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IRAQI WAR VETERAN ROB SMITH
30 CREATING CHANGE
SPICING UP YOUR SEX LIFE
46 HANKEY’S TOYS
CLOTHED WOMEN, NUDE MEN CAMPAIGN
44 REVERSING GENDER ROLES
ICONIQUE’S LEO PAPARELLA
PRODUCER, WRITER BEN CORY JONES
26 ZERO SHAME
PARTY IN THE DESERT
40 RISING STAR
LGBTQ ESPRESSO BAR
38 CUTIES COFFEE
GAY COMING-OF-AGE DRAMA
36 CALL ME BY YOUR NAME
WORKING WITH LGBTQ FAMILIES
34 BOND WITH BABY
20 PALM SPRINGS PRIDE
CELEBRITY PHOTOGRAPHER MIKE RUIZ
24 HEARTTHROBS & HOUNDS
HIGH QUALITY PRIMARY CARE
22 SMART HEALTH LA
NOW OPEN IN WEST HOLLYWOOD
16 PRIDE RECOVERY LA
FEATURES
ON THE COVER ERIC PROMANI (L), LEO PAPARELLA, GREG PROMANI (R) COVER PHOTO BY ALLYSON LAQUIAN PHOTO ON THIS PAGE BY KELLY ELAINE
09 THE LETTERS READERS RESPOND 10 THE TALK TOM DALEY 12 THE STATE GENDER RECOGNITION 14 THE CITY EQUALITY AWARDS 18 THE ROSTOW REPORT SUPREME COURT NEWS 21 THE TRANSACTION JOB FAIR 23 THE EPIDEMIC NEW HIV THERAPY 28 THE SHARE LOCAL RECOVERY 32 THE ART LOCAL ARTISTS 48 THE CALENDAR THINGS TO DO 51 THE FINAL FIGHT LAST WORD
DEPARTMENTS
••• photo attached to email
THECONTENTS
Introducing Pride Recovery LA The exclusively LGBTQ treatment center in California • LGBTQ people are nearly 30% more likely than members of the general population to suffer from addiction. • The LGBTQ population are 60% more likely to relapse following addiction treatment in traditional recovery programs. • The same trauma that the LGBTQ commity faces in everyday life – the trauma that lurks beneath the addiction – is replicated in traditional treatment because traditional treatment is a microcosm of the world at large. • LGBTQ-specific treatment transforms the dangerous environment clients face every day and gives them the safety to work through their shame and create connections and community. That’s why we need LGBTQ-specific treatment, not only for drug/alcohol addiction, but for all substance and behavior addictions. At Pride Recovery LA, we’re here to address shame and build pride. Pride in Self. Pride in Sobriety. Pride in Community.
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Addiction Treatment for our LGBTQ Community NO VEMB ER 2017 | T H E F I GH T 5
THEEDITOR
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stanford Altamirano MANAGING EDITOR Mark Ariel ART DIRECTOR Nadeen Torio MARKETING CONSULTANTS Tom Pardoe Sean Galuszka Jacci Ybarra John Michael Gambam SOCIAL MEDIA Mark Ariel Sinan Shihabi WEBMASTER Nadeen Torio ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Sinan Shihabi EVENTS MANAGER Joseph Arellano >> IN THIS ISSUE <<
This month, in an interview with Timothy Ray—producer and writer Ben Cory Jones (HBO’s Insecure) talks about being black and gay in Hollywood, the Harvey Weinstein scandal and finding your passion (“Rising Star,” page 40). “I think this town—Hollywood—is still having issues when it comes to people of color. I find that I end up having to navigate sticky terrain about being a black person than being a gay person. Hollywood is still trying to understand its relationship with people of color. It’s less about sexual advances and inappropriate behavior. It’s more about educating people about the stereotypes they have about gay people or black people,” says Jones. “A personal mission of mine is to explore the interiors and emotional lives of black gay men. The shift in making our stories visible comes from us,” states Jones. “It takes people like us who are in the culture who have these experiences, who are these people, to write and tell our stories. It also requires more black gay people to be out. To be public. To be advocates.”
Also in this issue—Roxie Perkins interviews Iris Bainum-Houle, cofounder of Cuties Coffee—an LGBTQowned & operated espresso bar in Los Angeles (“Cuties Coffee,” page 38). The cafe grew out of “Cuties Weekly Brief,” a weekly newsletter, produced with co-founder Virginia Bauman, highlighting queer events and happenings in the LA area as a means to unite the community. The duo also run “Cuties Housing Project”—an organization aiming to provide safe housing for queer and trans people in need. The coffee shop opened in July 2017 and now serves as the hub for all of the groups’ activities. “Our goal,” says Bainum-Houle, “is to create more space for everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community as well as our supporters. We want folks to have a safe and welcoming space where their gender, their orientation, and their identity will be respected and nurtured. That basic premise is becoming more and more important and politicized every day.” Cuties is located at 710 N. Heliotrope Dr. Los Angeles 90029 and is open 7am-7pm everyday.
CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Ronaye Calvert Dusti Cunningham Sean Galuszka Orly Lyonne Victor Melamed Paulo Murillo Roxie Perkins Timothy Ray Ann Rostow Paul V. Vitagliano 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 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 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.
STANFORD ALTAMIRANO Editor-In-Chief
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 © 2017 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
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HEALTH
AND
SEX BELONG TOGETHER
Healthysexuals
LOVE SHARING Talk about your sexual health. #NoFilter VISIT AND TALK TO A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
HEALTHYSEXUAL, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc. © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC3907 01/17
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THELETTERS >> FROM OUR READERS <<
TOTALLY AGREE Dear Editor, Sean Wolf Galuska’s article on threesomes was one of the most honest and well written pieces I have read on the subject in a long time (“To 3 Or Not To Three?” THE FIGHT, Issue #81). I have been through a similar situation and I totally agree with Sean about the pros and cons of the situation. Open lines of communication are essential to make this type of relationship work. In my case—when it was good—it was great—but in the end—we couldn’t keep it going. —Roger Weiss, via the internet
NOT OFFICIALLY Dear Editor, Just a quick note to let you guys know your current issue celebrating Palm Springs Leather Pride is stunningly beautiful (THE FIGHT, Issue #81). While I’m not officially part of the leather community I appreciate the guide to all the events—I might actually attend some of them this year! Your photographer Dusti Cunningham always manages to beautifully capture the essence of our diverse LGBTQ community—whether it be drag queens, leather folks or bears—he never fails to create magic with his visuals. —Randy Westhoffer, via the internet
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Dear Editor, I would like to offer a few suggestions on what I think could make THE FIGHT more well-rounded. A travel section would be nice—letting readers know about gay establishments in other states. Also—what about promoting gay poetry? Maybe make it a contest and pick the best submissions. And also—a gay themed crossword puzzle would be fun! —George Laskin, Long Beach, CA
> WRITE TO THE EDITOR
Email: editor@thefightmag.com Fax: (213) 281-9648. Letters may be shortened due to space requirements. NO VEMB ER 2017 | T H E F I GH T 9
THETALK >> W H AT T H E Y ’ R E S AY I N G <<
LOVE IS LOVE
TOM DALEY
“I think love is love and we have no control over that... I think people should be allowed to marry.” —Dolly Parton in a TV interview in Australia. The country is polling citizens on whether its Parliament should vote yes or no for same-sex marriage.
DOLLY PARTON
INAPPROPRIATE
“I’ve had my ass grabbed by older, powerful men. I’ve had them corner me in inappropriate sexual conversations when I was much younger…” —Actor James Van Der Beek, in a tweet last month, revealing that he too is a survivor of sexual harassment. JAMES VAN DER BEEK
“I think the more open actors can be the less stigma there will be attached, which will be a positive thing moving forward.” —Actor Dan Amboyer (Younger) coming DAN AMBOYER out as gay to People magazine last month, after tying the knot with his longterm boyfriend Eric Berger.
GOT TO LIVE
“God, Jesus, he made men, men, he made women, women, you know? And you’ve got to live the way God wants you to live.” —Little Richard, who has previously said he was gay, now condemning homosexuality, in an interview with 3ABN, a Christian TV and radio network. LITTLE RICHARD
PHOTO BY: LUKE FONTANA
LESS STIGMA
FREE AND EQUAL
“When my kids are born, I want them to live in a free and equal world, no matter how beautifully different they turn out to be.” —Olympic diving medalist Tom Daley, while hosting the Virgin Holiday’s Attitude Awards in London, on his desire to start a family with husband Dustin Lance Black.
NOT ALLOWED
MY AGE
—Lance Bass, in a tweet last month after the massacre in Las Vegas. Gay men are still banned from donating blood in the United States.
—Gordon Thomson, 72, who played Adam Carrington on the original run of Dynasty, coming out as gay last month to the Daily Beast.
“It’s not something I’ve ever announced. I’m assuming that people know, and now that I’m my age that’s fine.”
“How is it STILL illegal for gays to donate blood??!! I want to donate and I’m not allowed.”
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LANCE BASS
GORDON THOMSON
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THESTATE >> NEWS BRIEFS <<
GOV. JERRY BROWN
LGBT History In Schools, New HIV Exposure Law, Gender Recognition Act Gov. Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 179, or the Gender Recognition Act, last month. The bill adds non-binary as a gender option on all state-issued IDs. California isn’t the first state to offer a third gender option, but it is the broadest and most specific. In July, Oregon added ‘X’ as an option, but only for driver’s licenses and ID cards. The Golden State, however, specifically lists ‘non-binary’ as its option and extends to more documents. It also makes the legal process of gender changing on documents easier.
