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Supreme Court Justice Shoots Down Lawyer’s Wild Claim About LGBTQ Rights LGBTQ Elders Are Suffering Abuse But Most Won’t Report It
Meet the Queens of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 14 Aldi Turns Heads With These Boozy Holiday Drinks
Jax Gay Travel Information HIV Rates Dropped Significantly In 2020, Was It Because Of COVID-19?
All the LGBTQ+ Holiday Movies & Shows We're Excited For in 2021 A Queer Guide To Baltimore's Waterfront & Remington Neighborhood
Vanity Milan Opens Up About Being This S eason's Only Black Queen On Drag Race UK Here Are 8 Examples Of The Best Elderly LGBTQ Representation In TV & Film
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SATURDAYS
Supreme Court Justice Shoots Down Lawyer’s Wild Claim About LGBTQ Rights By Leon Johnson
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor practically accused a lawyer of lying when he said that he didn’t think that LGBTQ rights will be put in danger if the Court overturns the right to abortion. This month, the Supreme Court heard arguments in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a case challenging Mississippi’s new ban on abortions after 15 weeks of gestation, a clear violation of Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed a right to abortion before a fetus is viable. The state is asking the Court to overturn Roe. Sotomayor, one of the Court’s
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three liberal judges, said that overturning Roe and Planned Parenthood v. Casey – another landmark abortion decision – would attack the very idea of a right to privacy. The Constitution doesn’t specifically name that right, but several cases since Roe have relied on the idea that the government should respect individuals’ rights to make their own decisions, particularly when it comes to moral or sexual issues that don’t hurt other people. She said the Court “recognized them in terms of the religion parents will teach their children.
We’ve recognized it in their ability to educate at home if they choose…. We have recognized that sense of privacy in people’s choices about whether to use contraception or not. We’ve recognized it in their right to choose who they’re going to marry.” Sotomayor also brought up just how big of a change Mississippi is asking for in taking away people’s rights that they’ve grown accustomed to, something the Court has historically been loathe to do. Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked Mississippi Solicitor General Scott Stewart, who was defending the abortion ban, about Sotomayor’s reasoning. Stewart said no, that LGBTQ and contraception rights won’t be overturned if abortion rights are because they involve “clear rules that have engendered strong reliance interests and that have not produced negative consequences.” In other words, people have come to rely on the individual rights articulated in cases like Lawrence v. Texas (which legalized gay sex in all 50
states), Obergefell v. Hodges (which legalized marriage equality in all 50 states), and Griswold v. Connecticut (which protected some people’s right to use contraception) and they haven’t had the negative effects that he believes Roe has had. That argument, apparently, wasn’t good enough for Sotomayor, considering there are people who rely on abortion being available and plenty of other people who believe that gay sex, marriage equality, and contraception have negative effects. “I just think you’re dissimulating when you say that any ruling here wouldn’t have an effect on those,” she told Stewart. She’s not alone. LGBTQ advocate Sharon McGowen of Lambda Legal told Bloomberg Law that LGBTQ victories like Lawrence and Obergefell “were built on the foundation of Roe and Casey and the Court’s other reproductive rights cases.” The Christian conservative legal group Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) said that abortion is different from contraception or LGBTQ rights cases because of “the state’ interest in protecting a child.” Of course, one similarity that abortion has to LGBTQ rights is that ADF itself opposes both of them and is considered an anti-LGBTQ hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. McGowan noted that organizations like ADF that are “against LGBT equality are eager to leverage this case.”
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LGBTQ Elders Are Suffering Abuse But Most Won’t Report It By Drew Williams
LGBTQ Oregonians over the age of 55 suffer elder abuse at an alarming rate, and the vast majority don’t report it, according to a new study commissioned by the Oregon Human Services Department. Queer elders in the state also suffer from higher rates of poverty, are more likely to have suicidal thoughts, and say that they have been discriminated against in the previous year. “As a senior retired person, I’m still very much in the closet,” wrote one anonymous participant in the study. “I wish things could be different and that I could have a relationship with a man.” “We still fall under all the things that happen to older adults,” Mary Rita Hurley of the LGBTQ Aging Coalition told the Salem Reporter. “Then on top of that, particularly depending on how old the older LGBTQ person is, there is still an amazing amount of stigma out there. We still have people in the closet.” The study is based on two surveys. The first is the Oregon State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (OR-BRFSS), a long-running survey. Researchers used data 08 www.cityxtramagazine.com
from 2013 to 2018 for elders who participated in it, which represented around 30,000 people. 3.4% of older men and 3.2% of older women who responded to the survey said they were gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Not enough participants identified as transgender to reach conclusions about them. The second survey was the Oregon LGBTQ+ Older Adult Survey, which was conducted earlier this year and involved 1402 LGBTQ people over the age of 55. And the results are astounding. 42.5% of LGB elders in Oregon are living below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, higher than the 36.6% of straight people. More LGB elders (10.5% vs 7.2%) said they saw finances as a barrier to getting health care. LGB elders were more likely to be living alone (36.2% vs. 28.5%) and less likely to be partnered or married (48.3% vs. 62.2%). The second survey found that 60% of LGBTQ elders in Oregon said that they have experienced discrimination within the last year, mostly due
to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Others cited their age or their gender as a source of discrimination. LGBTQ elders of color almost all said they had faced discrimination in the past year, with 91% of Black people and 86% of Native Americans saying they were the victims of discrimination (for any reason). This discrimination has a real impact. 21% of LGBTQ elders said they don’t disclose their identity to elder care or health care professionals. A quarter (24%) of LGBTQ elders said they have faced elder abuse within the last year, but most of those who were the victims of abuse (76%) said they didn’t report it. The top reasons they gave for not reporting it were fears that authorities would be homophobic or transphobic, shame that they were the victims of abuse, and fear that they would have to come out during the process of reporting the abuse. 21% of LGBTQ elders in Oregon said they have thought about suicide in the past year, and LGBTQ elders of color,
those living in rural areas, those with lower incomes, and gay men were at the most risk.
