MAY 28 ¬ JUNE 10, 2015 | VOL. 34, NO. 03
FRONTIERSMEDIA.COM
Get Hitched
pages of wedding 22 fashions, locations, rings
L.A.
PRIDE Guide 2015
and advice
ADAM LAMBERT TV’s love of limp wrists, top toys for the bedroom, SoCal’s booming bike culture and Skype sex for dummies
Beyond Ireland
Are Hardcore Christians Warming Up to Same-Sex Marriage?
In search of the world’s greatest dance parties
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Contents
MAY 28 - JUNE 10, 2015
FEATURES
120
L.A. Pride Guide 2015
124
Taking Up Two Wheels
132
ADAM LAMBERT: FREDDY MAIN
Sex in the Digital Age
128 Adam Lambert
ON THE COVER Adam Lambert photographed by David Roemer
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Contents
MAY 28 - JUNE 10, 2015
DEPARTMENTS NEWSBOX 19 20 22 24 25
Christianity at a Crossroads Flashbulb Watercooler Will WeHo's Direction Finally Change? David Mixner Brings New Show to L.A.
THE GAY AGENDA 35 38 38
A Queer Map to the Stars Comics' New Gay Superhero Drew Droege's Reasons to Be Proud
TRAVEL A Driver's Guide to the Autobahn The World's Best Dance Parties Fly to Pride First Class Traveling with the Grey Lady
43 44 44 46
HEALTH The Top 5 Sex Toys for Gay Men Fitness Q&A Asexuals Have Pride, Too Meet APLA's New PrEP Expert
51 52 53 56
CALENDAR 61 63 68 68
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MOCA's Tongues Untied Art Project L.A. Hollywood Fringe Festival Eating Out: Aestus
ENTERTAINMENT 73 74 75 76 76
Neon Trees' Tyler Glenn Film Reviews Music Reviews Coming to TV Theater Reviews
Frontiers Weddings
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COLUMNS 134 135 136 144
Billy Masters Gossip Gay Palm Springs Gaydar
PEOPLE INDEX Andy Cohen Alan Cumming Divine Fran Drescher 12
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134 77 38 36
Keith Haring Kesha Bob Mackie Bette Midler
63 122 62 138
Sean Penn Vladimir Putin Zachary Quinto Conchita Wurst
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F RO NT I E R S M E DI A .C OM
PUBLISHER
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michael Anthony, Aaron Batts, Greg Cason, Mike Ciriaco, Peter DelVecchio, Gossip Gay, Nathaniel Grey, Tom Paul Jones, Gary Kramer, Jim Larkins, Dan Loughry, Billy Masters, James Mills, Eric Rosen, Patrick Rosenquist, Dominik Rothbard, Aaron Savvy, Lydia Siriprakorn, Les Spindle, Kevin Taft CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ILLUSTRATORS Godofredo Astudillo and Rodelio Astudillo, Gabe Ayala, Doug Engalla, Luke Fontana, Ryan Forbes, Ed Krieger, Freddy Main, Frank Maiocco, Jamie McCarthy, Michael Prince, Rolling-Blackouts, Craig Schwartz, Jonathan Sirand
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Pow! Ireland Strikes a Blow for Good. Now What? With Ireland’s recent gay marriage vote and a steady decrease in the religiously affiliated, the Church is in search of a ‘new language’ By Karen Ocamb
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70.6% The percentage of American adults who described themselves as Christians in 2014, down from 78.4% only seven years prior
SPEAK OUT
reland, where 85% of the population is Catholic, voted overwhelmingly for marriage equality on May 22, leaving much of the world agog. Despite the fact that Catholic doctrine views homosexuality as sinfully unnatural, the country’s youth have clearly rejected the position that LGBT people are intrinsically evil. “We’re the first country in the world to enshrine marriage equality in our constitution and do so by popular mandate. That makes us a beacon—a light to the rest of the world—of liberty and equality,” Leo Varadkar, a gay cabinet minister, told AP. And while many were quick to read this revolution as a blow to the Church’s power—there seems to be just as much to suggest that the majority voted “yes” because of their faith, not in spite of it. Going in to the United States’ presidential election—in which religion is already playing a big role—the repercussions of the Irish referendum could be massive. Does the win mean—as two major polls seem to suggest—that Christians of all stripes are beginning to feel that the real way to follow Jesus is to shun bigotry and love everyone? Or will the money men behind hate come out even stronger—as they have before—using Ireland to stoke fear and right-wing votes? Catholic archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin advanced the thaw Pope Francis started with his famous off-the-cuff remarks by saying, “Anybody who doesn’t show love towards gay and lesbian people is insulting God. They are not just homophobic if they do that—they are actually Godophobic because God loves every one of those people.”
Though Martin supported the “No” vote in the referendum, he also decried the attacks on the “Yes” side as “not just intemperate but obnoxious, insulting and unchristian in regard to gay and lesbian people.” It’s a sea change for sure. Christopher J. Hale, executive director of Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good and co-founder of Millennial, a journal for young Catholics, told Time.com that the Irish vote illustrates an “evolving Catholic worldview on civil gay marriage.” It’s an evolution that that Church doctrine needs to catch up with or it will continue its decline. According to a May 12 Pew Research survey, Christians may be getting fed up with the old anti-gay rhetoric and excuses. The survey of more than 35,000 Americans found that while roughly seven in 10 identify with some branch of the Christian faith, “the percentage of adults (ages 18 and older) who describe themselves as Christians has dropped by nearly eight percentage points in just seven years,” from
“It’s very peculiar. I feel like the scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz when they give him a brain.” Director John Waters, who will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree by the Rhode Island School of Design. Waters briefly attended NYU before getting kicked out for smoking pot.
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FLASHBULB
Irish “yes” supporters celebrate at Dublin Castle on May 22
continued
AN EVENING WITH WOMEN, Hollywood Palladium, May 16— This year’s event benefitting the women’s services of L.A.’s Center featured a plethora of famous ladies and acoustic performances. Top: Sarah Silverman, Kat Graham, Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, Sia. Bottom: No Doubt band members Tony Kanal, Gwen Stefani, Adrian Young and Tom Dumont flank L.A. LGBT Center CEO Lorri L. Jean
AN EVENING WITH HBO’S THE COMEBACK, Paley Center for Media, May 19—The latest PaleyLive event welcomed the stars and creators of one of HBO’s most beloved comedies. From left: Robert Michael Morris, Lance Barber, Laura Silverman, co-creator and executive producer Michael Patrick King, Lisa Kudrow, Dan Bucatinsky
SPEAK OUT “In 2015, the point should be: who cares?” Actress Cate Blanchett during a Cannes press conference, after she was misquoted in Variety as having had sexual relationships with women. Blanchett plays a 1950s housewife who enters a lesbian affair in the new film Carol
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NIGHT AT THE PIER 2015, Pier 60, New York, May 11—The Family Equality Council’s annual East Coast event honored hit TV series Empire and its creator, Lee Daniels. From left: Daniels, Darren Criss, Jussie Smollett, Taraji P. Henson, Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Sims, David Hyde Pierce, FEC Executive Director Gabriel Blau
PHOTO CREDIT AEWW: GETTY IMAGES FOR AEWW; PALEY: KEVIN PARRY FOR PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA; FEC: JAMIE MCCARTHY FOR GETTY IMAGES
78.4% in 2007 to 70.6% in 2014. Meanwhile, the number who identify as religiously unaffiliated has jumped more than six points, from 16.1% to 22.8%. The drops are mostly among mainline Protestants and Catholics. A recent poll by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) taken of 40,000 Americans found that while the Catholic Church officially opposes the legalization of samesex marriage, about 60% of Catholics support allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry legally, compared to about 36% a decade ago. PRRI also found that more than 62% white mainline Protestants support same-sex marriage. What happens next could change everything for LGBTs around the world, but there’s no question the Catholic Church can still play a part in moving this evolution forward in a way that could be positive. “The Church has to find a new language which will be understood and heard by people,” Archbishop Martin said after the final count was announced in Ireland. “We have to see how is it that the Church’s teaching on marriage and family is not being received even within its own flock. There’s a growing gap between Irish young people and the Church, and there’s a growing gap between the culture of Ireland that’s developing and the Church.” Perhaps that’s why Pope Francis appointed liberal priest Fr. Timothy Radcliffe to the Pontifical Council for Peace and Justice on May 23. Radcliffe is highly controversial because he supports communion for the divorced and remarried (a favorite tool of leverage against liberal U.S. politicians), the ordination of women to the diaconate and remarks on homosexuality that some have called heretical. Still, even arch-conservative Roman Catholic theologian Ronald L. Conte Jr. acknowledges the crisis. “The Church must face this very widespread dissent and give a faithful and insightful reply. The Church can never approve of samesex marriage, nor of unnatural sexual acts. But the Church must find a way to bring back to the fold Catholics who have been led astray from the truth by sinful secular society.” But finding new language is different from accepting gays as “natural” and good, which is what believers are saying they want in Ireland and around the world.
MAY 13, 2015
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WATERCOOLER
Your cheat sheet for intelligent conversation — By Peter DelVecchio
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The vast majority of mental health professionals regard “conversion therapy”—the notion that one can be cured of being gay—as quackery. California, New Jersey, D.C. and Oregon have outlawed the practice with respect to minors, and, on May 18, California Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu introduced a federal bill in the House that would do the same nationally, providing for civil litigation against offending counselors. “Three years after I authored the first statewide ban on conversion therapy in California, I am proud to introduce legislation on the federal level to combat this abusive practice,” Lieu said. White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said President Obama supports such a ban at the May 19 press briefing.
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Special LGBT Envoy to Visit Uganda
Randy Berry, the U.S. State Department’s special envoy for LGBT rights, will visit Uganda in July. An out senior diplomat with prior postings in Amsterdam, Nepal, Bangladesh, Egypt, Uganda, South Africa and New Zealand, appointed to the post in February, he will also visit Europe and Latin America in the upcoming weeks. There is no word yet on the purpose of the Uganda visit. The East African nation enacted one of the world’s most draconian anti-LGBT laws in 2014, and many American LGBT activists criticized the Obama administration’s response to the statute as sluggish and insufficient. A Ugandan court struck the law down in August 2014, and efforts to revive it have failed, apparently because of President Yoweri Museveni’s opposition.
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Lieu Introduces Federal Conversion Therapy Ban
Cedars-Sinai Gives $500K for National AIDS Monument
Survivors of the AIDS crisis remember how Cedars-Sinai Hospital treated people with HIV/AIDS humanely in the early 1980s, unlike some other local hospitals where patients were unwanted pariahs. In honor of this history, on May 26 CedarsSinai announced they will present the Foundation for a National AIDS Monument with a $250,000 check and the promise of matching up to $250,000 more in donations. The foundation now has more than $1.2 million to build a West Hollywood-based national monument to memorialize those lost. “This gift and matching grant helps FAM memorialize, pay tribute and educate the community regarding HIV/AIDS in an extraordinarily meaningful way,” says the foundation’s board chair Mark Lehman.
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Rep. Ted Lieu
Randy Berry (left) with John Kerry
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On May 19, Professor Donald P. Green of Columbia University apologized and asked the journal Science to retract the highly publicized study on changing people’s views about same-sex marriage after “irregularities” were found in research data produced by Green’s lead co-author Michael LaCour, a UCLA graduate student. The study, published Dec. 12, 2014, was based on canvassing research conducted by the L.A. LGBT Center’s Vote for Equality Project. Since 2009, Project director Dave Fleischman’s volunteers have held brief one-on-one conversations with people who voted Yes on Prop. 8 to see if hearts and minds could be changed. LaCour’s research verified Fleischman’s positive anecdotal findings. “We were shocked and disheartened when we learned of the apparent falsification of data,” says Fleischer. “We support Donald Green’s retraction of the Science article and are grateful that the problems with LaCour’s research have been exposed.”
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Palm Springs Mayor Won’t Seek Re-Election
Gay Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet is not seeking re-election, according to a statement on his website. Pougnet has been the subject of controversy after a complaint was lodged with the Fair Political Practices Commission regarding his work as a consultant for developer Richard Meaney. The Desert Sun reported May 21 that an investigation has been opened. The Sun reports Pounget began working with Meaney in March 2013 and quit in May 2015, and during that time Pounget took votes that allegedly benefited the developer through land sales and financial incentives. “I will do everything I can to satisfy the FPPC’s concerns,” Pougnet told the Sun.
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Jindal Issues ‘Religious Freedom’ Executive Order
Republican Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has issued an executive order to permit business owners to discriminate in connection with same-sex weddings. With some of the lowest approval ratings of any governor and fading presidential prospects, Jindal made the move after the state legislature— no doubt with a nervous eye on the recent Religious Freedom Restoration Act debacle in Indiana— tabled its own nascent RFRA indefinitely. Palm Springs Mayor Louisiana, a relatively poor state buoyed Steve Pougnet up in no small measure by tourist mecca New Orleans, seems particularly vulnerable to the type of industry and tourist boycotts threatened against Indiana, but some believe Jindal is more concerned with his political reputation than his state’s well-being.
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Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal
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Fake Research Casts Doubt on L.A. LGBT Center’s Work
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Will WeHo’s Direction Change? ver West Hollywood’s 30-year history, the City Council has seen its share of communion and discord. The 2011 election, however, saw what some residents hoped was the beginning of the end of an era as John D’Amico brought an angry “outsiders” narrative to the Council, unseating appointed councilmember Lindsey Horvath and challenging city co-founder John Heilman and his ally, Abbe Land. For four years, D’Amico has been working to change the dynamic of power in City Hall, and with the retirement of Land, the March elections proved his opportunity—D’Amico was handily re-elected, his “outsider” protégé Lauren Meister came in second, Horvath came in third and Heilman came in fourth. With Jeff Prang’s election to County Assessor, the June 2 Special Election to fill his seat offers D’Amico an opportunity to solidify his three-vote majority with the election of his candidate, Heidi Shink. But that’s not a done deal. Heilman is running for reelection with support from Horvath and Councilmember John Duran, who helped elect D’Amico in 2011 and supported his re-election in March. Though some of the viciousness of the 2011 and March contests still hangs in the air, Heilman has acquitted himself under non-stop attacks from Shink, businessman Larry Block and Public Facilities Commissioner Cole Ettman—attacks that include bowing before big developers, not fixing dangerous crosswalks and allowing an uncontrolled culture among Council deputies to lead to scandal. Shink framed the Special Election as an “urgent choice” since every year quality of life issues such as traffic and parking get worse. West Hollywood, she said at a debate on May 20, “can’t go back to struggling with the same old problem,” with the same old people like Heilman “expecting different results.” Heilman, meanwhile, talked about his plans for the future to bring mass transit and the $15 dollar wage to West Hollywood. If Shink is elected, she would be the third woman on the Council— making WeHo a female majority-run city for the first time and putting to rest any question about whether WeHo has a problem electing women. As a lesbian, she would also keep a gay majority on the Council. If Heilman is re-elected, the gay majority would also continue, and he would presumably use his experience to keep WeHo a triple bond-rated city on a steady course. Voter turnout is expected to be so low that the winner could be elected by only a handful of votes. Please check each of the four candidates’ websites for more information. —K.O.
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DAVID MIXNER UNBOUND
The legendary activist tells the tales of an LGBT community courageous under fire in his one-man play, Oh Hell No!, which sees its L.A. debut By Karen Ocamb
From left: Heilman, Shink, Ettman, Block
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nyone who has listened to longtime gay politico David Mixner share his commitment to Ghandi and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., rail against the Vietnam War or anti-LGBT religious right crusaders, or get a catch in his voice talking about his closeted political life or the pain of the AIDS crisis knows that in the deepest recesses of his heart, Mixner is a storyteller. Now, in yet another stage of his fascinating life, Mixner has turned storytelling into his new profession as an author, screenwriter and, most recently, the star of his own one-man play, Oh Hell No!—a vibrant account of historical moments he’s experienced—which will see its L.A. premiere on June 11 as a fundraiser for Point Foundation. Mixner now lives in Hell’s Kitchen in New York City, but for many years—including from 1976 to 1996, the years he focuses on in the play—Mixner lived in Los Angeles and West Hollywood. The stories he tells are the stories of LGBT L.A. and the nobility and courage of the LGBT community under fire, even as death and dying assumed an absurd everyday normality. A prominent Democratic strategist, Mixner managed L.A. Mayor Tom Bradley’s 1976 re-election campaign and worked his way through a difficult coming out process with the help of his friends in MECLA, the Municipal Elections Committee of Los Angeles, the nation’s first gay political action committee. He served as the state campaign chair for the successful “No on 6” campaign to stop the anti-gay Briggs Initiative and helped convince Gov. Ronald Reagan to come out against the measure. And when the AIDS crisis hit and the government
“We were not just plopped here on earth and granted marriage! We have an incredible history that should fill us with pride— one of courage and power and dignity.”
turned its back on people with HIV/AIDS in the early mid1980s, Mixner helped his friends and colleagues live to the best of their ability and die with dignity—a process that was an automatic act of love at the time but still reverberates with post-traumatic stress today. When his friend from the Vietnam War Moratorium days, Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton, decided to run for president, Mixner invited the Clintons to address MECLA’s successor ANGLE, Access Now for Gay and Lesbian Equality, at Dr. Scott Hitt’s house in the Hollywood Hills in October 1991. After the meeting, Mixner and ANGLE raised $3.1 million in early money and made sure they played a role in the campaign. The day after the endorsement interview, Clinton told reporters that if he was governor of California, he would have signed AB 101, the gay rights bill that Gov. Pete Wilson vetoed. One stipulation for ANGLE’s endorsement was that Clinton speak about AIDS at a major public venue—which he did, saying to an audience that included members of ACT UP/L.A., “I have a vision, and you’re a part of it.” The power-friendship soured, however, after Clinton was elected and signed the military ban compromise “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” over which Mixner and others were arrested at a White House protest. Mixner says he feels a kind of moral imperative to tell these stories to the next generation. “A year and a half ago, I was in critical condition. I’ve had a bad spell of health issues—11 surgeries and seven stays in intensive care,” Mixner says in a long phone interview with Frontiers. “But the last one a year ago February was particularly tough. And they didn’t think I was going to make it. And when I did pull through—and I have been well ever since—I realized that there were many stories that I had not passed on to the next generation. “So I decided that I would put it in sort of a Garrison Keillor/Will Rogers format with some music and do a show as a benefit for Point Foundation in New York City,” Mixner continues. “It sold out in about three days and raised nearly $200,000 for Point for just one night in a small theater [last October]. And it got a lot of fantastic reviews. So that was a great incentive to pass these stories along.” Mixner emphasizes that his stories are 40 years old. “This is my journey, my story to the best of my ability that I can recollect it. Some people will have different interpretations, some will have different memories, some will believe that they were there and they weren’t,” Mixner says. “We are in danger of losing a lot of our history. And we have to remember that this generation that I come out of—a lot of people who could have been the storytellers of our generation—have passed away with AIDS.” Mixner says he’s very proud of his 90-minute show but acknowledges that it leaves a lot out. “It’s not meant to be an all-encompassing definitive history,” he says. “And let’s just face it, history is a series of flawed recollections. And I don’t pretend that my recollections are perfect.” But Mixner hopes his stories will capture the essence of the time. The award-winning film Milk, for instance, captured the life and times of gay political icon Harvey Milk in such a way as to suggest Milk was primarily responsible for defeating the Briggs Initiative, without really acknowledging the work of MECLA and such people as Diane Abbitt, Ivy Bottini, Rev. Troy Perry and Gail Wilson in Los Angeles. “I could nitpick about, ‘Oh that wasn’t true, in my perspective.’ But overall, I thought they did a good job of capturing the history of that moment and in the end, challenging young people to see how an individual of courage could make a difference,” he says.
