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ABOUT PREZISTA

PREZISTA® is always taken with and at the same time as ritonavir (Norvir ®), in combination with other HIV medicines for the treatment of HIV infection in adults. PREZISTA® should also be taken with food. • The use of other medicines active against HIV in combination with PREZISTA®/ritonavir (Norvir ®) may increase your ability to fight HIV. Your healthcare professional will work with you to find the right combination of HIV medicines • It is important that you remain under the care of your healthcare professional during treatment with PREZISTA® PREZISTA® does not cure HIV infection or AIDS and you may continue to experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection, including opportunistic infections. You should remain under the care of a doctor when using PREZISTA.® Please read Important Safety Information below, and talk to your healthcare professional to learn if PREZISTA® is right for you.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about PREZISTA®? • PREZISTA® can interact with other medicines and cause serious side effects. See “Who should not take PREZISTA®?” • PREZISTA® may cause liver problems. Some people taking PREZISTA,® together with Norvir ® (ritonavir), have developed liver problems which may be life-threatening. Your healthcare professional should do blood tests before and during your combination treatment with PREZISTA.® If you have chronic hepatitis B or C infection, your healthcare professional should check your blood tests more often because you have an increased chance of developing liver problems • Tell your healthcare professional if you have any of these signs and symptoms of liver problems: dark (tea-colored) urine, yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes, pale-colored stools (bowel movements), nausea, vomiting, pain or tenderness on your right side below your ribs, or loss of appetite • PREZISTA® may cause a severe or life-threatening skin reaction or rash. Sometimes these skin reactions and skin rashes can become severe and require treatment in a hospital. You should call your healthcare professional immediately if you develop a rash. However, stop taking PREZISTA® and ritonavir combination treatment and call your healthcare professional immediately if you develop any skin changes with these symptoms: fever, tiredness, muscle or joint pain, blisters or skin lesions, mouth sores or ulcers, red or inflamed eyes, like “pink eye.” Rash occurred more often in patients taking PREZISTA® and raltegravir together than with either drug separately, but was generally mild Who should not take PREZISTA®? • Do not take PREZISTA® if you are taking the following medicines: alfuzosin (Uroxatral®), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E.45,® Embolex,® Migranal®), ergonovine, ergotamine (Cafergot,® Ergomar ®), methylergonovine, cisapride (Propulsid®), pimozide (Orap®), oral midazolam, triazolam (Halcion®), the herbal supplement St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), lovastatin (Mevacor,® Altoprev,® Advicor ®), simvastatin (Zocor,® Simcor,® Vytorin®), rifampin (Rifadin,® Rifater,®

Rifamate,® Rimactane®), sildenafil (Revatio®) when used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, indinavir (Crixivan®), lopinavir/ ritonavir (Kaletra®), saquinavir (Invirase®), boceprevir (Victrelis™), or telaprevir (Incivek™) • Before taking PREZISTA,® tell your healthcare professional if you are taking sildenafil (Viagra,® Revatio®), vardenafil (Levitra,® Staxyn®), tadalafil (Cialis,® Adcirca®), atorvastatin (Lipitor ®), rosuvastatin (Crestor ®), pravastatin (Pravachol®), or colchicine (Colcrys,® Col-Probenecid®). Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking estrogen-based contraceptives (birth control). PREZISTA® might reduce the effectiveness of estrogen-based contraceptives. You must take additional precautions for birth control, such as condoms This is not a complete list of medicines. Be sure to tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you are taking or plan to take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. What should I tell my doctor before I take PREZISTA®? • Before taking PREZISTA,® tell your healthcare professional if you have any medical conditions, including liver problems (including hepatitis B or C), allergy to sulfa medicines, diabetes, or hemophilia • Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding — The effects of PREZISTA® on pregnant women or their unborn babies are not known. You and your healthcare professional will need to decide if taking PREZISTA® is right for you — Do not breastfeed. It is not known if PREZISTA® can be passed to your baby in your breast milk and whether it could harm your baby. Also, mothers with HIV should not breastfeed because HIV can be passed to your baby in the breast milk What are the possible side effects of PREZISTA®? • High blood sugar, diabetes or worsening of diabetes, and increased bleeding in people with hemophilia have been reported in patients taking protease inhibitor medicines, including PREZISTA® • Changes in body fat have been seen in some patients taking HIV medicines, including PREZISTA.® The cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known at this time • Changes in your immune system can happen when you start taking HIV medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden • The most common side effects related to taking PREZISTA® include diarrhea, nausea, rash, headache, stomach pain, and vomiting. This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you experience these or other side effects, talk to your healthcare professional. Do not stop taking PREZISTA® or any other medicines without first talking to your healthcare professional You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please refer to the ritonavir (Norvir ®) Product Information (PI and PPI) for additional information on precautionary measures. Please read accompanying Patient Information for PREZISTA® and discuss any questions you have with your doctor.

28PRZDTC0288R8

PREZISTA® (darunavir) is a prescription medicine. It is one treatment option in the class of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) medicines known as protease inhibitors.

ily Once-Da

Once-Daily PREZISTA® (darunavir) taken with ritonavir and in combination with other HIV medications can help lower your viral load and keep your HIV under control. The PREZISTA® Experience isn’t just an HIV treatment. It’s an HIV treatment experience as unique as you. Find out if the PREZISTA® Experience is right for you. Ask your healthcare professional and learn more at PREZISTA.com

Snap a quick pic of our logo to show your doctor and get the conversation started.

Please read the Important Safety Information and Patient Information on adjacent pages.

Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP © Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP 2014 01/14 006960-131202

IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION PREZISTA (pre-ZIS-ta) (darunavir) Oral Suspension PREZISTA (pre-ZIS-ta) (darunavir) Tablets Read this Patient Information before you start taking PREZISTA and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment. Also read the Patient Information leaflet for NORVIR® (ritonavir). What is the most important information I should know about PREZISTA? • PREZISTA can interact with other medicines and cause serious side effects. It is important to know the medicines that should not be taken with PREZISTA. See the section “Who should not take PREZISTA?” • PREZISTA may cause liver problems. Some people taking PREZISTA in combination with NORVIR® (ritonavir) have developed liver problems which may be life-threatening. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before and during your combination treatment with PREZISTA. If you have chronic hepatitis B or C infection, your healthcare provider should check your blood tests more often because you have an increased chance of developing liver problems. • Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the below signs and symptoms of liver problems. • Dark (tea colored) urine • yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes • pale colored stools (bowel movements) • nausea • vomiting • pain or tenderness on your right side below your ribs • loss of appetite PREZISTA may cause severe or life-threatening skin reactions or rash. Sometimes these skin reactions and skin rashes can become severe and require treatment in a hospital. You should call your healthcare provider immediately if you develop a rash. However, stop taking PREZISTA and ritonavir combination treatment and call your healthcare provider immediately if you develop any skin changes with symptoms below: • fever • tiredness • muscle or joint pain • blisters or skin lesions • mouth sores or ulcers • red or inflamed eyes, like “pink eye” (conjunctivitis) Rash occurred more often in people taking PREZISTA and raltegravir together than with either drug separately, but was generally mild. See “What are the possible side effects of PREZISTA?” for more information about side effects. What is PREZISTA? PREZISTA is a prescription anti-HIV medicine used with ritonavir and other anti-HIV medicines to treat adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection. PREZISTA is a type of anti-HIV medicine called a protease inhibitor. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). When used with other HIV medicines, PREZISTA may help to reduce the amount of HIV in your blood (called “viral load”). PREZISTA may also help to increase the number of white blood cells called CD4 (T) cell which help fight off other infections. Reducing the amount of HIV and increasing the CD4 (T) cell count may improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections). PREZISTA does not cure HIV infection or AIDS and you may continue to experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection, including opportunistic infections. You should remain under the care of a doctor when using PREZISTA. Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection. • Do not share needles or other injection equipment. • Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades.

• D o not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safe sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions on how to prevent passing HIV to other people. Who should not take PREZISTA? Do not take PREZISTA with any of the following medicines: • alfuzosin (Uroxatral®) • dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45®, Embolex®, Migranal®), ergonovine, ergotamine (Cafergot®, Ergomar®) methylergonovine • cisapride • pimozide (Orap®) • oral midazolam, triazolam (Halcion®) • the herbal supplement St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) • the cholesterol lowering medicines lovastatin (Mevacor®, Altoprev®, Advicor®) or simvastatin (Zocor®, Simcor®, Vytorin®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifater®, Rifamate®, Rimactane®) • sildenafil (Revatio®) only when used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Serious problems can happen if you take any of these medicines with PREZISTA. What should I tell my doctor before I take PREZISTA? PREZISTA may not be right for you. Before taking PREZISTA, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have liver problems, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C • are allergic to sulfa medicines • have high blood sugar (diabetes) • have hemophilia • are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if PREZISTA will harm your unborn baby. Pregnancy Registry: You and your healthcare provider will need to decide if taking PREZISTA is right for you. If you take PREZISTA while you are pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about how you can be included in the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry. The purpose of the registry is follow the health of you and your baby. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. We do not know if PREZISTA can be passed to your baby in your breast milk and whether it could harm your baby. Also, mothers with HIV-1 should not breastfeed because HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in the breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Using PREZISTA and certain other medicines may affect each other causing serious side effects. PREZISTA may affect the way other medicines work and other medicines may affect how PREZISTA works. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take: • other medicine to treat HIV • estrogen-based contraceptives (birth control). PREZISTA might reduce the effectiveness of estrogen-based contraceptives. You must take additional precautions for birth control such as a condom. • medicine for your heart such as bepridil, lidocaine (Xylocaine Viscous®), quinidine (Nuedexta®), amiodarone (Pacerone®, Cardarone®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), flecainide (Tambocor®), propafenone (Rythmol®) • warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®) • medicine for seizures such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®, Epitol®), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®) • medicine for depression such as trazadone and desipramine (Norpramin®) • clarithromycin (Prevpac®, Biaxin®) • medicine for fungal infections such as ketoconazole (Nizoral®), itraconazole (Sporanox®, Onmel®), voriconazole (VFend®) • colchicine (Colcrys®, Col-Probenecid®) • rifabutin (Mycobutin®) • medicine used to treat blood pressure, a heart attack, heart failure, or to lower pressure in the eye such as metoprolol (Lopressor®, Toprol-XL®), timolol (Cosopt®, Betimol®, Timoptic®, Isatolol®, Combigan®) • midazolam administered by injection • medicine for heart disease such as felodipine (Plendil®), nifedipine (Procardia®, Adalat CC®, Afeditab CR®), nicardipine (Cardene®) • steroids such as dexamethasone, fluticasone (Advair Diskus®, Veramyst®, Flovent®, Flonase®) • bosentan (Tracleer®) • medicine to treat chronic hepatitis C such as boceprevir (VictrelisTM), telaprevir (IncivekTM)

IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION t N FEJDJOF GPS DIPMFTUFSPM TVDI BT QSBWBTUBUJO 1SBWBDIPMÂŽ), atorvastatin (LipitorÂŽ), rosuvastatin (CrestorÂŽ) t NFEJDJOF UP QSFWFOU PSHBO USBOTQMBOU GBJMVSF TVDI BT DZDMPTQPSJOF (GengrafÂŽ, SandimmuneÂŽ, NeoralÂŽ), tacrolimus (PrografÂŽ), sirolimus (RapamuneÂŽ) t TBMNFUFSPM "EWBJSÂŽ, SereventÂŽ) t NFEJDJOF GPS OBSDPUJD XJUIESBXBM TVDI BT NFUIBEPOF .FUIBEPTFÂŽ, %PMPQIJOF )ZESPDIMPSJEF CVQSFOPSQIJOF #VUSBOTÂŽ, BuprenexÂŽ, SubutexÂŽ), buprenorphine/naloxone (SuboxoneÂŽ) t NFEJDJOF UP USFBU TDIJ[PQISFOJB TVDI BT SJTQFSJEPOF 3JTQFSEBMÂŽ), thioridazine t NFEJDJOF UP USFBU FSFDUJMF EZTGVODUJPO PS QVMNPOBSZ IZQFSUFOTJPO such as sildenafil (ViagraÂŽ, RevatioÂŽ), vardenafil (LevitraÂŽ, StaxynÂŽ), tadalafil (CialisÂŽ, AdcircaÂŽ) t NFEJDJOF UP USFBU BOYJFUZ EFQSFTTJPO PS QBOJD EJTPSEFS TVDI BT sertraline (ZoloftÂŽ), paroxetine (PaxilÂŽ, PexevaÂŽ) t medicine to treat malaria such as artemether/lumefantrine (CoartemÂŽ) This is not a complete list of medicines that you should tell your healthcare provider that you are taking. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if your medicine is one that is listed above. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your EPDUPS PS QIBSNBDJTU XIFO ZPV HFU B OFX NFEJDJOF %P OPU TUBSU BOZ new medicines while you are taking PREZISTA without first talking with your healthcare provider. How should I take PREZISTA? t 5BLF 13&;*45" FWFSZ EBZ FYBDUMZ BT QSFTDSJCFE CZ ZPVS IFBMUIDBSF provider. t :PV NVTU UBLF SJUPOBWJS /037*3ÂŽ) at the same time as PREZISTA. t %P OPU DIBOHF ZPVS EPTF PG 13&;*45" PS TUPQ USFBUNFOU XJUIPVU talking to your healthcare provider first. t 5BLF 13&;*45" BOE SJUPOBWJS /037*3ÂŽ) with food. t 4XBMMPX 13&;*45" UBCMFUT XIPMF XJUI B ESJOL *G ZPV IBWF EJGGJDVMUZ swallowing PREZISTA tablets, PREZISTA oral suspension is also available. Your health care provider will help decide whether PREZISTA tablets or oral suspension is right for you. t 13&;*45" PSBM TVTQFOTJPO TIPVME CF HJWFO XJUI UIF TVQQMJFE PSBM dosing syringe. Shake the suspension well before each use. See the Instructions for Use that come with PREZISTA oral suspension for information about the right way to prepare and take a dose. t *G ZPVS QSFTDSJCFE EPTF PG 13&;*45" PSBM TVTQFOTJPO JT NPSF UIBO 6 mL, you will need to divide the dose. Follow the instructions given to you by your healthcare provider or pharmacist about how to divide the dose. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure. t *G ZPV UBLF UPP NVDI 13&;*45" DBMM ZPVS IFBMUIDBSF QSPWJEFS PS HP to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. What should I do if I miss a dose? People who take PREZISTA one time a day: t *G ZPV NJTT B EPTF PG 13&;*45" CZ MFTT UIBO IPVST UBLF ZPVS missed dose of PREZISTA right away. Then take your next dose of PREZISTA at your regularly scheduled time. t *G ZPV NJTT B EPTF PG 13&;*45" CZ NPSF UIBO IPVST XBJU BOE UIFO take the next dose of PREZISTA at your regularly scheduled time. People who take PREZISTA two times a day t *G ZPV NJTT B EPTF PG 13&;*45" CZ MFTT UIBO IPVST UBLF ZPVS missed dose of PREZISTA right away. Then take your next dose of PREZISTA at your regularly scheduled time. t *G ZPV NJTT B EPTF PG 13&;*45" CZ NPSF UIBO IPVST XBJU BOE UIFO take the next dose of PREZISTA at your regularly scheduled time. *G B EPTF PG 13&;*45" JT TLJQQFE EP OPU EPVCMF UIF OFYU EPTF %P OPU UBLF more or less than your prescribed dose of PREZISTA at any one time. What are the possible side effects of PREZISTA? PREZISTA can cause side effects including: t 4FF â€œWhat is the most important information I should know about PREZISTA?â€? t %JBCFUFT BOE IJHI CMPPE TVHBS IZQFSHMZDFNJB Some people who take protease inhibitors including PREZISTA can get high blood sugar, develop diabetes, or your diabetes can get worse. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice an increase in thirst or urinate often while taking PREZISTA. t Changes in body fat. These changes can happen in people who take antiretroviral therapy. The changes may include an increased BNPVOU PG GBU JO UIF VQQFS CBDL BOE OFDL iCVGGBMP IVNQw CSFBTU and around the back, chest, and stomach area. Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The exact cause and longterm health effects of these conditions are not known.

t Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Call your healthcare provider right away if you start having new symptoms after starting your HIV medicine. t Increased bleeding for hemophiliacs. Some people with hemophilia have increased bleeding with protease inhibitors including PREZISTA. The most common side effects of PREZISTA include: t EJBSSIFB t IFBEBDIF t OBVTFB t BCEPNJOBM QBJO t SBTI t WPNJUJOH Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of PREZISTA. For more information, ask your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report TJEF FGGFDUT UP UIF '%" BU '%" How should I store PREZISTA? t 4UPSF 13&;*45" PSBM TVTQFOTJPO BOE UBCMFUT BU SPPN UFNQFSBUVSF < ÂĄ' ÂĄ$ > t %P OPU SFGSJHFSBUF PS GSFF[F 13&;*45" PSBM TVTQFOTJPO t ,FFQ 13&;*45" BXBZ GSPN IJHI IFBU t 13&;*45" PSBM TVTQFOTJPO TIPVME CF TUPSFE JO UIF PSJHJOBM DPOUBJOFS Keep PREZISTA and all medicines out of the reach of children. General information about PREZISTA Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those MJTUFE JO B 1BUJFOU *OGPSNBUJPO MFBGMFU %P OPU VTF 13&;*45" GPS B DPOEJUJPO GPS XIJDI JU XBT OPU QSFTDSJCFE %P OPU HJWF 13&;*45" UP other people even if they have the same condition you have. It may harm them. This leaflet summarizes the most important information about PREZISTA. If you would like more information, talk to your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about PREZISTA that is written for health professionals. 'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO DBMM What are the ingredients in PREZISTA? Active ingredient: darunavir Inactive ingredients: PREZISTA Oral Suspension: hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylparaben sodium, citric acid monohydrate, sucralose, masking flavor, strawberry cream flavor, IZESPDIMPSJD BDJE GPS Q) BEKVTUNFOU QVSJGJFE XBUFS PREZISTA 75 mg and 150 mg Tablets: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose. The film DPBUJOH DPOUBJOT 01"%3:ÂŽ 8IJUF QPMZFUIZMFOF HMZDPM QPMZWJOZM alcohol-partially hydrolyzed, talc, titanium dioxide). PREZISTA 400 mg and 600 mg Tablets: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose. The film DPBUJOH DPOUBJOT 01"%3:ÂŽ 0SBOHF '% $ :FMMPX /P Ă¸ QPMZFUIZMFOF HMZDPM QPMZWJOZM BMDPIPM QBSUJBMMZ IZESPMZ[FE UBMD UJUBOJVN EJPYJEF PREZISTA 800 mg Tablets: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose. The film DPBUJOH DPOUBJOT 01"%3:ÂŽ %BSL 3FE JSPO PYJEF SFE QPMZFUIZMFOF HMZDPM QPMZWJOZM BMDPIPM QBSUJBMMZ IZESPMZ[FE UBMD UJUBOJVN EJPYJEF 5IJT 1BUJFOU *OGPSNBUJPO IBT CFFO BQQSPWFE CZ UIF 6 4 'PPE BOE %SVH Administration. Product of Ireland Manufactured by: PREZISTA Oral Suspension PREZISTA Tablets Janssen Pharmaceutica, N.V. Janssen Ortho LLC, #FFSTF #FMHJVN (VSBCP 13 Manufactured for: +BOTTFO 5IFSBQFVUJDT %JWJTJPO PG +BOTTFO 1SPEVDUT -1 5JUVTWJMMF /+ 3FWJTFE %FDFNCFS NORVIRÂŽ is a registered trademark of its respective owner. PREZISTAÂŽ is a registered trademark of Janssen Pharmaceuticals ÂŞ +BOTTFO 1IBSNBDFVUJDBMT *OD

THECONTENTS

>> WHITE PARTY <<

COVER STORIES AND FEATURES WITH A CAPITAL “T” 20 LEADING Christopher Street West LA Pride

APOLOGIES 24 NO White Party Ambassador Jai Rodriguez

29 24

OPERATOR 26 SMOOTH Gay “Murder-For-Hire” Target PROBLEM WITH PARTY DRUGS 28 THE The Best Hope For Recovery TECH SUPPORT 29 PROJECT Text Messaging Meth Intervention OF AGE 32 COMING White Party Weekend, 1990’s Style PURPOSE 36 FINDING Aiden Leslie’s Newest Track GREATEST HITS 37 BROADWAY’S Susan Egan In Long Beach

38 NO ORDINARY LOVE

Mr. and Mr. Austin-Paglialoga

ON THE COVER COVER MODEL: JAI RODRIGUEZ COVER PHOTO, MAIN TOC PHOTO AND COVER FEATURE PHOTOS BY: ADAM BOUSKA STYLIST: RACHELLE BLANCO WARDROBE COVER: Charlie Mens Work Shirt, Charlie Resort Short, www.charliebymz.com. TOC MAIN PHOTO THIS PAGE: Rufskin Gavin tank, www.rufskin.com COVER FEATURE: Rufskin Catamaran tank, Rufskin Scrum shorts, www.rufskin.com DEPARTMENTS 12 THE LETTERS Reflects Poorly 14 THE TALK Liza, Franco 17 THE STATE Gov Davis Honored 18 THE CITY Heterosexual Makeover 22 THE ROSTOW REPORT Gowned Crusaders 30 THE MEDIA The “H” Word 34 THE MONEY Planning Ahead 40 THE LAW Cannabis Conundrums 42 THE EPIDEMIC Vaccine Progress

44 THE CALENDAR Events

36 6 T H E F I GH T | A P R IL 2014

46 THE FINAL FIGHT Rob Smith

THEEDITOR >> IN THIS ISSUE <<

l Jai Rodriguez (“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”) can now add White Party Ambassador to his lengthy resume. This year, he joins White Party founder Jeffrey Sanker in celebration of WP’s landmark 25th Anniversary, which takes place in Palm Springs, April 25-28. Check out jeffreysanker.com for details. “There is an actual white carpet where different celebrities walk down, so I’ll be interviewing them,” explains Rodriguez. “There’s going to be a lot of gaylebrities, as I like to call them, a lot of allies and a lot of the music performers. It’ll be super fun.” In an interview with Paulo Murillo (“No Apologies,” page 24) Rodriguez reveals some interesting personal behind-the-scenes hesitations regarding the hit Bravo TV network series. “’Queer Eye’ was not supposed to be this big thing,” says Rodriguez. “I felt like I was being false, but to say that I wasn’t the Puerto Rican Emily Post would have put in question whether the other guys were faking it as well. They were experts. I was the only actor who was hired to try to help men live a better life. It was a hard thing, because I had such a limited life experience,” reveals Rodriguez. “I’ve never told anyone in the media this, but I remember in the beginning of Season 2 all the contracts were signed and the creators and producers sat us down and said, ‘If anyone wants off of this fast-moving train, now is the time to speak up.’ And I’ll tell you, there was a moment when my body started trembling and I wanted to say, “I don’t want to do this anymore”—not because I didn’t love the show, or because I didn’t think the show was groundbreaking, but I was tired of feeling like I had to suppress who I authentically was to fit in.” Also in this issue Joel Edwards, the Executive Director of Morningside Recovery (MorningsideRecovery.com), discusses various dangerous substances in his article “The Problem With Party Drugs” on page 28. “Sadly,” states Edwards, “experiences of discrimination, neglect, misunderstanding, and abuse are common in the LGBTQ community. When left unaddressed, certain individuals use drugs and partying as crutches to soothe or ‘replace’ these negative memories and emotions. Some people may party with drugs recreationally and appear to avoid falling down the rabbit hole, but in most cases, the ‘benefits’ of a high do not outweigh potential legal, physical, economic, and emotional consequences.” “The allure of a massive concert or a hot pool party is understandable, but the near omnipresence of drugs can make it difficult to prioritize health over socialization, especially if you frequently use or abuse substances,” explains Edwards. “There are LGBTQ-friendly treatment programs across the country that can help. For struggling individuals, addressing the emotions that drive addiction and learning healthy coping mechanisms, with the guidance of qualified therapists or treatment professionals, is the best hope for recovery.”

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stanford Altamirano MANAGING EDITOR Mark Ariel ART DIRECTOR Nadeen Torio MARKETING CONSULTANTS Paul Vallejo Timothy Walker SOCIAL MEDIA Paulo Murillo WEBMASTER Nadeen Torio

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. 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 © 2014 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 STANFORD ALTAMIRANO Editor-In-Chief

8 T H E F I GH T | A P R IL 2014

For Display Advertising, please call (323) 297-4001

Since 2007, Foundations Recovery Network has been categorized in the top 5% of addiction treatment programs for our ability to treat co-occurring disorders. We have been recognized as the gold standard in integrated treatment by Dr. Mark McGovern of Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center, who is one of the developers of the Dual Diagnosis Capability in Addiction Treatment (DDCAT) index, a wellknown quality assurance tool.

AP R I L 2014 | T H E F I GH T 9

THECONTRIBUTORS

>> OUR WRITERS <<

GRANT GOCHIN Grant Gochin is a Wealth Advisor and Certified Financial Planner professional located in Encino. Grant is married (to a man) and he and his husband have one son. He can be reached at (818) 827-3410 or via email at: grant.gochin@raymondjames.com.

PAULO MURILLO West Hollywood resident Paulo Murillo has been writing for gay media for over twelve years. He got his start writing a bi-weekly column called “Luv Ya, Mean It” for FAB! Newspaper. Visit his website at thehissfit. com, or friend him on Facebook.

JOEL EDWARDS Joel Edwards is the Executive Director of Morningside Recovery, an addiction and mental health treatment center in Orange County, CA, that specializes in dual-diagnosis and individualized care. For more information about Morningside Recovery and their LGBTQ-friendly programming, call (866) 384-5444 or visit www.MorningsideRecovery.com.

ANN ROSTOW Ann Rostow writes news analysis columns for THE FIGHT and other gay publications across the country. For weekly LGBT News updates, visit her blog at: annrostow.blogspot.com. Ann can be reached at: arostow@aol.com.

1 0 T H E F IGH T | A P R IL 2014

DAVID HAKIMFAR Los Angeles based Attorney David Hakimfar received his law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego. While there, he made the Honor Roll and National Dean’s List. Currently David Hakimfar is a Trial Attorney and Senior Partner of Hakimfar Law, PLC. He can be reached at: 1-888-789-PRIDE (7743). ROB SMITH Rob Smith is an author, lecturer, writer, and LGBT activist. His first book “Closets, Combat, and Coming Out: Coming of Age as a Gay Man in the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Army” is in stores now. He can be found at www.robsmithonline.com.

