Echo Magazine - Arizona LGBTQ Lifestyle - May 2018 by OUTvoices Phoenix (former Echo Magazine)

PLUS:

Meet this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winners

All We Want is Justice, All We Need is Love

Valley voices unite to raise consciousness in new documentary

LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT | VOL. 29, #8 | ISSUE 704 | MAY 2018 | COMPLIMENTARY

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inside this issue Issue 704 | Vol. 29, #8 | May 2018

features NEWS 8

Letter From The Editor

12 News Briefs 14 Datebook PREVIEWS AND REVIEWS 56 Without Reservations 58 At The Box Ofﬁce 62 Between The Covers COMMUNITY 66 All Over The Map 68 Talking Bodies

70 Not That You Asked

All We Want is Justice, All We Need is Love Local ﬁlmmakers showcase a collection of Valley voices in new documentary.

The Reoyal Flush Meet the four local performers who earned 2018 titles and a ticket to the national pageant.

ON THE COVER Karyna R. Jaramillo and her work with Trans Queer Pueblo is one of many stories highlighted in the new documentary You Racist, Sexist Bigot. Photo by Scotty Kirby.

PLUS:

Meet this year’s winners

All We Want is Justice, All We Need is Love

Valley voices unite to raise consciousness in new documentary

LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT | VOL. 29, #8 | ISSUE 704 | MAY 2018 | COMPLIMENTARY

MAY 2018

EchoMag.com

Mr. Phoenix Leather 2018 Scott Darby prepares to head back to his old stomping grounds for the International Mr. Leather competition.

Your Community, Your Voice Our readers have determined the 2018 Readers’ Choice Award winners and we’re proud to reveal them to you here.

inside this issue

echomag.com web exclusives PHOTO GALLERIES Did the Echo cameras catch you out and about at this month’s events? Find out at echomag.com/ gallery/2018-photos. COMMUNITY CALENDAR From pageants to advocacy, this is where the community goes to Photo courtesy of brianfalduto.com.

Buzz Terri Schlichenmeyer, Echo’s bookworm, reviews former-sex-toy-salespersonturned-author Hallie Lieberman’s Buzz: A Stimulating History of the Sex Toy. echomag.com/buzz

Love One Another Echo caught up with Brian Falduto to ﬁnd out more about his debut EP and his new career as an LGBTQ life coach in Los Angeles. echomag.com/brian-falduto

ﬁnd out what’s going on in the gayborhood. echomag.com/ community-calendar COMMUNITY DIRECTORY Looking for a local

Photo by Stephanie Anne Donoghue.

Photo by nightfuse.com.

group to join? Have a group that’s seeking new members? Either way, this is the place to connect. echomag.com/ community-directory MARKETING SOLUTIONS Find out why Echo is the publication your future clients are already reading. echomag.com/ marketing-solutions

The Center of Tucson The Thornhill Lopez Center on 4th opens its doors to Southern Arizona’s LGBTQ community. echomag.com/tlc4

online now

Hit Me With Your Best Shot For all the Out & About photos in this issue – and more – visit Echo’s online photo gallery. echomag.com/2018-photos

EchoMag.com

MAY 2018

LETTER FROM THE editor By KJ Philp

nd now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for – drumroll, please! Team Echo is proud to finally reveal the winners of the 2018 Echo Readers’ Choice Awards sponsored by Smirnoff in the pages ahead. If you can’t handle the anticipation, go ahead and flip to page 28 but be sure to come back and finish reading. This year, our call for nominations ran from Jan. 19 to Feb. 28 and yielded more than 4,000 nominations – a very impressive assortment of community favorites this year, by the way! Then the top five nominees in each of our 28 categories moved on as finalists to the voting phase, throughout the month of March. More than 14,000 nominations decided this year’s finalists, followed by more than 44,000 individual votes via nearly 1,600 ballots, which determined our winners. So, who did you decide is the best of the best for 2018? Turn to “Your Community, Your Voice” on page 45 to find out! Announcing these winners would not be complete without a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in any way; from nominating and spreading the word to voting and joining us at our winners reveal party at Bliss/ReBAR, you are the reason these awards are special to us and to those who earn them! While we’re on the subject of awards and honors, If you haven’t met the newly crowned 2018 Arizona Entertainer of the Year titleholders, we invite you to get to know a little bit more about this impressive quartet’s diverse collection of talents on page 38. We also invite you to join us in congratulating Scott Darby, Mr. Phoenix Leather 2018. Find out more about his plans for the year ahead, including his upcoming trip to his old stomping grounds for International Mr. Leather at the end of May, on page 40.

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Throughout the past several months, Team Echo has been following the adventures of local filmmakers Matty Steincamp and Pita Juarez, whose new documentary You Racist, Sexist Bigot. just debuted this month at the Phoenix Film Festival. Ahead of their first Valley screening, we caught up with them, as well as several of the individuals whose voices brought this film to life in “All We Want is Justice, All We Need is Love,” on page 28. One of the films central stories is that of Karyna R. Jaramillo, the community organizer and activist on this issue’s cover. We invited her to share a little bit about her experiences, both in filming this documentary and within the community, and we’re proud to share her words with you in our first Spanish exclusive on page 31. Last but not least, we have Hans Pedersen’s critical review of You Racist Sexist, Bigot. in “At the Box office” on page 58. And we’ll keep you posted as additional local screenings of the film are scheduled locally. In the meantime, we wish the entire crew the best of luck representing Arizona at the Atlanta Film Festival this month. There’s one more festival I have to highlight before concluding: Phoenix Pride 2018 was a celebration for the history books! Thanks to Fernando Hernández and nightfuse.com, we have a vibrant recap of the festival, parade and run for you in the pages ahead – and even more photos we captured of you online at echomag.com/2018-photos. Thank you to everyone who came by the Echo booth to celebrate Phoenix Pride with us. We appreciate your love, support, feedback and the opportunity to connect with you in person – it’s all of you who make gaypril special to us!

KJ Philp is the managing editor of Echo Magazine. He can be reached at editor@echomag.com.

LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT PUBLISHER: Bill Orovan ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Bill Gemmill EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR: KJ Philp CONTRIBUTORS: Anthony Costello Seth Reines Tamara Juarez Julio C. Reyna Laura Latzko Terri Schlichenmeyer Liz Massey Rachel Verbits Tia Norris Nikole Tower Hans Pedersen Megan Wadding ART DEPARTMENT PHOTOGRAPHY: L.J. Garcia, Fernando Hernández and nightfuse.com. ADVERTISING DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING: Ashlee James ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Gregg Edelman Rosanna Portugal-Miles NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863

ECHO READERSHIP: 50,000 SUBSCRIPTIONS: $29/year ACE PUBLISHING, INC. MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 16630

MEMBER:

Echo Magazine is published by ACE Publishing, Inc. Echo is a registered trademark of ACE Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Written permission must be obtained in advance for partial or complete reproduction of any advertising material contained therein. Opinions expressed therein are not necessarily those of the publisher or staff. ACE Publishing, Inc. does not assume responsibility for claims by its advertisers or advice columnists. Publication of a name, photograph of an individual or organization in articles, advertisements or listings is not to be construed as an indication of the sexual orientation, unless such orientation is specifically stated. Manuscripts or other materials submitted remain the property of ACE Publishing, Inc.

LGBT Night Out at the Ballet

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To RSVP for LGBT Night or for more information, contact Natalie Salvione nsalvione@balletaz.org | 602.343.6522 Tickets are extremely limited. Please purchase your tickets by May 4th to ensure availability. Venue provided in-kind by Desert Botanical Garden Photo by Tim Fuller.

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news briefs

Study finds nearly 250,000 LGBT people in Arizona vulnerable to discrimination Statewide civil rights laws offer no protections from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in areas such as employment, housing and public accommodations. Arizona’s legal landscape and social climate put the state’s 203,000 LGBT adults and 45,500 LGBT youth at risk of discrimination and harassment. The social, economic and health effects of stigma and discrimination against LGBT people negatively impact Arizona’s economy by tens of millions of dollars each year, according to a new study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law.

percent of non-LGBT adults, according to Gallup data. Similarly, 35 percent of LGBT adults in Arizona reported that they do not have enough for food compared to 18 percent of non-LGBT adults.

The study documents the prevalence and impact of several forms of stigma and discrimination against LGBT individuals in the state, including harassment and discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations; harassment and bullying in schools; and family rejection of LGBT youth.

• The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey found that 16 percent of transgender respondents in Arizona were unemployed and 28 percent were living in poverty.

“Arizona ranks 29th in the US in support for LGBT people and issues— slightly below the national average,” says lead author Christy Mallory, State & Local Policy Director at the Williams Institute. “A number of businesses and localities protect LGBT people from discrimination, however, Arizona’s statewide Civil Rights Act does not currently include sexual orientation or gender identity. This creates a limited and uneven patchwork of protections for LGBT people in the state.” Key findings of the report include: Economic Instability • 39 percent of LGBT adults in Arizona reported having an annual household income below $24,000, compared to 24 12

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• 12 percent of LGBT adults in Arizona reported that they were unemployed compared to 8 percent of non-LGBT adults, according to Gallup data.

Negative Health Outcomes • LGBT adults in Arizona are significantly more likely to have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder and to be current smokers than non-LGBT adults: 35 percent of LGBT adults in Arizona reported having been diagnosed with a depressive disorder compared to 19 percent of non-LGBT adults, and 28 percent of LGBT adults in the state are current smokers compared to 16 percent of non-LGBT adults, according to data from the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. Depression and smoking are two health outcomes that have been linked to experiences of stigma and discrimination. • 47 percent of LGB students in the state had seriously considered suicide compared to 15 percent of non-LGB students in the prior year, according to data from the 2015 Arizona Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

• LGB students in Arizona were also more than twice as likely as non-LGB students to report smoking cigarettes in the prior month and were also more likely to report drinking and marijuana use, according to data from the 2015 Arizona Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Negative Impacts on the State’s Economy • Reducing the disparity in major depressive disorder between LGBT and non-LGBT people in Arizona by 25-33.3 percent could benefit the state’s economy by $78.0 million to $104.5 million annually. • Reducing the disparity in current smoking by the same proportion could benefit the state’s economy by $35.6 million to $47.4 million in increased productivity and reduced health care costs each year. • Discrimination can lead to lower earnings and unemployment, which can result in increased reliance on public benefits. For example, discrimination in the workplace against transgender people annually costs Arizona approximately $562,000 in state Medicaid expenditures. “Creating a more supportive environment for LGBT people would likely reduce economic instability and health disparities experienced by LGBT individuals,” says co-author Brad Sears, David Sanders Distinguished Scholar at the Williams Institute. “That, in turn, would benefit the state, employers and the economy.” To read the entire report, visit bit.ly/2GLrbJa. Source: Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. news

June

datebook

8 at 7 p.m. vs. the Chicago Sky 10 at 3 p.m. vs. the Las Vegas Aces 16 at 7 p.m. vs. the Connecticut Sun 22 at 7 p.m. vs. the Minnesota Lynx

Mercury Rising

he three-time WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury will tip off the 22nd season in franchise history May 18 in the Fry’s Food Stores Home Opener at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Mercury’s 34-game regular season slate, which will be played over 94 days this summer due to the 2018 FIBA World Championships, is included. After a fifth consecutive trip to the WNBA’s “final four” (eighth appearance in the last nine years) in 2017, and led by WNBA all-time leading scorer Diana Taurasi and 2017 WNBA scoring champion Brittney Griner return to Phoenix this summer, as the duo attempts to lead the Mercury

April 22

July

to a WNBA-record tying fourth championship in 2018. Tickets for any of the below games can be purchased by calling 602-252-WNBA or by visiting phoenixmercury.com. Source: Phoenix Mercury.

