Monthly Archives: July 2006

Soundout

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By Tammye Nash Staff Writer

5 questions with Paul von Wupperfeld



Paul von Wupperfeld is an officer with the GLBT employee group, LEGEND, at Texas Instruments. He was elected regional chair of the DFW chapter of Out and Equal, an organization focused on improving policies and benefits for GLBT people in the workplace. He is the former Texas state president for Log Cabin Republicans but changed parties several years ago. Last year he helped his partner of 16 years, Andy Smith, in Smith’s campaign for the Texas Legislature.

How long have you lived in Dallas?

I moved to Dallas from Austin in 1995 when I was hired by Texas Instruments. But my mother and her family are from Dallas, so I spent a lot of time here when I was growing up.

What do you do at Texas Instruments?

My actual job title is worldwide manager of employee communications for analogue. I work with employees and executives at two of our largest businesses on improving communicatons between employees and management.

How long have you been involved with Out and Equal DFW?

Texas Instrument’s GLBT employee group, LEGEND, was contacted by the national Out and Equal organization when talk first started about forming a local affiliate here in North Texas. I attended the very first meeting and was involved in getting the local affiliate launched back in 2004. It has been inactive for awhile, but we are working to get it re-energized and to broaden its base

What do you hope to accomplish as regional chair of Out and Equal?

My goal will be to try and go a comprehensive evaluation of the environment for GLBT employees at major corporations here in the DFW area. I know some companies have terrific policies, and some still have a ways to go. I want to get the employees at companies with strong policies working with the employees at other companies that still need to improve their policies.

Why did you leave Log Cabin and the Republican Party to become a Democrat?

Over time, I came to the decision that the work Log Cabin was doing within the Republican Party was really going nowhere, and that if I wanted to make a more positive impact politically, I needed to become active as a Democrat.

Soundout is a weekly column featuring people whose jobs and interests have an impact on the daily lives of members of the GLBT community. It features those who often go unnoticed by the press and community. If you’d like to recommend someone to cover in this column, contact staff writer Tammye Nash at nash@dallasvoice.com.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, July 28, 2006.

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Query of the week

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By David Webb Staff Writer

What do you think about Israel’s counter attack on Lebanon after Hezbollah militants kidnapped two Israeli soldiers?

“Everybody fighting over there has been fighting forever. We ought to just come home and let them fight it out.”

Barbara Brown
Nightclub owner

“I think Israel is in a really sticky situation. I can’t blame Israel for the counter attack, but it’s unfortunate they have to attack through the population.”

Clar Mapes
Seamstress

“I don’t think about it. I try to think about happy things.”

Coco Walsh
Bartender

“It’s too much. They kidnapped two soldiers, and now Israel is killing civilians. They’re killing them accidentally, but they’re still killing them.”

Gary Hackney
Creative director

“I think the whole fighting thing is wrong no matter who started it. I think the whole world should ask for a cease fire.”

Rosa Lopez
Executive director

Have a suggestion for a question you’d like us to ask? E-mail it to staff writer David Webb at webb@dallasvoice.com.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, July 28, 2006.

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Pet of the week

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Winnie is a 10-year-old dachshund whose owners could no longer keep her due to financial problems. She’s housebroken and good with other small dogs, but doesn’t care for cats. Winnie is a friendly and loving little dog who should have many more years left. She’s spayed, vaccinated, microchipped and on heartworm preventive.

Dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are available for adoption from Operation Kindness, 3201 Earhart Drive (near Keller Springs Road and Midway Road), Carrollton. The no-kill shelter is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (until 8 p.m. Thursday) and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Cost to adopt is $110 for cats and kittens and $135 for dogs and puppies. The cost includes spay or neuter surgery, microchipping, vaccinations and other tests. Those 65 and above and those who adopt two pets at the same time get a $20 discount. For more information call 972-418-PAWS, or visit www.operationkindness.org.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, July 28, 2006.

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National Briefs

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By Staff and Wire Reports

Philadelphia tells Scouts to end anti-gay discrimination or prepare to pay rent

PHILADELPHIA The city said it will evict a Boy Scout council from its publicly owned headquarters or make the group pay a fair rent price unless it changes its policy on gays.

The Boy Scouts’ Cradle of Liberty Council, the country’s third-largest, has been battling with the city for more than three years over the policy, which like the national Scouts organization forbids gays from being leaders.