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3/17/14

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Dine Out, Fight AIDS Thursday April 24, 2014 Presented by: SPONSORED BY:

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

www.diningoutforlife.com/palmsprings or call 760-992-0442 AP R I L 2014 | TH E F I GH T 11

THELETTERS >> FROM OUR READERS <<

EDUCATE THEM Dear Editor, As a black man who recently moved to Los Angeles I was very interested in your article “Black Like Me” (THE FIGHT, Issue 38). I too, like many others, have experienced the objectification Robert Blackmon wrote about. Sadly, just because we are unified under the umbrella of having the shared experience of being gay (self acceptance, coming out, etc.) doesn’t mean that we do not suffer from the general stereotypical thinking we deal with in mainstream society. To be fair, part of the problem is with our own black brothers, myself included. If you do not want to be objectified or fetishised—then speak out. If someone says something that is blatantly stereotypical—call them out on it, politely. Many white folk don’t even realize what they’re putting out there. It’s our job to educate them as well. —Joshua Kelley, Los Angeles

BASIS IN FACT Dear Editor, I realize that respected publications usually try to give equal time to “both sides” of an issue, but I don’t think this concept should apply when the “other side” is uneducated, uninformed and uses discriminatory parts of the Bible to make his or her point. I don’t think the kind of bigotry espoused in the letter under the heading “Ardently Committed” has a place in your magazine (THE FIGHT, Issue 38). I believe publications that desire respect should only print letters on “both sides” of an issue if each side is well thoughtout, open-minded and has a basis in fact. I’m not sure whether or not you would print a letter from someone arguing for the re-institution of slavery, but the topic of this letter seems similar to that. Slavery is condoned in the Bible, so it’s logical that someone could write such a letter to you and possibly have that letter printed. But I don’t think either that kind of letter or the “Ardently Committed” one you printed in your March issue belongs in your magazine. —Daniel Foster, Hollywood

REFLECTS POORLY Dear Editor, I read your magazine on a regular basis and wish you continued success. However, I’ve noticed far too many published letters with no attribution (name withheld). I think this reflects poorly on THE FIGHT. To me, anyone who submits a letter should be willing to have their name published. I think it behooves you to have such a policy. —Dan Morin, West Hollywood

> WRITE TO THE EDITOR Email: editor@thefightmag.com Fax: (213) 281-9648. Letters may be shortened due to space requirements. JANUARAP Y R 2014 I L 2014 | TH | ET H FE I GH F ITGH13 T 13

THETALK > > W H AT T H E Y ’ R E S AY I N G < <

HOMOSEXUALITY IS WOVEN

TRUE GAY AGENDA “There is a gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender agenda, and I’m going to tell you what it is... We want to be able to go to school in safety. We want MAYOR to be able to ANNISE PARKER serve our country honorably. We want to be able to work at jobs we love so that we can pay taxes to the country that sustains us, and we want to protect the relationships and families that nurture us. That is the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender agenda.” —Houston Mayor Annise Parker speaking to the California Democratic Party, last month.

CARDINAL TIMOTHY DOLAN

THE SAME BIBLE “Good for him... The same Bible that... teaches us well about the virtues of chastity and fidelity and marriage also tells us not to judge people... So I would say, bravo.” —Leader of the Catholic Church in New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, praising gay NFL hopeful Michael Sam in an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press for the athlete’s recent decision to publicly come out of the closest.

1 4 T H E F IGH T | A P R IL 2014

WONDERFUL LADY “I don’t think she meant any harm at all, and she’s a wonderful lady.” —Liza Minnelli telling TMZ how she felt last month when Ellen joked that Minnelli looked like a drag queen at the Oscars.

HONOR THE FORCE “With Michael Sam’s brave and bold statement, he joins the trifecta of American sports - Glenn Burke, MLB; Jason Collins, NBA; Michael Sam, NFL - dealing with gay athletes, and forcing open the door permanently. ... Our film will clearly honor the force and the struggle to get there.” —Actress Jamie Lee Curtis on her intention to produce a film version of the life of the first openly gay baseball player, Glenn Burke. Titled “Out at Home: The Glenn Burke Story,” the picture is based on the memoir of the same name, written by Burke with Erik Sherman; the book came out in 1995, the same year Burke died of AIDS complications.

LIZA MINNELLI

JAMES FRANCO

HIS CHEEKBONES “I have heard that he’s particularly enjoyed in the gay community, which I can understand for loads of reasons. He’s a lovely actor and my God, he’s a good-looking person. His cheekbones are heartbreakers.” —”Bridesmaids” Chris O’Dowd on actor James Franco, in an interview with “The Advocate.” O’Dowd and Franco will appear on Broadway this spring in a production of “Of Mice and Men,” John Steinbeck’s 1937 play about Depression-era migrant workers.

PHOTO BY MARK STUDNER

“The gay agenda to normalize homosexuality is woven into Disney’s movie ‘Frozen’ not just as an underlying message—it is the movie.” KATHRYN —The world SKAGGS according to Kathryn Skaggs, quoted on her blog: “A WellBehaved Mormon Woman.” The same sentiment was shared by dozens of conservatives, including fundamentalist Christian minister Kevin Swanson.

SARA GILBERT

THE LITTLE GAY “Speaking as ‘the little gay,’ I think there’s a word for being ‘a little gay’ and it’s bisexual... Who knows what she is, but what’s great I think is this generation is so much more open to not defining themselves...” —Out lesbian Sara Gilbert on Miley Cyrus’ statement that she is “a little gay” after liplocking with a female fan during one of her shows last month.

MAR CH 2014 | T H E F I GH T 15

THESTATE >> EQUAL RIGHTS <<

GOV. JERRY BROWN

BROWN AWARDED FOR ADVANCING EQUAL RIGHTS EQUALITY CALIFORNIA PRESENTED THE DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR WITH ITS LEADERSHIP AWARD. > Gov. Jerry Brown praised gay rights advocates last month for being on “the cutting edge” in pushing for equality over the last several decades, as he was honored with an award for what supporters said was his lifelong push to advance equal rights, reports The Associated Press. “When people are in the shadows, the only way out is courage and being able to go against the grain and having allies,” Brown told a reception hosted by Equality California, saying the group has been a powerful ally in advancing gay rights, which he compared to the more recent immigrant rights movement. Equality California presented the Democratic governor with its leadership award, with presenter Robert Ross telling the crowd that Brown was the first governor in the United States to appoint a gay judge, in 1979, and the first politician to “openly, powerfully and compellingly embrace gay rights” in the country. It also cited his signing of several pieces of legislation since he became governor again in 2011, including legislation last year that guarantees students in grades K-12 the right to use the school restrooms and to participate in the sex-segregated activities that correspond with their expressed genders instead of their school records. Opponents had sought to put a referendum on the law on the ballot this year, but failed to gather enough signatures. Brown did not directly address that legislation in a brief speech to the group, but said when he first became involved in politics, “there was nothing like the recognition, the appreciation or the respect that lesbian and gay, transgender, bisexual individuals now get.” “It’s a sea change. And it really gives confidence that we do make a difference,” Brown said. Equality California also honored Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom last month, presenting him with its Vanguard award for initiating gay marriages in 2004 as mayor of San Francisco. Brown praised Newsom as he urged Equality California supporters not to pursue legislation as the sole path for social change. “For example, Lt. Gov. Newsom, he probably did more in that one act as mayor of San Francisco than probably 1,000 laws,” he said. “So action, courage, standing up when it isn’t— when somebody isn’t—that’s what makes a leader.” n AP R I L 2014 | TH E F I GH T 17

THECITY >>

BY PAULO MURILLO

WHITE PARTY’S JEFFREY SANKER GETS STAR

GEORGE KALOGRIDIS

l The Palm Springs Walk of Stars awarded Jeffrey Sanker the 364th star in front of LuLu California Bistro last month, which recognizes notable individuals who have contributed to the cultural and or civic life of Palm Springs. Sanker’s White Party—now in its 25th year—brings 30,000 visitors to Palm Springs every spring and has gone on to introduce the city to generations of gay travelers. Sanker has also produced fund-raising events on behalf of numerous charities and community organizations, including Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing (GLEH), The Trevor Project, and Desert AIDS Project.

DISNEY CONTINUES TO SHOW LGBT SUPPORT

JEFFREY SANKER, CARMEN ELECTRA

VP BIDEN AT LA HRC GALA

VP JOE BIDEN

l Vice President Joe Biden spoke in support of LGBT rights at a star-studded gala in Los Angeles last month, in support of the advocacy group Human Rights Campaign (HRC). It’s “close to barbaric,” said Biden, how in some states, employees can be fired because of who they are or love, or for their gender identity. “Imagine 20 years from now as America looked back and say, ‘How in the hell can that ever been allowed?’” The country’s moved on, the American people have moved on,” he said in his speech.

WEHO MOURNS LOSS OF LOCAL FITNESS TRAINER l Gay West Hollywood is mourning the loss of popular Mansion Fitness trainer Jovin Raethz, 37, who was found deceased in a New York City apartment last month. According to reports, GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid) was found in the apartment. Raethz was well known for his Max Phoenix Effect boot camp fitness classes. A large portion of his clients are also known to be sober. Raethz’s passing sparked several debates about JOVIN drug use in the gay community. The RAETHZ loss has also inspired touching tributes from those who knew and loved him, via social media. He was a native of Faulkton, SD. 1 8 T H E F IGH T | A P R IL 2014

l Disney’s recent decision to cut off donations to the Boy Scouts because the youth program bans gay adult leaders is only one of many examples where the entertainment empire has evolved in its support of LGBT communities, reports the Orange County Register. Disney now openly welcomes roughly 35,000 people from 44 states during Gay Days every October. The event is partly sponsored by the Disneyland Resort’s employee diversity group, PRIDE. Disney also offers employee benefits to same-sex partners. Last year, it signed a court brief supporting same-sex marriage and George Kalogridis, the head of Walt Disney World, is also openly gay.

CENTER PARTICIPATES IN MSM DRUG STUDY l The LA Gay and Lesbian Center is participating in a study led by the University of California and the city of Los Angeles, known as Project MASCULINE, which stands for “MSM and Substances Cohort at UCLA Linking Infections Noting Effects.” Hundreds of young HIV-positive Latino and African-America men are expected to participate. The results may determine how the participants’ actions affect HIV transmission and the effectiveness of antiretroviral drugs in their immune systems. Contact Risa Flynn at rflynn@ lagaycenter.org to participate in this study.

WEHO’S SAN VICENTE INN HETEROSEXUAL MAKEOVER l It’s the end of an era. The infamous men-only San Vicente Inn, which has always been known as a raunchy, drug-infested bathhouse with its clothing-optional policy, is cleaning up its act. The new owner, the boutique hotelier Jeff Klein, plans to spend $30 million to transform the 29-room motel into a high-end mini resort. Klein told The New York Times that he has ended the clothing-optional policy and stopped advertising the place as gay-friendly. The new San Vicente Inn is supposed to sum up West Hollywood’s rapid gentrification to what some are calling a more inclusive future. n

AP R I L 2014 | TH E F I GH T 19

PHOTO CREDIT: DR. JAYE JOHNSON

Leading With A Capital “T” CHRISTOPHER STREET WEST TO SPOTLIGHT TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY AT LA PRIDE: THE TLBG (TRANSGENDER, LESBIAN, GAY & BISEXUAL) CELEBRATION. BY ORLY LYONNE CHRISTOPHER STREET WEST (CSW), the non-profit producers of the LA Pride celebration, unveiled last month what it called “an important educational initiative” as it gears up for the 44th annual event taking place June 6-8: “LA Pride: The TLGB Celebration.” CSW also announced it had formed a transgender coalition to determine ways to best leverage LA Pride to bring a better understanding of issues related to the transgender community. “This year, Christopher Street West decided to make a bold statement about our commitment to education by leading with a capital T,” said Steve

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Ganzell, board co-president of CSW. “When you see the hate and ignorance directed towards the transgender community, sometimes even from within our own community, we felt compelled to use LA Pride as a platform to highlight issues surrounding the community as well as taking the opportunity to celebrate our transgender family.” The LA Pride Parade gathers hundreds of thousands of participants, spectators and marchers, with millions more able to globally view it online, while the LA Pride Festival attracts well over 50,000 attendees to West Hollywood Park to celebrate diversity and community from Grammy Award winning artists performances, to art and heritage installations and exhibits to community events and initiatives. After consulting with the organization’s volunteer Transgender Coalition, CSW has committed

to hosting specific transgender initiatives before and at LA Pride this year. These initiatives include transgender educational experiences like the transgender diversity trainings led by the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s Transgender Economic Empowerment Project. “There is still a lot of work that needs to be done in our own backyard and LA Pride offers a great platform to continue the education process,” said Dr. Jaye Johnson, LA Pride Transgender Coalition member and President of Alpha Omega Nu, the NuMan Transgender Support Network and the Trans Wellness and Wellbeing Conference. “In addition to educating all CSW board members, staff, consultants and volunteers, diversity workshops will also be offered to all LA Pride exhibitors, sponsors and organizations participating in the parade and/or festival.” n For more info on LA Pride visit: lapride.org.