It is no longer a felony in California to knowingly expose your sexual partners or potential blood recipients to HIV. A bill—Senate Bill 239—reducing the crime from a felony to misdemeanor was signed last month by Gov. Jerry Brown. The authors of the bill noted the advances in treatment that have changed what being HIV positive means in the modern day.
Gay rights groups told a California state commission last month that they object to several of the textbooks that could be recommended for use in schools, saying the books don’t include enough information about the contributions of LGBT Americans. The state Department of Education is preparing to update textbook recommendations for the first time since California became the first state to require teaching about the contributions of LGBT people.
Lance Bass made an impassioned plea to the FDA last month to end its longstanding restrictions on gay men donating blood, saying his blood is no different from that of straight donors. Lance told TMZ it’s a travesty gay men can’t donate if they’ve had sex within 12 months— especially after tragedies like the Las Vegas massacre. He added there’s clearly a need, and the only possible reason to stick with the policy is to discriminate against the gay community. n 1 2 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
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THECITY >> BY PAULO MURILLO <<
survey have a chance to win an AMEX $100 gift card. The survey is available at surveymonkey.com/r/hivzerosurvey. Staff members from the City’s Social Services Division also hosted two HIV Zero “Pop-Up” events in October. For additional information about the City’s HIV Zero Strategic Plan, visit weho.org. SA N D IEGO
BISHOP HOLDS MASS FOR CATHOLIC LGBT PARENTS
MAXINE WATERS (D-CA 43) L OS ANGE L E S
MALE ACTORS SEXUALLY HARASSED IN HOLLYWOOD In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, actors—both male and female—have been stepping forward to shed light on the often grotesque behavior encountered at the hands of powerful male Hollywood execs, reports queerty.com. Following in the footsteps of actresses like Asia Argento, Mira Sorvino, Emma de Caunes, and many others, male actors have been opening up about their own experiences being groped and mishandled by men in positions of power. In a series of tweets, former Dawson’s Creek actor James Van Der Beek reveals several instances being sexually harassed by “older, powerful men.” “I understand the unwarranted shame, powerlessness & inability to blow the whistle. There’s a power dynamic that feels impossible to overcome,” tweeted Van Der Beek last month. WE ST HOL LYWOOD
SURVEY, NEIGHBORHOOD POP-UPS ABOUT HIV & STIGMA The City of West Hollywood is seeking feedback about stigma experienced as a result of sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status. The City’s Social Services Division launched a short survey, as part of its efforts to implement the City’s HIV Zero Strategic Plan. Community members, regardless of HIV status, are encouraged to provide feedback. Those who complete the online 1 4 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
Bishop John Dolan, an auxiliary bishop in the Diocese of San Diego, held a special mass early last month for Catholic parents at St. John the Evangelist Church, located in San Diego’s historically gay-friendly Hillcrest neighborhood. Catholic members of the LGBT community and their families gathered to celebrate Mass and observe the 20th anniversary of “Always Our Children”—a letter from bishops meant to address the pastoral needs to address Catholic parents with gay and lesbian children. The letter, written in 1997, encourages parents to not abandon their gay and lesbian children and to teach them about about God’s love. PA LM S PR INGS
ELECTED OFFICIALS SUPPORT EQUALITY AWARDS Over 600 people attended the 2017 Palm Springs Equility Awards in October to help fuel Equality California’s first-inthe-nation work to achieve and maintain full and lasting equality for LGBT communities in and outside California. More than 30 elected officials attended the event which was hosted by Palm Springs City Councilmember Geoff Kors,
former executive director of Equality California, and current executive director Rick Zbur, and Kors’ husband James Williamson, member of the Palm Springs School Board, as well as event cochairs Jacqueline Lopez, District Director for State Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia and Elizabeth F. Romero. Also in attendance were U.S. Congressional representatives Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-CA 36), Mark Takano (DCA 41), and Maxine Waters (D-CA 43), and current candidates for Palm Springs City Council, Lisa Middleton and Christy Holstege. To learn more about Equality California, visit eqca.org. LONG BEA C H
COUNCILMAN ATTENDS OPENING CEREMONY OF CHICK-FIL-A LGBT Advocates in Long Beach were outraged after learning that the city’s councilman Daryl Supernaw sent a welcome letter and then publicized his attendance of a ribbon cutting ceremony at a new Chick-fil-A restaurant that opened in his district. Executive Director of The Center Long Beach Porter Gilberg penned an open letter criticizing the councilman man for not denouncing the company president’s personal viewpoints concerning LGBT people. According to that letter Gilberg contacted Supernaw’s office multiple times and met with his staff to discuss concerns raised by one of his constituents regarding a Chick-fil-A opening in his district. “The openness with which you have ignored feedback from your constituents and The Center demonstrates a blatant disregard for LGBTQ people,” Gilberg wrote. n
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THE TREATMENT CENTER AIMS TO ADDRESS THE SHAME THAT IS OFTEN ATTACHED TO ADDICTION AND BUILD PRIDE. PRIDE IN SELF. PRIDE IN SOBRIETY. PRIDE IN COMMUNITY.
PRIDE RECOVERY LA Now open in West Hollywood, serving the LGBT community. BY PA U LO MU RILLO
T
he City of West Hollywood has a new treatment center that specializes on the needs of LGBTQ people who suffer from substance abuse. Pride Recovery LA treatment center celebrated their grand opening on Thursday, October 26. “This is our introduction into the community as a premier LGBTQ treatment center,” Pride Recovery admissions and community outreach coordinator Matthew Bianchi stated. “We’re having this event to let people know that we are here and we’re offering this specialized experience for LGBTQ people in our community so they have the ultimate safe experience where they don’t have any fears or anxieties about really digging deep and doing the work that needs to be done in order to secure lasting sobriety.”
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“It’s really exciting to see all of the support that Pride Recovery is receiving from—not just the LGBT community, but the overall community and treatment professionals,” Zack Ament the founder and marketing director of Westwind Recovery tells THE FIGHT. ”There are people who tell me this has been needed in a while. It’s been something that we at Westwind Recovery have always wanted for our gay clients. My partner Justin Wells and I went through a treatment center and found it difficult to be vulnerable amongst people who weren’t gay themselves.” Treatment professionals and community leaders from the recovering community joined Mayor Pro Tempore John Duran at the launch. Duran was the main speaker at the event in honor of the opening. The specialized LGBTQ treatment center currently shares a space with the CORE (Complete Outpatient Recovery Experience) building located at 8300 Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood. According to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), LGBTQ people are about 30% more likely than members of the general population to suffer from addiction. The report states that LGBTQ people who go to traditional treatment for their addiction have a recovery rate that is 60% lower than non-LGBTQ people who access that same treatment. Pride Recovery LA aims to address the shame that is often attached to addiction and build pride. Pride in Self. Pride in Sobriety. Pride in Community. To learn more call (844) 303-5551.
PHOTO BY PAULO MURILLO
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THEROSTOWREPORT >> BY ANN ROSTOW <<
IT’S NOW OR NEVER
I know I tend to fixate on Supreme Court news, but you know what? It’s exciting, it’s complicated and it can be scary...an irresistible combination (kind of like Scandinavian noir on Netflix). Our big Masterpiece Cakeshop case is officially scheduled for oral arguments on Tuesday, December 5, so we’ll see what we will see. By the way, I’ve read that Neil Gorsuch is so obnoxious, he may even be alienating his conservative colleagues on the Court. Would that they decide to tip the balance on an important issue out of sheer spite. I know that’s not likely, but there are other scenarios in which his fellow justices could stall or disrupt his various vanity projects. Seriously! Even Chief Justice Roberts reportedly can’t stand the pomposity of the man. I know I’ve mentioned a few of the petitions we’re watching. These, of course, are cases that have been appealed to the High Court, but (unlike the Masterpiece Cakeshop lawsuit) not yet accepted or denied. One of these petitions was lodged by a Washington florist, who claims, like the Colorado Masterpiece Cakeshop baker, that she has a constitutional right to ignore state anti-discrimination laws based on freedom of religion and freedom of speech. The good news is that at this late date it seems the Court will not be accepting review. That’s excellent, because while baker Jack Philips has a pretty terrible case (for reasons I won’t repeat again!) the florist had a slightly better argument (for reasons I won’t drag you into). Let’s just say that it’s good that she appears to be out of the legal picture. I’ve already mentioned the big Title VII discrimination case, the one that pits a Georgia
GOVERNOR ROY COOPER
NORTH CAROLINA DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR ROY COOPER HAS SIGNED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER ENDING LGBT DISCRIMINATION THROUGHOUT STATE GOVERNMENT. lesbian against the hospital where she worked. This case, or one like it, could lead to the most important High Court ruling we can imagine—one that confirms sexual orientation is on par with race and religion as a protected, and morally neutral, minority status. Then there’s Ash Whitaker, the transgender high school student who won his Title IX discrimination case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit earlier this year. Recall that the Supreme Court accepted review of a similar case last session, before sending it back to the Fourth Circuit on something of a technicality after the election. Will they take this suit instead, or are they
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actually trying to avoid the subject? Keep in mind that we sort of hope they leave Ash Whitaker’s victory alone. On the other hand, we also want this gay-friendly Court to settle as much law in our favor as possible before it tilts further right. On the other other hand, would Justice Kennedy rule for a transgender boy? And on the other hand again, maybe the Court will stay where it is, or tilt left! We could seesaw on this case for quite a while.
HANGING BY A THREAD
Moving on, there’s a ludicrous case out of Texas sitting on the High Court sidelines, which I won’t even get into.
