is gay a hobby?

"On vacation from gay" ~ n*q


Joking at a queer girls' networking dinner the other night, a few pals were faux bragging about how they were "professional lesbians", that is, lesbians who are paid for their expertise in the field of all things queer in the city. These are women whose main source of income and professional effort is to serve the lezBi and queer communities. It got me thinking about what this implies for the rest of us amateurs: is gay a full time job or just a hobby?


Think of all the effort people put into being gay, and I'm not referring to the sweat people put into fucking. I'm talking about the cultural effort of being queer. Unless you were born into it, being a cultural queer requires learning, practice and the effort of any transformation. Let's face it adopting awareness, unlearning patriarchy, resisting the establishment, finding ways to cut out of the path and truly self-determine, contributing to productive positivity... takes commitment and focus and... work.


Measuring up to the real/implied/imagined standards of gay can feel like a job, but I think the most successful queers aren't working at it. I've heard: "Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life." In that way, perhaps writing our own job descriptions is the best way to live queerly and truly freely. Then make fucking your hobby! Thank you for reading, n*q

trespass this

"Don't miss this" ~ n*q


[Lynee Breedlove. Photo used with permission.]

from hardcore to posicore: reworking our personal and political communities through art

A DIY punk rock investigation of writing and film performance, focusing on the use of fiction and metaphor to tell personal stories. Lynnee Breedlove and Silas Howard will examine the relationships between voice, style, and language along with issues of memory, identity, and desire. In particular, the workshop will explore the representation of outsider stories, new voices, and transgressive narratives in stories and film.

when: September 21, 2009
time: 6:30pm -9:00pm
where: Frank Dawson Adams Auditorium, McGill Univerisity (3450 University Street)
info: 514-398-7432 or qpirg (at) ssmu.mcgill.ca


[I couldn't resist using the dog photo. Lynee Breedlove and pooches. Photo used with permission.]

“In the nineties our community in San Francisco was a hotbed of experimentation and discourse on identity. After awhile we stopped talking and started playing music, performing and writing stories. Boys were girls, girls were boys, butch women who passed and shy guys with big hips, Camille Paglia and Richard Simmons and whatever. We lived in a subculture so thoroughly absorbed in rebuilt truths and experiences that we forgot we were freaks.”-Breedlove and Howard.

More info on this event, here.

Read the nouveau*queer report on Lynnee Breedlove's last visit to Montreal here.

flash mob

"Don't move the way fear makes you move. Move the way love makes you move. Move the way joy makes you move." ~ Osho, quote compliments of Peace in Presence



A world wide climate change event at Parc Lafontaine, on Monday, September 21 at 12:18pm. For more info click here.

[Image thanks to Wikipedia Commons.]

choir auditions

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.” ~ Anonymous



open call: choir auditions
Maha is Montreal's favourite indie women's choir community. Last year they performed two amazing headline concerts, and sang at the Edgy Women Festival, Nuit Blanche, the Meow Mix, an Indyish Mess and participated in art shows around town. Very cool.

Maha Choir is holding auditions this Tuesday, September 8th from 7pm. Auditions are open to dynamic women-identified people with music-reading abilities. Check out choir director Kathy Kennedy's website for contact info at kathykennedy.ca or email her at kathykennedy@sympatico[DOT]ca

we're coming blues

"Butch woman run your hand up my seam." ~ Stone Melting Swing by We're Coming


Nora R, Justin G and Katerina B get red hot at Cabaret Faux Pas, March 2009. Photo used with permission of the artists.

We're Coming is the lesbian blues band in Montreal. The group has been bring charmingly funny, real and sexy lyrics over slow-rocking guitar and bluesy bass lines to the most smokin' queer events and venues since 2008. Nora R (vocals) and Justin G (guitar) hooked up with nouveau*queer in an interview to fill us in on the Montreal-based bands happenings. Are you coming? They hope so! ;)


Montreal-based lesbian blues band We're Coming, performs at Il Motore, April 9th, 2009. Photo used with permission of the artists.

nouveau*queer interviews we're coming
august 2009, montreal

n*q: We’re Coming formed in the Summer of 2008. What brought you together?
nora: Justin and I started jamming, and strap-on blues was born. Silliness and drinks abounded, and the rest was history.
justin: I think originally Nora and I were looking for an artistic outlet that would allow us to create an open dialog about queer and polyamourous realities and issues. The blues was the middle ground we met on.

