3

LavenderMagazine.com
 Contents | [ Minnesota's Gay-Lesbian-Bisexual-Transgender Magazine ] LavenderMagazine.com
Full Screen Lavender Digital Edition.

32 On the Townsend
Sleep Deprivation Chamber • The Glass Menagerie •
The Great Game: Afghanistan • Vigil • Dudley: Rigged
for Laughter • Rock of Ages
33 The Page Boy
FLIP
FOR THE
Gender Outlaws: The Next Generation • Let’s Get FULL SCREEN
This Straight: The Ultimate Handbook for Youth with LAVENDER
LGBTQ Parents • On Location: A Rita Farmer Mystery • DIGITAL EDITION

20 Secret Historian: The Life and Times of Samuel Steward,

Professor, Tattoo Artist, and Sexual Renegade

Use Your Black “Bar” Tab To Find

BAR SCENE
+ DIGITAL EXTRA: DINING GUIDE

36 Bar Advertiser Guide

Find Your Way to Hot Spots YOUR CHANCE TO WIN
36 Bartender Spotlight
Gay 90’s: Jason PRIZES EVERY ISSUE!
38 Bar Showcase
19 Bar ROBBIE WILLIAMS
40 Bar Calendar IN AND OUT OF CONSCIOUSNESS
Plan Your Bar Outings CDS
41 Lavender Lens
North Star Gay Rodeo Association Barn Dance
CUISINE DAVID KOZ
42 Off the Eaten Path HELLO TOMORROW
Photo Courtesy of Village Green Jakeeno’s: Serves Fabulous Home-Style Italian Cuisine CDS
Mill District City Apartments
SPORTS & LEISURE
49 Lavender Lens
Mankato Pridefest
50 Lavender Lens
NATIONAL Twin Cities Black Pride Park Festival ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
– 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION”
COMING 51 Lavender Lens
St. Cloud Pridefest
DVDS
OUT 52 Lavender Lens
DAY Bingo A-GoGo
54 Lavender Lens
Project 515 Fundraiser
Photo by Paul Robertson
THE REAL L WORD
BACKTALK SEASON ONE
55 The Network DVDS
COMMUNITY DIALOGUE Business Services Directory
8 A Word in Edgewise
Hanging Together To Hang Us Separately 56 LavenderMagazine.com Calendar
Plan Your Fortnight
9 Letters
Hat Off to Jones 59 Classifieds WandaWisdom.com
Find Some Classy Stuff
10 Queer As Folks America’s ORIGINAL Podcasting
Rexroad Named Family Equality Council Midwest 60 Community Connection Drag Queen
Regional Senior Manager • Broadway Comes to GLBT-Friendly Nonprofits
Minnesota Concert Features Creel • Gleason Affiliates 61 Dateland Fall on Your knees!
with Residential Mortgage Group, Division of Alerus Anatomy of a Bad Idea: Part III It’s time for fall color, and
Financial • The Cho Dependent Tour Coming to the nothing is more colorful
State Theatre 61 Cartoon
Trolín than a drag queen in a
basement with a big mouth
NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY 63 Consider the Source and a microphone! Tune
Cover Feature Stella Drama into Wanda’s podcast for all
12 Annie Huidekoper sorts of random silliness!
St. Paul Saints Vice President Shares Her Story 64 Ms. Behavior
Sock Puppet Campaign Simply click on over to http://
wandawisdom.com! Photo by Brian Roby
16 Patty Keegan
Jakeeno’s Proprietor Relates Her Experience 66 Yellow Pages Advertiser Index
What’s Where This Issue
18 Coming Out at Work
A Demonstration of Pride BigGayNews.com
Your daily podcast of GLBT world
HOME & YARD BOULEVARD news!
20 “Lifestyle For Rent”
Mill District City Apartments: “More Like an Urban Top Headlines
Resort” Police Detain Anti-Gay Protesters
in Moscow
NEWS & POLITICS Rutgers University to Remember
24 Big Gay News Tyler Clementi
National News
Michigan Asst. AG Targeting Gay
26 Behaving Bradley Student Takes Leave
October 8-20, 2010

Remembering Justin Aaberg Senator Chambliss Aide Fired Over

Anti-Gay Comment
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT This Issue Next Up
28 Playwright Discusses Gay Currents in Her ISSUE 401 ISSUE 402 Get Your News in 12 Languages!
The Master Butchers Singing Club October 8, 2010 October 21, 2010 Big Gay News now offers TWELVE foreign language
Interview with Marsha Norman National Coming FAB 50 Awards newswires! You can get international GLBT news from
Out Day, Worship Guide hundreds of sources in twelve different languages. There
is absolutely no other site offering this much relevant
content. Visit http://biggaynews.com today!

4
5
LavenderMagazine.com
 Volume 16, Issue 401 • October 8–20, 2010

Editorial
Editor Emeritus Ethan Boatner 612-436-4670
Editorial Director Sede Vacante 612-436-4671
Editorial Associate George Holdgrafer 612-436-4672
Podmaster Bradley Traynor 612-436-4669
Contributors Kolina Cicero, Meryl Cohn, Carla Continenza,
Julie Dafydd, Heidi Fellner, Terrance Griep, Chris Homan,
Ed Huyck, Justin Jones, Steve Lenius, Casey Merkwan, Jennifer
Parello, Todd Park, Amber Schadewald, Elizabeth Stiras,
Abigail Stoddard, John Townsend, Carla Waldemar
Advertising
Sales & Advertising Director Barry Leavitt 612-436-4690
Senior Account Executive Suzanne Farrell 612-436-4699
Account Executive Jeff Newton 612-436-4675
Advertising Associate George Holdgrafer 612-436-4672
Sales & Advertising Traffic Coordinator
Linda Raines 612-436-4694
Classifieds Suzanne Farrell 612-436-4699
National Sales Representative Rivendell Media
212-242-6863
Creative
Creative Director Hubert Bonnet 612-436-4678
Creative Assistant Mike Hnida 612-436-4679
Photographer Sophia Hantzes
Cartoonist Rodro
Lavender Studios Hubert Bonnet, Mike Hnida
Administration
Publisher Lavender Media, Inc.
President & CEO Stephen Rocheford 612-436-4665
Vice President & CC Pierre Tardif 612-436-4666
Chief Financial Officer Carolyn Lima 612-436-4664
Administrative Assistant Austin Lindstrom 612-436-4661
Founders George Holdgrafer, Stephen Rocheford
Inspiration Steven W. Anderson (1954-1994), Timothy J. Lee
(1968-2002), Russell Berg (1957-2005), Kathryn Rocheford
(1914-2006), Jonathan Halverson (1974-2010)

Letters are subject to editing for grammar, punctuation, space,

and libel. They should be no more than 300 words. Letters must
include name, address, and phone number. Unsigned letters will
not be published. Priority will be given to letters that refer to
material previously published in Lavender Magazine. Submit let-
ters to Lavender Magazine, Letters to the Editor, 3715 Chicago
Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55407; or e-mail <editor@lav-
endermagazine.com>.

Lavender Media Inc.

3715 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55407
LavenderYellowPages.com
612-436-4660 office
877-515-9969 toll free
612-436-4685 fax
612-436-4664 subscriptions
612-436-4660 distribution
612-436-4698 advertising
October 8-20, 2010

LavenderMagazine.com BigGayNews.com WandaWisdom.com

Entire contents copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Publication of the name or
photograph of any person, organization, or business in this magazine does not
reflect upon one’s sexual orientation whatsoever. Lavender® Magazine reserves
the right to refuse any advertising. This issue of Lavender® Magazine is available
free of charge during the time period published on the cover. Pickup at one of our
distribution sites is limited to one copy per person.

6
7
LavenderMagazine.com
 Community Dialogue > A Word in Edgewise
Hanging Together To Hang Us Separately
I’m appalled by the fac-
tionalism, hatred, adher-
ence to party, and religious
creed at any cost rampant in
the country today.
Crusades seek to “bring
America back to its Chris-
tian roots”—when the
“roots” were whatever gods
the autochthons embraced for 10,000 to
12,000 years before the Puritans arrived with
scarlet letters, stakes, and smallpox.
The Dalai Lama says, “My religion is
very simple. My religion is kindness,” add-
ing, “If you want others to be happy, practice
compassion. If you want to be happy, prac-
tice compassion.”
But how to counter folks like blogger
Pamela Geller? Her unrelenting cry that
President Barack Obama is both a Muslim
extremist and the Antichrist has helped 24
October 8-20, 2010
8
percent of Americans believe that urban
myth. While he states that he is not Muslim,
she and millions of disciples work to cause
dissention. I won’t comment on the overt
racism in her rants, but she’d be hard put to
stick that lie to an incumbent named “Sal-
tonstall,” “Cabot,” or “Lodge.”
What of Delaware senatorial candidate
Christine O’Donnell’s mind-boggling asser-
tion—on one of Bill Maher’s early Politically
Incorrect episodes—that she would not lie,
even in the case of hiding Anne Frank in her
attic? “Really?” someone asked, “If Hitler
was at the door, and you had Anne Frank in
the attic, you wouldn’t lie?” “No,” O’Donnell
replied, “God would find a way.” God didn’t
the first time. And, would O’Donnell fib if
Frank were a good Christian up in her attic?
My words are inadequate to the task. Let
me quote George Washington from his Fare-
well Address published September 26, 1796:
[ by E.B. Boatner ]
“Let me now take a more comprehensive
view, and warn you in the most solemn man-
ner against the baneful effects of the spirit of
party generally. This spirit, unfortunately, is
inseparable from our nature, having its root in
the strongest passions of the human mind….
“It agitates the community with ill-
founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles
the animosity of one part against another;
foments occasionally riot and insurrection.
It opens the door to foreign influence and
corruption, which finds a facilitated access to
the government itself through the channels
of party passion….
“The spirit of party is…a fire not to be
quenched. It demands a uniform vigilance to
prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead
of warming, it should consume.”
Consider once more the Dalai Lama’s
wisdom: “In the practice of tolerance, one’s
enemy is the best teacher.”
Community Dialogue > Letters

Hat Off to Jones

Incredibly, I wouldn’t say that I’m not a big reader, or very
open about what I’m experiencing emotionally, but after reading
Justin Jones’s new “Through These Eyes” column [“The Once
That Never Was,” Lavender, September 24], I can indeed say that
he spoke on my behalf. His column has allowed me to actually to
take a little time out of my busy day to really think about the jour-
ney he describes in his writing. My hat is off to Jones. Bravo!
DAMON MASON

Letters are subject to editing for grammar, punctuation, space, and

libel. They should be no more than 300 words. Letters must include
name, address, and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be pub-
lished. Priority will be given to letters that refer to material previously
published in Lavender Magazine. Submit letters to Lavender Maga-
zine, Letters to the Editor, 3715 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis,
MN 55407; or e-mail <editor@lavendermagazine.com>.

LavenderMagazine.com

9
 Community Dialogue > Queer As Folks [ by George Holdgrafer ]

Rexroad Named Family Equality Council Midwest Regional

Senior Manager
MELANIE REXROAD recently was named Midwest Regional
Senior Manager of the Family Equality Council, the nation’s
largest organization representing GLBT parents raising children.
She was a tutoring program manager for Bolder Options,
a nonprofit one-on-one youth mentoring program. She and
her spouse, who have 3-year-old twins, moved to Minnesota
because of the state’s second-parent adoption law.

Melanie Rexroad. Photo Courtesy of Family Equality Council

Broadway Comes to Minnesota Concert Features Creel

ON SEPTEMBER 24, at The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis,
Broadway Comes to Minnesota, a concert celebrating equality
for all, featured Gavin Creel, accompanied by Mary Mitchell
Campbell. He is an openly-gay twice-Tony-nominated actor,
singer, and songwriter. The Human Rights Campaign Minnesota
Political Action Committee and the OutFront Minnesota Action
Political Action Committee presented the event.

Gavin Creel (right) and Mary Mitchell Campbell. Photo by Sophia Hantzes

Gleason Affiliates with Residental Mortgage Group,

Division of Alerus Financial
PAT GLEASON recently affiliated with Residential Mortgage
Group, a division of Alerus Financial, offering her customers
more options and opportunities. She has been in the mortgage
business for nearly 25 years. She handles all types of mort-
gages for purchasing and refinancing, including regular conven-
tional, FHA, and VA. She has been working with the GLBT com-
munity for 20 years.

Pat Gleason. Photo Courtesy of Pat Gleason

The Cho Dependent Tour Coming to the State Theatre

ON OCTOBER 15, famed comedian Margaret Cho will
bring The Cho Dependent Tour to the State Theatre, 805
Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis. Special guest is John
Roberts. She is best-known for her no-holds-barred stand-
up routines. She has won awards for her support of GLBT
October 8-20, 2010

rights. Buy tickets at <LIVENATION.com>. The official After

Party takes place at Tickles bar in Minneapolis.