City Solicitor Romulo L. Diaz Jr. wrote a letter to William T. Dwyer III, president of the Cradle of Liberty Council, stating that the council’s “discriminatory policies” violate city policy and law, and that city officials have not been assured the group will not discriminate.

Unless the city gets a “fair-market rent agreement,” the council will be evicted, the letter says.

Stacey Sobel, executive director of Philadelphia’s Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, said she’s pleased the city is taking action. “If they are going to discriminate, the taxpayers shouldn’t be subsidizing it,” Sobel said.

Soulforce rallies outside Focus on the Family headquarters

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. In separate tents 100 yards apart, leaders of Focus on the Family and of Soulforce gave opposing messages on homosexuality on July 22, but they didn’t speak to each other.

Soulforce, which advocates parental rights for gays and lesbians, held a concert outside Focus on the Family headquarters, one day after the end of a five-day march from Denver to Focus headquarters in Colorado Springs.
Soulforce said the rally was to protest the Christian ministry group’s stand on homosexuality.

Focus on the Family officials advocated compassion for the marchers but defended their belief that a family must be headed by a man and woman.

Several hundred Soulforce members listened to music and formed a human chain in front of the Focus campus.

“It’s less about…trying to change their minds and more to show them the families they impact,” said Ryan Acker, advocacy director for the Pikes Peak Gay and Lesbian Center.

Actor Chad Allen and the mother of slain University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard, who was gay, spoke at the Soulforce concert.

Romney abolishes commission on gay, lesbian youth after lawmakers override veto

BOSTON Gov. Mitt Romney issued an executive order on July 21 abolishing the state’s 14-year-old governor’s commission on gay and lesbian youth after lawmakers overrode his veto of a bill creating a new commission out of the reach of the governor’s office.

A spokesman for Romney said he issued the executive order because there was no need for two commissions both focused on the needs of gay and lesbian youth.

Romney angered many gay rights activists and lawmakers when he flirted with the idea earlier this year of abolishing the commission, the first of its kind in the nation.

The bill approved by lawmakers over Romney’s veto would create a new commission, none of whose members would be directly appointed by the governor.

One of the main goals of the commission would be to create “school-based and community-based programs focusing on suicide prevention, violence intervention and the promotion of zero-tolerance policies regarding harassment and discrimination against gay and lesbian youth.”

New Rhode Island civil rights advocate files first complaint

PROVIDENCE, R.I. A woman is accused of making anti-gay comments to a neighbor with AIDS in the first complaint filed by a new civil rights advocate in the state attorney general’s office.

The Office of the Civil Rights Advocate was established under a bill proposed by Attorney General Patrick Lynch and passed last year by the General Assembly.

The newly appointed civil-rights advocate, Assistant Attorney General Thomas Palombo, is responsible for targeting civil rights violations and will also be educating police officers and students.

A civil complaint filed by the attorney general’s office accuses Theresa Deschenes, of Warren, of violating the rights of neighbor Kenneth Potts by using anti-gay epithets and threatening him with violence.

The office says Deschenes violated Potts’ rights under the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act, which guarantees equals housing opportunities regardless of sexual orientation. Violations carry punishments of up to $5,000.

HIV-positive man claiming discrimination by software giant SAS

CARY, N.C. SAS, the world’s largest privately held software company, has built a sterling reputation as a workplace with onsite child care, flexible scheduling, even unlimited M&M candy. Turnover has been less than 5 percent, one of the most stable in its industry.

But Louis DuPree sees a very different SAS.

Since July 11, the 3-D designer has been picketing by the main gate of the SAS complex in Cary. DuPree claims the company is firing him because he complained of harassment by his manager and because he has HIV, which would be costly to SAS in coming years.

According to SAS, DuPree’s job was one of fewer than 100 positions cut recently as the company consolidates two marketing divisions. Those workers will remain on the payroll until mid-September.

Westboro Baptist files lawsuit challenging Missouri law banning protests at funerals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. Westboro Baptist Church, the Kansas church known for its rabidly anti-gay stances and its protests at military funerals, has filed suit in federal court, claiming a Missouri law banning such picketing infringed on religious freedom and free speech.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit July 21 in U.S. District Court in Jefferson City on behalf of the church, which has outraged mourning communities by showing up at soldiers’ funerals with anti-gay signs.