Oh okay, if you insist! Believe it or not, the Texas Supreme Court couldn’t decide whether the High Court’s marriage equality ruling meant that gay couples were owed all the benefits of marriage. Ruling in a case against Houston, the Texas Supremes sent the matter back down to the lower court with this key question up in the air. We have asked the Supreme Court to tell Texas what’s what, and we assume the Court will issue an order clarifying its marriage ruling without actually bothering to accept review of the case. Finally, we (and when I say “we” in this case I mean Lambda and the Mississippi Center for Justice) just asked the High Court to review the Fifth Circuit’s decision, effectively upholding Mississippi’s antigay HB 1523 by ruling that Lambda and company lacked standing to challenge the law. Lambda and the Mississippi activists had successfully sued to have the law struck down. On appeal, however, the Fifth Circuit panel ruled that the gay citizens of the state had yet to be inconvenienced by the law, and therefore had no concrete complaint. So that’s that. One huge case to be argued in a month or so and several huge cases that could be decided this year, or might be rejected, the resolution of key issues postponed for another day. Meanwhile, our gay rights majority is hanging by a thread— and I mean no offense to our elderly justices. That’s why it’s fairly critical that the Court take these cases now; next year at the latest.
CONSENTING ADULT TAR HEELS
I’m not sure what’s going on in North Carolina, where Democratic Governor Roy Cooper just signed a lovely sounding Consent Decree with the ACLU, agreeing to end any
> > I T ’ S N O W O R N E V E R • H A N G I N G B Y A T H R E A D • C O N S E N T I N G A D U LT TA R H E E L S • T H E M I R R O R U N I V E R S E < <
remaining semblance of state control over bathroom use. The governor also signed an Executive Order ending LGBT discrimination throughout state government and restoring local ability to pass civil rights laws. Sounds good, right? It looks, however, as if the legislature will have something to say about the Consent Degree before its fate is determined by a judge. Lawmakers were allowed to intervene as defendants in the ACLU lawsuit after the civil libertarians challenged the Tobacco State’s anti-transgender law in federal court last year. Since lawmakers are official defendants, they will also be involved in an eventual settlement of the lawsuit. As for the Executive Order, I gather the legislature has the power to overturn it, although I’m not clear how that works. Bottom line, the saga of North
Carolina’s war against the LGBT has a few chapters left.
THE MIRROR UNIVERSE
Speaking of trans bashing, that little minx, Jeff Sessions, has made sure his Justice Department reverses all of Obama’s pro-LGBT philosophies, and now represents (on paper) a government that believes gays and transgender Americans are not protected under our main civil rights laws. Further, Sessions and company have announced (again in writing) that the United States government believes religious sentiment takes precedent in almost every social debate, and certainly supersedes the civil rights of LGBT citizens. So forgive me if I don’t join the polite applause for our pixie lawyer in chief, just because he decided to file federal hate
crime charges against a man who murdered a gender fluid gay teenager. Sorry Jeff. Your brave prosecution is not going to bring Kedarie Johnson back to life, nor will it add much to the murder charge that Johnson’s main killer already faces. Meanwhile, your judicial posture could do us quite a bit of harm. At the very least, it provides an obstacle we don’t need; the tailwinds we got from Obama are headwinds now, thanks to you. Do you remember the Mirror Universe in various Star Treks? Trekkies out there recall the evil twins who populate the dystopic other side, the totalitarian regimes, the torture and cruelty. Sometimes I almost feel as if we’re really there. Gay men are being rounded up in conservative countries around the world, tossed in jail, beaten, killed, with nary a comment or a headline in the American press.
The aforementioned antigay policies, now instituted as official justice department precepts, have been put into place under the radar. And for all the warnings about normalizing Trump, we are doing just that. Like the frog slowly heating up in the warming water, we have become inured to appalling behavior, not just from Trump, but from the sycophants in orbit around him. In our case, however, we can’t step on the transporter and find ourselves, with a sigh of relief, back in the Obama administration. We’re stuck here, under the thumb of an egotistical dimwit and his clueless minions, until we find a way to elect a new Congress and vote our way home. We can do it guys! n Ann Rostow can be reached at arostow@aol.com.
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TRANSGENDER & GENDER NON-CONFORMING VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR PrEP STUDY If eligible, you could receive PrEP at no cost, as well as compensation for your time. What does the study involve? • Six visits over a one-year period, during which your blood would be tested and you would answer questions about your sexual health • Routine HIV and STI testing • Referrals to care and other services (if needed)
Eligibility Requirements • 18 years or older • Identify as transgender or gender non-conforming • Sexually active and HIV-negative
By participating, you’ll help to advance important HIV prevention research.
INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING? Contact Chloe: 323-993-8919 or copalo@lalgbtcenter.org 2 0 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
THETRANSACTION >> ANDREW FITZIMONS <<
GET HIRED
Los Angeles LGBT Center Hosts 9th Annual Transgender Job and Resources Fair on Nov. 9 in West Hollywood.
A
s transgender people face an unemployment rate three times higher than the average rate in the United States, the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Transgender Economic
Empowerment Project (TEEP), along with the project’s community partner City of West Hollywood, is hosting a job and resources fair specifically tailored for trans people on Thursday, November 9. The annual free fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Hollywood Park Auditorium, 647 N. San
Vicente Blvd. “Many transgender jobseekers hold college degrees yet they are not being hired solely because of their gender identity or expression,” said the Center’s TEEP Program Manager Drian Juarez. “We intend to reverse this by connecting qualified applicants with companies that strive for a diverse workplace. I encourage all companies to become a champion of trans people by committing to hiring them.” Job seekers will be provided with resume reviews and tips, a mock interview clinic, and a photo booth for professional headshots. n
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>> KEVIN WEILER <<
HIGHLY SENSITIVE TO CULTURE, GENDER, AND SEXUALITY, SMART HEALTH LA TRULY WELCOMES EVERYONE.
PATTI NEGRI (L), KEVIN WEILER.
SMART HEALTH LA
Providing culturally sensitive, high quality primary care to the LGBTQ community, regardless of ability to pay. BY SEA N G A LU SZKA
S
mart Health LA held a star-studded gala on September 26th with a lot to celebrate. Quite simply, they’re in the business of changing and saving lives. In 2012, Director of Smart Health LA Kevin Weiler conjoined all HIV/AIDS services at Valley Community Healthcare under the Smart Health LA umbrella assembling a team of professionals providing mental, physical, and sexual health support through diagnosis, treatment and management. Their mission is to provide culturally sensitive, high quality primary care and integrated health services to the LGBTQ community regardless of ability to pay. Kevin then integrated HIV and Hep C testing at Valley Community Healthcare into all general medicine patient visits, thereby identifying infected individuals to treat who may have fallen through the cracks. As a result, Smart Health LA has many success stories; two clients in particular I met were completely cured of their Hep C, men who may not have otherwise found help. One client, a carrier of Hep C for ten years couldn’t afford the care, didn’t have the right coverage, gave up, and resigned himself to die. Turning to alcohol instead of friends or family (“In my country we tend to keep these things in,” he explained), one day he was driving by Valley Community Healthcare and came in on a whim; a last attempt. They treated him for free. Three years later, grateful for what he calls his “second home,” sober, he is cured of Hep C.
2 2 TTHHEE FFIIGH www.thefightmag.com 22 GH TT || www.thefightmag.com
Famed psychic Patti Negri a former client herself offered, “It’s the best staff, the best doctors, I was treated with respect. It’s healthcare with a heart. They service individually understanding you can’t throw everyone into a ‘lump.’ As a psychic, you know, I take it all down to energy—and the energy I take all down to heart.” Smart Health LA truly recognizes the need for care for everyone. With transgender healthcare under fire from the current administration, American Horror Story’s Amazon Eve explained, “It’s less expensive to provide medical care for a transgender person’s transition than for their life support after a botched suicide attempt. Denying services leads to longterm depression, addiction. You don’t have a productive person. You have a dead person. Hormone pills are cheap. Depression pills are expensive.” Often subjects of violence and murder, urgency for transgender people of color is particularly high. Forward thinking, mindful of the community’s needs, Kevin is expanding HIV, Hepatitis C, Transgender, and PrEP/PEP services as well as adding an addiction clinic to tackle the LA County opiate epidemic amongst LGBTQ and youth. Kevin also wants to increase the number of days/hours in which Smart Health LA are able to offer services. Remember, his staff is here for you, highly sensitive to culture, gender, and sexuality. Smart Health LA truly welcomes everyone and will treat you regardless of race, age, sexual preference, gender, and regardless of your ability to pay. With US healthcare in such upheaval, Smart Health LA is a beacon of hope worth celebrating! For more information about their services or to make an appointment go www.smarthealthla.com or call: 818-301-6334.
THEEPIDEMIC >> NEW HIV THERAPY <<
BLOCK&LOCK
Newly-developed HIV therapy stops the virus’s replication. BY VICTO R MELA MED
S
cientists at the Scripps Research Institute in Florida announced last month that their new drug may reduce an infected person’s viral load so far that HIV can no longer spread to healthy cells when used in combination with the current recommended cocktail of antiretroviral drugs, reports Daily Mail at www.dailymail.co.uk. This discovery comes one month after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that once the viral load of HIV is reduced below the level of being ‘detectable,’ it is effectively no longer transmissible. After the researchers injected the drug into mice, the virus stayed below the detectable level more than twice as long as it did with just the standard cocktail, indicating that the treatment may have lasting effects. The Scripps study uses a totally new approach that lead author Dr. Susana Valente calls “block-and-lock.” She and her team came up with a new drug compound called didehydro-Cortistatin A (dCA) in the Scripps lab in Jupiter, Florida. After the viral load of HIV has been reduced down to undetectable levels by the traditional cocktail of medications, dCA prevents infected cells from reactivating and copying themselves, the mechanism by which the virus spreads. The drug then “locks” the HIV virus into a dormant state, which, from the study’s results could suppress it for as much as 19 days. n NO VEMB ER 2017 | THE F I GH T 23
> > MIKE RUIZ < <
HEARTTHROBS & HOUNDS Celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz’s 2018 calendar benefits pet rescue groups.