Margaret Cho. Photo by Austin Young

10
 LavenderMagazine.com

11
 National Coming Out Day > Cover Feature

HUIDEKOPER
Annie
ST. PAUL SAINTS VICE PRESIDENT
SHARES HER STORY

[ by Abigail Stoddard ]

During the evening rush hour on August 1, 2007, the I-35W but expected the bridge catastrophe would
lock down fans in their homes. He was
Bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis collapsed, killing wrong—big-time.
13 people and injuring 145 others. It was the buzz of the day across Veeck laughs as he recalls, “Fans showed
the world, but its effect dug far deeper in the psyche of the Twin up in droves that night, and proved what
I genius I am! Annie showed what a righ-
Cities. The bridge was a main conduit to thousands of workplaces teous, opinionated, amazing woman she is.
in Downtown Minneapolis, and its plunge into the river shocked She’s been the heart and soul of this opera-
millions of people. The region was in mourning. Events routinely tion since day one.”
were canceled, including the Minnesota Twins game that night. Check the financial publications, and
you’ll see the number of female executives in
October 8-20, 2010

America has been growing steadily for sev-

Mike Veeck, President of the St. Paul nounced “hide-a-coper”) fiercely was eral years. But a high-profile, high-powered
Saints, a minor league team seven miles against the idea, believing the community female executive of a baseball team—and a
away, wanted to do the same. But Saints needed a place to gather, and process the gay one to boot—is far from customary.
Vice President Annie Huidekoper (pro- tragedy. He gave way to her persistence, That’s Huidekoper, a major reason

12
 LavenderMagazine.com

Photo by Paul Robertson

13
 > Cover Feature
Bill Murray (left) and Annie Huidekoper.
Photos Courtesy of Annie Huidekoper
why a puckish little minor league team,
playing in the shadow of major league base-
ball, can remain a long-term success for
Veeck and his co-owners.
One of them, actor Bill Murray, remarks
that Huidekoper’s passion for the Saints is
uncommonly deep and unwavering. From
hot dog vendor to power hitter to front-of-
fice number cruncher, not a soul works hard-
er and longer for the team than she does.
According to Murray “Annie is to the
Saints what ‘love thy neighbor as thyself’
was to the first saints.”
Scooping up wayward food wrappers and
trampled programs from the passageways
of Midway Stadium, where the Saints play,
Huidekoper makes clear that no task is too
small for the team’s Vice President of Com-
munity Partnerships and Customer Service.
Hustling corporate affiliations and sea-
son tickets are serious business, but Hu-
idekoper’s immutable smile speaks of the
fun and, well, pranks that she and her col-
leagues devise to keep fans coming.
Like the time they gave away a “bobble-
foot” doll on National Tap Dance Night af-
ter then-Senator Larry Craig of Idaho was
arrested for soliciting sex in a bathroom at
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Or “Randy Moss Hood Ornament Night,”
after the former Minnesota Vikings player
was cited for bumping a female traffic con-
trol officer with his SUV.
The Saints’s enduring impishness bol-
sters Huidekoper over a workday that
stretches to 15 hours during baseball sea-
son. But the 49-year-old New Canaan,
October 8-20, 2010
Connecticut, native does have another life.
As Murray relates, “The only things An-
nie Huidekoper loves more than baseball
are smiling faces and Joanne Swanson.”
The partnership of Huidekoper and
14
8-year-old Annie Huidekoper
in full baseball regalia.
Annie Huidekoper is the heart and soul of the St. Paul Saints.
Swanson, a hands-on healer, wasn’t always
known to the rest of the Saints brass. Not all
executives thought a woman had a place in a
ball club’s front office—let alone a lesbian.
The tension came to a head in 1993, six
months after Huidekoper started work for
the team. The March on Washington for
Lesbian, Gay and Bi Equal Rights and Lib-
eration was gathering that April. In most
workplaces, taking a weekend vacation is
quite easy, but a weekend off in the Saints
opening season was near-treason. Huideko-
per and Swanson went, anyway—AWOL.
Huidekoper’s lifestyle never had been
talked about directly, in part because the then-
General Manager would not have approved.
However, upon Huidekoper’s return from
Washington, Veeck cleared the air of all ambi-
guity—a watershed moment in her career.
Huidekoper recounts, “We were at a
meeting with the General Manager when
he [Veeck] took a deep breath, and said with
a big grin, ‘So, Annie, how was the March
on Washington?’ The General Manager
was white as a sheet.”
But this unofficial outing went well other-
wise, and Huidekoper decidedly was relieved.
Now, people in the organization don’t care if
her freak flag flies one way or another.
Huidekoper’s love affair with baseball
began at an early age. Among the most
cherished photos in her office desk is the
image of her as a smiling 8-year-old in full
baseball regalia—a flannel pinstriped uni-
form, tall white socks, and orange stirrups,
with a blue plastic Mets helmet on top of a
Red Sox ball cap.
Huidekoper explains proudly, “My fa-
ther was a Little League coach, and I was
his batgirl for seven years. I kept a very or-
derly lineup of bats, tucked into our side of
the backstop, mostly at the Mead Park field
in New Canaan.”
Fast-forward many years: Huidekoper’s re-
lationship with her father has changed quite a
bit, as has that with her mother. He lives with
Parkinson’s disease, and she with dementia.
Huidekoper, who flies to the East Coast
frequently to be with them, states, “My
highest purpose for my family is to help my
parents who are struggling.”
Back in St. Paul, Huidekoper’s highest
purpose is to win approval for a ballpark that
would be shared by the Saints and amateur
baseball at several levels. They seek partial
state funding of a small, well-landscaped
facility in a quaint area of Downtown St.
Paul. She is at the center of the quest, per-
petually raising interest among the folks
she knows best: the fans.
State Senator Ellen Anderson, sponsor of
the ballpark legislation, points out, “Annie is
the person who lives and breathes the fans.”
That closeness eventually will reverber-
ate in the State Capitol, leading to enact-
ment of the bill, the lawmaker predicts.
A lot has changed in the 41 years since
her sister, Beppie, snapped the photo of the
beaming batgirl.
As Huidekoper puts it, “Organizations
evolve, and people find their niches and spe-
cial talents. Our first year, 1993, was magical.
A local columnist was saying, ‘You guys will
fold by July 4th.’ But it’s like that Margaret
Mead quote: ‘A small group of thoughtful
people could change the world.’”
“I remember crying my eyes out in the
stands after the team won the Northern
League championship. I knew I just had a
peak-life experience—like a great love af-
fair. In our little world, we had come to-
gether and worked hard despite our dif-
ferences. We’re still here, swinging for the
fences.”
 LavenderMagazine.com

15
 > National Coming Out Day

Patty
KEEGAN
JAKEENO’S PROPRIETOR RELATES HER EXPERIENCE
[ by George Holdgrafer ]

Patty Keegan grew up in a family business that was GLBT- than she has.
“Everyone was surprised, which at times
friendly. In 1975, her father, Jack Keegan, opened Jakeeno’s, an cracks me up, because as I look back, there were
Italian restaurant, at 3555 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis. so many obvious signs that even I say, ‘Wow, I
In the 1980s, he operated a branch at West 15th Street and La- can’t believe I didn’t see myself as gay!’
Salle Avenue, Minneapolis, which closed after a few years. As well, “They do worry—they don’t want things
to be hard for me. But they’ve accepted and
Jakeeno’s Trattoria is now up the street from the original in the included my girlfriend in our lives. They
Midtown Global Market at 920 East Lake Street, Minneapolis. have all said that they just want me to be
happy. That is the most important thing!”
As Patty Keegan says, “His support of the Keegan relates, “I had rented a condo Today, Jack Keegan is retired from Jakee-
GLBT community started decades ago when in Mexico from a customer, and went by no’s, although he helps out frequently, espe-
we had a second location near Loring Park.” myself for a week. I was reading a ‘dirty’ cially at the lunch rush, and his daughter notes,
A quarter-century ago, under Jack Kee- book on the beach, when a woman I had “I am now co-owner and sole operator, as my
gan’s aegis, Jakeeno’s was one of the first lo- become acquainted with asked what it was. sister, Amy, has left the daily operations.”
cal food establishments to advertise in the I told her it was naughty, and she hounded Regarding her being open about her
fledgling gay press—such as Tim Camp- me until I showed it to her…to which she sexual orientation, Patty Keegan ob-
bell’s GLC Voice Newspaper. exclaimed, ‘I knew it!’ serves, “I don’t know how much my be-
Patty Keegan recalls, “It was great grow- “Turned out she and her partner had also ing gay has affected our business either
ing up in the pizza business. Both of my sis- rented a condo from my customer, and lived positively or negatively. I’m sure there are
ters and I worked for our Dad at some point only a few blocks from my house in Minne- people on both sides that will either sup-
from junior high on. It gave us exposure to apolis. We began a friendship that continued port us more because I am, or reject us
many different kinds of people, and taught after we got home. They shared their sto- now that they know.”
us respect and tolerance.” ries, and encouraged me to fully accept who What else would Keegan tell Lavender
Even as her father was marketing Ja- I was, and to want to live my life that way. readers, particularly those who have not de-
keeno’s to the GLBT community, Keegan “I will always be grateful for their com- cided to live openly yet?
began to sense that her sexual orientation ing into my life when they did. They were As Keegan remarks, “Contrary to what
was unlike that of her peers. my ‘sign’ I was looking for. After that, I some of my employees might say, I am not
In Keegan’s words, “I had always known joined a dating service, and began my search one to give advice. But each person will know
I was different from my friends, but wasn’t to find someone to share my life with.” when it is their time to live an openly gay life.
ready to accept and live it until about four Keegan’s family has been accepting of You have to be comfortable with who you are,
October 8-20, 2010

years ago.”
After a number of years of keeping her
secret, Keegan finally came out in a unique
way while on vacation thanks to a Jakee-
no’s patron.
her coming out.
As Keegan explains, “My family has
been supportive. I think Dad accepted it
much easier than Mom, just because he
has been exposed to gay people much more
and not be worried about what everyone else
might think. I do wish I had figured things
out earlier in life. I wasted a lot of time not
being ready, but in the end, the life I’m living
and the woman in it were worth the wait.”

16
 LavenderMagazine.com

Photo by Hubert Bonnet

17
 > National Coming Out Day
COMING
OUT AT WORK
A DEMONSTRATION OF PRIDE
[ by Vanessa Sheridan ]
Some people have referred to coming out
on the job as taking a great leap of faith. I
think it’s an exceptional demonstration of
both courage and common sense.
For many of us, coming out at work is that point in time when
we say to ourselves, “I’m going to stop living my life worrying about
what others may think. I have paid my dues, and I deserve to be the
real me!” Or perhaps we say, “I need to see where this takes me. I
need to live out what I know to be true about myself, and I refuse to
hide my truth any longer.”
No matter what our situation may be, it’s true that coming out at
work can happen in any number of different and unique ways. Some
take a few baby steps and test the waters before reaching that point
where hiding who they are is no longer an option for them. Others
simply drop the bomb and let it all hang out in one flashpoint of
personal revelation.
I humbly would submit that coming out at work can be a major
life achievement. It’s a legitimate act of pride demonstrating hon-
esty and integrity about one’s core orientation and/or identity. A
courageous step like that deserves admiration and respect.
Let’s consider it logically: For most of us, going to work every
day is a big part of our lives.
Why should anyone be forced to live a lie and/or deny the truth of
who he or she is for a large portion of each day? Why should a person
be required to hide something that’s intrinsic to his or her very being?
After all, sexual orientation or gender identity isn’t some minor
personality quirk. It informs everything about us, including how we
operate in the world. No one should have to sacrifice self-esteem
or personal identity to be successful at a job or to gain access to
workplace opportunities. Coming out allows us to live truthfully,
October 8-20, 2010
to share our best selves with our coworkers, and to stop wasting a
boatload of psychic energy on obfuscation and/or deception.
It’s important to recognize that while coming out at work poten-
tially may ruffle the feathers of a few disapproving souls, you aren’t
here to make everyone comfortable at your own expense. None of
us are in this world solely to live up to someone else’s expectations.
18
Coming out is about no longer pretending you aren’t GLBT
just to placate someone else’s tender sensibilities.
After all, what about your personal comfort level? What about
your feelings, needs, and sensibilities—don’t they matter just as
much as anyone else’s? Where do someone else’s rights to be com-
fortable end, and where do yours begin? Why should you continue
to deny or hide your true self because of what someone else might
think or say about you?
Besides, at some point, we all have to think about our own peace
of mind. Coming out with integrity can permit GLBT people to
do just that.
Of course, the other side of the coming-out coin involves certain
risks of which we should be aware before making such an important
decision. Consider this: Once you have come out, you cannot go
back in the closet. People will know about you, and they are not
going to forget. The door will have been opened, and you can’t
shut it again.
Coming-out hazards also may involve experiencing discrimi-
nation, bigotry, and intolerance from others. While increasing
numbers of workplaces are adopting transgender nondiscrimina-
tion policies, it is possible that harassment, gossip, hurtful jokes,
unseemly comments, and exclusion still may occur.
Unfortunately, coming out on the job even may precipitate con-
frontations, physical attacks, or property damage. Though regret-
table, such things have been known to happen. It is best to be aware
and be prepared for possible hostile reactions. Try to avoid poten-
tial situations in which physical altercations might occur. That’s not
being cowardly—it’s being intelligent and safe.
If you feel that physical attacks may be a possibility in your
workplace, be prudent, discretionary, strategic, and smart. You may
be the bravest person in the world, but that won’t help you much if
you’re lying in a hospital or the morgue.
Despite these potentially difficult and occasionally dangerous
scenarios, it’s encouraging to note that more and more people are
coming out on the job every day—and they’re doing so for some
extremely valid purposes.
People seem to have two primary reasons for taking the impor-
tant step of coming out at work.
 The first reason is personal: You will be a
better, happier, more productive, and health-
ier individual and employee if and/or when
you are able to live your life openly and with-
out fear of discovery. Anxiety about potential
blackmail at work will cease to be an issue.
You no longer will need to hide or pretend.
You will have an inner peace and new oppor-
tunities to live a richer, more satisfying life on
the job. You will be free to do your work and
make your best contributions in a way that
demonstrates wholeness and truth.
A remarkable liberation of the spirit
takes place whenever someone comes out,
and begins to live life as a complete human
being. Coming out will enable you honestly
to be the person that you want and need to
be in your workplace. You will be liberated
to be who you truly are, not who others may
think you are or should be.
A second reason for coming out on the
job is that you will enrich not only your
own life, but also the life of your organiza-
tion and those around you. Openness about
your personal status can lead
to strengthened relation-
ships and greater trust
among friends and
coworkers. People
will have a first-
hand opportu-
nity to witness
your integrity
in action.
By coming
out, you will
gift others with
an opportunity to learn, to become more
aware, to have their boundaries stretched,
and to have the experience of working with
someone who may be ‘‘different,’’ but who
is equally valid in terms of his or her human
worth and professional abilities. Whenever
we come out on the job, we actually are ne-
gotiating our own visibility and viability as
an employee and a human being.
So, here we are. Out. Out at last! We
are out in remarkable numbers, with more
of us coming out all the time. Never be-
fore in history has society’s awareness of
the GLBT community been greater than
it is right now, but far too often, the pub-
lic’s perceptions of us are flawed and mis-
informed.
Considering just how many of us there
are, and we are many millions strong: Why
is it that only a relative handful of us en-
thusiastically are involved in trying to make
things better for all of us? Why is it that
only a small percentage of us actively work
to correct the horrible, negative, and inac-
curate perceptions of our people—
which tend to hang on like
leeches, and refuse to fade
into well-deserved obscu-
rity? How can we, indi-
vidually and collectively,
begin to educate and
demonstrate that we
are not the bathroom
predators, invaders,
and sex monsters
some fervently por-
tray us to be?
Increasingly, laws
are being passed that
give GLBT persons certain protections
and accommodations. Antidiscrimination
statutes are being adopted locally and state-
wide around the nation. However, laws
alone will not alter how we are seen and
thought of by the public. A positive public
opinion is the key to successful, widespread
acceptance by the larger society.
So, what can we do to begin changing
the erroneous perceptions of the general
public once and for all?
One thing is to stand up for ourselves with
dignity at work or wherever we may be.
Margaret Wheatley writes, “What hap-
pens when we claim our right to be fully
human? Everyone benefits. Even those who
feel superior, who demean and discount us,
benefit when we claim our full humanity.
When we refuse to accept degrading condi-
tions and behaviors, those in power no lon-
ger have a target for their oppressive acts.”
Coming out at work uniquely can dem-
onstrate the intrinsic value of human differ-
ence in making organizations more success-
ful. People who remain in the closet cannot
be fully honest about who they are, nor
can they share openly about the important
aspects of their personal life. Such sharing
is significant, for these human interactions
can create connections, and bring a team
together, helping it to function effectively
during stressful, demanding moments.
In the end, the decision to come out
at work is a highly personal one. Most
people who have made that choice do not
regret it, and wish they had done it sooner.
Almost all of them feel an enhanced sense
of satisfaction. Let’s hope each of us one
day will experience that kind of pride in
ourselves and in our remarkable GLBT
community.
LavenderMagazine.com
19
 Home & Yard Boulevard |
Photos Courtesy of Village Green
"LIFESTYLE FOR
MILL DISTRICT CITY APARTMENTS: “MORE LIKE AN URBAN RESORT”
T
he handsome complex rising at 225
October 8-20, 2010
Portland Avenue, Minneapolis—
across from the Guthrie Theater,
and overlooking Downtown and
the Mississippi River—is the fifth
project in the Twin Cities to be brought to
fruition by Village Green, provider of qual-
20
RENT"
ity rental units since 1919.
Speaking at the groundbreaking for this
$25 million endeavor in October 2009,
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak said, “Un-
der some of the most challenging economic
situations, many people came together, and
put the extra effort in to make this project a
[ by E.B. Boatner ]
reality. The perseverance of our city’s eco-
nomic development staff, local leaders like
US Bank, and the incredible team at Vil-
lage Green are showing that Minneapolis is
open for business, and that great things are
happening in our city even during these dif-
ficult economic times.”
 LavenderMagazine.com