The church and its leader, the Rev. Fred Phelps, claim God is allowing soldiers, coal miners and others to be killed because the United States tolerates gays and lesbians.

Point Foundation names Valenci as new executive director

Officials with the Point Foundation announced this week that Jorge Valencia has been appointed as executive director of the organization.

The Point Foundation provides financial support and mentoring to students who have been marginalized because of their sexual orientation.

Valencia has been executive director of The Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization that operates the county’s only around-the-clock suicide prevention helpline for gay and questioning youth, since 2001. He will take over as executive director of the Point Foundation on Jan. 2.

HRC launches new online resource on courts, coming out guide

The Human Rights Campaign has announced the launch of a new online resource Web site, “Justice For All: The Importance of a Fair and Balanced Judiciary to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community.”

The Web site www.hrc.org/justice is funded by a grant from the Open Society Institute and is intended to educate visitors on why fair-minded judges are important in the GLBT civil rights struggle. The site also includes a way to sign up to receive e-mail newsletters, regularly updated information on attacks on the courts, interactive games and information about the educational resources under development.

The organization also announced the release of its newly updated “Resource Guide to Coming Out,” complete with resources on coming out at work, coming out politically and coming out to your health care provider.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, July 28, 2006.

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Celebrity Watch

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Heath has a joker up his sleeve



Heath Ledger

He set gay hearts a-throbbing the world over with his sensitive portrayal of a lovesick cowpoke in “Brokeback Mountain,” but Heath Ledger’s next role may have him wearing a familiar sick smile.

Well, if you consider a twisted rictus of evil a “smile,” that is.

The Australian hunk is being eyed to play homicidal clown The Joker in the upcoming sequel to last year’s smash hit “Batman Begins.” If Ledger takes the role, he’ll face off against Christian Bale, who will once again don a cape and pointy ears for director Christopher Nolan.

In the meantime, Ledger can be seen in the drug drama “Candy,” and will soon be playing Bob Dylan in queer director Todd Haynes’ eagerly awaited “I’m Not There.”

Look for the as-yet-untitled Bat-sequel to swoop into theaters in 2008.

Lance Bass comes out

Lance Bass, band member of “‘N Sync, says he’s gay and in a “very stable” relationship with a reality show star.

Bass, told People magazine that he didn’t earlier disclose his sexuality because he didn’t want to affect the group’s popularity.

“I knew that I was in this popular band and I had four other guys’ careers in my hand, and I knew that if I ever acted on it or even said (that I was gay), it would overpower everything.” he said.

Bass says he wondered if his coming out could prompt “the end of “‘N Sync.” He explains, “So I had that weight on me of like, “‘Wow, if I ever let anyone know, it’s bad.’ So I just never did.”

The singer says he’s in a “very stable” relationship with 32-year-old actor Reichen Lehmkuhl, winner of season four of CBS’ “Amazing Race.”

“The thing is, I’m not ashamed that’s the one thing I want to say,” Bass said. “I don’t think it’s wrong, I’m not devastated going through this. I’m more liberated and happy than I’ve been my whole life. I’m just happy.”

Michelle Pfeiffer shakes it for “‘Hairspray’

Time for the ongoing “Hair-spray” report, part 17: It takes a whole lot of woman to fill the shoes of Deborah Harry, but the makers of the upcoming film version of Broadway’s “Hairspray” have found her.

Michelle Pfeiffer has been chosen to play Velma Von Tussle, the racist TV-station owner and one-time “Miss Soft Crab” (played by Harry in the 1988 non-musical film) who resists a band of dancing kids and their efforts to segregate a teen dance show in 1950s Baltimore.

The project has gay cred for miles, from John Waters’ original movie, to the queer army behind the Broadway musical, to the new film’s director, Adam Shankman (“The Pacifier”) and executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (“Chicago”). And when Pfeiffer squares off against John Travolta’s Edna Turnblad, it will be a battle of the “Grease” and “Grease 2″ stars.

“‘Little Britain’s’ Lucas goes green

British gay comedian Matt Lucas who alongside David Williams is one half of the brilliantly funny duo of BBC America’s hit series “‘Little Britain’ has more on his plate these days than just bangers and mash.

For starters, Lucas will be seen playing Mr. Toad in an upcoming British TV version of the classic book “The Wind in the Willows,” joined by famed Brit character actors like Bob Hoskins and Imelda Staunton.