38% of LGBTQ elders said they needed food assistance in the previous year and 67% said they needed health and medical services. When it comes to getting help, over half of gay men (70%), queer and sexually diverse people (54%), and transgender people (51%) said they had unmet needs.
need.” “As a queer older person living in subsidized housing, I feel LGBTQ elders in the survey very removed from any specific were also much more likely to support,” another wrote. “There say they smoke or drink too is a large religious population in much. Again, gay men, people my community and I don’t feel of color, and those with lower comfortable. We don’t have incomes were at higher risk, choices when applying for but it was urban – not rural – housing.” LGBTQ people who reported Survey respondents also left “While I am out to those close smoking and drinking some heart-breaking to me, putting up a Pride flag or excessively more. comments for researchers. BLM sign feels unsafe and could put my family at risk,” LGBTQ elders are more likely “I am scared of retirement and wrote another participant. how I will survive in terms of to need help from social housing,” one participant wrote. The survey results were services as they get older, “The long-term facility I visit presented last week to the partly because they are less feels completely Oregon Senate Interim likely to have children and heteronormative and Committee on Human more likely to have no conservative.” Services, Mental Health, and relationship with their families of origin. Many LGBTQ people “There is very little support for Recovery, and several get help from people who aren’t transgender women in my age lawmakers expressed concern about the data. related or married to them, range,” wrote another. “I which means that the believe this keeps trans women “I’d love to partner in any other caregivers have limited legal and trans men, such as myself, legislation to really push this power to help if they’re not a from coming out and seeking forward,” said out state Sen. designated health care proxy. the care we often desperately Kate Lieber (D).
Meet the Queens of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 14 By David Vandygriff
Is your blood sugar low? Well, get ready for an energy boost because RuPaul’s Drag Race is back back back back again! That’s right, kittens. The Emmy -winning phenomenon is returning for a sickening Season 14, kicking off Friday, January 7 at 8/7c on VH1 with a two-part premiere. This time, 14 queens will be click-clackin’ into the workroom looking to be crowned America’s Next Drag Superstar. RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked is also back to showcase all the backstage drama. The 14 glamazons who will have you gagging this season are Alyssa Hunter, Angeria Paris VanMicheals, Bosco, Daya Betty, Deja Skye, Jasmine Kennedie, Jorgeous, June Jambalaya, Kerri Colby, Kornbread “The Snack” Jeté, Lady Camden, Maddy Morphosis, Orion Story, and Willow Pill. Want to spend a little more time with your new queens? All right, Mary. At 10am ET Friday, December 3, head over to the RuPaul’s Drag Race YouTube channel to join a “Meet the Queens” livestream with an extended runway 10 www.cityxtramagazine.com
extravaganza hosted by Season 13 winner Symone. Until then, learn about the contestants via their cast photos and bios below, all courtesy of VH1 Alyssa Hunter (Cataño, PR) The huntress is on the prowl! As one of the most celebrated pageant queens from Puerto Rico, Alyssa knows her way around a runway and delivers stunning looks wherever she goes. She’s here to prove that not only can she give a fierce lewk, she also has the performance chops to bring back the crown to her hometown. Angeria Paris VanMicheals (Atlanta, GA) This southern belle from ATL will light up any room with her charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent. An old-school pageant queen, “Angie” is here to serve fierce fashion and face with a country charm that you can’t help but fall in love with.
Bosco (Seattle, WA) Don’t let her laidback Seattle grunge vibe fool you, this fiercely competitive queen is all about femme fatale glamour. With her razor-sharp wit and an impressive arsenal of drag talents, Bosco will stop at nothing to bring the crown back to Seattle. Daya Betty (Springfield, MO) You Betty be ready! Hailing from the House of Methyd, this edgy six foot four goddess is serving ’80sinspired rockstar realness. Daya’s known for crafting incredible looks out of any material she can get her hands on and will do whatever it takes to claw her way to the top and claim that crown. Deja Skye (Fresno, CA) This pastel princess prides herself on embracing all her curves and swerves. Deja is known for her bold,
colorful drag aesthetic and design skills. She’s a sweetheart, but she has killer lip sync skills, so watch out for her!
legendary House of Colby, Kerri is a bold diva who tells it like it is, while always looking flawless. She came to slay the game in true Colby style!