21
 > Mill District City Apartments
SHOULD YOU EVER WISH TO LEAVE YOUR NEW DIGS, YOU CAN VENTURE OUT TO MEET NEIGHBORS AT THE INDOOR/
OUTDOOR MOVIE THEATER, LOUNGE WITH YOUR ELECTRONIC TOYS NEAR WIRELESS HOT SPOTS, OR SHOP AT THE
ONSITE 3,500-SQUARE-FOOT SPECIALTY MARKET.
Recently, Village Green CEO and
Chairman Jonathan Holtzman discussed
the development of Mill District City
Apartments with Lavender.
Holtzman recounted, “Village Green
has been in Minneapolis since 1995. We
have chosen Minneapolis, because people
have consistently thought that Minneapo-
lis represents an excellent lifestyle with an
excellent quality of companies, a positive
political environment, as well as a commit-
ment to housing for people living in Min-
neapolis-St. Paul.”
Village Green’s four previous Minneap-
olis projects are Eitel Building City Apart-
ments, Lake Calhoun City Apartments,
Loring Park City Apartments, and Uptown
City Apartments.
Holtzman explained that Village Green’s
latest project is “based on the knowledge
and experience gained from [these] four
communities, responding to renters living
at our other apartment communities, as
well as to the companies that we do busi-
ness with for corporate relocation and
furnished apartments. Mill District City
Apartments represents the taste and style
of finishes incorporated into a green build-
ing meeting the standards developed by the
National Association of Home Builders
[NAHB] and the National Multi-Housing
Council [NMHC], equivalent to Leader-
ship in Energy and Environmental Design
[LEED] standards.”
Asked about the rationale behind cre-
ating apartment complexes, rather than
buyer-owned condo or town house com-
munities, Holtzman replied, “Regardless of
single-family homes going up or down in
value, renters will rent for a period of time
before they decide to purchase a home or
condominium. There is actually an increas-
ing demand for apartment rental. Minneap-
olis-St. Paul companies hire young people
out of college who will rent before they buy,
as will renters relocating to Minneapolis,
October 8-20, 2010
divorced individuals before they buy again,
and empty-nesters downsizing from a house
or condominium to a rental apartment. We
have seen a very clear trend towards urban,
modern, brand-new, and green.”
22
That rental trend is being made a real-
ity in the 175 furnished/unfurnished units
in Mill City District Apartments, which
include a dazzling array of amenities for
the renter (including flexible lease terms).
Surrounding a 14,000-square-foot private,
professionally-landscaped park, the studio
to three-bedroom and penthouse options
offer 30 floor plans from 500 to 1,400
square feet. Units boast 9- to 18-foot ceil-
ings; white or cherry finish cabinets; granite
islands in kitchens; fireplaces; built-in wine
racks; “sexy” (according to the literature)
bathrooms; private entries with walkout pa-
tios; bay windows; custom walk-in closets;
and three balcony choices.
Should you ever wish to leave your new
digs, you can venture out to meet neighbors
at the indoor/outdoor movie theater, lounge
with your electronic toys near wireless hot
spots, or shop at the onsite 3,500-square-
foot specialty market.
By locating Mill District City Apart-
ments within walking distance of the Mis-
sissippi River, culture, shopping, art, enter-
tainment, and work, Village Green is able to
provide residents with, as the literature puts
it, “the energy of a city together with the
serenity of the building’s private park”—a
heady mix not offered to any other local
complex.
But Mill City District City Apartments,
like Village Green’s previous projects,
brings more to the city than the luxury and
security it provides its residents.
Holtzman stressed, “Real estate is a ma-
jor employer of architects, engineers, sup-
pliers, subcontractors, manufacturers, and
employees. Each one of Village Green’s
apartment communities is a major con-
tributor to the economic benefit of the city,
i.e., real estate taxes, plus [residents] living
Downtown spend money in the neighbor-
hood, and utilize mass transit to attend cul-
tural and sporting events.”
Not confined to Minneapolis, or even
to Minnesota, developer Village Green has
been an owner/operator of apartment com-
munities—40,000 apartments in 140 rental
communities in 13 states—for 91 years.
Holtzman stated, “We believe this is an
excellent business offering an alternative to
ownership to our growing customer base of
individuals and companies. Rental apart-
ments at Village Green are a ‘Lifestyle for
Rent,’ offering flexibility, amenities, and
services that are not enjoyed with home
ownership. When an individual decides
they want to be an owner and no longer
a renter, Village Green assists by utilizing
some of their rent towards the purchase of
a home or a condominium.”
Village Green operates its communities
under five distinct brands: Village Green,
City Apartments, Regents Park, Village
Park, and Leading Furnished Suites.
According to Holtzman, “We compare
our brands to Porsche, Ralph Lauren, W
Hotels, and Apple, because consumers—our
renters—are looking for a brand that appeals
to their lifestyle. Each Village Green brand
is designed for what they perceive for differ-
ent customers. The suburban communities
that Village Green owns and operates are
different than our urban communities. Vil-
lage Green has communities that are reason-
ably priced, and also has communities priced
as a luxury brand. As a rental owner/opera-
tor, we are trying to serve as many custom-
ers as we can in our various markets. If we
succeed with location, quality, resort-class
amenities, timesaving services, and a green
building, this creates a successful apartment
community for Village Green, the City of
Minneapolis, and for our residents.”
Holtzman noted with pride, “Village
Green professionals have been with our
company for many years, and are, there-
fore, integral to our philosophy of creat-
ing a ‘Lifestyle for Rent’ at our apartment
communities. Village Green believes in its
philosophy to be part of the community,
from Mayor Rybak to Council Member Lisa
Goodman and all the various departments in
the City of Minneapolis, as well as the local
neighborhood and business groups. We do
not see ourselves as an ‘out-of-town’ owner/
operator, but part of the local community.”
First occupancy is scheduled for this
fall, with completion in early 2011.
For more information, visit <www.vil
lagegreen.com>.
 LavenderMagazine.com

23
 Big Gay News >
[ Written & Compiled by Bradley Traynor ]

NATIONAL

FEDERAL JUDGE ORDERS

MILITARY TO REINSTATE GAY
NURSE
US District Judge Ronald B. Leighton
ruled that an Air Force nurse, Reserve
Major Margaret Witt, who was discharged
under the military’s ban on openly gay ser-
vice members, should be “reinstated at the
earliest possible moment.” In his 15-page
opinion, he stated that she “was an effec-
tive leader…and an integral member of an
effective team. Her loss within the squad-
ron resulted in a diminution of the unit’s
ability to carry out its mission.”

TELEVANGELIST SAYS HE’LL

FIGHT SEX ALLEGATIONS
CNN reports Baptist televangelist Ed-
die Long, accused of coercing at least four
teenage male church members into having
sex with him, announced from his pulpit
in Georgia that he will fight the allega-
tions in court. He said, “I am not the man
that has been portrayed on television.” He
faces four civil lawsuits that claim he used
his status as Pastor of New Birth Mission-
ary Baptist Church to force the teenagers
into sexual relationships with him.

19 PERCENT OF GAY,
BISEXUAL MEN IN US CITIES
HAVE HIV

According to a new study by the US

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and
Prevention, nearly 20 percent of gay and
bisexual men in 21 major US cities are in-
fected with HIV, but almost half of them
don’t know it. The researchers also found
that the lower a man’s socioeconomic
October 8-20, 2010

status, the more likely he is to have HIV.

CDC recommends that all men who have
sex with men get tested for HIV each year,
and those who have multiple sex partners
or use drugs during sex get tested every
three to six months.

24
 LavenderMagazine.com

25
 News & Politics > Behaving Bradley

Remembering
Justin Aaberg [ by Bradley Traynor ]

omeone once told a colleague

S of mine that he stopped listen-

ing to my Big Gay News podcast
because the stories were always
so depressing. I wondered if per-
haps he had unrealistic expectations of the
word “gay.” Still, I understand his reaction.
Clearly, regardless of all the progress over
the last generation, the world is still a pretty
grim, unwelcome place for GLBT people.
I’m reminded of this fact every morn-
ing, as I scour the Internet looking for the
day’s top stories. Headlines like “Attack-
ers Sought in Beating of Gay Man,” “Man
Charged in Murder of Transgender Wom-
an,” and “Gay Activist Found Beheaded”
are the norm. If it’s not a physical assault,
it’s often a political or religious one. To say
I’ve become somewhat numb over the past
few years is an uncomfortably true under-
statement. I’d like to believe it’s partially an
act of self-preservation.
Thankfully, I haven’t become a wholly
unfeeling news-gathering automaton yet.
Often, a story sneaks through my wall of
detachment—usually one that’s local, or hits
home in some other way. Such is frequently
the case with stories of antigay bullying,
probably because I, like many, was once the
victim of it, and struggled for much of my
adolescence with being gay.
It’s no surprise, then, that I paid particu-
lar attention to the story of Justin Aaberg,
the 15-year-old gay Anoka High School
student who took his own life after an in-
ternal struggle with his sexual orientation,
October 8-20, 2010

made worse by the bullying of his peers.

Unlike many, he had been able to come out
to his mother and friends. He even had a
boyfriend for a time. Still, the bullying and Tammy Aaberg (right) and her son, Andrew Aaberg, remember her son and his brother, Justin Aaberg, at a press conference on
the pain were so great that he felt his only September 27 in front of the Anoka-Hennepin School District Educational Service Center. Photo by Sophia Hantzes

26
solution was to take his own life.
Beyond my heartfelt sadness over this
untimely death and the frustration that
antigay bullying persists, one thing kept
me thinking about this particular tragedy.
Shortly after her son’s death, his mother,
Tammy Aaberg, testified before the Ano-
ka-Hennepin School Board. During her
testimony, she called on the school district
to address antigay bullying better. In the
process, she highlighted its policy toward
sexual orientation.
I found this policy particularly trou-
bling when I read it: “Teaching about sex-
ual orientation is not a part of the District
adopted curriculum; rather, such matters
are best addressed within individual fam-
ily homes, churches, or community orga-
nizations. Anoka-Hennepin staff, in the
course of their professional duties, shall
remain neutral on matters regarding sexu-
al orientation including but not limited to
student-led discussions. If and when staff
address sexual orientation, it is important
that staff do so in a respectful manner that
is age-appropriate, factual, and pertinent
to the relevant curriculum.”
The district argues that this “neutral”
policy attempts to respect the diversity of
opinion regarding sexual orientation. Crit-
ics like Aaberg counter that it unnecessarily
prevents teachers from helping gay students.
The district states that its antibullying poli-
cies specifically require teachers to address
it, even if it’s directed at a student because of
perceived sexual orientation.
Quite frankly, the district’s approach
appears vague, contradictory, and ulti-
mately harmful. What message does it
send to a young student struggling with
being gay? “Our attitude toward your
very existence is neutral.” Teachers can’t
talk about the issue until it escalates to the
point of bullying, and even then, no clear
guidance is give on how to discuss the
topic. That seems like the least-effective
possible approach.
Thankfully, the grief caused by Justin
Aaberg’s death is being turned into action.
A group of parents, students, and teachers
actively is lobbying the district to change
its policies.
If only school districts like Anoka-
Hennepin acknowledged the presence of
GLBT students, and provided support for
them, then perhaps some day I’d be able
to include more stories in each day’s Big
Gay News about the achievements of our
LavenderMagazine.com

community, rather than its tragedies.

And for that guy who stopped listen-
ing, I gladly would change the name to
Big Happy News.

27
 > Arts & Entertainment
PLAYWRIGHT DISCUSSES
GAY CURRENTS IN HER
THE MASTER BUTCHERS SINGING CLUB
Interview with Marsha Norman
Marsha Norman often is regarded as
America’s greatest living woman play-
wright, but she’s also one of the greatest
living American dramatists of either gen-
der. Her work stands toe to toe with male
greats like Tony Kushner, David Mamet,
and Sam Shepard.
Norman won the Pulitzer Prize for
Drama for Night Mother in 1983, the same
year Alice Walker won the Pulitzer Prize for
Fiction for The Color Purple. In 2006, Nor-
man was nominated for the Tony Award for
her book for The Color Purple’s musical stage
version. She won the Tony for Best Book for
a Musical for The Secret Garden in 1991.
For the Guthrie Theater, Norman has
adapted Minnesotan Louise Erdrich’s be-
loved novel The Master Butchers Singing Club
into what may be the playwright’s master-
October 8-20, 2010
28
[ by John Townsend ]
piece, as well as a rival to Thornton Wilder’s
Our Town for “The Great American Play.”
Under Francesca Zambello’s direction, it
enthralls as a towering production.
Erdrich birthed a tapestry of themes in
her novel that Norman has woven into dra-
matic form. One major thread is how het-
ero protagonist Delphine (Emily Gunyou
Halaas) and Cyprian (Charlie Brady), a gay
man, struggle with their long-term com-
mitment to each other.
I interviewed Norman before I saw the
show, but I can vouch, now having seen it,
that the piece is not only a fair depiction, but Photo Courtesy of Guthrie Theater
also an utterly-breakthrough depiction of a
straight person thwarted by a partner who
cannot integrate his gay orientation fully
into his life. Of course, given that the play
is set between World Wars I and II, that
Katie Guentzel as Eva and
Emily Gunyou Halaas as
Delphine in the Guthrie
Theater production of The
Master Butchers Singing
Club. Photo by Michal Daniel
 LavenderMagazine.com

29
 > Marsha Norman

lack of integration is understandable.

