IOWA
CITY’S
LGBTQ
RESOURCE
V I S I T G O G U I D E I O W A C I T Y. U S VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 2
Pride parade starts at 1PM Saturday, June 17
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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IOWA CITY PRIDE FULL SCHEDULE 17
HEALTH
Faces of
Pride
An interview with Dr. Nisly of the LGBTQ clinic at UIHC 23
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Q&A with One Iowa Executive Director Daniel Hoffman-Zinnel
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FREESTYLE
Pride Book Reviews 27
GO GUiDE BEATS MUSIC COLUMN
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I.C. KINGS
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FREETIME
A conversation with Myling Belle
GoGUiDE ∙ MAY 2017
EVERY COPY OF GOGUIDE IS FREE1
Center on Halsted is the Midwest's most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people of Chicagoland. More than 1,000 community members visit the Center every day, located in the heart of Chicago's Lakeview Neighborhood.
Center On Halsted 773.472.6469 3656 N. Halsted Chicago, IL 60613
#centeronhalsted #coh 2
centeronhalsted.org
MAY 2017 ∙ GoGUiDE
IOWA
CITY’S
LGBTQ
RESOURCE
VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 2
04 Faces of Pride – Letter From Publisher 05 PRIDE History of Iowa City Pride
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TAKING PRIDE IN IOWA LEGACY OF EQUALITY
06 Iowa City Pride Events 12 EDUCATION Now What? A look at the Trump Presidency by Lisa Neff
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16 Queer Quips, Guest Column, by Nolan Petersen
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17 HEALTH Interview with Dr. Nisly, UIHC LGBTQ Health Clinic 22 COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Interview with One Iowa executive director
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24 FREESTYLE Arts & entertainment 25 Book Review sponsored by Prairie Lights, “Beast” by Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm Sez, LLC. 26 Q&A with author Dr. Olson, by Javier Perez, Sponsored by Prairie Lights 27 GoGUiDE Beats Music Column by Puddles 28 FREETIME Interview with I.C. Kings 30 GoGUiDE chats with Myling Belle BACKCOVER Pride Flag sponsored by The University of Iowa Please tear from the magazine and hang in the window of your business or home as a demonstration of support for the local LGBTQ community and friends.
FIGHTING TO DEFEND
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one1owa
The state’s leading LGBTQ advocacy organizati oneiowa.org 515.288.4019 info@oneiowa.org
STAFF Publisher & Editor Business Operations Tim Nedoba Gregory Cameron Looking for a health care provider? Check out our Art DirectorLGBTQ HealthContributors Resource List to compare and con Mellissa Dempsey Lisa Neff providers at: Nolan Petersen Javier Perez oneiowa.org/providers Local Sales tim@romllc.us (319) 519-2161
National Sales Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863
GoGUiDE is available throughout Johnson County and beyond. GoGUiDE is available free of charge via regular mail. No more than one copy may be sent to the same address. Visit romllc.us for contact information. All rights reserved. Publication of the name, photograph or likeness of any person, organization or business in this publication is not to be constructed as an indication of the sexual orientation or preference of that person, organization or business. The opinions expressed by writers and other contributors are their own and are not necessarily those of this magazine, publishers or its staff. GoGUiDE published by Reach Out Marketing, LLC. Visit romllc.us for contact information. ROMLLC reserves the right to refuse advertising from any entity that is deemed incompatible with the mission of the magazine. Cover photo courtesy of Alan Light
GoGUiDE ∙ MAY 2017
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IOWA
A note from the publisher, This copy of GoGUiDE is the official commemorative guide to Iowa City Pride 2017. A very special thank you goes to the Iowa City Pride Committee. They do a tremendous job every year in hosting Pride Weekend. It’s truly a year-long effort. This all-volunteer staff deserves a big thank you from each and every one of us.
CITY’S
LGBTQ
RESOURCE
Show your support and fly this special GoGUiDE Pride Flag. Please remove the Pride flag from the back of this magazine and hang in the window of your home or place of business as a demonstration of support for the local LGBTQ community. There is strength in numbers and visibility. This special back cover Pride Flag has been made possible by the University of Iowa. Happy Pride everyone!