How has your band evolved since then?
nora: We have a much clearer direction to our music. I feel like we know how to play to our strengths, and we are getting more and more into the character and shtick of it.
justin: I think we've gotten into the act of it all, we love making jokes and puns, we've taken on new perspectives while laughing our way through our song writing process, we've had some changed and additions to members which always shift the direction and feel of the music.

Your song Stone Melting Swing is charming, relatable and sexy. How do you go about writing your songs?
nora: It differs, sometimes I will come up with an idea, and Justin will come up with a riff. Or Justin and Kat will jam on something and play it for me, and I’ll put vocals to it. Or Justin and I will come up with something…it is a really collaborative process. We each write our own section (vocals, bass,etc) but we play off each other and shift our ideas around when the other members have ideas.
justin: I think our methods have really shifted since Nora and I started changing words to Cash songs, Stone Melting Swing was a song I had been tweaking for a long time, but it was Nora and Kat who really took a role in the arrangement of the song. For some songs its just a matter of banging it out a couple of times until someone hears something that we stick on and it takes us in a certain direction.


Katerina Borovikov: Bass, Polyamorous Perversity for We're Coming. Photo used with permission.

You describe your style as blues, jazz, and a touch of "cuntry". (Love the pun-BTW!) What appeals to you about these genres?
nora: I always grew up listening to the blues, and also a lot of female jazz singers. Bessie Smith, Big Mamma Thorton, Ruth Brown, and Ella Fitzgerald are some of my favorites. My dad lived in Memphis for a while when he was in his 20s, and I grew up listening to a lot of that music.

There is a strong tradition of out-spoken lesbian blues singers, Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith and Gladys Bentley come to mind. Where do feel you fit into that history?
nora: Hmmm…well I feel flattered to be put in the same category! I would say We’re Coming defiantly has a political slant to out lyrics. Maybe We’re Coming is the ‘new queer blues’? Hee hee! I think we are just taking our modern queer activisty sensibilities and plugging ourselves into a tradition and a music that goes back in time.

What are your musical influences, today?
nora: My musical influences are verrrry broad. In terms of female vocalists who inspire me though, I’d have to say Patti Smith, Ella Fitzgerald, Big Mamma Thorton, PJ Harvey, and Exene Cervenka all top my list.

What--besides music--are the things that have influenced and shaped you as musical artists?
nora:The radical queer community in Montreal is a huge influence on us as a band. I think that drag and camp are a big part of what has influenced the humor and the stage presence of our live shows.


We're Coming, photographed at Bistro InVivo, Montreal. May 2009. Photo used with permission.

What have you been up to over the past year?
nora: We’ve just been trying to play shows as much as we can! We also recorded three of our songs, so we have a little demo now!
justin: We've really been just getting the momentum going, we've had some members move away and some had their hearts smashed and couldn't go on playing the blues, we recorded our demo for myspace and we're still writing songs for what will become our first album and trying to get the word out about what We're Coming is all about.

What are your ambitions for your band?
nora:Ideally, we could spend a summer touring queer pride and festivals, play with some of our idols, and have fun and lots of musical orgasms along the way.


Justin Gallant: Guitar, Vocals, Mohawked Maudlin for We're Coming. Photo used with permission.

What do you feel is the most important element of We're Coming?
nora: A sense of humor combined with a desire to create interesting music that has depth and fun all rolled together.
justin: The openness to new opinions and ideas about our bodies, out identities and that we are all just sexual people when it comes down to it.

nouveau*queer heard you perform at the Against the Wall party in Spring 2009. I loved the way you connected to the audience with passion and humour. What do you want your audience to get out of listening to We're Coming?
nora: I hope they leave a We’re Coming show with warm fuzzies. I hope it helps people loosen up and smile, lets people talk and sex and joke about it. I hope people sway a little closer with a special someone or two. I hope that people tap their toes and have multiple orgasms.
justin: I want some listeners to be turned on, some to be outraged that anyone would sing of such things! Mostly i want people to laugh and maybe come away with a new perspective about how people experience sex differently, and thats ok.


Lead singer Nora R brings with blues. Photographed at Il Motore, April 9th, 2009. Photo used with permission of the artists.

Anything else you’d like nouveau*queer readers to know about We’re Coming Blues?
nora:Sexual innuendo and bad puns are so much a part of our music, we should have them listed as honorary band members or influences.