Lucas and Walliams have also just signed a major, exclusive deal with the BBC that will yield two more Christmas specials, a tour of the United Kingdom and a possible new sketch show that would incorporate some of “‘Britain’s’ outrageous characters such as Daffydd, who’s convinced he’s “the only gay in the village,” and unconvincing transvestite Emily Howard.

“‘Mr. Leather’ documentary finds a home

Ever wonder what really goes down at those annual leatherman pageants? Do the contestants cry backstage and use double-sided tape to secure their outfits?

These questions and more are answered in Jason Garrett’s documentary, “Mr. Leather.” And if you missed it during its engagements at gay film festivals nationwide, Here Films is bringing it to an art-house theater near you.

First-time director Garrett follows nine men through their participation in the 2003 Mr. Los Angeles Leather competition and gives us a peek into their daily work and love lives. The movie also talks to various sexperts, psychologists and doctors about the leather lifestyle and the fetish’s subculture. Look for the chaps-and-harnesses extravaganza sometime in 2007.

Hatch surviving prision

Richard Hatch has been sent to a federal prison in Oklahoma as he serves a sentence for failing to pay taxes on the $1 million he won on the debut season of “Survivor.”

A federal jury convicted Hatch in January of failing to pay taxes on the “Survivor” prize and other income. He was sentenced in May to 51 months in prison by a judge who said the reality TV star had lied repeatedly on the witness stand.

He had previously been held at the Plymouth County Correctional Faciity in Massachusetts.

Hatch became known on the CBS show as the “fat naked guy” for refusing to wear clothes.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, July 28, 2006.

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Rosie books Jessica on “‘View’

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O’Donnell announces first guest; singer said to hang in Big D this weekend



On Sept. 5, when Rosie O’Donnell joins the other cackling hens on “The View,” she’ll welcome North Texas-bred talent Jessica Simpson as her first guest, People magazine reports. Apparently, the lesbian talk-show host gave Simpson one of the biggest breaks back when O’Donnell was known as the Queen of Nice.

Jessica says she’ll never forget Rosie’s encouragement. Rosie apparently told Simpson backstage after her performance, “You’re going to be a star.”

Simpson also has a new album coming out, “A Public Affair,” which hits stores Aug. 29.

The prolific FrontBurner blog, run by D Magazine, reports that Simpson is heading back to Big D this weekend and staying at Hotel ZaZa, according to an unnamed source. If that’s indeed the case, then it looks like the reports that Simpson had purchased a residence at the W are false. Why stay at a hotel when you own a unit at one of the schmanciest digs in Dallas?

Hottie watch


He’s vain and self-absorbed, but boy can he pick colors. Miami boy David Bromstad, 32, the hunky gay contestant on “Design Star,” has been turning a lot of heads. On HGTV’s “Project Runway” retread, Bromstad is one to watch as he and nine other finalists vie for hosting their own show on the domestic re-do network. You won’t confuse Bromstad with any of the other contestants he’s the one who usually has his shirt off. But he seems to have the chops to back up all that camera mugging: Bromstad, a formally trained artist, is a graduate of the Ringling School of Art and Design.

“Design Star” airs Thursdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 5 p.m. on HGTV.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, July 28, 2006.

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Out on Video

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By Steve Warren Contributing Film Critic


Shakespeare, the dude who wrote “10 Things I Hate about You,” has, like, done it again. Only not as well. “She’s the Man” (Paramount Home Video, $29) is another of the Bard’s romantic comedies, updated and set in an American high school.

It’s hard to knock a plot that’s endured for 400 years, but it’s easy to ruin it with the wrong actors. Sometimes casting directors do a lame job, like when they find unrelated actors to play identical twins.

Amanda Bynes stars as Viola Hastings. Her brother Sebastian, whom she can impersonate because people confuse them with each other anyway, is played by James Kirk, who is several inches taller and whose head looks vaguely like hers on steroids.

Sebastian transfers to Illyria Prep while Viola remains at Cornwall High. Cornwall cuts the girls’ soccer team, and the coach won’t let Viola play for the boys’ team, whose first game is against Illyria in two weeks.

Wouldn’t you know Sebastian goes to London for two weeks. He asks Viola to cover for him, not suspecting she’s going to become him so she can play soccer for Illyria to prove her point. Never having been a boy before, Viola goes for lessons in masculinity to Paul, her hairdresser. It’s never established that Paul is gay, but he spends most of his time with two beautiful girls he never touches.