I also want to thank our advertisers and sponsors. I ask that you thank them for their support and willingness to put that support for the local LGBTQ community in writing.
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MAY 2017 ∙ GoGUiDE
PRIDE
by Staff Reporter Welcome to Iowa City Pride 2017 The Iowa City Pride celebration takes place the weekend of June 17 & 18. This is the 47th annual event. Iowa City’s first Pride parade took place the year after the Stonewall riots in New York City. The Stonewall Riots are considered the beginning of modern Pride movement. It all began in New York City at The Stonewall Inn on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 1969. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning persons rioted following a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. Commemorative Pride GoGUiDE Over the next several pages, you will find a complete listing of local Pride events GoGUiDE ∙ MAY 2017
including times and locations. Please check IowaCityPride.com for the most updated listings, times and locations. Pride events take place throughout the community and throughout the month of June. The parade starts at 1 pm on Saturday, June 17 downtown Iowa City. Iowa City Pride Committee Iowa City Pride is committed to providing a variety of inclusive, diverse and fun events throughout the year, culminating with the annual Pride celebration each June. Iowa City Pride is one of the oldest and one of the largest Pride celebrations in the nation. GoGUiDE wishes everyone a happy and safe Pride Celebration Weekend! GoGUiDE is published by
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Institutionalizing Inclusion The University of Iowa is dedicated to inclusivity for transgender members of the community. In August 2016, the University of Iowa convened the Trans Inclusivity Taskforce to build on the great work already being done on campus. The taskforce was tasked with developing new opportunities to continue supporting the local transgender (trans) community. Since then, taskforce members have worked tirelessly to put new initiatives in place that promote long-term inclusivity and enhance existing campus resources. Some of their new projects include:
Gender Inclusive Housing Fall 2017 will bring Gender-Inclusive Housing(GIH) to all residence halls. GIH is an opportunity for University of Iowa students with distinct gender and social identities to live together and participate in events within their own Living Learning Communities.
Inclusive Records In response to feedback from transgender students, the university began its Inclusive Student Records initiative in the spring of 2016. The University of Iowa realized it was time to update our systems to be more inclusive and validating of students with diverse gender identities. Students may now designate and use identifiers (preferred first name, sex, gender, and pronouns of reference) in many UI student records systems. The UI is one of the first universities in the country to ask students to indicate their preferred name and pronouns of reference in its student records system. This helps UI staff and faculty connect students with relevant resources and provide a welcoming environment from their first day on campus.
The New All In Living Learning Community Founded by LGBTQ+ students, the All In LLC will explore and celebrate LGBTQ+ culture, and identity. In addition to providing an inclusive, open place to live on campus, the LLC will partner with other units across the university to create programming, sponsor activities, and offer unique academic opportunities.
Updating Language Gender-inclusive restrooms help to create a campus that is safe and supportive to trans students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors at the University of Iowa. About 147 single-user, gender inclusive restrooms will be re-signed to “SingleUser Restroom� from their status of unisex. These new restrooms can be used by anyone, regardless of gender identity or expression.