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SPEAK OUT
Mixner also notes that defeating the Briggs Initiative put an end to ballot initiative attempts by the religious right until 1986. “But unfortunately, we had to deal with AIDS, and that gave them new ammunition and threw our community for a loop. But for a long time, almost a decade, they didn’t really try very many initiatives.” AIDS both undid and strengthened the LGBT community. “I did close to 90 eulogies in two years in the 1980s,” Mixner says. “And you don’t really think about it as you go through it. As I used to say, it was Saturday morning memorial and Saturday night disco.” But now Mixner says he has PTSD after reliving and writing the stories for the show— and finally talking about how he helped his friends die, at their request, including the love of his life, his partner Peter Scott. “I’ve never talked about it in public until now. There was a small team that even my closest friends didn’t know about,” he says. “Everyone I was involved with in my team is now dead, so I’m not placing anyone else in jeopardy. But I don’t mention names because I could still be brought up on charges,” though he thinks that’s unlikely to happen. “I decided when I had to do this that I had to be rigorously honest to the best of my ability.” Mixner adds that he is bringing the issue of assisted suicide to the fore because, “Quite
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honestly, I want the same rights myself when the time comes. And most importantly, in our 30s and our low 40s—people like us were having to make decisions and choices with other people’s lives—with their permission—that no one at that age should be making.” Which is also why Mixner feels a moral imperative to share such vulnerabilities. “This generation of youth must know of this story and of the sacrifices and the courage—not only simply to pat our generation on the back—but so they know that they come out of something magnificent, something historic, something noble, something exciting. They were not just plopped here on earth and granted marriage! They have an incredible history that should fill them with pride—one of courage and power and dignity. And if I can make them feel that in a performing way, I’m one happy camper.” Oh Hell No! also features four Broadway performers—Emily Swallow, Rory O’Malley, Chris Bolin and Dave Koz. Mixner says each of the 10 cities on his national tour will highlight different performers. “It is a production. I mean, it’s not me giving a speech. It is a production. It’s a show.” A show that Mixner hopes will end up in the Kennedy Center. Oh Hell No! will be at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles on June 11, starting at 7 p.m. For ticket information, go to pointfoundation.org. Frontiers Media is a sponsor of the event.
“We must deal with the world as it is, not as we might wish it to be.” Boy Scouts of America President and former Defense Secretary Robert Gates on how the organization can no longer sustain its ban on gay troop leaders
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Mixner (left) at the New York premiere of Oh Hell No! alongside Edie Windsor, Judith Light and Herb Hamsher
DATEBOOK THU. | JUNE 4
AN INTERVIEW WITH ALEXEI ROMANOFF
As part of its Created Equal series, the Silver Lake Library hosts an evening with gay activist Alexei Romanoff, an organizer/participant at The Black Cat Tavern Riot of 1967, followed by a Q&A with him. The Black Cat now has a commemorative plaque honoring its place in LGBT and L.A. history. lapl.org
THU. | JUNE 11
WEST COAST LIBERTY AWARDS
Lambda Legal presents the annual event at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons, which celebrates those working towards the organization’s vision of equality. Host of Repeat After Me, Wendi McLendon-Covey, will host the evening. lambdaleagal.org
FRI. | JUNE 12
CONCERT OF LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE
Antigone Rising (below) along with other artists and celebrities from across the country will come together to support LGBT acceptance at this inaugural concert, presented by Grammynominated country artist Ty Herndon and GLAAD, in Nashville, Tennessee. glaad.org
THU. | JUNE 18
BLACK AIDS INSTITUTE GALA
The organization’s gala reception and awards presentation, Heroes in the Struggle, will take place at the Directors Guild of America, featuring a reception and silent auction, awards ceremony and dance party. blackaids.org
FRI. | JULY 3
STRIKE OUT AIDS
The Wall Las Memorias’ 14th annual event at Dodger Stadium is an evening of baseball that helps bring awareness to AIDS in our community. The plan is to form a human AIDS ribbon on the field, in addition to a pre-game ceremony and dance party behind the outfield. thewalllasmemorias.org
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THE
GAY AGENDA
A Queer Map to the Stars The Hollywood Museum’s latest exhibit unveils the contributions of LGBTs to Tinseltown in the last 90 years By Lydia Siriprakorn
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ot like you need another reason to celebrate, but it just wouldn’t be Pride Month if we didn’t celebrate the real heart and soul of the entertainment industry. That’s why The Hollywood Museum is joining the festivities by unveiling its latest exhibit, Reel to Real: Portrayals and Perceptions of Gays in Hollywood. Throughout June, the collection showcases how gays have been portrayed in Tinseltown, from early stereotypes to modern representations, through a collection of photos, costumes, props and imagery from film and television. Hollywood is home to a large LGBT population, and the exhibit aims to shine a spotlight on some of the industry’s unsung heroes while paying homage to past and present LGBT icons. “Some of it is familiar, some of it people will learn about. The exhibit tells how we have progressed,” says Steve Nycklemoe, Director of Operations and one of the exhibit’s chief curators. “It celebrates 90 years of contribution, made by actors or characters that they’ve portrayed, going back to the 1920s. Some of the stars are very recognizable and JUNE 10, 2015
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OH, MR. SHEFFIELD...
THE
GAY AGENDA
REEL TO REAL The Hollywood Museum June 11 - 20 thehollywoodmuseum.com
people didn’t give it a second thought. But people are now learning they were a great talent but also part of the LGBT community, instrumental in many ways people didn’t realize.” After opening last year to positive feedback and a rush of Facebook likes, Reel to Real is back by popular demand and will be a recurring, annual event. This year you can expect to see images of famous film and TV faces like Sean Hayes and Eric McCormack of Will and Grace, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet of Modern Family, Hilary Swank in Boys Don’t Cry and Sean Penn and James Franco from Milk, but there’s still plenty of room for surprises. “Each year we have familiar undertones,” says Dadigan, “but each year we also reveal new, never-beforeseen items. There will be pieces from last year’s exhibit but other highlights that will be brand-new.” The eclectic array of Hollywood treasures are loaned to the museum for the duration of the exhibit, so no two years will be alike. The collection is a trip down memory lane, but it also happens to be one of Hollywood’s best-dressed showcases, with costumes from the gay wedding on Days of Our Lives, Michael Douglas’ suit from Behind the Candelabra,
a cocktail dress that belongs to Elizabeth Taylor and outfits worn by Sonny Bono and Cher. Dadigan says there’s plenty to get excited about, whether you’re a first-timer or repeat museum visitor. “There isn’t one visitor who comes to the exhibit and doesn’t have at least one favorite character or show,” he says. There’s something for everyone to geek out on—film and history buffs included. But beyond the pop culture storytelling, for Dadigan, Reel to Real is a chance to educate and entertain while reminding us how far we’ve come. “I’m an ex-school teacher, and my goal is always to educate. It’s exciting for us to educate the public while we entertain them with key storylines and key film and TV characters that they’ve known and grown to love. To be able to tell the story of the LGBT community and for it to be relevant while entertaining fans—hopefully we’ll educate and there will be more tolerance.” Hoping to curate future exhibits that represent the wide range of work in the entertainment industry by members of the LGBT community, The Hollywood Museum encourages people to submit items for consideration. To submit an item, send an email to info@thehollywoodmuseum.com.
“SHE’S THE LADY IN RED when everybody else is wearing tan. She’s the flashy girl from Flushing, the nanny named Fran.” And she’s back! May 26 saw the release of The Nanny: The Complete Series on DVD ($150 on Amazon)—all 146 episodes on 19 discs, plus a neverbefore-seen interview with Fran Drescher and the show’s co-creator Peter Marc Jacobson (who is also her ex-husband and current gay best friend—long story). We asked Jacobson to tell us his best story from the early days of The Nanny—back in the early ‘90s—and here’s what he had to say: “Fran and I were married and living in our little house in Hancock Park. We had just finished filming the first season of The Nanny, and really hoped it would be picked up for a second season, so we decided to throw a big shindig in our backyard. All the big brass from CBS and Sony came, including Howard Stringer, the then-head of Sony. Everything was going perfectly until Fran bent down to offer him a cheese puff. Her sweater brushed against a candle and immediately went up in flames. Her manager Elaine calmly said, ‘Fran, you’re on fire,’ and without a beat Fran pulled off her literally smoking sweater and stood there naked from the waist up. Everyone stared at her, as Howard Stringer quickly took off his jacket and covered Fran’s naked body. It was really very scary. But we got picked up!” —S.H.
WHAT’S FOR DINNER? AFTER BURNING THE MIDNIGHT OIL—hell, even the 8 p.m. oil—the last thing you want to do is head home and sweat over a hot stove to put dinner on the table. Sure, you could do drive-thru, but with mankini season quickly approaching, you’re guaranteed to hate yourself in the morning. As of this month, L.A. has a brand-new food delivery option called Munchery, tailor-made for the workhorse Angeleno. When you’re starving but swamped, simply head online and check the day’s menu for dishes prepared by some of L.A.’s most talented chefs. With meals prepared by alums of Blowfish, L.A. Chapter and Claudine—among several others—you’ll know you’re indulging in a higher echelon of takeout. Just recently soft-launched, Munchery is currently only available on L.A.’s Westside but will be expanding over the summer to serve more of the city. Your forever hectic work schedule—and your newly crafted swimsuit bod—can hardly wait. munchery.com —Stephan Horbelt 36
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THE THE
GAY
Clockwise from left: Divine, Harry Hay, Sylvester, Harvey Milk, Del Martin, Phyllis Lyon
AGENDA
Holding Out for a Hero The latest openly gay superhero, Midnighter, stars in his own new comic series By Mike Ciriaco
S
ince the 1950s, legendary superhero Batman has faced accusations of being homosexual. For some reason, many readers perceived a wealthy bachelor running around in tights with his adolescent male ward as queer! In 1998, writer Warren Ellis extrapolated on the decades-long comic book trope by adding Midnighter to the cast of Stormwatch and its subsequent spin-off, Authority. An openly gay pastiche of the Dark Knight, Lucas ‘Midnighter’ Trent was introduced alongside his solar-charged, super-powered, same-sex lover Apollo, projecting the relationship between Batman and Superman had they been more than just superfriends. This June, the leather-clad skulbuster breaks out in his very own DC Comics solo series, penned by Steve Orlando, marking the first male gay hero to star in a mainstream title. “Midnighter is an icon for unstoppable belief in yourself,” says Orlando. “He has no conflict about who he is, what he is, and he doesn’t care who disagrees. And that type of confidence—that type of pride—is something I think we all aspire to—gay, straight, trans or otherwise.” It should be noted that while the series is heralded as the first mainstream title to star a gay male hero, this isn’t the vigilante’s first solo comic. In 2006, Midnighter enjoyed an eponymous run through Wildstorm, comic icon Jim Lee’s company that was eventually bought out by DC. In 2011, when DC rebooted its entire comic book continuity under the banner of ‘The New 52’—folding in all its acquired Wildstorm characters, including Midnighter—Lucas Trent had yet to marry Apollo, leaving their relationship much more open-ended. “When we met Midnighter in Stormwatch ‘98, he and Apollo had already been living together on the road for five years,” says Orlando. “Since his DCU debut, Midnighter and Apollo have only known each other for a few months. So in fact we’ve never seen Midnighter or Apollo at this point in their careers or their relationship. We’re in uncharted territory here, and I think that’s exciting!” Trent accompanies a niche of openly gay heroes alongside fellow DC crime fighters Batwoman and Bunker, as well as a few in the Marvel Comics universe—Wiccan, Hulking, Northstar, Shatterstar, Rictor and, as of last month, X-Men founding member Iceman. This partial list of out heroes is of course a larger, more diverse roster than back in 1998. Midnighter’s presence in comics was a strong influence on Orlando—one he hopes to bestow on young fanboys and girls. “Midnighter is a character that spoke to me when I was young, that influenced how I developed my own queer identity, beholden to myself, and not social expectations,” he says. “Now, if anything, I’m honored to be offering that moment for a new generation of readers. Midnighter is proud of who he is, and I want readers to be unabashedly proud of who they are.” Midnighter #1 is available June 3 (32 pp., $2.99) wherever comic books are sold.
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REASONS TO HAVE PRIDE IN 2015 By Drew Droege I GOT INTO A DISCUSSION (i.e., a throatchewing wig-slinging scream-fest) with a friend the other day who said we don’t need gay Pride events anymore, because we’ve come so far. “Every day is gay Pride now—why do we still need to single ourselves out?” He then proceeded to delicately sip his Grenache, blare the Fun Home soundtrack and call an UberX to the Arclight. Yes, we still have bigotry and hate crimes, and our sexual proclivities are being blamed for Amtrak accidents. But we also have it pretty damn good right now. I’m proud of that. I’m proud of our stories being told everywhere—the painful and tragic portraits will forever be important. But it’s so casually accepted to be gay now. That’s what’s huge to me. For the last two years, we’ve had a lesbian and then a gay man host the Oscars—no big deal. We’ve had major athletes and politicians come out and America said, “Cool, dude.” Commercials show LGBT people sipping Bud Light, and the world keeps turning. But that didn’t just happen, and it can all go away. Also, acceptance and normality shouldn’t be our endgame goals. They are wonderful things to have, but don’t forget that Harvey Milk and Phyllis Lyon and Harry Hay and Morris Kight and Divine fought for us to do more than put on khaki and go to Pottery Barn. I mean, I get it—Pottery Barn has delightful candles—but this year, do something for Pride. Put on a kaftan and strut like you’re on fire. Blare the delicious tunes of Sylvester. Bottom for Hillary. This July, go to Outfest and watch something about someone who represents a different portion of the LGBT community. The lesbian comedies are the funniest, the trans docs are beautiful and there are plenty of bisexual men who are not lying about it—and they are a blast. We have so far to go. We have so much to do. We can never forget or rest or shame or abandon or create too much or be the status quo. And for that, I’m proud of us, and I’m proud of you.
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TRAVEL
Marienplazt, the city square of Munich, today considered one of Europe’s most livable cities
Road Trip: Germany OFF THE
MAP
Here’s something those with an itch to travel will surely enjoy scratching. Whether you’re an international jetsetter with several continents under your belt or a navigation newbie, Restoration Hardware’s Mini Scratch Map ($24, 8564 Melrose Ave., WeHo) is a great addition to your home or office wall. Scratch off the gold finish of your previous tours and travels—or plan the vacation of your dreams—to reveal colorful countries underneath, a gorgeous log of your excursions.
A revved-up itinerary for the auto enthusiast on a driving tour of Deutschland By Eric Rosen
W
hat does one do when he’s already hit Berlin’s clubs, cycled along the Rhine and made business deals in Frankfurt? It’s time to get out on the open road and have a little fun, taking a spin around Germany’s major car towns, Munich and Stuttgart.
MOTORING THROUGH MUNICH Southern Germany’s metropolis, which has a daily non-stop Lufthansa flight right from LAX— along with a bit of gay historical fascination to it, thanks to the haphazard reign of Ludwig II, who had strong (and strongly repressed) homosexual tendencies —Munich is the hub of the country’s biggest businesses, which includes BMW. In fact, the auto complex is the city’s biggest tourist attraction these days, just a quick subway ride from the center of town. Spend a day getting your bearings in the beautifully restored old town, grazing among the food stalls of the Viktualienmarkt, checking out the imposing
edifices of the Marienplatz then climbing up the Alte Peter for views of the city with the Alps in the distance. No visit to the city would be complete without a stroll through the beautifully laid-out English Garden park, where you can watch surfers riding the “wave” in Eisbach River at the park’s southern edge. (If you visit in summer, don’t be surprised by a few nude sunbathers dotting the lawns.) Plan to spend a whole day at the BMW complex, beginning at the BMW Welt (bmw-welt.com/ en), a glittering visitor center built in 2007 that welcomes over 2 million each year and showcases the latest models of BMWs, Coopers and Rolls Royces. It’s also an auto delivery center, so if you’re in the market for a new ride, order a car ahead of time to your specifications, take ownership, drive down a ramp through the center of the building and head out onto the open road for a few days before leaving it at one of the company’s 14 European shipping drop-off locations to be shipped back to L.A. The complex also offers an on-demand car rental experience where you can choose from JUNE 10, 2015
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TRAVEL
IN SEARCH OF THE
WORLD’S
BEST
Dance Party
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BLACK & BLUE
Clockwise from left: Stuttgart’s Porsche Museum, riding the “wave” of Eisbach River in English Garden park, an auto display at the BMW Museum
POCKET DIC A few key phrases for cruising along the Autobahn Do you need a ride? Haben Sie eine Fahrt brauchen? Will you pump my gas? Sind Sie mein Gas zu pumpen? Pull up to my bumper, baby. Ziehen Sie auf meine Stoßstange, Baby.
20 different current models, ranging from a 225i to an M5 Limousine, and rent them by the hour or day. The BMW Museum actually opened in 1973 and is one of the oldest automobile museums in Germany. Its 120 exhibits span more than 90 years of the brand’s history, showcasing rare and vintage vehicles, like a pristine 507 Series roadster. The plant tour feels like going on a secret mission since no photos are allowed, and takes over two hours to cover the two miles of walking. By the end of your visit, you’ll be ready for a good meal. Luckily, there are four restaurants at the BMW Welt, including casual options Cooper’s and Biker’s Lodge, the upscale but informal Bavarie brasserie and, finally, chef Bobby Brauer’s Michelin two-star EssZimmer (esszimmer-muenchen.de/en). Dinner here is an all-evening affair with up to a dozen individual courses that might include anything from quail and hen egg with tamarind and brown bread crumbs to turbot with pumpkin purée in beurre blanc, not to mention a selection of dozens of cheeses and pairings from a Germanic-leaning wine list. Best of all, at the end of the evening, you’re chauffeured home in a BMW.
SPEEDING THROUGH STUTTGART This major manufacturing hub is about a twohour train ride from Munich and is home to
two of Germany’s most illustrious brands, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, so the city’s real draw are the two car companies’ museums (porsche.com, mercedes-benz.com). Porsche’s is smaller—a jagged, gleaming contemporary building designed by Vienna architecture firm Delugan Meissl. It is about 20 minutes outside town on the S-Bahn, mostly a retelling of the company’s history and the personalities behind it. There’s a nice restaurant called Christophorus here as well, in case you’re looking to linger for lunch. Far more engaging is Mercedes-Benz’s curvaceous visitor center and museum, designed by UN Studio, which practically recounts Germany’s entire history of car-making. There are great interactive exhibits contextualizing the company’s story in the broader sweep of history, fleets of vintage vehicles and some snazzy antique coupes on display, with a great little café for a post-visit nibble. Once back in Stuttgart, stop for a drink at the restaurant topping the train station tower, Bonatz (bonatz.de), which provides great city views, and then make reservations for dinner at Cube (cube-restaurant.de), a minimalistic restaurant serving gourmet contemporary fare atop the Kunstmuseum. It’s the perfect cap to a well-oiled jaunt through the land of auto innovation.
FOR A FIRST-CLASS PRIDE LONG A SUPPORTER of the LGBT community and the official airline sponsor of seven festivals across North America in 2015, Delta Air Lines is celebrating Pride Month in the flashiest and most first-class of ways. Those with plans to attend this year’s celebrations in Salt Lake City, Detroit, New York, Seattle and Minneapolis—and who are flying anytime within two days before or after the event weekend—can take advantage of a special first class fare sale. Because if you’re going to celebrate Pride, do it right—with added legroom, and complimentary beer, wine and cocktails! While you’ve already missed the deadline to book your trip to SLC and the Motor City, you have until June 6 to book a flight to New York, Seattle or Minneapolis-St. Paul. Find more info about these significantly reduced fares at delta.com/pridedeals. —Stephan Horbelt 44
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MONTRÉAL This year’s 25th anniversary celebration (to be held Oct. 7-13) is likely to draw close to 100,000 late-night partiers to Sunday’s main event. It’s the world’s largest dance event that’s also a benefit, raising money for LGBT causes, and boasts some of the world’s sexiest men as well. bbcm.org/en
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CIRCUIT FESTIVAL
BARCELONA One of the world’s biggest LGBT events (Aug. 5-16 this year), it features dozens of parties, each packed to the gills with shirtless men from all over Europe. Tuesday’s water park day is the definition of “fun in the sun.” circuitfestival.
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FULL MOON PARTY
KOH SAMUI Unlike the other events on our list, this beach party brings in 10-20K partiers monthly! Travelers from around the globe (most covered in UV paint) listen to international DJs spin trance and house through the early morning. kohsamui.org —S.H.
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TRAVEL
GOOD TO GO
L o c a te d i n S a n D i e g o’s Gaslamp Quarter, the iconic US Grant hotel (above) has created a fitness program for its guests. Before your stay you’ll select a personal trainer (opt for Olympian Luke Walton) who will customize a workout just for your stay. usgrant.net
Traverse the world one page at a time with the New York Times’ famed travel column in your pocket
I
n those moments when you find yourself amidst the sights and sounds of a worldclass destination but without time to smell the roses, The New York Times has always been there to offer assistance. Its “36 Hours” column has for more than a decade been hell-bent on crafting dream weekends in any given city in a limited amount of time. Those who haven’t steadfastly collected the newspaper’s columns through the years have been lucky to have famed publisher Taschen gather them in small volumes, but now, in a special set titled NYT. 36 Hours. World, three volumes covering 365 destinations worldwide have been collected in a special set ($150, 1,800 pp.). Barbara Ireland, a New York-based
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writer and former deputy travel editor of the Times who commissioned and edited many of the columns—and wrote a few as well—has edited this new collection, which is one of the most comprehensive looks at international travel to date. Organized alphabetically, the set covers hot spots and hideaways, recommending more than 1,500 restaurants and over 1,000 hotels, with detailed city maps. Purchase of the set also includes a keycard providing instant access to each destination’s digital edition, which means you’re able to access the city guides and tips of NYT. 36 Hours. World remotely from anywhere in the world—a practical benefit for the tech-savvy traveler who’d rather not break his back while on the road. —S.H.