This Guthrie-created new work is su-
perior to last year’s Guthrie-generated The
Intelligent Homosexual’s Guide by another
Pulitzer- and Tony-winner, Kushner. And
the new play’s gay aspect arguably is every
bit as compelling.
Moreover, Brady and Halaas are simply
endearing. Plus, the make-out scene be-
tween Brady and John Catron, both hand-
some devils, seems every bit as transgressive
as what we saw in Kushner’s work last year.
The Master Butchers Singing Club should
go to Broadway. It’s even better than the
gripping The Scottsboro Boys, which the
Guthrie will be sending there.
I spoke with Norman about the gay
currents in her new play, as well as gender
issues.

Tell me about Cyprian.

He’s gay. He’s Ojibwe. He’s an acrobat.
And Delphine has run off with him. She’s
the daughter of the town drunk. She’s run
off with him after high school just to get
away from her father, and they toured
Manitoba doing their tricks. He’s really
quite a balancing expert. And that comes
to mean, in this world, balancing this pre-
tend life of, OK, I’m with this woman. I’m
passing for straight.
But actually, we learn early in the play
that some nights, he doesn’t come back
to the hotel. And we deal with him very
openly really fast—with the fact that he
meets men on park benches, and this is
something that he needs, and this is some-
thing that is central to him. And Delphine
agrees to begin to know about that.
One of the things I realized is that we
needed to know that right off the bat. It’s
the mid-1930s when we meet them. We
need to see that he’s having to balance what
the world will accept at that time and what
the world will make difficult for him. So,
he has this companion woman, Delphine,
to whom he pretends to be married.

Does this take a toll on her?

There’s a line that says: “So, she forgave
him his lack of sexual heat, and decided that
his desperate need for her was enough.”
She’s not had any experience with
sex or love—either one, I think—having
grown up taking care of the drunk father.
October 8-20, 2010

Cyprian’s the guy that wants to be with

her. So, she’s made her sacrifices, and she
deals with them as the play proceeds.
But his love is true, and so is his need for
men. And they ultimately have a conversa-
tion where she says, “If you love me, then

30
why do you do what you do with men?”
He finally explains, “The feeling that most
men have for women, I have for men.” She
asks him if it started in the war [World War
I], and he says, “Yes, I loved a man in the
war, but I’ve always been like this.”

You have a great feminist following,

but I have always felt you have a deep
and complex understanding of men.
I think I work extra-hard presenting
men, because I feel like certainly I’m writ-
ing outside my experience. And I think that
anytime you write outside your experience,
whether it’s The Color Purple or the world
of men, you have to ask them, talk to them,
so that you get them as they recognize
themselves, not as they’re seen from afar.
The languages that men and women
speak are really very different. You’ll really
hear that in this play. The things that men
and women perceive to be problems are
quite different. The solutions that men and
women are looking for are quite different.
I mean, those things really interest me
as a human on the planet—that work Car-
ol Gilligan did when she tested men and
women for meanings of words, where she
asked, “What does ‘tender’ mean?” Wom-
en would go, like, baby imagery. And men
would go, like, “Oh, God! I hit my knee.
Or, where that guy kicked me, it’s tender.”
That’s really a profound difference in lan-
guage and a sense of what is.
I am fiercely feminist in terms of mak-
ing sure that the place of women is repre-
sented equally on the stages of America.
Last year, only 13 percent of the plays
presented in America were written by
women. Even though 70 percent of tick-
ets are bought by women, theaters by and
large don’t assume that the audience wants
plays by or about women. In fact, plays
about women are the most successful.
Of all the awards presented last year in
the New York world, even though there
were 51 productions written by women,
there was only one nominated in the writ-
ing. So, a group of us got together, and
gave our own award ceremony, the Lilly
Award. The Lillian Hellman estate gave
us the name so fast, we didn’t even have to
finish the sentence. But this is something
that really needs to be worked on.

The Master Butchers Singing Club

Through Nov. 6
LavenderMagazine.com

Guthrie Theater
818 2nd St. S., Mpls.
(612) 377-2224
<www.guthrietheater.org>

31
 Arts & Entertainment > On the Townsend
Vigil. Photo by Michal Daniel
SLEEP DEPRIVATION CHAMBER
Through Oct. 10
Penumbra Theatre
270 N. Kent St., St. Paul
(651) 224-3180
<www.penumbratheatre.org>
Urvashi Vaid writes of “virtual equality”
as the illusion of equality for queer folks.
Playwrights Adam and Adrienne Kennedy
show the racial equivalent in this force-
ful true-life drama. Lucas Bellamy gives a
bravely vulnerable performance as Teddy,
a racially-profiled teen of color brutalized
by police. Indira Addington as Suzanne, his
mother, captures the incredulity of a wom-
an who wrongly thought her middle-class
status would shield her family from racism.
In an enthralling court scene, a searing Ste-
phen Cartmell as Teddy’s lawyer deliciously
exposes an abusive cop ominously portrayed
by Carl Atiya Swanson.
THE GLASS MENAGERIE
Through Oct. 17
Jungle Theater
October 8-20, 2010
2900 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls.
(612) 822-7063
<www.jungletheater.com>
Director Bain Boehlke’s exquisite reviv-
al of gay playwright Tennessee Williams’s
32
The Glass Menagerie. Photo by Michal Daniel
early masterwork uncannily and electri-
cally charges the way economic collapse
rigidifies gender roles. As poverty seeps
into the already-unstable Wingfield family,
matriarch Amanda (Wendy Lehr) retreats
into romantic illusions about “gentleman
callers” of her youth, while unreason-
ably pressuring her shy disabled daughter,
Laura (Alayne Hopkins), to snare a hus-
band. Amanda’s son, Tom (Joshua James
Campbell), is expected to be an unthinking
provider whose dreams are deemed folly
in his mother’s emasculating eyes. Superb
Michael Booth sports a callous edge as Jim,
Tom’s coworker. Though he rushes his nar-
ration at start and end, Campbell’s is the
best Tom I’ve seen since Jeffrey Alan Chan-
dler’s Guthrie turn 31 years ago—and I’ve
seen many such Toms.
THE GREAT GAME: AFGHANISTAN
Through Oct. 17
Guthrie Theater
818 S. 2nd St., Mpls.
(612) 377-2224
<www.guthrietheater.org>
London’s Tricycle Theatre tours its ac-
claimed epic marathon of Afghanistan’s tur-
[ by John Townsend ]
bulent history since 1842 for the Guthrie’s
WorldStage series. It’s performed in sections
consisting of short plays. Part I reflects
British rivalry with Russia, from which the
term “Great Game” derives. Part II ad-
dresses connections between Communism
and the Taliban. Part III portrays American
involvement in the current quagmire. For
those who still keep claiming wrongly that
the Guthrie plays it safe, here’s more evi-
dence to the contrary.
VIGIL
Through Oct. 17
Pillsbury House Theatre
3502 Chicago Ave. S., Mpls.
(612) 825-0459
<www.pillsburyhousetheatre.org>
Actress Shirley Venard’s tragicomic ge-
nius sublimely radiates as an elderly woman
whose nephew raids her home to rip her off.
With very little dialogue, she registers an epic
range of emotions totally germane to Mor-
ris Panych’s delightfully quirky script. Steve
Hendrickson as nephew Kemp is hilariously
manic. One wonders if he’s so uptight because
he can’t face his queer side. Stephen DiMen-
na directs with rich wit and depth.
Rock of Ages. Photo by Joan Marcus

DUDLEY: RIGGED FOR LAUGHTER

Through Oct. 23
History Theatre
30 E. 10th St., St. Paul
(651) 292-4323
<www.historytheatre.com>

When Dudley Riggs founded Brave

New Workshop (BNW) Comedy The-
atre in 1958 (pre-Guthrie), roughly six
local theaters existed. The troupe was
controversial for its aggressive political
satire, which paved the way for gay and
political theater that came to thrive in
the Twin Cities.
Dane Stauffer, gay cowriter of the new
play about Riggs’s life, reminds us that he
was “fiercely devoted to mocking the outra-
geous, railing at injustice, going against the
grain, and mining it all for laughter. The
police almost shut him down, because they
thought his cappuccino maker—the first
one west of the Mississippi—was a still!”

ROCK OF AGES
Oct. 19-24
Orpheum Theatre
910 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.
(800) 982-2787
<www.HennepinTheatreTrust.org>

Tony-nominated for Best Musical, this

1980s rock smash has beaten the odds.
Producer Janet Billig Rich relates,
“This period of music isn’t given the re-
spect that other times get, maybe because
it’s hard to take a guy in spandex with huge
hair seriously. But from the very begin-
ning, when the audience sees it, they go
crazy. Book writer Chris D’Arienzo turns
these songs on their head. We’ve always
LavenderMagazine.com

stayed really authentic to the rock, [but]

we’ve never gotten cheesy. Our players
have always played it real, so I think that’s
why it connects.”

33
 Arts & Entertainment > The Page Boy
Gender Outlaws: The Next
Generation
KATE BORNSTEIN AND S. BEAR
BERGMAN
SEAL PRESS
$16.95
A generation ago, author, play-
wright, and performance artist
Kate Bornstein’s groundbreaking
Gender Outlaws gave voice to peo-
ple whose gender and attitudes
had not before found a venue for
expression. Now, 15 years later,
trans is not unknown, but it and
genderqueer continue to prolifer-
ate, pushing the boundaries of
perceived cultural, social, and
sexual “norms.” These 50 pieces
include an “Introduction,” “Inter-
lude,” and “Epilogue” by Born-
stein and Bergman. The contents
range freely and untrammeled
through cartoons (“transcension,”
by Katie Diamond and Johnny
Blazes); essays (“The Manly Art
of Pregnancy,” by j wallace); and
biography (“Glitter, Glitter, on
the Wall, Who’s the Queerest of
Them All?,” by local academic
and performer Esmé Rodríguez,
AKA T. Kupin-Escobar). In short,
something will amuse, shock,
titillate, please, and instruct any
passing reader. As original gender
October 8-20, 2010
outlaw Bornstein sees it, “People
are STARTING from further that
I got to when I’d finished writing
Gender Outlaw. That’s EXACTLY
what I hoped to live to see.”
34
Let’s Get this Straight: The
Ultimate Handbook for
Youth with LGBTQ Parents
TINA FAKHRID-DEEN WITH COLAGE
SEAL PRESS
$15.95
Author Tina Fakhrid-Deen is
the first to acknowledge the vital
input of her participants, voices
from individuals ages 8 to 36.
Her “coauthor” is COLAGE
(Children of Lesbians and Gays
Everywhere), a national “move-
ment of children, youth, and
adults with one or more lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or
queer (LGBTQ) parent(s).” This
book is a marvelous tool for any-
one—especially children (between
10 and 14 million of them are
estimated)—who have at least one
gay parent. Fakhrid-Deen herself
was such a child. This book has
been aimed at ages 10 and up,
written throughout at a fourth- or
fifth-grade level, though by no
means talking down or conde-
scending to the adult reader.
Parents are warned that the topics
are complex and real. While is-
sues may make LGBTQ adults
uncomfortable, they are ones that
parents will face with their kids:
coming out to them, school bully-
ing, couple breakups, and dealing
daily with “being different.” It’s a
gutsy, important, useful book.
On Location: A Rita Farmer
Mystery
ELIZABETH SIMS
MINOTAUR BOOKS
$25.99
Rita Farmer is on the hunt again
with her three favorite men: Dan-
iel, her gay best friend; George
Rowe, her PI boyfriend; and
Petey, her 6-year-old son. From
an innocuous read-through of a
bad script in LA’s Griffith Park,
she finds herself on a frantic hunt
through flooded wilderness in
Washington State, searching for
her sister, Gina, and her boy-
friend, lost on location for the
film of said script. Like even bad
scripts, life can get complicated.
Gina’s boyfriend, Lance, is the
brother of the would-be film
director, Kenner de Sauvenard.
The brothers are heirs to a timber
fortune in the very forests of those
Northwest wilds. Unknown to
all but the perpetrators, however,
dirty work is afoot: murder, skull-
duggery, kidnapping, and dark
family secrets that only can be put
right by an axe-wielding Rita and
her posse—especially the preter-
naturally savvy Petey. Lance and
Kenner’s Mom is a marvelously-
drawn, not-so-minor character.
Here’s a satisfying page-turner by
Lambda Award-winner Sims.
[ by E.B. Boatner ]
Secret Historian: The Life
and Times of Samuel Stew-
ard, Professor, Tattoo Artist,
and Sexual Renegade
JUSTIN SPRING
FARRAR, STRAUS & GIROUX
$32.50
While Samuel Steward’s name
(and pseudonyms) have been
known to some, the full scope of
his life (1909-1993) only became
public knowledge through the
happy circumstance of the dis-
covery of his vast trove of papers,
memorabilia, and meticulous
cataloguing of sexual encounters
by author Justin Spring. This
“Stud File” might have been only
compulsive note-taking had it not
included Rudolph Valentino, yet-
to-be-stage-named Rock Hudson,
Oscar Wilde’s Bosie, and others.
In an equally serendipitous mo-
ment, Steward earlier had crossed
paths with sexual behaviorist
Alfred Kinsey, with whom he
formed an important friendship,
and to whom he devoted many
hours of documentation. A brief
review like this cannot begin to
scratch the surface of Steward’s
life, but a reading of Spring’s
remarkable book about this indis-
putably remarkable subject offers
a view into not only a life, but also
a homosexual one as lived in the
1920s to 1960s. It’s a window into
a world we are fortunate to be
changing (so far).
 LavenderMagazine.com

35
 Bar Advertiser Guide | Bartender Spotlight |
[ by George Holdgrafer ]

ve.
3rd A
E
N
e.
l Av
W n tra Hennepin Ave. Larpenteur Ave. Larpenteur Ave.
as Ce

Dale St.
hin
gto

Snelling Ave.
04 1s
02 n A t St
Ave
. ve . N Minnehaha Ave.
ve. pin . . Univ
1st A 05 ne ersit
Hen 03
15 ve. 07 y Av
e.
th
S t. ll et A
01 o University Ave. t.
Nic 08 hS
7t
.
Ave
in
nep

06
26th Ave. S.
Selby Ave. Ro
Hen

ber
Lake St. tS
04 Grand Ave. t.