Trans@Iowa
Trans@Iowa is a new resource website for trans students, communities, and their allies at the University of Iowa. The website identifies services and resources available to trans and non-binary individuals in the UI community, such as the location of gender inclusive restrooms, policy updates, changing legal identity documents, and upcoming educational events. The Trans Taskforce will continue to identify and assess existing and needed services that promote trans inclusivity For more information on these initiatives or the trans taskforce visit diversity.uiowa.edu. 10
MAY 2017 ∙ GoGUiDE
Get Plugged In The University of Iowa became the first public university in the country to officially recognize a gay student organization in 1970. We’re very proud of our history of social leadership and the community that our students, staff, and faculty have helped create in Iowa City. Student organizations have helped make that progress possible, being a source of pride and familial community for many students. Student organizations are the perfect culmination of leadership development, community building, experiential learning, and social interaction. There are many organizations on campus focused on supporting LGBTQ+ students, including:
oSTEM NEW! is an organization that provides LGBT people in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with resources for personal and professional development, a platform to address social issues relevant to the queer community, and opportunities to promote equality and inclusiveness in STEM. [ostem.org.uiowa.edu] LGBT Advocates for Public Health Equity NEW! forms a bridge between
the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT), and straight communities by creating a safe-space within the College of Public Health for students, faculty, and staff. The group focuses on advocating for and informing greater inclusion of LGBT health issues in the academic programming of CPH and contributing to broader community level discussions on LGBT issues. [www.facebook.com/ uiowaadvocates/]
UI Trans Alliance aims to strengthen community for trans and non-binary
students, staff, faculty, and community members, serving as a base for activism regarding issues of transgender rights and policies at UI and the community at large. [www.facebook.com/uitransalliance]
Delta Lambda Phi (DLP) is a fraternity on campus that was founded by gay, bisexual and progressive men for all men that exemplify and share their values, purposes, and goals. Members come from diverse social, economic, academic, and geographical backgrounds, which all contribute to a unique fraternal experience. [www.dlp.org/gammagamma] Gamma Rho Lambda (GRL) is an LGBT-inclusive, progressive social sorority for women, trans women and non-binary students of any race, culture, or sexual orientation. [uiowafsl.com/gamma-rho-lambda-sorority] Spectrum UI upholds an environment of education, awareness, and collaboration between gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and allied students at the University of Iowa and in the greater Iowa City community. [www.facebook.com/ spectrumui]
GoGUiDE ∙ MAY 2017
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EDUCATION
Photos courtesy of AP
Under President Trump Progress seems unlikely
T
he year began with a farewell from the 44th president, who led the nation through eight years of unparalleled advances in LGBTQ equality. The year began with the inauguration of the 45th president, who promised to drain “the swamp” but nominated for cabinet posts a slough of political hangers-on dedicated to rolling back LGBTQ rights. And seated in the vice president’s office is the most homophobic executive officeholder since Richard Nixon. Containment seems critical, agree LGBTQ leaders. “The year ahead will be brutal. But we are not going back,” Rachel B. Tiven, CEO of Lambda Legal, said in her message to the community. President Trump has vowed to undo executive orders, including those protecting LGBTQ people from bias, and appoint a justice like the late Antonin Scalia. Donald Trump, during his “anti-other” campaign, did not display a particular dislike for LGBTQ people. He claimed gay people love him and tweeted to the community, “I will fight for you while Hillary brings in more people that will threaten your freedoms and beliefs.” 12
by Lisa Neff
Some speculated Trump was uninformed. Others saw indifference in a man who grinned as he hoisted a rainbow Pride flag but tapped Mike Pence, hero of the Christian right’s “religious discrimination” crusade, for a running mate. For attorney general, Trump nominated Jeff Sessions, whose abysmal record on civil rights disqualified him for the federal bench in the 1980s. For housing secretary, Trump selected Ben Carson, advocated reinstatement of the ban on gays in the military and likened homosexuality to bestiality and pedophilia. “Let us look at North Carolina and feel buoyed that our hard work can move hearts, minds and elections,” Sgro continued. “And then, let’s double and triple our efforts to make sure everyone in America is safe, secure and equal.” Editors note: Article edited for space. Full article available online after June 15. Lisa Neff is senior editor with the Wisconsin Gazette, an alternative newsweekly in Milwaukee. She’s worked as a journalist since 1986 and was on the staff of several LGBTQ papers, including Chicago Free Press. She was among the co-founders of CFP, along with Go Guide publisher Tim Nedoba. MAY 2017 ∙ GoGUiDE
GoGUiDE ∙ MAY 2017
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IOWA
CITY’S
LGBTQ
RESOURCE
The next Print version of GoGUiDE will be out September 1 st, 2017 with the back to school issue. It’s all about welcoming new students and returning students back to Iowa City area. The issue will also include an in-depth look at Jobs. We will list the best places to work locally, across the state of Iowa, and throughout the Midwest with the assistance of HRC. OF course, every issue includes in sections on Health, community organizations, FreeStyle-arts & entertainment, and FreeTime-guide to local nightlife.