MUSIC • DINNER • DRINKS • FRIENDS • FUN

Starring Broadway Sensation Susan Egan

Doors open at 6:30 pm for picnicking and libations

Broadway’s Greatest Hits

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IN CELEBRATION of his 25th Anniversary, White Party Founder and Producer Jeffrey Sanker has created the White Party Palm Springs Icon Awards. These awards recognize a select group whose unique and varied achievements have stood out and best embody the spirit of White Party. “We are thrilled to present our special Icon Awards to individuals who have exemplified White Party’s defining principles of unity & celebration, commitment to excellence and leading edge creativity,” said Sanker. “I look forward to presenting those attending recipients their awards on the White Carpet at this year’s Saturday main event.” Award recipients include Carmen Electra (Artist, Activist), Cher (Pioneer for LGBT Community; Activist), Jai Rodriguez (Actor, Activist), Kathy Griffin (Comedienne, Philanthropist, Activist), Lady Gaga (Pioneer for LGBT Community, Philanthropist, Activist), Lance Bass (Actor, Activist), Adam Bouska & Jeff Parshley (NoH8 Campaign, Activist), Bruce Vilanch (Actor, Writer, Activist) and others. Sanker also announced this year’s 25th Anniversary plans include a completely redesigned White Party, boasting the most innovative and elaborate video displays ever experienced. Chart-topping remix production team BENT COLLECTIVE (Danny Verde & Steven Redant) will also make their live DJ performance debut. And media sponsor SiriusXM is on board to broadcast on-site from the Convention Center White Carpet for this historic event. Sanker also revealed the exciting new addition of Uber as the official transportation provider for White Party. Sign up at: www.uber. com/GO/WP25. Both new and existing users can also enter the code “whiteparty” to unlock a flat rate from LA to Palm Springs and back. White Party Palm Springs is the largest gay dance music festival in the world, celebrating its 25th Anniversary April 25-28, 2014. n

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EBT ACCEPTED at all markets! | www.pasadenafarmersmarket.org AP R I L 2014 | TH E F I GH T 21

THEROSTOWREPORT

BY ANN ROSTOW

Guys like Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson were also claiming that “God Hates Fags.” They were just using nicer language. Fred Phelps was a grotesque caricature of what they saw when they looked in the mirror. And after a time, the rest of America could hardly miss the similarity. THE GOWNED CRUSADERS, HOBBY LOBBY AND OUR COMMUNAL LEGAL STATUS > I’ve been twiddling my typing fingers this week, delaying this

column in the hopes of being able to cover the federal marriage ruling out of Michigan and/or the Supreme Court’s decision on whether or not to review the New Mexico photographer case. Sadly, I’m out of time and neither headline has popped into view. [Ed Note: breaking news—we did win that Michigan case, yay!] Does it really matter? News is bustin’ out all over these days, and the Michigan ruling, when it comes, will simply fall in line behind Utah, Ohio, Oklahoma, Virginia, Tennessee, Texas, Kentucky and all the other federal court opinions of recent months. As for the High Court, I’m guessing they might duck the New Mexico case anyway, but that doesn’t make up for the frustration of not knowing their decision right this instant. Speaking of the High Court, on March 25, the gowned crusaders were scheduled to hear arguments on the Hobby Lobby case, a question of whether the Christian owners of the Hobby Lobby corporation could refuse to offer insurance coverage for contraception based on their right to religious freedom. Mitt Romney was actually right. Corporations are people under constitutional law. But their rights are not as expansive as those of an actual individual. So how expansive are they? The answer this summer will have an obvious connection to our communal legal status.

GO WEST, YOUNG GAYS

> Now here’s an actual piece of hard news that has been wrongly overlooked in the mainstream press. Do you recall the Ninth Circuit opinion that basically rewrote the law books in favor of gay plaintiffs throughout the far west? I am referring to the gay juror case that led the federal appellate court to rule that denial of equal protection to 2 2 T H E F IGH T | A P R IL 2014

gay men and lesbians was presumptively unconstitutional. Well, the deadline to appeal that decision, either to the full Ninth Circuit or the Supreme Court, has expired. There was no appeal! Yay! In the nine states governed by the Ninth Circuit, it is now settled and binding law that discrimination against gays must be reviewed under heightened scrutiny; a standard that puts the burden of proof on the accused to come up with an important or compelling reason to justify the inequity, and to show that the unjust policy is closely related to that reason. Hint: it’s impossible for an antigay law to survive heightened scrutiny. Three of the nine states already enjoy marriage equality; Hawaii, California, and Washington. But for the other six, the die has been cast as well. Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Arizona and Alaska can no longer defend their marriage bans in court with any likelihood of success. Of course, Oregon doesn’t want to. The attorney general is practically begging a federal judge

to legalize marriage this summer and make it effective at once. And Nevada, which had been fighting a marriage case in the Ninth Circuit for some time, took one look at the gay juror opinion, threw up its hands and gave up. Both the governor and the attorney general announced the state would no longer defend the marriage ban in the Slots State, and although arguments have been postponed due to scheduling conflicts, the Ninth Circuit will soon pull the plug on marriage discrimination in Nevada. When they do, guess who is forced to come along for the ride? Idaho, Arizona, Montana and Alaska, that’s who. And maybe Guam! I guess the High Court will put a stay on such a decision, as they might for a marriage victory in the Tenth or Fourth Circuits. But as I said, the die is cast even if the winnings have yet to be raked over to our side.

MAY HE REST IN AGONIZING SELF RECRIMINATION

> I assume you read that Fred Phelps kicked the bucket the other day. I don’t know about you, but I found it enjoyable to watch the leaders of the far right squirm as they tried to make a distinction between his brand of homophobia and their own kinder gentler variety. The problem was that guys like Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson were also claiming that “God Hates Fags.” They were just using nicer language. Phelps was a grotesque caricature of what they saw when they looked in the mirror. And after a time, the rest of America could hardly miss the similarity. He was surely helpful in his way. I always wondered where he got the money to run around the country doing his protests. I could not believe that the religious right would fund him, considering the PR damage he was inflicting on their side. So I sometimes wondered if one of our gay groups wasn’t secretly sending him cash. Not really, but

>> THE GOWNED CRUSADERS, FRED PHELPS AND BAD GAYS <<

it would make an interesting plotline don’t you think? I read that there will be no funeral, but I bet the Phelps gang is planning a little private ceremony in the back of some Topeka cemetery. Not that I would want a big demonstration, but there’s a part of me that would like a handful of gay men and lesbians to stand within a hundred yards singing “It’s Raining Men” to a loud soundtrack as the Westboro Church tries to bury the pater familias. What could they say? They went to the High Court to defend their right to impose emotional distress on a funeral party in the name of Free Speech. (And rightly so, I would add. I supported the Phelps’ side in that case.)

BAD GAYS, NO CAKE

> Finally, it looks as if our adversaries’ latest tactic has failed in the state legislatures. After Arizona governor Jan Brewer vetoed the law that would have allowed business owners to refuse gay clients based on religious freedom, the bandwagon pulled to stop and everyone but Mississippi hopped off. Our foes are flailing around for new talking points in a nation where roughly 59 percent now support marriage equality and almost no one supports overt discrimination against gay men and women. So they’ve been hoping that Americans will rally round the devout Christian butchers and bakers and candlestick makers who simply want to go about their business without being forced by state law to accommodate Godless homosexual customers. I mean, Hey! What’s so wrong with that? They’ve basically won the right to marry. Can’t they just leave us alone? “If a gay couple is turned away at the door,” wrote columnist Rich

Lowry the other day, “the market has a ready solution: There are other bakers, photographers and florists. The wedding business is not exactly bristling with hostility to gay people. If one baker won’t make a cake for gay weddings, the baker across town can hang a shingle welcoming all couples for all types of weddings. This is how a pluralistic society would handle such disputes. Instead, in the cases mentioned above, the gay couples reported the businesses to the authorities for punishment.” Actually, the marketplace in our pluralistic society will self-select for bias all by itself without any help from state legislatures. It’s likely that most gay couples will seek out friendly businesses for their wedding services, through advertising or referrals or just through instinct. I suppose there can never be a statute against giving grudging or rude service

to a customer you don’t like. So Christians will always have that option, and I assume most gay clients would respond by turning to a welcoming shingle as Lowry suggests. But they’ll do it by choice rather than force of law. But let’s be clear, we’re not just talking about bakers and dress shops. Last year, two Oregon lesbians were kicked out of their cab at night on the side of the interstate by a driver who disapproved of them on religious grounds. A state agency has just determined that the driver violated state law in the process, and a civil rights case will go forward against him. So, Mr. Lowry? It’s one thing to move on to the bakery down the street with the rainbow sticker in the window. It’s quite another to find a taxi at one in the morning on IH-84. By the way, the women had been out carousing at a “vegan strip club.” Only in Portland. n

AP R I L 2014 | TH E F I GH T 23

NO APOLOGIES WHITE PARTY AMBASSADOR JAI RODRIGUEZ ON LIFE AFTER “QUEER EYE FOR THE STRAIGHT GUY,” LEARNING TO BE TRUE TO YOURSELF AND PUSHING THROUGH DOORS THAT WERE NOT OPEN.

3 2 T H E F IGH T | M A R C H 2014

>> COVER FEATURE <<

BY PAULO MURILLO PHOTO BY ADAM BOUSKA | STYLIST: RACHELLE BLANCO IT’S BEEN SEVEN YEARS since he filmed the last episode of the groundbreaking show “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” (where he schooled straight men about art, music and literature) and Jai Rodriguez has not strayed from doing what he loves. Whether he’s singing his heart out on stage, working his acting chops in shows like “Malibu Country” and “How I Met Your Mother,” hosting a red carpet, or pitching ideas for new shows, Rodriguez makes no apologies—entertainment is where his heart is. Rodriguez can now add White Party Ambassador to his lengthy resume. This year, he joins White Party founder Jeffrey Sanker in celebration of WP’s landmark 25th Anniversary, which promises to be the biggest, baddest, largest gay dance music festival in party history. He will be hosting the White Carpet festivities, where he will chat with celebrities and gaylebrities on White Party night at the Palm Springs Convention Center. He is also a recipient of the newly-created “White Party Palm Springs Icon Awards.” In an interview with THE FIGHT, America’s gay sweetheart dishes about boys, his first White Party experience, life after Queer Eye, learning to be true to yourself and not giving a damn what others think. WHAT DOES A WHITE PARTY HOST DO, ACTUALLY? There is an actual white carpet where different celebrities walk down, so I’ll be interviewing them. There’s going to be a lot of gaylebrities, as I like to call them, a lot of allies and a lot of the music performers. It’ll be super fun. TELL US ABOUT YOUR WHITE PARTY EXPERIENCES. I’ve done White Party twice. When I first moved here, I was super intimidated by it, because I didn’t know anyone. I decided I wasn’t going to have a good time and I was so guarded that I kind of didn’t. Then last year I went with a better attitude and I had the best time. It really is what you make of it. I hung out with my core group of friends and we had a blast. WHITE PARTY TURNS 25. WHERE WERE YOU AT THAT AGE? I’d been nominated for my second Emmy. I had already won one. I had a best seller. I’ve been on Broadway, I’d been in soaps. At 25, I had a one-man show on Broadway. I needed to start creating new goals, because the goals I had set as a teenager, I had accomplished. And that was not for nothing more than a lot of hard work and really, really pushing through doors that were not open. YOU WERE 23 WHEN YOU LANDED QUEER EYE. HOW DID THAT HAPPEN? I was on Broadway since I was 18. I was the youngest person ever cast in a leading role on Broadway for “Rent.” On my off nights I created this cabaret night—basically what drag queens did—but I was a dude doing top-40 music and telling stories about my week. The producers saw me doing my thing and they thought I was the right energy and after meetings and stuff, they plugged me into the show. DID YOU HAVE TO WALK THROUGH A LOT OF FEAR DURING THE SHOW? A lot—especially when I was on “Ellen” and “Oprah.” “Queer Eye” was not supposed to be this big thing. I felt like I was being false, but to say that I wasn’t the Puerto Rican Emily Post would

“THERE WAS A MOMENT WHEN MY BODY STARTED TREMBLING AND I WANTED TO SAY, ‘I DON’T WANT TO DO THIS ANYMORE’—NOT BECAUSE I DIDN’T LOVE THE SHOW, OR BECAUSE I DIDN’T THINK THE SHOW WAS GROUNDBREAKING, BUT I WAS TIRED OF FEELING LIKE I HAD TO SUPPRESS WHO I AUTHENTICALLY WAS TO FIT IN.” have put in question whether the other guys were faking it as well. They were experts. I was the only actor who was hired to try to help men live a better life. It was a hard thing, because I had such a limited life experience. I’ve never told anyone in the media this, but I remember in the beginning of Season 2 all the contracts were signed and the creators and producers sat us down and said, “If anyone wants off of this fastmoving train, now is the time to speak up.” And I’ll tell you, there was a moment when my body started trembling and I wanted to say, “I don’t want to do this anymore”—not because I didn’t love the show, or because I didn’t think the show was groundbreaking, but I was tired of feeling like I had to suppress who I authentically was to fit in. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST GAY CLUB EXPERIENCE LIKE? I was 19. It was at a club called Tunnel and the night was called Curfew. It was 18 and older night. I had the best time. I stayed till four in the morning and I met my first boyfriend there. I really started partying during Queer Eye. I would go to clubs till closing. WHAT KIND OF GUYS ARE YOU INTO ON A SHALLOW, SUPERFICIAL LEVEL? If we’re really going to be honest, a great ass will always capture my attention. Usually I see the face second, which can be a problem. I’m not the gay who likes straight guys. I have enough issues with my self-esteem. I don’t need you not liking my gender. You have to be into me if you

want to get naked with me. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PEOPLE ATTENDING WHITE PARTY? On Saturday, you have to go to the pool party. I would say, make sure you have more water than you want to, so you’re not too tired to go out at night. Put on some sunscreen, because it’s the worst having a sunburn all day on Sunday. You definitely, definitely don’t want to miss the T-Dance this year. It’s going to be epic. I think they’re having two Ferris Wheels, so it’s bigger and better. THE BIG QUESTION IS, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO WEAR? I have no idea. In my mind, I see a really great white tank top with white tuxedo shorts with like some embellishment down the side and a great pair of sneakers. That would be cool, but I don’t know if that’s going to happen. WHAT DO YOU THINK THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR YOU? I’m like in this weird age where I feel I only get to go around once, so I’m definitely trying to live life with integrity, and a strong sense of self. I make no apologies and I don’t really care what others think. I’m open to becoming the Puerto Rican Neil Patrick Harris. He’s managed to do everything. He’s doing the “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” He hosts TV shows. You forget he was Doogie Howser and you even forget he’s gay. I want a career like that where I can explore all facets of what I do. n For more info on the White Party in Palm Springs visit: JEFFREYSANKER.com. AP R I L 2014 | TH E F I GH T 25

Healing myself through yoga comes from helping others.

