MAR CH 2021 | TH E F I GH T 1
“As the new general manager of NEW CENTURY HONDA GLENDALE, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to my brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ community. If you’re in the market for a new car but dread the hassle of the typical macho “hard sell” sales approach—please consider us. We will help you find the car of your dreams within your budget.” —Lennie Roman, GM, New Century Honda Glendale
LENNIE ROMAN GENERAL MANAGER
RICHEE MANUBAY INTERNET MANAGER)
VICTORIA COLEMAN INTERNET MANAGER
Call: (818) 244-8674 NEW CENTURY HONDA GLENDALE 1235 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204 www.newcenturyhonda.com 2 T H E F I GH T | www.thefightmag.com
TONY LOPEZ GENERAL SALES MANAGER
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THECONTENTS
ON TH E COVER & ON T HI S PAGE CRAIG RAMSAY COVER PHOTO, CONTENTS PHOTO & FEATURE PHOTO
BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM COVER SWIM SHORTS
LOCKWOOD 51
DE PARTM E N TS
F EATU R ES
12 14 16 20
THE BONDS OF BROTHERHOOD
THE LOS ANGELES LEATHER COALITION
LOVE WITHOUT FEAR
THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION ON LGBTQ RIGHTS
THE CARE CENTER
DIGNITY HEALTH—ST. MARY MEDICAL CENTER
AMERICAN DREAM
FITNESS EXPERT CRAIG RAMSAY
4 T H E F I GH T | www.thefightmag.com
24
HEART OF GOLD
28
BRENDA, CALL ME!
QUEER DANCE ARTIST ARI GOLD COURTNEY ACT AND VANITY NEW PODCAST
29
THE TS MADISON EXPERIENCE
30
THE ENVELOPE, PLEASE
SOCIAL MEDIA POWERHOUSE ON WE TV LOUIS VIRTEL’S OSCAR PREDICTIONS
08 10 18 26 32 34 36 38
THE TALK THE CITY THE ROSTOW REPORT THE SHARE QUEER FACES & SPACES THE ART THE CALENDAR THE FINAL FIGHT
MAR CH 2021 | TH E F I GH T 5
THEEDITOR
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stanford Altamirano MANAGING EDITOR Mark Ariel ART DIRECTOR Nadeen Torio MARKETING CONSULTANTS Sean Galuszka Antonio Garnica NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media www.rivendellmedia.com SOCIAL MEDIA Mark Ariel Sinan Shihabi WEBMASTER Nadeen Torio ARTS EDITOR Sinan Shihabi
>> MOVING FORWARD <<
This issue includes excerpts from President Biden’s memorandum on advancing the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex persons around the world, released last month (“Love Without Fear,” pages 14-25). “All human beings should be treated with respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear no matter who they are or whom they love,” writes Biden. “Around the globe, including here at home, brave lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) activists are fighting for equal protection under the law, freedom from violence, and recognition of their fundamental human rights. The
United States belongs at the forefront of this struggle— speaking out and standing strong for our most dearly held values. It shall be the policy of the United States to pursue an end to violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics, and to lead by the power of our example in the cause of advancing the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons around the world.” “Through this memorandum,” writes Biden, “I am directing all agencies engaged abroad to ensure that United States diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons.”
CONTRIBUTORS Alejandro Cervantes Dusti Cunningham Sean Galuszka Orly Lyonne Victor Melamed Paulo Murillo Ann Rostow Sinan Shihabi GET THE FIGHT AT HOME Sent Via First Class Mail 12 Issues: $36 6 Issues: $24 Mail check or money order to: Third Step, LLC 611 S. Catalina St. Suite 307 Los Angeles, CA 90005 PUBLISHER Third Step, LLC DISTRIBUTION Pride In Media Paper Pushers LA The Fight Magazine is published monthly by Third Step, LLC. 611 South Catalina Street, Suite 307 Los Angeles, CA 90005 Telephone (323) 297-4001 Fax (213) 281-9648 Email info@TheFightMag.com THE FIGHT MAGAZINE LEGAL CAVEATS
STANFORD ALTAMIRANO Editor-In-Chief
By listing in The Fight Magazine, advertisers acknowledge that they do business in the spirit of cooperation, fairness and service, maintaining a high level of integrity and responsibility. Providers of products or services are fully and solely responsible for providing same as advertised. The Fight Magazine assumes no liability for improper or negligent business practices by advertisers. Advertisers and their agencies assume responsibility and liability for the content of their advertisements in The Fight Magazine. Publisher assumes no liability for safe-keeping or return of unsolicited art, manuscripts or other materials. The Fight Magazine reserves the right to edit all material for clarity, length and content. All contents © 2021 Third Step LLC. All rights reserved. Content may be reproduced with permission. The Fight Magazine assumes no liability for any claims or representations contained anywhere in this magazine and reserves the right to cancel or refuse advertising at publisher’s discretion. TheFightMag.com For Display Advertising, please call (323) 297-4001
6 T H E F I GH T | www.thefightmag.com
COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV
The basics for protecting yourself from COVID-19 are almost the same as for everyone.
STAY IN PLACE
1
You are safest at home. Only leave your house for essentials such as a trip to the grocery store or pharmacy.
MAINTAIN YOUR SPACE
2
Avoid close contact with others and maintain at least 6 feet of space.
COVER YOUR FACE
3
When out in the public, cover your face with a bandana, neck gaiter or homemade mask. Leave N95 and surgical masks for the medical professionals.
CONTINUE YOUR MEDICATION
4
Continue your HIV medications to keep your immune system as healthy as possible, establish a plan for clinical care or talk to your provider about the use of telemedicine.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.RIVCOPH.ORG/CORONAVIRUS 951.358.5307 MAR CH 2021 | TH E F I GH T 7
THETALK > > W H AT T H E Y ’ R E S AY I N G < <
A NEW DAY “[Are you ready for] a new day, where no matter who you are, who you love, how you worship, you get a fair shot.”
MALCOLM KENYATTA
ADAM RIPPON (L), JUSSI-PEKKA KAJAALA
A NICE DINNER
“We didn’t want to do anything big, but we both wanted to have a ring… We went to a nice dinner and we did it at the same time. We did three, two, one, and we put the rings on.”
—Pennsylvania State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D) announcing that he’s running for the Senate in 2022, in a video posted to Twitter last month. If he wins, he would be the first out gay man in the Senate.
—Olympic medalist Adam Rippon telling “Good Morning America” last month that he and his longtime boyfriend Jussi-Pekka Kajaala got engaged in December 2020 in Helsinki, Finland.
GOLDA ROSHEUVEL
UNABASHEDLY ME
“This is me. Unashamed, unabashedly me… I am no longer afraid and I am no longer fearful.”
VERY PRIVILEGED
—Former WWE wrestler Gabbi Tuft (who wrestled under the name Tyler Reks) coming out as transgender in an Instagram post, last month.