GoGuideIowaCity.us will relaunch June 1 with a special summer long exclusive editorial and advertising extravaganza. Summer Fun GoGUiDE Style | June, July & August GoGUiDE is published by Follow GoGUiDE on facebook @ReachOutIowaLGBTQ For more information email us at tim@romllc.us 14
MAY 2017 ∙ GoGUiDE
GoGUiDE ∙ MAY 2017
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Queer Quips
MAKE INTENTIONAL LGBTQ INVESTMENTS
by Nolan Petersen
As marriage equality has swept the nation and conversations about bathroom access for transgender folk makes headlines (more often in favor of protecting the rights of trans folk to pee where they please!), it would be hard to make a case for saying the LGBTQ community is in a slump currently. Sure, the election of President #45 is heralding in an era of uncertainty and (not unreasonable) panic from LGBTQ folks – but our communities are still fighting and pushing and surviving, right? My answer is yes, AND we can still do more. I have heard stories from LGBTQ Elders telling stories of when the social scene was full of options, spaces, and
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opportunity – though maybe they were less public. And I have been lucky, myself, to enjoy cities where such vibrant cultures still exist. Yet, even in those most diverse of cities, there has been a noted dip in social scenes among LGBTQ spaces – long-standing clubs changing owners or closing, LGBTQ community organizations sputtering to a halt because of lack of engagement, etc. Now, I’m not one for doom and gloom – solutions keep the world turning – and my hopeful suggestion is: be intentional with your money and your time. As a member of the LGBTQ community, I make an intentional effort to give my time to causes which not only lift up the needs of my community, but also serve to lift up points of intersection with other communities which deal with oppression. I encourage anyone and everyone to engage intentionally with their local LGBTQ community or risk watching it slip away. Go and support the LGBTQ youth centers, support LGBTQ-centric arts organizations, and more. By being intentional with our support, we help to ensure the health of this community which allows all of us to find space to express ourselves openly and honestly.
MAY 2017 ∙ GoGUiDE
HEALTH
Dr. Nicole Nisly Dr. Katie Imborek
& UIHC’s LGBTQ Clinic Part 1: HIV Prevention The Clinic The University of Iowa LGBTQ Clinic serves the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer. and questioning communities. The LGBTQ Clinic provides full-service health care designed to meet the specific health care needs LGBTQ community. The clinic is staffed with two primary care physicians. The staff is headed by Dr. Nicole Nisly (internal medicine) and Dr. Katie Imborek (family medicine). Every member of the Clinic staff has participated in LGBTQ-specific cultural humility training. This training helps ensure that the clinic setting is welcoming and assuring for all patients. The clinic is designed to meet the needs of everyone that seeks out their services. At the suggestion of Dr. Nisly, the just launched HIV Prevention Clinic is where we begin this series. Dr. Nisly stated, “There are still too many people becoming infected with the HIV virus and the problem continues to be highest among minority gay groups.” HIV Prevention Prevention starts with PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). PrEP is a way for people who don’t have HIV but who are at very high risk of getting it to prevent HIV infection by taking a pill every day. GoGUiDE ∙ MAY 2017
by Staff Reporter
“Taking Truvada reduces the risk of contracting the HIV virus to almost zero,” states Dr. Nisly. She continues, “If you take your medication it works.” PrEP works. That’s why it’s so important to discuss honestly with your doctor so that you can evaluate your risk level and then you will better be able to set the best course of action that meets your specific needs. The numbers According to the most recent numbers, there are 1,952 people living with HIV in the state of Iowa. In 2014 there were 104 new cases identified. Of those becoming infected 80% were men and 18% were African-American. LGBTQ Clinic UI Hospitals & Clinics Iowa River Landing 105 E. 9th St. Coralville, IA 52241 855-467-3700 (toll free) Request Internal Medicine LGBTQ Clinic Editors note: This conversation with Dr. Nisly is the first in an ongoing series with the healthcare professionals at UIHC’s LGBTQ Clinic. This column has been edited for space. The full column will be available online at GoGuideIowaCity.us after June 5. 17
PrEP can help keep you free from HIV PrEP Clinic UI Health Care - Iowa River Landing 105 East 9th Street, Coralvil e, IA Level 4
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MAY 2017 ∙ GoGUiDE
PrEP 101
PrEP 101
Are you HIV-negative but at very high risk for HIV? Taken every day, PrEP can help keep you free from HIV.