W
hat happens when you pair the cutest pups on earth—who just happen to be in need of forever homes—with beautiful, hunky men? The year’s most buzzedabout calendar, that’s what!
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Mike Ruiz’s 2018 calendar, “HeartThrobs and Hounds,” is thirteen months of perfection (1 bonus month in 2019) that will put a smile on your face every day of the new year. The calendar features some of the biggest male fitness models working today including James Ellis, Dragos Sykos, Myles Leask and cover-model Mike O’Hearn. Every dollar made from the sale of the “HeartThrobs and Hounds” 2018 calendar will go directly to Fur Friends in Need and Lilo’s Promise animal rescues. “The calendar makes a perfect holiday gift for any human being with eyes and a pulse, and it brings awareness to our furry friends in need,” says Mike Ruiz. Mike Ruiz’s 2018 calendar, “HeartThrobs and Hounds,” is available for only $19.99 at: www.furfriendsinneed.com.
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>> COVER INTERVIEW <<
ZERO SHAME
Iconique’s Leo Paparella on true expression, the current political climate and worshipping Debbie Harry.
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B Y PA U L V. VITA G LIA N O | PH O TO BY A LLYSON LAQUI AN
or those of you headed to Palm Springs Pride this year, you are in for a real treat, served up live on stage by the up and coming LA electro-soul trio, Iconique. The band consists of gay singer Leo Paparella, and multi-instrumentalist brothers Gary and Eric Promani, who are openly straight. I say that with a bit of a wink and a nod, because nowadays, polysexuality just ain’t that big of a deal anymore, especially when it comes to musicians and performers. And Iconique are living proof of this. When you listen to their music, you’re instantly whisked back to the late 70s and mid-80s, as the band distills the classic sounds of dance floor disco, suave soul, and shimmering synthpop into their own unique and opulent vision. For reference, imagine if Prince, Chic, David Bowie and Giorgio Moroder all got together to jam and get the kids dancing. I got to chat with Leo about the band’s influences, being an out performer, and which music and style icons and legends rule this trio’s roost.
icons I ever worshipped. Her facial features are very 80s, nail-salon-art approved.
What was the first album you bought with your own money? I was about 10 years old, and it was “The Best of Blondie” from 1980. I adored “Atomic” most of all, and still do. Debbie Harry was also one of the earliest beauty
Do you find it easier being an openly gay performer in 2017, then say how that might have been even 10-20 years ago? Society has overall moved in a more progressive direction (though the current grotesque political climate in some ways
What bands or musicians were you and the guys obsessed with as kids? We may have individually discovered them at different times, but our set of influences are pretty much the same, with Prince basically being the common thread to our musical tastes. Come to think of it, the biggest rift in our band is mostly which era of Prince we prefer best! You have a serious falsetto going on. Who are the top singers that inspired you to get on the mic? I’m really struggling to answer this without giving you pages of unnecessary idol worship! My foremost favorite vocalist is Mariah Carey. She has a mix of range, agility and resonance that borders on miraculous to me. I also adore Whitney and Streisand. In terms of males, Freddie Mercury “sells” the voice, as Montserrat Caballé once said, and I find him incredibly effective as a vocalist. George Michael was also a formative influence.
“GAY PEOPLE ARE CONSISTENTLY SOME OF THE GREATEST CULTURAL INNOVATORS AND ARTISTS THROUGHOUT HISTORY…I CONSIDER BEING AN OUT, GAY MAN TO BE ESSENTIAL TO THE CULTIVATION OF MY ART.” 2 6 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
challenges that), and I feel the music industry has moved to a more muted, blasé place in terms of LGBTQ representation. Why do you think it’s important to be out as a performer? I have an enormous amount of pride in our community. Gay people are consistently some of the greatest cultural innovators and artists throughout history, and I consider being an out, gay man to be so essential to the cultivation of my art. Thus, I can’t imagine being evasive about my identity. And it’s important for me artistically, because it gives me the freedom to fully express myself. But most of all, it’s important ethically, because there is zero shame
> > LEO HERRERA, COLUMBINE DEMERS, BRENDEN SCHUCART < <
in who we are. And I want to communicate and exemplify that to the next generation of LGBTQ artists coming up after me. Do most people just assume that all three of you are gay? That tends to always be the assumption, but it’s never a problem. My bandmates grew up with a gay brother, and they’re truly the greatest support system I could ever have. They never ask me to tone down my flamboyancy or try to mute my lyrics. They have a deep security with their own masculinity, which really makes those petty issues non-existent. As a gay man, they actually make me feel very hopeful for the future.
If Iconique could share a dream bill with one performer (living or dead), who would it be? It would be a massive dose of humble pie for us in terms of sheer musical chops, but Prince would be the ultimate ambition. People overuse the word genius, but for me he is the benchmark of it in contemporary music. I miss him dearly. You just released a fabulous cover of the Cardigans’ “Love Fool.” Are there any other songs you think could use an Iconique makeover? Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. We’re planning a new cover that we can’t
quite reveal yet. But I will say, there’s something interesting to me as a producer to continue our anachronistic theme of taking 90s pop classics and retrograding them with 80s production. What’s next for the band, and where can people keep tabs on your music and gigs? After Palm Springs Pride we’ll be at The Roxy in West Hollywood on November 16th in support of Gavin Turek and Doug Locke. We’ll also be releasing the song and video for our eponymous “Iconique” single very soon. People can keep up with us on Soundcloud, Spotify, Instagram, and at iconiqueband.com. NO VEMB ER 2017 | THE F I GH T 27
THESHARE
THIS PAGE IS SPONSORED BY
>> BY PAULO MURILLO <<
GRIEF AND RECOVERY
Three clean and sober men who recently lost friends from their sober circles on how their loss effects them. ZACK AMENT
CURVE BALL
The recent death of my friend Eric Danko hit me hard and it shifted my program. I realize that I need to be spiritually fit. I’m now doing 30 meetings in 30 days. I’m calling my sponsor every day and I’m reaching out to other alcoholics. I’m also surrounding myself with sober friends. Life happens and the world will throw a curve ball. I hadn’t been to a meeting for about a month. That changed after I found out about Eric. Everyone responds and grieves differently. It can be hard. It’s important for me to be honest and vulnerable with the people who are close to me in order to get closer and maintain a connection. Working in treatment, I’ve seen a lot of people die. It happens often. —Zack Ament, sober since December 18, 2010.
POWERFULLY INTUITIVE
DONATO CROWLEY
“I’m 16 years sober. My sponsor David M. is 33 years sober. After you see so many people come and go, you just do your best to move forward. Eventually what happens is, the loss starts catching up to you. I was walking to go to a memorial. I ran into David and I asked, ‘Are you okay?’ I could see that he wasn’t and I wasn’t. We embraced and cried in each other’s arms. He said he hadn’t done that in years…
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We’ve had to bury so many of our brothers. I just had a memorial in my backyard this week. How do you get through this grief, when you know more are coming? The only answer that I came up with is that I need to work harder at my program and I need to teach my sponsees to be better with their program. This is an epidemic. We used to lose people like this to AIDS. I’ve noticed more loss in the program recently. I know several of the recent deaths have been heroin related. We just have to be better and reach out and check in with each other… We are all powerfully intuitive. The intuition that pops up and says, ‘Oh I should call that person’—we need to stop what we’re doing and check in, because we don’t know when we’re hugging someone for the last time.” —Donato Crowley, sober since February 5, 2001.
JONATHAN BIERNER
CONNECT MORE “My dad died last November, so death is something that’s constantly on my mind. After losing my dad, I’m numb. Being sober for 12 years, I’ve never experienced as many deaths in my close circle as I’ve had this year. I can’t explain why. It’s just been a bad year. I hope this isn’t the new norm… I noticed that I’ve been going to more meetings since my friend Rob died. I feel the need to connect more. I find myself reaching out to people more. When we have deaths in recovery, it makes me more open to those who might be vulnerable. I got two new sponsees the week Rob died. I also noticed after the recent deaths that we are kinder and gentler and have more sincerity behind what we say. The recent deaths have me going to more meetings, I fellowship and I try to be more spiritually strong.” —Jonathan Bierner, sober since March 28, 2005.
r ts hi ts al in ig or visit us at
hellothello.com NO VEMB ER 2017 | THE F I GH T 29
>> ROB SMITH <<
CREATING CHANGE
Iraqi war veteran and author Rob Smith on coming out in the military, the renewed battle for rights and rallying around the threat from a common enemy. BY MARK ARI EL
I
n the relaunch of his memoir Confessions of a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Soldier: How a Black, Gay Man Survived the Infantry, Coming Out, and the War in Iraq, LGBT activist and journalist Rob Smith reveals his personal experiences as a gay military man serving under DADT and reminds us that for many LGBT men and women, the battle for equality in the eyes of the military, especially with the current administration, is far from over. Originally from Akron, Ohio, Smith, says that he first fully came to terms with being gay was when he was 19, during his time in the military. “It was actually a funny experience in a strip club that brought on that realization, and I write all about it in the book. It took me a long time to be completely okay with it and not feel like I was somehow ‘wrong’ or defective,” reveals Smith in an interview with THE FIGHT.
A FRESH START “My coming out process was complicated by the fact that I was serving in the military under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT),” says Smith. “I had to be very secretive and selective about who I told, and though I was never ‘outed’ by anyone, I think all those years of secrecy really made me internalize negative ideas about being gay for longer than I should’ve.” Smith decided to join the military “because I needed to get out of the city I grew up in. I needed to get out, to see the world, to have a fresh start somewhere else.” Not too long after he was honorably discharged, Smith decided to write his book, during his time as an undergraduate at Syracuse University. Smith admits that while revealing intimate and personal details of his life caused him some anxiety, he “wanted to be as honest 3 0 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
and authentic as possible. My story includes sex, my story includes some behavior and decisions that I’m not proud of, but that’s life. People connect to the messiness of reality, not a perfectly constructed view of a perfect person. And I am FAR from perfect.”