“There’s not a lot of us around who are gay, female, black and I’m very privileged and blessed to be one of them.”
THIS WILL GO
—British actor Golda Rosheuvel—best known for her work on the hit Netflix series “Bridgerton” - in an interview with Page Six.
BROADER CONVERSATION “It’s essential for me personally to be able to live 100% in my truth... But I also hope to have a broader conversation around heteronormativity.”
—Mckayla Wilkes, a Democrat running for Congress in Maryland’s 5th District in 2022, coming out as bisexual last month, in an interview with LGBTQ Nation.
JOJO SIWA
MCKAYLA WILKES 8 T H E F I GH T | www.thefightmag.com
GABBI TUFT
“I don’t think I’m going to get run off the stage in Chicago… But in a rural town playing a county fair? I’m curious how this will go.” T.J. OSBORNE
—T.J. Osborne, of the hit country duo Brothers Osborne, coming out as gay, in an interview with Time, last month.
A RUBBER BAND
“I was so scared of [being gay] that I would actually tie a rubber band around my wrist and every time I had a gay thought I would snap it, to try and associate pain and suffering with the gay thought. To try and train myself out of being gay.”
—Australian diver Matthew Mitchum, the first out athlete to win an Olympic gold medal with his performance in diving at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, in an interview last month with BBC Sport.
MATTHEW MITCHUM. PHOTO BY PHILIP MYERS
WEST SIDE JEEP CONNECTION | 3219 SANTA MONICA | SANTA MONICA, CA 90404 | (310) 829-3200 MAR CH 2021 | TH E F I GH T 9
THECITY >>
BY PAULO MURILLO
<< IVY BOTTINI
Advisory Board on an appropriate design and location for the memorial. The location should be a quiet, meditative location that allows for contemplation and reflection, such as Laurel Park or Kings Road Park.
S A N D IEGO
SD LGBT CENTER PARTNERING WITH CITY TO HELP HOMELESS YOUTH
LOS AN G E LE S
LGBT ACTIVIST IVY BOTTINI DIES AT 94
Legendary LGBT Activist Ivy Bottini passed away on last month at her home in Florida surrounded by her daughters. Bottini was a woman who was at the forefront of the National Organization for Women (NOW) movement and the second wave of feminism. She helped found the New York City chapter of the NOW and in 1969 designed the NOW logo that is still used today. She moved to LA County in 1971 and became an activist for many LGBT causes, co-founding the Coalition for Human Rights, the Los Angeles Lesbian/Gay Police Advisory Board, AIDS Network LA, and AIDS Project LA.
ORA N G E C O U N T Y
W E ST H OLLY WOOD
RADIANT HEALTH CENTERS HOSTS FOOD DRIVE
CITY EXPLORES INSTALLATION OF MEMORIAL FOR LIVES LOST TO SUICIDE
Radiant Health Centers helped raise over $182,000 to support their LGBT causes via their Back to the Future Gala in January. As a follow-up to their Gala and in honor of the #BlazeitForward movement to make the world a better place with one intentional kind act at a time, Radiant Health Centers will host a Food Drive starting Monday, March 1st through Wednesday, March 31. To contribute, visit their amazon wish list at: amzn.to/3azuowE. Donations can be made at: give.classy.org/Food-drive 10 0 TTH HE E FFIGH IGHTT || www.thefightmag.com www.thefightmag.com 1
The West Hollywood City Council is directing City staff to follow the City’s Memorials, Tribute Trees and Plaques Policy Guideline to review the request to install a memorial for the lives lost to suicide in the LGBTQ+ community at a park space in West Hollywood. The memorial can include a plaque, bench, or other marker to signify the space. Council also directs staff to gather feedback from the Public Facilities Commission, Lesbian and Gay Advisory Board, and the Transgender
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announced new partnerships between the city and three nonprofit organizations to bolster programs helping young people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The three organizations the city is partnering with are Urban Street Angels, San Diego Youth Services and San Diego LGBT Community Center. The new shelter and outreach opportunities will specifically target people between the ages of 18 and 24 who are experiencing homelessness or transitioning from state custody or foster care. That group makes up 10% of San Diego’s unsheltered homeless population, according to the San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless’ 2020 Point-in- Time Count.
PA LM S PR INGS
FUNDRAISER SUPPORTING PS GAY MEN’S CHORUS In a strategic partnership to build opportunities to support the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus (PSGMC), Bouschet Fine Wine Liquor Store hosted a fundraising wine tasting event last month. It was a combination virtual and in-person experience that built on the success of 22 seasons, PSGMC has skillfully transitioned into a virtual chorus with initiatives that have driven community outreach to nonprofits over the last few months. Programs included providing 1,000 PPE masks made for Eisenhower Health and school supplies collection for Coachella Valley Elementary, raising more than $2,500 for the Desert AIDS Walk supporting DAP Health, holding a clothing and toiletries drive for Well in the Desert to support the homeless and, through the “Chorus Cares” program, a food and essential supplies campaign and a holiday toy drive both for Martha’s Village & Kitchen. n
For Daily News Visit: www.thefightmag.com
MAR CH 2021 | THE F I GH T 11
>> GABRIEL GREEN <<
GABRIEL GREEN
THE BONDS OF BROTHERHOOD
LA Leather Pride postponed to 2022, LALC CAReS provides community assistance
T
BY MARK ARIEL
he Board of The Los Angeles Leather Coalition (LALC) recently made the decision to postpone LA Leather Pride (LALP), originally rescheduled for this month, until March 2022. Exact dates will be published as the time becomes closer (assuming resumption of events will be possible under local, state and federal public health guidelines). While the week long event has been postponed until next year—virtual activities have been taking place over the past several months, reveals LALP Chair/LALC CAReS Chair Gabriel Green. “Our 2020 title holders have been doing amazing job hosting various events online (from fundraisers to social events) over the past year, keeping people’s spirits up and giving them a reason to interact, even if it’s at a limited capacity,” says Green in an interview with THE FIGHT. “One that just past recently was ‘Leather Jocks & Goodies OH MY!’ It was hosted and produced by Joey Byrne (Mr. Eagle 562 Leather 2020) and co-hosted by Lucinda Rear who both represented the Long Beach imperial Court. It was phenomenal event that raised money for LALC CAReS and had participation from our titleholders as well other titleholders through1 2 TTHHEE FFIIGH www.thefightmag.com 12 GH TT || www.thefightmag.com
out our community. Another online event that is coming up is called ‘Bite the Bullet!’ hosted by Brandon Encinas (Mr Bullet Leather 2020 and host of Leather Talk) and AJ Chier (Mr Bullet Leather 2017). It will be held on Sunday, March 21st at 4pm! There will be live demos, entertainment and auctions and will also be raising money for LALC CAReS. There also great events held by Onyx, Sanctuary, and other organizations and bars that area keeping the leather spirit alive so be sure to check those out as well.” • • • LALC recently formed a new program called LALC CAReS. “For those who don’t know CAReS stands for Community Access Resource Services,” explains Green. “We wanted to be an additional resource to help the community, along with all the other great resources that were formed, when Covid-19 crisis first began. But we wanted something that would continue to be a resource long after the pandemic had ended. Whether there is a global crisis or there will be someone in need and LALC wanted to be able to meet those needs well into the future.” LALC CAReS has three branches: • The LALC Lifeline is for those people who feel alone and need to talk to someone. • The LALC Helping Hand is for those who are struggling and have a financial need during times of crisis. • The LALC and Helping Hand is for those in need of food supplies, clothes, toiletries, medicines, etc. and is proudly sponsored by the Bullet Bar. For more information about receiving assistance, volunteering and donating, check out: Website: https://lalc.info/lalc-cares/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LALCCAReS Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lalc.cares/ • • • In closing, says Green, we need to support our LGBTQ spaces. “Right now spaces like the Eagle, Sanctuary and Precinct are suffering because they have not been able open because of the pandemic and currently are in need of our help. These spaces aren’t simply just bars or play spaces, they are homes for us and place we can feel safe being ourselves. We have lost a few of them already and it would a shame to lose any more of them. Each of them has a gofundme page. If you are able to give and support these spaces, please do so that we are able to celebrate in them and be with each other when the pandemic is finally over.”