Any up-coming performance dates you would like to promote? Where can we hear you next!
nora:We have yet to hear back from Pop Montreal, but people should at least keep their eyes peeled for us on the schedule. We will be playing at the Playhouse on September 19th. Hooray!

I'll be sure to check out your next performance! Thanks so much for talking with nouveau*queer!
nora: It was a pleasure! justin: Thank you, n*q!


We're Coming, photographed at Cabaret Faux Pas, Montreal. March 2009. Photo used with permission.

"influences: sex, lube & rock 'n roll" ~ We're Coming Blues
from the we're coming myspace page: "We’re Coming is a Montreal based growing trio, who gets down and dirrrty with blues, jazz, and a touch of cuntry. We play lesbian blues about stolen strap-ons, broken hearts, and g-spot grrrls. Nora R will sing her way into your heart, and your pants. Justin G gives blues a new spin with his guitar pickin’ ways and heartfelt vocals. Katerina B bangs her bass with sultry style."

shazam festival

"Shazam! A word which transforms him, in a flash, into the mightiest of mortal beings, Captain Marvel!" ~ Shazam comic book


ShazamFest 2009 was attended by nouveau*queer and friends. All photos are by Nicole and are used with permission.

This summer n*q attended Shazam IV, a three-day carnival in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. This easy-going festival with a do-it-yourself vibe, just hours outside of Montreal, was so fun! Running July 24-26, 2009, Shazam was sponsored by CKUT Radio Station, other radio stations, Belle Guelle beer, and a variety of local businesses.


The main stage hosted incredibly diverse musical acts, at ShazamFest 2009.

Walking down the tree-lined path from the camping area you find yourself descending into a hidden clearing. The site is an integral part of the whole experience.


The weather report was so wrong... it turned out to be a gorgeous sunny day.

A lush hidden valley surrounded by woods and a brook with natural springs. The festival site is like a tiny village. Upon arrival we were greeted by the organizer... a charming man whose family owns the sizeable property that hosts the festival.


Organic, local vegetarian and vegan delights. Super yum.

ShazamFest was well-organized but not overly so. The super-chill DIY vibe resonated everywhere from repurposed bus seats grazing up a muddy hill to the forest spotted with tiny tents.


Oh! My teenage weakness for skateboarders! I watched the many many skateboarders using ramps (the photo, above, doesn't do the crowds justice). Then folks headed over to the tightrope for a friendly highwire competition (below).



ShazamFest consisted of a central Main Stage, a rustic saloon including a small karaoke stage, a skateboard ramp complex, Bird's Bistro (a vegetarian and vegan organic kitchen), The Oink and Moo (an organic meat-eaters kitchen), a merch barn (they sold silk screened lightening bolt undies, t-shirts and stuff), a circus-arts area, a petty zoo, an awe-inspiring on-site metalsmith, a bonfire, a river, a campground and more.


Awwee... everybody loves a petting zoo.



ShazamFest offered circus arts like juggling, pogo boucing, learning to unicycle and more. Extreme skateboarding, wrestling and tight-rope walking were really rad too and engaged all-ages. There were so many kids, young people and adults of all ages roaming around... it was great to see everybody having fun and trying stuff out.


Above: my friend N gets goosy on the unicycle. Below: These super-strong acrobatic juggling clowns were cute.



ShazamFest hosted an incredible variety of musical talents. The day we attended we heard jazz, smooth jazz, gypsy, folk, blues, country, poetry, rock, gangsta hiphop, reggae... and that was only on Saturday! Stage acts included burlesque dancers (The Dead Doll Dancers performed on Friday night), circus-based performances, clowns and, after dark, beautiful fire dancers.


Above: a fat ballerina photo-op. Below: kids try the unicycles. There were alot of kids around and tons of stuff to do that I'm sure they actually liked... including freedom to simply run around and have fun.




Above: After dark, three enchanting fire dancers lit up the audience's imagination. Below: My friend R broke a pogo. That sucked. But at the time it was pretty hilarious.





ShazamFest's vision of biodiversity dictated that the event ran in a sustainable manner. They use locally available food and resources, in a cooperative effort to generate little waste and keep the site and its surroundings unspoiled for future gatherings. They really followed through on this vision beautifully... complete with a "everybody wants a revolution but nobody wants to do the dishes" wash-up station. Loved it!


Above: my friend R played with his new friend before letting him slither back into the woods.

