarding the decisions I would have to make about moving her sections or what I was going to do with this. I felt like if I moved her sections back in time, it would feel as if I was leaving her there on the eve of this cataclysmic thing and maybe I was implying something with that. If I moved it forward in time, as we got into 2016, I realized that would be problematic, too. There was massive flooding in Paris in the spring of 2016. I couldn’t imagine these characters talking about anything other than politics if I put them in 2016. I decided to keep her where she’d been. To write the events into the book. I felt like that was thematic. It was all along a book about the invasions of history, the attacks of the world and its random violence into the lives of people who were trying to get along, make their own mistakes and live their own lives. I felt like this could be another one of those without overtaking the story. GS: The Great Believers is incredibly cinematic. If there was a movie version, who would you want to see play Yale and Fiona? RM: It’s funny, I just did an essay on this. There’s a wonderful blog called “My Book, The Movie” where they ask you to cast your story. In “My Book, The Movie,” you get to pick anyone living or dead. Alternatively, you can un-age them. For Fiona, because we see her in two time periods, I said that I wanted to see Kate Hudson and Goldie Hawn. They’re
mother and daughter. However, I need them like 15 years ago, I think [laughs]. For Yale, I said a cross between a young Paul Reiser and a young David Eigenberg, but with a Chicago accent instead of a New York one. If it were made into a movie, I think I would want someone young and unknown who has a right look and doesn’t have the baggage of being a known entity behind them so that they can be that character for people.
GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY THAT INSPIRED THE BOOK “THE GREAT BELIEVERS” Toward the end of The Great Believers, a character who’s leaving the hospital mentions that Open Hand has already been to his place, filling his refrigerator with groceries. Open Hand was a real organization that helped thousands in Chicago, and it has since evolved into Vital Bridges, a food pantry for those living with HIV/AIDS. Neither program would have existed without the tireless work of legendary Chicago activist Lori Cannon, who was also an invaluable resource for me in writing The Great Believers. One of the two epigraphs on the novel is from a poem by Rebecca Hazelton: “The world is a wonder, but the portions are small.” Visit www.idph.iowa.gov/hivstdhep/hiv/support for information on available resources from the Iowa Department of Public Health. Visit GoGuideMagazine.com for a list of organizations in Iowa that offer HIV/ AIDS support and treatment.
A picture that’s worth more than a thousand words The AIDS Memorial Quilt on the National Mall in Washington, DC. More information on The Names Project/ AIDS Memorial Quilt can be found online at http://www.aidsquilt.org.
Book Review Sponsored by Prairie Lights Bookstore and Cafe & PrairieLights.com 15 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa city
A Noir Mystery Book review by Terri Schlichenmeyer
“Death Checks In” by David S. Pederson
That’s all you wanted: two days alone, you and your amour, with nothing to do but follow your whims. It would be perfect, idyllic – until it wasn’t, and Responsible You won out over Romantic You. As in the new novel “Death Checks In” by David S. Pederson, it’s back to work. Detective Heath Barrington had it all planned out: he and his boyfriend, Officer Alan Keyes would take the train from Milwaukee to Chicago, grab a cab to the downtown area, check into the Edmonton Hotel, and enjoy a wonderful weekend. It was 1947 and being gay could get a man in trouble, but Heath knew there’d be more anonymity for him and Alan in a larger city. The weather would be perfect for exploring nightclubs and sightseeing; there was plenty of entertainment nearby and a live show with a band inside the Edmonton. That, of course,
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meant that Alan would need a tuxedo, so Heath offered to purchase one for him – which was when the men met Victor Blount, haberdasher. Blount was a small man with a French accent and a dramatic way about him. He said he was an expert tailor, that he dabbled in photography, and that he could secure “discreet” entertainment for Alan and Heath. That was odd, but Blount wasn’t the only character at the Edmonton: the hotel’s assistant manager was a blustery guy who had his eye on one of the regular guests, a “full-figured,” flirty widow from New York. A dotty old lady from nearby came to the Edmonton often enough for waitstaff to know her preferences. Also, the one-eyed piano player and his songstress-wife left an impression on Heath by arguing loudly with Blount, who seemed to be overcharging them. Two days. That’s plenty of time for a romantic rendezvous, had Heath left work alone. However, when Blount was found dead in his back room with “W” scrawled on the floor in his blood and a spool of green thread in his hand, two days was also long enough to solve a crime… Strictly looking at “Death Checks In” as a mystery, it’s not bad. That it’s a noir whodunit is nice, the main characters are familiar from past books, it has that old-black-and-whitemovie feel you know you love, and it’s sweetly chaste, in a late-1940s way.