MAR CH 2021 | THE F I GH T 13
LOVE WITHOUT FEAR Excerpts from President Biden’s memorandum on advancing the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex persons around the world, released last month.
This
memorandum reaffirms and supplements the principles established in the Presidential Memorandum of December 6, 2011 (International Initiatives to Advance the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Persons). That memorandum, for the first time, directed executive departments and agencies (agencies) engaged abroad to ensure that United States diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons everywhere. This memorandum builds upon that historic legacy and updates the 2011 memorandum. All human beings should be treated with respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear no matter who they are or whom they love. Around the globe, including here at home, brave lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) activists are fighting for equal protection under the law, freedom from violence, and recognition of their fundamental human rights. The
1 4 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
>> ADVANCING HUMAN RIGHTS << > > C O V E R F E AT U R E < <
United States belongs at the forefront of this struggle — speaking out and standing strong for our most dearly held values. It shall be the policy of the United States to pursue an end to violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics, and to lead by the power of our example in the cause of advancing the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons around the world. Through this memorandum, I am directing all agencies engaged abroad to ensure that United States diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons. Specifically, I direct the following actions, consistent with applicable law:
by providing to them adequate assistance and ensuring that the Federal Government takes all appropriate steps, such as potential increased use of Embassy Priority-1 referrals, to identify and expedite resettlement of highly vulnerable persons with urgent protection needs.
Section 1. Combating Criminalization of LGBTQI+ Status or Conduct Abroad. Agencies engaged abroad are directed to strengthen existing efforts to combat the criminalization by foreign governments of LGBTQI+ status or conduct and expand efforts to combat discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, and intolerance on the basis of LGBTQI+ status or conduct. The Department of State shall, on an annual basis and as part of the annual report submitted to the Congress pursuant to sections 116(d) and 502B(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151n(d) and 2304(b)), report on human rights abuses experienced by LGBTQI+ persons globally. This reporting shall include anti-LGBTQI+ laws as well as violence and discrimination committed by both state and nonstate actors against LGBTQI+ persons.
ALL HUMAN BEINGS SHOULD BE TREATED WITH RESPECT AND DIGNITY AND SHOULD BE ABLE TO LIVE WITHOUT FEAR NO MATTER WHO THEY ARE OR WHOM THEY LOVE.
Sec. 2. Protecting Vulnerable LGBTQI+ Refugees and Asylum Seekers. LGBTQI+ persons who seek refuge from violence and persecution face daunting challenges. In order to improve protection for LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers at all stages of displacement, the Departments of State and Homeland Security shall enhance their ongoing efforts to ensure that LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers have equal access to protection and assistance, particularly in countries of first asylum. In addition, the Departments of State, Justice, and Homeland Security shall ensure appropriate training is in place so that relevant Federal Government personnel and key partners can effectively identify and respond to the particular needs of LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers, including
Sec. 3. Foreign Assistance to Protect Human Rights and Advance Nondiscrimination. Agencies involved with foreign aid, assistance, and development programs shall expand their ongoing efforts to ensure regular Federal Government engagement with governments, citizens, civil society, and the private sector to promote respect for the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons and
combat discrimination. Agencies involved with foreign aid, assistance, and development programs should consider the impact of programs funded by the Federal Government on human rights, including the rights of LGBTQI+ persons, when making funding decisions, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law. Sec. 4. Swift and Meaningful United States Responses to Human Rights Abuses of LGBTQI+ Persons Abroad. The Department of State shall lead a standing group, with appropriate interagency representation, to help ensure the Federal Government’s swift and meaningful response to serious incidents that threaten the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons abroad. When foreign governments move to restrict the rights of LGBTQI+ persons or fail to enforce legal protections in place, thereby contributing to a climate of intolerance, agencies engaged abroad shall consider appropriate responses, including using the full range of diplomatic and assistance tools and, as appropriate, financial sanctions, visa restrictions, and other actions.
Sec. 5. Building Coalitions of Like-Minded Nations and Engaging International Organizations in the Fight Against LGBTQI+ Discrimination. Bilateral relationships with allies and partners, as well as multilateral fora and international organizations, are key vehicles to promote respect for and protection of the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons and to bring global attention to these goals. Agencies engaged abroad should strengthen the work they have done and initiate additional efforts with other nations, bilaterally and within multilateral fora and international organizations, to: counter discrimination on the basis of LGBTQI+ status or conduct; broaden the number of countries willing to support and defend the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons; strengthen the role, including in multilateral fora, of civil society advocates on behalf of the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons; and strengthen the policies and programming of multilateral institutions, including with respect to protecting vulnerable LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers. Sec. 6. Rescinding Inconsistent Policies and Reporting on Progress. Within 100 days of the date of this memorandum or as soon as possible thereafter, all agencies engaged abroad shall review and, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, take steps to rescind any directives, orders, regulations, policies, or guidance inconsistent with this memorandum, including those issued from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021, to the extent that they are inconsistent with this memorandum. The heads of such agencies shall also, within 100 days of the date of this memorandum, report to the President on their progress in implementing this memorandum and recommend additional opportunities and actions to advance the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons around the world. Agencies engaged abroad shall each prepare a report within 180 days of the date of this memorandum, and annually thereafter, on their progress toward advancing these initiatives. All such agencies shall submit these reports to the Department of State, which will compile a report on the Federal Government’s progress in advancing these initiatives for transmittal to the President. The Department of State shall make a version of the compiled annual report available to the Congress and the public. MAR CH 2021 | THE F I GH T 15
> > D I G N I T Y H E A LT H < <
AS AN UNWAVERING PILLAR IN THE GREATER LONG BEACH COMMUNITY, THE CARE CENTER, WHICH HAS ADVANCED ITS SERVICE OFFERINGS AND BECOME ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE LGBTQ HEALTH CENTERS IN THE AREA.