They believe that "an event like Shazamfest will benefit the area by promoting local foods and businesses as well as homegrown talent and new performing artists." The food was tasty and inexpensive... and reusing your plastic cup meant a discount on beer! Hoorah!


The river pooled in places deep enough to sit in. It was chilly but so refreshing. Then we all tried to skip stones. My friend's son was a natural. Me: not so much!

Friends and I enjoyed skipping stones in the cool rushing river. After nightfall, the campers--mostly old hippies and young skateboard enthusiasts--sparked a bonfire and gathered close around the mainstage. The experienced groovester MellowG and his band rocked the sizeable crowd to a reggae beat. The stars shone down on the hidden meadow... it was a perfect night!


N and A share a moment on the Shazam meadow.

I had a fantastic time at Shazam Fest and would definately attend--and bring more queers!!--next year. It was totally worth the $30 price of admission... the eco-conscious efforts were very appreciated as were the smooth and easy vibes. Shazam! :) n*q

prolonged adolescence

“Grow up? Funny.” ~ written by my friend M inside my birthday card


[Face collages by LC and n*q. Photographed at The 344 by nouveau*queer.]

am I a grown up? I’ve heard about the concept of prolonged adolescence within the queer community, and can't stop wondering if this phenomenon is happening to me... or, is PA a homophobic condemnation of the mysterious "gay lifestyle”. I look at my life: missing work to go to sound checks, making music with pots and pans instead of doing the dishes, running around in tutus and moustaches, popcorn-for-supper, renting not buying, drinking too much and sleeping too little, neglecting to floss, and continuously ruining my budget at parties! I don't know if I should cringe... or shrug? I wonder, as cultural queers, do we never grow up or do we simply have different markers of what being a grown up means?



Recently, my friendly-acquaintance DS talked to me about the concept of self-determination. Determining for your own self who you are, how you want to live and actively living according to your ideas an values; defining yourself, freeing your self from outer definitions and limitations. This is definately something I aspire to.



determination as defined by dictionary.com:
1. the act of coming to a decision or of fixing or settling a purpose.
2. ascertainment, as after observation or investigation: determination of a ship's latitude.
3. the information ascertained; solution.
4. the settlement of a dispute, question, etc., as by authoritative decision.
5. the decision or settlement arrived at or pronounced.
6. the quality of being resolute; firmness of purpose.
7. a fixed purpose or intention: It is my determination to suppress vice.
8. the fixing or settling of amount, limit, character
9. fixed direction or tendency toward some object or end.



An important portion of my youth was influenced by strong queers and kinksters. These older family members and family friends were involved, with great personal consequences, in standing up for queer rights. Their discussions, debates and activisms definately shaped the person I am today.



At the time they were young and loud and queer... shaping my perspectives and feeding my teenage brain with nutritious morsels on everything from ethical sex and love to responsability and choice. When I think about them now, all-grown-up, I see a pattern in their lives: self-determination with a high value on community service, living honestly, and having fun!



Self-determination would lead us away from a prescribed path of maturity, toward one we as individuals (or like-minded groups of individuals) define on our own terms, with our own markers. Perhaps the definition of my queer maturity is a life truly lived and shared, within which responsability and informed choice are exercised toward my self in the present and future, my chosen & bio families, my community and my world.



I'll probably never have a ton of stressful responsibilities--I don't want them--and it wouldn't make me an adult to have them. For now, I'll continue pulling myself kicking-and-screaming into my own definition of adulthood. I'm sure there's a balance to be found amidst midnight cabarets and afternoon RRSPs, sock cocks and trouser socks, soymilk and gin-and-tonics. And so what? After the party, I’ll nurse a hangover and feel smug about having the best of both worlds, and enjoy my adultescence while eating chocolate cake for breakfast. :) n*q

nairne holtz: this one's going to last forever

“In the end one loves one’s desire and not what is desired.” ~ Freidrich Neitzsche, Beyond Good and Evil


[Nairne Holtz holds "This One's Going to Last Forever", May 2009. Photographed by nouveau*queer.]

Nairne Holtz’s book launch of This One’s Going to Last Forever was hosted in the Pink Room of the Thomson House of McGill University, on Monday, May 25, 2009. nouveau*queer was pleased to attend this gathering of Montreal literature devotees and authors.



