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SOUTHERN WITH A GAY TWIST

12.31.15 V6-26

MAN about town

PHOTOS BY INNERVISIONART

THE NEW ALPHA America’s Youngest Gay Dad MICHAEL LUCAS IS

STILL ON TOP PHOTO BY PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER LOGAN INNERVISIONART

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Contents

FENUXE

12.31.2015

MAN about town

PHOTOS BY INNERVISIONART PG 30

CALENDAR: 8 GREAT THINGS TO DO

OUT & ABOUT PHOTOS

STILL ON TOP

AMERICA’S YOUNGEST GAY DAD

THE NEW ALPHA

30 36 38

MAN ABOUT TOWN HEY GIRL HEY GAY NEWS AT A GLANCE

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January 12th-24th The Book of Mormon is a religious satire musical with book, lyrics, and music by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone, best known for creating the animated comedy South Park. Tickets now on sale. www.foxtheatre.com

January 14th, 5:30PM-8PM The cocktail hour and silent auction to raise funds for Atlanta Les Dames d’Escoffier International, a philanthropic society dedicated to fostering the education of students in food, fine beverage and hospitality. Enjoy libations, live entertainment and delicious tastings offered by some of Atlanta’s finest restaurants. www.ideiatlanta.org

January 14-17 The 2016 Atlanta Boat Show at the Georgia World Congress Center features one of the largest displays of watercraft in the Southeast. Whether you’re in the market for a new boat, or just simply want to experience the thrill of seeing the latest models... hands-on, the Boat Show is a great way to spend the day. www.atlantaboatshow.com

MLK 5K RUN/WALK January 16th, Line up at 8:45AM Drummers line the entire course of the MLK Day 5K Drum Run, which is preceded by music and dancing and followed by a party at Piedmont Park. www.mlkday5k.com

06: December 31, 2015

ATLANTA WINE PARTY-WINTER EDITION January 16th, 6PM-10PM Atlanta Wine Party offers 50 wines to taste with live music, a DJ, and food for sale at Opera Nightclub. www.atlantawineparty.com

ART CHARITY JAN 19 05.03.15

COMMUNITY JAN 18

JAN 16

COMMUNITY

FOOD NOW

JAN 14

FOOD JAN 14

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SHOW

FUN JAN 22

CALENDAR

MLK DAY MARCH AND RALLY

ROMEO & JULIET AT THE FOX

HOT CHOCOLATE RUN AND EXPO

Monday, January 18th The march and rally kicks off at the corner of Peachtree and Baker streets at 1:45PM. For a complete schedule of events visit www.mlkmarchcommittee. com

Sunday, January 19th at 3PM The State Ballet Theatre of Russia’s production of Romeo & Juliet returns to the Fox Theater. Founded by legendary dancer and former principal dancer of The Bolshoi Theatre Ballet, Maya Plisetskaya, The State Ballet Theatre of Russia presents the most passionate romantic tragedy every told. www.foxtheatre.org

January 22nd-24th Beat the winter’s chill with a sweet weekend filled with all things chocolate - combined with a fun race. Events begin on Friday, January 22nd, with the Hot Chocolate Expo at the GA World Congress Center. There will also be plenty of vendors, entertainment and delicious chocolate samples. Wwwhotchocolate15k.com

OUT & ABOUT

10: December 31, 2015

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OUT & ABOUT

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PHOTOS

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OUT & ABOUT

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OUT & ABOUT

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PHOTOS

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OUT & ABOUT

18: December 31, 2015

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OUT & ABOUT

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INTERVIEW

BY DUSTIN DEMMERS PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER LOGAN

STILL ON TOP

20 Years in Entertainment and Michael Lucas Keeps Going and Going and… Michael Lucas is one of the most successful adult entertainers in the world and has enjoyed unparalleled longevity in the industry: twenty years… and counting.

companies in the world and the biggest on the east coast. The company produces award-winning erotic films with famously high production values including the highest budgeted adult film of all time, Michael Lucas’ La Dolce Vita. Michael’s Men of Israel was the first adult movie produced in Israel.

Born in 1972, he had a very difficult time growing up gay and Jewish in homophobic and anti-Semitic Communist Russia. He always felt different from the norm.