A RAY OF LIGHT As far as where the LGBTQ community stands today, Smith feels we were lulled into a false sense of security with President Obama in office. “It was the first time when we truly had an administration who was open to the presence of people of color, LGBTQ people, etc. I also think that, looking back, there was a sense that the big battles were ‘over,’ and I think it led us to way too much infighting about pronouns, and very niche communities
within the LGBTQ umbrella, and we were all bickering and battling with each other. When that period came to such a shocking, sudden end, I think that everyone has taken a step back, realizing that we’re all fighting for the same things. I am personally experiencing a lot more rallying around the threat from a very common enemy.” Regarding the current administrations attacks on free speech, trans service members. veterans, healthcare, LGBTQ rights and minorities—Smith reveals that he has “become so inured to Trump’s childish outbursts that I’m almost indifferent to them… Actually I personally take umbrage much more with the attempt to reintroduce George W. Bush to the world as some sort of compassionate alternative to Trump, because while Trump is completely unacceptable and hostile to LGBTQ rights, he has yet to lead us into a fake war that has cost the lives of thousands of Americans—and I think that people sometimes forget that George W. Bush did. As for Trump, the way I deal with him—and the way I think we should all deal with him—is to take a good look at the change that we can make in our own communities. What are we doing to make the world a better and safer place for people of color or for the LGBTQ community?” If there is a ray of light in the current political reality, says Smith, “it’s that people are more aware than ever that we need to remain vigilant to protect the rights we’ve fought so hard to get.” You can find Rob Smith on instagram and Twitter @ robsmithonline. For more on coming out, life in the Army, and what it’s really like to deploy to Iraq, check out Rob Smith’s memoir Confessions of a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Soldier: How a Black, Gay Man Survived the Infantry, Coming Out, and the War in Iraq, on sale at Amazon and select LGBT bookstores.
> > LEO HERRERA, COLUMBINE DEMERS, BRENDEN SCHUCART < <
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THEART >>
LGBTQ ARTISTS
<<
HOMO RIOT
Promoting strong positive gay and queer identities.
T
he artist known as Homo Riot began a street art campaign in Los Angeles in 2008 after the passage of the anti-gay marriage Prop 8 in California. With art and imagery that promotes strong positive gay and queer identities, Homo Riot has been an active voice internationally in the street art movement. He continues his activism and street art in cities around the world supporting a new generation of queer street artists and giving voice to the community through his raw and engaging art. n For more info visit: www.homoriot.com.
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BOND WITH BABY >> ROB SMITH <<
Working with families in the LGBTQ community to ensure that both mothers in a relationship can choose to breastfeed their baby, regardless of how their family was created. BY DR . R O N AY E C A LV E R T
“I am a business-owner, artist, wife, daughter, lover, survivor, and activist. I feel empowered and even limitless, at times, but I can’t breastfeed my own baby! It is the most natural thing in the world and I can’t give her that because she didn’t live in my womb, only in my heart.”
DR. RONAYE CALVERT
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When Sharon tearfully said these words to me, I felt powerless to help her. I could empathize and share her frustration and her longing, but that wasn’t enough. As a professional who finds great purpose supporting my clients in overcoming enormous challenges, I could not settle for having no solution to this problem. Sharon shouldn’t have to accept that and neither should any of you. With serious determination and after a LOT of investigation, Sharon and I finally found lactation expert Laura Cannon and a process of tremendous learning and growth began. Over the course of several months we met with Laura whose patience, guidance and knowledge were a great comfort as Sharon struggled through frustration, doubt and the belief that she
LAURA CANNON
would never be enough. She wasn’t a biological mother and she feared she might not be allowed this sacred relationship with her baby.
> > FAMILIES IN THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY < <
CHANGING THE WAY WE THINK ABOUT ADOPTION, CONNECTION AND OUR CAPABILITIES TO FORGE BONDS— CHANGE US ALL, FOR THE BETTER.
Sharon’s concerns were not simply rooted in her heartfelt desire to nurture her child in the most natural way possible, but Sharon also knew, instinctively, how important breastfeeding is in cultivating bonding and attachment with her baby. As Laura stated in our initial session together, “Breastfeeding allows for your baby to, quite literally, soak in your unique scent and feel that, in your arms, they are ‘home.’” For an adoptive mother and child, the capability to create that bond and forge that connection parallels the attachment that occurs between a biological mother and child, both physically and mentally. Now, don’t get me wrong. This is not all about emotion and loving your child, this is also about science and a deep understanding of the human body and the mind-body connection. Laura guided Sharon through the process of hormone therapy, breaststimulation techniques, monitoring milk
production, latching (both simulated and with the baby), and counseled her on every detail of the feeding process from how to hold her body to the importance of her thoughts. In fact, her mindset was so important, it was the cornerstone of this entire process. As Laura instructed, “A woman’s belief that she is capable of making milk is the key determinant in her success. Hormones and massage techniques are simply not enough; she must be passionately connected to the process.” With this goal in mind, I coached Sharon through visualizing her body creating and sustaining the life force that would nurture her daughter, silencing negative thinking or limitations and meditating on bringing her intentions into reality. The mind is so incredibly powerful in its potential to create our greatest visions and dreams…when we allow it. Thanks to Sharon’s courage to venture into what she once thought impossible, I was fortunate enough to witness what Laura always believed possible and what I can only describe as miraculous: Sharon breastfed her adopted daughter. It was out of this profound experience that the synergy between Laura Cannon and I was born. B.O.N.D. (Breastfeeding Our Newborns by Design) was launched in
2016 and Laura and I have had the joy and privilege of helping biological and adopted families forge this incredible attachment with their babies ever since. The expert and dedicated network of lactation consultants, OBGYNs, nurses, pediatricians, nutritionists, and therapists who work with programs like B.O.N.D. exist so that mothers and families can be supported from the inside out. In creating this team, Laura and I also shared an important mission—Inclusion. As such, we have worked with families in our LGBTQ community to ensure that both mothers in a relationship can choose to breastfeed their baby, regardless of how their family was created. The role of each partner, whether breastfeeding or not, is an active one and their importance to the bonding process cannot be overstated. Laura and I educate and coach partners to be active teammates in this process as we understand the immense value they bring to the family unit and the bonding process, as a whole. As written by breastfeeding advocate and researcher, Diane Wiessinger, “Breastfeeding weaves an emotional cord to replace the umbilical cord.” Women like Sharon are pioneers for change—changing the way we think about adoption, connection and our capabilities to forge bonds that change us all, for the better. In a world where so many things can seem chaotic and challenging, it’s good to know that some things always remain true—mother knows best. Dr. Ronaye Calvert is the Founder and Executive Director of LIVE Treatment and Revive Detox in West Los Angeles and Co-Founder of B.O.N.D. LIVETrearmentVIP.com (323) 714-8113. ReviveDetox. com (844) 467-3848. Laura Cannon is a Certified Lactation Educator and Co-Founder and Executive Director of B.O.N.D. (888) 506-1860 ext. 101. TalkToUs@BONDbreastfeeding.com.
BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING Fights and prevents childhood illness Millions of antibodies in every teaspoon of breastmilk; zero in formula Adopted baby’s immune system at increased risk due to relocation and stress Adapts daily to your baby’s needs—custom made nutrition Increases IQ vs formula fed babies Decreases mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer Releases oxytocin and endorphins to help with stress Creates a bonding euphoric feeling Protects baby from obesity into adulthood.
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> > IRIS BAINUM-HOULE AND VIRGINIA BAUMAN < <
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME A beautifully romantic gay coming-of-age drama. BY O RLY LYO N N E
C
ritics are raving about the new film “Call Me By Your Name,” a sensual and transcendent tale of first love, based on the acclaimed novel by André Aciman, directed by Luca Guadagnino. It’s the summer of 1983 in the north of Italy, and Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet), a precocious 17-year-old American-Italian boy, spends his days in his family’s 17th century villa transcribing and playing classical music, reading, and flirting with his friend Marzia (Esther Garrel ).
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ELIO AND OLIVER DISCOVER THE HEADY BEAUTY OF AWAKENING DESIRE OVER THE COURSE OF A SUMMER THAT WILL ALTER THEIR LIVES FOREVER. Elio enjoys a close relationship with his father (Michael Stuhlbarg), an eminent professor specializing in Greco-Roman
culture, and his mother Annella (Amira Casar), a translator, who favor him with the fruits of high culture in a setting that overflows with natural delights. While Elio’s sophistication and intellectual gifts suggest he is already a fully-fledged adult, there is much that yet remains innocent and unformed about him, particularly about matters of the heart. One day, Oliver (Armie Hammer), a charming American scholar working on his doctorate, arrives as the annual summer intern tasked with helping Elio’s father. Amid the sun-drenched splendor of the setting, Elio and Oliver discover the heady beauty of awakening desire over the course of a summer that will alter their lives forever. Playing now at The Arclight Hollywood and at The Landmark.