At the book reading and launch, This One’s Going to Last Forever was introduced by Nairne as reflecting both “the naïve optimism of those who have yet to learn about love and the cynicism of those who feel that by now they should know better”. Intrigued—and hopeful for some insight into the world of lesBian love, and who isn’t?!—I picked up Holtz’s book, a novella and a collection of short stories, set around McGill University and Montreal in the early 1990s.


Smart, charming, sexy and laugh-out-loud funny, This One’s Going to Last Forever was, above all, totally relatable. Nairne constructs characters that are trying to figure it all out: experimenting, screwing up and attempting to answer questions of sexuality, love and relationships for the first time or the worst time! The fleetingness and friskiness of first loves and fuck ups.


[Perfect in Pink. Nairne Holtz book reading site at sunset, in the Pink Room of the Thompson House of McGill University. Photograph by nouveau*queer.]

I adored the novella in Nairne’s book entitled “Are You Committed?”, which takes us through the coming out journey of Clara, a smart and self-reflective journalist for the university newspaper. Clara is challenged--by her politically-minded roommates, her colleagues at newspaper and the people at the women’s union --to commit to her politics, her choices and herself.



Being privy to Clara’s innermost thoughts and conflicts calls to mind similar turning points, confusions and choices of my own. I totally related to Clara, and in fact, if she wasn’t a character in a book would love to meet her and share our I-can't-believe-I-did-that/said-that/witnessed-that moments!



Nairne Holtz has a dry wit and such a cool, intelligent style. This One’s Going to Last Forever reads with wisdom, naiveté and humour all at once, like the diary of a young lesbian somehow retold as the stories we all share. I adored this book... and truly wish it had "lasted forever". I highly recommend This One’s Going to Last Forever as a must-read. I can’t wait for more from this author. Bravo Nairne Holtz!

other authors at the book launch...
From the book she co-edited entitled Tesseracts Twelve, Grace Seebald read from "Intersections", which included a character Nadia who has the ability to make people who are perfect for each other, meet.


[Grace Seebald (above) at a reading of Tesseracts Twelve; and Author G (below) photographed by nouveau*queer, May 2009.]



Also reading was G (pictured above), reading her steamy short story entitled Does She Have It?, an tale of a strap-on good time! Read more sizzlers from this author online at Auditioning Local Talent.



nairne holtz, reading this saturday: Don’t miss Nairne Holtz reading from her book This One’s Going to Last Forever, as part of Meow Mix on Sunday, August 2 at the Sala Rossa (4848 St-Laurent). Doors 9:30pm, show 10:30pm. $10.

nairne in toronto: See Nairne Holtz at The Word on the Street, a National Book and Magazine Festival in Toronto, on September 27, 2009, at Queen's Park from 11am to 6pm. Please check listings here.

Many thanks to Nairne and Christopher for inviting nouveau*queer to this special event. It was a true pleasure to attend! :) n*q

get your queer on

"He wears a banana hammock so that might have something to do with it." ~ Kelly of Kelly and the Kellygirls



as reported by ask the geek productions:
Cabaret Mado was pretty steamy on July 15th, 2009. Too many bodies, not enough seats, and a whole lot of sexiness made the temperature rise considerably. Anyone with access to the dressing rooms felt the heat even more. With all the pre-show anticipation, and a dozen performers (plus entourage) crammed in to prepare for their respective acts, the backstage area was a mini sweatshop.

video of kelly and the kellygirls at get your queer on:



Get Your Queer On, now in its second year, is a bi-annual event which celebrates both Pride and the holiday season (aka Christmakkuh) a little ahead of time. The pre-Pride 2009 evening's festivities included Montreal's favorite indie-rock lezzies, Mad June, Kelly and the Kellygirls (Toronto), antics from Duchess Jack (of the Dukes of Drag), the girls from JoyToyz and special guest "Malinko" (Heather), spokesgirl for lesbian dating site Pinksofa.com.


[Kelly and the Kellygirls rock hard at Get Your Queer On, Cabaret Mado. Photo by Ask The Geek Productions, 2009, used with permission.

Offstage there were info booths of various LGBTA organizations, an erotic art slideshow, the debut of adorable drag queen Chiquita Banana, and last but definitely not least, queer baked goods provided by Bakesale Girl. Her dayglo cupcakes were quite a crowd-pleaser. Sweet!


[Chiquita Banana (left) gets hugged at Get Your Queer On, Cabaret Mado. Photo by Ask The Geek Productions, 2009, used with permission.