In addition to his work in adult film, Michael is a contributor to several news publications. He also regularly speaks on social, political, and sexual issues at universities including Stanford, Yale and Oxford.

A year after graduating from the prestigious Moscow Law Academy, Michael left Russia for Munich. The two hundred dollars that filled his pockets didn’t last long. He found work as an escort and adult performer in both gay and straight films; then moved to Paris, working as a gay adult model for French director Cadinot.

Most recently, Michael’s begun to dabble in independent film, directing and producing two LGBT documentaries, Undressing Israel: Gay Men in the Promised Land and Campaign of Hate: Russia and Gay Propaganda. We sat down with him to discuss the past twenty years and what he has planned for the next twenty.

In 1997, Michael arrived in New York City to begin work for Falcon Studios. After one year, he left Falcon & opened his own adult film company out of his West Village studio apartment.

Congratulations on twenty years in entertainment, Michael! Michael Lucas: It’s been a wild ride!

Lucas Entertainment quickly became one of the top five gay adult

If you knew twenty years ago what you know now, what would you have done differently? I would have started even earlier. Adult

entertainment was a great career choice. Was it something you always wanted to do? No, it was a decision I made in 1995 when I moved to Western Europe from the Soviet Union. Is it true that you arrived to Germany with only $200? Yes. It went much quicker than I realized it would. Why did you start in straight porn? I couldn’t find an adult company in Munich. Remember, this was 1995. A young guy couldn’t just Google things back then. I eventually found the right producers, though, and my acting career took off. Was launching your own film company always the plan? Yes, I’ve always been an entrepreneur. I worked for others to learn the business and build my name. How did you get into directing? I started directing as soon as I launched Lucas Entertainment. I was a one-man show in the beginning. I did everything: acting, directing, casting, accounting, photography and graphic design. Of the 130 adult films you’ve starred in, FENUXE.COM : 23

which is your favorite? Men of Israel. It was one of the best filming experiences. The cast, crew, country, people, and even the weather were amazing. Is there one you wish you could do over or recast? For sure, but I don’t want to upset anyone. You’ve turned many men into stars. Who was your best find? I really can’t name only one. There are so many! From Chad Hunt to Gus Mattox to all of my Israeli models. Besides a hot face and body, what do you look for in a Lucas Entertainment model? He has to be easy going and friendly. Of course the biggest star in your films is you. I am not the biggest star. I never was. You’ve shot 495 scenes to date! I have achieved longevity in a business where models comes and go. I have seen so many vanish, lose their looks or burn out because of drugs and the competitive nature of the industry. Some models shoot too many movies within a short time and are no longer wanted.

What’s the biggest issue on your mind these days? Israel and its survival. I come from a Jewish family and my relatives on my father’s side are Holocaust survivors so Israel is very important to me. Was it your activism that inspired your latest foray into documentary filmmaking? Of course, I made two movies about the issues that are important to me. (Undressing Israel: Gay Men in the Promised Land and Campaign of Hate: Russia and Gay Propaganda.) Will you be releasing more documentaries? Possibly. Where does Michael Lucas go from here? I am happy with my life now. I am in a good place. I’m not looking for any changes. What’s your secret to looking so young? I don’t drink or do drugs. I don’t smoke. I believe staying away from those three vices has helped me on many levels. Visit Michaellucas.com.

How long will you continue to film? Will you make it to 1000? Today, age is just a number. Some of the most popular models like Rocco Steel and Tomas Brand are in their late 40’s. It’s a different time. I will likely continue to shoot for as long as I want. What do you enjoy most about the adult film industry? I like working with models and people in general. It’s fascinating to be able to work with beautiful men from all over the world. Do you enjoy being a public figure? I do. It has given me a platform to speak about other subjects that are important to me. I am a scholar on Middle East politics, an advocate for PrEP and I am a human rights activist. None of this would have been possible if not for the recognition I have achieved in the adult entertainment industry. Does it upset you when people get into your personal business, like your divorce? It upsets when me when people use lies when writing about me. How do you feel about all the online criticism? All people with strong opinions are criticized. I’m glad I cause people to think and debate over things. Were you born to be an activist? For sure. I have been speaking my mind since I was in grade school. What was the first issue you were vocal about? When I was 13, I refused to salute the red flag in communist Russia. Looking back on it now, I realize that was pretty brave. FENUXE.COM : 25