with the best of them. Orion Story (Grand Rapids, MI) Jasmine Kennedie Orion is a (New York City, NY) Kornbread “The retro sex kitten The ditzy doll of Snack” Jeté with a campy New York City (Los Angeles, CA) edge. As the first has arrived! She The bakery is queen to is known as a open and represent Michigan, this high energy Kornbread is midwestern beauty brings a dancing queen being served! This smoldering Lana Del Rey who brings polished drag and LA queen is a energy to her drag and is eager the gift of gab. Her personality performance to share her unique drag stylmay be bubbly and fun, but she powerhouse with a deliciously ings with the world. is drop dead serious about sassy personality. She will Willow Pill slaying the competition. leave you gooped, gagged and (Denver, CO) gandered and will want a taste Jorgeous A quirky little pill, of what she’s cooking! (Nashville, TN) this queen digs Hello-tis, it’s Lady Camden deep to deliver a Jorgeous! This (Sacramento, wicked sense of spicy Latina CA) humor and a dancing diva Three cheers for darkly eccentric started drag at America’s little drag style. She is the age of 16 and spice girl! Born in season 11 winner never looked back. A fierce the U.K. but now Yvie Oddly’s drag sister, so performer who was born to do living in expect the unexpected from drag, Jorgeous is looking to Sacramento, this Willow Pill. dance the house down boots professional ballet dancerRuPaul’s Drag Race Season all the way to the top. turned-drag queen is ready to 14 premieres Friday, January 7 take the world by storm serving June Jambalaya at 8/7c on VH1, followed by a class and sass and living the (Los Angeles, CA) new season of Untucked at pop princess fantasy she This jambalaya is 9:30/8:30c. always dreamed of. heating up! Bringing Black Maddy Girl Magic to the Morphosis stage, June is (Arkansas) known for her This small-town fierce dance oves and is ready camp and to show off her kicks and splits comedy queen and put a fork in the rest of the is ready for her competition. big stage debut. As the first Kerri Colby (Los Angeles, CA) heterosexual This bodacious queen on Drag Race, Maddy’s queen is all about quirky performances set her beauty, hair and apart from the pack and she’s body-ody-ody. here to prove she can perform www.cityxtramagazine.com 13 From the
Aldi Turns Heads With These Boozy Holiday Drinks By David Vandygriff
There's nothing like a boozy beverage to help make the holidays more merry and bright. Maybe you like a mug of toasty spiced rum to warm up after cutting down the tree, or maybe you like to warm up with a glass of creamy eggnog from the punch bowl at the annual holiday party. And who can forget the celebratory flutes of champagne on Christmas Eve and New Year's? Even if you like to keep it simple with some red wine paired with a few Christmas cookies, regardless of your preference, festive alcoholic drinks are a staple of the season for many adults.
Christmas, as spotted on Instagram.
shoppers. With a 13.9% ABV, it's made with white wine, egg People Can't Wait To Get yolks, sweet cream, and Their Hands On These Festive Alcoholic Beverages aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg (via Delish). It costs just $7 per bottle, so you can stock up ahead of all your holiday parties and events. As for the minty wine that people are equally excited about? The label describes it as "a blend of white wine with peppermint and white chocolate flavor and the finest cream." It also has a 13.9% Leave it to the Aldi fan ABV, and Aldi recommends accounts on Instagram to find serving it with ice cream or any If you're looking for something all of the best holiday releases, chocolate dessert. Instagram to spike up those sips this like these new seasonal sips. favorte @aldi.mademedoit also holiday, Aldi has the goods. Both @adventuresinaldi and mentioned in their post that The budget grocery store chain @aldi.mademedoit shared these two would pair great with is famous for its seasonal photos of two new drinks coffee. As for what fans are releases, and its highly perfect for the Christmas saying about these new anticipated 2021 December season: Holly Hill Farms seasonal treats, one follower Finds holiday line-up includes a Eggnog and Petit Peppermint agreed with the original poster handful of spirited adult Bark Wine Specialty. The saying, "Peppermint in iced beverages. Here are two pre-mixed eggnog is a crowd- coffee is so tasty. I will festive new drinks to hit Aldi favorite from last year that's definitely be on the hunt for shelves just in time for returning to the delight of many these!"
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Jax Gay Launches NEWEST Publication By David Vandygriff
As the future of our Jacksonville LGBTQ Community continues to grow and evolve we are PROUD to announce that Jax Gay will become Jacksonville’s only LGBTQ publication beginning January 1, 2022. We will feature local news, entertainment, drag, HIV/AIDS, and upcoming events. The Rainbow Awards Show will become the Jax Gay Award Show. We will also begin in February 2022 hosting monthly happy hour and a monthly dance event with DJ & drag show. Jax Gay is will be a 501c3 non-profit helping by giving back to our local charities and organizations. June will become the month for our annual Jax Gay Awards Show. We are excited about our future and ensure you that our outstanding publication and events will be those to read and attend.
To see and hear about all our future upcoming changes, launches and events be sure to vivit ww.JaxGay.com beginning January 1, 2022. The website will be the place to find the publication as well as print copies all over the city still for FREE. Also the website will host the pages for upcoming events. So be sure to visit www.JaxGay.com We are PROUD to be apart of such an amazing LGBTQ Community and look forward to seeing everyone and hearing your feedback as we launch Jax Gay Magazine. Thank you Jacksonville for allowing us to do what we do and bring you a new twist of events in the future. If you are interesting in securing your ad space for 2022 you can contact us via email at info@jaxgay.com or (904) 900-8027
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HIV Rates Dropped Significantly In 2020. Was It Because Of COVID-19? By Leigh Kai
New data suggests that COVID -19 actually reduced HIV transmission, possibly because people were staying home instead of hooking up throughout the pandemic… or getting tested for HIV.
the organization’s report states, adding that there was less of a drop among people of color, gay and bi men who live outside of London, and The U.K. Health Security immigrants. Agency (UKHSA) released data yesterday on World AIDS Dr. Valerie Delpech, the head Day that showed that new of HIV Surveillance at UKHSA, cases of HIV were down in said that the numbers are England, dropping by 33 “encouraging” about HIV in percent from the previous year. England, but could also be just In 2019, there were 3950 new a temporary effect of the pandemic and the lockdowns. cases of HIV in the England, She noted that fewer people but in 2020 there were 2630 were getting tested during the new cases. pandemic. Among gay and bi men, the “The continued decline in HIV number of new cases diagnoses made in England is decreased from 1500 in 2019 encouraging, but last year’s to 890 in 2020, a drop of 41 data needs to be considered in percent. the context of a COVID-19 “Taken together with only small pandemic which saw prolonged declines in testing and a and unprecedented public continuing availability of PrEP, health restrictions, coupled with the fall in diagnoses in gay and intense pressure on health bisexual men suggests a con- services resulting in a decline tinued year-on-year reduction in HIV testing overall,” she in transmission in this group,” said.