01 19 BAR 08 TOWN HOUSE

19 W. 15th St., Mpls. 1415 University Ave. W., St. Paul
(612) 871-5553 (651) 646-7087
Shoot pool or play darts at your neighborhood bar------ <www.townshousebar.com>

▼
the Twin Cities’s oldest GLBT establishment. Fun neighborhood bar with a great mix of men and JASON
women. Karaoke. Drag shows.
02 BRASS RAIL
422 Hennepin. Ave., Mpls.
(612) 332-RAIL (7245)
<www.thebrassraillounge.com>
Completely remodeled elegant lounge featuring variety WHO
of entertainment: karaoke, male dancers, and more. Superior • Jason
03 COALE'S WHAT
719 N. Dale St.
St. Paul, MN (651) 487-5829 Wisconsin Recipe: Snow Cone
Areanna Coale, proprietor. Now open. 2 parts Blue Raspberry Vodka
An eclectic enigma filled with joy and happiness. 1 part Peach Schnapps
Everyone welcome!
7UP
Lemonade
04 GAY 90’S Garnish with cherry
408 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.
(612) 333-7755
<www.gay90s.com> WHEN
Upper Midwest’s Largest Gay Entertainment
Complex. Serving reasonably priced menu in main
WI THE FLAME Wed. • 9 PM-2 AM • Happy Hour Bar
1612 Tower Ave., Superior Other Hours Variable
bar Wednesday-Sunday. (715) 395-0101
<www.SuperiorFlame.com>
05 GLADIUS
1111 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.
WHERE
Gay 90’s
(612) 332-9963 WI THE MAIN CLUB 408 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.
<www.gladiusbar.com> 1217 Tower Ave., Superior
The New York Chic of Minneapolis. Gladius God- (715) 392-1756 (612) 333-7755
desses Tuesday. Killer B's Karaoke Wednesday. <www.mainclubsuperior.com> <www.gay90s.com>

06 RUMOURS/INNUENDO WHY
213 E. 4th St., St. Paul
(651) 225-GLBT (4528) “Six bars under one roof. Drink
<www.rumours-innuendo.com> specials galore. Dining Wednesday-
Rumours: hottest dance club with fabulous DJs. Sunday. Nightly entertainment: karaoke
Innuendo: casual, intimate "Cheers" ambience for Monday; drag shows Tuesday-Sunday;
quiet conversation.
male dancers Friday-Sunday.”
07 TICKLES
420 S. 4th St., Mpls.
(612) 354-3846
<www.ticklesbar.com>
October 8-20, 2010

Live Piano Music. Full-Service Menu, Happy Hour,

Sports on 10 Flat-Panel TVs, Pool, Darts.

36
 LavenderMagazine.com

37
 Bar Scene > Bar Showcase [ Photos by George Holdgrafer ]

19 BAR
September 29
October 8-20, 2010

38
 LavenderMagazine.com

39
 Bar Scene > Bar Calendar
For club addresses, phone numbers, and Web
sites, see “Bar Advertiser Guide” on page 36.
For events not at bars, see <LavenderMaga
zine.com/calendar>.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8
YOLO
9 PM. Town House.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9
TNT Show
9 PM. Town House.
Minneapolis Movie Bears Octobearfest
Innuendo

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15
Dragged Out
9:30 PM. Town House.
Foam Party
Dance Annex, Gay 90’s
The Official Margaret Cho After Party
Tickles

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16
Halloween Glow Party
Rumours

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17
Singles Pool Tournament
4 PM. 19 Bar.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21
Lavender’s ThirstDays
5:30 PM. Rumours/Innuendo.
October 8-20, 2010

40
Bar Scene > Lavender Lens [ Photos by Paul Nixdorf ]

NORTH STAR GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION BARN DANCE

September 25
Dance Hall Creek Farm, Greenfield

LavenderMagazine.com

41
 Cuisine > Off the Eaten Path

JAKEENO'S
SERVES FABULOUS HOME-STYLE ITALIAN CUISINE
[ by Heidi Fellner ]

he history of pizza is almost synonymous with that history of Mediterranean

T cooking, although the former wasn’t given much thought at first. Flatbread
October 8-20, 2010

dough with assorted toppings merely was used to test the temperature of an
oven. If the pizza baked correctly, then the “real” dishes could be prepared.

House Special Pizza. Photos by Hubert Bonnet

42
 JAKEENO’S CUSTOMERS TAKE THEIR LOYALTY TO A LEVEL BEYOND WHAT
MOST PIZZERIAS EXPERIENCE. OUR SERVER TOLD ME THAT SOME REGULARS
GO SO FAR AS TO ORDER THEIR FAVORITE DISH FOUR OR FIVE TIMES A WEEK,
SOMETIMES CALLING AHEAD TO SEE IF IT IS STILL AVAILABLE.

LavenderMagazine.com

Pasta Combo.

43
 > Off the Eaten Path
Chicken Florentine.
Pizza didn’t receive any more epicurean
notice until the late-1800s, when Italian
immigrants were arriving in droves in the
United States. Their newly-popularized
dish came with them, and the rest is food-
ie history. By the mid-1900s, pizza had
evolved into a truly American food.
Jakeeno’s founder Jack Keegan, whose
family was Irish, was not a descendant of
those poor, tired, pizza-eating Italian immi-
grants. In 1975, he opened his eponymous
October 8-20, 2010
restaurant (“Jakeeno’s” is an Italian-sounding
merger of his first and last names). His fam-
ily, including his daughter, Patty, has been
serving pizza, pasta, and salads ever since.
Pizza dough and sauces all are made
in-house, relying on smaller vendors and
44
Dining Area.
organic products whenever possible. If that
statement conjures up a stuffy, fussy image,
fret not. This is a neighborhood restaurant.
The atmosphere is ultracasual. The dishes
taste like something your parents could
have prepared—that is, if they had that kind
of time and access to organic produce.
However, Jakeeno’s is not just any home-
style pizza joint. For one, not many offer a
Baby Greens Salad ($3.95/$6.50 full). With
homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing,
asiago cheese, and walnuts, it makes for a
nice change.
Jakeeno’s customers take their loyalty to
a level beyond what most pizzerias experi-
ence. Our server told me that some regu-
lars go so far as to order their favorite dish
four or five times a week, sometimes calling
ahead to see if it is still available.
I would imagine that Garlic Provolone
Cheese Toast (four pieces for $4.25) is
one of those call-ahead items. It is just the
right balance of garlic with enough cheese
to please but not overwhelm. The bread is
soft in the middle, with a crust that offers a
bit of a bite without being too harsh in the
mouth. I appreciate texture in food, perhaps
because I am an avid baker, and it is always a
treat to visit a kitchen that pays attention to
this important detail.
In this sense, Jakeeno’s also nails its pas-
ta dishes, which arrive perfectly al dente.
Chicken Florentine ($10.50)—made with
homemade white butter and cream
 LavenderMagazine.com

45
 > Off the Eaten Path
Chocolate Mocha Layer Cake with real whipping cream.
sauce, mostaccioli pasta, fresh chicken
breast, spinach, and cheese—is pure Min-
nesotan comfort food. A little kick of red
pepper flake is always an option at the ta-
ble.
The Pasta Combo ($9) offers a bit of
everything if you cannot choose among
stuffed shells, cannelloni, or mostaccioli.
It’s a bit of a childhood treat, really—a
bunch of different shapes and flavors all
October 8-20, 2010
in one meal.
With our pastas and salad, we sipped the
generously-poured Pinot Grigio ($6/$20)
before moving on to Sangiovese ($8/$26).
Daily happy hour specials are 4-6 PM and
8-10 PM, slashing the already-affordable
46
Baby green salad.
wines by half (beer is two-for-one).
The Big Red Monster ($7/glass), a new
offering and still off-menu, was our table’s
clear favorite for its full body and clean fin-
ish. It also holds up beautifully against the
House Special Pizza, with sausage, pepper-
oni, and mushrooms (10” for $12.79/13” for
$17.24/15” for $19.79). The pizza dough is
thin-crust perfection for this texture-fan—
some bite in the crust, not too chewy, and
soft enough to be foldable.
Wanting to sample some of Jakee-
no’s more nontraditional pies, we opted
for a half-and-half of Rosemary Potato
($12.79/$17.24/$19.79) and Barbeque
($12.79/$17.24/$19.79). The former uses
hashbrown-cut potatoes to soak up the ol-
ive oil and fresh garlic base without becom-
ing too heavy. The latter, offering chicken,
red onions, and cheddar cheese in a sweet
and tangy barbeque sauce, responds well to
some added red pepper flake.
Chocolate Mocha Layer Cake ($4.25)
is another call-ahead item, and I can un-
derstand why it is the perfect ending to a
comforting home-style meal. The taste
is honestly reminiscent of an upscale Ho
Ho—light and chocolatey—but its impres-
sive four layers are much more moist.
One of the most important aspects of
the Jakeeno’s success story remains outside
its menu. The restaurant has a dedication
to its location that goes above and beyond,
working with such organizations as Pills-
bury House and The Aliveness Project,
along with nearby schools and churches.
The corner restaurant that formed around
a simple dish has done much more than
nourish its generations of fans. It has
helped the area remain a vibrant and
flourishing South Minneapolis neighbor-
hood.
LavenderMagazine.com

Jakeeno’s
3555 Chicago Ave. S., Mpls.
(612) 825-6827
<www.jakeenos.com>

47
 October 8-20, 2010

48
Sports & Leisure > Lavender Lens [ Photos by Sophia Hantzes ]

MANKATO PRIDEFEST
SEPTEMBER 11
RIVERFRONT PARK, MANKATO

LavenderMagazine.com

49
 Sports & Leisure > Lavender Lens [ Photos by Sophia Hantzes ]

TWIN CITIES BLACK PRIDE PARK FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 12
BOOM ISLAND PARK, MINNEAPOLIS
October 8-20, 2010

50
Sports & Leisure > Lavender Lens [ Photos by Sophia Hantzes ]

ST. CLOUD PRIDE IN THE PARK

SEPTEMBER 25
EASTMAN PARK/LAKE GEORGE, ST. CLOUD

LavenderMagazine.com

51
 October 8-20, 2010

52
Sports & Leisure > Lavender Lens [ Photos by Sophia Hantzes ]

BINGO A-GOGO
SEPTEMBER 25
HYATT REGENCY HOTEL, MINNEAPOLIS
 LavenderMagazine.com

53
 Lavender Lens >
[Photos by David K. Wells ]

PROJECT 515 FUNDRAISER

SEPTEMBER 20
PRIVATE RESIDENCE, ST. PAUL
October 8-20, 2010

54
The Network

Accounting & Financial Services______ Health & Wellness____

Bookkeepping___
_____

Addiction Info &

Treatment________
______
Home Services_______

Automotive______
______

Funeral Services___ ___

Barbers__________
______

Health & Wellness____

LavenderMagazine.com

55
 The Network
> Calendar
Home Services_______ Home Services_______
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14
Book Reading. Former Twin Citian and present San
Francisco resident Larry-bob Roberts returns for a
reading from his new book, The International Homo-
sexual Conspiracy. It’s a collection of 88 essays and
rants on a variety of topics, many of them touching
on queer culture. Roberts published the zine Holy
Titclamps. 7:30 PM. Common Good Books, 65 N.
Western Ave., St. Paul. (651) 225-8989. <www.com
mongoodbooks.com>.

Le Dance Off.
Photo by Eric Saulitis

Insurance______ ______ FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15

Le Dance Off. James Sewell Ballet presents Le Dance
Off, its wry twist on the current craze of celebrity-in-
fused competitive dance. The company offers a col-
lection of new choreography and audience favorites
set to music ranging from Bach to Lady Gaga. True to
the format, the show brings in exhibitions from guest
artists, including Ballet Royal Minnesota (Oct. 15-16)
and Summit Dance Shoppe (Oct. 22-24). Through
Oct. 24. O’Shaughnessy Auditorium, St. Catherine
University, 2004 Randolph Ave., St. Paul. (651) 690-
6700. <http://oshaughnessy.stkate.edu>.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16
Vogue/Trash Costume Fashion Ball Benefit. Support
Patrick’s Cabaret, now in its 25th year, at this first-ever
event. Artists from the organization’s past and pres-
ent will be strutting their wildest, craziest, and most
innovative costumes on the runway. A sick dance
party follows, featuring local breakers and funk styl-
ists throwin’ down, with dirty electro and house beats
bumpin’ throughout the whole night. Silent Auction 7
PM. Ball 8 PM. Patrick’s Cabaret, 3010 Minnehaha Ave.
S., Mpls. (612) 721-3595. <www.patrickscabaret.org>.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19
Rock of Ages. This five-time Tony-nominated musi-
October 8-20, 2010

cal stars Tony Award-nominee and American Idol

finalist Constantine Maroulis. In 1987, on the Sunset
Strip, a small-town girl met a big-city dreamer, and in
LA’s most legendary rock club, they fell in love to the
greatest songs of the ’80s. Through Oct. 24, Orpheum
Theatre, 910 Hennepin Avenue, Mpls. <www.hen
nepintheatretrust.org>.

56
 The Network
Insurance______ ______ Psychotherapy_______
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21
The Haunted Theater. Just in time for Halloween,
Music Box Theatre presents The Haunted Theater.
Having first opened its doors in 1920, this cavern-
ous old theater has stories to tell, with hauntings of
long-forgotten characters. This event takes visitors on
an eerie journey through a spine-chilling labyrinth of
rooms, basements, and corridors where the legends
of the theater’s past still wait for audiences to enter-
tain. Through Oct. 31. Music Box Theatre, 1407 Ni- Medical Services_____
collet Ave., Mpls. (612) 424-1407. <www.musicboxthe
atre.org>.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22
Queer Twin Cities Reception and Talk. 7 PM. The
Twin Cities GLBT Oral History Project—a collective
organization of students, scholars, and activists de-
voted to documenting and interpreting the lives of
Twin Cities GLBT people—is hosting this event to
promote its new book, Queer Twin Cities. Published
by the University of Minnesota, and edited by Pro-
fessors Kevin P. Murphy and Jennifer L. Pierce, it’s a
uniquely critical collection of essays on Minnesota’s
vibrant queer communities, past and present. West
Bank Social Center, 501 Cedar Ave., Mpls. (612) 338-
2720. <http://.westbanksocialcenter.org>.

Pet & Product Services Real Estate_________

Gee's Bend.
Photo by Petronella Ystma

Gee’s Bend. Park Square Theatre presents the re-

gional premiere of playwright Elyzabeth Gregory
Wilder’s Gee’s Bend, directed by Austene Van. This
epic yet intimate play, which spans more than 65
years, follows Sadie Pettway from her teenage years
to her 70s; her sister, Nella; and their mother, Alice. As
they persevere through segregation, family turmoil,
and the battle for Civil Rights, quilting brings them
comfort. Through Nov. 7. Park Square Theatre, 20 W.
7th Pl., St. Paul. (651) 291-7005. <www.parksquarethe
atre.com>.

ONGOING
Ongoing Psychotherapy_______
515. In Minnesota, at least 515 laws discriminate
against families of same-sex couples. In a dynamic
collaboration of theater artists, The Flower Shop Proj-
LavenderMagazine.com

ect and Project 515 illuminate the inequities faced by

same-sex couples, and celebrate a vision of Minneso-
ta where all citizens equally are valued and respected
under the law. Through Oct. 10. Patrick’s Cabaret,
3010 Minnehaha Ave., Mpls. (612) 724-6273. <www.
theflowershopproject.com>.