Are you HIV-negative but at very high risk for HIV? What is Taken PrEP? every day, PrEP can help keep you free from HIV.
PrEP can help keep you free from HIV
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a daily medicine that can reduce your chance of getting HIV. • PrEP can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body. •
What is PrEP? Is PrEP right for you?
Daily PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by more than 90%. Among people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by more than 70%. • Your risk of getting HIV from sex can be even lower if you combine PrEP with condoms and other prevention methods. •
Visit Your Doctor
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PrEP may benefit you if you are HIV-negative and find out if PrEP is right for you. • Daily PrEP redu • PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is•• To a daily medicine that Every 3 months, if you take PrEP, for repeat HIV tests, if ANY of the following apply to you: You are a gay/bisexual man and • •
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•
prescription refills, and follow-up. If you have any symptoms while taking PrEP that become severe or don’t go away. •
Most private and state Medicaid plans cover PrEP. If you are on Medicaid, check with your benefits counselor. • If you have health insurance, you may receive co-pay assistance from drug manufacturers or patient advocacy foundations. • If you are without medical insurance, consider enrolling • To find out if in an insurance marketplace, manufacturer patient Every assistance program, or your state’s Medicaid •plan, if you 3 mon are eligible for it. •
PrEP may benefit you if you are HIV-negative and if ANY of the following apply to you:
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STOP SMOKING CAMPAIGN TARGETING LGBTQ COMMUNITY ANNOUNCED by Staff Reporter The Iowa Cancer Consortium, along with its partners, Johnson County Public Health and the American Lung Association in Iowa, are working to reduce LGBTQ+ tobacco use in the state. Program outline and goals: • Raising awareness of the LGBTQ+ tobacco disparity by developing and implementing media campaigns through various mediums, such as social media, local print, websites, LGBTQ+ bars, etc. • Working with Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) to target LGBTQ+ youth where tobacco use generally begins. • Collecting data on LGBTQ+ tobacco use through the distribution of surveys at LGBTQ+ bars, Pride events, and college campuses. • Addressing other health-related topics such as, mental health, HPV, etc. to further support our efforts in not only reducing the LGBTQ+ tobacco disparity, but to promote overall good health in the population.
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Take the health assessment test: The University of Iowa College of Public Health, One Iowa, the Iowa Cancer Consortium, and the American Cancer Society will also be conducting a health assessment of the LGBTQIA+ communities in Iowa from June through September. Along with attending Pride events throughout the state to survey individuals on their tobacco use, you will also be able to have your voice heard when it comes to general health and well being. Information that will be collected will be used to develop health-related services that better meet the needs of LGBTQIA+ Iowans. If you can't take the health assessment at any of the Pride events, you can access the online version by going to canceriowa.org/LGBTQIAHealthSurvey.