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“It is now crucial that we continue to ramp up testing and start people on treatment at the earliest possible opportunity. We must address inequalities and find creative ways to achieve a reduction in transmission across all populations.” Earlier this week, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Dr. Anthony Fauci said that COVID -19 diverted resources from the global fight against HIV, like funding and scientific research. He said that the pandemic’s impact on global trade made it harder to get HIV medications to people who need them, and they play a crucial role in slowing the spread of HIV. Fauci, too, noted that HIV testing dropped during the pandemic.
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Steven Yuen (Minari), Amy Schumer (Trainwreck), and Richard Jenkins (The Shape of Water), The All the LGBTQ+ Holiday Movies & Humans is Shows We're Excited For in 2021 By Michael Wilson A24's latest These new, LGBTQ+ holiday drama film based on the films and series are going to Pulitzer-nominated, make the yuletide hella gay this Tony-winning play of the same holiday season! name from writer-director The holiday season is already Stephen Karam. here, and if you thought last Taking place in New York City year was the only year for on Thanksgiving, the film tells queer-inclusive Christmasthe story of a dysfunctional themed fare, think again! 2021 family as they help their is set to bless the world with youngest daughter Brigid even more inclusive and (Feldstein) move into her new representative holiday movies apartment with her boyfriend for our viewing pleasure! Richard (Yuen). Like most So to make it easier for you to families do on Thanksgiving, things get aired out for binge all the brand-new LGBTQ+ holiday content 2021 everyone to discuss (Schumer has to offer, we've put together plays Brigid's older lesbian sister Aimee, who is still getting this handy-dandy guide that over a bad breakup and going we'll be updating periodically this season as more and more through some professional job woes), proving that sometimes, things get announced and the holidays don't always go as released! planned... The Humans premiered in theaters and on Showtime on November 24!
The Humans (In Theaters & Showtime) Starring queer icon, Impeachment star, and Booksmart alum Beanie Feldstein alongside a star-studded cast that includes 18 www.cityxtramagazine.com
'Single All the Way' (Netflix) Directed by Tony winner Michael Mayer and starring a stacked cast that includes
Michael Urie, Philemon Chambers, Luke MacFarlane, Barry Bostwick, Jennifer Robertson, and comedy screen legends Jennifer Coolidge and Kathy Najimy, Single All the Way is Netflix's highly-anticipated, first gay holiday film and tells the story of a gay man named Peter who is "desperate to avoid his family’s judgment about his perpetual single status," according to the film's official (and relatable AF) description. Single All the Way started streaming on Netflix on Thursday, December 2!
'The Bitch Who Stole Christmas' (VH1) Emmy-winning TV icon and Drag Race legend RuPaul is getting in on all of the gay cheer this year by releasing her very own special holiday special for VH1, aptly entitled The Bitch Who Stole Christmas! "In the draggiest Christmas movie ever made, a workaholic big-city fashion journalist is sent to a Christmas-obsessed small town to dig up a story when she finds herself in the middle of cut-throat housewives, a high-stakes “Winter Ball” competition, and a sinister plot that could destroy Christmas fore-evah!" reads the films official description.
Written by Connor Wright and Christina Friel and directed by Don Scardino, the film stars Mama Ru alongside a whole slate of amazing talent including Krysta Rodriguez, Andy Ridings, Michelle Visage, Ginger Minj, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Peppermint, Jan Sport, Jaymes Mansfield, Latrice Royale, Gottmik, Morgan McMichaels, Porkchop, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews, Chad Michaels, Heidi N Closet, Kelly Mantle, Kimora Blac, Laganja Estranja, Manila Luzon, Mayhem Miller, Pandora Boxx, Raven, Rock M. Sakura, Kylie Sonique Love, Kim Petras, Charo, and Anna Maria Horsford. The Bitch Who Stole Christmas premiered Thursday, December 2 at 9pm ET/PT on VH1!
With Love (Amazon Prime Video) After her critically-acclaimed run as the showrunner of the queer-inclusive reboot of One Day at a Time, Gloria Calderón Kellett is teaming up with Amazon Studios to bring us With Love, Prime Video's first holiday miniseries featuring an inclusive LGBTQ+ cast and storylines! Telling the story of the Diaz family, the series features a gay couple, as well as one of the first transgender
love stories to ever be featured Part of the Hallmark Channel's in a holiday rom-com! impressive and packed slate of "Each of the five episodes, set 41 brand-new Christmas movies being released this during a different holiday throughout the year follows Lily holiday season, the upcoming sequel to last year's (Emeraude Toubia) on her gay-inclusive The Christmas transition from being newly House, tentatively entitled Deck single to caught in a love Those Halls, is reuniting the triangle with two sexy suitors original cast for another round (Desmond Chiam, Rome of queer holiday cheer, Flynn)," the show's official including Mean Girls alum description reads. "Brother to Lily, Jorge Jr. (Mark Indelicato) Jonathan Bennett and Brad Harder, the two actors who introduces his new boyfriend Henry (Vincent Rodriguez III) to played the loveable husband-husband duo in the the family for the first time on first movie. Christmas Eve/Nochebuena, and the Diaz's cousin, Sol The Hallmark Channel's Perez (Isis King), balances a Christmas movie blitz is set to potential blossoming kick off on Friday, October 22, relationship with their coworker with The Christmas House 2: Dr. Miles Murphy (Todd Deck Those Halls scheduled to Grinnell). The patriarchs of the premiere on December 18 at family, Beatriz (Constance 8pm ET/PT! Marie) and Jorge Sr. (Benito Martinez) also deal with their own relationship challenges in finding new ways to keep the spark alive in their 50’s." "The Diaz family takes a wild ride through all the highs and lows of life, during some of the most heightened holidays of the year." With Love premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 17!