57
 The Network
> Calendar
Real Estate_________ Always & Forever. Set in a 1970s urban neighbor-
hood barbershop, the play gives audiences a view of
various aspects of love through the eyes and expe-
riences of four African-American men, as they relate
their stories through popular R&B songs of the 1960s
and 1970s. Includes tunes by the Jackson Five, Percy
Sledge, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smoky Robin-
son, and Earth, Wind & Fire. 8 PM. Through Oct. 10.
Illusion Theater, 528 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. (612) 339-
4944. <www.illusiontheater.org>.
The Dead Sea Scrolls. History buffs: Check out
what is believed to be one of the greatest archaeo-
logical discoveries of our time. See the collection of
2,000-year-old documents that shed light on a period
in religious history. The scrolls, some of the oldest
surviving written documents in human history, were
discovered in a cave along the northwestern shore
of the Dead Sea in 1947. Through Oct. 24. Science
Museum of Minnesota, 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul.
<www.smm.org>.
Evita. First Lady of Argentina Eva Perón was a legend
in her time. An illegitimate country girl, she rose to
become the most powerful woman Latin America had
seen—a potent symbol of hope and change. Theater
Latté Da takes a fresh look at this provocative telling
of her brief and fascinating life. Through Nov. 14. Or-
dway Center, McKnight Theatre. 345 Washington St.,
St. Paul. (651) 224-4222. <www.ordway.org>.

ECLIPSED. Photo by Tony Nelson

ECLIPSED. Frank Theatre presents Danai Gurira’s

award-winning play, which centers on the lives of five
women who are thrown together by the recent civil
war in Liberia. Salvaged as chattel from wartime loot-
ing, these “wives” of the commanding officer form a
hardscrabble sisterhood, and develop their own a hi-
erarchy, as they confront questions of survival in their
compound. Through Oct. 10. Playwrights’ Center,
Waring Jones Theatre, 2301 E. Franklin Ave., Mpls.
(612) 724-3760. <www.franktheatre.org>.
Evita. First Lady of Argentina Eva Perón was a legend
in her time. An illegitimate country girl, she rose to
become the most powerful woman Latin America had
seen—a potent symbol of hope and change. Theater
Latté Da takes a fresh look at this provocative telling
of her brief and fascinating life. Through Oct. 31. Or-
dway Center, McKnight Theatre. 345 Washington St.,
St. Paul. (651) 224-4222. <www.ordway.org>.
October 8-20, 2010

The Glass Menagerie. Amanda, an overbearing sin-

gle mother, lives on memories of her flower-scented
youth, while her children bear the weight of her unre-
alistic dreams for their futures. But when a gentleman
caller offers false hope to the family, their precarious
world shatters, with haunting results. Through Oct. 17.
Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. (612) 822-
7063. <www.jungletheater.com>.

58
Classifieds
Employment Help Wanted Music Rentals-Residential
PROFESSIONAL SONGWRITING or
VOCAL DEMOS: C-Sharp Productions
Demo Studio. FREE 30 minute consultation.
Visit Sharpmusic.com or call (763) 545-1969.

Photographers
Rogue Photography has a unique vision
and is passionate about her photography.
Call Ann for your family portraits, weddings,
senior pics, pets, and real estate listings. (612)
308-1488. www.roguephotography.com.

Events
Host a Tea Tasting in your home, at
your company, or with your community
organization. High quality in-depth tea
instruction. Traditional or Meditative
Tastings available. Schedule your tastings at
BumbleBeeTeas.com.
Health/Fitness
Let an expert guide you achieving your
fitness goals. Over 1100 hours in anatomy
& physiology, 6 years experience in health
& fitness. Buy 5 sessions, get a free full
body massage. (612) 396-8912. www.
massagefitnessmpls.com.
Home Furnishings
COTTAGE HOUSE • An Occasional
Market • Next sale: HOME TRADITIONS! •
NOVEMBER 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. Wed: 1 - 8pm.
Thurs-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun: 10am - 6pm
• 4304 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN.
www.thecottagehousempls.com.
FLAMINGOS DIVINE FINDS • An Occasional
Sale • Next sale: Wednesday - Sunday,
October 6-10 and November 10-14, 10am -
6pm, 3404 Cedar Ave. Minneapolis, MN (612)
767-4548. www.flamingosdivinefinds.com
Home Services
La Prep Wallpaper Stripping and Painting,
Inc. Women owned and operated www.la-
prep.com. (952) 943-2419, laprepmn@yahoo.
com.
House Cleaning
The Maids Home Services gives you the
healthiest, most thorough housecleaning,
guaranteed! Supervised teams, bonded,
insured, environmentally safe cleaning
products are why Nobody Outcleans The
Maids. Free estimates (952) 929-6243. www.
maids.com.
ECO-GREEN RESIDENTIAL CLEANING
SERVICE. $40 discount for first time
customers. GREEN DARLENE. Professional
staff-bonded and insured. Budget friendly to
bring you a sparkling clean. Free estimates.
Psychotherapy
IRENE GREENE, MSEd, Psychotherapist:
24 years experience. Individual, Couples
Counseling, Mediation. Life changes,
relationship, gender, sexuality, parenting,
anger, anxiety, depression. Coming Out,
Sexual Abuse, DID Groups. Sliding fee.
Professional, nonjudgmental, confidential.
(612) 874-6442. irenegreene@earthlink.net.
DENNIS CHRISTIAN, LICSW. (612) 940-
7033. www.dennischristian.com.
KATE HEFFELFINGER, MA, Licensed
Psychologist. 18 years experience.
Individuals/Couples. No cost initial sessions.
Some insurance accepted. Visa/MC. (612)
922-9100. kate_heffelfinger@msn.com.
Are you in crisis, feeling depressed or
struggling with life? Do you need to talk to
a mental health professional now? Call Tris
Casciaro, MA LPC, 1-866-864-8924. Accepts
Visa/MC/AmEx/Discover.
OWEN KONECNIK, MA, MSW, LICSW,
Psychotherapist: Individual and couples
counseling. Confidential, non-judgmental,
affirming. Sliding scale fee available. Credit
cards accepted. Free phone consultation.
Lake & Lyndale location. (612) 558-6094. www.
counselorminneapolis.com.
Real Estate
WOW! WOW! WOW!! OWN FOR LESS
THAN RENT - 5 BEDROOMS ABOVE
GRADE! Beautifully kept, totally updated,
conventional floorplan family home of more
than 40 years - Now for sale. $175k. Enter
MLS# 3962492 at CBBurnet.com or call Brett
@ (763) 227-8614.
Spa Services
THE SPA by PetertGlaser@yahoo.com. 2736
Hennepin, UPTOWN. 612.986.4929 Catering
to the Beauty Rituals for all Men and Women.
Handcrafted Natural Facials. Body and
Brazilian Waxing and Trimming. Manicures.
Pedicures. Massage.
Therapeutic Massage
STRONG & RELAXING hands, resulting in
bodywork at its best! Bruck, MT, DC in South
Minneapolis @ (612) 306-6323.
FULL BODY DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE.
Relax & Unwind from Head to Toe. Private
S. Mpls Studio. Music, Candles, Jacuzzi, Full
Bath. In/Out Calls. 7 days. 10am - 10pm. (612)
388-8993. Keith.
ZENTRAL MASSAGE welcomes the GLBT
community to a customized therapeutic
massage, facial or body polish with a trained
therapist. Music, hot towels and comfortable
tables enhance your relaxation journey. (612)
369-8641.
FULL BODY MASSAGE. Warm relaxing
atmosphere, Minneapolis. Hour Massage
$60.00. Shower Available. (612) 219-6743. 7
days a week, 10 am - 10 pm. Therapist: 5’10,
167#, 32 waist.
BORING...BORING...BORING !!! Sick of
boring, mediocre sessions? This time...get
unbelievably pampered and have lots of fun
with a hot, talented masseur! These sessions
are very unique, extremely erotic, totally
uninhibited, and smokin’ hot!!! Call for
details (no pressure to hire) - you’re gonna
love this! Kevin, (612) 229-0001.
R & R STUDIO. A rub above the rest. Offering
Therapeutic Massage. SPECIAL: $60/hour or
$75/1.5 hour. In/Out by appointment only.
Convenient downtown location. Free parking.
Ryan, (952) 261-4944. athleticbulldog2004@
yahoo.com.
LavenderMagazine.com

(612) 232-6573. www.greendarlene.com.

KENT STEARNS FINISHES: Painting,
Wallcovering and Faux Finishes. 35 years
of experience hasn’t changed; Preparation,
still the key to a successful project. (612) 701-
8932, khstearns@usfamily.net.
TERRY LIDDELL, Residential cleaning. REAL & GOOD - m4m massage by
Dependable - Honest. Excellent references. experienced responsive masseur. Many
Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, flexible schedules. repeat clients. Studio, shower and lots of
tliddellcleaning@yahoo.com. Call Terry: (612) TLC. Near DT Mpls, noon-10 pm, 7 days.
834-4887. New client discount. Gene: (612) 749-7726.
Thanks!

59
 Community Connection
Community Connection brings visi-
bility to local GLBT-friendly non-prof-
Co-op Living. Library History Theatre
Plays and musicals that illuminate the
Old Town in Town Co-op. Quatrefoil Library
it organizations. To reserve your list- Your GLBT Library with stacks of DVDs, broad American experience,
ing in Community Connection, call 1 to 3 bdrms from $650-$1,225. www. celebrating local legends, rock
oldtownintown.org (612) 209-2045 Ask books, and magazines.
612-436-4698 or email advertising@ icons, and everyday people.
Check out our online catalogue.
lavendermagazine.com. about Move In Specials! 30 East 10th Street
1619 Dayton Ave., No. 105 St. Paul, MN
St. Paul, MN
Education (651) 641-0969
(651) 292-4323
www.HistoryTheatre.com
Art Institutes International www.qlibrary.org
Addiction & Treatment Minnesota Illusion Theater
Hazelden Helping prepare students for careers in the Literacy Nationally Renowned For Developing
Providing comprehensive treatment, visual and practical arts. The Loft Literary Center Artists and New Work While Sparking
recovery solutions. Helping people reclaim 15 South 9th Street Where writers learn from other writers. Conversation About Challenging
their lives from the disease of addiction. Visit www.loft.org for classes, events, Human Issues.
Minneapolis, MN
P.O. Box 11 conferences, and more. 528 Hennepin Ave., #704
(612) 332-3361 1011 Washington Ave S. Suite 200
15251 Pleasant Valley Rd Center City, MN Minneapolis, MN
(800) 257-7800 www.hazelden.org www.artinstitutes.edu/minneapolis Open Book Minneapolis, MN (612) 339-4944 www.illusiontheater.org
(612) 215-2575
AIDS/HIV & Treatment Events www.loft.org Jungle Theater
Aliveness Project, The Minneapolis Bike Tour loft@loft.org Professional theater producing
Community Center for Individuals Living Annual bike ride in September supporting contemporary and classic works in an
with HIV/AIDS -- On-site Meals, Food Minneapolis Parks. Fully supported route, Media & Communications intimate setting in the Lynlake neighborhood.
Shelf and Supportive Services. refreshments and music in finish area. Minnesota Public Radio 2951 Lyndale Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN
730 East 38th St. Minneapolis, MN Providing in depth news coverage, (612) 822-7063
2117 West River Rd. classical music and emerging artists www.JungleTheater.com
(612) 824-LIFE (5433) www.aliveness.org Minneapolis, MN on our three regional services.
(612) 230-6400 (651) 290-1212 Minneapolis Musical Theatre
HIM Program
www.minneapolisbiketour.com www.mpr.org “Giving Voice to the Human Experience” -
One of the Red Door Services of the
mplsbiketour@minneapolisparks.org New and Rarely-Seen Musicals.
Hennepin County Public Health Clinic. 8520 W. 29th St.
Radio K 770
525 Portland Ave. 4th Floor Radio K is the award-winning student-run Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, MN Red Ribbon Ride
radio station of the University of Minnesota (612) 605-3298
(612) 348-9100 Four-day Bike Ride in July Benefiting www.aboutmmt.org
330 21st Ave. S.
www.himprogram.org Eight HIV/AIDS Service Organizations 610 Rarig Center
www.StopSyphilisNOW.org in Minnesota. University of Minnesota Minnesota Orchestra
www.CrystalClearMN.org 4457 3rd Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis, MN Led by Music Director Osmo Vänskä, the
www.inSPOT.org/Minnesota (612) 822-2110 (612) 625-3500 Minnesota Orchestra, one of America’s
www.redribbonride.org www.radiok.org leading symphony orchestras.
MAP AIDSline 1111 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN
MAP AIDSLine is the confidential
Fitness Museum (612) 371-5656 (800) 292-4141
www.minnesotaorchestra.org
statewide toll-free HIV information Walker Art Center
and referral service. YWCA of Minneapolis
Internationally recognized as a leading
1400 Park Ave. Minneapolis, MN Healthy Me. Healthy Community. venue for the presentation of the art of Northrop
(612) 373-AIDS (metro) or Co-ed, full-service health clubs. our time. Presenting world-class entertainment
(800) 248-AIDS (statewide) Locations in Downtown, Midtown 1750 Hennepin Ave. in the heart of the Twin Cities.
mapaidsline@mnaidsproject.org and Uptown Minneapolis, MN 84 Church St. SE
www.mnaidsproject.org 2808 Hennepin Avenue South (612) 375-7600 Minneapolis, MN
www.walkerart.org Business Office: (612) 625-6600
Minneapolis, MN Ticket Office: (612) 624-2345
Park House (612) 874-7131
Performing Arts northrop.umn.edu
Day Health / Mental Health Treatment www.ywcampls.org
Program for Adults Living with HIV/AIDS. Ballet of the Dolls
One Voice Mixed Chorus
710 E. 24th Street, Suite 303 Resident Company of Newly Renovated
Minneapolis, MN Health & Wellness Ritz Theater. Twin Cities first year-round
Passionate about building community
and creating social change by raising our
(612) 871-1264 GLBTCALLITQUITS.COM dance-theater program. voices in song.
www.allina.com/ahs/anw.nsf/page/ If you’re ready to quit smoking, 35 13th Ave. NE 732 Holly Ave. Ste. Q Saint Paul, MN
park_house_home we’re here to support you. Minneapolis, MN (651) 298-1954
(866) 434-9736 (612) 623-7660 www.ovmc.org operations@ovmc.org
U of MN Research Studies www.ritzdolls.org
Looking for HIV+ and HIV- individuals Rainbow Health Initiative Ordway Center for the Performing
to participate in research studies. Flower Shop Project Arts
Working to improve the health of LGBTQ Producing new and local works of theatre
420 Delaware Street SE Minnesotans through education, clinical Hosting, presenting, and creating
Minneapolis, MN that are smart, ballsy and fundamentally performing arts and educational
practice, outreach, and advocacy. RHI is entertaining. programs that enrich diverse audiences.
(612) 625-7472
the lead agency for the MN Tobacco-free At Bryant-Lake Bowl & Patrick’s Cabaret 345 Washington St.
Minneapolis, MN
Art Galleries Lavender Communities.
611-A West Lake Street (612) 388-8628
St. Paul, MN
(651) 224-4222
Minneapolis Institute of Arts www.theflowershopproject.com
Enjoy Masterpieces From All Over The Minneapolis, MN www.ordway.org
World And Every Period Of Human (877) 499-7744
Guthrie Theater Park Square Theatre
History. Free Admission Daily! www.rainbowhealth.org Come On In! Performances, Classes, Creating entertainment that matters;
2400 3rd Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN www.mntlc.org Dining, Tours. transporting you to unique worlds through
(612) 870-3000 818 South 2nd St. Minneapolis, MN exceptional talent and masterful stories.
www.artsmia.org Sexual Health Empowerment (612) 377-2224 www.guthrietheater.org 20 West Seventh Pl. Saint Paul, MN
(S.H.E.) Clinic (651) 291-7005
Zeitgeist Arts Cafe Uninsured? Underinsured? Sexual Hennepin Theatre Trust www.parksquaretheatre.org
October 8-20, 2010