Viola-as-Sebastian meets her er, his roommate, Duke Orsino. Another word about casting. Duke, who’s supposed to be this gorgeous hunk who gives Viola a hard-on even though she doesn’t have a penis, is played by Channing Tatum. Okay, he’s got a nice body, but he looks like a less-handsome version of Brad Pitt, only without the charm. And almost as old. The guys at Illyria are the oldest high schoolers since “Grease.”

Duke is hot for Olivia (Laura Ramsey, the most promising cast member), who falls for Sebastian, even before she finds out how sensitive “he” is. Bynes, with her small stature and high voice, might be able to pass for a boy of 13, 14 max. But these Illyrians look old enough to be her er, his father.

The movie indulges in a lot of gender stereotypes, considering that its purpose is to dispel gender stereotypes. Despite a positive outcome, it’s less successful at proving girls can play soccer than the German film “Guys and Balls” is at showing gays can play soccer.

Steve Warren

Grade: C

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, July 28, 2006.

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The bunny returns

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By Casey Williams – Auto Reviewer

For a pocket rocket, VW’s new Rabbit is a whole lotta car for the money



HOP ON: With improved hardware, the cute name and low price, VW reclaims their stake in the affordable car market.

Volkswagen is bringing back the Rabbit. Actually, it is the replacement for the Golf, but the name takes us back to when Volkswagen had just replaced the Beetle with a front-drive hatchback that again revolutionized the small car world. Rabbit also reminds us of when the hopped up GTI scatted onto roadways and stormed by performance cars with a high-revving engine and agile performance. Sharing a platform with the latest Jetta and Audi A3, the latest evil bunny promises to take VW to better times. Two new performance versions of the same platform are serious autobahn runners that are as lovable as ever.

2006 VW GTI

Early advertisements for the first-generation GTI shot the little car catching air over a crest in the road and highlighted its achievement with the tagline “Fly GTI.” By today’s measure, the “performance version” of the ’83 Rabbit wouldn’t have flown out of its own way as it lumbered from 0-60mph in 9.7 seconds and ran out of carrots at 108 mph. It was propelled by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that dropped a whopping 90 horsepower. A 2006 Beetle will blow it into the underbrush.
If the original GTI is a pudgy pet bunny, then the 21st Century version is a thoroughbred jackrabbit – a jackrabbit that knows its way around the fashion scene. Smooth two-box styling is as timeless as a Brooks Brothers suit, but is aerodynamically efficient with its sloped rounded nose, raked windshield, flush lower ground affects, streamlined mirrors with integrated turn signals, and large rounded taill lamps. GTIs sport a little spoiler above the rear window, ride on 18″ alloy wheels, and break wind with a blacked out honeycomb grille. There is no denying the GTI is related to the fifth generation of the Golf/Rabbit species, but it gives visual clues that it is ready to throw down.
It is ready for the fight; no other car has the mechanical bliss found under the GTI’s suave skin. Volkswagen’s stellar 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 200 horsepower and loads of torque that feels always ready to shove the car forward with enthusiasm. Drivers can choose a six-speed manual transmission, but I prefer the DSG six-speed automatic. This new generation of VW automatic transmissions, which will migrate to other models in the coming years, uses twin clutches to seamlessly shift faster than even the best drivers. It can be paddle-controlled from the steering wheel, via a special gate on the center gear selector, or left alone to work its magic. Unlike many manumatic transmissions, the DSG actually responds! Fuel economy of 25/31-MPG city/hwy is hard to stamp feet about.
So is true of the GTI’s exquisite interior. Power leather-covered sport seats (plaid cloth is standard), glass-covered analog instruments, in-dash navigation, Sirius satellite radio, thick-pile carpeting, padded interior surfaces, alloy interior trim (includes pedals), telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, front and rear reading lamps, and 6-disc changer could just as easily come from the uber cruiser Phaeton sedan as the sport version of VW’s entry-level model. Real people can sit in the rear seats when the 60/40 split/fold bench isn’t configured for hauling bicycles or other large items. Everything passengers and drivers touch or see meets standards usually reserved for world’s best automobiles.
As a fully developed composition of German divinity, the GTI performs beautifully on the highway. Electro-mechanical power steering and a four-wheel independent suspension system gives the car an unflappable poise whether running near its 130-MPH top speed or hustling through corners on your favorite back road. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic stability control, and a locking differential insure a level of safety that keeps you on the straight and narrow. At every turn of the alloy wheels, the car’s inner soul shines through and constantly communicates with the driver.
A $29,405 sticker seems like a lot for a hopped up Rabbit until you drive it. The name and look are familiar, but this is an entirely different league of car than any of its predecessors. Grip the thick sport steering wheel, engage the DSG transmission, and enliven the turbo engine; you too will want to Fly GTI.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, July 28, 2006.