Dignity Health—St. Mary Medical Center continues to expand service offerings to the local communities.
W
hile the early days of 2021 have reflected the continued challenges that the year prior brought with it, there is a sense of hope growing that the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic are behind us. Just before the start of the year, St. Mary Medical Center began vaccinating staff members and has now switched gears to providing the vaccine to eligible members of the Greater Long Beach Community. “Our top priority at St. Mary has always been the safety and well-being of all our patients, especially while navigating the course of the pandemic,” shared Carolyn Caldwell, St. Mary Medical Center’s Hospital President. “We are so privileged to serve the local community, particularly through programs such as our CARE Center, which is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care and accommodating to the growing needs of our community. I am so proud to be part of the St. Mary family that has worked so hard to advance social justice for all and continuing to nurture those have come to rely on our facility as their hospital of choice.” As an unwavering pillar in the Greater Long Beach Community, the CARE Center, which has advanced its service offerings and become one of the largest and most comprehensive LGBTQ health centers in the area, continues to impact the members of the community it serves, while expanding its services in a variety of ways. Paul Lovely, Executive Director of the CARE Center, remarked, “The CARE Center has seen a tremendous increase in mental health needs in the community and has responded via telehealth services, all while staying committed to delivering compassion and providing thousands of individuals with essential resources and care.” 1 6 TTHHEE FFIIGH www.thefightmag.com 16 GH TT || www.thefightmag.com
Throughout the course of the pandemic, the CARE Center has received extra grant funding to meet the needs of the local community, ensuring its Food Pantry could sustain the increased needs of its clients in receiving proper nutrition. Additionally, CARE has maintained the faculties of its medical and dental clinics, including walk-in PrEP, PEP, and STI services for all. Finally, with the emotional and mental stressors triggered by the pandemic, the CARE Center has placed a strong emphasis on its behavioral health service offerings by offering telehealth counseling and emotional support. Being the only Long Beach-based health care provider that has earned the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader” designation, the CARE Center carries a significant responsibility to meet the growing needs of the surrounding community and to maintain its services in spite of the challenges posed by the pandemic. “It is important to remind our community members that we are still here to help in any way that we can and fulfill the needs of our community, even while we continue navigating these challenging times.” For more information about the CARE Center at St. Mary, visit www.dignityhealth.org/stmary/care.
Everybody deserves CARE. If you are living with HIV/AIDS or concerned about your STI risk, the CARE Center at Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center is open, safe and here to help. We offer high quality medical, dental, and behavioral health care. Come in for HIV/STI testing, PrEP or PEP, or specialized HIV care—regardless of your ability to pay. Learn more at dignityhealth.org/stmary/care or call 562.453.3766.
MAR CH 2021 | THE F I GH T 17
THEROSTOWREPORT >> BY ANN ROSTOW <<
JUST US CHICKENS
Should transwomen and girls be allowed to compete against cisgender sportswomen? The answer is simpler than it might seem. Most athletic organizations require transwomen to undergo a year of hormone therapy before they can play. After that, they no longer have the advantages of a male physique. I suppose you can argue about the length of time, but the idea that transwomen should face a lifetime ban on competitive sports is crazy. And crazy is of course, the status quo for our adversaries in red state legislatures who are spending large amounts of political capital to make life as difficult as possible for transgender men and women both. Laws banning transgender athletes from facing off against their peers are under discussion in 17 states, according to the Human Rights Campaign, and one of these has passed in Idaho, where it’s been suspended by court order. Meanwhile, a lawsuit is pending against the state of Connecticut that pits the far right Alliance Defending Freedom against the trans-inclusive Connecticut Association of Schools. The U.S. Justice Department had put its weight behind the bad guys in this suit, while Betsy DeVos’ Education Department waged its own wars against transgender women elsewhere. Now our government is back on the side of the angels, withdrawing its statement of interest in a letter to the U.S. District Court in Hartford. The government has reconsidered the matter,” said the letter. Indeed, as you know, the government has reconsid-
bian and bisexual cohorts within their midst, the Christian right has zeroed in with a vengeance on transgender and non-binary civil rights. In Arizona, one state senator, who is pushing a bill to make sure no one is allowed to identify as non-binary on the state’s paperwork, wondered: “What’s going to happen when someday someone wakes up and they want to go to a far extreme and identify as a chicken or something, for crying out loud. Where do we draw the line?” Oh, and for the record, the Biden administration is in the process of adding “X” to the male and female gender markers that are used on federal forms including passports and social security cards. As for people who identify as chickens, they have yet to cohere into a significant political advocacy group, but once they do, I assume their fight for civil rights will enter the public arena and we will welcome them. Bwaak bwaak!
LAWMAKER, LAWMAKER, MAKE ME A LAW
AS AMERICANS GROW MORE COMFORTABLE WITH THE GAY, LESBIAN AND BISEXUAL COHORTS WITHIN THEIR MIDST, THE CHRISTIAN RIGHT HAS ZEROED IN WITH A VENGEANCE ON TRANSGENDER AND NON-BINARY CIVIL RIGHTS. ered the full range of Trump’s insidious attacks on the GLBT community, particularly where
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the T is concerned. As Americans grow more comfortable with the gay, les-
By the time you read this issue, the House will have once again passed the Equality Act, our signature federal effort to add sexual orientation and gender identity to various sections of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as well as the Fair Housing Act. Unlike last session, this time the bill will get a hearing in the Senate, although it’s obvious that we cannot muster 60 votes for passage. Mitt Romney has already said no on grounds of religious freedom, while Susan Collins is pissed at us for supporting her opponent. You can do the math. But at least we’ll get some hearings in committee, and one of these days, our side might kill or revise the filibus-
> > J U S T U S C H I C K E N S • L A W M A K E R , L A W M A K E R , M A K E M E A L A W • WA I T I N G T O E X H A L E < <
ter which will open the door to a 50-plus-Harris passage. As far as I can tell, we’ll need to do something about the filibuster in order to pass any non-financial aspect of Biden’s agenda, although some money related measures can pass by simple majority through budget reconciliation. The Equality Act will make sure that our civil rights don’t swing back and forth between Democratic and Republican administrations by executive order. And importantly, it will outlaw discrimination in public accommodation, where our Christian wedding vendors are currently free to give us the back of their hands.