COMMUNITY

BY MICHAEL LAMBERT

Americas Youngest Gay Dad Twenty-year-old Brian Mariano admits that sometimes people just don’t get him. He’s a gay dad with a 2-year-old son, Aison. “Everybody in my life is really supportive,” he says. “When someone new finds out I’m a dad, they will often stop and ask “How?”. It’s like that ‘Mean Girls’ quote. You know – ‘if you’re from Africa, why are you white?’” Still, Mariano knows that from the outside looking in, his story is anything but typical. He was a junior in high school when his then-girlfriend, Kelly, became pregnant. They had been dating for a year. “I like to refer to myself as a ‘Kellysexual,’ which may sound really weird,” he continues. “I’m gay, but there’s Kelly. Everybody kind of knew that I was gay. I didn’t really have to say it. People will come along and ask if our relationship was a cover-up. And I say, well, I got her pregnant, so I don’t think that’s the case.” Kelly gave birth to Aison MarianoNichols, who will be turning 3 years old, in March. The couple stayed together for the first two years of Aison’s life before splitting. 26: December 31, 2015

“It was very stressful and really rocky,” he remembers. “We made it work the best we could. We still loved each other and for Aison’s sake we tried to stay together. But we’re not together now.” The couple faced the same challenges any two teen parents face, plus a few more. “Her parents took care of our apartment in Boston but we basically had to do everything else. We had to get Aison to day care in the morning, then go to school, then work at night. Everything was really hard.” Now, Kelly is a junior at the University of Massachusetts studying biology while Mariano works, waiting to start his first semester at community college in the fall. Despite their history, the two have come together to give Aison parents and a family he can rely on. “He lives with Kelly most of the time. She has full custody, and she has been so good letting me see him. “I’m definitely his father, and that’s something that’s not going to change.”

When Mariano and Aisen see each other, they bond at the family home on the Cape. In fact, young Aison may end up in the family business. “My father owns a landscaping company, and the cutest thing is Aison on his baby lawnmower,” gushes Mariano. “We got him a ride-on dump truck so he can put his lawnmower in the back. He drives to one part of the yard, mows it, then drives to the next part. He literally does it all day.” Thankfully, the terrible twos hasn’t struck the Mariano household yet. “He’s a very well-behaved little boy. He has his moments, but I couldn’t have asked for a better baby.” Mariano says he was hesitant to come out as a gay father when dating. In fact, he told his boyfriend about his son with a quick Snapchat: “Oh, by the way, I have a son.” “I was kind of shocked at first,” boyfriend Chris admits. It’s a reaction Mariano has gotten used to – but it can still catch him off guard. “Sometimes, if I’m in a bad mood, I can get annoyed because it’s a stupid

question. But most of the time I say I was with a girl for a while, I really loved her and it didn’t work out.” As the two young parents discover their own futures while raising their son, Brian worries how his son will grow up with a gay dad and how he will accept his family as he grows older. “I hope I never really have to explain it to him. I hope he just understands that Mommy can have a husband and Daddy can have a husband. “I’m really worried about it, though. I’ve talked to some older gay dads on GayswithKids.com (a website for gay men with children). They told me that kids can be very understanding and if raised around gay people, they are much less likely to be homophobic or something crazy. I just worry that Aison’s not going to be as understanding as I think he’s going to be. Or that he’s bullied for it and that it makes him angry with me.”

“He told his boyfriend about his son with a Snapchat: ‘Oh, by the way, I have a son.’”

