...it’s just temporally challenged!

Well, considering that February is a short month, it sure didn’t feel that way for us with how busy we were!  There were so many fabulous events, but unfortunately we missed one or two.  Hey, we’re bound by the laws of physics just like everyone else!

Our Reader’s Choice 2005 survey has come to a close, and we are pleased to announce our grand prize winner. Kevin Richardson won the $150.00 Gift Certificate for the Bay Downtown, sponsored in part by the Bay Downtown!

Thank you to everyone that participated in the survey – the number of entries we received far exceeded our expectations!  We’ll be publishing the reader’s choice winners in April’s issue.  Until then, we have A LOT of statistics to do...

The Valentine’s Day dance put on by Girlsgo Productions, entitled "Red", was absolutely fantastic!  Steve and I have never seen so many lesbians in one place at one time.  There were throngs of faces that we’d never seen before in the community, but thankfully still a couple of familiar ones.  It was a bit intimidating – we were the only two guys there!  Nonetheless, we were treated very nicely and made to feel welcome.

Pride Calgary teamed up with GLCSA for this year’s summit meeting, and boy what a turnout they had!  It was a satisfying feeling to see representatives from the majority of gay bars and many other gay businesses, together and talking amongst one another.  GLCSA also took the opportunity to announce the next installment of their annual Unity Pages.  This publication is one of several ways that GLCSA raises funds for their organization, and GayCalgary.com will be working with them this year to help put the publication together.

Though we have no official results yet from our survey, we couldn’t resist taking a peek at a few of the entries.  We asked how often people went out to the gay bars in Calgary, and if they selected Seldom or Never, we asked them to write a short sentence explaining the reason why.  The most common answer we saw had us quite astonished – apparently many people are reluctant to frequent the bars because of the amount of smoke in the air.  We’ll see the actual statistics next issue, but if anything, this should look promising to those businesses that may be dreading the idea of a non-smoking bill being passed sometime in the future.

In the meantime, to those who hate the smoke, there is reprieve coming this April 1st.  Due to a change in their building’s lease policy, Solar Café will be a fully non-smoking establishment.  This makes for a great place to go for drinks with your friends without having to worry about keeling over from cigarette fumes.  And don’t forget, the Calgary Eagle’s always had a non-smoking side!

Speaking of leasing changes, with the Verge’s snazzy new logo, you would think everything is on the up and up.  From the way it looks, their landlord wants to redevelop the 1st floor of the building, so they are forcing out many of the businesses there.  The Verge will be closing their doors in June and will not be relocating.  It is sad to see them go after 5 years in our community, so be sure to visit them and show your support while they’re still around.  We were at the Verge to see the marvelous Kim Fontaine and friends perform – what a great turn out!  "I want to go out with a BANG," owner Anette told us as she explained some of her plans for the next couple of months.

While watching a session of parliamentary debate on television, we were disturbed to see the number of petitions being presented against Same-sex Marriage.  Though they were fairly small, ranging from 100-600 people, it was still disconcerting to see not a single petition presented in favor.  We urge you and everyone you know to visit the Canadians for Equal Marriage website (www.equal-marriage.ca) and sign their running petition in support of Same-sex Marriage.  They provided us with a printable petition form that can be used to combat the Traditional Marriage petitions that seem to be invading restaurants and other commercial businesses in our city.  In our opinion it is sad that such politics are entering locations that one would expect to remain neutral.  However as they say, "Two can play at that game".  If you wish to place one, you can contact us at magazine@gaycalgary.com or phone us at (403) 543-6960 and we will forward you a copy of the form.  It’s only fair that both sides of the story be available; however please ask permission before placing any petitions!

Did anyone catch the premiere for the new season of "The Amazing Race"?  We were pleased, if not totally stunned that they are featuring 3 gay people!  They don’t skirt around the issue either – gay couple Lynn and Alex are fully referred to as Boyfriends on the show.  What’s particularly unique this season is the team of Susan & Patrick, mother and openly gay son!  We hope this will set a positive example for all those parents out there who may need it.  The show airs Tuesday nights on CFCN.

In addition, the Simpsons had an interesting episode about same-sex marriage, and on Desperate Housewives, the Van De Kamp’s boy Andrew was caught making out with another guy!

Our feet are tired enough after February – just wait till you see what’s in store for March.  Time to slap on some Dr. Scholls...

The HIV Peer Support Group is putting on "Straight to Diva"!  You can meet the divas Saturday March 5th at the Calgary Eagle, and see the Grand Finale April 9th.  See our article on page 40 or their ad on page 13 for more information.

Applications for the ISCCA Emperor and Empress are due the 12th.  Look them up in our events calendar for more information, or you can speak to Mz. Rhonda or Erica Divine in person during the ISCCA Drag Shows at Solar Café each Saturday.

Apollo Western Cup Weekend is this month, from the 24th to 27th.  Check out the Apollo posting in our events listing for more details about when and where, or visit their website at www.westerncup.com.

Lovesick?  Interactive Male is putting on their Minute Man Speed Dating event every 2nd Saturday of the month at the Backlot.  If you don’t have a calendar handy, that’s the 12th this month.  Interactive Male has some really cool giveaways too – when we were there for photos last month we got one of those rubber ducks that looks like a devil!!  I’ve wanted one of those since I saw them at the Apollo dance last year!

UB Productions is hosting Powder and Pride April 1st to 3rd.  Contact them ASAP to book tickets if you haven’t already.  See their ad on page 12 for contact details.

We are proud to be a media sponsor for the 1st World Outgames, Rendez-vous Montreal 2006.  Starting this issue, we will be donating advertising space for this very worthy international gay event.

Also this month we are proud to sponsor Apollo, the HIV Peer Support Group, AIDS Vancouver, the ISCCA, Fairy Tales, Canadians for Equal Marriage, and Different Strokes who you see on the cover.

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Contributor Rob Diaz-Marino | Steve Polyak |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Publisher's Column |