May

18 at 7 p.m. vs. the Dallas Wings 23 at 7 p.m. vs. the Seattle Storm 30 at 7 p.m. vs. the Washington Mystics

May 7

The Imperial Sovereign Empire of Arizona is hosting a Spring Rummage Sale, including hamburgers, hot dogs, raffles and a car wash benefiting Phoenix Shanti, from noon to 4 p.m. at Pat O’s Bunkhouse, 4428 N. Seventh St in Phoenix.

Transgender Support Group with therapist Mary Brasch meets from 6 to 8 p.m. on the first Monday of every month in the room at the northwest corner of the parking lot at 3040 E. Cactus Rd., Suite #6, in Phoenix.

bit.ly/2v5Ez9L April 22

7 at 7 p.m. vs. the Washington Mystics 10 at 7 p.m. vs. the Indiana Fever 12 at 4 p.m. vs. the Los Angeles Sparks 17 at 7 p.m. vs. the Atlanta Dream 19 at 3 p.m. vs. the New York Liberty

in conjunction with Beethoven’s Third Symphony May 15-June 2 at the Desert Botanical Gardens, 2835 E. Washington St., in Phoenix. balletaz.org May 18-20

May12

mgwsa.com April 26-30

Phurfest 2018, presented by Bears of the West, is a weekend of pool parties, socializing with other bears and exploring Phoenix, based out of Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Airport, 2333 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix. phurfest.org May 4-6

The Imperial Sovereign Empire of Arizona cordially invites you to Coronation XIII: Great Couples Throughout The Ages at the DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Tempe, 2100 S. Priest Drive. imperialcourtaz.org MAY 2018

facebook.com/fiercefriendsofphoeni August

bit.ly/2j77dOD

The annual Bartlett Lake Bash, a fabulous camp out in the Tonto National Forest, will take place at Bartlett Lake, 20808 E. Bartlett Dam Road, in Rio Verde.

The Miss Gay Western States America 2018 pageant, celebrating Miss Gay Western States 2017 Savannah Stevens, will begin at 6 p.m. at Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado, in Tempe.

5 at 7 p.m. vs. the Connecticut Sun 19 at 7 p.m. vs. the Las Vegas Aces 21 at 7 p.m. vs. the Minnesota 25 at 12:30 p.m. vs. the Chicago Sky 31 at 7 p.m. vs. the Seattle Storm

EchoMag.com

bartlettlakebash.com Trans Spectrum of Arizona will host its 2018 Tropical Paradise Prom, an evening of raffles, food, door prizes, a live DJ and the ambiance of the season, from 7 to 11 p.m. at First Church UCC, 1407 N. Second St., Phoenix. tsaz.org May 12

The Phoenix Metropolitan Men’s Chorus presents Tyler’s Suite, creating a lasting culture of kindness through the power of music, presented at 7 p.m. at the Parson’s Center for Health and Wellness, 1101 N. Central Ave., in Phoenix. phoenixmenschorus.org/season May 15

Ballet Arizona is proud to announce the world premiere of Ib Andersen’s Eroica,

May 27

The Yavapai LGBTQ Coalition will host its fourth annual LGBTQ Family and Friendship Picnic, including entertainment, recreation, activities, a community stage and a resource fair, from 11 a.m.to 7 p.m. at Watson Lake, 3101 Watson Lake Park, in Prescott. facebook.com/lgbtqyavapai/ mark our calendars

To have your event considered for Echo’s print and online calendars, submit your event details to echomag.com/ communitycalendar. All submissions are subject to Echo’s discretion. events

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OUT & ABOUT Pride Run Phoenix March 24 at Central Avenue and McDowell Road, Phoenix. Photos by nightfuse.com.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.

MAY 2018

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In adults with HIV on ART who have diarrhea not caused by an infection

IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION This is only a summary. See complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or by calling 1-844-722-8256. This does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.

What Is Mytesi? Mytesi is a prescription medicine used to improve symptoms of noninfectious diarrhea (diarrhea not caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on ART. Do Not Take Mytesi if you have diarrhea caused by an infection. Before you start Mytesi, your doctor and you should make sure your diarrhea is not caused by an infection (such as bacteria, virus, or parasite).

Possible Side Effects of Mytesi Include:

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Enough is Enough Get relief. Pure and simple. Ask your doctor about Mytesi. Mytesi (crofelemer): • Is the only medicine FDA-approved to relieve diarrhea in people with HIV • Treats diarrhea differently by normalizing the flow of water in the GI tract • Has the same or fewer side effects as placebo in clinical studies • Comes from a tree sustainably harvested in the Amazon Rainforest What is Mytesi? Mytesi is a prescription medicine that helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea not caused by an infection (noninfectious) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Important Safety Information Mytesi is not approved to treat infectious diarrhea (diarrhea caused by bacteria, a virus, or a parasite). Before starting you on Mytesi, your healthcare provider will first be sure that you do not have infectious diarrhea. Otherwise, there is a risk you would not receive the right medicine and your infection could get worse. In clinical studies, the most common side effects that occurred more often than with placebo were upper respiratory tract (sinus, nose, and throat) infection (5.7%), bronchitis (3.9%), cough (3.5%), flatulence (3.1%), and increased bilirubin (3.1%). For Copay Savings Card and Patient Assistance, see Mytesi.com

Please see complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com. NP-390-22

RELIEF, PURE AND SIMPLE

• Upper respiratory tract infection (sinus, nose, and throat infection) • Bronchitis (swelling in the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs) • Cough • Flatulence (gas) • Increased bilirubin (a waste product when red blood cells break down) For a full list of side effects, please talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. 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.

Should I Take Mytesi If I Am:

Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant? • Studies in animals show that Mytesi could harm an unborn baby or affect the ability to become pregnant • There are no studies in pregnant women taking Mytesi • This drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed A Nursing Mother? • It is not known whether Mytesi is passed through human breast milk • If you are nursing, you should tell your doctor before starting Mytesi • Your doctor will help you to decide whether to stop nursing or to stop taking Mytesi Under 18 or Over 65 Years of Age? • Mytesi has not been studied in children under 18 years of age • Mytesi studies did not include many people over the age of 65. So it is not clear if this age group will respond differently. Talk to your doctor to find out if Mytesi is right for you

What Should I Know About Taking Mytesi With Other Medicines? If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, herbal supplements, or vitamins, tell your doctor before starting Mytesi.

What If I Have More Questions About Mytesi? For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or speak to your doctor or pharmacist. To report side effects or make a product complaint or for additional information, call 1-844-722-8256.

Rx Only Manufactured by Patheon, Inc. for Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. San Francisco, CA 94105 Copyright © Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mytesi comes from the Croton lechleri tree harvested in South America.

OUT & ABOUT March For Our Lives â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Phoenix March 24 at the State Capitol Building, Phoenix. Photos by Bill Gemmill.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.

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OUT & ABOUT 2018 Phoenix Pride Festival April 7-8 at Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix. Photos by nightfuse.com.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.

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MAY 2018

Get the latest. Whenever, wherever.

Feature Story

Local ﬁlmmakers Pita Juarez and Matty Steincamp. Photos courtesy of You Racist, Sexist Bigot.

hour) aren’t intended to change the audience’s mind about people different from themselves. Rather, the goal of the documentary is to spark conversations between and among people holding various cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual, gender and religious identities. The idea to create such a film emerged in the midst of the roiling 2016 election season. Steinkamp is white, straight and cisgender, but has members of his family who are LGBTQ and some who are of various races, so he was troubled and frustrated by the climate that was being fomented by the presidential campaign. Juarez, who worked for many years for English- and Spanish-language media outlets in Phoenix and more recently worked as director of communications at One Arizona, said she was frustrated by the limitations that stories about immigration and other complex diversity issues faced. “In mainstream media, you have about 10 seconds to gather a sound clip to explain a complex issue like immigration,” she said. “This movie is a showcase to tell the stories of underrepresented people, stories that have not been told properly before.” The documentary contains spokenword contributions from 25 individuals and provides brief video-only portraits of 25 more. “Our goal was to capture as many identities as possible,” Steinkamp said, and many of the persons who appear in the film represent a number of

Meet Karyna R. Jaramillo. For Echo’s interview with Karyna, see page 31.

different communities. Juarez directed the interviews on set while Steinkamp filmed them, but the subjects of the film drove much of the content. They were asked how oppression has impacted them, as well as what sorts of conversations needed to happen for discriminatory behavior to cease. Compared with the first documentary she produced (Salud Sin Papeles) in 2015,

All We Want is Justice, All We Need is Love Local duo documents experiences of discrimination in “a film to raise consciousness” atty Steinkamp and Pita Juarez attended the 2017 Phoenix Pride parade to film what they thought was going to be a peaceful protest – not to get their hearts broken.

“All of our camera batteries died at once. It was chaos,” he said. “We started filming again, but at some point Pita and I and my girlfriend ended up trying to protect the protesters.”

The duo was gathering footage for a forthcoming documentary, and had previously interviewed Karyna R. Jaramillo, a leader of the Trans Queer Pueblo group that was planning to interrupt the parade on April 2 to call attention to police mistreatment of undocumented trans immigrants in detention. Steinkamp’s footage of the event shows the group stepping off the curb to intersect the parade … and then all hell breaks loose.

Juarez, who identifies as a queer woman, said, “I was really disheartened about the things that were said and done there … People were wearing t-shirts that said ‘Love is Love’ and spitting on black trans women.”

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Despite the conflict and the difficult emotions that followed it, both of the filmmakers said they were glad they captured the incident. It illustrated perfectly the theme of their film, You Racist, Sexist Bigot. – which showcases

“We’d be filming and we’d say to each other ‘there’s a pattern,’ and we’d realize we needed to speak to another person about racism or whatever the topic was,” Juarez said. “People have different ways of expressing themselves and we didn’t want to tell them ‘do it our way.’”

Including the Most Marginalized Voices

By Liz Massey

Originally, Steinkamp and Juarez conceived the idea for the documentary PLUS: as a short film. However, after their Meet this year’s winners initial conversation with Jaramillo, they realized they would need a longer film to fully tell the stories of their subjects and the intersecting identities they represent.

more than two dozen Valley residents discussing how discrimination and oppression impact them personally. “We were thrilled we got the footage,” Juarez said. “It was real, and shows what actions can lead to violence, which needs to be highlighted in the world now.”

“Once you meet Karyna, you realize she experiences racism, sexism and bigotry every day,” Steinkamp said. “There are no stats for what she’s experienced [as an undocumented trans woman]. No one is covering this story; we felt it was our job to help her tell her story.”

Expanding the Conversation about Discrimination The TQP protest at the parade forms a dramatic climax for You Racist, Sexist Bigot., but its creators assert that all the experiences recounted in the documentary (which runs just over an feature story

Meet Miguel Arriaga. For Echo’s interview with Miguel, visit echomag.com/yrsb-miguel. PLUS:

Meet this year’s winners

Feature Story

Jaramillo said she was left with “mixed feelings” after tackling such tough topics in the film. EchoMag.com

MAY 2018

All We Want is Justice, All We Need is Love

Valley voices unite to raise consciousness in new documentary

LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT | VOL. 29, #8 | ISSUE 704 | MAY 2018 | COMPLIMENTARY

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OUT & ABOUT 2018 Phoenix Pride Parade April 8 along Third Street, Phoenix. Photos by nightfuse.com.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.

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OUT & ABOUT Take Back The Night â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Phoenix April 6 at Civic Space Park, Phoenix. Photos by nightfuse.com.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.