Duluth’s newest dining experience Orpheum, State and Pantages Theatres

health services for female-bodied, queer-
offering contemporary American dining Twin Cities’ best live entertainment: The Minnesota Opera
and full bar in an art-filled setting. identified individuals provided on a sliding
Broadway shows, music concerts, America’s most exciting opera company -
222 E. Superior St. fee scale. comedy, dance and more! tickets start at just $20.
Duluth, MN 33 South 5th St. Minneapolis, MN 620 N. 1st St.
(218) 722-9100 Minneapolis, MN (612) 332-2311 (612) 673-0404 Minneapolis, MN (612) 342-9550
www.zeitgeistartscafe.com www.midwesthealthcenter.org www.HennepinTheatreDistrict.org www.mnopera.org

60
Backtalk > Dateland [ by Jennifer Parello ]

Anatomy
Part III
of a Bad Idea
In Parts I and II of this episode, my girlfriend decided to invite her switch allegiances as I am.
As I flitted about, pouring drinks, and
ex, her ex’s new girlfriend, and all their children to my cottage for trying desperately to keep the conversation
the weekend. But my contractor failed to show up, and an epic con- alive, the ex’s new girlfriend concentrated
struction-stress-related battle ensued. My girlfriend stormed out; we on avoiding eye contact, and crafting one-
word responses to any polite question of-
broke up; my contractor showed me a naked picture of his girlfriend fered by my girlfriend.
to make me feel better; my girlfriend returned; and we made up. Finally, my poor little defeated girl-
friend retreated to the kitchen to make an
The best thing about having a big fight cording to her, the ex was controlling, domi- incredibly work-intensive guacamole that
is that you get to have makeup sex. But we neering, and far too interested in sports. ensured she wouldn’t have to make chitchat
couldn’t, because my dimwitted contractor Then, I met her, and I love her! And she for the next hour.
and his son, Dimwit Jr., were not yet done loves me! This drives my girlfriend crazy, I discovered her pounding the hell out
with their tasks. especially when I take the ex’s side in an of a helpless avocado, and muttering to her-
When we finally got them out of the argument. They argue a lot, because they self. We were still a bit fragile from our big
house, we jumped into bed, hoping to get have a kid together. fight, and we hadn’t yet managed to have
a bit of heavy petting in before her ex-girl- As we walked to the door to greet them, makeup sex, so I extended an olive branch.
friend arrived. But, just as the nibbling be- my girlfriend whispered menacingly, “Don’t “Can you believe that she brought her
gan, we heard a knock at the door. And there say anything about anything,” which meant own cooler of beer?” I said with a laugh.
they were: the ex, her new girlfriend, the she did not want me to commiserate with “Did she think I wouldn’t have anything to
three kids, and a cooler full of light beer. her ex. Inevitably, when we get together, her serve her?”
I’m lucky that my girlfriend had the ex merrily criticizes my girlfriend. I giggle For the first time that day, my girlfriend
good sense to choose fine, upstanding ex- and nod appreciatively. My girlfriend does brightened, and said, “And did you notice how
girlfriend. Unlike my exes, who often can not like this one bit. my ex is already telling her how to cut her hair,
be found lurking behind bushes, and for- This may explain why my girlfriend was and she made her buy those stupid shoes?”
getting to take their meds, her ex is not only so interested in meeting her ex’s new girl- “Yeah, they suck, and we’re great. Now,
mature and fun, but also not harboring a friend. She was hoping to find some sup- let’s go back out there, and make them un-
secret, burning desire to get back together port in her gripes against her ex. After all, comfortable,” I said.
with my girlfriend. who’s more qualified to find fault with your And with that, a new team was formed—
Before I met the ex, I didn’t like her very ex than her current girlfriend? she and I against the world, armed only
much. After all, I only had heard my girl- It didn’t quite work out that way. Ap- with guacamole and the promise of awe-
friend’s version of their relationship. Ac- parently, the new girlfriend isn’t as quick to some makeup sex in the near future.

TROLIN, UN DIABLITO ROSA por RODRO

LavenderMagazine.com

Gay parrots. They move so fast! Life changes! Careful! This cartoon is getting philosophical.
The one on top soon finds itself at the
bottom.

61
 Community Connection

Performing Arts Edina Community Lutheran Church

Upbeat, growing congregation committed
University Lutheran Church of Hope
Reconciling Congregation - All Are
Sports & Recreation
Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus Twin Cities Goodtime Softball
to inclusion, justice, peace, community and Welcome. Social Justice Opportunities. League (TCGSL)
An award-winning chorus that builds
proclaiming God’s YES to all. Strong University Links - Questioning Join 500 GLBT softball players as we
community through music and offers 4113 W. 54th St. Encouraged. Great Music. celebrate 32 years of gay softball in
entertainment worth coming out for! Edina, MN 601 13th Ave. SE Minneapolis, MN Minnesota.
528 Hennepin Ave., Suite 307 (952) 926-3808 (612) 331-5988
Minneapolis, MN PO Box 580264
www.eclc.org www.ulch.org
(612) 339-SONG (7664) Minneapolis, MN
chorus@tcgmc.org www.tcgsl.org
Hennepin Avenue United Westminster Presbyterian Church
www.tcgmc.org Methodist Church
Take a Spiritual Journey With Hennepin’s
A Covenant Network Congregation,
Working Toward a Church as Generous
Travel
University of Minnesota Theatre Faith Community Through Worship, Door County Visitor Bureau
and Just as God’s Grace. www.doorcounty.com
Arts and Dance Education, Fellowship, Service, and More. Nicollet Mall at 12th St. Minneapolis, MN
Educating artists and audiences through a diverse 511 Groveland Ave. Minneapolis, MN (612) 332-3421
mix of performances on both land and water. (612) 871-5303 Grand Marais Area Tourism
www.ewestminster.org Association
U of M Theatre www.haumc.org
Visit the North Shore's only harbor
330 21st Ave S, Minneapolis, MN Retirement village - art, dining, shopping, outdoor
(612) 624-2345 Mayflower Community Congre- The Kenwood Retirement
gational United Church of Christ activities, the perfect escape.
www.theatre.umn.edu Community P.O Box 1048
An open and affirming, peace with Our full service retirement community 13 North Broadway Ave
Pets/Pet Services justice church welcomes you.
106 E. Diamond Lake Rd.
provides Independent, Assisted Living and Grand Marais, MN
Animal Humane Society Short Term apartment rentals. (888) 922-5000
Adoption, rescue, outreach, training, (I-35 & Diamond Lake Rd.) 825 Summit Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, MN (218) 387-2524
boarding. Buffalo, Coon Rapids, Golden (612) 374-8100 www.grandmarais.com
(612) 824-0761 www.thekenwood.net
Valley, St. Paul and Woodbury.
www.mayflowermpls.org
(763) 432-4527 Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism
www.animalhumanesociety.org Mount Olive Lutheran Church
Sexual Health America's Gay Oasis is Beautiful
Family Tree Clinic Palm Springs.
Ours is a welcoming parish, rich in music, LGBTQ Health Matters at Family Tree!
Wildcat Sanctuary liturgy and opportunities to serve www.palm-springs.org
A non-profit accredited sanctuary for over Offering respectful, affordable sexual
the community. health service to meet your needs.
100 abandoned and abused bobcats, 3045 Chicago Ave. Minneapolis, MN Visit Minneapolis North Convention
tigers, leopards and more. 1619 Dayton Avenue & Visitors Bureau
(612) 827-5919 St. Paul, MN
Sandstone, MN www.mountolivechurch.org We take pride in helping individuals find
(320) 245-6871 (651) 645-0478 the ideal location for events & celebrations.
www.wildcatsanctuary.org www.familytreeclinic.org 6200 Shingle Creek Parkway, Suite 248,
Plymouth Congregational Church,
Minneapolis Minneapolis, MN
Man2Man
Politics & Rights A Beacon of Liberal Theology. Progressive
Interactive events where guys talk to one
(763) 566-7722 / (800) 541-4364
Human Rights Campaign Christianity, Traditional Setting & Service, www.visitminneapolisnorth.com
Social Action, The Arts & Music. another about being gay/bi, dating,
Advocates for all GLBT Americans, sex, life!
mobilizes grassroots action, invests 1900 Nicollet Ave. at Franklin Winneshiek County Convention &
Minneapolis, MN Metro (612) 626-7937 Visitors Bureau / Discover Decorah
strategically to elect fair-minded individuals. 1-800-552-8636
P.O. Box 50608 Minneapolis, MN (612) 871-7400 Refresh, rejuvenate, rekindle....whatever
www.plymouth.org www.M2M.mn R&R you’re up for, the Decorah area is the
www.twincities.hrc.org www.hrc.org
ultimate heaven
Spirit of Hope Social Organizations 507 West Water Street
Marry Me Minnesota Imperial Court of Minnesota
Founded by same-sex couples suing the An Independent Catholic community. Decorah, IA 52101
At our table, all are welcome. Mass at P.O. Box 582417 (800) 463-4692
State for marriage equality. We welcome Minneapolis, MN
5 PM Saturday evening. Fr. Marty www.visitdecorah.com
your support. www.impcourtmn.com
Shanahan. Worship at:
P. O. Box 22256
Robbinsdale, MN
St. Anne’s Episcopal Church
Social Justice Zoos
2035 Charlton Rd Minnesota Zoo
(763) 219-1206 Sunfish Lake, MN Community Shares of Minnesota Open year-round. More than 2,400
www.marrymeminnesota.org www.spiritofhopecatholiccommunity.org Community Shares of Minnesota animals to explore.
raises funds and awareness for Numerous special events.
Minnesota Log Cabin Republicans St. Luke Presbyterian Church local organizations fighting for justice 13000 Zoo Blvd.
Inclusion Wins. We’re a joyful, compassionate community and equality. Apple Valley MN
115 Hennepin Ave. on a spiritual journey, seeking justice and 1619 Dayton Avenue, Suite 323 (952) 431-9200
Minneapolis, MN peace. Join us. St.Paul, MN www.mnzoo.org
www.mnlogcabin.org 3121 Groveland School Rd. (651) 647-0440
Wayzata, MN changeisbetter.org
Pride (952) 473-7378
Twin Cities Pride www.stlukeweb.org
The third-largest national Pride celebration
seeks sponsors, volunteers, and board St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral
members. Contact us today. Wherever you are on your faith journey...
2021 East Hennepin Ave, Ste. 460 St. Mark’s Welcomes You.
Minneapolis, MN 519 Oak Grove St. Minneapolis, MN
(612) 305-6900 (612) 870-7800
www.tcpride.org www.ourcathedral.org

St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran

Religious & Spiritual
October 8-20, 2010

Church with Wingspan Ministry

Central Lutheran Church + PASTORAL CARE + EDUCATION +
We welcome all people to discover, WITNESS + ADVOCACY + Outreach
celebrate and share the love of Christ. of St. Paul-Reformation Church to the
333 Twelfth St. S. GLBTQA Community.
100 N. Oxford St.
Minneapolis, MN St. Paul, MN
(612) 870-4416 (651) 224-3371
www.centralmpls.org www.stpaulref.org