WAITING TO EXHALE
Speaking of public accommodation and Christian business-
es, we now hold our breath for the High Court to release its opinion in the case out of Philadelphia, where the city declined to place foster kids with a Catholic services group that refused to consider gay parents. The City was enforcing anti-discrimination codes, but the Catholics insisted that their religious freedom outweighed such regulations. The case was argued in early November, just days after Amy Coney Barrett was seated as a justice. So, um, let’s see what develops here. In other Court news, a Virginia school district has asked the justices to decide whether or not transgender high school students must be allowed to use the locker rooms and restrooms that match their gender identity. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has said yes,
they must. That means that if the Court declines to take the case, it will leave that trans rights victory and its reasoning in place. If, on the other hand, the Court accepts review, we will have yet another major GLBT lawsuit pending at the nation’s highest court. And what would our lives be like if we didn’t have a major GLBT lawsuit pending at the Supreme Court? Dull and colorless, I’d say. You know, it’s been awhile since I double checked the Court’s agenda, but if I’m not mistaken, the Court never did decide whether to accept review of that flower shop case out of Washington state. I’m referring to the Christian florist, Barronell Stutzman, who refused to supply two men with flowers for their wedding. Her appeal was pending before the justices at around
the same time as the infamous Masterpiece Cakeshop case, and after the Court’s wishy washy result in Masterpiece, they sent Arlene’s Flowers back to the Washington Supreme Court for a new hearing. The Washington court again ruled against Stutzman, who again asked the High Court for review. And I think that case is still floating around in limbo. I hate this case because I never know how to spell “Barronell” without checking. Is it two “ns” or two “rs” or two “ls?” And does Stutzman have one or two “ns” at the end? You may think this is a trivial complaint, but believe me, it is extremely annoying to face the same orthographic dilemma over and over again and find myself incapable of learning from the experience. n arostow@aol.com
MAR CH 2021 | THE F I GH T 19
>> CRAIG RAMSAY <<
AMERICANDREAM Actor and fitness guru Craig Ramsay on moving to the United States, his unique approach to fitness and running towards the fire.
F
itness expert Craig Ramsay’s first foray into television was Bravo’s “Thintervention” where he cohosted with Jackie Warner. Then again as the stand out gay couple (with his husband - celebrity hairstylist Brandon Liberati) on Bravo’s international hit show “Newlyweds The First Year.” His online series “5 minute workout anywhere” for Scripps Network gained him world wide recognition. Ramsay, 44, has also had a successful career on Broadway as one of the most well known “triple threats” and has appeared on sitcoms such as “2 Broke Girls,” soap operas, plays and feature films. In an interview with THE FIGHT the Canadian born fitness expert talks about the American dream, his unique approach to fitness and running towards the fire. How was life growing up in Canada for a gay boy? Growing up in an extremely small town I don’t think I, or the loved ones around me, could pinpoint that I was in fact gay—but the fact that at five years young I begged Santa for a cabbage patch doll and already named him and turned my room into a nursery for his arrival defined me as “unique” and challenged my family but they certainly pulled through with love and support. What motivated you to move to the US? I love Canada and proud of what Canada stands for but my dreams could only be reached with moving to America, this was always a goal of mine. Broadway, TV/Film and the city energy of New York, L.A, Vegas, Chicago, San Francisco—I craved that and it was more satisfying than I dreamed it could be. The original Pre-Broadway cast of mega-hit musical “Mamma Mia!” brought me into the United States over 20 years ago, and I built my American dreams off of that. I became a U.S citizen this past July because after 20 years here I wanted a vote and not just a say. I can’t continue to have
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BY MARK ARIEL | PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM
I’VE ALWAYS UNDERSTOOD THE NECESSITY FOR MOST PEOPLE TO BE ENTERTAINED WITH THEIR WORKOUT PROGRAMS AND BY THEIR FITNESS EXPERT, THIS IS HOW I HAVE UNIQUELY KEPT PEOPLE MOVING AND LOVING THEIR BODY AND HEALTH JOURNEY. one foot out the door every time a political challenge presents itself, there is work to be done and I’m running towards the fire not backtracking across the border. At what point did fitness become more of a career goal? I overlapped fitness and Broadway for a decade but there became a moment in 2010 where I felt I crossed over influencing and motivating more people with my fitness than my onstage performing. Can you tell our readers about your unique approach to fitness? I’ve always understood the necessity for most people to be entertained with their workout programs and by their fitness expert, this is how I have uniquely kept people moving and loving their body and health journey. I’m going to sing loudly to you before screaming for those extra sets. I get more out of people with my technique than your militant bootcamp drill sergeants. You will also do the workouts for me if you don’t want to do it for yourself, why? Because I am friends with ALL my clients and followers on social media. Except of course the Trumpers who harass me and my community, they can rightly f-off!
How has the pandemic affected your coupledom? Thankfully this pandemic has brought us closer, we are not bookends, very different and compliment each other. He’s a hair cutting expert so I’ve been that one in a million during the pandemic that has consistently sported a fresh-cut. AND I’ve taken my popular fitness class “Stretch a Reason to Wine” #DRUNKFITNESS to my socials during this stay at home year and he’s been such a good sport about joining me as my assistant, like all my loyal “sip & stretch” participants Brandon’s flexibility has achieved shocking results. Anyone that wants to check out my free fitness classes on socials I can be found on FB “Craig Ramsay” & on IG @craigramsayfit. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? I moved to Palm Springs this year and have a goal of sharing with you all how special this city is and I’m starting that initiative with hosting a virtual 5k walk/jog March 20th & 21st with a suggested $25 (or more $$$ if you can help) donation to participate, benefitting the official 10th anniversary of The Community Food Bank @TheCenter. This being a virtual event you can join us from anywhere. This 5k can be walked, jogged or if you are experiencing weather obstacles I’ll be creating at home exercising that is manageable and burns as much calories as the 5k, plus you can break up the 5k however you want over a 2 day period. Heck, even if you don’t want to do the exercising aspect we need your donations as there are too many people with food insecurities and these raised funds are necessary to provide these great services to the community here. Join this online community and let me show you some much needed sunshine and warmth that Palm Springs so generously provides. www.justgiving.com/fundraisingCraigRamsayFit Follow the center on IG @thecentercv
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MAR CH 2021 | THE F I GH T 21
Presenting the Glorious House
Presenting t
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RE/MAX Optima & Varouj J Mirzaians do not guarantee nor verify the accuracy of the above information concerning the condition or features of the property provided by the sellers or obtained from public records or other sources deemed reliable. Buyers, their agents and consultants, are strongly advised to independently verify the accuracy of the presented information, with appropriate professionals and through personal inspection and reliable sources. This is not intended as a solicitation, if your property is currently under contract with a REALTOR.