MAY 2017 ∙ GoGUiDE
“
I get tested for HIV to stay healthy, so I can follow my dreams. — Alfredo
”
I’M
DOING IT Testing for HIV
#DoingIt
GoGUiDE ∙ MAY 2017
cdc.gov/DoingIt
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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Meet the new One Iowa Executive Director Daniel Hoffman-Zinnel by Staff Reporter Daniel Hoffman-Zinnel began serving as One Iowa’s executive this past January. Daniel replaced former executive director Donna Red Wing who retired in December 2016. Donna served in that same position for more than four years. Formed in 2005, today One Iowa is the state’s leading lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organization working toward full equality for LGBT individuals in Iowa through grassroots efforts and education. GoGUiDE: What unique qualities to bring to this position? Daniel Hoffman-Zinnel: As a founding member of the LGBTQ Health and Wellness Conference, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of community members and professionals across the state. I bring a network of connections as well as integrity to the work I have done so far with the LGBTQ community. I have more than 10 years of nonprofit experience with a variety of skills including grant writing, program development, administration and training. Finally, I am very passionate about the LGBTQ community and leadership. I framed my doctoral studies within these two areas and my dissertation was titled, “Resilient Leadership: A case study on a gay man’s journey of coming out and running for public office”. GG: What issues concern you that most? DHZ: We must be more intentional about making our activism intersectional. The LGBTQ community is made up of individuals who face vastly different lived experiences due to the intersections of multiple identities. I am hoping to partner with other community groups who experience oppression, marginalization 22
and discrimination in order to elevate the way these identities intersect with sexual orientation and gender identity. LGBTQ individuals not only experience homophobia or transphobia, but racism, sexism, ableism and so many other forms of discrimination also. Communities who experience oppression and marginalization need to band together in preserving not only Iowa’s legacy of equality for the LGBTQ community, but its civil rights legacy for other communities as well. GG: What can we do in Eastern Iowa to help? DHZ: We need your help now more than ever. Simply being out helps put a face and voice to the community. Sign up to receive notifications from One Iowa at our website (oneiowa.org) or follow us via our social media platforms. Talk to your elected officials and develop a relationship with them. We are always open to working with volunteers and take on interns regularly. GSAs are a great way for students to get involved locally. Contact our Iowa Pride Network program staff to get connected with a local GSA or start one if there is not an active one in your school. GG: What does the near future look like to you? DHZ: 2016 was a tough year for LGBTQ individuals both nationally and in Iowa. While we are still unsure of what the future holds, we must celebrate the successes we have had in advancing equality for LGBTQ Iowans. At our Annual Gala Celebration, April 7, 2017, we celebrated our successes. This year, One Iowa will work hard to continue protecting and preserving equality. We need your help to do it. Editors note: The Q&A has been edited for space. Full article will be available online after June 5th.
MAY 2017 ∙ GoGUiDE
TAKING PRIDE IN IOWAʼS LEGACY OF EQUALITY
FIGHTING TO DEFEND IT
one1owa
The state’s leading LGBTQ advocacy organization oneiowa.org 515.288.4019 info@oneiowa.org Looking for a health care provider? Check out our new LGBTQ Health Resource List to compare and contrast providers at: GoGUiDE ∙ MAY 2017
oneiowa.org/providers
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FREESTYLE
THE SECTION FOR ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, BOOK REVIEWS, MUSIC AND MORE!
Proudly working towards an inclusive future for all learners. We’ll face it together.
ack $16
rb now in pape
WHAT BELONGS TO YOU
by Garth Greenwell
irie Lights a r P — BOOKSTORE & CAFÉ —
EDUCATION. INFORMATION. LEGISLATION.
Iowa City’s independent bookstore since 1978
HAPPY PRIDE from the
Iowa City Human Rights Commission
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15 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City IA 52240 ph. 319-337- 2681 www.prairielights.com MAY 2017 ∙ GoGUiDE
BOOK REVIEW
Boy-Meets-Girl -
Who-Used-to-Be-a-Boy
Story Queer
by Terri Schlichenmeyer The Bookworm Sez He hated his entire life, come to think, so he took risks. Big, stupid risks, which is how Dylan ended up on a roof, which was how he ended up falling and busting his leg, which was how he got sent to group therapy for self-harmers, which was how he met the girl of his dreams. Her name was Jamie, she was the same age as Dylan, gorgeous, tall, smart, and she had the same struggles with the way her life was going. She only wanted to be friends, but he wanted so much more – partly because Jamie was funny and he liked her, partly because she liked him, and partly because she would prove to JP that Dylan could get a girl by himself.
“Beast” by Brie Spangler At six-foot-four and 260 pounds, fifteenyear-old Dylan Ingvarsson was a beast. And he hated it. Not only did he tower over every single student and most of the teachers at St. Lawrence Prep, he was also hairy as a fake-fur blanket. You might get teased, but you don’t get bullied when you’re like that. You don’t have a lot of friends, either, and you don’t get girls.