Chuck, D.A.P. client

D.A.P. treats and supports the whole person I was a kid from Arkansas, living the “Broadway Baby” dream as a dancer in New York City, when I was diagnosed with HIV. After moving to California and finding my T cells had dropped to a grand total of three, yoga and meditation became a big part of my healing. That’s why I love some of the alternatives to western medicine that D.A.P. offers and why I’ve also been a yoga teacher there for years.

This and more...all under one roof Thanks to your generous support, Desert AIDS Project has been saving lives for 30 years. Please continue to help by donating at desertAIDSproject.org, joining one of our annual giving programs, or by saving the date for one of our upcoming fundraising events. Celebrity Doodles | April 5, 2014 Thirst for Life | April 8, 2014 Dining Out for Life | April 24, 2014 Queen of the Desert | May 28, 2014

760.323.2118

SMOOTH OPERATOR AFTER A RECENT MURDER-FOR-HIRE SCARE, IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR WEHO’S SKINCARE GURU GABRIEL SUAREZ, OWNER OF “SMOOTH CHEEKS.” BY VICTOR MELAMED WEST HOLLYWOOD’S GABRIEL SUAREZ, the owner of the local skincare salon “Smooth Cheeks,” was thrown into the headlines last month after a competing salon owner allegedly tried to hire a former NFL player to murder him. Dawn DaLuise, the proprietor of the “Skin Refinery,” pleaded not guilty last month to the murder-solicitation charge. According to the criminal complaint, DaLuise allegedly tried to hire Chris Geile, an Anaheim native who played in three games as an offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions in 1987, to murder Suarez. Sheriff’s officials said last month that there was no evidence that anyone acted to carry out the killing. DaLuise’s bail was set at $1 million. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 17. If she is convicted, she would face a maximum nine years in prison. As one can only imagine, California native Suarez, a gay man, was quite shook up over the ordeal. “This has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through,” Suarez, a licensed esthetician, told THE FIGHT. “However,” says Suarez, “I’d like to look at this in a positive way... The most important thing is that she was stopped and that my business—that I’ve worked so hard for during the last 9 years serving West Hollywood—is thriving.” Suarez’s decision to specialize in skincare comes from his own personal experience. “I suffered from severe acne growing up—so going into the skincare field came naturally to me,” he says. “I specialize in improving and bringing out the best in a client’s skin... I believe my cutting-edge techniques provide my clients with optimal results.” Suarez is known for his signature facials for all skin conditions, male body waxing and grooming. n

desertAIDSproject.org For more info on Gabriel Suarez and his West Hollywood based salon, visit: smoothcheeks.com. 26

T H E F IGH T | A P R I L 2014

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Actually, Molly, in its pill and capsuled forms, is a man-made MDMA product that is often cut with other drugs and chemicals without the user’s knowledge. Cocaine, meth, PCP, caffeine, and cough-syrup are common additional ingredients that help chemists and dealers expand their MDMA supply and profits. Augmenting drugs with other chemicals is a practice that applies to other substances as well, as drug “cookers” constantly change their recipes to

THE PROBLEM WITH PARTY DRUGS JUST BECAUSE MILEY CYRUS AND KANYE WEST ARE SEEMINGLY OKAY AFTER PARTYING WITH MOLLY AND OTHER DRUGS, (DEPENDING ON YOUR PERSONAL DEFINITION OF WHAT “OKAY” IS), IT DOESN’T MEAN THAT YOU WILL BE. BY JOEL EDWARDS WITH THE WAKE OF DAYLIGHT SAVINGS and warmer temperatures every year comes not just spring, but a deluge of fun as windows are left open and winter layers are stripped off. Traveling spikes as colder months melt into a long party season that, for many, begins with spring break and various music festivals across the globe and extends through summer and fall. Unfortunately, the dangerous substances that fuel all this mirth and revelry are a serious problem. Despite the intense popularization of party drugs as experience-enhancers, the truth of the matter is, they can just as likely ruin an experience—or a life—by sparking addiction and overdoses or exacerbating mental health issues. You could find a variety of drugs at a rave or party, ranging from classics like cocaine, ketamine, and MDMA (in different forms), to LSD, mushrooms, marijuana, and even emerging “legal” synthetic drugs such as Spice/K2 and bath salts. Whether it’s legal or illegal, misuse of any substance is a threat to both physical and mental health. This is especially true under party circumstances, as general dehydration and alcohol are common aspects of the experience, making the brain and body even more vulnerable to a drug’s negative side-effects. There is also the illusion of drug purity. Consider the version of MDMA known as “Molly,” the powdered alternative to famously cartoonish ecstasy pills. In the past few years, Molly has spotlighted as the rave, club, and party-goer’s drug of choice thanks to the misconception that Molly is the purer, safer, and more potent form of euphoria-inducing MDMA. 2 8 T H E F IGH T | A P R IL 2014

evade law enforcement and make their drugs more addictive. This is true for most drugs, even for socalled “natural” marijuana, which is often grown in or laced with mystery ingredients-like heroin-in order to hook users. Basically, there’s no way to know what you’re putting in your body. Furthermore, just because Miley Cyrus and Kanye West are seemingly okay after partying with Molly and other drugs, (depending on your personal definition of what “okay” is), it doesn’t mean that you will be. Another issue is what is known as drug cocktailing, or using multiple drugs at once. As referenced above, mixing drugs can be unintentional because products are spiked and altered unbeknownst to users all the time. Cocktailing, however, typically refers to intentional use of multiple substances. Starting with a few drinks, taking multiple hits of Molly, a bump of cocaine to stay up, then mellowing out with a J or Xanax so you can fall asleep at the end of a night isn’t just reminiscent of a montage from “The Wolf of Wall Street;” it is actually a familiar sequence in the party scene. Any single drug on its own can be dangerous, but misuse may lead to symptoms such as vomiting and asphyxiation, extreme dehydration, hyperthermia, heart

complications, or seizure. Needless to say, drug cocktailing taxes the heart and brain in extreme ways, upping the risk of hospitalization, overdose, and death. Moreover, use of these drugs, even in the lively and exciting setting of a club or festival, can trigger or worsen feelings of anxiety and depression. This is especially true the morning after a fun night or weekend, as common party drugs like MDMA and cocaine provide their high by flooding the brain with its supply of neurotransmitter serotonin, which is then depleted after use. Sadly, experiences of discrimination, neglect, misunderstanding, and abuse are common in the LGBTQ community. When left unaddressed, certain individuals use drugs and partying as crutches to soothe or “replace” these negative memories and emotions. Some people may party with drugs recreationally and appear to avoid falling down the rabbit hole, but in most cases, the “benefits” of a high do not outweigh potential legal, physical, economic, and emotional consequences. The allure of a massive concert or a hot pool party is understandable, but the near omnipresence of drugs can make it difficult to prioritize health over socialization, especially if you frequently use or abuse substances. There are LGBTQ-friendly treatment programs across the country that can help. For struggling individuals, addressing the emotions that drive addiction and learning healthy coping mechanisms, with the guidance of qualified therapists or treatment professionals, is the best hope for recovery. n Joel Edwards is the Executive Director of Morningside Recovery, an addiction and mental health treatment center in Orange County, CA, that specializes in dual-diagnosis and individualized care. For more information about Morningside Recovery and their LGBTQ-friendly programming, call (866) 384-5444 or visit www.MorningsideRecovery.com.

compared to the general population, and even higher among young gay and bisexual men. Project Tech Support is an innovative new text messaging intervention tailored specifically for MSM meth users. Participants will be randomized into 1 of 3 conditions for an 8-week text messaging intervention. The intervention uses a harm reduction approach to support MSM who use meth make healthy choices regarding their sexual risks and drug use. Participants in the study may earn up to $310 in gift cards and will complete an initial assessment, brief monthly updates, and four follow-up assessments all at the study site in Hollywood. Individuals interested in learning more about the study are

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METH USE RATES ARE AS MUCH AS 20 TIMES HIGHER AMONG MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN (MSM) WHEN COMPARED TO THE GENERAL POPULATION, AND EVEN HIGHER AMONG YOUNG GAY AND BISEXUAL MEN. encouraged to text or call 323793-4174 for more information, or send an email message to info@ projecttechsupport.org. n Project Tech Support is a study of Friends Community Center, the Hollywood-based community site and division of Friends Research Institute, Inc., in collaboration with UCLA Center for HIV Identification, Prevention and Treatment Services. The study is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

AP R I L 2014 | TH E F I GH T 29

THEMEDIA

>> HOMOSEXUAL <<

back: “No. As a matter of fact, I think I’m very good at it.” Franklin E. Kameny, a gay rights pioneer, coined the phrase “Gay is Good” in 1968 as a way to help strip away some of the negative association. By then, gay had become the preferred term among gays and lesbians. But it would take decades for the rest of the country to catch on. The New York Times resisted the word gay until 1987, preferring homosexual (now, it prefers the word gay in most contexts).

THE “H” WORD THAT FIVE-SYLLABLE WORD HAS NEVER BEEN MORE LOADED, MORE DELIBERATELY USED AND, TO THE EARS OF MANY OF US, MORE PEJORATIVE. BY VICTOR MELAMED l The newspaper that was perhaps the single most targeted for its own use of the word “homosexual” to describe gay and lesbian people is now declaring the word has “never been more loaded” than it is today, reports The Advocate at www.advocate.com. A story in last month’s Fashion & Style section of The New York Times—“The Decline and Fall of the ‘H’ Word’”—lets readers know that getting clinical about coupledom is a major faux pas: “To most ears, it probably sounds inoffensive. A little outdated and clinical, perhaps, but innocuous enough: homosexual. But that five-syllable word has never been more loaded, more deliberately used and, to the ears of many gays and lesbians, more pejorative.” The story notes the newspaper’s past, in which it was targeted heavily by the likes of GLAAD to stop using the overly clinical term. The Times made a change to its policy way back in 1987, using “gay” instead. So it seems this trend has some pretty long roots, states The Advocate. The paper points out that using the word nowadays means joining the ranks of the few who wield it as part of an agenda—Rush Limbaugh, Antonin Scalia and others.

AN OLD DEROGATORY George P. Lakoff, a professor of cognitive science and linguistics at the University of California, Berkeley, has looked at the way the term is used by those who try to portray gays and lesbians as deviant. What is most telling about substituting it for gay or lesbian are the images that homosexual tends to activate in the brain, he said, reports The Times. “Gay doesn’t use the word sex,” he said. “Lesbian doesn’t use the word sex. Homosexual does.” “It also contains ‘homo,’ which is an old derogatory,” he added. “They want to have that idea there. They want to say this is not normal sex, this is not normal family, it’s going against God.” Historians believe the first use of “homosexual” was by Karl-Maria Kertbeny, a Hungarian journalist who wrote passionately in opposition 3 0 T H E F IGH T | A P R IL 2014

GERRY E. STUDDS to Germany’s anti-sodomy laws in the 19th century. But by the 20th century, the word had taken on a definition associated with the American Psychiatric Association’s classification of samesex attractions as a mental disorder. That did not change until the association reversed itself in 1973.