'The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls' (Hallmark Channel)
'Under The Christmas Tree' (Lifetime) Lifetime is bringing us its first-ever lesbian romance with the upcoming holiday film Under the Chrismas Tree! "Marketing whiz Alma Beltran (Elise Bauman) and Christmas tree whisperer Charlie Freemont (Tattiawna Jones) cross paths when Charlie finds the perfect tree for the Maine Governor’s Holiday Celebration - right in Alma’s back yard," the
film's official description reads. "While they initially spar, romantic sparks soon begin to fly between the two women as the enchanting tree and some Christmas fairy dust from the town’s pâtissière extraordinaire (Ricki Lake) bring out the best in them and spark each other to take leaps of faith and fight for love and Christmas magic."
premiere at one of the most important film festivals in the world is revolutionary," Mirza said in a statement ahead of the short's TIFF release. "We need more space for the stories of our love and joy, made by, starring, and written by us. We are thrilled to share the short with TIFF audiences and hope they, like us, want to see a whole lot more of the Syed family."
and Bernadette Peters, are returning to wrap up their characters' storylines and prove that Christmas miracles do happen in Hollywood!
Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas premiered December 1 on the Roku Channel!
'Christmas At The Under the Christmas Tree is Ranch' set to premiere on Sunday, (Tello) December 19 at 8pm/7c on There's a Lifetime! reason why "city folk returning to their small-town family ranches" is an classic, Zoey’s Extraordinary age-old, beloved holiday film Christmas (Roku) trope: it just works! And if you NBC's cancelled musical make that trope queer AF, 'The Syed Family XMas Eve series Zoey's Extraordinary you've got us absolutely Game Night' (Short Film) Playlist is making one last hooked! So that's what return to the small screen this director Christin Baker's Premiering at the Toronto year for a holiday TV movie — (Season of Love & I Hate New International Film Festival's Short Cuts Programme earlier Zoey’s Extraordinary Year's) upcoming lesbian Christmas! this year, writer Kausar rom-com Christmas at the Mohammed (East of La Brea) "On her first holiday without Ranch is serving up this and director Fawzia Mirza's her father, Zoey attempts to holiday season! (Signature Move) new short create a magical Christmas "When Haley Hollis returns to holiday film centers queer for her family just like the ones her family ranch to try and Muslims in this romantic Mitch used to do," the save it from foreclosure, she comedy that tells the story of special's official description wasn't banking on spending how "a queer Muslim woman reads. so much time with ranch hand adds another wild card to a The beloved series' cast, Kate — or falling for her," the gathering that’s already plenty including star Jane Levy, Glee film's official description reads. unpredictable when she alum Alex Newell, Happiest brings her new partner to her Season's Mary Steenburgen, Christmas at the Ranch will be streaming on Tello on family’s holiday festivities." Andrew Leeds, Alice Lee, December 1! "Having a queer Muslim Peter Gallagher, Skylar Astin, Brown rom-com world John Clarence Stewart, Michael Thomas Grant, Kapil 20 www.cityxtramagazine.com Talwalkar, David St. Louis,
A Queer Guide To Baltimore's Waterfront & Remington Neighborhood By Tyler Massengill
A recent trip to Baltimore gave me a better appreciation of the city and expanded my opinion of its metro area as a dynamic weekend getaway. My husband and I had previously stayed in the city’s fabulous and walkable Mount Vernon neighborhood — which, as the city’s gayborhood, is well worth an afternoon or more — but this time we opted to stay on the waterfront in alwayshopping Fell’s Pointe.
and romantic. There are 128 rooms and suites, and ours featured warm woods, gorgeous textiles, and a modern, refined style. The hotel’s restaurant did not disappoint for an early breakfast, and the gorgeously appointed lounge was hopping every night we were there. The entire property feels like the “it place” to be in town, and it was perfectly situated for our city exploring. Steps from the front door, you’ll find myriad shops, bars, and restaurants. Three Museums, Three Experiences Baltimore has a great variety of museums, and we enjoyed three that were each unique We chose to stay at the and worthwhile. The Baltimore Baltimore Sagamore Pendry Museum of Art (BMA, below) (above), a luxury boutique has an intriguing current chain that was new to me…and exhibition, “A Modern what a lovely discovery. The Influence: Henri Matisse, Etta property is built right onto the Cone, and Baltimore.” The city’s historic Recreation Pier, exhibition traces Cone’s 43which dates to 1914, making year friendship with Matisse for an ideal location. Our while she collected many of his oversized suite had a large drawings and works. Cone patio facing the water, as well even brought the artist to her as the outdoor infinity pool. hometown of Baltimore in Sunrises were stunning from 1930, and she and her sister our patio, and the city lights eventually collected more than each evening were dramatic 700 of Matisse’s works; a majority of them were 22 www.cityxtramagazine.com
eventually bequeathed to the BMA. It was interesting to see so many of the artist’s study sketches for his eventual masterpieces, how he played with more and less detail as he worked with the subjects.