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Some of the outstanding features are, the grandeur foyer, glorious living & dining with a wet bar. The chef’s elegant kitchen, which flows into large family room, has granite counter tops, 6-burner gas range, double stove, built-in refrigerator, glass door cabinets , a pantry & balconies all around. One bedroom with private bath is on the main level. The master bedroom, 3 other bedrooms and the laundry area, are on the lower floor. All bedrooms have view & access to the rap around balcony through the French double doors. The large bright master has nice view of the valley, 2 double French doors opening to the balcony, huge m almost every spot.bedroom A true Entertainers’ walk-in closet, a 2nd closet and fireplace. Master bath has jacuzzi tub, shower, double sink. e with a grandeur foyer is an exceptionally
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MAR CH 2021 | THE F I GH T 23
>> ARI GOLD <<
IN 2001, HE RELEASED HIS SELF-TITLED ALBUM, FOLLOWED BY 2004’S “SPACE UNDER SUN” FEATURING THE SONG “FAN-TASTIC,” WHICH HE DEDICATED TO MADONNA. HIS MUSIC BECAME DANCE FLOOR HITS. ARI GOLD, ON THE COVER OF THE FIGHT, JULY 2012)
HEART OF
GOLD
Ari Gold, trailblazing gay musician and DJ, dead at 47. RIP
G
BY VICTOR MELAMED
roundbreaking queer dance artist Ari Gold died last month at age 47, reports out.com. Having just celebrated his birthday earlier last month, the death comes after a long battle with cancer. Many have posted their condolences online. Gold released seven albums as a part of his career. He released music as an out gay artist and started his career in the early 2000s. He is best known for “Where the Music Takes You,” which featured Sasha Allen. His music video “Wave of You,” released in 2004 was the first video by an out LGBTQ+ artist to world-premiere on Logo according 2 4 TTHHEE FFIIGH www.thefightmag.com 24 GH TT || www.thefightmag.com
to Boy Culture. He went by names like Sir Ari and GoldNation in addition to Ari Gold. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Gold landed his first professional job on the CBS Children’s recording “Pot Belly Bear: Song and Stories,” reports today. com. He went on to record jingles, but it was his presence in the New York club scene where Gold started to make a name for himself. He performed frequently at Joe’s Pub, Pyramid and Starlight. In 2001, he released his self-titled album, followed by 2004’s “Space Under Sun” featuring the song “Fan-Tastic,” which he dedicated to Madonna. His music became dance floor hits. Laverne Cox paid tribute to Gold writing, “So many memories. Some of my favorites would be when we would be at the club back in the 90’s talking intersectional feminist and queer theory in a corner for far too long. You played your demos for me at your apartment on West 16th Street before you released your first album. It’s endless. You were there for so many many moments in my life.” “I never would have dreamed that we’d not only become close friends later but be tied together through our love of music, Madonna and Wonder Woman,” wrote “RuPaul’s Drag Race” veteran Peppermint. “You inspired and mentored me in ways that you will never know. Right now I so desperately want the world to know everything you did. I want them to celebrate you.”
www.dashofpride.com @dashofpride
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MAR CH 2021 | THE F I GH T 25
THIS PAGE IS SPONSORED BY
THESHARE >>
B Y PA U L O M U R I L L O
<<
BEING OF SERVICE
We asked these clean and sober individuals with various lengths of sobriety time what being of service means to them and how helping others helps them in their program of recovery.
CONSTANT REMINDER
“I get to see myself when I’m of service. It’s a constant reminder. The last Saturday of every month, I package a 150 lunches and I serve them out at homeless encampments all over Los Angeles. It’s not just about making the lunches, but being able to go out there and serve people in person that allows me to see myself in the people who need help. It takes me right back to where I was, not even a year ago. It’s a reminder that I can be one step away from making a big mistake. JACOB Being of service brings me closer to myself and closer to my Higher Power. It helps me remember that I’m human and that the disease of addiction is real. I think of the people that helped me, so when I’m helping others it also reminds me become more grateful. Through service I realize that I’m loved and I can also love in return. Service is very important.” —Jacob Ritenour, sober since July 20, 2020.
THE FOUNDATION “Being of service allows me to step out of myself and meet someone else’s needs. It
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RICARDO MEJIA
reminds me that I am not alone in this world. I need people. Especially now during COVID. I realize how much I need people today. I’ve taken a lot for granted and I’ve learned to appreciate the things in my life. I love helping people. Especially those who I consider to be outcasts, because I can identify. Before I got sober it was all about me, my needs and wants. Friendships were disposable. I only cared what I was going to get for me. Today, helping someone is important to me. It is the foundation of my recovery.” —Ricardo Mejia, sober since December 26, 2020.
CHRISTINA SIMOS
SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE
“Service is always at the forefront. In our texts it talks about how nothing gives us more immunity than the constant thought of others. That part of my recovery has only been enriched these past 15 years. Without service I don’t have a spiritual experience. I don’t see my program working. I don’t see my Higher Power working. There is something about giving back, even if may seem inconvenient and a pain, I show up. I’m of service to the Friendly House and do anything they ask. I work at La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center and we do a lot of events that help other organizations. Sometimes I just want to chill and watch Netflix, but I also enjoy being free. I keep that freedom by helping others. Service is something that has kept me sober and a big part of what makes me the person I am today.” —Christina Simos, sober since June 11, 2005.
MAR CH 2021 | THE F I GH T 27
>> COURTNEY & VANITY <<
COURTNEY ACT, VANITY. PHOTO BY JOHN MCRAE
BRENDA, CALL ME!
New podcast about all things drag with Courtney Act and Vanity
I
BY ORLY LYONNE
n their new podcast, “Brenda, Call Me!,” best friends, drag superstars and sisters in crime, Courtney Act and Vanity chat about all things drag. From the political to the downright silly, no topic is off limits. They’ll even call up a celebrity friend along the way to help them nut it out. The show is high energy camp, featuring plenty of sass, with each wildly entertaining episode transporting listeners into the conversation, no matter where they are in the world. “‘Brenda, call me’ is the text Vanity and I send to each other when we want to chat,” explains Courtney Act.“We have been friends for twenty years, lived all around the world, in different time zones, and we are super excited for listeners to join in on our best friend conversations. We’re just glad the shows are not live and that the legal department will be reviewing them before they hit listener’s ear drums.” “We thought we were going to be recording this podcast on opposite sides of the world,” says Vanity. “However, Ms. Rona has reunited us and we’re super excited to be sitting faceto-face giving our unsolicited drag opinions on all sorts of topics. Courtney doesn’t actually know why we call each other “Brenda” so make sure you tune in when I explain its origins.” Artist, advocate and performer, Courtney Act aka Shane Jenek burst onto screens in 2003 when she made it to the semi-finals of the premiere season of Australian Idol. Since then she has continued her global rise appearing on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Celebrity Big Brother UK and Dancing With The Stars as well as hosting the UK’s first bisexual dating show E!’s The Bi Life. In 2014 she released her debut EP Kaleidoscope; with her online videos having been viewed over 40 million times. Vanity aka Benjamin Moir has become legendary within the drag scene, both in business and on stage. Vanity started the hugely successful wig company Wigs by Vanity with Courtney Act and their wigs are donned by queens around the globe including RuPaul and Conchita Wurst. Courtney and Vanity met at the infamous Sydney drag nightclub, Stonewall, and Vanity took the 18-year-old under her wing. “I didn’t have the heart to tell her to fuck off. I 2 8 TTHHEE FFIIGH www.thefightmag.com 28 GH TT || www.thefightmag.com
COURTNEY AND VANITY MET AT THE INFAMOUS SYDNEY DRAG NIGHTCLUB, STONEWALL, AND VANITY TOOK THE 18-YEAR-OLD UNDER HER WING. “I DIDN’T HAVE THE HEART TO TELL HER TO FUCK OFF. I WAS LIKE ‘COME ON, LET ME SHOW YOU THE WAY CHILD.’” was like ‘come on, let me show you the way child.’” So was the beginning of a beautiful friendship that is now a podcast show. Brenda, Call Me! is available on the Nova Podcast Network, with new episodes launching every Thursday. Episodes are available at https://omny.fm/shows/brenda-call-me/ or wherever you get your podcasts.