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GOTHAM AWARDS NOMINATIONS INCLUDING
BEST PICTURE
“A KNOCKOUT! CASTS A BEAUTIFULLY EROTIC, SENSUAL SPELL.” -Chris Nashawaty, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
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“TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET AND ARMIE HAMMER SHOWCASE SOME OF THE RICHEST CHEMISTRY I’VE EVER WITNESSED IN A MOVIE. IT’S SUBLIME.” -Matthew Jacobs, HUFFINGTON POST
A FILM BY
LUCA GUADAGNINO
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ARMIE HAMMER TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET MICHAEL STUHLBARG AMIRA CASAR ESTHER GARREL SONY PICTURES CLASSICS PRESENTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH MEMENTOA FILM FILMS INTERNATIONAL AND RT FEATURES IN ASSOCIATION WITH M.Y.R.A. ENTERTAINMENT A FRENESY FILM LA CINÉFACTURE CO-PRODUCTION IN ASSOCIATION WITH MORATO PANE S.P.A. FARAM 1957 S.P.A. ARMANDO DE ANGELIS S.R.L. CINEFINANCE ITALIA S.R.L. WATER’S END PRODUCTIONS BY LUCA GUADAGNINO” CALL ME BY YOUR NAME” ARMIE HAMMER TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET MICHAEL STUHLBARG AMIRA CASAR ESTHER GARREL VICTOIRE DU BOIS SUPERVIMUSISORC ROBIN URDANG “THE MYSTERY OF LOVE” & “VISIONS OF GIDEON” EXECUTIVE SUFJAN STEVENS STELLA SAVINO DESICOSTUMEGNER GIULIA PIERSANTI PRODUCTIDESIGNERON SAMUEL DESHORS CINEMATOGRAPHY SAYOMBHU MUKDEEPROM EDITOR WALTER FASANO PRODUCERS DEREK SIMONDS TOM DOLBY MARGARETHE BAILLOU FRANCESCO MELZI D’ERIL NAIMA ABED NICHOLAS KAISER SOPHIE MAS LOURENÇO SANT’ANNA PRODUCEDBY PETER SPEARS LUCA GUADAGNINO EMILIE GEORGES RODRIGO TEIXEIRA MARCO MORABITO JAMES IVORY HOWARD ROSENMAN
PURSUANT TO THE TAX CREDIT RULES IN ASSOCIATION WITH WRITTEN & CASTING PERFORMED BY BY
BASED ON THE NOVEL BY
ANDRÉ ACIMAN SCREENPLAY BY JAMES IVORY LUCA GUADAGNINO
DIRECTED BY
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OPENS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24
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at W. Pico & Westwood (310) 470-0492 landmarktheatres.com
at Sunset & Vine (323) 464-4226 arclightcinemas.com
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THE FIGHT MAGAZINE WED 11/01 NO VEMB ER 2017 | THE HALF PAGE VERTICAL (3.56" x 9.93")
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> > IRIS BAINUM-HOULE AND VIRGINIA BAUMAN < <
CUTIES COFFEE
An LGBTQ-owned & operated espresso bar in Los Angeles, with community events.
C
“
BY RO XIE PERKIN S
uties Coffee Bar,” a queer cafe in Los Angeles founded by Iris Bainum-Houle and Virginia Bauman aims to provide queer people a safe space to socialize and engage. The cafe grew out of “Cuties Weekly Brief,” a weekly newsletter produced by Bainum-Houle and Bauman highlighting queer events and happenings in the LA area as a means to unite the community. The duo also run Cuties Housing Project—an organization aiming to provide safe housing for queer and trans people in need. The coffee shop opened in July 2017 and now serves as the hub for all of the groups’ activities. In an interview with THE FIGHT co-founder Iris Bainum-Houle, a genderfluid femme, talks about creating a space for everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community. Cuties has many facets—tell us about the newsletter and how it came to be. Our newsletter, The Cuties Weekly Brief, was one of our first steps in reaching out to the broader queer community here in Los Angeles. We knew we could offer resources to folks well before we opened the doors of our coffee bar and a regular newsletter seemed like an excellent way to do that. I love that we can share events from other organizers alongside our own… We created a section called “Adventures From Your Couch.” It’s a curated list of media ranging from book recommendations to films, zines, podcasts, music videos and more that folks can enjoy from home. How did the idea for the coffee shop come about? It came about from both our desires to have a casual space to share with our community that was not centered around alcohol or one specific letter in LGBTQIA+. With Virginia’s background in coffee and my passion for events and organizing a coffee shop seemed like a feasible way to make that goal happen. With a physical space and a means to help pay for the space the possibilities are endless.
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“WE WANT FOLKS TO HAVE A SAFE AND WELCOMING SPACE WHERE THEIR GENDER, THEIR ORIENTATION, AND THEIR IDENTITY WILL BE RESPECTED AND NURTURED.” The coffee shop hosts many events— what is your socio/political goal? Our goal is to create more space for everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community as well as our supporters. We want folks to have a safe and welcoming space where their gender, their orientation, and their identity will be respected and nurtured. That basic premise is becoming more and more important and politicized every day. Tell us about Cutie’s Housing Project. One our community’s most pressing needs is safe and secure housing. Right now we are providing listing services through our social media outlets for queer and trans folks looking for housing or queer and trans friendly housing that’s currently available. We know this is a long term issue and we’re just getting started on it. I don’t know what form it will take, whether we’ll head up creating more housing or collaborate with other existing organizations. I know that for it to happen in the future we’ve got to start talking now. What’s next for Cuties? Now that the shop is open our team has expanded and I’m really excited to see what our other team members want to contribute. Our baristas are a talented group of folks. We have filmmakers, artists, designers, organizers, writers and metalworkers who also happen to know how to make an amazing shot of espresso. I’m eager to provide space for them to get involved in whatever way excites them! Cuties is located at 710 N. Heliotrope Dr. Los Angeles 90029 and is open 7am-7pm everyday.
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>> BEN CORY JONES <<
RISING STAR
Producer, writer Ben Cory Jones (HBO’s Insecure) on being black and gay in Hollywood, the Harvey Weinstein scandal and finding your passion. BY TI MOTHY RAY
Ben Cory Jones is hot. Don’t take my word for it. Check out his Instagram (@Benthewriter) and search his exclusive hashtag #writersaresexytoo. With smoldering good looks deserving of some onscreen attention, it is behind the camera where Jones’ swagger and talents shine. And if his name doesn’t ring a bell, his work will. Jones, 34, is a producer and writer on the hit HBO series Insecure. The LA-based dramedy, starring his close friend, cowriter, creator, executive producer and actress Issa Rae, is gearing up for its third season. Jones and his fellow writers explore the series through Rae and an eclectic ensemble of Black millennials in their 20s and 30s. Viewers see them navigate the ups and downs of life, love, friendships and their careers. Before this wildly popular show, Jones was a writer for ABC’s Castle and WGN’s Underground. Jones is making successful strides as one of the few black gay producers and writers in Hollywood. But what makes this Memphis, Tennessee-raised, go-getter so unique is his back story. In an interview with THE FIGHT Jones talks about being black and gay in Hollywood, the Harvey Weinstein scandal, and the series of events that led the Morehouse College-grad to give up his corporate communications job on Wall Street for a shot at Tinseltown. Between 2005 and 2006 you had an epiphany about your career path. Describe the moment you knew working as a communications manager for Bank of America on Wall Street was no longer for you I enjoyed my job. It was a great experience for me to be right out of undergrad and making a lot of money. I would get 4 0 T H E F IGH T | www.thefightmag.com
HOLLYWOOD IS STILL TRYING TO UNDERSTAND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH PEOPLE OF COLOR. IT’S LESS ABOUT SEXUAL ADVANCES AND INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR. IT’S MORE ABOUT EDUCATING PEOPLE ABOUT THE STEREOTYPES THEY HAVE ABOUT GAY PEOPLE OR BLACK PEOPLE. up, go to work, go to the gym and spend countless hours in front of the television. This is when Grey’s Anatomy, The Sopranos, Desperate Housewives and Lost were on. In all honesty, I was in a relationship with my ex-boyfriend and we broke up. So I had a lot of time on my hands. So I thought let me try to find a hobby like tennis or golf. I was walking in New York City near NYU’s continuing education building. I literally walked in the door, and I picked up the course catalogue. Call it serendipity or call it the universe, but as I was flipping through my hand landed on a television writing class. I paid $700 for the class. The first day of class we watched and discussed TV shows. About one hour into the class I
was like “Oh shit. This is it.” I remember saying that to myself and I probably said it out loud. I’m sure people wandered is he crazy? I literally had that moment where I felt like I was sitting in the exact right place I was supposed to be. I would work on classroom assignments in a bathroom stall at work. I literally sat there on the toilet, pun intended, and I said to myself If I’m willing to do this in a suit and tie, this is what I’m supposed to be doing with my life. Everything later became the question of “what do I need to do to launch a career in television?” The experience at NYU helped prepare you for a prestigious production apprenticeship with ABC TV Studios in LA, which eventually led to TV writing and producing opportunities. What advice do you have for people who are contemplating pursuing a second career in their dream job? Yes. Go find your passion. But also chase and seek out dope experiences that will stretch your mind and imagination, and make you smart and more social. It’s okay to go work in a completely different career for a year or two. I was working with extremely smart individuals. I learned so much as a person. Whether I am pitching a new show or talking with a network I talk often about what it was like to be 22-years-old working as a black gay man on Wall Street. That’s part of my story that makes me interesting. What is your reaction to the Harvey Weinstein sexual assault and rape allegations sending shockwaves through Hollywood? It’s tragic. It’s sickening and it’s sad. I’m just happy that we are in a space in time—in
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>> BEN CORY JONES <<
the culture in the world—where people who feel they’ve been discriminated against or harassed or sexually assaulted or raped, they feel they can come out publicly and say that. I think we’re going to see a lot of the structures in Hollywood shift and that’s a good thing. Hopefully, it will bring about change. Do these types of sexual allegations happen within the gay community in show business? I don’t see it personally. But I will say I’m more aware and present of being a black writer, producer and actor in this industry. I think this town—Hollywood is still having issues when it comes to people of color. I find that I end up having to navigate sticky terrain about being a black person than being a gay person. Hollywood is still trying to understand its relationship with people of color. It’s less about sexual advances and inappropriate behavior. It’s more about educating people about the stereotypes they have about gay people or black people. How would you describe the LGBT community presence in Hollywood? And how black LGBT people are portrayed in the mainstream? We have a very, very long way to go, but I also say in the same breath I am hopeful. We are in a world now where the nuances and specificity of what it means to be black and gay is ripe to be shown right now. There’s just so many layers of who we are. And I feel the world is just now understanding that “oh, all black gay people are not the same.” A personal mission of mine is to explore the interiors and emotional lives of black gay men. The shift in making our stories visible comes from us. People like my friend Lena Waithe who won an Emmy for writing an episode of Master of None about her coming out as a lesbian. It takes people like my friend Justin Simien who created this TV show Dear White People, where there’s a gay character on the show. It takes people like us who are in the culture who have these experiences, who are these people, to write and tell our stories. It also requires more black gay people to be out. To be public. To be advocates. Let’s switch gears and talk about the success of your show Insecure. Your reaction to its popularity and what can we expect in season three? 4 42 2 T TH HE E F F IGH IGH T T || www.thefightmag.com www.thefightmag.com
It’s amazing. We are back around the writers table for season three. I can’t give away too many spoilers. With season three, we are trying to open up our world more. We’re trying to introduce new characters. And give the existing characters we have more and more to do. There’s obviously going to be some residuals between Issa and Lawrence. We’re just so glad that people have responded to the show. And we’re really glad that people get in their feelings about it [laughter]. I really like that people are taking the time to connect with these characters. People are either Team Issa, Team Lawrence or Team Daniel.”