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My AC is not working… What Now? When our warm Valley of the Sun turns hot, AC problems and failures hit all at once. At 90 degrees and climbing, the reaction is instantaneous. Breakdowns occur all over town. So now you need to find an AC company that can fix your problem correctly, at a fair cost, in a timely fashion and with honesty. There are key things every customer looks for. They want a contractor that is honest and fair, as well as informative. Most people would not know what a Run Capacitor does, or how a Blower Motor operates. You find yourself at the mercy of good and truthful advice, just like taking your car to the auto mechanic. Can you replace your alternator or water pump? Is that really what the mechanical issue is? Are you getting good honest advice and fair pricing? I always tell customers that anytime they are looking to hire a contractor to seek out a few things. Check BBB ratings. Not only is an A or A+ a must, but look at the number of reviews and responses. A contractor with 5 A+ reviews is not at the same level as one with 500 A+ reviews. Also check reviews like Google and Facebook. Keep in mind, just about no one will have a spotless record and everyone makes a mistake, but how they rectify that is what is key. Read the review responses and see if there was a positive resolve for the customer. It also wise to always check the Arizona Registrar of Contractors to insure that whomever you hire has a valid License. That is your protection as a consumer. I always remind my staff that we are in the Customer Service business. We just happen to work on air conditioners. The overall goal is to always insure our customers are well taken care. That they are treated with honesty and respect. Keep their homes clean or cleaner than when you arrived. Take the time to educate and explain so they understand what the issue is and what is necessary to fix it. No one enjoys spending money or repairing or replacing their AC unit, but living in the hot desert, air conditioning is mandatory. Precision Air and Heating was started over 23 years ago with a truck and a phone book. I honestly miss those days. We are the last of the true locally and family owned businesses in the Valley. Over the years, we grew our business through repeat and referral customers by making “Your Core Values, our Core Values”. Integrity, Quality and Trust are not words, but a daily mantra with our entire staff. I train all of my technicians year round to insure they can be the best possible at diagnosis and repair. You may like us, but you probably don’t really want us at your home over and over. About the author:

Erik Bryan is the owner of Precision Air & Heating, the #1 ranked AC company in the state. Erik has been an HVAC contractor for more than 25 years serving the Valley. “Make the Precision Decision” and let us help you with any AC needs. Repair, Tune-up, Replace

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Local ﬁlmmakers Pita Juarez and Matty Steincamp. Photos courtesy of You Racist, Sexist Bigot.

All We Want is Justice, All We Need is Love Local duo documents experiences of discrimination in “a film to raise consciousness” By Liz Massey

atty Steinkamp and Pita Juarez attended the 2017 Phoenix Pride parade to film what they thought was going to be a peaceful protest – not to get their hearts broken.

“All of our camera batteries died at once. It was chaos,” he said. “We started filming again, but at some point Pita and I and my girlfriend ended up trying to protect the protesters.”

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Meet Karyna R. Jaramillo. For Echo’s interview with Karyna, see page 31.

Juarez said that determining a narrative structure for You Racist, Sexist Bigot. happened spontaneously. One of the participants in the segment of the film devoted to chronicling racism was poet Rashaad Thomas, who shared his verses in lieu of a standard statement about his experiences. This caused the filmmakers to use performed poems to frame each segment of the movie. “We’d be filming and we’d say to each other ‘there’s a pattern,’ and we’d realize we needed to speak to another person about racism or whatever the topic was,” Juarez said. “People have different ways of expressing themselves and we didn’t want to tell them ‘do it our way.’”

Including the Most Marginalized Voices Originally, Steinkamp and Juarez conceived the idea for the documentary as a short film. However, after their initial conversation with Jaramillo, they realized they would need a longer film to fully tell the stories of their subjects and the intersecting identities they represent. “Once you meet Karyna, you realize she experiences racism, sexism and bigotry every day,” Steinkamp said. “There are no stats for what she’s experienced [as an undocumented trans woman]. No one is covering this story; we felt it was our job to help her tell her story.” Meet Miguel Arriaga. For Echo’s interview with Miguel, visit echomag.com/yrsb-miguel. Feature Story

Jaramillo said she was left with “mixed feelings” after tackling such tough topics in the film. EchoMag.com

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“I see the realities that we continue to live in society, [and] that after so many years of struggle we face the same discrimination,” she said. “But I also see the power that we have as a community – as migrant trans women and men and all the LGBTQ+ migrant community.” Numerous LGBTQ individuals are heard from during the film. Juarez said that she used her connections in the LGBTQ community to find some of the female subjects, and oftentimes one subject would suggest several more people to talk to. Marisa Hall Valdez, one half of a lesbian couple portrayed in the film, said being a part of the film had been a chance to share the reality of the discrimination that she and her wife face. “There are so many people in today’s society that just don’t know what discrimination is,” she noted. “Or just think discrimination doesn’t exist. We are very real people with very real experiences. It’s time for these experiences to be shared and told.” Her wife, Luisa, added, “I’m a thirdgeneration Phoenician. My family is no stranger to racism, sexism, and bigotry in our state. Especially being queer women of color, we felt it was as imperative as it was a privilege to share our journey together.”

Critical Timing Vs. Critical Reviews In order for the documentary to reach as many people as possible, the filmmakers have crafted a multi-stage strategy in order to gain maximum exposure for the documentary and its message. The rest

Meet Gabriel Scabby. For Echo’s interview with Gabriel, visit echomag.com/yrsb-gabriel.

of 2018 will be dedicated to screening You Racist, Sexist Bigot. at film festivals around the country, which debuted at the Phoenix Film Festival April 9, and went on to screen at the Atlanta Independent Film Festival April 14. Festival buzz is important in giving the film credibility in other markets, they said. Later in the year, Steinkamp and Juarez will switch gears and focus on a series of theatrical releases in cities nationwide. Concurrent with the theater tour will be screenings at college campuses, which they see as critical to the success and impact of the film. “The message of the film needs to be heard in younger communities,” Steinkamp said. “I think it will be embraced by colleges.”

Juarez noted that the movie was already receiving strong billing at festivals, but garnering critical praise was not the point of making it. “Festivals are great, but we have to remember why we made the film – for our own people,” she said. “That’s more important to us than the opinions of four judges sitting in a room somewhere.” According to Steinkamp, all of the speaking participants viewed the movie before it was finalized, and that the subjects of the documentary were foremost in his and Juarez’s minds as they shaped the material they had gathered. “The number one thing is that we hope that people feel their voice has been heard,” he said. “It is our hope that for every character in the film, people will find someone and be able to relate to them.” “It’s a good moment for this film,” Juarez said. “People need to be having conversations about these things … As a journalist, I love statistics, but stats leave holes, and these people in the film fill in those holes.” For more information on the film, visit youracistsexistbigot.com. A trailer of the documentary can be viewed at vimeo. com/227684798.

READ THE REST For Echo’s Review of You Racist, Sexist Bigot., by Hans Pedersen, see “At The Box Office” on page 58.

Meet Juli Myers. For Echo’s interview with Juli, visit echomag.com/yrsb-juli. 30

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Liz Massey has been involved in LGBTQ community-building activities in Kansas City and the Valley of the Sun, and is a former managing editor of Echo Magazine. She can be reached at lizmassey68@gmail.com. feature story

Echo: ¿Cómo determinaste la forma en que contabas tu historia? ¿Y hay alguna parte de tu historia de la que te gustaría explicar o ofrecer más detalles?

Karyna R. Jaramillo. Photo by Scotty Kirby.

Jaramillo: Mi histori la conté con mis propias palabras y con lo que realmente yo viví y las necesidades y realidades que vive nuestra comunidad Trans y LGB. Echo: ¿Hubo algún tema específico que quisistes explorar/filmar? Jaramillo: Cuando caminas en las calles, que las personas te miran como si fueras un bicho raro o un objeto sexual. Echo: ¿Por qué es tan importante esta película en este año y en este momento? Jaramillo: Para poder darle visibilidad a toda la discriminación que vivimos diferentes entidades y grupos específicos, ya que ahora con el nuevo presidente se ha desatado más odio y violencia en contra de nuestra comunidad Trans y LGB migrante. Echo: En tus propias palabras, ¿cómo resumirías la película?

Meet Karyna R. Jaramillo By Staff

eet Karyna R. Jaramillo, a Mexican migrant and community organizer/activist who is one of the many voices included in the new documentary You Racist, Sexist Bigot. Echo caught up with Jaramillo to find out more about her and her experience working with filmmakers Matty Steincamp and Pita Juarez, and here’s what she had to say. Echo: ¿Cuánto tiempo has vivido en Phoenix y de dónde eres? Jaramillo: Tengo en los estados unidos desde 1988 aproximadamente. Soy de Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico. Echo: ¿Hubo un momento distinto cuando te distes cuenta que Phoenix es tu comunidad? Jaramillo: En el 2015 viví en carne propia la experiencia de estar en centros de detención y ver las necesidades de nuestra comunidad. Viví la transfobia, homophobia, racismo y discriminación. Fue entonces cuando decidí unirme a la comunidad LGBT migrante. Echo: ¿Cómo reacciono tu familia y amigos cuando revelaste que perteneces a la comunidad LGBTQ+? ¿Estarías dispuesta a compartir esa historia con nosotros? Jaramillo: Para mi padre fue difícil ya que él era un hombre muy machista. Dijo que me aceptaba pero que necesitaba

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comportarme como la sociedad quería, de igual manera con mi madre y mis hermanos, Hasta el dia de hoy ellos siguen llamándome por mi nombre de nacimiento, ya que según ellos les cuesta demasiado acostumbrarse a llamarme Karyna. Echo: En este momento de tu vida, ¿te consideras un activista? ¿Por qué / por qué no? ¿Cuál es tu definición de activista? Jaramillo: Soy una activista por que estoy activa en la comunidad, buscando soluciones para que tengamos mejor trato y podamos hacer valer nuestros derechos. Tambien estoy desarrollando liderazgo junto con TQP. Y seguimos buscando recursos para nuestra comunidad LGBT migrante. Echo: ¿Cómo te describieron este proyecto y qué específicamente te hizo querer participar? Jaramillo: Era de como poder levantar la voz de personas discriminadas, ya que jamás alguien habia respetado mi identidad de genero, y siempre fui llamada por otros nombres. Echo: ¿Cómo conociste a Matty y Pita? ¿Cómo fue trabajar con ellos? Jaramillo: Conocí a Pita y Matty por la organización. Algunas veces Pita vino a la organización cuando estábamos desarrollando alguna estrategia dentro de la comunidad.

Jaramillo: Un compromiso y un legado de nuestras experiencias. Una forma de reflejar lo que realmente se vive específicamente en Phoenix y al rededor del mundo. Echo: ¿Que tipo de reacciones has obsevado por la pelicula? Jaramillo: Hay diferentes puntos de vista pero ha sido de sentimientos encontrados y reflexión de lo que viven nuestras diferentes culturas. Muchos comentarios positivos y de apoyo. Echo: ¿Cómo te sentistes sobre el proceso de filmación? Jaramillo: Fueron meses intensos y mucho trabajo pero [estoy] finalmente orgullosa de ser parte de este film. Echo: ¿Cómo fueron los eventos de recaudación de fondos para la película? ¿Cómo te sentiste mientras veías crecer este proyecto? Jaramillo: Pues yo he tenido la oportunidad de estar en todos pero a los que he asistido siempre al parecer se han alcanzado las metas. Y ahora estoy orgullosa del trabajo y la constancia de todos los participantes del film. Echo: ¿Como ha reaccionado o cambiado la gente después de ver la película? Jaramillo: Creo que el cambio para mi ha sido positivo, no he compartido mucho solo lo más esencial. Las personas a mi alrededor han podido ver la realidad de la discriminación. Echo: Mientras explorastes temas sobre anti-racismo, anti-sexismo y antiintolerancia, descubristes otros mensages/ temas importantes para ti? Te abrio nuevas oportunidades tu experiencia? Jaramillo: Siempre el trabajo en cada proyecto ha sido de crecimiento y este es uno más, un paso para seguir escalando. EchoMag.com

MAY 2018

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Photo Feature

KIRBYGIRLS 3 Photos by Scotty Kirby.

or the third year in a row, local drag photographer Scotty Kirby summoned a cast of his most colorful clients to bring his work to life. KIRBYGIRLS 3, which took place at Unexpected Gallery March 23, included the unveiling of three new photo collections as well as a runway performance by 16 of the fiercest queens. This year’s participants included Dahli (1), Miley Mitchells (2), Naomi St James (3), Egypt (4), Holly Peña Popper (5), Coco St James (6), Kimora Blac (7), Savannah Stevens (8), Tyra Marie (9), Luna Love St James (10), Chi Chi DeVayne (11), Kim Etiquette (12), Espressa Grande (13), Piper M’shay (14), Rubye Moore (15) and Gia DeMilo (16).