CHANGE IN SENSIBILITY The word’s power depends, of course, on who is using it, writes Jeremy W. Peters in The Times. In the late 1970s, Anita Bryant’s “Save Our Children” campaign was centered on the notion of “homosexual recruitment,” the belief that gays and lesbians tried to woo unsuspecting children into their ranks. Gerry E. Studds, the first openly gay member of Congress, once recalled how someone confronted him about whether he was still a “practicing homosexual.” He shot

Gerry E. Studds, the first openly gay member of Congress, once recalled how someone confronted him about whether he was still a “practicing homosexual.” He shot back: “No. As a matter of fact, I think I’m very good at it.” The Washington Times set off in quotes the term gay marriage until 2008. The newspaper also updated its standards that year to say the term was preferred over “homosexual marriage.” In the early 2000s, when samesex marriage was a brand-new concept, gays were routinely described in mainstream media as homosexuals. Today, use of the word is less and less frequent. A Google Books scan shows a sharp decline in its use in recent years after peaking around 1995. Scholars expect the use of the term to eventually fall away entirely. “These shifts always reflect a change in sensibility,” Geoffrey Nunberg, a linguist who teaches at Berkeley told The Times. “That’s what happened when ‘Negro’ yields to ‘black’ and ‘African-American.’ It’s just an old-fashioned word that denotes a generally neutral but old-fashioned sensibility.” n

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COMING OF AGE THROWBACK TO WHITE PARTY WEEKEND, 1990’S STYLE. HOT GUYS, MESH TANK TOPS AND GLORIFIED JOCKSTRAPS. BY PAULO MURILLO I WANT TO SAY THE YEAR WAS 1992, but it could’ve been ‘93. I was under 21 and still living with my parents in Inglewood when I first hit up Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party weekend in Palm Springs—back in the early days when White Party was held at The Marquis Hotel. The weekend didn’t offer more than the White Party and some pool parties, which seemed huge at the time. I remember I lied to my mother and told her I was going camping with a bunch of my straight friends for that weekend. I had just come out to myself during a time when it was hard to be openly gay. You got beat up for that sort of thing back then—whether it was at school, on the street, or at home—it wasn’t safe. My friends and I also came out of the closet and stepped into the dark shadow of AIDS. A lot of people had died. You felt it. Young gay guys have it so easy these days. 3 2 T H E F IGH T | A P R IL 2014

BOY CRAZY It was also an innocent time. My friends and I had not discovered drinking (yet) and we wouldn’t dare do drugs (yet), but we were boy crazy as all hell and we were hell bent on getting some at the White Party weekend in Palm Springs. Six of us made the threehour drive to the desert in two separate cars. I made sure to pack my X-Skinny, which was this black skimpy bikini that I proudly purchased at International Male in WeHo. The X-Skinny was slutty with two straps that crisscrossed around the waist. It was basically a glorified jockstrap, so you best believe I buried that fucker under the floorboards at home. The energy surrounding the Marquis was fun, exciting

and new. Alas, the only camping we did that weekend was outside of the big WP event. We weren’t old enough to get inside, so we just watched a parade of gay men all dressed in white, disappear like ghostly figures into a room that exploded with bright lights and deep thumping sounds.

PALM SPRINGS HETEROS The city of Palm Springs had a bad rep as a party city at a time when straight college students went ape shit and tore the city up during Spring Break. White Party weekend was a more private affair, with the same-sex fun under the sun tightly kept within its confines. The pool parties were open and free to everyone. They didn’t serve alcohol, so there was no danger of being carded. Hanging out by the pool was probably the most memorable part of our trip.

“I LIED TO MY MOTHER AND TOLD HER I WAS GOING CAMPING WITH A BUNCH OF MY STRAIGHT FRIENDS FOR THAT WEEKEND. I HAD JUST COME OUT TO MYSELF DURING A TIME WHEN IT WAS HARD TO BE OPENLY GAY. YOU GOT BEAT UP FOR THAT SORT OF THING BACK THEN— WHETHER IT WAS AT SCHOOL, ON THE STREET, OR AT HOME—IT WASN’T SAFE.” I remember walking out in my X-Skinny, and-horror of horrorsI ran into my swimsuit, which crisscrossed around way hotter bodies than the pale twink business I had going on at the time. Many men lost their bikini bottoms at the bottom of the pool as the day wore on. It was so damn hot, they threw giant blocks of ice into the pool and we all took turns trying to ride it like a mechanical bull. My mother would have dragged me out of that water by my hair and gave me the thrashing of a lifetime, right in front of everyone, if she had seen me carry on in a pool full of naked maricones. Then my dumbass decided to leave the safety of the pool to go buy a pack of gum down the street. I asked my friend Steven to join me. I thought nothing about walking out into the open streets in my X-Skinny, with flip-flops and a mesh tank top—also courtesy of International Male. I figured Palm Springs was a party town and no one gave a shit. Then traffic came to a complete halt and hetero fucks screamed “FAGGOTS, FAGGOTS!” Women gasped, and I recognized some gay guys who detached themselves by turning the other way. “Fuck you faggots,” they screamed angrily from all directions. We only made it half a block before turning around and making a mad dash back to the safety of the Marquis. Today, they would have rushed me to take my photo and then posted it on Facebook, so the entire world could get an evil laugh, which is like way worse than getting your ass beaten. Steven will never forget how I almost got him killed that day. Good times.

BEING SOBER Of course, I would grow up and go back to the actual White Party a few years later. White Party also grew into massive proportions. Looking back, I’ve been to WP six times in my gay career, which is a lot for someone who has griped about it in the past. I’ve had some great White Party moments and a lot of fuzzy ones in between. I’ve gotten into a shit load of trouble and I’ve blamed everyone under the hot desert sun for my ratchet behavior. I haven’t been to WP in almost ten years. I’m scheduled to go back for this year’s 25th Anniversary celebration. Today I’m sober, I have a boyfriend and I have braces in my face, so I’m not getting too worked up over it (much). I’m sure the weekend will be epic, but I will never forget my first White Party weekend. I had no kind of game, so I didn’t get any, but it was probably the most fun party moment I ever had in my life. n For more Paulo Murillo commentary, visit thehissfit.com. AP R I L 2014 | TH E F I GH T 33

THEMONEY

>> INVESTMENT VEHICLES <<

We need to ask ourselves who would take care of us if we were to become disabled during old age. Would our investments be liquid enough that we could cash them out in a moment of need?

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE INVESTMENT VEHICLES FOR GAY INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES. BY GRANT GOCHIN l Newspapers and magazines are filled with advertisements touting the investment products offered by various vendors. Every insurance vendor’s pitch claims to be the exact right product for you and your family; for every investment company, their investments are apparently the best. Magazines write about the “Five Best Investments,” but are they the five best for your family? Every family is different, and the needs of same-gender families are often different than the needs of heterosexual families. So how do you decide on the correct investment vehicles for your family? As with every decision, planning is key. What is my family configuration? What are my specific financial planning and investment needs? When will I need my money? Who will care for me in my old age? Will I need to leave anybody money? There are many more such questions. We work hard, and assuming we want to retire at age 65, with an expected lifespan of 90 years, our working years need to provide for our current lifestyles, taxes, and insurance, as well as for investment vehicles that will in turn provide for our expected 25 years in retirement. Will the advertised annuity or investment product provide that for you? Or will it help to provide that for the annuity salesperson? The makeup of same-gender families must be considered. Do we have kids for whom we need to leave behind a financial legacy? If so, would an insurance policy suffice? If not, then why is somebody trying to sell you a life insurance policy? A square peg should not be pushed into a round hole. If you intend to die broke, there are some insurance annuities that could work for you, but is it the one that most suits your needs, or does that insurance salesperson need to meet this month’s sales quota? Most insurance annuities carry large hidden expenses; most would more likely fit the needs of a heterosexual family well before they would fit the needs of a gay family. So question, question, question. We need to ask ourselves who would take care of us if we were to become disabled during old age. Would our investments be liquid enough that we could cash them out in a moment of need? There are a multi3 4 T H E F IGH T | A P R IL 2014

tude of non-traded “investments” in the marketplace; they sound good when they are being sold, but at a time of crisis, are they actually as good as they sounded when you bought them? What investment vehicles you use has to fit your likely need and required timing. Investment companies sell their own products. They have a product that would suit your every need, but do they know what your need is? Their product advertisements typically emphasize their most successful products—never the products that have failed—whereas objectivity is a requirement in your decision making process. Have you asked the correct questions of your investment professional in order to make the best decisions for your family? Has the person you’re working with asked the correct questions, or do they even know the correct questions to ask? Families and investment processes do not fit any standard mold. Those guiding you need to understand you and your individual life requirements. The needs of our “non-traditional” families must be defined according to our own circumstances, and we need to work

with professionals who understand our circumstances and are able to accommodate them with suitable investment vehicles. There are no universally applicable investment products, and selection is a crucial component of long-term success. Using tax, legal, planning, and investment professionals who are able to identify with our lives, our family makeup, and our personal needs, is vital. n Grant Gochin is a Wealth Advisor and Certified Financial Planner™ professional at 16200 Ventura Blvd #415, Encino, CA 91436 Ph: (818) 827-3410. Grant is married (to a man) and he and his husband have one son. Questions and suggestions for future articles should be sent to him at grant.gochin@ raymondjames.com. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/ SIPC The Fight Magazine is not affiliated with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. RJFS does not provide tax advice or tax preparation. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with a qualified professional. Any opinions are those of the author and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the forgoing material is accurate or complete.

May is National Foster Care Awareness Month! How are you helping to make a difference for kids in foster care? While the United States does not have orphanages, we have kids in foster care. These are our orphans—youth with no one to permanently stand by them. This May, find out how you can help by partnering with Kidsave’s Weekend Miracles program. It’s easy! All you have to do is sign up for one of our weekly online orientations. You will learn about how Weekend Miracles finds permanent families and lasting connections for older youth growing up in foster care here in Los Angeles County, and the many ways that people just like you can help to make a difference.

Did you know: 35,109 children are growing up in LA County foster care 44% are 10 and up...entering their teen years and at risk of no permanent placement Over 50% won’t graduate high school and 25% will be homeless within 2 to 4 years of aging out Foster youth with a connection are more likely to finish school, succeed at work, and become good parents themselves.

For info on National Foster Care Awareness Month and Kidsave’s Weekend Miracles program, contact: Katy Partan, Program Manager Direct: 310-642-7283 ext. 10 Email: katyp@kidsave.org www.kidsave.org Kidsave© is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. AP R I L 2014 | T H E F I GH T 35

FINDING PURPOSE

AIDEN LESLIE’S NEWEST TRACK, “NOBODY SAID,” CONTINUES HIS JOURNEY IN SEARCH OF LIFE’S IDEAL. BY ORLY LYONNE “MY FANS ARE ALWAYS MY PRIORITY and meeting them makes it all worth it,” says out gay pop artist Aiden Leslie, after performing to enthusiastic crowds at various venues throughout Los Angeles last month. Leslie’s newest track, “Nobody Said,” continues his journey in search of life’s ideal. It tackles a desire many (including Aiden Leslie) feel is even more out of reach: finding ultimate love. According to recent reviews, “Leslie stylistically stretches out of his usual zone with this minimal pop track that is layered with heavy bass, synth and drums to create a modern, tight track meant to get fans moving in clubs. Vocally, Aiden Leslie is easily on par or better than most of the voices currently on mainstream radio.” As a songwriter, Leslie has become known for using his songs as personal diary entries. “Worlds Away” examined the aftermath of struggle, and how people eventually reach a light at the end of the tun-

nel and grow from adversity. “Trying to Leave Now” looked at fighting feelings in the heart, leaving a love the mind knows is not right. And “Diamond Dreams” reflected on Leslie’s story of coming to New York City six days after his high school graduation; how he grew from a boy to a man, navigating his way through the tough city streets, seeking his dreams to become the performer he is

today. And—it’s become a reality as he has been steadily touring the country the last three years, playing to huge crowds in cities such as Chicago, Miami, New York City, Atlanta, Albany, Columbus, Indianapolis often opening for acts such as Wilson Phillips, 10,000 Maniacs, Debbie Gibson, Aaron Carter, Kristine W to name just a few. “I’ve learned that in life, there are hills to climb,” he says. “It’s how you manage the climb up and the fall down from them that is key... I am grateful to have found my purpose in music... It’s how I share and express myself. Being given a second chance to share it with the world is a gift.” n For more on Aiden Leslie, visit: www. aidenleslie.com & www.facebook. com/aidenleslie.

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contact ntoriodesign@yahoo.com www.ntoriodesign.com 36 T H E F I GH T | A P R IL 2014

Broadway’s Greatest Hits THE AMAZING SUSAN EGAN BELTS IT OUT FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY AT THE LONG BEACH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER.

TONY-AWARD WINNING CONDUCTOR, Todd Ellison welcomes Susan Egan to the stage for a night of Broadway’s best, on May 3 at 8pm at Long Beach Performing Arts Center—Arena. Susan Egan has received both Tony Award and Drama Desk nominations for “Best Actress” as the original Belle in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Additionally, Egan headlined on Broadway as “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” won critical acclaim as “Sally Bowles” in “Cabaret,” and starred in “Triumph of Love” and “State Fair.” The Long Beach Symphony Orchestra POPS! is a fun and friendly way to enjoy an entertaining night out. The five Orchestra POPS! concerts take place at the Long Beach Arena. Part of the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, the arena accommodates more than 7,000 patrons—with 3,000 of them seated on the arena floor for pre-concert picnicking-hence the POPS! well-known brand, “Southern California’s Greatest Indoor Musical Picnics.” The outside of the building is covered by the world’s largest outdoor mural, Planet Ocean, by internationally renowned marine—life artist Wyland. There are two ways to experience the Orchestra POPS!- either at a table of 10 on the Arena floor, or from the upstairs loge or balcony in a theater-style seat. The concert itself starts at 8pm, but the doors open at 6:30pm and people are encouraged to come early and bring a picnic dinner—along with your favorite libations—to enjoy before the show. If you can’t bring your own food and drink there are also concessions available at the Arena (pizza, sandwiches, full beverage service). n ”Broadway’s Greatest Hits” takes place on Saturday, May 3 at 8pm at The Long Beach Performing Arts Center—Arena, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., in Long Beach. For ticket info visit: lbso.org.