BRIAN MARIANO & Aison

Resentment isn’t just something Mariano only fears from his son. He also feared it from himself. “At first, I was afraid I wasn’t going to be who I am because of Aison; that he was going to be a roadblock (to my future). When my relationship with Kelly ended, I wondered if I still needed to be straight for Aison. But I knew that would only lead me to resenting him. So I had to deal with the fact that I am going to do this and be who I am. “It feels good to have Aison, to have someone I get to love unconditionally and who loves me unconditionally.” That unconditional love has given Mariano the confidence to live his life – and a wisdom way beyond his years. “Aison is not holding me back,” he says. “If anything, he’s given me the motivation to be who I am today. I’m already not the stereotypical person: I’m gay, I have a baby, I barely graduated high school. There’s no reason for me to start being normal now.” Visit GayswithKids.com

INTERVIEW

THE NEW ALPHA

BY SEAN O’ FLARRETY

Before breaking out in the big leagues as the front man of the nineties boy band, No Authority, Ricky Rebel remembers growing up in Hollywood and being forced to hide his true self. “So many casting directors wouldn’t cast me because they saw me as too effeminate,” he explains. “They would tell my agent, “he’s talented but he needs to act more like a typical boy. “It pissed me off,” he says now. Still, in order to get into his music group, Rebel relented and became the boy Hollywood wanted him to be. He says beneath the façade, though, a spark was lit. “Deep down I thought how one day, I was going to be more successful than anyone’s ever dreamed of… and by just being myself.” That’s where he is today. As Ricky Rebel, the young singer is proud to be an equal mix of masculine and feminine energy. “I’m ‘The New Alpha’,” he laughs. He sings about it in “Star”, his brand new dance track out now. You weren’t always an out and proud artist. What was it like having to hide your true self in your No Authority days? It was hard. I was afraid that if people found out I was gay, that somehow, we would get dropped from the label and my career would be over. I was very self-conscious back then. We went through media training to appear as straight as possible and one producer even locked me in a sound booth and read bible scriptures to me, telling me that I was going to hell for being gay and that I would never make it if people found out who I really was. Have things changed for out artists today? There are still actors out there who are famous as hell and wouldn’t dream of coming out of the closet out of fear that their careers would be over. Those guys are cowards. They’re not doing the community any good by hiding and lying about who they are and who they choose to love. There are kids out there committing suicide everyday because they hate themselves for being gay and it’s our responsibility to be role models to these kids. Are boy banders still forced to remain closeted? Absolutely. There’s no doubt in my mind that one or more of the One Direction boys might be gay or has had flings with other guys. Justin Bieber has probably had some hot nights with guys. If you’re that hot and that cute you’re bound to be attracted to other hot, cute guys. In fact, I know people who are in the closet, actors and boy banders that I’ve hooked up with. It’s sad to me that they don’t have the courage to come out and be honest about who they are. The person you love is a huge part of your life. Imagine not ever being able to talk about your relationship to anyone or in an interview. I couldn’t live like that. It’s pathetic. What toll did staying in the closet have on you? I was afraid to meet with fans. I didn’t want them to get too close and personal to me because I was afraid they would find me out. It wasn’t until I met my girlfriend at the time who taught me that I am beautiful no matter who it is that I choose to love. She really taught me to explore my sexuality.

When you finally did come out, you did so with a bang! Where did Ricky Rebel come from? Rebel was a role that I created because I was sick and tired of making music that I didn’t produce myself. I was sick and tired of being what producers and managers wanted me to be. I rebelled and created this character who isn’t afraid to share his art. I had to create Ricky Rebel to get over my protectionist side that kept me from sharing my music and my performances. I set out to be the male version of Madonna and that’s what I am going to do. I’m not as loud or abrasive as Madonna but I am talented, driven, and intense like her. Is it about making it as a star on your own terms? Yes. And that’s what my song is about too. Everybody has the ability to be their version of a star. We need people surrounding us that can help bring out our best. We all have the potential to shine bright by being authentic with who we are and what we want. My best advice is to people is to never stray from your initial dream. People are going to try to sway you. Where are things for you today? Things have dramatically changed. Honestly, I knew this would happen. I used to tell people, don’t worry this whole gay thing will not be my weakness. In fact, one day it’s going to be my biggest strength. That’s exactly what has happened for me. People can relate to the struggle and the world is coming together to create possibility were there previously was none. Tis the season of thanks. What are you most thankful for today? I’m thankful for my health, my supportive family, my new nephew, my loving and intelligent fiancé, my executive producer David Keeton, my strong PR team and all of the many things that the Rebel Mafia & I have accomplished this year. Have you achieved everything you wanted? No. I want to play the biggest stages in the world. I want stadium size FIFA World Cup type stages. Massive! What’s your message to fans? Rebel the darkness and shine your light. Visit http://rickyrebelrocks.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RickyRebelRocks/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/rickyrebelrocks