Above, clockwise from top left: Abu Dhabi, UAE; Ibiza, Spain; Krakow, Poland; Turks and Caicos; Nice & Cote d’Azur, France; Malacca, Malaysia Below, from left: Tikal, Guatemala; Dakar, Senegal
Sonora Resor t in British Columbia, one of Canada’s top luxe wilderness retreats, has created the ultimate all-inclusive aventure for two called “Adventure Enthusiasts Unite.” You’ll stay in a Diamond Room, go deep-sea salmon fishing, boat around the coast and take a personal outdoor archery lesson. sonoraresort.com
COAST TO COAST
FRAMELINE FILM FESTIVAL
GAY WINE WEEKEND
FOLSOM STREET EAST
June 18-28 SF’s annual LGBTQ film fest, the world’s oldest, celebrates 39 years with 180 screenings around the Bay Area. Centerpieces include I Am Michael (James Franco and Zachary Quinto) and the premiere of new documentary Tab Hunter Confidential. frameline.org
June 19-21 S o n o m a Va l l e y celebrates its second annual Pride month with a series of programming culminating with a weekend of revelry. Events include a Twilight T-Dance, wine tastings, auctions, music , winery tours and a champagne brunch. outinthevineyard.com
June 21 The East Coast’s largest kink block par ty returns to NYC, themed “The New York You Were Warned About.” Between 10th and 11th on W. 27th, catch plenty of hot guys in harnesses and jockstraps, plus a beer garden and live performances. folsomstreeteast.com
A WORLD AWAITS: IMAGES COURTESY NEW YORK TIMES
Traveling with the Grey Lady
Available now through Sept. 3 0, Mandarin Oriental’s More in Miami package is a booking for two nights with a third evening free, plus either a spa treatment or waterfront Sunday brunch at Gastón Acurio’s La Mar. mandarinoriental.com
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health FOR YOUR
The
TOP 5 SEX TOYS for Gay Men
Get lost in the throes of climactic delight by investing in one of these sexy gadgets By Jim Larkins
H
ave the playthings in your naughty nightstand withstood decades of delight? If so, it might be time to grab your partner and head to a store that caters to the kid in all of us but is without a doubt for adults only. It takes a special kind of toy to reach a man’s most sensitive erogenous zones, and no one knows this better than Robin Jennings, Buying and Merchandising Manager for The Pleasure Chest, L.A.’s go-to emporium for everything sex-related. For your perusal, Jennings, who has been catering to the playfully promiscuous for over 15 years, considers the following collection of good-time gadgets the best she has to offer.
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FUN FACTORY COBRA LIBRE II Looking more like a sci-fi spaceship, this implement of erotica can be used during your next titillating tête-à-tête or when you’re in the mood for a bout of sexual solitaire. After inserting your penis, “deep, rumbling vibrations stimulate the head of the cock for explosive, hands-free orgasms,” claims Jennings. Use it while flaccid or hard, and take advantage of the waterproof feature by going below the Jacuzzis bubbling surface for a discreet, personal pantless party. $130
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FOR YOUR
health ATOMIC JOCK UNIT-X SLING Throw a gorilla grip on your man’s cock and balls with this three-way entry point cock-ring and he’ll stay at full salute until you get your fill. “This isn’t your average cock ring,” says Jennings. “Not only is the design sleek and sexy, it’s also incredibly comfortable and effective.” The way it works is the sling pushes the balls down and forward to produce an ironclad erection that’ll last so long you’ll be tempted to use it as an extra coat hook. $22
3 ANEROS VICE You’ll have to think of a new excuse to call off work when you plug this little prober into your back door and flip on the vibration switch. “The innovative design of the vice gives a targeted, hands-free prostate massage,” claims Jennings. Having already dominated the market in deepdiving pleasure toys, the folks at Aneros have outdone themselves with this state-of-the-art prostate prober that blesses you with blissful pulsations both internally and externally. $140
FITNESS WITH AARON SAVVY
4
OXBALLS MUSCLE COCK SHEATH Both you and your lover will swear you’ve been blessed with a dick-gripping glove from above when you don this simple yet pleasurable appliance. The added girth and length will give you pornstar dimensions, taking your man on an unforgettable thrill ride. But you’ll also savor the sensations of internal ridges that rub you the right way with every thrust. “Use it as a stroker or for an extra fulfilling night with your partner,” says Jennings. Available in black or clear, $65
Find all of these toys—and many more—at The Pleasure Chest, 7733 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo, thepleasurechest.com
Is there a reason I shouldn’t work my arms, legs and entire body in the same gym session?
How important is cutting alcohol if I’m looking to slim down for Pride season?
If your intention is to lift heavy and stay in the 8-12 rep range, then working all those muscle groups in one gym session is overkill. You can, however, do a circuit train, where you’re incorporating resistance training with cardio. Your reps are high and your weights are low, and you work two or more muscle groups in one given exercise.
Alcohol carries empty calories, and sugary drinks are even worse. Empty calories mean zero nutrition and a spike in fat gain. If you’re looking to get cut for Pride, a fast in alcohol is your ticket. Also avoid saturated fat, starchy foods and dairy. Eating clean, hydrating with water and working out will ensure you look your best for this year’s Pride.
—Bradley, Long Beach
➸ Send your questions to aaronsavvy@ gmail.com
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5
NJOY PFUN Pierce your man’s rim with this little pleasure pal and he’ll soon agree that stainless steel isn’t just for the kitchen. “The weight and shape of this toy is perfect for extended wear and explosive prostate stimulation,” says Jennings. Because this type of metal warms up to the task of insertion quickly, it is naturally a very butt-friendly bullet. Also, the slick, hard surface will easily get past the entry point of even the tightest of tight-asses. $95
—Jason, Hollywood
HOODIE: © SHARPLANINAC | NAKED GUY: EKHPHOTO | SEXY WOMAN: SAKKMESTERKE | TV STATIC: JON HELGASON | DREAMSTIME.COM
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YOUR
NEW FAVORITE
GYM MIX By DJ Kevin O’Connor & DJ Taco Tuesday 1. “Don’t Stop” Sylvester
Off the Couch
2. “I Called U (The Conversation)”
By Dr. Greg Cason
Lil Louis and The World
HOODIE: © SHARPLANINAC | NAKED GUY: EKHPHOTO | SEXY WOMAN: SAKKMESTERKE | TV STATIC: JON HELGASON | DREAMSTIME.COM
No Thanks, I’ll Pass
3. “Power of Love” Deee-lite
Will asexuals—those not attracted to either males or females— be the next contingent in our annual Pride parades?
4. “Don’t Wanna Fall in Love”
B
5. “Move Your Body”
ruce Jenner’s courageous interview with Diane Sawyer may have been a turning point in transgender awareness throughout the nation. It was good for gays, too, as it discussed the difference between being homosexual and transgender. As Sawyer noted, gender and sexual orientation are two different things—gender is who you go to bed as, sexual orientation is who you go to bed with. But what if you do not experience sexual attraction to anyone? Where do you fit in? There is one sexual orientation so hidden that it doesn’t even show up in the LGBT acronym—those who identify as “asexual.” Asexuality is considered a lack of sexual attraction to either sex, however, someone who is asexual can be romantically attracted to men, women, both or neither. According to a 2004 study by Bogart published in The Journal of Sex Research, approximately 1% of the population identifies as asexual. Now, many of us have had periods of no sex, either by choice or force of circumstances, but that does not make one asexual. Many in that situation—priests, prisoners, medical patients—will tell you they still have sexual thoughts and desires but are simply unable to act on them, and after a while the lack of sexual behavior leads to fewer thoughts and desires, making it easier to manage. But that still does not make them asexual. What makes an asexual is biology, not circumstance. Perhaps the biggest problem for those who are asexual is getting others to understand them. Most can’t fathom not desiring something so many of us crave. To make matters a bit more complicated for those who like to put people in boxes, asexual folks can also identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or straight. A person could identify as an “asexual lesbian,” meaning that she identifies herself as a female in gender and has a romantic attraction to women but has no desire to have sex. She could even be a “transgender asexual lesbian” meaning she was born into the body of a male but identifies as female, has romantic attractions to other females but has no desire to have sex. This can be very tough to explain in a world where sex is everywhere. Television, movies, magazines, billboards and the internet all present sex on a daily basis. Gay events like circuit parties, L.A.’s annual Halloween carnival and Pride festivities are often an excuse to wear very little and end with “meeting” as many people as possible. All of this can be a rather nice thing to those of us interested in sex, but it is a daily reminder to those who are asexual that they are “different”—much the same way gays are reminded they are different by stepping out into a world that is mostly heterosexual.
That difference can present a whole set of problems for the person who is asexual, especially in the health care and mental health fields, where sex and sexuality are often part of the discussion. Though they may admit to their health care providers that they are not currently having sex, most will not identify as asexual for fear of prejudice and pathologizing by their provider. For years, a lack of sexual attraction has been viewed as abnormal by both the health care community and society. It’s often seen as symptomatic of a mental or physical illness, including a history of abuse or sexual trauma. With the additional pathology of those who enjoy frequent sexual encounters and porn (i.e., the overuse of “sexual addiction”), it almost seems like many in society, including the gay world, take the “Goldilocks approach” to sexuality—it has to be “just right” to be acceptable. But what is “just right”? Relationships can also present special problems. Asexuals who desire romantic relationships are often confronted with a lack of understanding. Their partners demand that they “fix the problem,” and friends and family keep telling them they just need to meet the right man or woman. Those who do not even desire romantic relationships are constantly being asked “why?” by everyone. Still, there are some advantages. From an evolutionary standpoint, maybe nature knows what it’s doing when making some people asexual. Not only does being asexual limit population growth, there’s also no chance of getting a sexually transmitted infection. As a result, asexual people may be able to support society when others are compromised by STDs or the burdens of raising a family. Though it may not be the last sexual orientation we hear about, it may be the next. Phoenix Gay Pride had an asexual contingent in its parade; will L.A. be next? If you consider yourself asexual or are just curious about asexuality, it would be good to get yourself connected and educated. The 2011 movie (A)sexual shows several people living out and proud as asexuals. Another great resource is the website asexuality.org, or you can look up the group AVEN (Asexual Visibility and Education Network). And if you are not asexual, it might be good to expand your horizons of understanding—you know, the way you’ve asked your heterosexual bretheren to do with you.
Contact Dr. Greg Cason by going to DrGreg.com, or interact with him on Twitter @DrGregCason
Jane Child Frankie Knuckles
6. “Can’t Get Enough” Liz Torres
7. “Don’t Try to Fight It” Da Posse
8. “Tie Me Up (Chicken Lips Trax Dub Pt. 2)” Land Shark
9. “Deklab Ave (Beat Mix)” 2 Bitches From Queens
10. “Passion” The Flirts
Find Kevin and Oscar in L.A. when their popular San Francisco party Pound Puppy gets sweaty here in SoCal. They’re bringing their beats to Eagle L.A. on Friday, May 29. Don’t miss it. eaglela.com JUNE 10, 2015
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FOR YOUR
health
An HIV magazine for gay and bisexual men
NAVIGATING PrEP
Ken Almanza
APLA’s new expert wants to remove the stigma of HIV prevention’s latest tool By Patrick Rosenquist mentary team from the Netherlands wanted to work with him to illustrate his journey. The country was considering integrating the regimen into their health network, and this team figured he would make a good poster boy for its benefits. They flew to L.A. and worked on a project together. This expertise and knowledge of the drug made Almanza a natural choice for APLA’s PrEP Navigator, a job he took just last month. Almanza’s role is simple, according to him—he simplifies all the information, disinformation and myths surrounding the drug. He and APLA are devising a strategy for dispensing PrEP, including screening those who inquire about it. For new patients, he always asks two questions—what do you know about PrEP, and why do you want to take it? This simple opener—along with a judgment-free attitude—lets Almanza figure out if the person truly needs the drug or even understands how it works. “Sometimes there’s a mental health issue or a drug dependency, in which case we tell them, ‘OK, we will get to PrEP, but maybe first you should try remedying this first,’” he says, adding, “We want to address everything else before starting them on PrEP.” The process at the Gleicher/Chen Center includes a full physical, STD screening and a liver and kidney checkup. Patients gets a 30-day supply and must come back every month for a refill. “I’m very cognizant of missed appointments,” says Almanza. Such a thorough process will hopefully allow people to see that PrEP is one tool that can be used to maintain overall health. “It leads to better health for the entire community,” he believes. “I tell patients, you’re here because you care about your body,” says Almanza, “and I really commend them for that.” For more info on the Gleicher/Chen Health Center (3743 S. La Brea Ave., Baldwin Hills) and its PrEP program, go to apla.org.
UNDERSTANDING RUSSIA’S HIV ISSUE
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op Russian HIV expert Va d i m P o k r ovs k y blasted Vladimir Putin’s government on May 14 for conservative policies he claims has led to a rapidly worsening epidemic in the country. Russia now has more than 900,000 diagnosed HIV patients, compared to half a million in 2010. Pokrovsky expects that number to double in four or five years, with the actual amount of HIV infections to hit 3 million. “The last five years of the conservative approach have led to the doubling of the number of HIV-infected people,” he told Agence France-Presse, a Paris-based international news agency. Pokrovsky, who is the head of the country’s AIDS Center, contrasted Russia’s situation to Germany, which has Europe’s lowest rate of infection. Germany’s acceptance of drug replacement therapy, legal prostitution and comprehensive sex education are thought to have stalled the disease. All of those tactics are currently banned by Russian law. “It has not justified itself,” he said, referring to Putin’s socially conservative approach to HIV prevention. Pokrovsky also told Agence France-Presse that 90,000 new infections occurred last year. The disease has hit 25 to 35-year-olds the hardest, with unprotected heterosexual contact and IV drug use being the primary drivers of infection. About 1% of Russians are currently living with HIV. —P.R.
For more information about these topics and others of importance in the fight against HIV, go to FrontiersMedia.com. 56
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“PREP MAKES YOU think more closely about your behavior,” says Ken Almanza, the newly appointed PrEP Navigator at AIDS Project Los Angeles’ Gleicher/Chen Health Center. “You take a pill every day, and you think about your actions— do I want to take this for the rest of my life?” Almanza, who is 32, is now the point-of-contact for anyone who comes into the APLA-run clinic interested in the pre-exposure prophylactic, which when taken daily has been proven to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV by 99.9%. The clinic, which opened last fall, is located in Baldwin Hills, offering comprehensive health coverage for all— dental work, mental wellness, STD screening and treatment. Almanza’s position is an expansion of APLA’s Pendleton/Goldman PrEP Program, with himself as the lynchpin making navigating this relatively new treatment both approachable and accessible to gay men and other high-risk groups. Almanza himself is on a PrEP regimen, and he has been vocal with his advocacy and desire to create a useful strategy for informing patients about the drug and screening those who have the aptitude and need to take it. He first became interested in PrEP three years ago, while following the newest trends in social work. When he came across a study for the drug, he signed up as a participant. When he told his mother about his decision, she scolded him. “Why would you put that poison in your body?” She asked. Almanza, who is of Hispanic heritage, had a realization—while PrEP was promising, cultural attitudes could be a huge barrier to adoption. So he decided to do something simple—he would document his experience with PrEP via video. Maybe someone out there would listen. “It was just me talking to my phone, and it just suddenly spread like wildfire. I had never been part of something that grew so fast,” Almanza says. Aiming for transparency and honesty, he told his personal story, and the world listened. “I fielded emails and messages from South Asia, Europe, even Dubai,” he says. Soon, a docu-
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events
nightlife
theater
exhibits Production still from Marlon Riggs’ Tongues Untied, 1989
■ Fri. | May 29 WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? Saba Theatre
■ Through June 17 TOMORROWLAND El Capitan Theatre
A special engagement for the film features internationally acclaimed magician Greg Wilson presenting an all-new show before each screening. Guests will also get a behindthe-scenes look at how filmmakers created the world of Tomorrowland through costumes, props and concept drawings. elcapitantickets.com ■ Thu. | May 28 LOS ANGELES DESIGN FESTIVAL Throughout L.A.
Returning for its fifth straight year, this citywide creative celebration features over 70 events representing the city’s diversity and talent. Making L.A. shine as a global design capital, the festival showcases individuals and organizations across all design disciplines. Through June 14. ladesignfestival.org
TONGUES UNTIED: COURTESY OF SIGNIFYIN’ WORKS
■ Fri. | May 29 CONTACT IN THE DESERT Joshua Tree Retreat
It’s a weekend of exploration into ancient astronauts, extraterrestrial life, crop circles, UFO sightings and the need to know. The History Channel’s Ancient Aliens host Giorgio A. Tsoukalos is a guest. Through May 31. contactinthedesert.com
A gut-busting 90-minutes of improvised comedy with the cast of the Emmy-nominated show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, it adopts some of viewers’ favorite Whose Line games, built on audience suggestion. whoseliveanyway.com ■ Fri. | May 29 CURIOUS CONVERSATIONS The Eclectic Company
The worlds of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass are a springboard for eight new short plays. This show promises to be as strange and wonderful as the books that inspired it. Through June 28. eclecticcompanytheatre.org ■ Fri. | May 29 MARY POPPINS La Mirada Theatre
Through magic and common sense, new nanny Mary Poppins teaches a family how to value each other again. Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, this adaptation has a score filled with timeless classics like the Oscar-winning “Chim-Chim Cheree.” Through June 21. lamiradatheatre.com ■ Fri. | May 29 DWELL ON DESIGN LOS ANGELES L.A. Convention Center
This weekend-long exhibition and conference capping off Dwell Design Week is comprised of one trade day and two consumer days featuring worldclass speakers, product demonstrations, classes for design professionals and seminars for design-seeking consumers. Through May 31. dwellondesign.com
Inside the Crisis
MOCA looks back at the AIDS epidemic through the lens of activist art By Mike Ciriaco
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lifted a snippet of the film during his campaign ride is a double-edged sword. While it to decry it as “pornographic and blasphemous provides an opportunity to celebrate art.” Riggs responded with an op-ed piece in political victories of the LGBT community, The New York Times criticizing Republican racial it also carries the responsibility of acknowlpersecution and apathy towards the AIDS crisis, edging our losses. Just as this year’s L.A. Pride stating, “the vilest form of obscenity these days marks the 30th anniversary of West Hollywood, is in our nation’s leadership.” To Matalon, Riggs when the municipality was being founded, gay is not just a gay hero but an American hero. populaces across the nation were being ravaged “Marlon Riggs is an important artist not by the AIDS epidemic. only for every gay man in L.A. to know about In June, that travesty will be examined with but for everyone to know about, everywhere,” the opening of Tongues Untied, a new exhibit she says. “He worked to give voice and visibilexploring the crisis through artwork of the era. ity to a specific community of black gay poets Its centerpiece is the same-named film by poet and activists—a community that was not being and gay activist Marlon Riggs. The 1989 featurerepresented, that had very little reflection in the length video essay, which will be screened every mainstream culture or media.” hour on the hour, combines documentary and Riggs’ film is complemented in the exhibit by archival footage with personal testimony, music works from John Boskovich and Felix Gonzalezand dance to examine the experience of black Torres. Boskovich’s IT Series—38 matted gays at the tail end of the 20th century. polaroids of the artist’s apartment—presents “Tongues Untied is a historical document domestic images ranging from TV-watching of a period, and it documents a community to sexual encounters, culminating in the decimated by the AIDS crisis. Its emoAIDS-related death of his partner. tional bravery, formal innovation, TONGUES Gonzalez-Torres’ Untitled (A Corner humor, eroticism and humanity are UNTIED of Baci) consists of a two-pound pile exemplary,” says Rebecca Matalon, MOCA Pacific of Peruvian chocolates. Patrons are Curatorial Assistant and organizer of Design Center encouraged to partake of the treat, the exhibit. “Many of the men who June 6 - Sept. 13 which serves as a metaphor for loss appear in Riggs’ film would die from moca.org (of weight, of hope, of friends and complications related to AIDS, includlovers) and renewal. Through the coming Riggs himself. Of course, meaning bined works of this artistic troika, Matalon changes over time, and always in relation wants to illuminate the severity of the AIDS crisis. to our present. That being said, in the film’s “It’s my hope that people of my generation address of both racism and homophobia— and younger generations who experienced the scenes of police brutality against black men, AIDS/HIV crisis as children or teenagers—or for example—it’s all too clear how far we still who were born after the invention of ‘the cockhave to go in the fight for political equality.” tail’ and have little or no understanding of the The exhibit both shines a spotlight on how crisis beyond a historical footnote—will see the HIV devastated the black gay community and show,” she says. “Of course I am also hoping that exposes the importance of Riggs’ activism to people who experienced firsthand tremendous a new LGBT generation. After Tongues Untied and devastating loss due to AIDS/HIV will view was first broadcast on PBS in 1991, conservative the exhibition.” presidential candidate Patrick Buchanan illegally JUNE 10, 2015
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■ ■ ■ ■ DRAGSTRIP 66 FUNDRAISER Akbar June 5 akbarsilverlake.com
■ Sat. | May 30 SUZANNE WESTENHOEFER Renberg Theatre
After a seven-year break, a legend of queer comedy, Suzanne Westenhoefer, returns to celebrate 25 years in the business. This bold, brazen lesbian tells candid life stories through a uniquely twisted point-of-view. lalgbtcenter.org
■ Sat. | May 30 VERTIGO Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Cinespia’s latest screening is Alfred Hitchcock’s haunting masterpiece—1958 classic Vertigo, the story of a cop with a crippling fear of heights who attempts to rescue a woman possessed by a spirit of the past. cinespia.org ■ Sat. | May 30 HYDROGEN JUKEBOX Crafted Warehouse
Long Beach Opera puts a spin on America’s countercultural revolution with a multifaceted staging of this prophetic Philip Glass/Allen Ginsberg opera. Through a kaleidoscope of flower power, politics, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll and spirituality, take a wild ride into the past. Through June 7. longbeachopera.org
■ Mon. | June 1 SINK OR SWIM: DESIGNING FOR A SEA CHANGE Aquarium of the Pacific
As part of its commitment to ocean and climate science, the aquarium presents an exhibition examining housing and infrastructure responses to rising seas, coastal flooding and increasingly powerful storm surges tied to global climate change. Through September. aquariumofpacific.org
SNAP SHOTS ✱
East Side watering hole Akbar hosts a fundraiser for the upcoming Dragstrip 66 ‘frockumentary’ IT’S TIME TO STRAP ON YOUR HEELS, beat your mug and raise some coinage for a good cause. On June 5, East Side watering hole Akbar will roll out a pink carpet to raise funds for Dragstrip 66: The Frockumentary. The upcoming documentary will chronicle the legendary 20-year reign of the local drag-centric bacchanal that ended its run in 2013, and the party will feature live performances by Kay Sedia of Chico’s Angels, John Cantwell and Dragstrip 66 co-founder Gina Lotriman. Drag is of course encouraged at the fundraiser-meets-dance party. The film traces back to 1993, when Lotriman (aka Mr. Dan) partnered with DJ Paul V. (who co-directed the doc with Phil Scanton) to create a carnival of cutting-edge music and experimental fashion. Described as “John Waters directing KISS as styled by Bob Mackie and Goodwill,” the party’s midnight stage shows attracted the talents of local talents like Coco Peru, Jackie Beat and Sharon Needles, all of whom also appear in the film. The documentary crystalizes a lost chapter in L.A.’s gay nightlife history, so tuck yourself and sashay east to support your local queer history. —M.C.