IT TAKES PEOPLE LIKE US WHO ARE IN THE CULTURE WHO HAVE THESE EXPERIENCES, WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE, TO WRITE AND TELL OUR STORIES. IT ALSO REQUIRES MORE BLACK GAY PEOPLE TO BE OUT. TO BE PUBLIC. TO BE ADVOCATES. Whose team are you on? I’m part of the Lawrence Hive [laughter]. I say that because we have a majority female writing staff. We have four men in the room. Our show is for black women, specifically. However, that’s not to say that our show is not for black men. The men writers in the room take great care and pride in making sure there is a male perspective in the show that is interesting and relevant just as the female perspective. Is Issa’s brother Ahmal, who is played by actor Jean Elie, gay on the show? And will we see his character develop? Yes, and yes. Ahmal is gay and we will see more of him next season. We’re really excited about expanding that character for the third season, specifically. This is a very sensitive topic for me because Issa Rae to her credit wanted to have a gay character in the show. She is very interested in
exploring LGBTQ issues in our show. So when we first meet Ahmal in the second season, he gives dap to his homeys and then he gives his little home girl a little moment [laughter]. And so people were wondering if he is gay. But you know when I walk into a room I don’t say “Hi, my name is Ben and I’m gay.” I just exist. And if we have a conversation and it comes up that I’m gay, then it comes up. To me, since Ahmal has not come out and said he is gay that is the whole point. The word gay is not going to come out of his month every two sentences. He is living his life and he doesn’t need to explain who he is. He is a dude that if you want to know who he is then you have to get to know him. His outer appearance doesn’t indicate sexual preference.” You have a project in development called Bros about three brothers, the youngest is gay. The show delves into how they navigate dating, divorce and family dynamics. What’s the status of that project and what can we see next from you? I’m fighting the good fight. Bros is a passion project for me and I’m fighting tooth and nail every day to get that show on the air. The success of Insecure definitely will help me get my shows going. I won’t have to do as much explaining as to why a black gay story is important, in the way that Issa Rae had to explain why the black female story is important. I’m in awe of what she’s been able to do to move us all forward. I’m not going to rest until I get a black gay story that is reflective of the times right now. We need more gay storytellers. More trans storytellers. More bisexual storytellers. That’s how the world is going to change. The world is a more interesting place because we’re in it. And we need to tell our stories. Jones says his long term goal is to collaborate with Tyler Perry on a project, and produce a film based on the life and legacy of James Baldwin. His first choice to play the lead character: Don Cheadle. You read it here first. For now, be on the lookout for Jones’ work on season three of Insecure. He also has a new show in development on Bravo titled Candy, a fictional drama based in Memphis, Tennessee about the youngest and first African-American woman mayor. The series pilot explores how Candy navigates politics while balancing her own personal scandal. Sounds like Olivia Pope reincarnated. We’ll all have to watch and see.
11.11.17 • THE ROOFTOP • 9PM The Standard, Downtown LA | 550 S Flower at 6th St.
Presented by
EMERGING LEADERS COUNCIL
Hosted by
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REVERSING GENDER ROLES >> GAY LONELINESS <<
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Campaign showing clothed women and nude men—a statement about how women are often presented as disembodied sex objects in clothing ads.
W
omen’s clothing brand Suistudio USA has a series of ads that reverse common gender roles, reports LGBTQ Nation at lgbtqnation.com. The “Not Dressing Men” campaign shows women clothed and looking at the camera, while male models are naked and don’t have faces. The campaign is a statement about how women are often presented as disembodied sex objects in clothing ads. “There is nothing wrong with sex, the naked human body, and the inclusion of that in a campaign. Sex is a big part of fashion,” Suistudio USA vice president Kristina Barricelli told UpWorthy. “The problem is that in recent history, we haven’t seen a naked man objectified in the background. How strange! Why not?”
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> > >G>A YM RL .O H N AE N L IKNE EY S <S < < <
HANKEY’S TOYS “Helping people spice up their sex lives for years to cum…” An interview with the one and only Mr. Hankey. BY ORLY LYONN E
When was Hankey’s Toys established? Hankey’s Toys was established in October, 2015. We began when we realized that there were other silicone toy makers but there seemed to be a gap. You could buy many “small/ medium” sized toys but if you wanted medium/large, large, extra large or extremely large toys then the options were very limited. We also noticed that there were very few large silicone toys that had a unique shape or realistic look. There’s nice fantasy toys out there and nice shapes but not many realistic looking big silicone toys. We started as a hobby, it was a fun thing to do and learn. We started with one toy, the “Mr. Hankey” and sold it. I would consider it a large toy, but not extremely large. People purchased it and we just kept making and releasing more toys. There is really not much out there on the internet with regards to techniques and specific types of materials and equipment needed to make platinum silicone toys so we went through the learning curve, spent lots of money, made a lot of mistakes, threw hundreds of mistakes in the trash, developed more toys, refined our techniques, materials and formulas. We moved into a commercial warehouse location, purchased equipwww.thefightmag.com 4 46 6 T TH HE E F F IGH IGH T T || www.thefightmag.com
“We do take special requests and try to accommodate everyone the best we can. I personally answer each and every email…” ment, created a streamlined process for manufacturing, found a great designer, advertised and kept on making toys and now we are doing very well and have a very good, stable system in place with the support of our awesome production manager Mark.
How did the name “Hankey’s Toys” come about? Hmmm...well let’s just say that the first toy we made, the Mr. Hankey...sort of looks like a turd. I’ll leave it at that.
What makes Hankey’s Toys unique? Our toys are truly still “small batch” toys. We typically make each toy to order but are very efficient and are able to produce each order within one
day (typically) and ship the following day. We don’t overprice our silicone like other manufacturers; our price per gram as compared to our competitors is much lower. Silicone is not cheap but it you compare some of our largest toys to our competitors pricing, you may easily save $100 on one of our toys that weighs the exact same. We only use the absolute highest quality platinum silicone, 100% skin safe and ISO 10993-10 certified. We have very unique designs thanks to our master designer Rey who creates absolute works of art. Our proprietary molding techniques allow us to capture incredible detail, much more detail than can be found in other silicone toys. Our firmness levels have been formulated based on customer feedback and appeal to almost everyone, our 75% formula being the most popular. We do take special requests and try to accommodate everyone the best we can. I personally answer each and every email, always responding within 8 hours and more often, within the hour. If someone is looking for a medium-large, unique shape, realistic design, quality toy that will last a lifetime (literally) then they should really consider investing in one of our toys, we have something for almost everyone!
Is there a difference between your LGBTQ clientele and your heterosexual clientele? We sell to a very wide variety of customers. Many gay males, gay females, female dommes, male subs, trans, CD, heterosexual males & females, couples (es-
pecially strapon), leather, bears. I would say that our largest group of customers are gay males and typically more experienced, they know what they want and are familiar with how much they can handle. They can read our dimensions and understand that they can
take a 10” circumference but not an 11.24” circumference. Our heterosexual clientele will typically buy our smaller toys and are typically females. We have started releasing many of our toys in multiple sizes so that we can appeal to many different tastes, understanding that many people, no matter what their sexual orientation, just can’t take large toys. We now offer many “small” toys which are still relatively large but typically able to be used by almost anyone.
What are the best sellers? All of our toys sell well, in particular our El Rey, Seahorse, Boss Hogg, Anaconda, Big Daddy, Cutler X (a real lifecasting), Centaur, Chode and surprisingly our massive Goliath all sell very well. Most of our best sellers were masterpieces created by our designer Rey. It really depends on what a person wants though, sometimes someone just wants a long thin toy or a short fat toy, lots of texture or very smooth. In all cases we have just about everything anyone might be looking for.