>> TS MADISON <<
THE TS MADISON EXPERIENCE The first black, transgender woman to host a mainstream talk show BY VICTOR MELAMED | PHOTO BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM
WE tv
today has announced a new series “THE TS MADISON EXPERIENCE,” starring the social media sensation, TS Madison, premiering the month. Produced by World of Wonder (“RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “Million Dollar Listing” franchise), the six, one-hour episodes follow Madison as she navigates her authentic journey as an internet star while adapting to the new normal of today’s world. TS Madison is a loud, brash, and outrageous social media star and influencer with a huge following of adoring fans from her hilarious online shows, most notably, “The Queens Supreme Court.” Now, she turns her sights to her next goal—to be the first black,
transgender woman to host a mainstream talk show. “TS Madison is a social media powerhouse whose larger-than-life personality and infectious nature are all tell-tale signs of a superstar on the rise,” says Lauren Gellert, EVP of Development and Original Programming for WE tv. “We worked closely with Madison and are honored she chose WE tv to tell her story and share her journey. We believe our audience will fall in love with her just like we did.” “TS Madison has a voice like no other; fearless, funny, outspoken and compassionate,” said producers Bailey and Barbato of World of Wonder. “We have been superfans forever and she is the character America needs right now! We are excited to work with WE tv to bring TS and her world to audiences.” The series follows Madison’s “found family” including Leggra, her manager; Craig, the showrunner; Che Che, her personal assistant and Oliver, her AV expert. The team is committed to Madison and ready to embark on the journey of world domination, but the road can get bumpy. Will this tight-knit group rise to the occasion? Madison’s mother, uber religious Ms. Mary, is her heart, soul, and everything. Madison doesn’t do anything without Ms. Mary’s guidance and support as she is the one person in her life she trusts and reveres. While strain affected the mother-daughter duo in the past, they are closer than ever. Ms. Mary is truly the matriarch and glue that holds the “found family” together. Rounding out the cast is reality-TV star Tiffany “New York” Pollard. Tiffany is 100% committed to Madison’s success; always managing to swoop in when Madison needs her most. However, when forces beyond their control strike, can Tiffany still be the help and support she has grown so accustomed to? With so much on the line Madison must quickly pivot and use her grit and wit to succeed as her Atlanta residency and plans to take her show on the road come to a halt. How will Madison move forward? She’s come so far from life on the streets. Is it all worth the gamble? Will everything she’s worked so hard for fall apart? For more on “THE TS MADISON EXPERIENCE,” visit www.wetv.com for sneak peeks, deleted scenes, photo galleries and blogs. MAR CH 2021 | THE TH E F I GH T 29
VIOLA DAVIS, MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM
CHADWICK BOSEMAN, MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM
THE ENVELOPE, PLEASE AMANDA SEYFRIED, MANK
THE TRIAL OF TH
Pop culture aficionado and trivia show heart-throb Louis Virtel’s Oscar predictions BY ALEJANDRO CERVANTES
T
here’s a reliable pattern to Hollywood’s movie calendar— Oscar picks start trotting out in August, the fall months inundated with award show hopefuls, the front runners clear by December. Yet 2020 was… anything but reliable. If we learned anything, when in doubt turn to the experts. Multi-hyphenate pop culture aficionado, Oscar correspondent and trivia show heart-throb Louis Virtel weighs-in with his Oscar predictions, helping make sense of a year that was anything but conventional.
NOMADLAND Everyone agrees Nomadland is amazing, and I think it’s my favorite movie of the year. There’s a flow to it that’s very specific unpretentious, even though it is extremely beautiful.
FRANCES MCDORMOND, NOMADLAND I find her so ahead of the pack in the Best Actress field. Frances McDormond gives a performance that we knew she could give; but at the same time, it was revela3 0 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
tory because she’s working at a level that so many people are not. I think Frances McDormond is better here than anything we’ve seen her in previously—including Fargo and Olive Kitteridge.
HILLBILLY ELEGY Nobody would ever say it’s above a C-, but Glenn gives a B+ performance, and for me: good enough! Please give it to her! I’m stressed out about another potential match up between Olivia Colman and Glenn Close! How much can a man take? And, by the way, I was an Oscar correspondent last year and I all but said to Glenn “go and win that Oscar”!
MARIA BAKALOVA, BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIEFILM It’s an interesting year, there’s all sorts of factors at play that make everyone a wild card. I can’t think of a nomination that would compare to Maria Bakalova. I have to change the rubric for how I even think about the Oscars! It requires a lot of hard thinking on my part and I don’t appreciate
that burden. But I think it would be a good move on the Academy to nominate her.
PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN I’m a longtime fan of Carey Mulligan, she has a reserved intelligence I need in younger actors. For me personally, I don’t want to confuse liking the goals of this movie with liking the execution of this movie. I think what it wants to do is represent the retaliatory feeling people have towards predatory men in a flashy and eye-catching way, which is rad and I’m glad people are connecting with it. But the movie is going for provocative and coming up a little bit insufficient. I would describe it as a two and a half star movie.
ELLEN BURSTYN, PIECES OF A WOMAN Still giving us terrific work.
VIOLA DAVIS, MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM For one thing, Ma Rainey is a small-ish role. Which is interesting because her
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FRANCES MCDORMOND, NOMADLAND
HE CHICAGO 7
MARIA BAKALOVA, BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIEFILM RIZ AHMED, SOUND OF METAL
YUH-JUNG YOUN, MINARI
ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI
role in Fences was deemed too large for a supporting role, and now the opposite is happening. That said—not a Viola Davis character we’ve seen! She has a slurring, self-position that’s not often actualized in such a gritty character. Her performance reminds me of live theatre. She’s somebody who should have a best actress Oscar, I’d be blown away if she doesn’t have one in the next 10 years.
performance, and the A to Z of his performance is the most exciting this year.