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BEARDO WEIRDO | DRAGONFLY | Photos by Jeremy Lucido
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Fundraising Is a Drag
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A popular local work by featured artist Plastic Jesus
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ROTHSCHILD | MMHMMM AT THE STANDARD | Photos by Nareth Chuon
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THE ART OF PHILANTHROPY
APLA’s annual Art Project L.A. event raises funds for HIV/AIDS services
DRAGSTRIP 66: COURTESY PAUL V.
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attention around town when his month, Mark he installed a series of “No Rothko’s “Untitled, Kardashian Parking” street (Yellow and Blue)” signs around Hollywood. He was auctioned off at Sothethen catapulted to global by’s for $46.5 million. While notoriety days before this many a philistine bemoaned year’s Academy Awards the purchase as a waste of when he erected a life-sized money for something their Oscar statuette snorting preschooler could have fincocaine mere yards away ger-painted, it proves that from the ceremony’s red carart can pull in the big bucks. pet. His most quintessenWhile Rothko’s masterful tial work, though, is color field painting the “Stop Making is no longer up Stupid People for grabs, you’ll ART Famous” phrase have plenty of PROJECT L.A. he’s been stenother options Bonhams Auction House ciling around when Art June 6 town since Projec t L . A . apla.org 2008, a canvas returns on June of which will be 6. Hosted at Bonon this year’s auchams in Hollywood, tion block. the annual art auction, Other local artists repnow in its fifth year, sells resent a hodgepodge of ethpieces donated from both nicity, gender and age. At one well-known and rising local end of this spectrum is Ben artists to benefit AIDS ProjCuevas, a young, queer, HIVect Los Angeles. positive artist who specialFe a tu r i n g a h o s te d izes in knitting as a medium reception with complimenand has donated several tary hors d’oeuvres and of his “Medicine Cabinet” cocktails, the evening’s focal pieces to the auction. At the points are the silent and live other end is Michael Becker, auctions. Past years have a self-taught 77-year-old featured works by prominent photographer who, after sufartists like David Hockney, fering insomnia as a result Andy Warhol and Keith of painful back surgery, Haring, and this year conbegan photoshopping tinues to boast star power images taken on his variwith the inclusion of Tom ous journeys around the of Finland’s “Perfection” globe. He will be auctionand Salvador Dali’s “Space ing off the hyper-saturated Elephant.” These big names “Reflections New York 2.” are bolstered by a number of Like Rothko’s work, Becker’s local contemporary talents. is bright yellow and blue, but Most visible of these we’d say it’s a much better locals is this year’s featured bargain for a far more noble artist, Plastic Jesus. The L.A.cause. —M.C. based street artist garnered JUNE 10, 2015
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■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Wed. | June 3 L.A. GREEK FILM FESTIVAL Egyptian Theatre
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BEARS IN SPACE | AKBAR | Photos by Rolling-Blackouts
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The ninth annual festival returns as the only one of its kind in SoCal to offer award-winning films, documentaries and shorts focusing on Greek themes and from Greek filmmakers. Industry pros give practical advice throughout the event. Through June 7. lagff.org ■ Thu. | June 4 TOUCH THURSDAYS The Abbey
Thursday nights in WeHo are as gay as it gets when The Abbey invites everyone to live it up on the dance floor alongside some of the city’s sexiest go-go gods. abbeyfoodandbar.com ■ Thu. | June 4 THE CLAW Theatre West
Young Hugo Bridge wants to clone his father, who was torn apart by a monster-size bird creature in a remote jungle. He seeks assistance in achieving his plans with the aid of Dr. Felicity Merriweather, a beautiful med student, with whom he has fallen in love. Through June 21. theatrewest.org ■ Fri. | June 5 GREAT HORROR CAMPOUT Griffith Park Abandoned Zoo
This 12-hour, overnight, interactive adventure lets campers choose their level of horror, from extreme adventure to a more mild experience. On the agenda are horror movies and arts and crafts (for wimps) or mass graves and blood tag (for the adventurous). greathorrorcampout.com
■ Sat. | June 6 MR. CHRISTOPHER STREET WEST LEATHER CONTEST The Bullet
Celebrating 45 years of L.A. Gay Pride, the contest for this year’s Mr. CSW Leather will take place at the Valley’s most popular leather bar. Earlier in the week, on June 4, a meet-and-greet with the contestants will take place at Eagle L.A. bulletbarla.com 66
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■ Sat. | June 6 KORDA: REVOLUTIONARY PHOTOGRAPHER Museum of Latin American Art
Cuban photographer Alberto Díaz Gutiérrez, better known as Korda, is renowned for his iconic photograph “Guerrillero Heroico.” The 1960 portrait of Marxist Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara, one of the most widely reproduced images in the world, is presented alongside other Cuban Revolution-era photos from the ‘50s to ‘60s. Through Aug. 2. molaa.org ■ Sun. | June 7 MATILDA THE MUSICAL Ahmanson Theatre
An extraordinary girl armed with a vivid imagination and sharp mind dares to take a stand and change her destiny. Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, Matilda The Musical won 50 international awards, including four Tonys. centertheatregroup.org ■ Sun. | June 7 WATERFALL Pasadena Playhouse
This groundbreaking collaboration between American and Asian theatrical artists is based on a contemporary classic Thai novel, Behind the Painting, by Sriburapha. Thai superstar Bie Sukrit makes his U.S. stage debut in this epic love story set in Bangkok and Tokyo. Through June 28. pasadenaplayhouse.org ■ Sun. | June 7 SIZE Here Lounge
This Tom Whitman weekly party celebrates more than a decade of great Sunday afternoons. Expect to find a gorgeous group of guys imbibing and dancing before starting up the work week. tomwhitmanpresents.com
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HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL Various local theaters June 11-28 hollywoodfringe.org
FRINGE BENEFITS Hollywood’s largest celebration of the performing arts returns with a playbill of LGBT offerings
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hile the majority of Pride revelry will be centered in West Hollywood, be sure not to neglect opportunities for a gay old time just east of Boystown. On June 11, the Hollywood Fringe Festival returns to tons of local venues, and many of its original theater works explore queer themes and feature gay casts and production teams. If you need a palate cleanser from all that WeHo Pride decadence, simply head over to Hollywood and refresh with one of these gay-friendly productions. —M.C.
Queer Classic’s Taming of the Shrew Casey Kringlen, notable for reimagining Romeo and Juliet and The Importance of Being Earnest within a same-sex context, this time explores gender themes by recasting Shakespeare’s Kate and Petruchio as trans and setting them in the 1950s. Other Space Theater, June 6-21 California Kiki This late-night one-man show starring Brett MacMahon interweaves tales of his childhood with songs by Streisand, Queen and Beyoncé. The narrative follows his teenage journey to L.A. to pursue his dream of stardom, using popular music to explore themes of love, sex, substance abuse and self worth. Three Clubs, June 7-23 The Desperate Yogi An HIV-positive yoga instructor schleps to India in search of a mystic cure. Instead, he discovers a pantheon of Hindu deities that provide him with what his soul is truly seeking. Flight Theater, June 7-27 Coffee Tea or Me Out storyteller Les Kurkendaal returns to Hollywood Fringe with special guest Marlene Nichols as they combine spoken word and stand-up to tell the tale of man and his radio embarking on a road trip. Theater Asylum, June 6-26 The Snail This Italian import tells the touching tale of a trans boy and his complicated relationship with his parents. No spoilers, but expect a surprise ending. Theater Asylum, June 14-27 68
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EATINGOUT
Go West, Young Man S
a more accurate description. Springtime anta Monica has become a veritable has brought in fresh produce—a plethora of hotbed lately with recent openings ingredients from the farm to the kitchen— that have included Brilliantshine, and one standout dish incorporates sevCadet, Santa Monica Yacht Club and now eral heirloom varieties of carrots, slightly Aestus. The seasonal kitchen here is helmed charred but crunchy, served with green by executive chef Alex Ageneau, whom vadouvan, kumquats and a healthy dollop you might recognize from previous stints at of creamy, whipped goat cheese, drizzled Patina and The Royce at the Langham Hotel with argan oil. in Pasadena, though he originally hails from The beef tartare comes topped with France’s Loire Valley. thinly sliced, smoked blood-red beats that The 75-seat space (15 at the bar, 60 provide an earthy counterpoint to the deliat tables) feels familiar, taking, as it does, cately chopped meat, which is tossed in Mid-Century Modern décor as its aesthetic. a light horseradish with a supple orange That means minimalist tables and chairs, egg yolk perched atop the presentation an open floor plan (if your date is boring, and served with hear ty you can always watch what’s grilled crostini. A bowl of going on in the kitchen) and rustic risotto-style farrotto sculptural light fixtures. is tossed with bright green That said, the ambiance fava beans, shitake mushis anything but cold, and the rooms, grassy nasturtium knowledgeable waitstaff is leaves and a poached egg on-hand to elaborate on the for a little heft. It is at once ingredient list-style menu and light but rich. Each bite of the offer suggestions on what to simple chilled pea soup with sip from bar director Marissa mint, lime and radish holds a Grasmick’s (she used to be Aestus new promise of spring. at Downtown’s The Varnish) 507 Wilshire Blvd., SaMo Mains include a grasscocktail menu. “The Approve” (424) 268-4433 fed flatiron steak and firewith rye whiskey, citrusy dry aestusrestaurant.com roasted half chicken, but curaçao and Angostura bit$$$$$ the juicy halibut fillets with ters is a strong but simple English peas and pea tenoption, while the house gin Atmosphere drils, a light Meyer lemon and tonic livens a dull drink Contemporary California brasserie broth and paper-thin slices with house -made tonic , of chorizo on top is the orange bitters, maraschino Standout Dishes most refined and satisfyliqueur and a dash of soda. Roasted carrots, beef tartare ing. Desserts include a rice The wine list, meanwhile, was Drinks pudding-style millet dish with put together by former Spago The “Approve” cocktail fresh cranberry coulis and wine director Kevin O’Connor Hours pistachio crisps, grapefruit (who also co-founded Lioco 6-10 p.m. daily, sorbet and a frozen chocolate winery in Sonoma). 11:30a.m.-2 p.m. Mon-Fri, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat–Sun. mousse, though like the rest The menu claims to be of the menu, that will change New American, though farmReservations with the seasons. —Eric Rosen driven Californian is probably Recommended
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The best in TV, film, music and more
The Power of Pop
On the heels of a brand-new single, pop-rockers Neon Trees are about to embark on an intimate tour of club gigs By Stephan Horbelt
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he last time Frontiers spoke with Neon Trees lead singer Tyler Glenn—coincidentally one year ago, for our 2014 L.A. Pride issue—the bombastic frontman had just stunned the media by not merely coming out as gay but as a man uninterested in rebuking his Mormon faith. Since then, the Utah native has toured the world, treating fans to his band’s signature blend of rock-infused pop hits and an over-the-top stage show. But despite releasing a brand-new single on May 5 (”Songs I Can’t Listen To,” about the ability of music to spark up the past), Glenn has since taken on a new role altogether—that of ambassador for the LGBT community in Utah, where he’s hard at work to make important changes in the state. We spoke with Glenn about his work in that arena, as well as the band’s touring plans and when we can expect a fourth album. FRONTIERS: This is maybe a loaded question, but what have you been up to the last year? TYLER GLENN: Well, since we last spoke the band toured, and I’ve been doing a lot of local work here in the state with Equality Utah, and we’re trying to make changes here, because there’s always a lot of work to do. But we’re making some cool steps here, which is exciting, and we just put out a new single and now we’re going on tour again. So it’s kind of coming full circle. F: We last spoke the morning after you guys had started your Pop Psychology tour in Nashville. How was the rest of that tour? TG: It was amazing. The most colorful, larger-than-life version
A KNOCK-DOWN, DRAG-OUT FIGHT
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he gay fighting game you never know you wanted is here, in the form of madcap new iOS/Android game Gay Fighter Supreme. In it, 10 over-the-top LGBT characters duke it out for the title of Gay Fight Champion, while the League of Oppressive Self-Righteous Zealots plot behind the scenes. Fighters include drag queen Carrie Cupcake, twink Timmy Spears, leather bear Bardwell and voguer Devon Devastation. In case you hadn’t guessed, the game is firmly tongue-in-cheek, and proud of it. “The idea for Gay Fighter Supreme arose from banter between friends discussing our mutual love for ‘90s fighting games,”
says Michael Patrick, the game’s founder/creator. “The characters are all influenced by dated jokes, pop culture icons and camp. We wanted it to be like a Pride parade gone rogue.” The creators are aware not everyone will see it that way, and they’re prepared for a backlash. “Anyone who mistakenly views the game as offensive or feels it perpetuates gay stereotypes is missing the point,” says co-creator Melchor Cardenas. “If it does offend someone, we hope it inspires them to create a fun queer-themed game of their own.” Give the game a go; it’s out now for iOS and Android smartphones. —Dominic Preston JUNE 10, 2015
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film THE FAREWELL PARTY Opens June 7
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Here’s a film that uses comedy to address the moral issues around euthanasia. While some viewers may happily swallow the cupful of honey needed to make this cloying Israeli film palatable, others will not be amused. A handful of elderly characters assist in various mercy killings, subverting authority but also grappling with squishy ethics. However, too much of the film’s humor—like a gay senior being outed when he is discovered literally naked and in a closet—is as obvious as the points about dementia and wanting to die with dignity. The Farewell Party is so insipid that it may raise ire rather than spirits. —Gary M. Kramer
*****
The junkie experience of Heaven Knows What is grungy and authentic, a piss-stained love letter to the fringes so redolent you can smell the desperation and unkempt hygiene of its protagonists. Directed by Ben and Joshua Safdie and starring Arielle Holmes (based on her unpublished memoir Mad Love in New York City), it follows the downward spiral of Harley (Holmes), her selfish inamorata Ilya (an unrecognizable Caleb Landry Jones), drug dealer Mike (Buddy Duress) and a rotating company of homeless addicts. It’s a tough movie with a busy electronic soundtrack and muted, evocative cinematography by Sean Price Williams. It’s an admirable though distant film; exactly right on the surface yet as emotionally numbed as its narcotic-addled characters. —Dan Loughry
IN THE NAME OF MY DAUGHTER Now showing
*****
G a y w r i t e r/d i r e c t o r André Téchiné’s juicy drama about greed, love and betrayal is set in 1976 Nice. A fictional tale based on true events, the film has Renée Le Roux (Catherine Deneuve) assuming control of a struggling casino with the assistance of Maurice Agnelet (Guillaume Canet). When Maurice is denied a promotion and Renée’s daughter Agnès has her inheritance delayed, the young couple unseats Renée before things take a mysterious turn. Téchiné takes a too-cool slow-burn approach to the story, but the film benefits from a trio of top-notch performances, and the end credits deliver a nice little shock. —G.M.K. 74
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>> theatres May 29
5 Flights Up
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June 5
Pitch Perfect 2 Poltergeist
Insidious Chapter 3
Tomorrowland
Spy
PHOTO CREDIT TK
Opens May 29
PHOTO CREDIT TK
HEAVEN KNOWS WHAT
of ourselves that we’ve been able to do. It was just really fun; it was never ever a bad show, so we were pretty blessed. And I’m eager to do more shows again, because it gets a little boring without them. F: Of course, when we last spoke it was a big deal that you’d just come out—not just as a gay man but as a gay Mormon. I know you said you’re working towards that in Utah. How have things progressed? TG: We got to play on the House Senate floor here in Utah and sing them a song [in March]. It was the same day that heads of the Mormon Church met with heads of Equality Utah to sign a bill to protect families. It was the first step where we saw that the Mormon Church is realizing that a lot of families were being torn apart. They were trying to protect the family, and instead were tearing apart families. I’m also doing a keynote in October where I’ll talk about my experience and how a lot of families are shutting out their kids because they come out. That happens a lot here in Utah. So that’s the kind of steps we’re making, and while from the outside it looks small, it’s actually a big deal here, because there’s a lot of progress that needs to be made here in this state. F: It sounds like you’ve gone from musician to part-time activist, which is awesome. That’s very commendable. TG: I think it’s me wanting to use my voice in a way that I feel comfortable. Since I do have a voice, especially here in Utah, I feel like I can start here. I’m excited about that. F: Tell me about the new single, “Songs I Can’t Listen To,” which I love. TG: Thank you. My best friend here, she’s getting married to a guy, and I think the guy was just jealous of my friendship with her. They basically wrote me out of their life earlier this year. I was really lonely, and I had just met a new guy, and I realized that music has been a part of a lot of my relationships. There are literally songs that I can’t hear without thinking about her and other people in
Neon Trees, from left: Elaine Bradley, Tyler Glenn, Branden Campbell, Chris Allen
music BRANDON FLOWERS The Desired Effect (Island)
*****
After losing the plot for a bit, and believing he’s Bruce Springsteen, Brandon Flowers graces us with his second solo PRIME CUTS: LP, and thankfully, it’s nothing like the “Can’t Deny My Love” first. Flowers goes back to his basics, “Digging Up apeing ‘80s British new wave, but this the Heart” time, instead of pillaging through 1983, “I Can Change” he’s borrowing from 1987. The album opens with big canned horns and several choruses. By track two we’re greeted with the album’s first of several showstoppers. Lead single “Can’t Deny My Love” is a triumph, with crashing guitars, orchestra hits and a refrain that doesn’t leave the psyche. The second half of the album doesn’t quite sparkle like the first, but “Digging Up the Heart” and the Lou Reed-esque “The Way It’s Always Been” serve as tentpoles between a few forgettable ballads. Is it Hot Fuss? No. But it’s the closest Flowers has come in a while, and it’s never boring. —Dominik Rothbard
AN INTIMATE NIGHT OUT WITH NEON TREES Fonda Theatre June 11
my life. That’s a really potent thing, because I feel there are so many people who feel the same way. It’s become one of my favorite songs that I’ve written, just because I think the topic is really emotional but universal, and I dig it a lot. F: The upcoming tour is called “An Intimate Night Out with Neon Trees.” Tell me about the decision to ‘go intimate’ with the new tour. TG: I had been writing a lot of music,but I didn’t think it was time to put another Neon Trees record out; it was a little too soon. The band approached me with, hey, what if we tour again, and I didn’t want to tour unless we had a purpose. The concept came up to play smaller venues and just make it more fan-centric. I’ve seen bands do that sometimes where they just play small clubs and theaters, even though they could play various places. And it’s gone over really well. So we’re going to play a lot of songs from our first and second record, and then definitely songs from the last record, too, but just kind of play songs that our core audience really loves. It’s not going to be as flashy, but we’re still the band we are, so it’s gonna be high-energy and exciting. I’m looking forward to it. F: What are you listening to and loving these days? TG: I really love this chick out of Canada. Her name is Iris. I really like her. She’s kind of pop, but it’s a really interesting kind of Kate Bush-y kind of pop. And then Twin Shadow—I love the new record. F: What’s next for you guys? Do you have plans to return to the studio after this tour, or are you going to take a break? TG: You’re asking me right as we’re making that decision, and I think it’s all gonna depend more on how the summer goes. Elaine is pregnant with her third kid, so she’s due in September. So she’s gonna be drumming pregnant, which is totally a sight to see. But I’m always writing music, and I think the band is always, too, so it’s not like we’re gonna go away, but we’re deciding if now is the time to do another record or what.