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FASHION

30: December 31, 2015

MAN about town

PHOTOS BY INNERVISIONART

32: December 31, 2015

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Hey Girl Hey! Holler Poodles! Let’s face it ladies. We don’t start off our careers looking as fierce as we do now. We all have mentors, teachers, drag mothers and inspiration that we draw from to learn our art form. Makeup is one of those skills that is necessary but can be difficult to learn if you don’t have one of those individuals in place to teach you. Therefore I am excited to announce the following…. Attention aspiring drag queens!! Coming up February 6th I will be teaching “BEGINNING DRAG MAKEUP 101” a hands on intensive class for those who are new to the art of drag or those who would like to brush up on their skills. The class fee will be $100 and will be held from 12p-4pm at Atlanta Costume (2089 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA) with limited enrollment. Call (404) 874-7511 with your $50 deposit to secure your spot. Included in your class fee is a makeup kit that includes a Ben Nye 4 Shadow Palette with 4 colors, black liquid eyeliner and a lip liner pencil. Students are required to bring the following items for use in the classroom (Cream/Stick Foundation, Loose Face Powder, Makeup Brush Kit, #201 Eyelashes, Eyelash Glue, Black Liquid Eyeliner, Makeup Remover or Baby Oil, Baby Wipes and Lipstick. All of these items can be purchased at Atlanta Costume or you can bring your own supplies. If you are not familiar with these products, I recommend talking with one of their experienced professionals for a recommendation. The class will cover basic eyebrow cover up, foundation application, detailed contouring, eye shaping and eyeshadows, brow shaping, blush and most importantly BLENDING!!! We will also touch on the different styles of drag from glamour, camp and club kid looks but the focus of this class will be glamour. For the more experienced drag queen, I will be offering an Intermediate Drag Makeup 102 course in March. Look for details here. Drag, if done well, is an investment. So many queens put so much time and energy into their costumes, hair, shoes etc but may not have learned to refine their makeup. My goal with this course is to not only teach you technique but why it is done this specific way. I hope to see you there! Love and lashes,

Mary Edith Pitts Mary Edith Pitts

PS. If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please email me at maryedith99@gmail.com or on twitter @maryedithpitts

FENUXE.COM : 37

Gay News At A Glance STAR WARS: COULD POE DAMERON BE GAY? Could the X-wing pilot be gay? Ever since the new Star Wars film came out the fans have buzzed with theories about its characters and future plots. Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) appears as the first hero of the film: A handsome hunky pilot reminiscent of Han Solo in the original trilogy.During the course of the plot, his role is eclipsed by John Boyega’s character, Finn. Some have suggested the two have some scenes together which insinuate a romantic relationship.

After some time apart, Finn and Poe are reunited. The two men are frantically happy to see each other again. Some say ‘bromatically’, others say it is explicitly romantic. One blogger, Natalie Fisher, writes: ‘It’s a literal screaming-each-other’snames, running-into-each-other’s arms situation. ‘No shame, no restraint, just relief. But when Poe pulls back and notices Finn is wearing his old leather jacket, that’s the clincher, because unless you’re so heteronormative that you still believe that Hannibal and Will are just buds, it looks like Poe likes what he sees, in a way that’s more than friendly. ‘He even bites his own lip while admiring Finn.’ She notes Poe never hints at a ‘girl back home’ situation – like typical gun-toting heroes might – which may suggest Poe is attracted to men.