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AP R I L 2014 | TH E F I GH T 37

NO ORDINARY

LOVE BY PAULO MURILLO

AFTER A VERY PUBLIC INSTAGRAM COURTSHIP AND AN INTIMATE WEDDING IN WEST HOLLYWOOD, MR. AND MR. AUSTIN-PAGLIALOGA USE THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA POWERS FOR A GOOD CAUSE—RAISING MONEY FOR AIDS/LIFECYCLE. THIS IS THE STORY OF HOW LUKE AUSTIN—a male fashion and portraiture photographer from Sydney, Australia, and Marcus Paglialoga—a fashion designer based in West Hollywood, fell in love, via social media. They first met on Instagram—the picture and video sharing social media application where you’re free to capture and share your most 3 8 T H E F IGH T | A P R IL 2014

intimate images with the world. They documented their courtship, using Instagram as a digital scrapbook, allowing themselves to be very public and vulnerable throughout their relationship— from the moment they met, to the times they’ve been apart, to their exchanges of wedding vows, to their date nights—it’s all been posted for public consumption. As a result, they captured the hearts and the imaginations of thousands of young men from around the world, who follow their romance and are inspired by their messages of hope for true love, and living out and proud as gay men. Of course, being a hot young couple and posting shirtless selfies doesn’t hurt their following much either. “Luke was planning a world photography tour which was set to start in Los Angeles,” Marcus told THE FIGHT. “He intended on staying in LA with me for three

weeks—that quickly turned into eight weeks -and us falling in love. He continued on his trip around North America and then hit Europe for two months. It was during this time away from each other that we realized how much we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. Six months ago he returned to me, and one month later we were married in West Hollywood.” “People feel like they know us,” reveals Luke. “It’s like a reality show. People come up to us on the street and just start chatting about stuff that they would only know from Instagram.” “We regularly receive fan mail, drawings of us, paintings, etc. Neither of us ever expected any of this, but are both extremely proud to shine a positive light on the community and young gay men trying to cope with the difficulties that can come with coming out of the closet and finding themselves in our community,” says Marcus. To top it all off—these guys aren’t just shirtless hotties who merely flaunt their half-naked

“IT’S LIKE A REALITY SHOW. PEOPLE COME UP TO US ON THE STREET AND JUST START CHATTING ABOUT STUFF THAT THEY WOULD ONLY KNOW FROM INSTAGRAM.”

torsos and their love for each other down our Instagram accounts; they also use their social media powers for a good cause. In 2013 Marcus and his friend Levi Foster formed Wolfpack—a group of friends who team up to raise money for AIDS/LifeCycle-a nonprofit event that stages a 7-day bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise money, bring awareness and provide services to people living with HIV/AIDS. This year, Wolfpack has doubled in size and has gone bicoastal with Foster now living in New York. They claim to have 160,000 Instagram followers combined. They already surpassed their goal of $50,000 in a month and now have their bare chests aimed at raising $73K. “We offer shoutouts and post events we’re participating in and places where we’ll be and this is just the beginning of our fundraising,” Marcus reveals. “This year, we’ll be holding a New York City benefit and a West Hollywood benefit in addition to hosting smaller events... We hosted an event at Fautline the other day, which turned out to be really good. We had a guy come bring us a $1,000 blank check for the cause. We’re going to utilize social media to push our funding as much as possible. It’s a group effort.” In addition to

raising money for AIDS/LifeCycle, and posting photos on Instagram, Mr. and Mr. Austin-Paglialoga also have demanding careers. Luke is in the midst of putting together a book of portraits called the “Beau Book” with 200 photos he took over the summer last year at 12 cities across the world. The book is currently being pitched to several publishers. Marcus is in the middle of showing his fall 2014 line for his label “Gypsie Junkies”—his women’s clothing line. The newlyweds have also been approached to do reality TV but the right project hasn’t come along. “I feel extremely lucky that I’ve been able to find love so easily— and that it’s worked for us,” says Luke. “I’ve always really wanted the husband, the dog and the baby.” “I’m such a home maker—it’s not even funny,” Marcus added. “I’ve always wanted the security and foundation of my own family and now we do have it and it’s pretty rad.” n AIDS/LifeCycle 2014 takes place June 1-7, 2014. For more information visit aidslifecycle.org. To donate to Marcus AustinPaglialonga’s AIDS/LifeCycle fund, visit: tofighthiv.org/goto/mpaglialonga. To donate to Luke Austin-Paglialonga’s AIDS/LifeCycle fund, visit: tofighthiv. org/goto/lukeaustin.

AP R I L 2014 | TH E F I GH T 39

THELAW >> CANNABIS LAWS IN CALIFORNIA <<

California Democrat state party delegates recently adopted marijuana legalization in their party platform.

THE CHANGING FACE OF CANNABIS LAWS IN CALIFORNIA THE CONFLICT BETWEEN FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS CONTINUES TO BE PLAYED OUT IN COURT. BY DAVID HAKIMFAR l No matter what your views about the recreational or medical use of marijuana, California is on a path to the eventual legalization of pot. Marijuana laws in California are changing at such a rapid pace that it can be difficult to know what is and isn’t legal in terms of the possession, use, cultivation and distribution of the various forms of cannabis.

THE CURRENT LAW IN BRIEF Under the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act marijuana is a Schedule I hallucinogenic substance. With the passage of SB 1449 in 2010, unlawful possession of one ounce of marijuana was reduced from a misdemeanor to an infraction. That is similar to a traffic ticket with no mandatory court appearance and a nominal fine. Possession of more than an ounce or by anyone under the age of 18 is a misdemeanor, as is possession of any amount on school grounds. A gift or transportation of an ounce or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor. The cultivation of any amount is a felony, unless covered the Medical Marijuana Act. (Hash and other “concentrated cannabis” are treated differently, and the penalties associated with the manufacture of hashish or concentrates can be harsh depending on the method used during its manufacture.) In 1996, California became the first state to pass a voter-approved medical marijuana program. Proposition 215 allows people with cancer, AIDS or other chronic or serious illnesses the right to grow or obtain marijuana for medicinal use with a doctor’s prescription. The wording of Proposition 215 was seen by some as unclear. Attempts have been made to clarify the guidelines in subsequent legislation. In 2004, Governor Gray Davis signed SB 420, the Medical Marijuana Program Act. This signified a concession between patient advocates 4 0 T H E F IGH T | A P R IL 2014

and law enforcement. It contained statewide guidelines for Proposition 215 enforcement. This included the creation of the voluntary medical marijuana patient ID card program, which is operated by counties through the California Department of Public Health. Proposition 215 allowed for the creation of patient collectives to provide medical marijuana to patients. It also contained other provisions to protect patients and their caregivers from arrest. At the time, the guidelines permitted patients up to 6 mature or 12 immature plants and possession of up to one-half pound processed marijuana. In 2010, the California Supreme Court ruled that the amendments to Proposition 215 were not legally obtained, and limits on medical marijuana were lifted. Currently in California, medical marijuana patients may cultivate and possess as much marijuana as they need. Federal law, however, still prohibits the cultivation and possession of marijuana. Therefore, the conflict between federal and state laws continues to be played out in court. The Justice Department announced in August that the administration would give new latitude to states experimenting with taxation and regulation of marijuana. This new stance followed the legalization of marijuana for recreational use and sale in the Colorado and Washington. In sum, states where there is clear regulations and licensing, the feds will not interfere with providers complying with state laws.

ON THE HORIZON Several Marijuana reform bills introduced in the state legislature last year continue to be considered. In addition, four marijuana

legalization initiatives are competing for the California ballot. All four propose different changes to current California law. The most likely contender of these has been funded by the late Phil Lewis, a philanthropist and proponent of marijuana policy cannabis reform. Before his death last year, Lewis partnered with the Drug Policy Alliance and drew up the Control, Regulate and Tax Marijuana Act (CRTM). According to proponents, this initiative would: • Comply with the Attorney General guidelines • Prevent the distribution of marijuana to minors • Prevent the growing of marijuana on public lands • Prevent the profits from the sale of marijuana from going to criminal enterprises, gangs and cartels • Prevent the violence and the use of firearms in the cultivation and distribution of marijuana • Prevent “drugged driving” and other adverse public health consequences associated with marijuana use • Clarify California’s medical marijuana laws • Generate millions of dollars in new revenue for California • Save law enforcement millions of dollars and provide them time to fight real crime • Separate legitimate cannabis businesses from drug dealers California Democrat state party delegates recently adopted marijuana legalization in their party platform. Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom argued for the major policy change, saying “It’s time to legalize, it’s time to tax, it’s time to regulate marijuana for adults in California... you can be pro-regulation without being an advocate for drug use.” n David Hakimfar is a trial attorney and Senior Partner of Hakimfar Law, PLC, and a member attorney of Pride Legal. He can be reached at 310-730-1250.

MAR CH 2014 | T H E F I GH T 41

THEEPIDEMIC >> VACCINE PROGRESS <<

PROGRESS TOWARDS VACCINE ANTIBODIES THAT MAY CUT RISK OF HIV INFECTION BETTER UNDERSTOOD.

> What immune response should a vaccine elicit to prevent HIV infection? Two studies published online last month bring scientists closer to answering this question by identifying previously unrecognized attributes of antibodies that appear to have reduced the risk of HIV infection in the only clinical trial to show efficacy, albeit modest, of an experimental vaccine regimen in people, reports ScienceDaily.com Earlier analyses of the results of that trial, known as RV144, suggested that antibodies to sites within a part of the HIV envelope called V1V2 correlated with reduced risk of HIV infection. These antibodies belong to a class called immunoglobulin G, or IgG. The new studies by two independent laboratories both found that only one subclass of V1V2-directed IgG antibodies—the IgG3 subclass—is associated with antiviral responses linked to the reduced risk of HIV infection seen in RV144. The experiments were led by Georgia D. Tomaras, Ph.D., of the Duke Human Vaccine Institute, and Galit Alter, Ph.D., of the Ragon Institute, with funding in part from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. In the study led by Dr. Tomaras, scientists found that V1V2specific IgG3 antibodies correlated with a decreased risk of infection in RV144 vaccinees and were linked to HIV-eliminating activity. The researchers also discovered that the level of V1V2-specific IgG3 antibodies in vaccinees’ blood waned rapidly, as did the efficacy of the investigational vaccines tested in the RV144 trial (from 60 percent efficacy at 12 months post-vaccination to 31.2 percent efficacy at 42 months). The study led by Dr. Alter demonstrated that RV144 vaccination induced antibodies able to direct multiple, coordinated HIV-eliminating activities, and that these activities were conducted primarily by V1V2-specific IgG3 antibodies. More research is needed to determine whether V1V2-directed IgG3 antibodies actually protected some vaccinees from HIV infection, as well as whether there was a relationship between the fast decline in IgG3 antibodies and the sharp drop in efficacy of the investigational RV144 vaccines. Information from the current and ongoing studies will help scientists refine their efforts to design and test HIV vaccines that build on the success of RV144. n 4 2 T H E F IGH T | A P R IL 2014

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THECALENDAR >> THINGS TO DO << SUNDAY, APRIL 20

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA West Hollywood Park, 1:30pm - 4pm, for more info visit: bgfultimate.com. Big Fay Frisbee and Varsity Gay League celebrate Easter and a little Passover. FRIDAY, APRIL 25

WP25: SPLASH POOL PARTY Renaissance Hotel, Palm Springs, 12pm 6pm. For more info visit: jeffreysanker.com. Kicks off White Party Weekend with DJ Shane Stiel. WP25: UNDERWEAR PARTY Renaissance Hotel, Palm Springs, 9pm. For more info visit: jeffreysanker.com Undress to impress! Featuring DJ/Producer/Remixer Chris Cox & Grammy-Nominated DJ/Producer Tony Moran with special live performances. SATURDAY, APRIL 26

SATURDAY, APRIL 5

SAME SEX/LGBT BALLROOM DANCE CLASSES Arthur Murray Dance Center, 100 N. Lake Ave Pasadena, for more info call: (626) 793-1030, or visit: danceinpasadena.com. Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month. MONDAY, APRIL 7

BYOB GAY PAINT NIGHT Paint & Sip Studio Los Angeles, 351 S. La Brea Ave #3, Los Angeles, 7:30pm-9:30pm, for more info visit: paintandsipstudiola.com. Bring your favorite bottle of wine and come get your art on. Also featuring the artwork of popular LGBT artists. FRIDAY, APRIL 11

TRANSGENDER LEADERSHIP SUMMIT California State University, Northridge, for more info visit: transgenderlawcenter.org. Transgender equality and justice through informative workshops.