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music
>> NEW RELEASES
Out Now
June 2
June 9
Faith No More Sol Invictus
The Darkness Last of Our Kind
Muse Drones
Hot Chip Why Make Sense?
Florence + The Machine How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful
Of Monsters and Men Beneath the Skin
Daniel Johns Talk
Jason Derülo Everything is 4
Daughn Gibson Carnation (Sub Pop)
*****
The third release from this Pennsylvaniabased electro-country singer-songwriter is a decidedly low-key affair, though he’s been heading towards this PRIME CUTS: amalgamation of synthetics and sto“Shatter You rytelling since his 2012 debut, All Hell. Through” He remains an original on the recorded “I Let Him Deal” evidence of Carnation, though I have to admit I miss “It Wants the twang of faster tracks like “Kissin’ on the Blacktop” Everything” from Me Moan. And though he hits warp speed on the three best tracks here, the overall effect is one of melancholy and resignation. Carnation is ruminative, best exemplified on the orchestral, Beck-ian “Daddy I Cut My Hair” (about mental illness) and the subliminal sexiness of “It Wants Everything” (couldn’t tell you what it’s about if I tried). —Dan Loughry
CONCHITA WURST Conchita (Sony Music Entertainment)
*****
Even before Conchita Wurst won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2014, the world took notice. It was hard to ignore the bearded drag queen embodied by the openly gay Austrian Thomas PRIME CUTS: Neuwirth. And then she opened her “Up for Air” mouth to sing. Vladimir Putin recoiled, “You Are the world cheered and a drag superstar was born. Yet Unstoppable” how’s her debut, you ask? Well, let me tell you—she “Firestorm” didn’t win that contest for nothing. Wurst’s soaring tenor is a wonder, and though these songs run the gamut from ebullient Europop (the magnificent “Up for Air”) to overripe Euro cheese (the Eurovision-winning “Rise Like a Phoenix”) her debut’s a pop marvel. If Sam Smith and Adam Lambert can top our charts, why can’t this hirsute cutie? A boy—or a boy who’s a girl—can dream. —D.L. JUNE 10, 2015
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By Nathaniel Grey
An LGBTease of TV’s New Offerings W
ENRON
LOVE AGAIN
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*****
Lex Theatre Through June 28
Life is somewhat of a cabaret as well as a smoking cauldron of corporate greed and fiscal catastrophe in Lucy Prebble’s sardonic 2010 British play, now in its L.A. premiere. Director August Viverito’s energetic view of the monumental 2001 meltdown of the Enron energy conglomerate (which royally screwed employees, consumers and Wall Street amid its sewer of incompetency and duplicity), makes good use of a superb ensemble cast and extraordinarily deft staging. Think Saturday Night Live, a Kander and Ebb musical and a scathing documentary film all rolled into one. A swirl of broadly comic portrayals tear up the tiny Lex Stage. Meanwhile, a panorama of animations and projections by Tiger Reel, set and sound designs by Viverito, lighting by Matt Richter, co s tu m e s by Ke lly G ra ha m a n d c h o re o g ra p hy by N a n c y D ob bs Owen enliven this ambitious undertaking. Though the total ultimately proves less than the sum of its audacious parts, this is an impressive effort. —Les Spindle
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Lonny Chapman Theatre Through June 28 Flashes of 1970s T V anthologies like Love, American Style come to mind in this trio of short romantic comedies set to music. The creators (librettist /co -lyricist Doug Haverty and composer/co -lyricist Adryan Russ) have fashioned an entertaining evening of songs and laughs tinged with bittersweet moments. A spirited cast (Michele Bernath, Paul Cady, Kathleen Chen, Amy Gillette, Renee Gorsey, Lloyd Pedersen, Lauren Pedersen, Andrew Curtis Stark, Debi Tinsley and Elijah Tomlinson) displays versatility in tackling multiple roles. The first narrative spins the amusing tale of two long-ago college sweethearts, reunited unexpectedly while visiting Paris with their spouses. The second playlet, set in a hospital room, offers a darker narrative about two friends on life support following an accident. The last offering tells of a couple caring for their two children and divorced grandparents—too close for comfort. Veteran director-performer-choreographer Kay Cole (the original Maggie in Broadway’s A Chorus Line) helms, eliciting solid work all around. —L.S.
PHOTO CREDIT TK ENRON: JOANNA STRAPP ; LOVE AGAIN: DOUG ENGALLA
stage
hile GLAAD’s 2014 annual “Where We Are on TV” report found a slight surge of LGBT representation on the small screen—up 3.3% from 2013—there is hope that 2015 will continue that improvement. It’s a hope that became all the more real with the recent upfronts announcing the fall’s primetime schedule. Here’s a peek at what’s to come in the next few months. June 8 will see the premiere of ABC Family’s Becoming Us, formerly known as My Transparent Life, which is a docuseries centered on 17-year-old Ben Lehwald of Evanston, Illinois, as his father Charlie transitions to become Carly. Ben’s girlfriend, Danielle, happens to also have a transitioning father. Poised for the fall, ABC’s The Real O’Neals, a comedy created by Dan Savage, is about a Catholic family whose teenage son comes out. Martha Plimpton stars. Jane Lynch will return to television in the CBS comedy Angel From Hell, in which she’s a loud-mouthed, liquor-loving woman who thinks she’s the guardian angel of Psych’s Maggie Lawson. NBC will revive the variety show with Best Time Ever, set to feature the talents of Neil Patrick Harris and other A-list stars. Based on a popular U.K. series, it will include comedy sketches, mini-game shows, hidden camera pranks and musical numbers. DC’s Legends of Tomorrow—the CW’s superhero spin-off existing in the same fictional universe as Arrow and The Flash (and featuring guest spots by Stephen Amell and Grant Gustin), was developed by Greg Berlanti and will feature out actors Victor Garber and Wentworth Miller, playing Firestorm and Captain Cold, respectively. Ryan Murphy will bring another edition of American Horror Story—this one dubbed Hotel—to FX, along with the comedic horror anthology Scream Queens, starring Emma Roberts and Glee vet Lea Michele. And there’s great news for Queer as Folk fans. Robert Gant—who famously played Hal Sparks’ HIV-positive lover Ben on that series—will play Zor-El, the biological Kryptonian father of Supergirl, on that new CBS series.
The Tony Awards June 1, CBS
AQUARIUS May 28, NBC David Duchovny is on the hunt to capture Charles Manson in this gritty 1960s-set crime thriller. The X-Files vet plays an LAPD detective who is paired up with a young undercover cop (Grey Damon) to track the psychotic killer and his “Family,” set two years before they committed the Tate/LaBianca murders. The series was created by John McNamara, costars Game of Thrones’ former gay king Renly, Gethin Anthony, as Manson, and will reportedly feature the era’s signature rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack.
Broadway icons Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming host the 69th annual Tony Awards, airing live from Radio City Music Hall. The Tony Awardwinning vets break more than a decade-long tradition of repeat hosts like Hugh Jackman and Neil Patrick Harris, who have both hosted three times since 2003. Among this year’s nominees for Best Musical are Fun Home, about a married but closeted high school teacher; Kander & Ebb’s The Visit, starring Chita Rivera; the Shakespearean spoof Something Rotten; and the stage adaptation of An American in Paris.
Saturday, May 30 TELEVISION LONG DIVISION
David Duchovny
Helter Skelter
The X-Files
Aquarius
The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe—a four-hour, two-part miniseries based on J. Randy Taraborrelli’s book—airs, costarring Susan Sarandon, Jack Noseworthy, Emily Watson and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Concludes Sunday. (9 p.m. on Lifetime)
PHOTO CREDIT TK ENRON: JOANNA STRAPP ; LOVE AGAIN: DOUG ENGALLA
Saturday, May 30 The 30th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will feature honorees including Green Day, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Lou Reed, Bill Withers, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Ringo Starr. (8 p.m. on HBO)
THE WHISPERS June 1, ABC Ray Bradbury’s story Zero Hour comes to TV by route of Steven Spielberg and Under the Dome writer Soo Hugh. The alien invasion tale begins with the startling discovery that children across the country share an imaginary friend named Drill. An FBI child specialist, Claire Bennigan (American Horror Story’s Lily Rabe) is brought in and discovers that this friend is quite real and very dangerous. The cast also includes Revenge vet Barry Sloane, Justified’s David Andrews and Heroes vet Milo Ventimiglia.
Monday, June 1 The third season of Devious Maids, Marc Cherry’s dark comedy drama, begins. Glee vet Naya Rivera joins the cast as a new but naïve maid who is devasted when she learns the dirty secrets kept behind the mansion gates. (9 p.m. on Lifetime)
SET YOUR
Thursday, June 4 Chills, thrills and blood spills are back with the new season of Bryan Fuller’s disturbing thriller Hannibal. Zachary Quinto and True Blood’s Rutina Wesley join the cast. (10 p.m. on NBC) Friday, June 5 Sense8 is an original Netflix scifi series from The Wachowskis that follows eight strangers whose minds suddenly become linked, allowing them to access each other’s abilities and knowledge. (12:01 a.m. on Netflix)
Monday, June 1 Unreal comes from former Glee producer Marti Noxon and is set behind the scenes of a ficitonal dating competition show. Featuring Roswell vet Shiri Appleby and House of Cards’ Constance Zimmer. (10 p.m. on Lifetime) JUNE 10, 2015
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RYAN FORBES
WEDDINGS Will same-sex marriages be more valued because the right took such a fight? We think so. Will the celebrations be more stylish, innovative and campy than the weddings you’re used to schlepping through? You know they will be.
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MAKING IT OFFICIAL
When you’re ready to put a ring on it, these five bands are the real deal By Tom Paul Jones
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t’s there in the corner of your eye all day long, and on display for the world to see. It might signal a no fly zone in Boystown or serve as a reminder to keep off Grindr. It might remind you of the greatest party you ever threw or the long political march for equality. Whatever your wedding band means to you, make it count. Anything but average, these five options run the gamut from sort of traditional to unforgettably far out. They’re for men, women and the genderless, and they run a range of budgets. Our standout is the 18-karat Entrelacés Ring, available in yellow (pictured), pink or white gold (price available upon request at Cartier, 370 N. Rodeo Dr., Bev. Hills) and its unexpected luxury, which more than anything announces you take “tying the knot” seriously.
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IN SEARCH OF THE
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WEDDING MIX By Jimmy Swear
I’ve been DJing for about six years on the West Coast at a variety of nightlife events, but I’ve also DJ’d a handful of weddings, and what I’ve learned applies in both settings— keep it fun, keep people dancing, familiar is fine, but don’t be afraid to mix it up! Here’s a starter kit for anyone looking to up their reception’s music game.
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1. Todd Reed TRDR203-BLK-6
3. Pippa Small Pearl Thick Shank Ring
2. David Yurman Waves Band Ring with Gold
4. Malcolm Betts Gold-Lined Platinum Band
For the nontraditional, it’s made of sterling silver with patina, 22-karat yellow gold and black brilliant cut diamonds. Priced upon request at Todd Reed, 1511 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice Part of Yurman’s popular Waves collection, it’s made of sterling silver and 18-karat yellow gold. $975 at David Yurman, 371 N. Rodeo Dr., Bev. Hills
Simple and elegant, the 18-karat yellow gold band is set with a single delicate pearl. $5,400 at Pippa Small Jewellery, Brentwood Country Mart This wide-band ring is crafted of hammered platinum and lined with molten 22-karat gold. $4,825 at Barneys New York, 9570 Wilshire Blvd., Bev. Hills
“Love Never Felt So Good” - Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” - Whitney Houston “Quarter Life Crisis” - Sam Sparro “Blind” - Hercules & Love Affair “Hot Stuff” - Donna Summer “Lucky Star” - Madonna “Girls Chase Boys” - Ingrid Michaelson “Blue Jeans” - Lana Del Rey “Super Critical” - The Ting Tings “Don’t You Want Me” - The Human League “Midnight City” - M83 “Punching in a Dream” - The Naked And Famous “Emotions” - Mariah Carey “When I Hear Music” - Debbie Deb “Move in the Right Direction” - Gossip
Find Jimmy at facebook.com/JimmySwearxoxo
SPA DAY FOR 2
MORE THAN ANY OTHER TIME IN YOUR LIFE, at your wedding, all eyes will be on you, and let’s not forget that those wedding photos are going to last forever. Naturally, it’s best that you’re at your most relaxed and vibrant on the big day, and that’s where the Ritz-Carlton Spa (900 W. Olympic Blvd., DTLA, ritzcarlton.com) comes into play. Your pampering session will kick off with a champagne welcome, followed by a treatment in one of nine luxed-out rooms. If you’ve got the hubby in tow, you’ll naturally want to opt for the couple’s suite. Indulge in the signature mani/pedi, the Ageless Beauty Facial and the Champagne & Shimmer Body Treatment—$230 for 80 minutes—before calming your nerves even further (if that’s possible) in the men’s relaxation room and eucalyptus steam room. There’s no better way to beat your nerves before walking down the aisle. —Michelle McCarthy
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LOST IN THE MAIL
CLEARLY SOMETHING’S SCREWY with the USPS, as we never received an invite to some of recent memory’s most well-done gay weddings! Even though we weren’t there, we can still take a tip or two from how the big names celebrated their big day. —Stephan Horbelt
DAVID MERRELL OF AOO EVENTS is an awardwinning industry expert who knows a thing or two about high-profile parties, having thrown some of the biggest Oscars and New Year’s Eve celebrations in recent memory. With same-sex weddings such a hot topic these days, he’s also more than prepared to offer advice on turning your wedding into an event that’s talked about for years to come. What’s the best way to go about finding gayfriendly vendors and a planner for my wedding? I know this answer seems all too simple, but you can simply Google gay-friendly vendors and a slew of sites will help guide your way. A few favorites include GayWeddings.com, TwoBrides.com, TwoGrooms.com and RainbowWeddingNetwork. com. In California, a blue state, most wedding planners are gay-friendly, but it’s certainly appropriate to ask. Not every wedding planner is right for every couple; you have to interview them and ask specific questions to find out if there’s a “fit.” The good news is that because all tradition is kind of out the window for our weddings, the sky is the limit as to what you can do and create for your special day. What are some ways to go all-out with our wedding ceremony but still keep it masculine? It’s a common misconception that flowers cannot be created with a masculine sensibility in mind. When interviewing a florist, look for stuff within their portfolio that speaks to your sense of taste and style. Colors play a huge role in whether the décor is more masculine or feminine; any designer 88
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worth his salt should be able to offer a number of choices that wouldn’t feel effeminate. My husband and I are both going to wear tuxes during our ceremony, but are there some easy ways to differentiate ourselves? Think about a different boutonnière, a different tie or handkerchief, a different shirt and/or something that is special to you individually. For example, I love French cuffs, so different cufflinks for each of us would be important to me. And tuxes don’t have to match; they just have to complement each other, so your individuality could come with that thought in mind, too. My husband and I are debating a destination wedding, and whether we’d have it in the summer or fall. Any recommendations? There are so many great places to go. For a summer suggestion, a mountain wedding would be spectacular. Canada is a great bargain because of the exchange rate; a summer wedding in Banff would be magical, and you would have the best weather. In the fall, going to the heat is a great idea. I love Cabo San Lucas for a destination wedding; it’s friendly, affordable, safe, predominantly English-speaking and there’s always great weather that time of year. Hawaii, especially the Big Island or Maui, are always a great alternative. Always consider a wedding planner for your destination wedding; they can tap into all the services you’ll need and keep you free to enjoy your wedding/vacation with your partner, family and friends. For more info and background on David Merrell, go to AOOEvents.com.
Lance Bass and Michael Turchin The former boy bander and his artist hubby wed last December at L.A.’s Park Plaza Hotel in front of 300 guests (narrowed down, they say, from 750). The couple’s three dogs acted as the wedding party, and the venue was filled to the brim with dark red and purple flowers for a masculine feel. Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent L a s t M a y t h e a d o rable couple held the very first gay wedding inside New York Public L i b r a r y, o n e - u p p i n g Carrie Bradshaw. Oprah of course attended, and the guys exchanged identical gold bands from Van Cleef & Arpels. Guests ate off of dinnerware sets from Berkus’ own Target collection. UPCOMING WEDDINGS WE CAN’T WAIT TO ATTEND Michael Sam and Vito Cammisano Anderson Cooper and Ben Maisani Ted Cruz and Rick Santorum
EXPERT: GODOFREDO PHOTO&CREDIT RODELIO TKASTUDILLO
ASK THE EXPERT
Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka Af ter more than 10 y e a r s t o g e t h e r, t h e always well-groomed couple we re marrie d in September 2014 in Perugia, Italy, wearing custom-made tuxes by Tom Ford. Sir Elton John performed, and the couple’s first dance was to the Kelly Clarkson song “A Moment Like This.”
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Clockwise from left: Four Seasons Tented Camp, Thailand; Bora Bora Pearl Resort & Spa, Tahiti; the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, New Zealand
AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER
5 resorts—some near, some far—where the honeymoon of your gay dreams awaits With political attitudes on gay marriage rapidly changing, the world has truly been made into our oyster. No longer boxed into gay-owned hotels and resorts, LGBT couples planning honeymoon getaways are free to travel anywhere their wanderlust may lead them. These resorts are perfect for shaking the rice from your shoes. —Eric Rosen El Encanto, Santa Barbara There’s no need to venture farther afield than Santa Barbara for one of the country’s premier romantic hotspots. This latest Belmond property ($$-$$$, belmond. com) opened in 2013 after the restoration of a nearly century-old hotel. Meander through the terraced gardens or laze by the infinity pool. The on-site spa specializes in therapies incorporating calming ingredients from the sea, like Patagonian seaweed, as well as vinotherapy treatments inspired by the surrounding wine country—perfect for a couple in love. Four Seasons Tented Camp, Thailand A forerunner of the glamping trend, this deluxe hideaway is tucked into the hills of Thailand’s Golden Triangle and features rustic-chic tents complete with plush four-poster beds, beaten-copper bathtubs, outdoor showers and panoramic decks ($$$$$, fourseasons.com). You’ll spend your days trekking with the resort’s welltended elephants and bathing with them in the river before indulging in a Mahout Recovery massage at the spa, complete with traditional camphor-lemongrass poultices and a vigorous massage.
The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, New Zealand Just an 11-hour flight from L.A., it’s quicker getting here than Europe or Asia. With just 22 sumptuously appointed cottages perched on cliffs above the Pacific, the views at the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs ($$$, kauricliffs.com) are spectacular. You and your love can partake of scenic flights, hikes through primordial forests or relaxation on a pink sand beach, and the spa uses its own environmentally sensitive products. Hotel Torralbenc, Menorca, Spain You may already know the thumping clubs of Ibiza or the party beaches of Mallorca, but the most underrated Balearic island is also the most romantic, thanks to secluded beaches, hiking and horseback riding trails, gorgeous baroque towns and authentic hillside tabernas. Bringing a touch of luxury to the island, the whitewashed Torralbenc resort ($$, torralbenc.com) makes its homes in a 19th century farmstead with just 27 rooms and suites in gorgeously restored outbuildings. Bora Bora Pearl Resort & Spa, Tahiti With pristine white beaches, turquoise waters and lush jungles, Tahiti is a perennially popular romantic getaway. This resort ($$$, spmhotels.com) eases visitors into the island spirit with amenities like breakfast delivered by outrigger canoe to the overwater bungalows, torch-lit private beach dinners, snorkeling excursions through the resort’s coral nursery and spa treatments that include a signature barefoot bodywork massage.