There has been much speculation about the Cone sisters’ sexual orientation over the years, but we have no definitive answer — and surely, society in the early 1900s likely affected what the sisters even thought was possible. But their collection, much of which centered on sketches of reclining female nudes, certainly has pushed some to draw their own conclusions. On December 12, the BMA will open two new permanent facilities, the highly anticipated Ruth R. Marder Center for Matisse Studies and the Nancy Dorman and Stanley Mazaroff Center for the Study of Prints, Drawings and Photographs. Closer into the heart of the city, the iconic shape of the
Remington neighborhood, which is next to the BMA, Wyman Park, and Johns Hopkins University. The area is a popular one for artists, innovators, and entrepreneurs, and it’s quite walkable and easy to explore. Make sure to check out Greedy Reads, a local independent bookstore (the original location is in Fell’s Point). We wandered the aisles before making our purchases and found a lot of titles applicable to the LGBTQ community and social justice The American Visionary Art issues. Nearby, Get Shredded Museum is a quirky part of Vintage is a funky shop that Baltimore that was practically breathes new life into old items, built on the energy of one including some fantastic retro woman, the delightful Rebecca clothing. Hoffberger, who serves as the museum’s Director, and is nearing retirement. From statues of local icon Devine to an enormous outdoor mirrored egg (that looks like it could birth a drag queen at any moment), the museum is a delightful exploration of amateur American art across decades R House, on W. 29th Street, is and regions. Two exhibits a chef-driven food hall with running currently are The many delicious choices, from Science and Mystery of Sleep burgers to poke bowls to and Hoffberger’s final Creole cooking. There are 10 collection, entitled Healing and permanent stalls, space for pop the Art of Compassion (and the ups (while we were there, one Lack Thereof!). was a fish + chips restaurant), and a craft cocktail bar in the center. Make sure to save room for dessert at the hall’s Taharka Brothers Ice Cream stand. An employee at Greedy Reads had recommended the Honey Graham flavor to us, and it did not disappoint! Walking the Remington We also decided to check out neighborhood Movement Lab, located on the We spent a good part of our 2nd floor about R House. This Saturday strolling around the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History & Culture beckons to visitors. The three-level museum is full of one-of-a-kind exhibits that chronicle the 400 years of African Americans in Maryland. Exhibits range from an understanding of slavery through specific documents and artifacts to insightful looks at African Americans’ local history as viewed through politics, industry, the arts, military, sports, and media.
fitness and wellness facility has a great industrial vibe, with huge windows overlooking the street. A variety of classes are offered, including pole, yoga, and aerial. We tried the Aerial Foundations 101 Class, which was something new for both of us.
Our instructor, Megan, explained how to use the hammocks (also called aerial silks). Participants in our class represented a variety of skill levels, and Megan allowed everyone to go at their own pace. The hammocks at times served as virtual torture devices as we did pull-ups, leg work, and inverted balancing. But they also functioned as literal cocoons, as we occasionally immersed ourselves in them at Megan’s direction, slowly rocking or swinging to relax our bodies. It was a wonderful workout, and I’m eager to try it again! Pamper Yourself A Little Some pampering seemed in order, as well, so we explored the amazing spa and wellness facilities at the Art of Balance Wellness Spa, located near the Inner Harbor, an easy drive from our hotel. The spa, the brainchild of Dr. Nia Banks and Dr. Aderonke Omotade, includes valet parking and www.cityxtramagazine.com 23
contains treatment rooms for laser treatments, body contouring, chemical peels, and more. The other half of the facility is a traditional spa, with a relaxing water feature, enormous outdoor courtyard, beautiful treatment rooms, and a salt therapy room.
We opted for a short salt therapy session, followed by a 50-minute couples’ massage. The salt therapy is said to improve breathing and reduce inflammation and stress. Medical-grade salt is pulverized and injected into the air while you relax amidst backlit rose-hued salt block walls, a transcendent experience. Then we moved to the massage treatment room, where we enjoyed customized massages, based on our body’s specific pain points and the desired firmness. My therapist was excellent, precisely following my requests — focusing on my neck, shoulders, and calves with a Swedish-style medium firmness. Finishing with the spa’s signature cocktail, Prosecco with lavender, was the lovely ending to our spa adventure. 24 www.cityxtramagazine.com
Great Eats We’ve found Baltimore to be a great food destination over the years, even beyond the endless options of delicious crab appetizers and entrees. We enjoyed dinner at Cindy Lou’s Fish House, located in the Canopy by Hilton Baltimore Harbor Point, a few blocks from where we were staying. Cindy Lou’s is perched right on the water, with huge windows and some outdoor seating, as well.
The next evening, we snagged seats at the bar at the trendy and super busy Clavel, a taqueria and mezcaleria back in the Remington neighborhood. I started with the Mezcalina (because, why not … the liquor seemed to be following us!) and my husband enjoyed the Santa Sandia, which featured hints of watermelon and basil. Some of the favorites here include lamb tacos with barbacoa braised in Mexican coffee, not to mention the carnitas, fish, and shrimp tacos. The restaurant has become so popular that it also includes a second bar just down the street where patrons can wait for a table. After dinner, stop at nearby W.C. Harlan, a neighborhood This restaurant’s cocktail game speakeasy that feels like part English pub, part rich friend’s is on point, and we were impressed by Winter in Oaxaca home. (a twist on a margarita using Baltimore hosts a handful of mezcal, so a smokier, sexier drag brunches, and we decided version) and Wolves’ Clothing, that ending our weekend with which incorporated the taste of one would be a fun way to say cinnamon and apples to goodbye. We chose the Drag Johnnie Walker Black and Brunch at The Manor, a more mezcal. Do try the fried swanky Victorian restaurant/ green tomato appetizer, a small ultra lounge, which featured stack perfect for sharing. It had five incredible divas from a fresh taste and was lighter Baltimore, D.C., Atlanta, and than you’d think. That made us Knoxville. Hosted by Evon hungry for our entrees, a Michelle — who was fantastic lobster po’ boy and pan roasted herself — we were impressed wild Atlantic salmon. Both were with the variety of prepared to perfection. We performances, as well as the noticed at least four gay courestaurant’s modern America ples in the restaurant while we cuisine. We enjoyed chicken & were there and figured it must waffles, crab dip, fries, and of be a go-to romantic dinner course mimosas … a perfect place for queer couples, conclusion to a perfect whether local or visiting. weekend.