‘I’M SO VERY THANKFUL TO BE ALIVE,’ SAYS GAY MAN AFTER BRUTAL CHRISTMAS NIGHT ATTACK A gay man was brutally attacked on Christmas night in his own Yorktown, Virginia home. Drew Inge posted a photo of himself and recounted the incident on his Instagram account, saying he was held hostage in his bathroom and was ‘stomped in the face and jaw over and over while being called a faggot.’ When he tried to defend himself using his shower curtain rod, his attacker grabbed the rod, broke it in half and stabbed his eye with the 38: December 31, 2015

There was something else to stoke the fan hysteria. During an interview with Ellen DeGeneres, Isaac alluded to a potential romance for his character. Many believe he may just poking fun at Poe’s love for his X-wing or Star Wars’ new droid, BB8. Others think the nods and smiles to Boyega pointing to a possible upcoming romance – or even a love triangle between Poe, Finn and Daisy Ridley’s character, Rey. They even think DeGeneres could be in on it with Disney, and ask the question to provoke interest. Maybe it’s just ‘shipping’ – putting two characters together romantically in slash fiction, regardless of canon or logic – or it could be a precursor to the first romance in a Star Wars feature film. Only time will tell.

jagged end. When he tried to escape, his attacker slammed a door into his right hand and broke his fingers. ‘He tackled me from behind into my door and slammed my fingers on my right hand into the door, breaking them and ripping them open.’ He managed to escape from his attacker to call the police. He did not say if his attacker is known to him although he said that he has been arrested and charged. Inge, who works as a hairstylist, said, ‘I’m telling this story as a reminder of the strength I have, the passion for life, and the miracle that I am alive.’ He also appealed for donations to help pay for his medical bills and rent while he recovers from his injuries. ‘I will be out of work for a while, and I don’t know the extent of damage done to my fingers but I will be back to do hair, and I won’t let anything stop me.’ To donate, go to: https://www.youcaring.com/ drew-inge-493123

FRANCE POLITICIAN FINED €5,000 FOR SAYING ‘HOMOSEXUALITY IS AN ABOMINATION’ ‘It is no longer possible to escape criminal liability for homophobic remarks under the guise of religious discourse’ The former leader of a French political party has been fined €5,000 ($5,470; £3,686) for ‘publicly inciting hatred or violence’ against LGBTI people. A court in Paris on Thursday (17 December) handed down the sentence to Christine Boutin, ex-president of the of Christian Democratic Party, for saying that ‘homosexuality is an

11 MEN ARRESTED IN SENEGAL FOR HAVING GAY SEX The men are said to be among 20 people who attended a gay marriage celebration Tina Healy gets to experience Police in the Senegalese town of Kaolack are said to have arrested 11 people accused of having gay sex, town residents told the Associated Press. The 11 men, who were detained at a police station, are said to be among 20 people who attended a gay marriage celebration on Friday at a school in the town about 200 kilometres southeast of the capital, Dakar. Under the laws of the former French colony, where the

abomination’ in April 2014. Boutin – who was minister of housing and urban development under President Nicolas Sarkozy – must also pay €2,000 in damages to two LGBTI groups, Mousse and Le Refuge. ‘This decision sets a precedent for several reasons. It is no longer possible to escape criminal liability for homophobic remarks under the guise of religious discourse,’ said Etienne Deshoulières, the lawyer for Mousse. In a 2014 interview with Charles magazine, Boutin said: ‘Homosexuality is an abomination. But not the person. ‘The sin is never acceptable, but the sinner is always forgiven.’ She has already announced on Twitter her intention to appeal.

population is more than 95% Muslim, ‘acts against nature’ are illegal and punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of up to US$2,500. In August, seven men were jailed for six months after being caught having sex during a police raid. A well-known Senegalese journalist Tamsir Jupiter Ndiaye was sentenced by a Dakar court in July to six months in prison for gay sex.

DR. ROBERT SPITZER PASSES. Dr Robert Spitzer, the man who worked to have homosexuality not diagnosed as a mental illness, died on Friday (25 December 25). He was 83. According to his wife, Columbia University Professor Emerita Janet Williams, the psychiatrist died due to heart problems. Spitzer was involved in multiple editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or the DSM; the book lists all of the major disorders. In 1973, after meeting with a number of gay activists, the doctor pushed to have homosexuality taken out of the DSM. He reasoned same-sex desire could not be a mental

illness if LGBTI people had no issue with their sexuality. ‘Rather than just appealing to authority, the authority of Freud, the appeal was: Are there studies? What evidence is there,’ Spitzer told the New Yorker magazine in 2005. ‘The people I appointed had all made a commitment to be guided by data.’