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OUT & ABOUT KIRBYGIRLS 3 March 23 at Unexpected Gallery, Phoenix. Photos by nightfuse.com.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.

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feature story

The Reoyal Flush Meet the 2018 Arizona Entertainer of the Year titleholders By Laura Latzko

n the Arizona Entertainer of the Year system, excellence is measured by a contestant’s ability to entertain a crowd.

signature combination of alternative and pop numbers, Savage earned her ticket to the 2018 Arizona EOY pageant at the Phoenix prelim Oct. 4.

As part of the annual pageant, which took place March 3 and 4 at Aqua Nightclub in Phoenix, 18 contestants competed in talent, onstage question, creative evening wear and presentation categories.

Echo: Last year’s Arizona EOY pageant was your first state-level competition; what was it like and what have you learned since? Savage: My first year, I didn’t win at state, which was extremely devastating to me … I came back this year bigger than last year. Everything I did was on another level of what I did the previous year. My gown was better. My talent was bigger, more exciting.

Meet the four performers who set themselves apart from the other contestants to earn the 2018 Arizona EOY titles and will represent Arizona EOY at the national pageant this summer:

Echo: What are your goals for your reign as Arizona EOY Femme?

Arizona EOY F.I. 2018 Eva Angelica Stratton, Arizona EOY Femme 2018 Dita D. Savage, Arizona EOY King 2018 Justin Deeper and Mr. Arizona EOY 2018 Aaron T. Ghalichi.

Savage: Besides winning nationals, my number one goal for my reign is going to be to get as many femme contestants as I can to compete next year at the preliminaries and state ... I would love to get girls out there who don’t think they

Echo Magazine caught up with the newly crowned titleholders to get to know a little more abut them and their talents as they kick off their reign. Arizona EOY F.I. Eva Angelica Stratton On the heels of “The Year of Eva,” during which Stratton reigned simultaneously as Miss Phoenix Pride and Miss Gay Arizona USofA Newcomer, she earned her shot at the state title at the Scottsdale EOY prelim Jan. 7. Echo: In what ways did your reign as Miss Phoenix Pride help establish you as a local performer? Stratton: I think that being Miss Phoenix Pride has given me an opportunity for people to get to know me and me to get to know people … It didn’t matter if I was new. It didn’t matter if I knew anybody. I had a job to do. I had a responsibility to fulfill. Everyone was super kind, very helpful and very welcoming. I never once in this past year have felt like I’m the new girl … The community has made me feel this way. Arizona’s community is the safest community I’ve ever been in. Echo: What made you decide to compete for EOY this year? Stratton: I’ve wanted to compete for EOY ever since 2007, when I was introduced to it through a friend … I knew I wanted to go to [Miss USofA] Newcomer first, so I waited, and I feel like now I’m ready for EOY. 38

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For Echo’s full interview with Arizona EOY F.I. 2018 Eva Angelica Stratton, visit echomag.com/eva-eoy-2018.

Echo: What are your goals as an EOY titleholder? Stratton: My goal is to try to bring a little bit more visibility to EOY. I feel like there’s a huge community that supports EOY, knows about EOY, has been educated on EOY, but there’s a much larger number who doesn’t. EOY was the first national pageant I was ever backstage for [and] was ever in front row for. I learned a lot about the system … a goal of mine [is] to spread that education. Arizona EOY Femme Dita D. Savage Throughout the years, Dita D. Savage has evolved from a backup dancer to the star of the show, specifically since she began performing five years ago at BS West’s Stars Choice. Known for pairing her ballet and burlesque background with her

For Echo’s full interview with Arizona EOY Femme 2018 Dita D. Savage, visit echomag.com/dita-eoy-2018. Feature Story

can do drag because of X,Y and Z. I want them to use this to learn the tricks of the trade, get themselves out there and give them an opportunity to show the world who they are.

sync.’ I’m going to get out there and do as much as I can to entertain you. Echo: What made you decide to get back under the stage lights? Ghalichi: This is a coping mechanism for my PTSD. I’m a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. I found myself in a dark place, and just getting back into performing and getting back into being artistic has been an outlet for that, a very healing outlet.

Echo: Were there certain “drag” skills that were new to you when you started performing as a femme? Savage: … I just started stoning all of my outfits … [Members of my drag family] have really encouraged me to spice up my wardrobe by adding jewels to it. They also taught me to pin my wig, which is very painful. Even when I first started doing drag, I never wore wigs. I didn’t think I needed to because I already had long, pretty hair. [Now] I think it’s really important when you’re giving the illusion of bio queen or femme. I always say drag is accentuating your features.

Echo: What are your goals for your reign as Mr. Arizona EOY? Ghalichi: … to continue the fundraising I’ve done for the community. It’s something that’s near and dear to my heart because I am a two-time survivor of suicide … Raising money for suicide awareness is always going to be my main goal in anything I do … I only have shared my experience in the last year because I did a lot of self-reflection and I was finally comfortable … Hopefully, [anyone reading this] knows they can have someone to reach out to.

Arizona EOY King Justin Deeper Justin Deeper describes himself as the person who’s always been watching and supporting drag and pageantry from the audience. But that all changed when the Tucsonbased entertainer woke up one morning leading up to Oct. 4 prelim in Phoenix and decided he was going to “go ahead and do this, see what it’s like.” Echo: What drew you to the EOY pageant system? Deeper: I think EOY was the very first system I saw. I had a couple of friends of mine who competed, and I was like, “This is interesting. I kind of want to give it a try.” Years later, I finally did, and I like the creative aspect of it. I also suffer from horrible anxiety. So, I thought it would be a good way to get out there and try to see if I could help out my anxiety… I thought it would be a good way to go out and show what I have creativity-wise. Echo: Has anxiety been your biggest challenge in pageantry? Deeper: Anxiety has been the biggest challenge and also the makeup part of it. I’m still learning to do the makeup. This whole time, my girlfriend, who is also a performer and an amazing makeup artist, has been by my side [and] doing my makeup. She’s trying to teach me … Echo: What are your goals for your reign as Arizona EOY King? Deeper: I want to show any performer, in any division – Femme, King, Mr. or F.I. – who is suffering from anxiety or stage fright, it’s OK to go up there and do it. It’s a great way to express yourself. Don’t be afraid to tackle your dream … Also, I do want to get more involved. My mom ran a nonprofit for 14 years, so I understand the fundraising aspect in being involved with the community. I definitely want to get more involved in that, especially here with our Tucson Pride organization. Feature Story

For Echo’s full interview with Arizona EOY King 2018 Justin Deeper, visit echomag.com/justin-eoy-2018.

Mr. Arizona EOY Aaron T. Ghalichi For Aaron T. Ghalichi, earning the title of Mr. Arizona EOY is an outlet to combine many of his passions. As a U.S. Navy veteran, he brings his passion for raising awareness around suicide prevention, and as a classically-trained jazz, tap, ballet and lyrical dancer, he brings all the moves. While Ghalichi’s pageant experience only dates back about a year, he qualified for this state-level competition at the Phoenix prelim Jan. 7 and is headed to nationals. Echo: In what ways has performing as a male entertainer been different than dancing? Ghalichi: When you’re a dancer, you are relying on your troupe…When you are the only one on the stage as a solo act, it’s solely on you to keep everybody engaged and entertained … There’s more preparation that goes into the drag scene than there is being a dancer. There’s costumes. There’s rhinestones. Echo: It seems like your music choice and dance background sets you a part as a performer. Ghalichi: I’m a little bit thicker than most. They don’t expect the big boy to get out there and dance…When I get onstage … they’re like, ‘Oh, he’s probably just going to do a basic lip

For Echo’s full interview with Mr. Arizona EOY 2018 Aaron T. Ghalichi, visit echomag.com/aaron-eoy-2018.

Laura Latzko is a Phoenix-area freelance writer, originally from Michigan, who holds a bachelor’s degree in English and communication studies from Hollins University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. EchoMag.com

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specifically the leather community, which prompted him to compete for in the 2018 Mr. Phoenix Leather contest. And, on Jan. 6, he became the 10th Mr. Phoenix Leather, qualifying for the International Mr. Leather (IML) competition, which will take place May 24-28 in Chicago – just up the road from his hometown. “I look at winning the title as one of the gifts I received for being in long-term recovery,” Darby said, adding that he will celebrate three years of continuous sobriety on April 20. “It’s important to speak in public about this. I chose a 12-step program because of the spiritual aspect of it and I needed that. I now go to bars and order Red Bull, which is nonalcoholic.” It was Darby’s self-discovery along his road to recovery that led him to the title of Mr. Phoenix Leather. “In January, when the competition started, it was a huge and scary moment for me,” he said. “I knew I had these feelings of shame that I had to let go of. So, standing there being truly authentic about who I am was my second most profound experience, next to the moment I realized I was going to die if I didn’t get into recovery.” Darby’s journey in recovery runs simultaneously with his path to selfacceptance, and together they’ve given him a new outlook on community. “On a primal level [the leather community] was something that, when I saw it, felt it, and smelled it, I instantly knew that it was for me,” he recalls. “That was in my early 20s.”

Mr. Phoenix Leather 2018

Scott Darby prepares to head back to his old stomping grounds for the International Mr. Leather competition By David-Elijah Nahmod

hen Scott Darby decided he was ready to claim his place in the community, he had no idea his journey would lead him to an international stage just 145 miles north of his hometown. Born and raised in Danville, Ill., a small farming town about two and a half hours south of Chicago, Darby relocated to Phoenix three years ago. Because his family owns a business in Sun City West, he was no stranger to the Valley and, ultimately, it was his path in recovery that landed him here permanently. 40

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“I remember the first time I drove into central Phoenix, while on one of my visits, about six or seven years ago,” he recalled. “I was in love with the weather and the architecture, and I thought to myself, ‘I could totally live here!’ I finally decided to move here when I was in rehab … I had spent so much time pushing my family away and rehab taught me that I missed being a part of them [my family], so I moved here to actively participate in my family. Best choice I ever made.” Since then, Darby has become involved with the local LGBTQ community –

Darby distinctly remembers his first experience in a leather bar. “I walked into the Spike in New York City and saw two guys fisting,” he said. “I found it exciting. That form of expression interested me but because of the stigma I stayed in the background. I didn’t come to you, you came to me.” Initially, Darby found himself relying on alcohol to explore his newfound interest. “I needed to get drunk in order to give myself permission to express myself sexually,” he said. “Someone said to me ‘why don’t you just give yourself permission? It was such a simple concept that never even crossed my mind. That gave me the permission.” In the years since, Darby has learned to navigate the leather community as a sober and empowered individual. “I discovered this open, honest community that’s free of shame. They express themselves against the norm and feel no shame or guilt about it,” he said, adding that the 2018 Mr. Phoenix Leather contest was “the first time I claimed my space in the leather community.” FEATURE STORY

In the year ahead, Darby hopes to use his title for the good of the community, and to him that means combining a message of hope with dialogue that raises awareness and compassion. “I want to create a conversation in hopes that we can ultimately reduce the stigma placed on how we, in the kink and fetish community, choose to express ourselves,” he said. “I carried shame about my sexual practices for so long that if I can create a conversation that allows one person to release his/her shame, then I have won!”