The venue was filled with shoulder-shaking, hip-swaying and foot-tapping, both onstage and off. As "Matador Kelly" joined his bandmates on stage, wearing a cape, hoots and applause were heard among the crowd. The Kellygirls were celebrating the release of their new latin-flavored CD "Modernism". One look towards the stage revealed sequins, brass, and lots of RED.

At once campy and suave, The Kellygirls swayed through a setlist peppered with the Italian "Tarantino", and naughty ditties such as "Noise" ("This is a song about...fucking" announced Kelly). The ambiance was undeniably... HOT. Fitting they chose to cover Billy Idol's "Hot in the City". The encore was cover-laden in fact, with tunes from days gone by. "Bloodletting" by Concrete Blonde was a stand-out. Unfortunately, the majority of the audience was probably too young to even know this 80's/90's band, whose major hit was "Joey" in 1990.



Between-song banter led to Kelly mentioning the strange need to keep adjusting his sequined hot-pants. That's what happens when you strut your stuff. It's a tough job being sexy. When asked where all the onstage sexiness comes from, the glittery ring-leader responded: "Whose? [Drummer] Zack's? He wears a banana hammock so that might have something to do with it. if you're in reference to me then I'm not sure. I honestly don't ever 'try' to be sexy, though my detractors may disagree. I strive to be entertaining and move in what I consider a natural form and if that translates as sexy so be it"

So be it indeed! The mix of eclectic musicians is also partly responsible for the sexiness. Where does Kelly find his musicians? "Strip clubs, golf courses, construction sites... the usual...". Though it must be hard keeping a strong touring band together with so many members (7 right now), the singer insists that "[they] all work very hard at bringing the A-game at all times. Large numbers in a band can be a challenge but i love it. I'd have twice as many if i could afford to."



And why not! Diversity is sexy! The ensemble is a lovely mix of different genders, races and orientations. The band does the Pride circuit often, but is there any interest in hitting mainstream (ie: hetero) audiences with their swanky, dancy act? Kelly states that he loves both queer and straight crowds; "Queer events we tend to get a more enthusiastic response as I think they see and hear the diversity but I love doing bar gigs because the look of disbelief on peoples faces is amazing... as is the huge smile that spreads across their face as they start to dance."

And dance Montreal did! Apparently Montreal is a favorite in the band's list of cities/venues to perform in. "The love is incomparable", says Kelly, a few days after the successful show.

We love you, Kellygirls! Come back soon! By Ask The Geek Productions.

Hey! Thanks, Ask The Geek, for this phenomenal report on Get Your Queer On! You're hired!! :) n*q

11th annual idke

"[Tuscon is] one of the first cities to include gender identity in its anti-discrimination laws." ~ IDKE



no borders, the 11th Annual
IDKE: International Drag King Community Extravaganza
when: October 21-25, 2009
where: Tucson, Arizona, USA

IDKE (International Drag King Community Extravaganza) is a travelling drag king community event that celebrates the mutability and performance of gender. Tuscon-based drag troupe Boys R Us are hosting the 11th Annual IDKE entitled "No Borders", four days of workshops, performances, and an art and film festival. This year's keynote speaker is Kate Bornstein author of Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women and the Rest of Us.

call for art and film contributors: click here for links and details.

Many thanks to Sway, the IDKE XI Art and Film Festival Coordinator, for contacting nouveau*queer with this invitation! Wish I could go! n*q

nate daniel's band

"There was a time we used to sit in the fields and dream about the city." ~ All These Colours by Nate Daniels



from the Nate Daniels Band press release:
Nate Daniels Band is a simple yet evocative new Canadian act. Nate Daniels’ signature vocal trademark that switches between soft, vulnerable falsettos and a guttural high octave belt, with equally skilled fingers on guitar, will take Montreal audiences on a musical roller coaster that is his life. Sharing the stage with Nate Daniels Band are Toronto/Halifax headliners The Matavara’s.

nate daniels band
when: Friday, July 17
where: Petit Campus, 53 Prince-Arthur East, Montreal
showtime: 10 p.m.
tickets: $5