62
Backtalk > Consider the Source
Sock Puppet Campaign
As politicians are pulling out all the
stops, and spending more money on cam-
paigns than ever, I am wrestling with a
number of questions:
• Which strategy garners the most votes?
• Which issues stir Americans to the
polls?
• And, should a candidate be allowed to
use a sock puppet?
If that last question hadn’t occurred to
you, then you clearly weren’t paying close
attention to one of yesterday’s most-hotly-
contested races. I am, of course, referring
to my 9-year-old nephew’s second in a se-
ries of ill-fated attempts to be elected trea-
surer of his elementary school.
Although he received only 11 votes, the
poor kid actually did amazingly well from
a historical perspective. Last year, his vote
total was in the single digits. Specifically,
three. The breakdown was as follows: one
vote for himself; one vote from his best
friend, Chris; and one vote from Lucy, a lit-
tle girl who is largely unaware of my neph-
ew’s existence, but who has a high degree of
respect for or a major crush on Chris.
As is often the case in politics, hopes
were high at the beginning of the campaign
season (last Monday), which comes exactly
five days before the end of the campaign
season (last Friday). In fact, early indica-
tions were that my nephew had already se-
cured at least four votes. (Although the sup-
port of Justin, who is frequently described
as “a big liar,” was highly questionable.)
Midway through the campaign, which
would be Wednesday, things started to fall
apart. First, Michelle, who sits behind my
nephew in class, intimated that his approv-
al ratings were, perhaps, slipping slightly.
I believe her exact words were, “No one’s
going to vote for you.”
In political circles, this time-honored
tactic is commonly referred to as “saying
stuff that will make the candidate cry right
before recess.”
The next setback had to do with cam-
paign posters. In elementary-school elec-
tions, posters serve much the same pur-
pose as paid political advertisements do
in state and national elections. Of course,
the kids don’t have access to professional
campaign strategists so, quite often, their
posters actually make sense.
Each candidate is allowed to make two
posters. Generally, this involves a four-
[ by Julie Dafydd ]
step process:
• Step 1: Child spends many hours cre-
ating posters.
• Step 2: Child ties posters to school-
yard fence.
• Step 3: Child instantly becomes fa-
miliar with the phrase “wind chill factor.”
• Step 4: Child watches posters blow in
the general direction of town.
So, by Friday, the last day of formal cam-
paigning, my nephew was posterless, and
filled with the confidence that comes from
knowing, based on all reasonable standards
of measurement, you are 100 percent un-
electable. Fortunately for my nephew, this
is the ideal frame of mind if one is going
to top off his campaign with a memorable
speech highlighted by, among other things,
accidentally spitting out your retainer.
On the first day of campaigning, each
candidate is required to give a one-minute
presentation. In my nephew’s case, this was
precisely the amount of time he needed to
stand before the entire student population
to: mumble his name, stare intently at his
shoelaces for approximately 45 seconds,
form one complete unintelligible sentence,
and spew dental hardware onto the podium.
On the bright side, it wouldn’t have
made any difference even if the kid had
embraced a totally different speechmak-
ing strategy, such as opting to use one or
more words from the English language.
That’s because—and seasoned politicians
will tell you that next to losing the ability
to outright lie, this is the biggest fear—my
nephew was followed by a candidate with
a sock puppet.
The minute this youngster took to the
stage, and introduced his puppet, “The
Bieber,” the election was clearly over.
“The Bieber” swished his muppet hairs.
“The Bieber” sang songs.
“The Bieber” said absolutely noth-
ing about why the child whose hand was
stuffed inside him might possibly be quali-
fied to serve as school treasurer.
“The Bieber” has a very promising po-
litical future.
Tsk. Like auntie, like nephew, I guess. I
once lost an election to a drag queen chan-
neling Patti LuPone in Sunset Boulevard.
LavenderMagazine.com
Well, consider the source here.
It’s all politics.
Bye for now.
Kiss, kiss.
63
 Ms. Behavior© |
Stella Drama
Dear Ms. Behavior:
OK, so, say you’ve had this longstanding
thing for a woman involved in a long-term re-
lationship. And, say it has been this frustrat-
ing mutual attraction that causes both of you
to spend lots of time together, and then com-
pletely avoid each other for months at a time.
Then, say the married woman moves to an-
other city, so you’re depressed, but relieved.
But the relief doesn’t last very long, be-
cause now, her relationship is falling apart.
She’s hanging around again, and it’s all
extremely tempting. But you know it ulti-
mately will be exceedingly bad.
What would you do?
—Stella Drama
Dear Stella Drama:
Never mind what Ms. Behavior would
October 8-20, 2010
64
do. You are clearly a loaded gun just waiting
to go off. You should find another outlet for
your swollen dramatic desires before you
blow your own life to smithereens. (See?
Ms. Behavior can be just as dramatic as the
next person, and just as capable of mixing
her metaphors.)
According to Ms. Behavior’s calculations,
getting reinvolved with the married woman
will cause pain for at least 11 people.
Why 11, you say?
Ms. Behavior is excited by the opportu-
nity to use her math skills: We have you;
the married woman; her partner; the three
therapists who will have to hear about it for
the next year-and-a-half; the married wom-
an’s two best friends; her partner’s friend
(let’s hope you’ll feel too much shame to
“share” it yourself); plus a couple of ran-
[ by Meryl Cohn ]
dom people who only were trying to shop
for groceries.
Love triangles are what classical the-
ater and daytime melodramas are made
of—great to watch from the safety of the
amphitheater (or your sofa), but torture to
experience. Repeat after Ms. Behavior: Se-
cret love triangles always hurt.
Can’t you just read your middle-school
diary to remember why this particular type
of drama is ugly?
Sometimes, renting bad movies can fulfill
one’s desire for turmoil. However, it sounds
like you already have stepped off the cliff.
Because you’re saying that you know
this situation will be “exceedingly bad,” and
because you’ve gone to the trouble of writ-
ing to an advice columnist, perhaps you still
will make the choice to keep your tongue in
your own mouth.
But it seems unlikely, doesn’t it?

Dear Ms. Behavior:

My boyfriend, Ray, and I are planning
to visit my conservative parents in Ne-
braska. This will be the first time they’ll
meet him—or any of my boyfriends—and
I’m pretty nervous about it.
The problem is that Ray recently got
his chin and his tongue pierced, and he in-
sists on keeping the studs in at all times. I
know my parents have come a long way in
accepting me, but the facial piercings will
make them faint.
All my old boyfriends were bankers,
but Ray is a guitarist in a rock band. He
says that if he takes his piercings out for
even the five days we’ll be in Nebraska,
the holes will close up. He’s not willing
to get them repierced, because it was too
painful the first time.
I think Ray’s being selfish, and he
should just forget about the piercings. He
doesn’t realize what a big deal this is for
me. He thinks I’m being ridiculous.
What do you think?
—Ed

Dear Ed:
Hello? Is it 1992 again?
The world is full of nice, clean-cut
bankers who wear suits, and never would
consider punching holes through their
face.
But if you wanted a banker, you’d be
with another one, wouldn’t you?
If Ray is the man you love, let him be
a rock star with a pierced face. Allow him
to speak with that sexy lisp that reveals
the hunk of metal pinning the flesh of his
tongue. When you introduce him to your
parents, be proud of who he is, what he
does, and even his syllabant “s.” Or, “eth,”
ath the cathe may be. [sic]
If you chicken out, you always could
warn your parents about his piercings in
advance. If you go in that direction, it
would be best to exaggerate about Ray’s
appearance. Tell your parents he has a
pierced face, a shaved head with a skull
tattoo, and three gold teeth.
Once they meet him, and find out that
all he really has are a couple of dainty
holes in his face and tongue, they prob-
ably will be delighted.
LavenderMagazine.com

© 2010 Meryl Cohn. Address questions and correspondence

to <msbehavior@aol.com>. She is the author of Do What I
Say: Ms. Behavior’s Guide to Gay and Lesbian Etiquette
(Houghton Mifflin). Signed copies are available directly from
the author.

65
 Yellow Pages > Advertiser Index
Adult
Hardline Gay Chat...... 65
Megaphone ................. 64
Apparel & Accessories
Norcostco-
Northwestern
Costume ........................ 5
Arts & Entertainment
Art Institutes
International
Minnesota .................... 31
Hennepin Theatre
Trust .............................. 30, 27
Minneapolis Musical
Theatre ......................... 31
Theater Latté Da ........... 33
Automotive
Hagen’s Auto Body ..... 55
LaMettry’s Collision ..... 6
Morrie’s Subaru........... 25
Bars & Nightlife
Bar Advertiser Guide .. 36
19 Bar ........................... 40
Brass Rail ...................... 38
Coale’s ......................... 38
Gay 90’s ..................... 37
Gladius ......................... 39
Rumours/Innuendo ...... 40
Tickles ........................... 39
Town House ................. 39
Beauty & Relaxation
Anew Aesthetic
Medical Center ............ 7
Barbers on Bryant........ 55
Beverages
Budweiser ..................... 67
Haskell’s ....................... 45
Surdyk’s ........................ 48
Catering
Mintahoe Catering &
Event ............................. 29
October 8-20, 2010
Communications
89.3 The Current ......... 25
AM950, The Voice
of Minnesota ................ 7
66
Radio K 770 ............... 11
The A List....................... 68
Employment
Pride Talent
Acquisition .................... 5
Events
Lavender First
Thursdays...................... 29
Lavender’s
THIRSTdays .................. 41
Lavender Salute ........... 41
Park Tavern Bowling
& Entertainment
Center ........................... 45
Financial
Harbor Group ...............29, 55
Hamilton Clark Group 55
Moltaji, Roya ................ 11
Palm, Karen .................. 7
ROR Tax Professionals 55
US Bank........................ 2, 21
Funeral Services
Johnson Hannah,
Barbara ....................... 55
Gifts
Fantasy Gifts ................ 9
Grocery Stores
Wedge Co-op .............. 48
Health, Wellness &
Recovery
Burns, Steve .................. 57
Carrillo, Dr. Thomas P. . 57
Chase, Lisa ................... 57
Fleet Naturals............... 8, 9
HIM Program ............... 54
Homecare Assist .......... 7
Laser Body Sculpture... 9
Pride Institute ................ 55
Rainbow Health
Initiative ........................ 35
Running Tiger Shaolin
Kenpo ........................... 55
Shaklee ......................... 55
University of Minnesota,
Infectious Diseases ...... 3
Uptown Dermatology
& SkinSpa ..................... 57
Home Services
A-Z Electric .................. 56
Bluestem Construction . 56
Good Stuff Moving ..... 56
Granite
Transformations ............ 21
Hi-Tech Installations ..... 56
Matt’s Tree Service ...... 56
Mr. Handyman ............ 55
Personal Pride
Construction ................. 56
Ryan’s Tree Care ......... 56
Soderlin Plumbing,
Heating & Air
Conditioning................. 55
SOS Homecare ........... 55
The Tile Shop................ 23
Vujovich ........................ 25
Insurance
American Family
Insurance ...................... 23
Baldwin, Davina .......... 56
Wagner Insurance-
Financial Services ........ 57
Wolfson, Steve ............. 56
Jewelry
Max’s ............................ 54
Legal
Albertson, Martha ....... 7
Cloutier & Brandl ......... 29
Davis Law Office ......... 15
Dean, Jeff ..................... 5
Family Solutions Law
Group ........................... 23
Heltzer & Burg ............. 33
Hoffner Law Firm ......... 11
Moshier, Becky ............ 7
Terry & Slane ............... 8
Mortgage
Lozinski, David ............. 6
Grunewald, Mark ........ 24
Organizations
Community Shares of
Minnesota .................... 5
Pet Products & Services
Animal Humane
Society .......................... 11
Cat Nap Inn ................. 57
Larpenteur Animal
Hospital ........................ 30
Nokomis Pet Clinic ...... 57
Real Estate & Rentals
Farinella, Marilyn ........ 58
gayrealestate.com ....... 57
Haubrich Homes.......... 58
Leviton, Ann .................. 57
Minneapolis Grand
Apartments ................... 21
McGee, Michael ......... 24
Ruzick, Amy &
Johnson, Kay ................ 6
Village Green............... 24
Religious
Mayflower Community
Congregational United
Church of Christ ........... 15
Plymouth Congregational
Church .......................... 15
Westminster Presbyterian
Church .......................... 15
Restaurants
Burger Moe’s ............... 45
Christos ......................... 47
Duplex Restaurant
and Wine Bar .............. 48
French Meadow
Bakery & Café ............. 48
Honey ........................... 45
Jakeeno’s Pizza &
Pasta ............................. 47
KinDee Thai
Restaurant..................... 48
Roat Osha .................... 47
Toast Wine Bar &
Café .............................. 48
Uptown Diner,
Woodbury Café,
Louisiana Café,
Grandview Grill ........... 47
Travel & Accommodations
aloft Minneapolis ........ 6
Dining Guide Listing |

AVERAGE PRICE OF A TYPICAL ENTREE

$ LESS THAN $15, $$ $15-$25, $$$ MORE THAN $25

Our Guide to the Metro Eateries Featured in This Issue Lav-

ender Magazine’s Dining Guide is your resource to GLBT-
friendly restaurants. We recommend calling restaurants be-
fore visiting to confirm information.
Lavender’s cuisine section and updated dining guide appears
each issue. Please direct questions about the directory and
cuisine advertising to dining@lavendermagazine.com.
Kindee Thai. Photos by Hubert Bonnet

BURGER MOE’S $ THE GRANDVIEW GRILL $

American fare American
Relaxed atmosphere, gorgeous outdoor patio, fabulous Fresh hand ground hash browns, French toast, omelets, pan-
food, sixty beers. cakes, coffee, juices, soups, salads & sandwiches.
Lunch, Dinner Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
242 W. 7th St., St. Paul, MN (651) 222-3100 1818 Grand Ave., St. Paul (651) 698-2346
Mon – Fri: 6:15 AM – 2:30 PM • Sat: 6:15 AM – 3 PM • Sun:
www.burgermoes.com
8 AM – 3 PM
CHRISTO’S $ HONEY $$
Greek Small Plates
Serving classic Greek fare for over 13 years, we specialize Fine cocktails, wine, small plates and artisan chocolates in an
in dishes from the island of Cyprus, offering food from the intimate setting.
traditional to the contemporary. 205 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis (612) 746-0306
Lunch, Dinner www.honeympls.com
2632 Nicollet Ave., Mpls (612) 871-2111 • 15600 Hwy 7, Min-
netonka, (952) 912-1000 • 214 4th St. E., St. Paul Union Depot, JAKEENO’S PIZZA & PASTA $
(651) 224-6000 Italian
www.christos.com Traditional red sauce pastas, thin crust pizza & homemade
sauces.
Lunch, Dinner
DUPLEX $ 3555 Chicago Ave. S. Minneapolis (612) 825-6827
French, Italian, American Mon – Fri: 11 AM – 11 PM • Sat – Sun: 4 PM – 11 PM
Unique entrees, moderately priced, cozy space with up-beat Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St., Minneapolis (612)
staff. 767-1102
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 8 PM • Sun: 10 AM – 6 PM
2516 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis (612) 381-0700 www.jakeenos.com
www.duplexmpls.com
KINDEE THAI $
FRENCH MEADOW BAKERY $ Thai
Certified Organic Bakery This isn’t your traditional everyday Thai restaurant.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Lunch, Dinner
2610 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis (612) 870-4740 719 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis (612) 465-8303
Mon: Closed • Tues – Thurs: 11:30 AM – 9 PM • Fri: 11:30 AM
Sun – Thurs: 6:30 AM – 9 PM • Fri – Sat: 6:30 AM – 11 PM
– 10:30 PM • Sat: 11 AM – 10:30 PM • Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM
www.frenchmeadow.com www.kindeethairestaurant.com
GINGER HOP $$ THE LOUISIANA CAFÉ $
Asian Fusion American
Specializing in pan-Asian classic dishes. As we like to say, Fresh hand ground hash browns, French toast, omelets, pan-
“East meets Northeast”. cakes, coffee, juices, soups, salads & sandwiches.
lavendermagazine.com

Lunch, Dinner Breakfast, Brunch,

201 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis (612) 746-0304 613 Selby Ave., St. Paul (651) 221-9140
www.gingerhop.com Mon – Fri: 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM • Sat: 6:30 AM – 3 PM • Sun:
8 AM – 3 PM

69
 Roat Osha

The Grandview Grill. New Uptown Diner.

NEW UPTOWN DINER $

American
Fresh hand ground hash browns, French toast, omelets,
pancakes, coffee, juices, soups, salads & sandwiches.
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
2548 Hennepin Ave. S. Minneapolis (612) 874-0481
Mon – Wed: 6 AM – 3 PM • Thurs – Sat: 24 Hours • Sun:
Close at 6 PM

ROAT OSHA $$
Thai
Uniquely crafted authentic and American influences. Decor
that invites conversation
Lunch, Dinner
2650 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis
Sat: 11 AM – 11 PM • Sun: 11 AM – 10:30 PM
www.roatoshathai.com

TOAST WINE BAR AND CAFÉ $

Wine bar with Italian influence
Neighborhood wine bar serving pizzas, cured meats and
small plates.
Dinner
415 N. 1st St., Minneapolis, MN (612) 333-4305
Tues – Thurs: 5 PM – 11 PM • Fri – Sat: 5 PM – 12 AM • Sun:
5 PM – 11 PM
www.toastwinebarandcafe.com

THE WOODBURY CAFÉ $

American
Fresh hand ground hash browns, French toast, omelets,
pancakes, coffee, juices, soups, salads & sandwiches.
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
Bielenberg & Tamarack, Woodbury, MN (651) 209-8182
Mon – Fri: 7 AM – 2:30 PM • Sat: 7 AM – 3 PM • Sun: 8
AM – 3 PM
October 8–20, 2010

70