Mr. Phoenix Leather Celebrates 10 Years

Through these conversations, Darby also hopes to connect with the broader LGBTQ community as well. “Community, to me, is the people you feel most comfortable being your authentic self with. They are the ones who love you enough to support your crazy ideas and call you on your bullshit,” he said. “There is more than enough room for everyone at the party. We need to talk to each other. It’s about celebrating all aspects – popular and unpopular – of our community.” As for his message to anyone who is experiencing shame, guilt or stigma that he once did, Darby advised, “Talk about what you are feeling. Feelings are only energy. When we speak them, we release that energy. If we don’t release it, we start hurting ourselves, or worse, we hurt others. There’s enough hurt in the world already. Understanding and compassion are where true growth is at!” While he’s only a quarter of the way through his reign as Mr. Phoenix Leather, he’s already been met with an overwhelming sense of camaraderie and support. “The Phoenix Boys of Leather have been the best source of inspiration for me,” he said. “They have embraced me and made me feel included. They have inspired me to speak my truth and explore myself. Also, every person I meet has had an effect on my experience. This community is full of the most honest and authentic people that I have ever met. We call our experience of this lifestyle our ‘journey’ and I have had some pretty amazing people influence my journey so far. I am proud to call them my brothers and sisters.” While executing his plans locally, Darby is also making preparations for his upcoming trip to Chicago. “The leather apparel industry is getting a steady portion of my weekly salary in hopes of amassing a wardrobe suitable for a national competition,” he said. “I’m speaking to my friends in the community who have competed nationally and getting pointers as well as reading about leather history.” FEATURE STORY

The 2018 Mr. Phoenix Leather contest marked a decade since it was co-founded by Kenneth Anthony and Stephen Bloom, brought their experiences as Mr. Padlock Leather 2001 and Mr. Cellblock Leather 2008, respectively, together to form the new contest. Scott Darby marks the 10th individual to earn the Mr. Phoenix Leather title. “I really appreciate that Scott has committed himself to doing this,” Anthony said. “He’s very enthusiastic and eager to represent the Phoenix Leather Community.” In reflecting on the past 10 years, the contest organizers announced

that there are plans to expand the competition for 2019, specifically the addition of a Ms. Phoenix Leather title. “What I would like to see is continued growth and continued engagement with all facets of the leather community,” Anthony said. “This is one reason Mr. Phoenix Leather is adding a Ms. Phoenix Leather title to our contest this coming year. That title will be open to any female presenting members of the leather community who wish to go on to compete in International Ms. Leather.” For more information on Mr. or Ms. Phoenix Leather, visit mrphoenixleather.com.

In preparation for the International Mr. Leather stage, Darby has also been traveling to other competitions and keeping in close contact with the other members of his IML class.

Listening is very important to me because I believe he community will tell me what it wants and needs,” he said. “It’s been a wild, crazy and exhilarating ride and it’s only just beginning.”

“I want as much information as possible, so that the choices I make on my journey are as informed as possible,” he said of his preparations for the IML competition. “Also, selfishly, I want to create a network of friends across the country because I love to travel. Having friends nationwide provides me with a great excuse to visit them while seeing the country … [and] I am very much looking forward to visiting the Leather Archives in Chicago on competition weekend!”

– In what ways do you hope to inspire others as Mr. Phoenix 2018? “My wish is to carry a message of hope to someone who began drinking or drugging to deal with their shame and guilt and now wants to stop, but feels that he/she can’t,” he explained. “It is possible. It takes work on a daily basis, but the work is worth it. You can express yourself in a healthy and kinky way.”

Amid all the travel arrangements and competition preparation, Darby said his biggest goal is to always remember to have fun and to listen to my community. “One of the reasons I had the courage to compete was because I wanted to get people in the community to know me …

For more information on the International Mr. Leather competition, visit imrl.com. David-Elijah Nahmod is an American-Israeli writer who’s lived in New York City, Tel Aviv and is currently based in San Francisco. He’s been published in LGBT publications, monster magazines and SF Weekly, and can be reached on Facebook as David-Elijah Nahmod, Author and on Twitter at @DavidElijahN. EchoMag.com

MAY 2018

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Your Community, Your Voice Join us in celebrating the 2018 Echo Readers' Choice Award winners:

2018 readers' choice awards

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MAY 2018

Community FUNdraiser The local charity fundraising event that best puts the FUN in fundraising is:

AIDS Walk Arizona

Get Involved Your favorite LGBTQ nonproﬁt organization or cause to be a part of is:

one•n•ten

Mark Your Calendar The community event at the top of your can’t-miss list is:

Phoenix Pride Festival

Mind Your Business The place you’ve found the best professional development, self-improvement or networking resources is:

IGNITE Your Status 46

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2018 readers' choice awards

Local Heroes Local Trailblazer They lead. They fundraise. They volunteer. They organize. They do it all. When it comes to who does it best, you voted for:

Andrew Rascon

Amazing Ally LGBTQ allies are everywhere. We wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be the community we are today without them. We asked for the best of the best and you voted for:

Mayor Greg Stanton

Dazzling Advertiser For nearly 28 years, our advertisers have made Echo possible (and kept it free to you). But the one that wowed you the most is:

IGNITE Your Status

Politically Correct Your ballots let us know that the elected ofďŹ cial or political movement that had the biggest impact on you throughout the past year is:

Mayor Greg Stanton 2018 readers' choice awards

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MAY 2018

Drag What A Drag … Queen They volunteer, they fundraise, they entertain and they’re not afraid to tell it like it is. When it comes to which queen does it best, you voted for:

Barbra Seville

What A Drag … King They volunteer, they fundraise, they entertain and they’re not afraid to tell it like it is. When it comes to which king does it best, you voted for:

Freddy Prinze Charming The Star of the (Drag) Show There’s a lot more to putting together a drag show than meets the eye (contouring, for one). Week after week, you take your dollar bills to:

The Barbra Seville Show, The Rock Down For The Crown When it comes to seeing local titleholders pass down the crown, the pageant you scored a perfect 10 is:

Miss Gay Arizona America 48

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2018 readers' choice awards

Gayborhood Bars Raise the Bar Whether you’re looking for trivia, karaoke, darts or dance, your favorite watering hole is:

Stacy’s @ Melrose

Happiest Happy Hour The place you prefer to stop and wet your whistle before heading home from a long day at work is:

Stacy’s @ Melrose

Someone’s Going To Score Whether it’s coverage of the Olympics or a weekly Sunday (football) Funday, the sports bar you’d bet on is:

Los Diablos

Just Dance Whether you twerk, two-step or tango, the dance ﬂoor you are most likely to be found working it on is:

Stacy’s @ Melrose 2018 readers' choice awards

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MAY 2018

Cocktails and Dining Savor Local Flavor You don’t have to be a professional foodie to agree that the most delicious spot to wine and dine is:

Fez

But First, Brunch No weekend is complete without a stellar brunch spread, and you’re most likely to be found sipping mimosas at:

Bliss/ReBAR

Late-Night Bites Some nights call for a second dinner (no judgment), and the dining destination you head to after last call is:

Taqueria Los Yaquis at Charlie’s Master Mixologist They know your name and, more importantly, your favorite drink. The bartender who deserves the biggest tip is:

Anthony Hugger, Stacy’s @ Melrose 50

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2018 readers' choice awards

Out & About Get Your Art On The best place for taking in all forms of creative expression (galleries, museums, events, venues, shows), according to you is:

Art Link, First Fridays

Retail Therapy From retail and services to entertainment and accommodations, you decided the best place to spend your money locally is:

Off Chute Too

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A Group Thing When it is time for fellowship, support, community or spirituality, you head to:

Fierce Friends of Phoenix

Get Sweaty Everyone has a favorite local LGBTQ team, athlete, gym, sporting event or league, and yours is:

Phoenix Fire Kickball League 2018 readers' choice awards

EchoMag.com

MAY 2018

Music Greatest Hits Whether you’re into live shows or streaming new sounds, the local musical group or band that is No. 1 on your charts is:

Phoenix Metropolitan Men’s Chorus

I’m in Love with The DJ No party is complete without one, yet they never get the spotlight … until now. The DJ who makes your heart spin is:

DJ Jesse Frank

Star of the Show Of all the local staged production, podcasts and YouTube channels, the one that brings out the fanatic in you is:

IGNITE Live

Take The Stage From hosts/hostesses and emcees to co-chairs and event promoters, your favorite person who makes it all come together is:

The Big Gay Sing-A-Long 52

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2018 readers' choice awards

OUT & ABOUT Miss and Mister Phoenix Pride 2018 Pageant March 18 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Tempe. Photos by nightfuse.com.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.

MAY 2018

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Thank you to our AMAZING sponsors!

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MAY 2018

fresh-squeezed juices and shots; fruits and veggie smoothies and boosters; a full espresso bar with such options as a turmeric latte and Jnantik ancient Mayan coffee alterative, an assortment of house drinks, including kombucha; and weekend brunch cocktails include Pomegranate’s signature take on Bloody Marys, mimosas and Moscow Mules.

without reservations

Of course, the gloomy weekend had me craving something hot and delicious, and the Lavender Latte, topped with just the right amount of foam and fresh lavender buds, turned out to be one of the most memorable lattes I’ve had to date. My dining partner couldn’t wait to get her kombucha fix and our waiter happily talked through the variety of types and flavors, leading her to decide on the tasty peach kombucha from Rowdy Mermaid.

Pomegranate Cafe Story and photos by Rachel Verbits

In keeping with their values to honor Mother Nature, Pomegranate Cafe donates a portion of their profits to animal-based charities, which are paired up with dishes throughout the menu. Not only was the food tantalizing, but knowing our choices would help local organizations was a pleasant surprise.

nce upon a time, two Valley residents fulfilled a lifelong dream of opening a restaurant that offered their community “Revitalizing food and pure flavors,” carefully sourced with fresh ingredients that come together in their made-from-scratch recipes.

some vegetarian and raw options. Nearly everything can be made gluten free upon request, so even the pickiest friend will be accommodated (whether it’s a lifestyle choice or a dietary restriction). Just to be clear, there’s no meat served here, but after our experience we don’t think you’ll miss it!

But that was just the beginning. Mother-and-daughter team Marlene and Cassie Tolman envisioned a community space “where delicious flavor and nutritious ingredients came together with friendly service in a creative, Earthconscious environment.”

We brunched on a rare, rainy day in Phoenix and were greeted with bright, cheerful umbrellas that adorn the patio and a curious potted cacti collection ushered us in. Daily specials are clearly posted, but the extensive menu is not (no worries, there are plenty of to-go menus available). And don’t let the “Order Here” sign fool you, we were pleasantly surprised to find a host ready to seat us once inside the vibrant, bustling cafe that’s almost unrecognizable since its days as Scott’s Generations.

Perhaps that’s why we started our brunch with tortilla soup and the Mermaid salad to share. Money from every Mermaid goes to the Sea Shepard Conservation Society (“Whale Wars,” anyone?!), a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the ecosystems and life in the ocean. Not only was I a “Whale Wars” binge watcher and supporter before Netflix even existed, I was truly intrigued by the sea-inspired salad. Nori strips and kelp noodles are mixed up with greens, carrots and fresh edamame, creating a salad/noodle bowl fusion that was completely unique. The chunks of tamari tofu were my favorite part, barely edging out the incredible Thai almond dressing drizzled over the entire bed of veggies.

Because this is a family-owned small business with a specialty niche, I did not anticipate such a diverse and extensive menu. Beverage offerings, for starters, include an assortment of

For our entrees, we opted for both breakfast and lunch dishes to round out our menu sampling. I ordered the Bountiful Bowl, which was the ultimate vegan version of a taco bowl. Quinoa, seasonal

In 2010, their dream came to life in the form of Pomegranate Café has been serving vegan, vegetarian and glutenfree dishes using organic ingredients from local farmers at their Ahwatukee location ever since. Their vast range of unique recipes attracted fans from across the Valley and, ultimately, brought about their second location. When the second Pomegranate Cafe, located on the northeast corner of Seventh Street and Missouri Avenue, opened earlier this year, we couldn’t help but stop by and discover some new dishes to share with our readers.