GoGUiDE ∙ MAY 2017
But then everything fell apart. She said she told Dylan that she was transgender, but he didn’t hear that. Was she a dude? He wasn’t gay. She hadn’t hidden anything, hadn’t lied, but Dylan couldn’t get over facts. And he couldn’t get over Jamie…
Sponsored by:
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An Interview with Dr. Loren Olson, author of
FINALLY OUT by Javier Perez
IS IT EVER TOO LATE TO COME OUT OF THE CLOSET?
No, it’s never too late. Although a great deal has been written about those who come out as teens and in their early twenties, not much has been written about men and women who, like me, have delayed their coming out until later in life. Many have been in heterosexual marriages and have children from those marriages, often making the process of coming out very complex. The lack of good information that addresses these differences was my motivation for writing Finally Out.
YOU GOT MARRIED AND HAD CHILDREN BEFORE COMING OUT. SOME MIGHT SAY YOUR MARRIAGE WAS A SHAM TO PROTECT YOURSELF AT YOUR WIFE’S EXPENSE. HOW DO YOU RESPOND? I can tell you without reservation that I married my wife in good faith and with the intent of establishing an enduring and long-term commitment to her. Having lost my own father at an early age, I valued my role as a father above almost every other role I held. It can be difficult for young gay people to imagine the world I grew up in, but I was thirty-two and married 26
with two children before I personally knew anyone who was living openly as a gay man.
MOST PEOPLE DEFINE “GAY” AS MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN, YET SOME MATURE MEN, RURAL MEN, WORKING CLASS MEN, AND/OR MEN FROM CONSERVATIVE BACKGROUNDS WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN DON’T IDENTITY AS GAY. CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY THEY’RE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO IDENTIFY AS GAY? The label “men who have sex with men,” or MSM, is used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention because it describes behaviors rather than a personal identity; this allows for consistency because it is clearly a blackand-white distinction. The label “gay” is considered too toxic by many MSM primarily because they have incorporated negative stereotypes into what it means to be gay or bisexual. Those stereotypes can be destroyed by learning that they are always true for some but never true for everyone. Editors note: Full article available online after June 15. MAY 2017 ∙ GoGUiDE
GEORGE MICHAEL by Gregory Cameron Welcome to GoGUiDE’s Beats. GoGUiDE Beats is the new regular music column addition to GoGUiDE Magazine and GoGuideIowaCity.us. The Iowa City area is well known for its vibrant music scene. This vibrant music scene includes music of special interest to the local LGBTQ community. It is the goal of this column to highlight the local music scene as much as possible. I think I should begin with an introduction of myself and to give you an idea of the music that has had an influence on my life. I’ve been a fan and collector of music since I was very young. My music collection began with the purchase of 45’s from Venture Mount Prospect, IL. The collection has grown and changed a lot since those days. My first column is dedicated to the memory of George Michael. A musician that has had a tremendous amount of influence on my formative years growing up in suburban Chicago. Prior to George Michael’s successful solo career, he first became famous with the band Wham! George Michael wrote and produced all the songs for the band along GoGUiDE ∙ MAY 2017
with band mate Andy Ridgeley. The band made three albums before they broke up in 1986. In 1987 George Michael released the album “Faith.” This is the album that made him a superstar. The album Faith produced six number one songs including, Father Figure and Faith. George Michael passed away at age 53 on December 25, 2016.
Faith [Explicit] October 30, 1987
Listen Without Prejudice / MTV Unplugged (Deluxe Remastered) Expected October 2017
Editors note: Gregory can be reached at greg@goguideiowacity.us. Greg welcomes suggestions and input from the readers, local bands, and live music venues. GoGUiDE Beats first online column will appear June 5. 27
FREETIME
THE SECTION FOR NIGHTLIFE!