Is there anything we haven’t asked you that you would like to share with our readers? Well...I would just like to encourage the readers to visit our site mrhankeystoys.com, take a look around and see if their is anything that might appeal to them. We have a ton of exciting new designs and products coming out later this year and all next year. We try to release a new toy every 1-1.5 months so remember to always check back. Also, subscribe! We don’t send email blasts or clog inboxes with spam, we don’t share or sell email addresses. We do send an email each time we release a new product and we also send occasional discount codes. We welcome suggestions from anyone and would love to hear feedback. Anyone can contact me, Mr. Hankey, at support@mrhankeystoys.com—Hope to help people spice up their sex lives for years to cum and thanks to all of our dedicated fans and customers! For more info visit mrhankeystoys.com.
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THECALENDAR >> THINGS TO DO << THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17
LESBIAN / QUEER NIGHT
FETISH NOIR
Revolver Video Bar, 8851 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069. 8pm-2am. A new lesbian night every Thursday featuring DJs, Go-Go Dancers, Drink Specials, changing themes, and more.
Threshold Clubhouse, 11300 Hartland Street, North Hollywood 91605. 9pm-2am Play party for TNG (the next generation) of kink, but every one of all ages is welcome. It is a casual play party where socialization is encouraged.
BIG FAT DICK
Fubar, 7994 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046. 9pm-2am. LA’s Longest Running Boy Party.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18
ONYX—FISTS OF ALL
LEGENDARY BINGO WITH FRANK DECARO & JIM COLUCCI Hamburger Mary’s Weho, 8288 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046. 6:30pm-9pm. Out@WB hosts. Benefits the LGBT Youth Center on Highland. Fun! Fabulous Prizes! And Drag Queens! FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3
GAMEBOI
Rage Night Club, 8911 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069. 9:30pm-2am. Every Friday. WeHo’s only 18+ Asian/Pop Dance Video Club. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
PALM SPRINGS PRIDE ARENAS RD. BLOCK PARTY
Arenas Road, between Indian Canyon Dr. and S Calle Encilia. For details visit pspride.org.
VGL WINTER BEACH VOLLEYBALL Will Rogers State Beach, 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. 11:30am-2pm. To register, visit: varsitygayleague. leagueapps.com/leagues. Players of all skill levels are welcome.
BC&B PRESENTS: HIBERNATION
Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, 9pm-1am. Visit eaglela.com for more information. 10th and final event before a long winter’s nap. Come join your friends and say farewell at the final social event for popular Instagram community @BearsCubsNBeards, featuring DJ Ryan Jones and DJ Remo.
BRÜT LOS ANGELES
Union Nightclub, 4067 W Pico Blvd., 10pm-3am. Purchase tickets at: tickets.hedonicproductions.com. Brüt is back for one night only, so don’t miss out. DJ’s Peter Napoli, Dan Darlington, and LA’s Brian Novy are bringing the deepest darkest sexiest beats in the city, not to be missed!
DRAG DAZE: AMATEUR DRAG COMPETITION FOR CHARITY Hamburger Mary’s, 8288 Santa
SEE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30. PLATICA: WHO IS DOCUMENTING QUEER HISTORY IN L.A.? Monica Blvd., WeHo. 7:30pm-10pm. Presented by Kimberly M. Weekes and the Varsity Gay League Community Team. 50% of Proceeds benefit Centro Comunitario to help support LGBTQ brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane Maria. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6
HOLLYWOOD LGBTQ SKATE PARTY
World on Wheels, 4645 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019. 9pm. Bring your squad and come roll for LGBTQ Night.
MONDAY ROCKS
Precinct DTLA, 357 S Broadway. 9pm-2am. Every first Monday at Precinct DTLA Rock N Roll Gay Bar! This month enjoy Special Guest DJ Sean Mfd with resident rocker’s D.j. Nolan & DJ Tommy Rocker! FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10
DOG POUND BARK ‘N’ SNIFF
Bullet Bar, 10522 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601. 8pm-2am. Official meet and greet of the Los Angeles Pup Contest, on the weekend of Los Angeles Puppy Pride 2017. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11
LOS ANGELES PUP CONTEST 2017 MCC United Church of Christ in the Valley, 5730 Cahuenga Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601. 8:30pm-12am The main event for Los Angeles Puppy Pride Weekend. Enjoy an entire night of suspenseful fun, as the 2017 LA Pup Class competes for the title of Los Angeles Pup 2018.
MADONNA BAR (LA)
Madonna Bar (aka Busbys East), 5364 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036. 9pm-2am Material Girls and Angels will Get Together to pay tribute to Ma-
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donna whilst Causing A Commotion. So prepare your Rebel Heart …Dress up in your fave Madonna Costume to win prizes! SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12
LOS ANGELES BLADES & DRAG BINGO
Hamburger Mary’s, 8288 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046. 6pm-9pm. Help raise funds for your Los Angeles Blades!
BONE: LA PUP VICTORY PARTY Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd., 7pm-2am. LA Pup 2018 victory celebration and LA Puppy Pride 2017 closing party. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14
JOEY ARIAS: STILL MISBEHAVIN’
Cavern Club Celebrity Theatre, 1920 Hyperion Ave, Silverlake, CA 90027. 9pm.Tickets & Info: www.CavernClubTheater.com. Internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist, fashion icon and drag artist Joey Arias.
WEHO READS
West Hollywood City Council Chambers, 625 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069. 7pm-10pm. With Chris Kraus (I Love Dick) & Kim Dower (City Poet Laureate). WeHo Reads is a program of the City of West Hollywood, managed by its Arts Division. More info at www.weho.org/wehoreads. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15
WE WILL THRIVE!
The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N. McCadden Place, Los Angeles, CA 90038. 6pm-8pm. The Los Angeles LGBT Center presents The LGBT Community’s Guide to Success. An Educational and Informational Panel Series.
Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029. 9pm-2am. Party with the men of ONYX SoCal-Southwest.
TRANS WELLNESS & WELLBEING CONFERENCE
Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, 90046. 9am-6pm. Workshops with an emphasis on creative expression through art, music, dance, film, photography, etc. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20
TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
The Center for Early Education, 563 N. Alfred St., 6pm-8:30pm. To learn more, visit weho.org. The City of West Hollywood’s Transgender Advisory Board hosts. The event will include speakers from the transgender community, city representatives, and transgender performers. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26
BARRACK’S ANNUAL TOY DRIVE BEER BUST
The Barracks, 67625 E Palm Canyon Dr, Ste C7, Cathedral City, CA. Bring a new unwrapped toy (boy or girl) any age—or a cash donation at door. Hosted by Mr Barracks & Anita Tredmill. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29
BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT—LIVE The Satellite, 1717 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026. 8pm-2am. Bright Light Bright Light returns to Los Angeles with a Top 15 Billboard album ‘Choreography’ under his belt. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30
PLATICA: WHO IS DOCUMENTING QUEER HISTORY IN L.A.?
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. 7pm-9pm. Join this roundtable addressing the question who are the keepers of the contributions of the Latino LGBTQ community. This program is in conjunction with LA Plaza’s “¡Mirame! Expressions of Queer Latinx Art” exhibit, open until 12/9/17.
DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS!
MrHankeysToys.com
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<<
“THEY TELL THE PARENTS TO KILL THEIR CHILD. THEY SAY: ‘EITHER YOU DO IT OR WE WILL.’ THEY CALL IT: ‘CLEANING YOUR HONOR WITH BLOOD.’”
SILENCE = DEATH
Russian pop star tortured, murdered: the latest victim of Chechnya’s anti-gay purge. BY VICTO R MELA MED
S
ources are reporting that Russian singer Zelimkhan Bakaev was arrested, tortured, and murdered by by Chechen authorities due to “suspicion of homosexuality,” reports Back2Stonewall.com. Bakaev was last seen on August 8 in Grozny, where he had come from Moscow for his sister’s wedding Bakaev’s Instagram account has mysteriously been deleted, but a small Twitter account in his name remains active, offering no recent updates. Earlier last month, Igor Kocketkov of the Russian LGBT Network made a statement to the media regarding the disappearance, saying: “At the end of August, we received confirmation of our earlier presumption that [Bakaev] was detained by Chechen authorities due to suspicion of homosexuality.” A source close to activists in the region have stated that Bakaev, 26, was tortured to death. “He arrived in Grozny and was picked up by police within three hours,” they claimed. “Within ten hours he was murdered.” Kocketkov claimed in a press conference that other individuals in Chechnya’s entertainment industry were subjected to “torture” as the authorities attempted to gain information on Bakaev. Earlier last month, Maxim Lapunov became the first victim of Chechnya’s gay purge to come forward publicly with claims of abuse at the hands of authorities.
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Lapunov, 30, was arrested, thrown into a blood-soaked cellar and beaten over an 11-day incarceration at the hands of Ramzan Kadyrov’s men, reports The Independent at www.independent.co.uk. Lapunov had arrived in Chechnya on business in 2015. A small-scale entrepreneur from Omsk, Siberia, and openly gay, Lapunov had little idea of what lay ahead. Within two years, he would be arrested, thrown into a blood-soaked cellar, repeatedly beaten, before being released 11 days later. News of Chechnya’s gay pogroms broke in April 2017, detailing that at least 100 gay men had been arrested and three killed in the Russian region. A survivor of one such camp located at a former military base in Argun claimed he was tortured and interrogated by Chechen officials, reports Huffington Post. In an effort to obtain the names of more gay men, the officials had confiscated his phone and then targeted his contacts. Throughout April and May 2017, other reports further revealed that gay men in Chechnya were being murdered at the hands of their own family members, in what was described as state-encouraged honor killings. In an anonymous interview conducted with France24, one survivor said, “They tell the parents to kill their child. They say: ‘Either you do it or we will.’ They call it: ‘Cleaning your honor with blood.’” He further claimed that he had already witnessed the torture of a man for two weeks, ultimately dying at the hands of his own family, who “took him and killed him in a forest.” n
PHOTO BY ZELIMKHAN BAKAEV
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NO VEMB ER 2017 | THE F I GH T 51
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