OUR ANNIVERSARY WEEK IN HAWAII, LGBTQ STYLE Special to GoGuide Media
My husband and I love
Hawaii… we’ve been there several times since Hawaiian Airlines makes it so easy with direct flights from as far away as New York, where we live. This time around, however, our trip was extra special, as it was our 5-year wedding anniversary. We started our trip in Honolulu… we usually rent a car and do a little island exploring on the North Shore and various spots along the Matt Skallerud coast. This time around, however, we decided to stay in Honolulu… Waikiki to be exact. We stayed at the centrally located Marriott Waikiki Hotel and found ourselves dining in one of their hotel restaurants that first night, Sansei, where we enjoyed incredible sushi and Japanese dinner at happy hour prices! The rest of our time in Honolulu, we met up with some friends in some of the nearby gay bars, including Hula’s, Bacchus and Scarlet, all within walking distance in Waikiki. We also met up with some friends at the gorgeous Swell Bar, on the 5th floor of the Alohilani Hotel, overlooking their pool and a magnificent sunset. Coincidentally, this hotel happened to be the hot spot just a week before, hosting the Honolulu Pride pool party with the folks from GayIslandGuide.com and some Andrew
Christian models from LA. For a unique dining experience, we took the advice of a friend and headed over to the Ala Moana mall the next day for lunch, where after a few escalator trips down, found the Shirokiya Japan Village Walk… a series of small restauRichard Brower rants altogether, with every type of Japanese food to be discovered! We wrapped up our Honolulu trip by taking an Uber out to Roy’s original restaurant in Hawaii. Roy’s is something of an institution in Hawaii, and their first restaurant in the Hawaii Kai neighborhood on Kalanianaʻole Hwy is unique among their other locations, with a seafood menu to die for! The next day we flew to the Big Island, staying at the Fairmont Orchid resort, just north of Kona. This time we rented a car, and although we were able to spend a lot of relaxing quality time at the Fairmont, including trying yoga for our first time, we decided to take some mini-road trips around the island as well. Our first adventure took us north to Hawi, where we enjoyed some of the best sushi anywhere in the world at a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant called Sushi Rock. Their unique rolls are a culinary treat! Post lunch, we HAD to have a Kona iced coffee across the street at the Kohala Coffee Mill, to fuel us up on our short drive across the hills to the Waimea Valley, home of the
GoGuide Magazine wants to thank our readers and our 2018 marketing partners. It’s been a great year! GoGuide Magazine wishes everyone a Joyous 2019!
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Feb. - Healthy Living March - Community Voices | UNESCO City of Literature April - Best Places to Work | Workplace Equality May - Summer Pride Preview | Arts & Entertainment Preview July-August Summer Double Issue & Coralville PrideFest Preview September - Official Guide to Coralville PrideFest | Back to School Issue October - Halloween Issue November - Holiday Issue December-Jaunary Double Winter Issue
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(Hawaii continued from page 29) world-renowned Waimea beef. We didn’t stop for a steak dinner just yet, reserving that for another night at our hotel later that week. In addition to road tripping, we also took a hike to check out the Puako Petroglyph Park, which took us from the coast into a dry Hawaiian jungle to a field of ancient petroglyphs. We also decided to explore just south of Kona, near the town of Captain Cook, where we found a number of Kona coffee plantations and stops along the way. It’s like wine tasting in Napa, but with coffee, Hawaiian style! Hawaii is indeed a magical place… we look forward to our next trip, exploring yet again the beauty of this tropical paradise! About the authors: Matt Skallerud and Richard Brower enjoy eating well and traveling more! They met while they were both an active part of the IGLTA team, and are married and now live in New York City. Richard’s talents are finding incredible flight deals from JFK to points all over the world, as well as locating the best eateries along the way. Matt is part of Pink Banana Media, Pink Banana World, and the #ILoveGay network, and enjoys merging his personal and professional worlds along the way on these trips. Pictures courtesy ILOVEGAY.NET. ILOVEGAY.NET LGBTQ Life Made Social – Bringing the Social Element to LGBTQ Life Worldwide
retro music
True Colors: a look at Cyndi Lauper by Gregory Cameron
Cyndi Lauper is maybe best known for her groundbreaking music and singing style. She is also a role model for a lot of members of the LGBTQ community both young and old. Maybe her most significant contribution is her True Colors Fund. The True Colors Fund is working to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth, creating a world where all young people can be their true selves. The True Colors Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Visit www.truecolorsfund.org to learn more about this organization.