every day as it comes when it comes to recording this show. So I definitely wanted to take every day as it Vanity Milan Opens Up About Being This Seacame, and also son's Only Black Queen On Drag Race UK just continue to By Jennifer Davis be myself unapologetically. After surviving three dramatic The judges took issue with lip syncs and making it onto the how many orange looks you top four of RuPaul's Drag Race featured on the runway, but I UK season three, Vanity Milan feel like there's only so much was asked to sashay away you can do after you get from the competition. This there and you only have a week, Vanity had to lip sync for certain amount of looks in her life against Krystal your luggage. What was Versace, who had never before going through your head as landed in the bottom two you kept hearing that throughout this competition. In critique? the end, Krystal made it to the top three and Vanity was sent Well, to be honest with you, I only had two orange looks, and home after delivering yet the third orange look was a another electrifying lip sync look that I chose for myself. So performance. I shot myself in the foot there, During an interview with Out, but I knew that orange looked Vanity Milan opened up about really good on me and I knew being the only Black contestant that they'd probably say in this cast, surviving three lip something about it. But then syncs, and how she – and her the runway came for the movie husband – felt about getting look and I was like, "No, it's critiqued for her orange looks another orange dress and a on the runway. blonde bob wig, and I've just CX: I want to start with a shot myself in the foot." But I general question. How differ- didn't prepare for those things, ent – if different at all – was and that was how the cards your journey on Drag Race were dealt. So I had to deal UK from what you expected with it like that. It is what it is. coming into season three? You mentioned that your Vanity Milan: Oh, it was the husband made a lot of your whole flip side. I thought it was looks on the runway. How going to be all flowers and did he react when he saw the things are going to be said to critiques that you were you and told to you. It was getting from the judges? completely the opposite. I had I mean, it was very bittersweet. this motto, I'm going to take It's a moment where you're 28 www.cityxtramagazine.com
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like, "Oh, you trying to come for my gig? That's my job. I make costume." And then, on the other hand, it's like there are things that we could have done better, but there's only so many things you can do when you have a national lockdown and all the shops are closed and the only place you can order from is Amazon. And you also [have to] use old costumes that I haven't worn before to create the looks that you've seen on the show. There's only so much you can do. All the queens that I interviewed said the same thing about the preparation process for Drag Race UK season three. The preparation was Amazon parcels every day, buying the wrong fabric from an online source. It was very strange, but the one thing that I did take from this is you can do drag on a budget. So it really did help me and I don't owe anybody anything. I spent my savings, and now all I have to do is make that back and put it back in the savings account. Cha-ching. That's very smart! I thought that your runway look for this final episode was particularly stunning, probably the best you looked all season. Can you talk about some of your references for this look? It was definitely Aaliyah in Queen of the Damned. It was the very vampire-looking, very ethereal goddess, very Black-inspired. That wasn't the wig I was meant to wear, nor
Black-inspired. That wasn't the wig I was meant to wear, nor did anyone see that I didn't have any eyelashes on [laughs]. But I was just giving Black queen goddess look with that, and the top [was like] Beyoncé's halo. I was trying to just embody Blackness and do it unapologetically. During this roast, you the fact that you were the only Black queen featured in this season, which is something that the fans noticed as soon as the cast was announced. How did it feel to come to that realization when you first walked into the werkroom at the beginning of the season? I think I was like fourth or fifth in, and I was like, "Oh, so I'm probably going to see some more queens that I've worked with if I'm on here," and that never happened. And I think I turned to Victoria Scone and said, "Fuck, I'm the only Black queen here." And she was like, "I know. This is disgraceful." And then I felt the pressure. There were so many times off-camera that I cried because I was like, "Am I doing my culture proud? Am I doing my people proud?" And I think I just got into that state of mind like, "Yes, I'm being unapologetically me, which is unapologetically a Black person, and I will bring all the sayings and all the things that you would usually do in my culture just like I did." I mean, I brought it to the show, and I've had so many people say, "Thank you so much for just representing us" and "You've
done it so well." So I think I've done a good job. But was that a weight that was constantly on your shoulders throughout the competition? All day, every day. In the hotel room, in the werkroom – all day, every day. However, I just pushed out to the back of my mind and said, "Look, what I'm trying to do now is pave the way for queens of color to get on the show." And also, if I have to be that one person that's on the show, you're damn straight that it's going to be four or five on the next one because they don't want to see the same backlash again. When the season started and the cast was announced, there was a story published about how Black queens didn't apply for the show in the U.K. because they didn't have the money to do so. Do you think that that's true? Do you have another theory? The article you're talking about was done by a friend of mine, which is Freida Slaves, where they didn't want to do the show or they didn't have enough money to do the show. I think that's 100 percent correct. Black people are very underrepresented in the first place, and we have to work 10 times harder in this industry to actually be booked and also save the money to be able to go on a show like RuPaul's
Drag Race. And sometimes, as Black queens in the industry of drag, we're going to get those fans that are really just not going to like us at all. Like, I'm in a room with the top four queens on a night out and [the fans] forget who I am and gravitate towards the white queens. And that's where we have to work really hard. So I think when it comes down to it, most queens don't want that on their backs, to be ignored because we're on a show. You won the girl group challenge, which is super iconic. Are there any plans for Pick 'N' Mix to go on tour?