DON’T BE A CAKE BOY
SURE, YOU AND YOUR SPOUSE ARE SUPPOSED to daintily cut a slice together at the reception, but wedding cake is as traditional as marriage being between a man and a woman, and you know how we feel about that. Use your wedding to buck tradition and opt for something a little more alternative. Porch Pies (porchpies.com) is an artisan bakery specializing in Southern delicacies that hand-delivers its sweets nationally. Order a few large pies for after the ceremony, or consider several mini pies for your guests—available in flavors ranging from berry to chocolate to buttermilk (our favorite). Sweet Arleen’s is a local bakery (960 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village, sweetarleens.com) that serves up cupcakes—a three-time champion of Cupcake Wars—and bread puddings—featured on Cooking Channel’s Unique Sweets—perfect for a different, memorable option. Other options for those looking to get creative include a macarons tower, cake pops or a “pimp your own cupcakes” bar that lets everyone appease their own brand of sweet tooth. —Kristin Banta
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OUR BIG DAY
3 real-life couples share scenes from their celebrations
SAM LESLIE + ASHAN SENARATNE
FRANK HELMER + JONNY COTA
RICKEY GOODLING + LYDIA BOTTEGONI
The Hollywood Roosevelt Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Athletic Club Los Angeles
Madonna Inn San Luis Obispo
Natalie Sofer Weddings & Events Peardon Carrillo Photography
Tessa Lyn Events Photography by Lauren Ward
Event planned by Gredel Berrios Photography by Terilee Dawn
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CALIFORNIA C PHOTOGRAPHY BY
GODOFREDO & RODELIO ASTUDILLO STYLING BY
ALICIA HANKES
T
he central coast is a painting of missions, sea and purple sage—romantic nostalgia like Hitchcock’s Hollywood with charm instead of murder. This is where nature, taste and escapism seamlessly collide. So we set out to capture the essence of classic wedding fashion as Californians do it at the magical San Ysidro Ranch. Impeccable style does not mean overwrought. With a slight reinterpretation of pattern and cut, you too can be dressed to kill.
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A CLASSIC
Brandon and Evan wear wool tuxedos by KLEIN EPSTEIN & PARKER, bow ties by RYAN SEACREST DISTINCTION Suiting Line provided by Macy’s and tuxedo shirts and shoes by FRIAR TUX JUNE 10, 2015
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From Carmine left: Rafael wearswears Black slate-metal Desire Tuxedo, lapelshirt, hoodbow suit tievest andfrom shoes the byCheryl MICHAEL Koo Collection. KORS for FRIAR Greg wears TUX boots from Layer-0. Tosh wears vintage shirt from stylist collection, boots are model’s own. All jewelry and accessories by Dax Savage.
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Brandon and Evan wear “Jones” jackets and wool pants by TED BAKER provided by Nordstrom, shirts by FRIAR TUX and bow ties by JOHN W. NORDSTROM provided by Nordstrom
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Danielle wears silk chiffon Karisma dress by ELAINE KIM and accessories that are stylist’s own
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Melinda and Bonnie wear Tuxedo and Bohemian jumpsuits by GENERATION BY BCBG provided by Bloomingdales, veil by VERA WANG for David’s Bridal, vintage beading with satin ribbon bracelet by JULIE HARRIS, hat by GOORIN BROS provided by Sharpe Clothing and model’s own pearls
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1. Melinda wears timeless black jacket, pants and crepe shirt by THE KOOPLES provided by Bloomingdales. Bonnie wears dress by TADASHI SHOJI provided by Nordstrom and veil by VERA WANG for David’s Bridal 2. Brandon wears shawl collar 100% wool tuxedo by KLEIN EPSTEIN & PARKER, tuxedo shirt by FRIAR TUX and bow tie by RYAN SEACREST DISTINCTION SUITING line provided by Macy’s 3. Carmine wears blue plaid 100% wool suit and tie by KLEIN EPSTEIN & PARKER and shirt by FRIAR TUX 4. Carmine wears blue suit, mauve shirt and tie by RYAN SEACREST DISTINCTION SUITING line provided by Bloomingdales 5. Danielle wears satin and matte crepe peplum dress sash by WHITE BY VERA WANG for David’s Bridal and vintage earrings by JULIE HARRIS 6.Melinda wears stretch jacket with faux pony by THE KOOPLES provided by Bloomingdales and pants by ALLSAINTS provided by Bloomingdales. Bonnie wears crepe jacket with leather collar by THE KOOPLES provided by Bloomingdales, Laila Fur shawl by ELAINE KIM and pants by RAG AND BONE provided by Nordstrom 7. Carmine wears blue suit, mauve shirt and tie by RYAN SEACREST DISTINCTION SUITING line provided by Bloomingdales
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Models: CARMINE BICCHETTI, BRANDON CROWDER, DANIELLE OLSEN, BONNIE SMALLEY, MELINDA STEPHAN, EVAN STRAND Photographers: GODOFREDO ASTUDILLO, RODELIO ASTUDILLO Photo Assist: VICTOR RODRIGUEZ, SAMUEL ANDERSON, ROBBY SALISBURY, JOSH SMITH Styling: ALICIA HANKES Wardrobe Assist: ANNE MARIE ADDO
Lead Makeup: TERI KANG Makeup: JACOB ADAM AGUIRRE Hair: EUGENE SEAV Floral Design/Props: JUSTIN HOWARD, FLAMING FLOWER PRODUCTIONS Cake: FANTASY FROSTINGS Location: SAN YSIDRO RANCH Special Thanks: MAXINE RUTLEDGE Produced by ED BAKER
Find fashions from the photo shoot at allsaints.com, bcbg.com, beverlycenter.com, bloomingdales.com, burberry.com, davidsbridal.com, elainekim.com, friartux.com, goorin.com, kleinepsteinparker.com, thekooples.com, macys.com, michaelkors.com, nordstrom.com, rag-bone.com, ryanseacrestdistinction.com, sharpesuiting.com, tadashishoji.com, tedbaker.com, verawang.com JUNE 10, 2015
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Dani wears Simone jacket by ELAINE KIM, tuxedo shirt by FRIAR TUX, bow tie by RYAN SEACREST DISTINCTION SUITING, ankle pant trousers by TOPSHOP provided by Nordstrom, leather dress shoe by ESQUIVEL and feather boutonnière by JULIE HARRIS
GENDER OPTIONAL
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Shopping for everyday wear is already a daunting task for many, let alone finding an outfit for the biggest day of one’s life. Sara Medd, owner of Greyscale Goods and a stylist who has been working in the fashion industry for well over a decade, starts by asking clients how they like their clothes to fit, and if they normally shop in the men’s or women’s department. “Unfortunately, those are still questions that need to be asked, just so I can get an idea of how someone likes their clothes to fit.” A shopping trip usually means exhausting all options in the women’s and men’s departments, in hopes of finding the right outfit or at least one close enough that can be tailored. “There’s no ‘one-stop shop’ unless you’re going to get a custom suit. That’s a huge hurdle,” says Medd. “And then you bring in a tailor, and if you’re not their normal customer—if you’re a masculine woman in the men’s department—they don’t always know what to do with tailoring your suits. A lot of my friends face those judgments in the men’s department constantly.” However, Medd notes a tipping point only in the last two or three years. “More and more women are wearing suits. In the last two years, especially. There are celebrities wearing suits to the Grammys, to the Emmys. Suits are a lot more acceptable in the last
ASTUDILLO-PHOTO.COM
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t’s wedding season, and the fashion industry is finally catching on to that fact that people want to say “I do” however the hell they want to. Rather than letting gender dictate style, a few brands have emerged aiming to change the way people suit up for their special day by being inclusive of all genders and styles. Nik Kacy, founder of Nik Kacy the luxury footwear company, knows all too well what it feels like to dread dress code—after decades of maneuvering disproportionate shoes, adding extra insoles and layering on pairs of socks just to finagle a close fit. “No one should have to go through that on their big day,” Kacy said. Nik Kacy charters new territory, and come late fall, you can walk down the aisle wearing classic men’s style shoes in women’s sizes (and keep an eye out for a line of women’s styles in men’s sizes). Two other like-minded brands setting out to give people more wedding attire options, no matter how they identify, are Sharpe Suiting, the go-to for custom wedding suits that fit androgynous bodies, and Greyscale Goods, a monthly subscription-based service that scours the market for the best gender-neutral styles, delivering right to your door.
ASTUDILLO-PHOTO.COM
No longer will finding appropriate wedding wear come with a sense of dread, as gender-neutral fashion lines have finally entered the market By Lydia Siriprakorn
ASTUDILLO-PHOTO.COM
ASTUDILLO-PHOTO.COM
Melinda (left) wears Simone jacket and Diva leather pants by ELAINE KIM, tuxedo shirt by FRIAR TUX, bow tie by BURBERRY provided by Nordstrom. Bonnie wears Reya Blazer by ALLSAINTS provided by Bloomingdales, stretch poplin shirt by THE KOPPLES provided by Bloomingdales, tie by BURBERRY provided by Nordstrom, The Park pant by RAG & BONE and Lorenzo boots by ELAINE KIM
two years in dressing up for red carpet and wedding capacities.” While celebrities certainly influence fashion, Medd sees gender-neutral clothing as a permanent part of the changing landscape. “I don’t want to say trend, because I don’t think that it’s going to go away anytime soon,” says Medd, “but I say trend in the way that it’s what we’re moving toward. We’re in a progression toward androgyny in general in our style. From the 1950s, where it was this huge dichotomy between women wearing dresses and men dressing up in suits, costume has just moved toward a more androgynous point.” But for a special occasion, the right fit is critical, and it often takes more than a few alterations to achieve that. It’s no surprise that Sharpe Suiting has the art of fitting androgynous bodies down to a science. “Our sizing is based on real data, real clients,” explains Leon Wu, founder of Sharpe Suiting. “We took over 1,000 measurements that we had obtained from our initial clients, and I basically scatter-plotted all of these points and saw that there was a natural small, medium and large that came out of it. These sizes are sizes that are in between what’s available for men’s wear versus women’s wear.” This summer, Sharpe Suiting is debuting yet another game changer—the launch of a highly anticipated ready-to-wear line. Ready-to-wear means a more affordable price point ($650 and up, compared to custom, which starts at $985) and more accessibility. “We’ve gotten so many requests from people who are remote from us, and we want to be able to provide our suits to them as well,” says Wu. “What’s difficult with custom is that we have a lot of clients who can’t come here to L.A. For those who purchase remotely, they can take it to a dry cleaners or a local tailor and get those things fixed real quick.” It’s all the convenience of Men’s Wearhouse without the crap suit quality, cheeseball TV commercials or judgmental staff. “We’re just in this really cool moment right now of progressive thinking,” says Medd. “In the fashion world there are some really cool things happening.”
From left: Nik Kacy, Sara Medd, Leon Wu
Wing-Tip Derby Once considered too flamboyant for proper British gentry in the 1920s and ‘30s, they’re perfect for those looking to make a statement. $325, nikkacy.com
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BRAVE NEW W PHOTOGRAPHY BY
RYAN FORBES STYLING BY
ELWIRA MIEZAL
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s the gasoline trail of same-sex marriage races forward, those on the frontlines face a realm of uncharted possibility. Beyond the familiarity of pop songs, confections and beloved Martha Stewart design is drama, strength and the beauty of a hostile environment. Don’t be shy. Dress for it. Let your fashion lead the way.
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From left: Dax wears leather hooded rocket vest by JAN HILMER. Rafael wears rocker leather vest and leather revolution pants by JAN HILMER. Jessie wears black lace ruffle shirt by Louis Verdad, extreme high-waisted leggings by CM2K BY CHERYL KOO. Laura wears organza sheer jacket, leather bikini top and silk chiffon draped skirt by INA SOLTANI and panther gloves by SPARROW at JAN HILMER. Victoria wears black quilt leather antiprom sweetheart dress from CM2K and panther gloves by SPARROW. Tosh wears ribbed leather jacket by JAN HILMER. Erik wears vintage sleeveless shirt from stylist’s collection and hat by JAN HILMER. Greg wears double-layered black silk top by ZARA, pinstriped velvet harems from the CHERYL KOO COLLECTION and boots from THE COSTUME HOUSE. Quel wears satin corduroy skinnies from the CHERYL KOO COLLECTION and leather sailor cap and shoulder bag by DAX SAVAGE. All jewelery and accessories by DAX SAVAGE JUNE 10, 2015
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Rafael wears slate-metal lapel hood suit vest from the CHERYL KOO COLLECTION. Greg wears boots from LAYER-0. Tosh wears vintage shirt from stylist’s collection, and boots are model’s own. All jewelry and accessories by DAX SAVAGE.
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Laura wears organza sheer jacket, leather bikini top and silk chiffon draped skirt by INA SOLTANI. Victoria wears black quilt leather anti-prom sweetheart dress from CM2K BY CHERYL KOO and panther gloves by SPARROW at JAN HILMER. All jewelry and accessories by DAX SAVAGE.
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Jessie wears black lace ruffle shirt by LOUIS VERDAD and extreme high-waisted leggings from CM2K BY CHERYL KOO. Jewelry by DAX SAVAGE.
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Quel wears vintage white CALVIN KLEIN shirt from stylist’s collection and Stinger Jacket by JAN HILMER. Jewelry by DAX SAVAGE.
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Victoria wears leather bustier silk gown with piping by INA SOLTANI and panther gloves by SPARROW at JAN HILMER. Jewelry by DAX SAVAGE.
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Laura wears ivory vintage ruffle shirt by LOUIS VERDAD and silk chiffon draped skirt by INA SOLTANI. Jewelry and accessories by DAX SAVAGE. Vintage stilettos from stylist’s collection, metal flower bouquet by LT MUSTARDSEED.
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3 1. Jessie wears leather quilted bustier top, ombre silk ruffle skirt and alligator belt by INA SOLTANI, vintage wedge shoes from stylist’s collection 2. Greg wears classic western shirt by DAX SAVAGE, silk blazer from stylist’s collection and leather revolution pants by JAN HILMER 3. Rafael wears vintage shirt from stylist’s collection and slate-metal lapel-hood suit vest from the CHERYL KOO COLLECTION 4. Dax wears vintage coat from THE COSTUME HOUSE, black silk top by Zara. All jewelry and accessories by DAX SAVAGE.
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FRONTIERS WEDDINGS
Resources Ace Hotel & Swim Club (760) 325-9900 acehotel.com Hotel Shangri-La at the Ocean (310) 394-2791 shangrila-hotel.com The Langham Huntington Hotel (626) 568-3900 pasadena.langhamhotels.com Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel (323) 856-1970 thehollywoodroosevelt.com Andaz West Hollywood (323) 656-1234 andaz.hyatt.com W Hotel West Beverly Hills (310) 208-8765 wlosangeles.com Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa (909) 744-3062 lakearrowheadresort.com L.A. Banquets (818) 241-0888 labanquets.com
SPAS, RETREAT, HEALTH & WELLNESS American Laser Skincare (562) 435-4526 americanlaser.com
Friar Tux Shop (310) 652-4200 friartux.com Sol Jewelry Designs (213) 503-4012 soljewelry.com Klein Epstein Parker (424) 777-0709 kleinepsteinparker.com Next Exit Photography (310) 474-7871 nextexitphotography.com
WEDDING EVENT COORDINATORS & VENDORS Kristin Banta Events (818) 505-8971 kristinbanta.com Events by Fabulous (877) 740-8812 eventsbyfabulous.com Synergetic Sound + Lighting (323) 877-1480 synergeticsounds.com
LYFE Health & Aesthetic Clinic (310) 967-9693 lyfewesthollywood.com
FASHION, JEWELRY & PHOTOGRAPHY David Schneider Jewelry (562) 437-0593 markschneiderdesign.com Kazanjian Beverly Hills (310) 246-2410 kazanjianbh.com
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South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation (310) 544-1948 southcoastbotanicgarden.org
WEDDING CATERERS & SUPPLIERS
J & M Restaurant Group (323) 630-3340 jmrestaurant.com Lucques Catering (818) 261-2278 thelucquesgroup.com Wolfgang Puck (323) 491-1269 wolfgangpuck.com BevMo! (877) 772-3866 bevmo.com Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. (866) 901-2739 keurig.com
Natalie Sofer Weddings & Events (310) 493-7941 nataliesoferweddingsandevents.com
Bohnhoff & Kent (310) 842-7800 bohnhoffkent.com
AMO Marketing, Inc. (Angela Ortez) (310) 722-8215
Bed, Bath & Beyond (678) 441-7190 bedbathandbeyond.com
Dr. Leif Rogers (310) 860-8915 leifrogersmd.com
Celebrity Numerologist Michelle Arbeau (866) 757-9888 michellearbeau.com
TRAVEL, GETAWAYS & ACTIVITIES
Photographer: RYAN FORBES Photo Assist: ANDREW JOHNSTON Location Photographer: ERIK RALSTON Location Videographer: ELLIOT LONDON Location Producer: VAIL PALMER-WHITE Styling: ELWIRA MIEZAL Wardrobe Assist: ROSANNA GONZALES Key Hair, Makeup & Grooming: DONNA GAST Hair, Makeup & Grooming Assist: NATALIE BOHLIN, DEZI VILLALPANDO Transportation: JACOBY LIMOUSINE SERVICE Catering: SUBLIME CUISINE Location Videographer: ELLIOT LONDON Video Assist: GRAYSON STAMPS Location: EL MIRAGE DRY LAKE Panther: MURPHY from HOLLYWOOD ANIMALS Produced by ED BAKER Find fashions from the photo shoot at daxsavage.com, inasoltani.com, janhilmer.com, valentinoscostumes.com, lura.us, layer-0.com, lieutenantmustardseed.com
WEALTH MANAGEMENT & CONSULTATION
MS Travel Tours (818) 333-0077 mstraveltours.com
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC (310) 285-4800 morganstanleysmithbarney.com
Los Amigos Golf Course (562) 923-9696 ext. 103 golfnow.com
Fertility Source (877) 375-8888 fertilitysourcecompanies.com
Calamigos Equestrian (818) 972-5940 calamigosequestrian.com
Southern California Reproductive Center (800) 600-9112 scrcivf.com
Tahiti Tourisme of North America (310) 414-8484 Tahiti-Tourisme.com
Models: LAURA JAMES, RAPHAEL MELO, JESSIE PATTERSON, VICTORIA RAEMY, DAX SAVAGE, GREG SIEBEL, QUEL WHITE, TOSH YANEZ, ERIK ZETTERLUND
Human Rights Campaign (202) 628-4160 hrc.org
For more photos and a behind-the-scenes video of our shoot, visit frontiersmedia.com
BEHIND THE SCENES: ERIK RALSTON
HOTELS, BANQUETS & BALLROOMS
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L.A. PRIDE GUIDE The city celebrates 45 years of LGBT triumphs with pop stars, twerking divas and some old-fashioned disco-era peacocking
L.A. Pride
June 12-14, 2015 Purchase your tickets for the three-day celebration online at lapride.org to skip the lines! Discounted tickets are available for seniors, the disabled and veterans, while tickets are free for active military members. 120
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ike fine wine, L.A. Pride only improves with age, and during the weekend of June 12-14, West Hollywood uncorks our city’s 45th annual celebration like a bottle of Châteauneuf-duPape. Returning with the expected spectacle of shirtless boys, bass-thumping beats and rainbows as far as the eye can see, Pride celebrates our contemporary victories while connecting to our past. “L.A. Pride is the first permitted LGBT Pride parade in the world,” explains Patti DiLuigi, who along with Steve Ganzell serves as co-president of Christopher Street West, the organization that masterminds the annual event. “While 45 years have passed, and many things have positively changed for our community, we still are chasing down equality
and freedoms for the TLGB community.” It should be noted that this is the second year L.A. Pride has rearranged our beloved acronym LGBT to TLGB, all in a show of solidarity towards our trans brothers and sisters. “The transgender community is still probably the least highlighted aspect of our community, and is a part that regularly faces discrimination both within and outside ourselves. Suicides are also extremely high amongst our trans youth, and we figured by changing the acronym last year we could help shine a spotlight on them and the issues that community still faces on a regular basis.” With all of our brethren equally represented at this year’s festivities, we now take a look at all that this year's L.A. Pride has to offer.