A CONVERSATION WITH I.C. KINGS by Staff Reporter GoGUiDE: What is the history and background of I.C. Kings? I.C. Kings: The I.C. Kings are a drag king troupe based in Iowa City. This small bunch of queer artists worked together to form the first drag king troupe in the state of Iowa in 2009 and have been performing monthly since January, 2010. These gender-bending male illusionists have delighted audiences across the Midwest and as far as Toronto, Canada (for World Pride)! GG: How many members do you have? ICK: Performers vary, but there are currently 9 active members. Each King brings his own unique persona and perspective to the stage, offering swagger, sex appeal, style, humor, and artistic expression with every song. Our flamin’ hot, high-femme emcee, Miss Kitty, adds polish to the troupe that cannot be ignored. I.C. Kings shows center on providing a theatrical experience, full of wild characters, flashy costumes, hilarious props, group numbers, social commentary, and glittery fabulousness! 28
GG: How can others get involved? ICK: A “Fresh Meat” event is held each August, to showcase new kings. And Studio 13 also holds weekly Open Stage nights, which are open to all varieties of performers. GG: Do you have any upcoming Spring performances? ICK: Catch the I.C. Kings the last Thursday of each month at Studio 13. You can also see these swoon-worthy bois at other venues year-round, including special performances during Iowa City Pride week. Go “like” I.C. Kings on Facebook to keep up with the most recent news! GG: What else should be know about I.C. Kings? ICK: The kings enjoy collaborating with local talent and supporting organizations such as The Trevor Project, The Matthew Shepard Project, Planned Parenthood, UAY, WRAC, RVAP and Iowa Safe Schools.
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by Staff Reporter GoGUiDE: Can you give our readers some background information on Myling Belle? Where are you from, how long have you been in Iowa City, when did you start performing in drag? Myling Belle: I was originally born in Thailand. My family moved to West Liberty, IA when I was 3 years old. I moved to Iowa City to attend school at the University of Iowa and have been here since. I started performing in drag approximately 5 years ago. GG: How did you arrive at the name Myling Belle? MB: My stage name was originally Myling Cyrus. I wanted a silly stage name that paid homage to my Asian culture and my favorite pop singer at the time, Miley Cyrus. I eventually dropped the Cyrus and became a Belle when, my drag mother Sasha Belle asked me to be her drag daughter. GG: Who inspires you? MB: There are so many artists that inspire me! Growing up my idols were legendary divas like Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, TLC, Shania Twain, Selena, and Jennifer Lopez. My drag idols are Sasha Belle, Pretty Belle, RuPaul, and Jujubee. I just love strong powerful women. GG: What's your favorite performance song? MB: My absolute favorite song to perform is Whitney Houston’s I wanna dance with 30
GoGUiDE chats with Myling Belle somebody. It’s the ultimate diva song. Everyone loves that song. When that song comes on you can’t help but dance and sing along. GG: Do you have any advice for young people who may be interested in living/ performing in drag? MB: Drag is very hard work. A lot of people have this misconception that we slap on makeup and a dress and we’re ready to perform. It’s so much more than that. It takes hours to get ready for a show. Very few drag performers make money doing drag because all of the money we make goes back into drag. Costumes, shoes, jewelry, rhinestones, makeup, and hair all cost a lot of money. You need to be very disciplined and be willing to make sacrifices. I always encourage new queens to do their homework and practice their makeup at home and seek out amateur night shows and perform as much as you can. Put in the work and you will succeed. The sky is the limit. Growing up, I knew I always wanted to be an entertainer, I just didn’t know in what capacity I would entertain. I had my Aha moment when I first performed in drag. I was completely hooked. I live and breathe drag. I know this is my calling in life. GG: Where and when is the best time and place to catch one of your shows? MB: You can catch me at Studio 13 every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Shows start at10:30 PM sharp. MAY 2017 ∙ GoGUiDE
THE POWER OF PRIDE In 1970, the University of Iowa became the first state university to officially recognize and fund a gay student organization. Today, we continue building on that history of leadership, creating a welcoming environment where all students can thrive. Whether through scholarship programs or on-campus resources, we’re proud to support the students, faculty, and staff that make Iowa such an open, inclusive community. To learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion, visit diversity.uiowa.edu.
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I Support
I.C. PRIDE 2017
Show your support for local LGBTQ community and hang this Pride flag in your window at home or place of business.