Left to right: Rowdy Mermaid Kombucha, Mermaid Salad and Tortilla Soup.

The result is now two quintessential cafes where everything – hand-crafted syrups and POMilk for your lattes and fresh juices to breads and pastries – is made from scratch. with the highest quality, organic, wholesome ingredients. Almost the entire Pomegranate Cafe menu is made of up vegan items, with 56

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Dining Out

Left to right: Crispy ‘Chicken’ Burrito and Lavendar Latte.

veggies and black beans were topped with walnut taco meat, which was hearty, flavorful and an impeccable replacement for ground beef. In true taco fashion, the bowl was adorned with avocado, pico de gallo and corn chips for crunch. We were already in love with this healthy taco swap before I learned that a portion of every Bountiful Bowl purchased goes to Camelot, which improves the lives of children and adults with disabilities through programs of horsemanship and outdoor education. Heartwarming and delicious is truly hard to beat. Finally, is brunch really brunch without biscuits and gravy? No, we do not think so. Thankfully, neither does Pomegranate Café and we were eager to try this spin on the classic Southern dish. This special weekend menu item arrived at our table with two “buttermilk” biscuits, made completely with vegan ingredients and fresh herbs, as its base. They were everything you would expect of biscuits – rich, crumbly and soft – but the similarities end here, as this dish offered a total flavor upgrade. Instead of the standard sausage gravy, our biscuits were slathered in a spicy chilaquiles sauce accompanied by scrambled tofu a harvest hash made from sweet potatoes and seasonal veggies – a winning combination that we’d come back for any weekend. Nothing ends a great brunch like a sweet treat, so if you’re a dessert lover, you’re in luck. This quintessential cafe

offers some of the most beautiful and mouthwatering desserts we’ve ever seen – all 100 percent vegan and mostly raw and gluten free. Even if you’re as full as we were, order something to-go and enjoy it at home. Pomegranate Cafe’s dedication to their vegan values gave us the feel-good factor you always hope to get from a local neighborhood spot. Their wide range of flavors and support for small, local farmers and artisans taught us that even the most-dedicated meat eaters can enjoy a completely vegan meal. When you eat well you feel better, and we left Pomegranate Cafe feeling great.

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Rachel Verbits is a published writer and a selfproclaimed foodie who spends her time exploring all the amazing eats Arizona has to offer.

Left to right: Biscuits and Gravy and Elephant Curry Bowl.

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MAY 2018

at the box office

You Racist, Sexist Bigot. Local duo debuts “a film to raise consciousness” By Hans Pedersen

obody knows what it’s like to walk in the shoes of a person of a different cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual, gender and religious identity than their own. But the collection of voices in the new film You Racist, Sexist Bigot., produced and directed here in the Valley, aims to give folks a better idea of what it’s like. Directed by Pita Juarez and Matty Steinkamp, the movie with a frank, assertive title is an amalgam of stories about the hate speech different people have suffered. The opening moments sets the scene of the striking instance when the 2017 Phoenix Pride Parade in central Phoenix was disrupted. The filmmakers return to that protest at Phoenix Pride later in the documentary. You Racist, Sexist Bigot. is not built on a traditional linear narrative as much as it presents a challenging collection of racist, sexist and bigoted – literally deplorable – comments. The faces of the individuals being interviewed are framed in medium close-ups, their eyes locked with the viewers, as they chronicle the hateful remarks they’ve endured. Some comments are stupid and thoughtless, others are outright cruel. When a non-Anglo person says she was born in the U.S., and the response is “No, but where are you really from?”… Or when someone meets a black mother and asks her, “Is the child’s father still in the picture?”… it ought to be clear, these are prejudiced remarks. One man talks about the Korean heritage he once shunned and now embraces with deep appreciation. A woman explains how everyone in her Filipino family experiences race in a very different way, simply because each family member has a different skin tone and appearance.

this valuable documentary. Subjects share more than just hate speech, and as the movie unfolds, individuals elucidate their life experiences. Two lesbians of different ages share their vastly different coming out stories. A Sikh man talks about the significance of his turban. And a Native American man explains that protecting the land is his given duty. Steinkamp’s musical bridges also serve remarkably well as a way of uniting the various stories, giving the documentary a powerful, emotional core. But the overarching narrative that does tie together these disparate accounts is that of Karyna Jaramillo, a Latina trans activist who wishes her family would accept her. She’s a member of Trans Queer Pueblo, a group that serves the LGBTQ community in the Valley. Karyna points out how ostracized she is and explains she cannot get close to any men or youngsters because people assume the worst of her. She and other activists create signs that say “No Justice, No Pride – No Justicia, No Orgullo” for their protest, culminating in one dramatic day that unfolds near the end of the documentary. In her colorfully embroidered outfit, Karyna heads to the protest on a sunny April weekend in Phoenix. She and other protesters unfurl two large banners across the street and stop the Pride parade in its tracks. The filmmakers note that people attending Pride started screaming in the faces of Karyna and the other activists.

You may recognize one or two of the people interviewed. Or perhaps you have personal accounts of hearing some of the offensive comments they recall.

The disruption of the parade is also captured in black-and-white still photos. It’s hard not to notice that it’s mostly white people who apparently felt it was necessary to jump into the mix and shout at the Latino activists. The stark images in the film clearly highlight the racial tensions in our community.

Recognizing the racial motivation behind such remarks is just part of the purpose of

As the closing credits start to roll, the filmmakers explain in captions on-screen

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that part of the purpose of the disruption was “to end police collaboration.” If anything, the film would benefit from additional details about the activists’ strategy and their decision to block the parade in the middle of the street. It was a powerful moment to see on camera — a protest that, by happenstance, this reviewer witnessed in person. Speakers in the movie also address the issue of African-Americans who are dying in officer-involved shootings. They touch on such disparate issues as the institutionalized sexism that put woman at a disadvantage, or the way LGBTQ people may sometimes feel pressure to perform good deeds, due to negative messaging about their inherent value. As a political work, the film excels, broadening the viewer’s horizons in impressive ways, yet as an aesthetic piece, it is less successful. On one hand, protest footage in a kaleidoscope of formats lend the film a striking, edgy, ‘70s vérité feel. On the other hand, the echo effect at the end of a magical Maya Angelou’s inauguration day speech is gimmicky and diminishes its stature. Still, the strong melodies elevate the film, ultimately unifying some of the disparate elements, binding together everybody’s testimonies. Ultimately, more details about the strategy to block the march might enhance the overarching narrative about Karyna and the protesters, and could strengthen this already powerful documentary. People get sick of being treated differently because of the color of their skin – just as people get sick of reactions when gender role expectations are not met. By deftly centering the movie around Karyna, the movie – billed as “a film to raise consciousness” – helps give those sentiments a voice. And it’s important to listen.

Hans Pedersen is a freelance writer based in Phoenix. MOVIES

TYLER’S SUITE Creating a Lasting Culture of Kindness through the Power of Music

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Think Globally. Act Locally.

BE BE THE YOU GOOD

Join The Movement at 850zip.com. EchoMag.com

MAY 2018

Don’t miss an issue all year! PLUS: QU

Meet this year’s scholarship recipients

The Wedding Issue Find out what local experts and Valley newlyweds have to say about planning your perfect big day

IGNITE Your Status Find out how one outreach project is working to promote sexual health and eliminate the stigma around HIV

LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT | VOL. 28, #11 | ISSUE 695 | AUGUST 2017 | COMPLIMENTARY

LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT | VOL. 28, #12 | ISSUE 696 | SEPTEMBER 2017 | COMPLIMENTARY

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Caliber says “yes” when other lenders say “no” If you’re thinking of buying a home but concerned about your ability to qualify for a loan,Е give KimЕ Chartier a call. Caliber Home Loans, Inc. offers loans for borrowers recovering from credit events, or who need non-traditional qualifying for investment properties or Jumbo loans. Contact us today and take your first step on the path to home ownership. We’re here to help you call Arizona home!

Call us today to get started. Kim Chartier

Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist & Senior Loan Consultant NMLS # 190631 2121 W. Chandler Blvd STE 215| Chandler, AZ 85224 M: (602)989-4075 | F: (844)889-4840 Kim.Chartier@CaliberHomeLoans.com www.CaliberHomeLoans.com/kchartier Caliber Home Loans, Inc., 1525 S. Beltline Rd Coppell, TX 75019 NMLS ID #15622 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). 1-800-401-6587. Copyright © 2018. All Rights Reserved. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates, and programs are subject to change without prior notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Not all products are available in all states or for all dollar amounts. Other restrictions and limitations apply. Arizona Mortgage Banker License No. 0923637 (20981_AZ)

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between the covers

One of These Things First By Terri Schlichenmeyer

lephants, rhinos, hippos and giraffes. Skyscrapers, mammoths and Jupiter. Sequoias, Sasquatch, blue whales … and mice. One of these things is not like the others, and in One of These Things First by Steven Gaines, you’ll read a story that’s equally unique. On a “brilliantly cold afternoon” just months after his 15th birthday, Steven Gaines did something that would change the course of his life: he snuck through a storeroom in his grandparents’ Brooklyn undergarment store, wrestled a heavy door open, broke two windows with his fists and sawed his forearms across the broken glass. His attempted suicide was shocking but perhaps, in retrospect, not surprising. For years, he’d suffered from nervous tics, obsessions and compulsions that he believed would stave off certain disaster. Touching something twice was good, 20 was better, and neither endeared him to others: he was bullied, embarrassed and isolated by self-claims that he didn’t “feel well” enough to attend school. Kept home to recuperate, many of his afternoons were instead

spent hiding in boxes at the garment store and learning about grown-up things by eavesdropping on customers and store employees, who insisted that Gaines would “come to no good.” That was humiliating, but a dawning knowledge that he was a “homo” was much more distressing. It was downright disgraceful, in fact, and so Gaines cut himself badly, and ended up in a hospital with a referral to a regional psychiatric facility. When he heard of Payne Whitney, a private hospital where Marilyn Monroe once stayed, Gaines begged his grandfather to pay for an institution upgrade. He was granted his wish – but only for six months. On a late winter day in 1962, Gaines entered Payne Whitney. He was scared but it was something he’d asked for, knowing that he was trading one shame (homosexuality) for another (being a “mental patient”) but hoping that it might stop his obsessions with counting, and with other boys. At the very least, it was a chance to escape his home life and to consider who he was. He entered the facility as a 15-yearold boy. That fall, he left a different person.

Steven Gaines, One Of these Things First author. Photo by Tana Lee Alves.