WP25: SPLASH POOL PARTY Renaissance Hotel, Palm Springs, 10am6pm. For more info visit: jeffreysanker.com. Celebrity model and adult video star appearances, interactive photo booth, non-stop giveaways, and more. WHITE PARTY 25 ICON Palm Springs Convention Center, 9pm. For more info visit: jeffreysanker.com. Celebrate this historic anniversary dancing with thousands of men from around the planet—all dressed in white. Special live stage performances. SUNDAY, APRIL 27

WP25: CLIMAX AFTERHOURS Renaissance Hotel Ballroom, Palm Springs, 4am. For more info visit: jeffreysanker.com. The party continues after the White Party, without skipping a beat, deep into night and past dawn. WP25: SPLASH POOL PARTY Renaissance Hotel, Palm Springs, 11am4pm. For more info visit: jeffreysanker.com. Relax and refresh while you bask in the sun and splash in the pool.

SATURDAY APRIL 12

GLAAD MEDIA AWARDS LOS ANGELES The Beverly Hilton, 5:30pm, for more info visit: glaad.org. Guests include Jennifer Lopez and Kelly Osbourne, as well as corporate partners, media professionals, and others.

WP25: CIRCUS ICON T DANCE Palm Springs, 3pm-10pm. For more info visit: jeffreysanker.com. The largest outdoor T Dance in the world. Live performances, surprise guest entertainers, fireworks and more.

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

WP25: CLOSING PARTY Palm Springs, 10pm-8am. For more info visit: jeffreysanker.com. Feel the energy one final time, fueled by the music of DJ Guy Scheiman (making his White Party debut) along with legendary White Party DJ/Producer Abel.

GROUPS

ASIAN/PACIFIC GAYS AND FRIENDS www.apgf.org GAY ASIAN PACIFIC SUPPORT NETWORK www.gapsn.org LOS ANGELES GAY AVIATION CLUB Pilots, Flights Attendants, Mechanics. www.unusualattitudes.info CLUB NUR Gay Middle Eastern. www.clubnur.com GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF LOS ANGELES www.gmcla.org THANK GAYS IT’S FRIDAY STANDUP COMEDY Every Friday, 8:30 p.m. MJ’s Bar, 2810 Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles. (323) 650-1503 GAY & LESBIAN SALSA Every Monday, 8 p.m. Little Temple Bar, 4519 Santa Monica Blvd., Silverlake, 90029. gaysalsanight@yahoo. com or www.facebook.com/gaysalsanight GAY TRAFFIC SCHOOL Third Tuesday and Wednesday of every month, 6-10 p.m. The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N. McCadden Place, Los Angeles 90038. 1-800-Gay-4-You or www.laglc.org POP LUCK CLUB Second Sunday of every month, 11 a.m. Locations vary. Los Angeles based organization for Gay Dads, Prospective Dads, and their families. www.popluckclub.org PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, at the Gay & Lesbian Center. RSVP to Dennis@malecare.org or call (323) 860-7340. GREAT AUTOS OF YESTERYEAR The largest LGBT classic car club on the West Coast. www.greatautos.org LOS ANGELES PRIME TIMERS Social group for older mature gay men and admirers. www.laprimetimers.org LOS ANGELES GAY BRIDGE CLUB www.communityvisions.org/IAGLBC LOS ANGELES GAY/LESBIAN SCIENTISTS www.lagls.org LOS ANGELES GAY FOR GOOD Gays making a commitment to volunteer for social welfare and environmental service projects. www.gayforgood.org LOS ANGELES GAY NATURISM California Men Enjoying Naturism. cmen.info BI-OSPHERE P.O.V. Every 2nd Wednesday, 8-9:30 p.m., The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7302. M-F between 6-9 p.m. Topic-driven discussion for women and men who identify as, or are exploring bisexuality. MEN’S SPEAKEASY Every Tuesday at 8 p.m. The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7302. Fun, alternative space for gay and bisexual men to meet and make new friends. LGBT BOOK CLUB First Wednesday of each month, 7:30-9:30 p.m. The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7302, M-F between 6-9 p.m. USC LAMBDA LGBT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION alumnigroups.usc.edu/lambda/ LOS ANGELES BLACK PRIDE www.myblackpridela.com GREATER PASADENA AID FUND www.greaterpasadenaaidfund.org POSITIVE IMAGES WORKSHOP Every Monday, from 7-9 p.m. The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los

> EMAIL YOUR EVENT OR GROUP TO Angeles. If you’re looking for ways to deal with HIV, the Live Life Better Workshop can help you learn coping skills, build a support system, and work toward your health goals. An RSVP is required. For more information or to reserve your place, call (323) 860-7321. The e-mail contact is positiveimages@lagaycenter.org. TRANSGENDER PERCEPTIONS Every Friday, 8 p.m. The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7302. M-F between 6-9 p.m. Social networking group offers a safe and welcoming opportunity for people of any age and gender identity to learn from others and to share experiences. GET CENTERED Meditation Class. Every Saturday, 10-11 a.m., $10. Gay & Lesbian Center, 1625 N Schrader Blvd. Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7300. SENIORS SERVICES Ongoing, The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7359. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT Ongoing, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, 1625 N Schrader Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-5806. MPOWERMENT WEEKLY WORKSHOPS Tuesdays and fridays, 6 p.m. APLA, 3550 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300, Los Angeles. More info: Donta Morrison, tel: (213) 201-1561. For young gay men of color—ages 18 thru 24—looking for a safe place to hang out. “Each week offers a great opportunity to vent, laugh, make friends, and simply celebrate who you are.” TRAVEL

FRIENDS TRAVEL www.FriendsTravel.com Gay Owned & Operated, Since 1985. 12 STEP GROUPS

editor@thefightmag.com CRYSTAL METH ANONYMOUS Saturdays, 9:10-10:10 a.m. DEBTORS ANONYMOUS Tuesdays, 8-9 p.m. MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS Wednesdays, 8:15-9:45 p.m. Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. SEXUAL COMPULSIVES ANONYMOUS Mondays, 8-9 p.m. Tuesdays, 8-9 p.m. Wednesdays, 8-9 p.m. Thursdays, 8:15-9:15 p.m. Saturdays, 12:15-1:45 p.m. WOMEN’S NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Saturdays, Noon-1 p.m. SPORTS

LOS ANGELES LESBIAN SOFTBALL www.lagaysoftball.com LOS ANGELES LESBIAN TACKLE FOOTBALL www.californiaquakefootball.com LOS ANGELES LESBIAN RUGBY www.eaglerockrugby.com WOMEN’S SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GOLF www.womensgolf.org/wscga LOS ANGELES LESBIAN POKER www.lalpg.com LOS ANGELES WOMEN ON A ROLL Luncheons, Comedy Nights, and Conversation Groups. www.womenonaroll.com

>> LISTINGS << www.sagala.org V.O.I.L.A. Volleyball. www.lagayvolleyball.com GREAT OUTDOORS The largest gay outdoor recreational organization in Southern California. www. greatoutdoorsla.org GAY AND LESBIAN SIERRANS Camping, Outdoors, Hiking Angeles. www.sierraclub.org CHEER LA Cheerleading. www.cheerla.org

HOLLYWOOD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH hollywoodumc.org, 6817 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028 HOLY SPIRIT holyspirit-la.org, 4201 West Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029 UNITED UNIVERSITY CHURCH uniteduniversitychurch.org, 817 West 34th St., Los Angeles, CA 90089

LA ROWING www.larowing.org

DIGNITY CENTER dignitylosangeles.org, 126 South Avenue 64, Los Angeles, CA 90042

DIFFERENT SPOKES Cycling www.differentspokes.com Rides start in various locations in the greater Los Angeles area.

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH-HLYWD hopelutheranchurch.net, 6720 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BLADES Ice Hockey. www.bladeshockey.com LOS ANGELES FRONTRUNNERS Running and walking club. www.lafrontrunners.com WEST HOLLYWOOD SOCCER CLUB Comfortable, supportive environment for learning and playing the world’s most popular game. www.gaysoccer.com LOS ANGELES GAY SCUBA CLUB www.barnaclebusters.org LOS ANGELES GAY ROCK CLIMBING www.lalgbtclimbing.com WEST HOLLYWOOD AQUATICS Swim and Water Polo Teams. www.wh2o.org

LOS ANGELES GAY RODEO CLUB www.gsgra.org

WORSHIP

LOS ANGELES GAY FLAG FOOTBALL www.laflagfootball.com There’s also lesbian tackle football.

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH mccla.org, 4953 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027

WEST HOLLYWOOD GAY RUGBY www.larebellion.org

BETH CHAYIM CHADASHIM SYNAGOGUE bcc-la.org, 6090 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035

LOS ANGELES POOL LEAGUE Friendly Billiard teams. www.lapl8ball.com

fccla.org 540, South Commonwealth Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90020

All groups meet at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7302 M-F between 6-9 p.m.

GAY & LESBIAN BOWLING LEAGUE www.tavernguildleague.com

KOL AMI REFORM SYNAGOGUE kol-ami.org, 1200 North La Brea Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90038

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Mondays, 6:10-7:10 p.m.

SAGA LA Gay Ski & Snowboard Club.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF LOS ANGELES

WEST HOLLYWOOD PRESBYTERIAN wehopres.org, 7350 W Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046 MOUNT HOLLYWOOD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH mthollywood.org, 4607 Prospect Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027 IMMANUEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH immanuelpres.org, 3300 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010 ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH stmatthewsnoho.org, 11031 Camarillo St., North Hollywood, CA 91602 CHRIST CHAPEL OF THE VALLEY christchapel.com, 11050 Hartsook St., North Hollywood, CA 91601 ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH stpaulssm.org, 958 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90403 ST. MONICA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY stmonica.net, 725 California Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90403 WEHO CHURCH wehochurch.com, 916 N. Formosa Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90046 ST. VICTOR’S CATHOLIC CHURCH saintvictor.org, 8634 Holloway Dr. West Hollywood, CA 90069 ST. LUKE LUTHERAN stlukelutheran.com, 5312 Comercio Way, Woodland Hills, CA 91364

For Breaking Daily LGBT News Visit

www.thefightmag.com

AP R I L 2014 | TH E F I GH T 45

THEFINALFIGHT

>> SPORTS THERAPY <<

SPORTS THERAPY STEPPING ONTO THE FIELD FOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE TRYOUTS BROUGHT UP ALL THE ANXIETIES THAT KEPT ME OUT OF SPORTS IN HIGH SCHOOL. BY ROB SMITH

> I was 31 years old before I threw a football for the very first time. Like a great deal of gay boys, I was awkward and a little bit “different” while growing up. My family members didn’t know quite what to do with the pudgy, shy kid that would rather go to the library than go outside and play, so I never played sports at all growing up. Even as I got into my late teens and early twenties and figured out that I was gay, I thought sports were simple and stupid, the domain of the Neanderthals that had bullied me as a teenager or were seen as potential bashers as an adult. I even got my undergraduate degree at the home of one of the most popular NCAA basketball teams in the country, the Syracuse Orange, without attending a single game. I now realize that I was brainwashed. I was brainwashed into thinking that sports and sports related activities were the domain of the type of man that I could never hope to be. That man was intensely physical, masculine, and athletic. That man was confident and secure in himself. That man was aware of his abilities and physicality and knew that he could morph that to fit whatever sport he saw fit. I didn’t figure out until shortly after my 30th birthday that I had somehow become that man after years of strength training and physical fitness classes, and that there had been a lot I’d been missing out on by placing limitations on myself. For too long, I had this image of myself as a gay man that was too defined by what others tell us we need to be. They tell us that we are supposed to be preternaturally cultured, that we care deeply about fashion, and that our ensembles must be meticulously chosen before we step foot out of our impeccably decorated abodes. Even as a college student watching my classmates go crazy over Syracuse University basketball, I thought that I was somehow above the obsession. I thought that because I was gay I had more highbrow things to concern myself with in my free time. Then, just a few years after college, it happened: I got hopelessly, painfully addicted to March Madness. I found it utterly intoxicating to transfer the intense pride I have in my alma matter to its basketball team playing a sport that is pretty damn easy to follow. After a few games and seeing my beloved Orange go all the way the final four, I was hooked. Soon after, I wasn’t content to just watch sports, I wanted to play, too... so I decided to swallow my pride and nervousness and sign up for the New York City Gay Football League. Stepping onto the field for football league tryouts brought up all the anxieties that kept me out of sports in high school. I was nervous that I would drop a pass, or trip and fall down, or somehow remind everyone watching that I was still that pudgy teenager that was afraid to play and not the strong and fit man that stood before them. However, the leaders of the league seemed keenly aware of this, and made sure we knew it was all about fun. And man, was it fun. Going in for a long pass and actually catching the football sent intense waves of pride, shock, and happiness through my body. In my very first game, I was a fierce competitor, snatching flags and taking 4 6 T H E F IGH T | A P R IL 2014

For too long, I had this image of myself as a gay man that was too defined by what others tell us we need to be. other guys down when I could, and relishing the aches and pains in my body as I tumbled to the ground while doing so. Although my very first time receiving the ball I made it a grand total of three yards before faceplanting in the turf, I did so in the midst of delirious and uncontrollable laughter. When I play sports, I feel like I’m reclaiming something that was taken from me, which is the right to decide for myself who I am and what I like to do. It’s amazing that we live in a world where we have an openly gay NBA player and

will soon have an openly gay NFL player. We talk a lot about what the images of these men mean for gay youth, but I can tell you as a fully grown man that they mean a lot to me, too. While I lament the fact that I’m discovering this wide and wonderful new world of sports at the exact moment that my body seems to be slowing down a bit, this is all so fresh and new and fun that it is worth the aches and pains. Besides, if I want to someday be the kind of dad that throws around a football with his kid, I eventually had to learn how to do it. Better late than never. n