CHADWICK BOSEMAN, MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM
MANK
There’s a high degree of difficulty to that role, because this is a movie where people are just sitting around talking. I would be surprised if he didn’t win.
RIZ AHMED, SOUND OF METAL That movie starts off and you’ll wonder if you’ll be able to handle it. He loses his hearing and you’re trapped in a nightmare basically. His reckoning is so adult and his feelings are so palpable, it took me somewhere I didn’t expect and he went somewhere I didn’t expect. I really root for the journey of a
YUH-JUNG YOUN, MINARI Hilarious. Real. I’ve probably used the phrase ‘unpretentious’ already, but she feels like she’s your grandmother. She hits that really particular cinematic mix of funny, true, banal and relatable. I found it a very lived-in performance.
I would consider myself a David Fincher fan! Loved Gone Girl. Dragon Tattoo. Every Madonna video you’ve ever cared about. But the stakes of it weren’t interesting to me. Even Amanda Seyfried, who apparently gives the performance of her career, gives a typical Oscar performance: “I have a quirky personality and you’re not gonna bring me down!”
ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI The movie gets better as it goes along, I just feel its a little too parlor room for a nomination. I feel like [director] Regina King will be snubbed.
THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 It’s certainly the most written. You remember the urgency of the dialogue and the stylized characterizations really well. And I feel that those two things lead to a screenplay win. Utterly Sorkin—esq. I think Sacha Baron Cohen is excellent, and I think Mark Rylance is fabulous too. Not in love with Eddie Redmayne, I always feel like he picks a couple of hard mannerisms and really drags them out for an entire movie—for this he’s leaning over on one hip, like he’s a cool rugged liberal. Some people are obsessed with this movie, I give it a B-.
THE FATHER If anything, the low buzz works in the movie’s favor because the film gets more powerful as it goes along. To me, it feels like an ideal movie from the 1950s in that it could’ve been a play. It tackles a psychological issue really harrowingly. You feel like you’re in [Anthony Hopkin]’s mind—which is not a place you want to be. I really loved The Father, it’s just super sad. It’s not like watching “Romy and Michelle.” MAR CH 2021 | THE F I GH T 31
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THEART >>
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LGBTQ ARTISTS
<<
>>
RAJAB ALI SAYED
<<
RAJAB ALI SAYED
A
visual artist who lives and works in Los Angeles Rajab Ali Sayed received his BFA from the National College of Arts in Lahore, Pakistan in 2013, and his MFA from the University of Houston, TX in 2017. He is now also a part of the performing arts faculty at Bridges Academy, Studio City, LA (2019–present). He completed an artist residency at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles (2019) and his painting, “Partition’’ was on view as a 9x9 foot vinyl reproduction at West Hollywood Park’s Parking Structure on San Vicente and Santa Monica. n IG @rajabalisayed, rajabalisayed.com/paintings
MAR CH 2021 | THE F I GH T 35
THECALENDAR >> THINGS TO DO << SATURDAY, MARCH 13
Studies Speaker series.
SKYLIT: HOME IS WHERE YOU QUEER YOUR HEART GROUP READING 5PM
FRIDAY, MARCH 19
DRIVE ‘N DRAG: LOS ANGELES 7PM
https://www.crowdcast.io/e/ skylit-home-is-where. Anthologizes contemporary queer writers and artists creatively thinking through the complex and fluid realities in the U.S. and abroad.
LGBT HOMELESS DROP-IN 8AM–1PM
Rosebowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Los Angeles, CA 91103. https://vossevents.com/ drive-n-drag Have no fear, because 2021 is here! Suit up, find your sidekick and get ready to Drag ‘N Drive with Bianca Del Rio and the super queens of Rupaul’s Drag Race.
SEE SUNDAY, MARCH 21
Lower Sweetland Hall, 504 N Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Volunteer to help All Saints’ host a brunch for homeless LGBT youth at the Youth Center on Highland, For more information or to volunteer, contact Joe Becci; jcbecci@gmail.com
YOU’VE GOT MALE: CYBER EDITION/SAVE PRECINCT FUNDRAISER 8PM-9:30PM Online: youvegotmale.live Benefit for the Save Precinct Fundraiser. Saveprecinct.com. The You’ve Got Male 90s/Y2K dance party moved from Precinct DTLA to your living room with a new Cyber edition!! SUNDAY, MARCH 14
VIRTUAL PAINT CLASS SUPPORTING THE BEA ARTHUR FUND 12PM-2PM
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ virtual-paint-class-supporting-the-bea-arthurfund-tickets-134602314145. The money raised through the Bea Arthur Fund helps support operational costs of the Bea Arthur Residence (an 18 bed, long term housing facility for homeless LGBT Youth) and assists the Ali Forney Center in acquiring additional sites to provide needed housing. THURSDAY, MARCH 18
TRANS IS BLACK AND BLACK IS TRANS?: THE SPECULATIVE REFUSAL OF BLACK/ QUEER/TTANS/FEMINISM 5PM
Register: performingarts.mills.edu/programs/trans-studies-speaker-series. A Conversation between Tavia Nyong’s and Susan Stryker, presented by Mills College Trans
SATURDAY, MARCH 20
TOM OF FINLAND: PEN AND INK 1965-1985, 10:30AM –4:30PM
David Kordansky Gallery, 5130 W. Edgewood Pl, Los Angeles, CA. An exhibition of finished and preparatory drawings in pencil, pen, ink, marker and gauche. Together, these pictures demonstrate the breadth of graphic production key to Tom of Finland’s creative output throughout his lifetime. Runs through May 1. SUNDAY, MARCH 21
BITE THE BULLET 4PM – 7PM
Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601. A fundraiser in conjunction with LALC CAReS to raise money to help our community.
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NAOMI CAMPBELL. PHOTO BY GEORGES BIARD
FREE GHANA The west African country condemned for its stance on gay rights.
V
arious celebrities of Ghanaian heritage have joined together to condemn their former homeland for its stance on gay rights in what will be seen as an extraordinary show of diaspora power, reports The Guardian.
The influential names in fashion, film and media, including Idris Elba and British Vogue editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful, have signed an open letter in support of Ghana’s LGBTQ+ community. Naomi Campbell, although, not of Ghanaian heritage, has also put her name to the letter. Last month a community center for LGBTQ+ people in the west African country closed its doors after mounting pressure by religious groups and anti-gay organizations against sexual minorities. Police later raided the center its staff said, after its leaders were forced into hiding. n HEE FFIGH IGHTT || www.thefightmag.com www.thefightmag.com 3388 TTH
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