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Tongue tired

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By Jen Sincero – Sex Expert

Does your girlfriend never shut up? Or are you just a tactless partner?



Dear Jen,

I know I’m probably not the first one to complain about this, but my girlfriend wants to talk about our relationship way more than I do. We are both women, and I know women are famous for being loquacious, but I feel like I somehow escaped the stereotype while she got enough of the gabs for both of us.

I really love her, and feel communication is vital, but do we have to talk about it all the time, everyday? Is there anything I can do?

Talked Out

Dear Talked,

I’m so glad you wrote in, because this is a topic that’s made me want to bang my head against the wall in silent desperation. What is it with emotional windbags? Do they get a nickel and a cookie every time they talk about their feelings? Don’t they realize that you have to have experiences first in order to have something to talk about later? And why are they always so good in bed?

You are correct, women are famous for it. And believe me, they’ve earned their reputation. But as someone’s who’s dated several guys who could make the processiest of processors look like the tongueless wonder, I must report that the gab gene goes both ways.

I once had a boyfriend who was so out of control that I had to demand we only talk about our relationship on Fridays. All other times, any mention of the words “us,” “feel” or “needs” was met with a finger in the face and a sharp “up!” But from midnight on Thursday to midnight on Friday, one could find me yellow and deflated, clinging to the sides of buildings with exhaustion.

He eventually took up flower arranging and sneaking around in my clothes, which leads me to believe that, as we’ve suspected all along, it’s all estrogen’s fault.

Just as my deep hatred of musical theater could be blamed on testosterone, we all have varying levels of boy juice and girl juice in us. But I’d take a guy who loves to skip any day over some dude you need an ice pick and a hammer to get a decent conversation out of.

What can we do to get some sleep around here? Get her to go to therapy so she has someone else to spew to. Suggest she keep a journal. Tell her about Feelings Fridays. Make sure she’s taking her meds. Dump her for someone who isn’t so needy. That’s all I can think of.

Oh, and make sure you aren’t being a closed-off lughead: We choose everyone for a reason. Maybe you need to open up more than you realize.

Jen Sincero lives in the Silverlake area of Los Angeles. She’s a syndicated columnist and the author of “Don’t Sleep with Your Drummer” (MTV Books) and “The Straight Girls Guide to Sleeping with Chicks” (Fireside).
www.JenSincero.com.

E-mail: advice@jensincero.com

FINALLY, A WELL-WRITTEN BIBLE


Created by a porn ministry called the XXXchurch, “Jesus Loves Porn Stars” (535 pp., $8.99) has been making headlines since April, when the paperback edition of the New Testament was ready for the presses.

The “’70s-styled cover should lure the Urban Outfitters crowd. But the title and the campy purple-and-yellow illustration got the project temporarily shelved when the American Bible Society refused to print the neo-gospel and cancelled the pre-paid order.

What a shame. Because the text is surprisingly well-composed, written in contemporary English and seems biblically astute. In a quick examination of the anti-gay “clobber passages,” it seems the translations of “Jesus Love Porn Stars” gets to the point without bigotry or anger. Eventually, XXXchurch found another publisher, and copies became available last month.

That doesn’t mean the message is without a moral compass. While the title evokes an inclusive and compassionate vibe, there are some salient points about not thoughtlessly abusing the wonderful gifts sex or your body.

Daniel A. Kusner

Available at wwwXXXchurch.com

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, July 28, 2006.

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Patti cake

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By Lawrence Ferber – Contributing Writer

LaBelle fires away at stupid anti-gay “‘American Idol’ singers, Bush’s marriage amendment and phony ministers



SOUL DIVA IN BIG D: LaBelle performs at Nokia Theatre, 1001 Performance Place. Grand Prairie. July 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $39.50. 214-373-8000.