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What would you get if you took a little bit Brighton Beach Memoir, added a dash of Cuckoo’s Nest, and stirred? You’d have a coming-of-age story that’s golden. You’d have One of These Things First. Beginning in a lady’s garment store, Gaines takes readers back in time so

One of These Things First by Steven Gaines. Delphinium Books, 2016 | $14.95.

precisely and so vividly that you can almost smell Brooklyn’s 18th Avenue. There’s a distinct feeling of Hollywood movie to that; in fact, Gaines includes bits of his film-fan childhood as plot. But that nostalgia has a flip-side: the shame and need that a 1960s-era gay adolescent might experience comes through the earliest part of the story, sharp, clear, and squirming; the latter half of this book is more lighthearted, but still discomforting. So why, then, would you want to read it? Because it’s irresistible and compelling. Because it’s triumphant. Because One of These Things First, now in paperback, is an enormously good memoir. Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm, lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 13,000 books. She’s been reading since age 3 and, to this day, she never goes anywhere without a book. books

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Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following to (MCCCD) reach the appointed coordinator: The Maricopa County Community Collegenumber District is an EEO/AA institution (480) 731-8499. For additional information visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or national origin in their programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information visit: www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

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4/11/18 8:54 AM MAY 2018 63

The Charm Bracelet By Terri Schlichenmeyer

he jewelry you wear tells a story. A ring on your left hand, third finger, says to the world that you stood up once and vowed to love and honor. A brightly-colored stone says you were born in a certain month. Sparkles around your neck might tell of a vacation, an apology, or a whim, and in the new book The Charm Bracelet by Viola Shipman, the tales of three women are told by the jewelry on their wrists. For every milestone day that Lolly Lindsay had, she received a special gift. Her mother started the tradition by giving Lolly a charm for her bracelet one birthday; that charm, like each to come, signified a dream or a wish, and was accompanied by a special poem meant to remind Lolly that she was loved. Over the years, the bracelet became heavy with metal and memories – the summer before her mother died, the boy she grew up to marry, the best friend she cherished – and when she had a daughter, Lolly started the tradition with her own little girl. Always a pleaser, Arden was exasperated with her mother. Even as a child, she was embarrassed by Lolly’s free-spiritedness, her sense

of style, and by Lolly’s idea of what was fun. As soon as she could, Arden moved away from her mother’s Michigan home to live a button-down Chicago life that was comforting to her. But now, in the twilight of Lolly’s life, Arden felt guilty for not spending more time with her mother – or her daughter. Graduating with a degree is an accomplishment, but Lauren wished she could tell her mother the truth: she really wanted an art degree, not a business one. Lauren knew that her mother worried about money; Arden, come to think, worried about a lot of things, which was maybe why Lauren was closer to her grandmother. She and Lolly were like two peas in a pod.

The Charm Bracelet by Viola Shipman. Thomas Dunne Books, 2016 | $25.99.

“ ... a sweet generational-family, cabin-in-the-woods story told through memories and jewelry ... “

Like two charms on a bracelet – one of whom was quietly losing her luster. There’s a basically good premise to the story inside The Charm Bracelet. Sadly, that story begs – pleads – for help. Reading this book is rough: names are employed to a frequency that’s distracting and pronouns are at a premium. The female characters “jump up and down” a lot and it seems as though somebody’s crying more than they’re not; as for the male characters, one’s a stereotypical Mean Dad, one is predictably hunky (do you see where this is going?), and a simple farmer-type is honest-togoodness called “Clem.” Wade Rouse (pen name Viola Shipman), The Charm Bracelet author. Courtesy photo. 64

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I whined a lot while reading this book and I might have ditched it, were

– Terri Schlichenmeyer

it not for the above-mentioned basically good premise. Author Viola Shipman (a pseudonym for memoirist Wade Rouse) offers a sweet generational-family, cabin-in-the-woods story told through memories and jewelry, which could’ve been really cute. Alas… I think that, if you can overlook the flaws and not-so-charm-ing facets, you might really enjoy this mother-daughtergranddaughter story. If those things bother you, though, The Charm Bracelet is a gem that’s awfully tarnished. Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm, lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 13,000 books. She’s been reading since age 3 and, to this day, she never goes anywhere without a book. books

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MAY 2018

ALL OVER THE MAP

LGBTQ-X: Talking About My Generation By Liz Massey

have to admit it – I cried recently watching the protests that happened in the wake of the Parkland, Fla., school shooting, led by students around the country. They happened in places I never expected (Idaho!) and included participants who were 12 years old and even younger. I have also been amazed by the focus, passion and strategic fortitude of the students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, who have been instrumental in leading this student movement for more sensible gun laws. Watching this latest generation of activists rise up to meet this crisis has been particularly interesting for me as a member of Generation X. We are that small but mighty (compared to Boomers and Millennials) cadre born between 1965 and 1980 that is currently the “sandwich generation” grappling with the challenges of middle age. Some of us have kids who are Millennials (born 1981 to 2000) and grandkids who are Centennials (born after the year 2000). Some of us are helping our elderly parents as they age. And all of us who are LGBTQ are wedged between a generation that was absolutely devastated by the AIDS crisis, and one for whom increasing acceptance and visibility have always been the norm.

For that reason, I actually relish my generation’s role at this point in time. We came of age, and many of us came out, at a pivotal moment in American queer history. Marriage equality litigation in Hawaii began in 1991 – the year I graduated from college. The 1990s were filled with incredible challenges (including Amendment 2 in Colorado and Romer v. Evans), but our community made incredible strides in terms of visibility and acceptance, as well. We were fortunate enough to have a network of 66

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AIDS service organizations and LGBTQspecific nonprofits operating in the community when we became adults, and we participated in their growth, development, and reconfiguration. We were lucky enough to have a few role models to look up to, and we were privileged to become role models ourselves for others coming after us. Our liminal role continues to this day. We are still bridge-builders. We can appreciate both current-day social media organizing and the analog “old school” methods that rallied a crowd when needed back in the day, including phone trees. (Phone trees!) I remember that we had one queer-identified newspaper in the Midwest when I first explored coming out. It covered NINE states. Today, many LGBTQ people and their allies have access to a rich variety of media, print, online and elsewhere. Another way in which we “stand in the middle” is through our collective experiences with oppression. I didn’t have to sneak into my first gay bar, but members of my generation do remember our opponents suggesting a quarantine for HIV-positive people and trying to prevent us from protecting ourselves against discrimination and anti-sodomy laws. I went to college in Lawrence, Kan., just 20 miles from the Westboro Baptist Church. The Phelps cult protested pride and the funerals of people with AIDS, in Kansas City and around the country, regularly throughout my 20s. We remember our LGBTQ history, partially because we lived through some crucial moments in our community’s ongoing liberation narrative, and partially because we were mentored by the generations before us, who got things in motion after Stonewall. Throughout the past few years, I have been overjoyed to watch young

activists from the Millennial and Centennial generations come into their own, participating in and now leading protests for a variety of issues, including LGBTQ liberation. I love their confidence and relative lack of cultural shame, and I love their appreciation of intersectionality and the spectrums of sexuality and gender expression. A lot of them understand, in a way that perhaps my generation and those preceding it did not, that all marginalized people are in this resistance movement that’s proliferated since 2016 together. Perhaps my strongest realization when I’ve reflected on Generation X’s position in the contemporary American LGBTQ equality movement is how much we need all the other generations who are alive right now. We need our older siblings from the Baby Boom and the Silent Generation, who have so much to teach us about thriving in the face of stigma and adversity unimaginable by today’s standards. And we need our younger relatives who are just now hitting adulthood … they will lead us all to a vision of community that is far more equitable and just than our current embodiment of it. Every one of us has a story to tell about our journey with the LGBTQ community, and every one of us has a contribution to it that only we can provide. As the long-time United Farm Workers activist Dolores Huerta put it, “Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.” Liz Massey has been involved in LGBTQ community-building activities in Kansas City and the Valley of the Sun, and is a former managing editor of Echo Magazine. She can be reached at lizmassey68@gmail.com. COMMUNITY

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MAY 2018

Talking Bodies

Social Media and Fitness: The Do’s and Don’ts By Tia Norris

he worlds of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and other social media platforms have completely revolutionized the fitness industry. Social media has, seemingly overnight, transformed virtually every facet of how we do business in fitness. It has forever changed information access, coaching, marketing, group accountability, perceptions of ideal physiques, trends and so on. Love it or hate it, it seems as though social media is here to stay. So, I’ve put together my Trainer Tia’s Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to combining your favorite social media platform with your fitness journey. Do vet the accounts you follow. Social media can be a vast resource for knowledge, motivation and accountability. These are the three biggest things that most people want from a trainer or other fitness guide. If you find the right accounts to follow (easier said than done), you can get all three of these things for free! So, how does one find the right accounts to follow? Here are some pointers on what to avoid that will help you make that determination. First, avoid profiles trying to sell things or recruit people to sell things (read: pyramid scheme). If they are constantly giving “shoutouts,” referrals, discount codes and tags, they are probably not in it for you – this kind of user is posting to promote themselves. Be wary taking advice from people who don’t want to really help you, in the end. Also, avoid putting a lot of stock in profiles that don’t reflect your values (i.e. if you’re a vegan bodybuilder, I’d advise against following the bodybuilders who worship the animal protein part of their process). This is different for everyone, so you’ll know when you see it. Just know it’s OK to hit unfollow. Last, but not least, avoid thirst traps (unless you’re into that kind of thing, of course). If someone looks amazing but fails to accurately relay the details of their workout program, goals, or progress, just realize that they’re best classified as eye candy and not a fitness authority. And that’s OK too.

MAY 2018

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Don’t overwhelm your followers with nudes parading around as “progress pics.” Let’s be real, there’s already enough of that out there. Tasteful displays of physiques are one thing, but when 80 percent of your pictures are in the same booty-popped pose with way too much skin, you’re probably not taking “progress pics” anymore. Do ask for advice and help from your favorite fitness guides. Again, this information is free and can go a long way. Let your favorite accounts know what you’d like to see or learn and I can almost guarantee that, if they care about their reputations, they’ll answer your questions. Give it a shot. You’re not the only one who wants to know that particular answer, I promise you.

result you seeing more of what you like in your feed. It’s not like you have a finite number of “likes” that you can give out. Be liberal with your liking, it lets the platform know what you’d like to see more of. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and engage with the users you admire or the content you are interested in.

Don’t be fooled by fool’s gold.

Don’t compare yourself to those heavily edited photos of perfection.

Meaning, don’t feel compelled to try that “amazing new ab shredder guaranteed to give you a six pack in six days” … it’s not going to work. Tag your trainer friend on the post or ask your trainer if that movement or program actually works. More than likely, it’s just another sensational marketing ploy that doesn’t actually transform your body. Remember, the old school basic movements have been around for thousands of years for a reason: because they work! This new fad, diet, juice/shake, program that looks seem too good to be true – is most likely a waste of your time. Instead, find profiles that relay the realistic amount of hard work and dedication that it takes to have an ideal physique. Remember, results take time! Do participate! Like that picture. Tag your fitness friends on something that you like. Post your story with courage and belief in yourself. With the new algorithms in social media, this will

I write about this frequently because it’s so prevalent. Remember, Photoshop is an incredible editing tool that can completely alter a physique, before/after comparisons, adjust lighting, draw in shadows/cuts, slim a waist, enlarge a bicep, and much more. Many photos you see on social media are not real. Please remember this when you’re comparing yourself to anything you scroll past! Social media has become a huge part of our daily lives, and it certainly has its own decorum. Hopefully, these Do’s and Don’ts give you a taste of how a professional sees fitness and social media working (and not working) together. In the end, though, it’s your journey so customize as you see fit.

Tia Norris is the president and head trainer at FitPro, LLC, a local fitness company. Find out more at fitprollc.com. HEALTH & FITNESS

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Not That You Asked

on social media or repeatedly call an ex-boyfriend’s work until he gets fired. So, basically, I’m a success as defined in Slobulous terms. What else makes me Sloublous? • I maintain a seemingly tidy and organized apartment, yet the dust bunnies under my sofa and the grime around the rim of my toilet are dangerously close to unionizing. • I am never late paying my bills, but I am astutely aware of the “grace period” offered by each of my debtors. • I take pride in how I dress – but not too much pride, which is why I am an expert user of Downy Wrinkle Releaser™. • I cook/make many of my own meals at home, yet I use the same plate/bowl/ fork/spoon that I just keep washing and leaving out to dry in the strainer. • I know who all the current pop divas are (or have at least heard of them), yet would be hard-pressed to identify any of their songs. I don’t know if that last one is really important, but many of my friends have shamed me for it.

Slobulous And Owning It By Buddy Early

“W

hy are you not more successful?” a friend asked me recently over coffee.