Nate Daniels and his band is inclusive of all audiences and wanted to show that they support the LGBT community. So nouveau*queer readers were sent this press release. I really like his calm rock style. Best of luck in your show :) n*q

get your queer on

"U know Ur gonna have a good time cause U got the news, that the life o' the party is gonna party with U" ~ Prince



get your queer on
In collaboration with Ask The Geek Promotions, Pinksofa and the Marché Clandestin-Mangaya, the legendary Cabaret Mado will be holding an evening full of fun musical fun! This will be a mish-mash of music and arts, with something for everyone! Hosted by Duchess Jack of the Dukes of Drag!

get your queer on
when: Wednesday, July 15, 2009
where: Cabaret Mado, 1115 Ste-Catherine Est, corner Amherst.
doors: Doors open at 8pm, show begins around 9!
tickets: 10$ at the door, or in advance.
dj: Event followed by open-mic hosted by Catherine Vidal, with DJ Lady McCoy.

More details & a promo video, click here. Thanks so much to dee at ask the geek promotions for forwarding this along! :) n*q

the ms. pacman affair

"Computer games don't affect kids, I mean if Pac Man affected us as kids, we'd all be running around in darkened rooms, munching pills and listening to repetitive music." ~ Gareth Owen



my first crush: ms pacman I poured quarters into the Ms. Pacman video game when I was young. Enjoy this contribution from nouveau*queer reader AM entitled "The Ms. Pacman Affair". Nibble nibble nibble...


nibble nibble nibble: The Ms Pacman Affair by AM. All images used with permission.




it was a quarter to true love: The Ms Pacman Affair.


secret passages: The Ms Pacman Affair.






chasing ghosts ghosts ghosts: The Ms Pacman Affair



Many thanks to AM for sharing :) n*q

panty spree

"It's hard to be taken seriously as a woman because there are a lot of things out there that have shunned women's wrestling; it's turned into catfights and bra and panty matches." ~ Shantelle Taylor



PINK28 is hosting a panty shopping night on Saturday, July 18th. Visit their sassy asses at pink28montreal.com or read more here.

dykes and their hair

"Hair is one realm that dykes have reclaimed as their own." ~ Dykes and their Hair author


[above: "Dykes and their Hair" zine by Teresa. Photo by nouveau*queer.]

I picked up The First Annual Dykes and their Hair Art Opening zine authored by "One East-Asian dyke with hair Style Fig. 6" (aka Teresa) at the Ste-Emilie Skillshare.

I love zines. Love them! Low-fi self-published open personal political real raw. You know, it's how we like it.



dykes and their hair
I spent some time considering the author's note:
"The following 'exhibit' showcases normalized dyke hair styles that sometimes act as very public hints into reading someone's sexuality. [...] Hair is one realm that dykes have reclaimed as their own. This is, only certain hair styles have had the privilege of making it into the dyke category."


[above and throughout: my friend AM says goodbye to her mane. Photos by nouveau*queer.]

"Because these particular hair styles have been normalized [...] the dykes and the queers who cannot and/or choose not to wear the styles become invisible even within their own communities."



Hair is an incredible signifier. I remember the need to cut my hair: to become visible. The need was so urgent and real, that I immediately got myself the most lesbian haircut I could find.



"...most 'recognizable' dyke hair styles only cater towards those with hair that is straight, straight-ish, able-to-be-straightened or wavy, leaving those with tight curls or any sort of curls, for that matter, out of the hip, urban dyke circle. Apparently black dykes... can't be 'dykes'."
from: Dykes and Their Hair, by Teresa.



I read recently that style is the new class. Style can be the most powerful of modern passports. Unfortunately "style-ism" (or appearance based discrimination) determines who is included, who is visible, who is welcome. Opinions are formed based on a person's ability to adhere to aesthetic codes determined by a group. How can we counter this in the queer community?

Dykes and Their Hair, thank you for the thoughtful zine. ~n*q

andre j in vogue

"Perched high above cliches" ~ Andre J as described by Vogue Paris


I'm always delighted when this happens. There I am, minding my own business--oddly, my business requires I read volumes of fashion magazines, if you can believe it--when I turn the page to the most divinely glamorous gender player ever. Oh sweet angel of heavenly long lashes!


translated from Vogue Paris: "Girl with a beard or boy in stilettos, Andre J. is a creature on a high perch, balancing above cliches. Waterproof from critics, his glamour speaks as much of his flamboyance as it does his generosity. His mission: to shine."