OPPOSITE: JON VISCOTT FOR L.A. PRIDE
By Mike Ciriaco
Pride 2015 Calendar More than a weekend of revelry, the city of West Hollywood’s One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival has a plethora of events to be proud of
FOR THE
LADIES Reality TV star Tamar Braxton kicks off Pride with a Friday celebration of girl power and self-love
OPPOSITE: JON VISCOTT FOR L.A. PRIDE
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s has become tradition, Pride weekend kicks off with a salute to the females of our inclusive acronym. The free party, called Lavender Menace—named after a group of 1970 lesbian radicals—launches with the traditional Dyke March at 7 p.m. Afterwards, the ladies take over West Hollywood Park as Grammynominated R&B singer and reality TV star Tamar Braxton headlines the Delta Main Stage. “Friday night is the night you definitely don’t want to miss,” the diva beams, speaking to us in between recording sessions. “What a great opportunity for everyone to come and support each other and kick off Pride weekend in L.A. It’s never gonna be the same.” Fo r th e b a by si s te r of th e immensely talented Braxton clan, Lavender Menace is a crucial inclusion to L.A. Pride’s festivities, not only because it elevates TLGB women but because it emphasizes the importance of girl power beyond the boundaries of sexual orientation. “Females are very amazing creatures,” she says. “We really are. I think
anytime we can honor and recognize women for their accomplishments is great. It’s not an easy thing to always speak your truth. For women to come out and be honest with themselves and have a good time—and laugh, and joke and uplift each other—is a wonderful thing. And needed.” It’s this overt respect for her fellow woman that has garnered such a strong fanbase within the lesbian community (though she’s not hurting for gay fans, either). Braxton believes the message behind her music helps reinforce her bond with those gay female fans. “I’m so real and transparent,” she says. “When I sing my songs, they come from a place of experience and something I truly, strongly believe in, and I’ll stand by it. That’s what the gay and lesbian community is all about—being honest with yourself and being transparent, and standing by what you believe.” Los Angeles isn’t the first gay event where Braxton has allowed her freak flag to fly. Last year the songbird performed in Atlanta for Pride, the city where she recorded her first solo album in the late ‘90s. She says of
that gig, “It was a good, fun time. I did a lesbian club, and it was the funnest moment. Everyone got up and danced and jumped up onstage with me. We had a good time.” While we aren’t sure just yet which tracks Braxton will be pulling for her Friday night set—”Love and War,” “Get None” and “If You Don’t Wanna Love Me” among her singles—she did gift us with at least one tidbit of a preview. “I’m definitely excited about ‘Hot Sugar,’” she says. “I’m always excited for ‘Hot Sugar,’ because that’s where I get to actually twerk. I took twerk lessons, and I’m excited about that. That’s where I get to let loose and show you my wild side.” We’re fairly certain that the wild sides of several local ladies will be out in full force.
LAVENDER MENACE: A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN Friday, June 12 5-11 p.m. West Hollywood Park
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At 4 p.m., Wolfe Video and the June Mazer Lesbian Archives screens Mosquita y Mari at the WeHo Council Chambers, a coming-of-age story about two Chicanas in Huntington Park.
JUNE 3
At 7:30 p.m., Outfest screens Larry Kramer In Love & Anger at the WeHo Council Chambers, in which documentarian Jean Carlomusto interweaves Kramer’s media appearances with amateur activist footage to chronicle the scribe’s war against AIDS.
JUNE 4
At 2 p.m., WeHo Library presents the classic ‘80s film Victor/Victoria in its community meeting room at this free screening.
JUNE 5
WeHo holds the opening reception for Art AIDS America, a national exhibition co-hosted at the library and at ONE Archives (5-9 p.m.). The “Dancers We Lost” street banner project is also launched. MOCA holds a members’ opening for the new exhibit Tongues Untied, in conjunction with the quarterly “DesignLAb” event featuring free, open-to-thepublic gallery receptions from 5-9:30 p.m. JUNE 10, 2015
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JUNE 6
Several events are taking place as part of A Day of Art & History. An LGBTQ History Tour, created by Stuart Timmons, takes place from 11-2 p.m. At 3 p.m., MOCA screens Marlon Riggs films Tongues Untied and Anthem. At 6 p.m. there will be an “art talk” wherein the MOCA exhibit’s co-curator and artists will debate the exhibition’s thesis. At 8 p.m., filmmaker Gregorio Davila will screen three short films looking at L.A.’s early gay identity.
PRIDEFEST Saturday, June 13 Noon - midnight Sunday, June 14 1 a.m. - 11 p.m West Hollywood Park
PRIDE'S U LT I M AT E
G AY G AT H E R I N G
JUNE 7
At 2 p.m., a celebration of Malcolm Boyd will take place at the WeHo Council Chambers. The gay activist, Hollywood producer, preacher and Harvey Milk ally will be remembered and commemorated with a sneak peak of the upcoming biopic Disturber of the Peace. RSVP at rsvp@ disturberofthepeace.com.
JUNE 10
At 8 p.m. inside the WeHo Council Chambers, Pacific Serenades will host a selection of chamber music it has commissioned and premiered over the past 30 years, mostly by LGBT composers.
JUNE 12
The Los Angeles Art Association presents the eighth annual juried art show Out There at the historic Gallery 825 on La Cienega from 6-9 p.m.
JUNE 16
At 7:30 p.m., Celebration Theatre’s monthly reading series debuts a new work, The Irreversible Decline of Eddie Socket, at the WeHo Council Chambers.
JUNE 18
At 6 p.m. in Plummer Park, the annual Rainbow Key Awards will honor those who have made a significant contribution to the community, including Jon W. Davidson (Lambda Legal), Our Lady J and Jimmy Palmieri (Tweakers Project). RSVP at weho.org.
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More than a giant outdoor concert—with sexy art, sky-high views and a raucous roller rink—this year's PrideFest is a hub for the entire community
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ynonymous with L.A. Pride is the weekend-long festival hosted inside West Hollywood Park and along San Vicente Boulevard. The centerpiece is of course the cavalcade of musical performances that is always spread out across four stages—Country, Latin, Hip-Hop and the Delta Main Stage—but it’s so much more. You’ll have to fight the urge to brush your teeth with a bottle of Jack Daniels on Saturday, when Kesha, pop’s patron saint of fabulous messes, takes the stage. Other acts performing throughout the weekend make up a diverse roster—throwback trio Wilson Phillips, out country star Ty Herndon, X Factor girl group Fifth Harmony, local artist Wrabel, ‘it girl’ Tinashe and Mexican superstar Ana Bárbara— but as DiLuigi points out, Pride Fest is more than just a non-stop concert; it’s intended to be a hub for our entire community to embrace its true self.
“When I step onto the festival grounds, I feel like I’m coming home,” she says. “This celebrates who I am, and it took a lot of people and years to get here. I hope that someone who is just coming out can feel the same way—to know that they are not alone and they can celebrate who they are.” That includes men and women who enjoy a stiff cocktail and our sober brethren. Pride often quickly devolves into a booze-drenched bacchanal, but once again PrideFest has committed to providing a substancefree area where those recovering from addiction (or who simply want to stay away from alcohol) can socialize with like-minded individuals. “Everyone has struggles in life,” says DiLuigi. “You need a place to go and connect with other people who are facing the same struggles. They can get important information and meet people who they can turn to all year.”
WHEELS ON FLEEK
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rominent L.A. nightlife promoter Andrés Rigal brings Thunder Ground, L.A. Pride’s pop-up roller rink and disco, back for its sophomore year. The high-energy draw is sure to once again feature live sets from some of the L.A. area’s best local DJ talents. Skates are provided for the public, but skating enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their own. Peacocking is highly encouraged, so prepare to observe quite a few outlandish fashions and dashing daywear on wheels throughout the weekend. The rink is 21-and-up only, barring the hours of noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, when Family Skate lets parents and their children cut loose. Thunder Ground is part of L.A. Pride’s VIP experience, which also includes VIP bars and lounges, upgraded bathrooms and a mainstage viewing area.
Similarly, while much of L.A. Pride skews toward adult locals and tourists, there are many kid-friendly aspects to PrideFest. Once again there will be a youth area for attendees under 18, as well as a family-friendly Ferris wheel set up on San Vicente Boulevard. Also on Saturday, the Thunder Ground outdoor roller disco rink will host a family skate for a few hours. On the other end of the Pride spectrum sits the quite popular adults-only Erotic City, which will once again feature a plethora of art, porn, gizmos and gadgets. Despite its specialization in adult merchandise, over the years it has evolved beyond being just a buttplug bazaar. “It incorporates some really fun and racy programming, as well as erotic art collections, mazes and so much more,” says DiLuigi. Those of a more sex-positive mindset will have to stop by and partake in the fun.
JUNE 19
The two-day TransPride festival will take place at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza with entertainment, food, drinks, workshops and resources. An exhibit featuring work by Sandy Stone and others will be on display in the galleries through July 18.
JUNE 20
L.A. PRIDE PARADE Sunday, June 14 Kickoff at 11 a.m. Santa Monica Boulevard
THE MARCH CONTINUESS Pride’s oldest tradition advances on, with hundreds of thousands on the frontlines
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n 1970, while New York and San Francisco were commemorating the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots with protest-like marches and rallies, Los Angeles notably hosted the world’s first Pride parade, a more jubilant affair that created the template for nearly every international LGBT parade that followed thereafter. The tradition continues this year on Sunday, June 14, with an estimated 400,000 people expected to join the celebration as either spectators or participants. The procession will head down Santa Monica Boulevard from Crescent Heights Boulevard to the fairgrounds at West Hollywood Park, with locals packed along both sides of the thoroughfare. While this year’s Pride grand marshals have yet to be announced, DiLuigi spilled to us that a certain mouse and his pals will be making an appearance. “For the first time in our history, we have a float from Disney coming from Disneyland. It’s really exciting,” she says. When the happiest place on earth meets the gayest event in SoCal, there’s definitely cause to celebrate.
Saturday, June 6 Find us at Flaming Saddles from 6-10 p.m. for a BBQ featuring food and drink specials! flamingsaddles.com Tuesday, June 9 Party with us and Jennifer Hudson at the newly renovated W Los Angeles - West Beverly Hills Hotel, a marriage equality benefit for HRC with hosted bar from 6:30-7:30 p.m. wlosangeles.com
JUNE 26
At 8 p.m., Jim Fall directs Rumor Has It starring Miss Barbie Q, who ponders the joys of the newly legal institution of marriage. Part of Hollywood Fringe, it takes place at The Other Space on Formosa.
JUNE 27
Looking for a great place to watch the parade? From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Frontiers is hosting a free viewing party for Pridegoers at Beach Nation, located on the corner of Santa Monica and Sweetzer, front and center on the parade route. Celebrate our community’s political and cultural advances, sink your feet in the sand and indulge in an afternoon at the beach without all the hassle of crossing the 405!
PARTY WITH US AT THESE FRONTIERS MEDIA EVENTS Saturday, May 30 It's Frontiers' L.A. Pride issue release party at the grand opening of Precinct, DTLA's brand-new gay bar. We'll be back on Sunday as well for the bar's beer bust/tea dance. precinctdtla.com
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Plummer Park, the fifth annual Celebrating All Life & Creation Pow Wow promotes HIV awareness and prevention among the Native communities and features traditional drum groups, dancing and food.
Thursday, June 11 Frontiers Night Out at El Coyote, 6:308:30 p.m. Join us on the patio for drink specials sponsored by Don Julio tequila. elcoyotecafe.com Friday, June 12 Original drag diva Lady Bunny DJs a disco dance party at Golden Box in Hollywood, goldenboxla.com; we'll also be at Greystone Manor for Fresh Pride starting at 9 p.m. jeffreysanker.com Saturday, June 13 Stop by Sky Bar at the Mondrian from noon-6 p.m. for the Submerge pool party, featuring music by DJ Josh Peace, justindavidpresents.com; also, from 4
p.m.-2 a.m., hit up the annual Pride Bash inside Here Lounge. herelounge.com Sunday, June 14 Watch the L.A. Pride Parade with us at Beach Nation right on Santa Monica from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., beachnation.com; that night, from 6 p.m.-2 a.m., join us for Sunset Tea, a Pride closing party at new dance club venue 1 OAK on Sunset. pridesunday.com
Text FRONTIERS to 95577 to become a Frontiers VIP
A full day of theater that takes place throughout Plummer Park, including an LGBT Playreading Festival (2 p.m.), performance artist Yozmit (3 p.m.), Ian MacKinnon’s Flirty Thirty: The WeHo Queer History Project (5:30 p.m.), variety show APT 3F (6:50 p.m.) and Face Over 30: The Road to Ovahness, based on the true stories of black gay men (7:45 p.m.)
JUNE 28
At 2 p.m., ALAP presents the full-length play Stolen Moments by Paul Elliott at Plummer Park. RSVP at laplaywrights.org. At 6 p.m., Renberg Theatre produces the play Life in the First Gay City, about the birth of WeHo 30 years ago, told through song and stories.
JUNE 30
At 7 p.m.w inside WeHo Council Chambers, Dear ONE: Love & Longing in Mid-Century Queer America is a staged reading by ZJ Gershick illuminating the lives of ordinary queer Americans through letters written between 1953 and 1967. JUNE 10, 2015
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Lately Los Angeles seems to have veered from an exhaust-obsessed city to a haven for helmets, but where did this cycling trend come from, and where is it going?
SUPANNEE HICKMAN | DREAMSTIME.COM; INSET: RAZYPH | DREAMSTIME.COM
By Patrick Rosenquist
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2004, a group of eight friends got together and decided to ride their bikes through the East Side of Los Angeles. The seven cyclists and one skateboarder, led by Kim Jensen, wanted to go on a tour of the area’s fountains—working ones, defunct ones, private and public. The point was to stop and appreciate an aspect of the city that couldn’t be enjoyed by car. A decade later, this first gathering of the Midnight Ridazz is seen as one of the moments that reshaped Los Angeles’ relationship with bikes. “We wanted to do a ride a month. I think there’s about four or five rides a day now,” says Don Ward, one of those first eight riders. Since helming the wide array of Ridazz groups—whose chapters and spinoffs dot the Southland and extend as far as New York and Italy—he’s seen a big shift here at home with how Angelenos think about taking up two wheels instead of four. “The Ridazz are radically inclusive. We never turn anyone away,” says Ward. This, he believes, makes biking approachable. The group remains resolutely nonpolitical—riding alone is political enough, they contend. Unlike the immense community bike ride Critical Mass, which has the flavor of a protest pedaling down avenues, the party-like atmosphere and lack of judgment from the Ridazz mean people who don’t consider themselves cyclists are tempted to hop on a bike and join the fun. The two most powerful images of California—an environmentally conscious and health-obsessed state that, nevertheless, invented and built an entire way of life around sitting in a car for hours—seem to be in constant conflict. For most of the later half of the 20th century, it seemed as if motors won the scuffle. This changed as the new century approached. In the ‘90s, Eco-Village, located in Koreatown, began operating. It started as an experiment in environmentally and socially conscious living, and in 2002, it extended this message beyond
its two-block patch in L.A., wanting to get more people on bikes. So Eco-Village opened Bicycle Kitchen, a nonprofit that now boasts many workshops and a wide array of volunteers who spread the joy of cycling. With a strong and tight-knit community, the bikers of L.A. figured they finally had a political voice—and they began to use it. The most prominent cycling enthusiast in L.A. is probably former mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who famously broke his elbow riding down Venice Boulevard in 2010. The cycling community jumped on the incident to prove just how dangerous riding a bike on the great big freeway that is Los Angeles could be. Even the city’s leader was in peril. Despite California’s relatively progressive biking laws, Los Angeles controls the configuration of streets, and therefore, the amount and quality of bike lanes throughout the city. Ward believes, naturally, more lanes would encourage more cycling. “If you get more people on bikes, you can move more people through a street,” he says, adding, “L.A. doesn’t just have a traffic problem, it has a mobility problem. Bikes should be part of the plan.” Ward also believes that events like Critical Mass and Midnight Ridazz have helped raise the visibility of cyclists and have built up the courage of Angelenos when it comes to hitting the road on pedals. When Ridazz first started, Ward would drive two miles to the start point of the ride before heading out on the trek. He thought, after a while, “Why am I driving to a 20-mile ride?” The answer is safety and courage—riding in groups is inherently less risky than going solo, when you are less visible and more vulnerable to traffic. But after familiarizing yourself with navigating L.A. streets on bike, it becomes easier to do it alone. “I see it a lot in the Ridazz. People come and ride, and it gives them the encouragement to ride to the coffee shop, to the grocery store or to work,” says Ward. “That happened to me, too.” Part of the appeal of cycling, too—in SoCal and beyond—is the sense of community. Bikers are passionate, friendly and open to new members. A number of community-specific groups have existed here in L.A. through the years—from 1998 to 2005, Bike Out was a queer youth program designed
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WOODGRAIN HELMET BY MISSION BICYCLE Fashioned from a single piece of pine, the company claims the wood actually absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere as you ride. $70, missionbicycle.com RETROFITZ CYCLING SHOE Get a better grip on your pedals by turning any shoe into a cycling shoe with this simple DIY kit. Works with men’s sizes 6 through 15. $35, retrofitz.com
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to build self-esteem and independence. Black Kids on Bikes holds a monthly Freedom Ride, which draws upon the city’s African-American cycling community. Of course, one of the most visible biking events in California is AIDS/LifeCycle, a seven-day, 545-mile tour from San Francisco to Los Angeles that raises funds for both cities’ HIV/AIDS services, taking place this year from May 31 to June 6. Its signature blend of activism and community—as well as good weather and an attention to fitness—has made cycling particularly popular among the L.A. gay community. Naturally, West Hollywood, Ward points out, is one of the most progressive cities when it comes to accommodating cyclists. The ultimate appeal of cycling, Ward says, is its ability to equalize riders. “No matter who you are, if you’re rich or not, when you are on a bike, you’re as vulnerable as anyone else,” he points out. “I think that’s why there’s such a sense of community. It’s a humbling experience. We have to look out for each other.”
Every L.A. Bike Enthusiast 5 Places Should Know HELEN’S CYCLES Helen’s may not be the biggest bike shop in L.A., but the stellar customer service and array of services make it one of the Southland’s most beloved cycling spots. The Santa Monica flagship for this local chain not only offers premium bikes for sale—Cervelo, Colnago and Electra among the offerings—but fittings, repairs and rentals. The best part about borrowing a bike from Helen’s? If you like it, they’ll put the rental fee toward the price of the cycle. Who doesn’t love a good test drive? 2501 Broadway, SaMo, helenscycles.com ORANGE 20 BIKES The folks at Orange 20 are all about the love of cycling—and they want you to fall head over heels, too. Customers rave about the knowledgeable and approachable staff, who are willing to look over your gear and demystify bike maintenance and repair. The shop’s space is open and sunny, with every imaginable bike accessory lining wooden walls.
Orange 20 also offers a variety of guided rides, like “Cyclone,” a 30-mile trek around the East Side. 4314 Melrose Ave., EaHo, orange20bikes.com CALIFORNIA DONUTS #21 Not for the donuts (though they’re great) but for the conceptual exploration of L.A. dubbed The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time—one of the best local tours you can take by bike. The route changes each Wednesday, with unique themes like “A Trip to the Funny Farm” (to an abandoned insane asylum and back) and “Edge of Oblivion” (a ride through the more ghost town-like parts of San Bernardino). The organizers try to get everyone home before the last red line train at midnight, but as the website readily admits, that doesn’t happen very often. Meets at California Donuts, 3540 W. 3rd St., Koreatown, thepassageride.com BICYCLE KITCHEN A nonprofit staffed with bike enthusiasts, Bicycle Kitchen will help anyone learn how to repair or build their bike. Sporting an extensive outreach program, including a youth workshop and an LGBT-focused group currently in the works, the folks at Bicycle Kitchen want L.A.’s streets filled with as many cyclists as possible. They don’t sell or buy bicycles, but sometimes a fully constructed item comes up for grabs. Workshops will show you how to repair a flat, replace gears or even learn the basics of riding. They suggest a $7/hour donation, but no one is turned away. 4429 Fountain Ave, Silver Lake, bicyclekitchen.com SYNAPTIC CYCLES So you don’t actually own a bike—or the one you own isn’t going to take you comfortably (or safely) over some pretty rugged terrain. You’re not out of luck, because there’s Synaptic Cycle, which will rent you a bike and deliver it for free anywhere within 30 miles of Santa Monica. When you receive your bike, they’ll even fit it for you. Prices range from $115 for a day to $65 per day for multi-day rentals, or a week of traildominating fun for $325. They’ll pick up the bike when you’re done, too. 12405 Venice Blvd, Ste. 10, SaMo, synapticcycles.com
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SHINOLA BIXBY This is cycling luxury defined. It has high-end touches like leather handles, American-made steel frame, alloy fenders and a leather saddle. This cruiser is beautiful and functional. $1,950, available at Shinola Silver Lake, 3515 Sunset Blvd., shinola.com
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This album is a throwback to the ‘90s,” explains Adam Lambert. “It’s the soundtrack to my life.” He’s the only gay man to debut at number one on the Billboard charts, and he’s the first openly queer singer to launch a career with a major label, but despite the forward-thinking nature of his career, Lambert looks to the past—his time before breaking through with American Idol—as the inspiration for his upcoming third album, The Original High. A mix of acid house, loudly belted lyrics and slick production, the album is an exploration of gay Los Angeles, from West Hollywood to Silver Lake. “I want to wipe the slate clean,” he says, referring to his past sound and Idol-influenced work. Out June 12, the album is grimier, darker and more introspective than his first two, For Your Entertainment (2009) and Trespassing (2012). Still, Lambert wants you to dance. Though the beats and lyrics are more contemplative, the goal is to move not just a WeHo dance floor but the rest of America as well. As the country gets comfortable with its gay idols, Lambert’s unrepentant and honest approach to pop stardom has gained a following beyond any traditional gay fan base. The new album’s first single—“Ghost Town,” which dropped on April 21—with its driving beat and sparse production, is the perfect gateway to the rest of the project. The song, with its black-and-white music video, sets a new tone for the artist, who has just signed a new record deal with Time Warner music. Lambert has worked inside the entertainment business for almost a decade and a half, years before his American Idol
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From American Idol contestant to frontman of Queen, Adam Lambert reinvents himself once more on his upcoming third album, his most contemplative and personal to date
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debut. While he believes the show certainly jumpstarted his career, his 15 years as an Angeleno also shaped him creatively and personally. The Original High is an attempt to capture that sense of joy—Lambert’s happiness before he became the biggest gay pop star in America.