This wasn’t really what he said but I fancy myself as someone who can – and should – re-write what people say in order to better represent what they really mean ... or at least what is implied ... or, OK, what I interpret. Fine, in my head this is what he asked. Now, it must be said that this person is incredibly accomplished. He collects college degrees like Pokémon characters, whereas I was known to ask “What’s the least amount of work I can do to get a ‘C’ in this class?” This is the guy who makes everyone else look bad – by joining the Peace Corps and teaching English in China, by leaving a thriving law career to teach something called Humane Letters at a prep school, by running for a city council seat, losing, then coming back to run again until he won. The kind of a-hole who makes no-interest microloans to dudes in African nations where the American dream of entrepreneurship remains alive and well. Yeah, he’s that guy. So, what he really meant to ask me was why I am not doing more of what I 70

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love. You see, for most of my adult life I was doing fun things like writing and performing comedy, not to mention enjoying a cool-but-unlucrative career in journalism. But at this point I’m simply toiling away at a nameless corporate machine whilst occasionally telling people that I’m still working on the next Great American Novel. And by “working on” I mean trying to find where I saved that half-written first chapter. My friend is who he is: a success in traditional terms. And I am who I am: umm, not that. We’re a combination of our successes and failures, our best and worst traits, our most positive characteristics and our strangest quirks. For me, that means I am a perfect combination of being a slob yet fabulous. I’m Slobulous. What does it mean to be Slobulous? Well, like pornography and spoiled milk, I may not be able to define it, but I know it when I taste it. Slobulous, as applied to my life, means having your sh*t together and simultaneously being a mess – a man-child with 16 pairs of shoes, a pretty sweet cable sports package and a bank account. I certainly have my mental health issues, but I have it together enough to not air my petty drama

So, who’s to say what success is anyway? Sure, you may say it’s excelling at a high-paying career that lets you have awesome possessions and travel to exotic locales. But isn’t success really being a fortysomething, single, overweight gay man with high blood pressure and cholesterol who knows the difference between serif and sans serif fonts and doesn’t drink too much beer? It took four decades in this life for me to accept all of these things – these things that make up who I am. When I was (much) younger it was important to buck stereotypes about gay men and present myself as (ugh!) “straight-acting.” Some years later I found myself working hard to prove myself as a gay man and fit in as a member of the community. Lucky for me I’ve grown enough to no longer pretend to be someone I’m not. For the record, my loves are sports, Broadway musicals, beer and drag pageants. I simultaneously have my sh*t together and I’m a mess. My wish is that those of you entering this awesome community do not take so long to realize how wonderful it is to embrace everything about yourself. That’s a level of success some people never achieve. Buddy Early grew up in Tempe and has been involved in various communities across the Valley since. He is a former managing editor of both Echo Magazine and Compete Magazine. Community

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MAY 2018

business business cards cards For For a a complete complete listing listing of of all all Echo Echo display display advertisers, advertisers, please see our Lambda Directory on page 66. please see our Lambda Directory on page 66. To To advertise advertise your your business business here, here, call call 602-266-0550. 602-266-0550.

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HAIR STUDIOS 58 72

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Phoenix Bar Guide

18 10

5th

32nd St.

Bethany Home

24 20

e. Av

3 1 14

12 4 17 13

11 *Map is not drawn to scale

74 60 92

FEBRUARY MAY 2018 2017 |2018 EchoMag.com EchoMag.com OCTOBER | |EchoMag.com

Phoenix LOCAL BUSNESSES Bar Guide

ANVIL

2424 E. Thomas Road

602-334-1462

M, D, L

AQUA NIGHT CLUB

1730 E. McDowell Road

602-253-0682

F, N, E, D

BAR 1

3702 N. 16th St.

602-266-9001

M, N, E

BLISS REBAR

901 N. Fourth St.

602-795-1792

M, N, E

BOYCOTT BAR

4301 N. Seventh Ave.

602-515-3667

MF, D, E

BS WEST

7125 E. Fifth Ave.

480-945-9028

MF, D, E

BUNKHOUSE

4428 N. Seventh Ave.

602-200-9154

M, N, L

CHARLIE’S

727 W. Camelback Road

602-265-0224

M, C, E, D

CLUB VOLT

3108 E. McDowell Road

602-244-1465

MF, D, E

10 10

CRUISIN’ 7TH

3702 N. Seventh St.

602-212-9888

M, E

11 11

DICK’S CABARET

3432 E. Illini St.

602-274-3425

M, G

12 12

FEZ

105 W. Portland St.

602-287-8700

13 13

FLEX SPAS PHOENIX

1517 S. Black Canyon Hwy

602-271-9011

M, AO

14 14

KARAMBA NIGHTCLUB

1724 E. McDowell Road

602-254-0231

D, E

15 15

KOBALT

3110 N. Central Ave., Ste. 125

602-264-5307

MF, E, N

16 16

LOS DIABLOS

1028 E. Indian School Road

602-795-7881

MF, R, N

17 17

NU TOWNE SALOON

5002 E. Van Buren St.

602-267-9959

M, N, L

18 18

OFF CHUTE TOO

4115 N. Seventh Ave

602-274-1429

M, A

19 19

OZ BAR

1804 W. Bethany Home Road

602-242-5114

MF, N

20 20

PLAZMA

1560 E. Osborn Road

602-266-0477

MF, N, E

21 21

ROYAL VILLA INN

4312 N. 12th St.

602-266-6883

M, AO

22 23

STACY’S @ MELROSE

4343 N. Seventh Ave.

602-264-1700

MF, D, N

23 24

THE CASH NIGHTCLUB & LOUNGE

2140 E. McDowell Road

602-244-9943

F, C, D

25 24

THE CHUTE

1440 E. Indian School Road

602-234-1654

M, AO

26 25

THE ROCK

4129 N. Seventh Ave.

602-248-8559

M, N, E

MAP CODES: A M F MF

Adult Retail & Entertainment Mostly Males Mostly Females Mixed Male/Female

LOCAL BUSNESSES Phoenix Bar Guide

N R D C

Neighborhood Bar Full Restaurant Dance Club Country Dancing

L E G AO

Leather/Bears Entertainment (Karaoke, Drag) Go-Go Dancers Accommodations/Other

EchoMag.com | MAY 2018 EchoMag.com | | FEBRUARY EchoMag.com OCTOBER 2015

75 61 93

bar specials

OUT & ABOUT

S $1 drafts & HH prices all day & night

The Brides of March Pub Crawl

M 7 p.m. Darts with Acxell

March 10 at Charlie’s Phoenix.

T Latin Night with Diego

Photos by Bill Gemmill.

BUNKHOUSE

W 9 p.m. Karaoke T Underwear night: $1 off all drinks if in skivvies! GoGo dancers 9 p.m.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.

F 8 p.m.-close: $2.50 Miller family products. 4 & 6 p.m.: Free-to-join poker

S 8 p.m.-close: $2.50 Bud family products

CHARLIE’S S Super HH 4-7 p.m., $3 pitchers; $3 Long Islands open to close

M 2-8 p.m. 2-4-1 well & domestic bottles, $3 pitchers; 8 p.m.-close, 1/2 off drinks for wearing underwear, $3 Jack Daniels

T 2-8 p.m. 2-4-1 well & domestic bottles, $3 pitchers; 2-4-1 cocktails & beer 8 p.m.close

W 2-8 p.m. 2-4-1 well & domestic bottles, $3 pitchers; $3 Three Olives vodka, 8 p.m.close

T 2-8 p.m. 2-4-1 well & domestic bottles, $3 pitchers; 2-4-1 drinks open-close

F 2-7 p.m. 2-4-1 well & domestics, $3 pitchers; HH 7-9 p.m.; $1 well & domestics, $1 drafts 10 p.m.- midnight

S Noon-7 p.m. 2-4-1 well & domestics; HH 7-9 p.m.; $1 well & domestics, $3 Absolut & Bacardi 10 p.m.-midnight

STACY’S @ MELROSE S $1.50 Rolling Rock & Wells, Open - 7p.m.; Showtime 7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $1 Rolling Rock & Wells; $2.50 Bud Light; $3 Fireball shots 7 p.m.-Close; Happy Hours 10 p.m.-Close

M Happy Hours; $2.50 Rolling Rock ALL DAY T Happy Hours; $5 Martinis & $2.50 Rolling Rock ALL DAY

W 2-4-1 all day*; *no shots T Happy Hours 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $1.50 Rolling Rock & Wells 8 p.m.-midnight

F Happy Hours 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $2.50 Rolling Rock all day; $2.50 Bud Light, $4.50 Pinnacle vodka & Fireball 8 p.m. - Close

S Happy Hours 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $2.50 Rolling Rock all day; $2.50 Bud Light, $4.50 Pinnacle vodka & Fireball 8 p.m. - Close 76

MAY 2018

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Community

CHEERS!

Bar Guide (Continued) Palm Springs BLACKBOOK BAR & KITCHEN

315 E. Arenas Road

760-832-8497

MF, R

BONGO JOHNNY’S PATIO BAR & GRILL

214 E. Arenas Road

760-866-19065

N, E

CASABLANCA LOUNGE AT MELVYN’S

200 W. Ramon Road

760-325-2323

N, E

CHILL BAR

217 E. Arenas Road

760-327-1079

N, E

EIGHT4NINE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

849 N. Palm Canyon Road

760-325-8490

MF, R

GEORGIE’S ALIBI AZUL PATIO

369 N. Palm Canyon Drive

760-325-5533

MF, R

HUNTERS NIGHT CLUB

302 E. Arenas Road

760-323-0700

D, M

OSCAR’S CAFE & BAR

125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, #108

760-325-1188

MF, R, E

QUADZ

200 S. Indian Canyon Drive

760-778-4326

RETROROOM LOUNGE

125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, #102

760-656-8680

MF, E

SCORE, THE GAME BAR

301 E. Arenas Road

760-327-0753

STACY’S @ PALM SPRINGS

220 E. Arenas Road

760-620-5003

STREET BAR

24 E. Arenas Road

760-320-1266

M, E

THE TROPICAL RESTAURANT & CORAL SEAS LOUNGE

330 E. Amado Road

760-866-1952

MF, R

TOOL SHED

600 E. Sunny Dunes Road

760-320-3299

M, L

TOUCANS TIKI LOUNGE

2100 N. Palm Canyon Drive

760-416-7584

MF, E

TRIO AC RESTAURANT & BAR

707 N. Palm Canyon Drive

760-864-8746

MF, R

WANG’S IN THE DESERT

424 S. Indian Canyon Drive

760-325-9264

MF, R

ROOST LOUNGE

68718 E. Palm Canyon Drive

(Coming Soon)

STUDIO ONE 11

67-555 E Palm Canyon Drive

760-328-2900

THE BARRACKS BAR

67-625 E. Palm Canyon Drive, C7

760-321-9688

M, L

TRUNKS BAR

6736 Cathedral Canyon

760-321-0031

MF, E

Find out what’s going on at your favorite gayborhood bars at echomag.com/ community-calendar.

Cathedral City

Tucson

Join the conversation with #EchoMagAZ. facebook.com/echomagazine

AQUADEC/H20 DISCOTEC

61 E. Congress St.

520-623-5400

MF, D

BRODIE’S TAVERN

2449 N. Stone Ave.

520-622-0447

IBT’S

616 N. Fourth Ave.

520-882-3053

MF, E, R

THE HUT

305 N. Fourth Ave.

520-623-3200

MF, N, E

VENTURE-N

1239 N. Sixth Ave.

520-882-8224

twitter.com/@echomagaz Linkedin/Echo Magazine Instagram/@echomagazineaz

MAP CODES: A M F MF 78

Adult Retail & Entertainment Mostly Males Mostly Females Mixed Male/Female MAY 2018

N R D C

Neighborhood Bar Full Restaurant Dance Club Country Dancing

EchoMag.com

L E G AO

Leather/Bears Entertainment (Karaoke, Drag) Go-Go Dancers Accommodations/Other Bar Listing

OUT & ABOUT Marla Hooch’s Annual Chili Cook-Off March 24 at Charlie’s, Phoenix. Photos by Bill Gemmill.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/gallery.

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MAY 2018

Bringing the Social Element to #GayPhoenix #GayTucson #GayAZ

@ILoveGayPhoenix www.ILoveGayAZ.com

MAY 2018

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MAY 2018

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