Patti LaBelle doesn’t mind repeating herself. And not just when it comes to recording an album’s worth of pop and rock tunes, like she did on last year’s “Classic Moments.” Over the years, the two-time Grammy winner behind hits like “Lady Marmalade” and “If You Asked Me To” has been happy to speak out for gay rights. And during a recent telephone interview, LaBelle is still hammering away.

With a new album of inspiration tunes, “The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle” featuring guest turns from CeCe Winans, Winona Judd and Kanye West the 62-year-old legend is as feisty as ever. And she’s hitting the road, playing the Nokia Theatre on Sunday night.

Currently filming a role as a cancer patient in a Lifetime movie, LaBelle took time out to discuss gay rights, the current state of black soul and visiting L’il Kim in the clink.

What made you decide to do the gospel thing?

I’ve been doing it for the last 15 years in my mind. It was something I needed to do that I always couldn’t for some reason or another. My music director, who died of cancer some months ago, we started it together. He helped me decide that it’s now or never. And all the proceeds are going to cancer research.

What will you perform during this round of concert engagements?

Whatever songs I think can stick in the one-and-a-half hours. I wish they allowed me three hours so I can do most of the songs that the fans want to hear.

Did you attend your friend Elton John’s wedding?

He invited me, but I couldn’t go. I heard it was beautiful. They said you have to come to the wedding, and I said I would. They sent me the invitation, but that day was taken so I couldn’t go. I know it was beautiful. Elton does nothing but beautiful things he’s the queen of good.

About a year ago, I interviewed you, and you brought up your alter-ego, Priscilla.

She’s still here.

You said that Priscilla was coming out to wreak revenge on someone who wronged you. So who wronged you?

Oh my goodness. I don’t really know what it could have been. I’m trying to remember but I don’t remember what it was.

When did Priscilla come into your life?

And how did you come up with the name? She’s been here since I was a child. She’s always had a place in my heart. I just needed something with a P like Patti or Patricia. So I just named her Priscilla.

How do you feel about the current state of black soul music?

There’s not much. There are some people who are trying, like Leela James and Christina Aguilera. But there are not many artists who are truly singing.

How about Keisha Coles and Beyonce?

I think Keisha’s real street and doesn’t hide it. She is who she is, and I like that. I think Beyonce’s very talented and beautiful, and she can do so many things. She’ll be around for a while.

And how do you feel this year’s “American Idol” contestant Mandisa, who could have been on a fast track to diva-hood but said that being gay is wrong.

Honey, gays are the ones who make you and stay with you. Girl, you better recognize! How stupid can these people be? How stupid can hearts be when people discriminate, period. It’s just an awful thing. And then to say something like that when the gays are going to make or break your ass? Excuse me?

Let’s talk about Lil’ Kim: Do you think she was good to momma in prison?

I don’t think she was good to momma I think momma was good to her. I guess she did her time well. I did go see her when she was in. It was kind of scary. I thought I would be really nervous, but I was fine once I saw her. We sat together and we laughed and we sang and we had fun.

Did she have any crazy prison stories to share?

No, she didn’t, but they did make her a cake when her album was released, with marshmallows and apples and jellybeans, whatever they had, and they cooked it in the microwave. She said she was learning how to cook with the microwave, so that’s good. I’m very happy that she’s out.

A LaBelle gospel album seems refreshing especially since conservatives are often wielding God as a weapon against gays and same-sex marriage.

It’s an inspirational album, and I don’t think God discriminates. I know he doesn’t. But there was a time in my church when a minister discriminated against me. Every Sunday he said I was singing for the devil, therefore I would not go to church as much after that and there are so many phonies who use the church as a shield to hide their anger and their deception and their phoniness and their perpetrating and their doing everything in the name of God. Those people are the kind I try not to be around.

Were you surprised to hear George W. Bush endorse a constitutional amendment to ban same sex marriage?

I’m not surprised at anything the man says. When he speaks, I sometimes can’t hear. He’s the president and he has the right to say what he wants to, but sometimes it’s not right.

What is the most important political issue on your mind today?

The world situation is so bad, I just wish there was more peace. I wish the Katrina tragedy was handled better. One of my friends who sang with me on the gospel album was a Katrina victim. There is not much justice in the world. I just wish there was more peace.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, July 28, 2006.

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