At the beginning of this month, Steve and I snuck off to Montreal for 5 days. Before you start cheering that we finally took time off, I should clarify that we were there for the OutGames 2006 press conference…though we have to agree that a change of surroundings is still as good as a holiday. Since we are a sponsor of the event, they stunned us with their kindness by paying for our flight, our accommodations, and even most of our food! Although they kept us pretty busy with bus tours of the city and breakfast with the mayor, we still managed to find time to visit the “Gay Village” on St. Catherine Street.
The shear size and volume of gay businesses along the stroll were proof of how the gay economy can flourish in such a liberal city – my god, Ralph Klein would flip! As our tour guide put it, “We’re French first, Catholic second.” Everywhere you looked people were cruising one another, couples were blissfully holding hands while popping into gay restaurants, stores, and monstrous clubs that would put every one of Calgary’s to shame. Montreal is certainly something the gay Calgarian might envy, but a concept to work toward in our own city’s future.
We were certainly humbled by the gay publications available there too – every one on glossy paper, many exceeding 100 pages! We had the opportunity to speak to people involved with many other gay publications across the world. One gay magazine out of Europe charges 12,000 Euro for a full-page ad! Wow, we should really think about raising our rates a little…
In those five days, Steve and I had many firsts. Our first time holding hands while walking down the street, our first time in a gay strip club, and our first time choking down a chicken sandwich that had been purposely smothered in gravy and peas. Yikes, don’t you be reading anything nasty into that!
But we weren’t there just to have fun – we were there to represent Calgary, and indeed we found out the whole of western Canada! If you want to read more, flip to our article on page 52 where we talk more about the conference.
Bar Banter
Steve and I had to go separate ways on October 1st to ensure that we covered two major events happening that night. While Steve went to photograph the Detour Closing Party, I called dibs on BearBash! I got the opportunity to meet a lot of new faces from out of town, and even several people from Calgary’s bear demographic that I’ve seen around but never had the chance to talk to. Despite my shy demeanor and awkwardness with the camera while taking photos, I’m pleased to say that I thoroughly enjoyed myself - I daresay I made some new friends.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Steve was photographing the Detour Closing Party as they ceremoniously took down the big Detour logo, saying goodbye to the name and look we’ve known for so long. The Arena side, having already undergone some renovations and the installation of a new sound system, will remain open in Detour’s place. Once the renovations are finished, they will be adopting the new name “Pulse”, as you can see from their ad on page 30.
If you’re wondering why Steve and I are looking so tired this month, the count is in. We photographed at 23 events this month! Phew, that wasn’t so bad, it’s Halloween that we’re dreading!
Happy Anniversary
It’s funny that so many gay businesses have their anniversaries occurring at this time of year. Our Calgary chapter of Priape celebrated their 2nd anniversary not too long ago, while on October 19th the Backlot will be celebrating their 9th anniversary (see their ad on page 46)!
November will be a busy month for anniversaries too, with Metro the Club (ad on page 59) and Twisted Element’s celebrations planned for the 12th. Detour has celebrated their anniversary this same day in past years, so possibly Pulse will follow suit.
And don’t forget, our November edition of GayCalgary.com Magazine will be our 2nd year, 25th issue anniversary!! It’s really crept up on us this year! Naturally we’d be very happy if you feel inclined to write a letter to the editor, take out a classified, or even book ad space to convey your congratulations to us and other businesses in the community.
Events and Announcements
Adult Depot has moved into their new location at 1514B 14th Street SW, just around the corner from Priape! See their ad on page 7.
The SHARP Foundation’s “Sing-a-long Wizard of Oz” will be showing October 20th and 22nd. See their sponsored ad on page 2 for more details.
David McIntyre’s “Watershed Stories,” performed by the Prairie Pride Chorus (Regina’s GLBT Choir) will be showing on October 15th at the Knox United Church: 506 – 4th Street SW. See their sponsored ad on page 11 for more details.
Questions or comments about the magazine or other things happening in the community, please E-mail us at publisher@gaycalgary.com