Yes, okay. I'm a sucker for glamorous gender fuck! Sigh. I can't help it! The Vogue articles continues with some insanely fabulous photo-journalism of the fierce Andre J grocery shopping--with glitter and satin and feathers everywhere!--and appreciating his reflection in the mirror. Fluff? Fine. It made my day! ~ n*q

n*q hearts cleopatra

Save the thrust stage! ~ Velma Candyass of the Dead Doll Dancers


[Cleopatra at night, as it is, with Hydro in the distance. Photo by Forget the Box.net]

Popular amongst dedicated, hard-working and boundary pushing alternative artists, Cabaret Cleopatra is a venue and indeed an historic institution worth saving! Read the article below and show your support! ~ n*q

from ForgetTheBox.net
"Underground culture and underground arts in particular, it turns out, are still alive and well in this part of town. Since 2004, burlesque, fetish and drag shows have been taking place in Cabaret Cleo, the showbar upstairs from the Café Cleopatra strip club. This is one of the buildings that will be gutted if Angus Development Corporation gets its way. [...] This plan would preserve only the façade of some of the buildings, gut their insides and fill them with new tenants such as boutiques and high-end restos on the lower levels and offices for Hydro-Quebec workers above them. Read more, click here.


[Above from left: Velma Candyass and Felicity Fuckhard organizing to save Cabaret Cleopatra, at a meeting with the Office de Consultation Publique de Montréal (OCPM), on Tuesday, June 9, 2009. Photo by Forget the Box.net]

Many many thanks to Velma Candyass for your massive organizing efforts to Cabaret Cleopatra! And ForgetTheBox.net -- thanks for the infomative reportage!! ~ n*q

hey memphis!

"When you kiss me does the lipstick on your lip stick on my face?" ~ Lipstick by the Buzzcocks



from the press release:

Hey Memphis! at Woof Bistro Bar, Fridays
Hey Memphis! is a weekly hang-out to have a drink and listen to music selected by a rotation of guest DJs and ‘playlisters’. Though respecting a ‘rock’ theme Hey Memphis! proposes a variety of musical styles ranging from the 1950’s to the present and encourages amateur DJs to show off their own collections. 

With its laid back atmosphere, friendly staff and affordable drink selections--and lovely outdoor terrace--the Woof Bistro Bar welcomes all members of the community.


[Photos: Bernardo Fernandez (www.bernardofernandez.com)]


what: Hey Memphis!
when: Fridays from 10:00 p.m.
where: Woof Bistro Bar, 1661 Ste-Catherine E (between Berri and Papineau)
cover: Pay-what-you-can, no one will ever be turned away.
more info: check out Hey Memphis! on facebook


[Photos above and below: Bernardo Fernandez (www.bernardofernandez.com)]



For those of you looking for a place to hangout in the Village… nouveau*queer reader J sent this along. ~ n*q

glad to be gay

"The buggers are legal now, what more are they after?" ~ Glad To Be Gay by Tom Robinson


[Tom Robinson live with TRB, 1978. Photo: London Features International. Used with permission.]

Songs are wonderful for transmitting information, history and perspectives. All art really. I hope you are inspired to create something that future generations can reflect on and be inspired by, concerning this 2009 moment.

I'm thankful to people like Tom Robinson, whose work in social justice have provided me the easy option to sing along to this beautiful song "Glad To Be Gay". ~ nouveau*queer



Listen to Glad To Be Gay by Tom Robinson, on YouTube, click here.

alexis o'hara: squeeeque!

"...a living dynamic sound sculpture she embodies wordless stories..." ~ an arts centre writes about Alexis O'Hara


[Alexis inside Squeeeque! Photo: Camil Scorteanu, Conception Lévy.]

alexis o'hara reinvents surround sound with her audio installation project entitled "Squeeeque!: The Improbable Igloo". The lastest creation by Montreal electro-acoustic artist Alexis O'Hara was part of the Elektra Festival, this May 8th and 9th, 2009 at the SKOL: Centre des arts actuels. What a great success! 



The structure included a beautiful array of donated speakers were fashioned into a hemisphere of sound, with the help of builder-pal Steve Topping.



Participants could enter the igloo and interact via hanging microphones in the interior. A mass of curious festival attendees and O'Hara fans attended the opening.

"Sadly it was only scheduled to be exhibited for a few days. I would love to mount it again soon... look for it next year!" Alexis exclaimed. Indeed, Squeeeque! was a fantastic project that needs to be experienced.



The improbable realized! What a fascinating project so wonderfully executed! Bravo to Alexis O'Hara and her team! :) n*q