Possibly. I don't think I can tell you yes or no. I mean, I don't think I can say it yet. Yeah, I can't say it. But you would be open to it? Yes, we are open to touring! I just hope people don't forget about Pick 'N' Mix. We won't forget. It was excellent. I'm getting lots of TikToks with people chest-pumping, so I guess we're not being forgotten...not yet. www.cityxtramagazine.com 27
times, a former baseball player keeps her lesbian relationship a secret from her family for seven decades.” Professional Here Are 8 Examples Of The Best Elderly baseball player Terry Donahue LGBTQ Representation In TV & Film By Jennifer Davis and her partner Pat Henschel ran The importance of elderly a successful interior decorating LGBTQ representation cannot business together, all while be stressed enough. Not only hiding their love from those does having elderly LGBTQ around them. This Netflix folk in TV and film make older documentary tells their 65-year people who are part of the journey of love, after falling for community feel seen, but it also one another in 1947. They acts as inspiration for LGBTQ describe how they overcame youth. Elderly LGBTQ generations of prejudice to be representation provides hope together and it’s sure to pull on for younger generations that your heartstrings. This real-life they can live a long, happy and love story is so moving and not healthy life, and they deserve only shows that queer love can to, no matter their sexuality or stand the test of time, but that gender. such happiness can come from For so long, we have witnessed breaking the rules. the gay characters getting Grace killed off on screen. We’re so and used to them dying young of Frankie illness, taking their own lives “For as consumed by shame, or being long as beaten to death for who they they can are. But you can grow old as recall, an LGBTQ person, and it’s vital Grace and Frankie have been that is shown in media – both to reflect the real world and to rivals. Their one-upmanship comes crashing to a halt, show queer and trans youth however, when they learn that that it gets better. their husbands have fallen in Let’s celebrate some of the love with each other and want best elderly LGBTQ to get married. As everything representation in TV and film. around the ladies is coming A Secret apart, the only thing they can Love really rely on is each other.” “Amid This comedy spans seven shifting seasons and focuses both on gay romance and friendship 28www.cityxtramagazine.com
between two women in their 70s. We get to witness such vibrant chemistry between two elderly gentlemen alongside goofy jokes. It depicts intimacy and companionship between seniors – both gay and straight – in groundbreaking ways, and it’s just a delight from beginning to end. Black Mirror – San Junipero “When Yorkie and Kelly visit San Junipero, a fun-loving beach town full of surf, sun and sex, their lives are changed.” This famous Black Mirror episode begins in 1987, where Yorkie and Kelly hook up at a bar and embark on a whirlwind romance. They exist, however, in a simulated reality where the dead can live and the elderly can visit temporarily, inhabiting the bodies of their younger selves in a chosen time period. Without dishing out spoilers, this episode doesn’t depict elderly queer love in the most typical of ways. What it does do, however, is tell a beautiful story of lesbian romance that completely transcends time and every ounce of logic we know regarding the universe. It is heartfelt and so memorable – as well as full of good music. This Is Us “Kevin, Kate and Randall, three siblings, go through unique personal struggles at different intervals of life as they try to find happiness and get over a
tragedy in their past.” This drama series tells several poignant LGBTQ stories with such progressive and refreshing storytelling. The senior representation, however, comes in the form of William Hill, who gives us a rare depiction of an elderly, bisexual, black man. His character makes an impact from the get-go, with the show addressing his sexuality in a realistic yet sensitive, compassionate way. His character is truly a breath of fresh air and it is clear he’s been crafted with such care to deliberately avoid harmful stereotypes. His sexuality isn’t what makes his character – it is merely one part of his identity – it is simply accepted, particularly by William himself, a man who grew up when being openly LGBTQ was met with great resistance. The Cool Kids “A newcomer to the community retirement center, Margaret, creates an upheaval in the lives of three friends, Hank, Charlie and Sidney.” How often do you get to see gay characters in a retirement home? This series depicts the comedic situations the group get entangled in as they navigate life in the home they now live in – which isn’t liked by all. It’s wild (literally, they steal cars, commit credit card fraud and throw a wild party –
and that’s just the pilot episode), and Sid Delacroix is openly gay and perfectly content with exactly who he is through it all. Love Is Strange “After Ben and George get married, George is fired from his teaching post, forcing them to stay with friends separately while they sell their place and look for cheaper housing – a situation that weighs heavily on all involved.” This romance-drama movie is simply gorgeous with impeccable acting. To see two men spend 40 years in a relationship, then decide to marry, shouldn’t be unusual. But, while it is, we should welcome it with open arms. This project is everything from sweet to sad, but it does a wonderful job of exploring both intimacies and just exactly how much of our identity is invested in coupledom – especially in a long-term partnership. Supernova Sam and Tusker are traveling across England in their old RV to visit friends, family and places from their past. Since Tusker was diagnosed with dementia two years ago, their time together is the most important thing they have. Get your tissues ready for this weepy romance movie. It may
sound strange, or silly, but a gay man living to the typical age of dementia, and experiencing all the emotional and psychological effects of that condition, is seldom seen in TV or film. It’s a completely human process and part of growing old, but it just never gets airtime. Yet in this tearjerker, we witness the impact of dementia on both people in a long-established same-sex relationship. The on-screen chemistry is so moving and the storytelling is beyond powerful, showing the men wrestling with their consciences and responsibilities as they make one final campervan trip together. Twilight’s Kiss “Two closeted gay men in their twilight years contemplate a possible future together after unexpectedly falling in love.” This Chinese romance-drama follows a 70-year-old married taxi driver who refuses to retire, who meets a 65-year-old retired single father. Despite keeping their sexuality a secret, they are proud of the lives they have created and the hardships they’ve overcome. They share a brief encounter, but their initial meeting ignites something inside them both that had been suppressed for so long. They recount their personal stories and begin to contemplate a future together. www.cityxtramagazine.com 29
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