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rom Indianapolis originally, Adam Lambert moved to San Diego when he was young. “Music has always been a part of my life,” he says, having moved to Los Angeles while he was still a teenager. Despite a lack of resources, he put together a career path familiar to many Angelenos—working any job he could between auditions and gigs. Landing in Los Feliz, he became enamored with L.A.’s vibrant gay scene, auditioning for Idol when he was 27. Lambert’s success on the show—finishing as runner-up to an already forgotten Kris Allen in the series’ eighth season—meant his career got a huge jumpstart. “I’m very happy about American Idol,” Lambert says, “but now I get to go beyond that. I can come out as my own artist, and take my career where I want to.” To aid that transition, Lambert has tapped famed producer Max Martin, the Swedish hit-maker behind Taylor Swift’s 1989 and fellow Idol alum Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone.” They’ve worked together since For Your Entertainment, but Martin has taken on an outsized role following Lambert’s bumpy transition from RCA to Warner. His old label wanted him to do a compilation of ‘80s covers, while he wanted to record new music. That rift led to his departure. “The day after I left my old label, I got a call from Warner,” explains Lambert, “and they said, ‘I hear you’re doing an album with Max Martin.’” The cachet provided by the record producer meant his project was not only a hot commodity but a bankable work of music. Nearly six years after Idol, Lambert wanted to reshape his image and rework his sound. Despite the challenges a mid-career shift can sometimes present, he’s more than ready to blossom from former TV contestant to a full-fledged star.
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ne of the formative experiences Lambert experienced was moving to Stockholm for two months, drawing upon the talent and experience of Martin’s stable of up-and-coming stars, named the “Wolf Cousins.” Tove Lo, a newly minted star in her own right and a Wolf Cousin member, guest-stars on one of The Original High’s tracks.
Having lived here for nearly 15 years, no one knows the best parts of L.A. like Adam. What does he do when he’s not working? As to be expected, his tastes run high-end, but the singer has a firm grasp on what makes the city exciting— and what’s Hollywood without a touch of glamour, anyway?
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DINING
Lambert’s go-to location is SoHo House West Hollywood (9200 Sunset Blvd., sohohousewh.com). “The place is chic, and the food is healthy and really tasty.” Saint Felix in Hollywood (1602 N. Cahuenga Blvd., saintfelix.net) is another go-to, where the daily happy hour, inventive cocktails and modern take on American classics make the gastropub a can’t-miss. Malo in Silver Lake (4326 Sunset Blvd., malorestaurant. com) is another locale Lambert loves, along with WeHo’s Tortilla Republic (616 N. Robertson Blvd., tortillarepublic.com). “I’m a California boy at heart, so I love anything Mexican,” he says.
Adam Lambert’s The Original High is available June 12
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When it comes to fashion and looking the part of rock ‘n’ roll prince, Adam prefers some of the city’s more upscale offerings. “I go to Barneys a lot,” he says (9570 Wilshire Blvd., barneys.com). “I have a really bad shopping habit. I love to buy clothes, but I think everyone needs a vice.” Lambert also hits up Traffic Men inside the Beverly Center (shoptrafficla.com), zoning in on their shoes and shirts. The stunning couture at Maxfield (8825 Melrose Ave., maxfieldla.com) is another weakness. Spoken like a true celebrity, he coyly admits, “I mean, I’m being photographed, so I’ve got to look good, right?”
NIGHTLIFE
As far as great bars go, the Standard in West Hollywood (8300 Sunset Blvd., standardhotels.com) is a favorite, along with Chateau Marmont (8221 Sunset Blvd., chateaumarmont.com). The sophisticated air, great drinks and flashy scene make both hotels standbys for the singer. As he doesn’t go out to drink often, his nights on the town are special—and pricey. Back in his old neighborhood of Los Feliz, Café Stella (3932 Sunset Blvd., cafestella.com) is a favorite, where the modern take on classic French cuisine reminds Adam of his first days in L.A., when he was living in a small studio just blocks from the bar.
DAVID ROEMER
AdamLambert’s
“It helped that I didn’t know anyone there,” he says of Sweden, adding, “It was really cold, too.” The isolation meant Lambert only had music to focus on, and the lack of a label was liberating. “I didn’t have anyone telling me what to do,” he says, free to conceive and execute the album as he pleased. The result is Lambert’s most personal work yet, and one that reflects his experiences as a gay man in Los Angeles. “This is the sound of me exploring the city, of the underground gatherings I went to when I was a struggling singer.” The only other guest vocalist featured is Brian May, a member of Queen, the group Lambert now fronts on tours. “Queen is such a great experience,” he says, as someone who grew up idolizing Freddie Mercury and the band’s orchestral and ornate sound. “I tend toward rock—loud music,” he says. The collaboration—which has not yet resulted in a studio album but could eventually head in that direction—began when Lambert was an Idol contestant. He was mentored on the show by May and eventually belted out “Bohemian Rhapsody” on the show, a track he mentions is one of his favorites. “I know a lot of their songs, but as a fan,” he says. “I had to learn a lot of deep cuts and B-sides after joining!” His first turn as Queen’s lead singer, a collaboration that launched in Eastern Europe, was overwhelming. “I wasn’t sure what I was doing, but suddenly I had thousands of people cheering me on while I sang. It was life-changing.” Lambert’s turn as the frontman for Queen only underscores his place in the pop-rock landscape—he is the most well-known gay man currently working in music, and he’s one who not only achieved widespread success but refuses to shy away from flamboyancy or stereotypes. His work as a musician has spanned the androgynous look of his For Your Entertainment period to the gritty, five o’clock shadow machismo of his current presence. Being openly gay in the music industry has actually been less challenging than Lambert believed it would be. While his wide television exposure certainly helps, changing attitudes also mean he isn’t expected to box himself into one persona. That latitude that he’s been afforded is not lost on him. “I’ve had a really great career,” Lambert says. “I want to focus on being a good singer. I want this album to be personal, and I want my fans to relate to what I’m saying, even if it’s not their experience.”
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COPYRIGHT © 2015 BY ISAAC OLIVER. PRINTED BY PERMISSION
A tale of lusty online embarrassment from emerging talent Isaac Oliver’s forthcoming essay collection
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SEX IN THE DIGITAL AGE
COPYRIGHT © 2015 BY ISAAC OLIVER. PRINTED BY PERMISSION
Home Invasions
PETER O\’TOOLE | DREAMSTIME.COM; ISAAC OLIVER: LUKE FONTANA
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he man whom Jesse Tyler Ferguson calls “One of the funniest, sharpest and smartest writers I have ever encountered ... on Grindr” will grace bookshelves everywhere next month when New York-based talent Isaac Oliver releases Intimacy Idiot, his much-anticipated debut. The book’s collection of laugh-out-loud essays, love poems, lists and woeful tales— from hysterical hookups to recollections of adolescent theatrical productions—has already sparked comparisons to the work of David Sedaris and Augusten Burroughs. New York magazine calls him a “monstrous new talent,” and we tend to agree. Locals can catch Oliver on his summer tour, stopping at Rockwell Table & Stage in Los Feliz on July 14, but until then, enjoy the following excerpt from Intimacy Idiot. —Stephan Horbelt When we hatched our plan to have video sex on Skype, I didn’t quite grasp that the man and I would see and hear each other. Not only did I have to throw off my Snuggie, I had to change into better underwear, as though he were actually coming over. He had a great body, that’s for sure, but he refused to show his face, which made me wonder if he was famous, and then I decided he was indeed famous, that he was James McAvoy, because why not, I took off my Snuggie for this. To similarly obscure my face, I angled my webcam down, only to realize 10 minutes later that he could now see the block of cheese on the plate next to my keyboard that I’d been enjoying while watching the Kennedy Center Honors. My radiator kept clanging, so we had to ask each other to repeat what was just said. I could hear other people instantmessaging him on Manhunt. I got a text and checked it. He wanted to look at my ass, which meant I had to turn away from the keyboard and face the framed photograph of John Updike I have on my wall. It’s unnerving to slap your ass while looking at John Updike and hearing a disembodied voice from your computer moan in approval. I have a desk chair that spins, so I thought it would be novel to squat on the chair and gyrate a little, giving him a rotating view. That got him to at least stop typing to other people, so I felt victorious until my chair spun too far and I hit my head on my closet door. The concerned disembodied voice: “Are you okay?” Me, embarrassed, trying to recover the mood: “Fuck yeah.” At that point I just wanted to get back into my Snuggie and finish my cheese. He told me, “Bend over your bed and get ready for me,” which I’m pretty sure was just a way for him to get me out of earshot so he could respond to all the instant-messages that had been piling up during my chair show. I could faintly hear him typing away while I was bent over my bed, moaning and folding my laundry. A month or so later, an attractive young citizen of New Jersey coaxed me back onto Skype. He wrote to me on Manhunt, and he’d used commas, so, naturally, I was his for the night. He looked like what I imagine the Brawny Paper Towel Man would look like if he were undecided at a state school. We started off well. Even while talking dirty I could tell he was using commas. He asked me to suck my fingers, which— funny he should ask—I’d just been doing, to get off the seasoning from some Red Hot Blues tortilla chips. I said, “I can do you one better than that,” and ran to the Basket o’ Stuff behind my bed, rooted through my creams and salves and balms, and pulled out my pink dildo. I ran back to the computer with it. He was thrilled. “Awesome,” he said. “Suck it. Pretend it’s me.” “Oh, I’m going to,” I responded. I held it up so he could see it, then put my mouth on it and began to go to town. I hadn’t noticed before—but soon did—that it had been so long since I’d had sufficient ceremony to use my pink dildo that it was covered in dust. Dust. My mouth and throat were
filling with dust. I spat out the dildo and gagged, in full view on Skype. “Damn, someone’s eager,” he said, and I choked out, “No, it’s—one sec,” and ran coughing to the bathroom, where I rinsed out my mouth. “Where’d you go?” I could hear him calling from my computer. I sensed that I was losing my audience, a cardinal sin in my business of show, so I hurriedly washed the dildo with my aloe and green tea hand soap and ran back into my room, on-camera again. “You okay?” he asked. I didn’t even respond. I just popped that dildo back into my mouth—and gagged again, because my god, ALOE AND GREEN TEA HAND SOAP BURNS YOUR MOUTH LIKE ACID. I ran back into the bathroom, threw the dildo to the floor, and flushed my mouth out with water and mouthwash and anything holy. “Hello?” I could hear him again from the computer. “You there? Hello?” I crawled on my hands and knees back into my bedroom so he wouldn’t see me and reached up from the floor to quit out of Skype. I mean, there was no saving that.
Intimacy Idiot By Isaac Oliver Available June 2 288 pp., $24 (Scribner)
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THE WORLD OF BILLY MASTERS From left: Jane Fonda, Lance Bass, Andy Cohen, Raven-Symoné, Zac Efron
ANDY COHEN KISSES AND TELLS, NBC SEEKS DOROTHY, FONDA & TOMLIN NEED A RAISE
Off to See the Wiz NBC revealed some details about its upcoming live presentation of The Wiz. First, the network will partner with Cirque du Soleil to add a new dimension to the show. Second, Harvey Fierstein will punch up the book. Third, this will be the first step towards a major Broadway revival in 2016-17. While the search continues for a newcomer to play Dorothy, the show’s original star has joined this new cast. Stephanie Mills was the original Dorothy on Broadway, and for the TV version, she’ll play Auntie Em. I’m told she was originally asked to play Glinda, but she felt too intimidated by the long shadow cast by Lena Horne. A View from the Top The View is poised to undergo even more changes. As I revealed a few weeks ago, serious negotiations are underway for Raven-Symoné to join the cast full-time next season, thus ending talks with Cristela Alfonso, up for the same job. Rounding out the cast may be another familiar face. The brass are quite eager to 134
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get Joy Behar back onboard. Despite what you may have heard, she didn’t leave of her own accord two years ago but was jettisoned along with Elisabeth Hasselbeck. But with the subsequent departure of Sherri Shepherd, the show lost its spark. Behar’s guest spots have proven popular, and ABC believes her return could help the show find its way. Money Matters Netflix has made quite a splash with Grace and Frankie. Alas, stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are not so thrilled with how things have been handled behind the scenes. The ladies may play the titular stars, but they happen to be getting the same salary as Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston. Fonda spoke out: “Lily found out Sam and Martin are getting the same salary that we are. That doesn’t make us happy.” Tomlin added, “The show is not ‘Sol and Robert’; it’s Grace and Frankie!” Although there are some cases where supporting actors do as much heavy lifting as the leads (Will & Grace), Grace and Frankie has clearly given the brunt of the burden to the ladies. And the ladies have surprising allies in Sheen and Waterston. The men sat down with Kathie Lee and Hoda Kotb and said the ladies should be given a raise. “They carry the show,” said Sheen. Waterston added, “I think they’re being cheated.” Fonda is full of revelations. Elsewhere, she admitted to having dated her fair share of gay men—and could have even married one. “When I was young, I was the female that gay guys wanted to try to become heterosexual with. A very famous actor who’s gay—and I will not name names—asked me to marry him. I was very flattered, but I said, Why? This was 1964. And, I mean, he wasn’t the only one. It’s very interesting. I lived for two years
with a guy who was trying to become heterosexual. I’m intimately acquainted with that.” I think it was the Barbarella costumes. I mean, the boots alone.... Stunt Casting Our “Ask Billy” question comes from Mike in San Diego: “Loved the photos of Zac Efron walking around practically naked. But I hear there are even more pics, including one of him naked on a motorcycle. I’m sure you can find it ... if it’s real.” I can find it, and it’s real ... kinda. The photos in question have been filtering out from the set of Bad Grandpa. Previously we shared snaps of Zac walking around practically naked with only a bumblebee strapped to his nether regions. In the same scene, he apparently hops on a hog and rides away (I will pause for dramatic effect so you can picture Zac hopping on a hog ... or anything else). Alas, the naked guy on the motorcycle wasn’t Zac. While less scrupulous reporters have said the guy was Zac’s butt double, I did some sniffing around and discovered the truth. The guy was hired to be Zac’s stunt double. OK, so he was a stunt double who also does nudity, but our sources say Efron had no problem with the nudity—just with the cycling. You can check out the photos of both boys on BillyMasters.com. When Zac (or someone who looks like him) is riding bareback, it’s definitely time to end yet another column. Find all that and more at BillyMasters.com, the site that never sleeps. If you have a question for me, shoot it over to Billy@ BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before Jane Fonda reveals she made a risqué exercise video with Richard Simmons! Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.
PHOTO CREDIT TK
Who Banged Who? Andy Cohen was recently asked to kiss and tell about celebrity sexual encounters. “The most famous person I ever slept with I guess is Lance Bass,” he said. With all due respect to both Andy and Lance, I think many of my readers have slept with more famous people! Regarding sleeping with Cohen, Bass said, “I’m not going to tell you what I do in the bedroom. Sex is a broad term ... like ‘Andy banged Lance’—when did he ever say that? This is an old story. Three years ago we told everyone we hooked up. Now it’s getting into who did who? I can just tell you right now, there was no Andy D going in my B.” Unless, of course, they were in France, because something tells me Lance’s “bouche” was engaged.
QUEERSAY
BY GOSSIP GAY
FROM RANCID TO ... RIPPED? IF YOU’RE EATING, it’s probably best that you stop reading now. You see, I recently went to coffee with my gaggle of gays to discuss our Pride weekend to-dos. Back in the day (our early 20s), it was merely a given that we’d sleep through the day and circuit party our nights away. However, now, as we cross the threshold into our WeHodreaded 30s, what we do and who we do it with on Pride weekend takes a bit of planning. Of course we agreed upon cruising through all the regular hotspots-the parade, the festival, the bars, the underwear parties, the exclusive A-gay Hollywood Hills soirees. It was decided that 2015 was to be a celebratory year of Pride at its most unabashedly awesome. Typical for Gossip Gay and my gaggle, right? Well, almost. We all know that as Pride season kicks into high gear, it’s best to limit one’s caloric intake to practically nothing. My regular readers know that my Pride-prep April/May/June eating consists of a strict sugar- and carb-free, 1,700-calories-per-day diet and doublies at Barry’s Bootcamp. (For those not in the queer know, “doublies” are twice-daily visits--one to burn the backfat, the other to pump the pectorals.) But apparently this year’s dietary to-dos include another facet--one that is quite literally and intentionally stomach-turning--a newfangled diet called the Rancid-to-Ripped diet! As my gaggle informs me, there is a new fad quickly taking hold of Beverly Hills housewives and their queer counterparts. Typically I stay away from the latest in self-beautification, as those attempts often cost too much, do little good and are quickly gone with the wind (just like a Taylor Swift song). However, this diet tip was just too good not to relay to my readers. So boasted the gayest of our gaggle: “OMFG, y’all! It’s totes simple! All you do is keep, like, a really old and rancid hunk of beef in the back of your fridge. Any time you think you’re hungry, take it out and smell it. I’m not talking a little smell, but seriously get your nose in there and go to town. Honestly, it makes you dizzier than a poppers hit, and after a long whiff of that moldy beef, the last thing you’ll want to do is eat anything for like six hours! It’s ahhhhh-mazing!” Now, a spoiled hunk of meat in L.A. is nothing new. You see them strutting their past-their-prime stuff all the time on Santa Monica Boulevard. But to suggest that one take a whiff of Bristol Farms beef tips gone bad to twist their senses into starvation is simply twisted! What happened to the days of Atkins, Jenny Craig and Jane Fonda videos, back when fad diet fads were dumb but not dry heave-inducing? Boys, I get it. Looking good in your rainbow mankini on Pride Sunday is important, but please diet responsibly, not stupidly, this summer season. Ain’t nobody got time (or the stomach!) for this newfangled Rancid-to-Ripped diet. You’re amazing just the way you are!
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PALM SPRINGS From left: Trio Restaurant & Bar, Ace Hotel &Swim Club, Desert Adventures Eco-Tours & Events
PALM SPRINGS DESERT RESORT RESTAURANT WEEK May 29 - June 7 palmspringsrestaurantweek.com
EAT, STAY AND PLAY IN THE DESERT More than an occasion for good eats, Palm Springs Restaurant Week offers up exclusive deals at local hotels and attractions By Lydia Siriprakorn
B
race yourselves—it turns out there is life after Coachella in Coachella Valley. Now that the dust has settled and festivalgoers are on to planning their outfits for next year, things can feel a little quiet in the desert. That’s what makes this the perfect time of year for Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week. From May 29 to June 7, the desert cities are gearing up for 10 days of “Eat. Stay. Play.” which might just be reason enough to beckon you back out there. “It’s a good time to come to the desert,” says Palm Springs Restaurant Week President Tony Marchese. “June starts getting slower in the desert. You guys have June gloom in L.A., so why not come to Palm Springs?” Unlike restaurant weeks in other cities that typically only involve restaurants, Palm Springs goes one step further and rounds up exclusive deals at hotels and local attractions as well. Foodies may feel like they’ve hit the jackpot with an abundance of options spanning La Quinta, Palm Springs, Indian Wells, Desert Hot Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Cathedral City and Indio. Over the course of 10 days, diners can choose from threecourse prix fixe dinner menus available for $26 or $38 per person at almost 100 restaurants. “It’s an opportunity to try these really great restaurants at an affordable price,” Marchese says. If eating your way through the greater Palm Springs area doesn’t entice you, there’s still plenty to do around town, and deals to make it all easy on your wallet. Desert Adventures Eco-Tours & Events (red-jeep.com) is offering free lunch when you book a Jeep tour, and Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (pstramway.com) is doing reduced tram fares after 4 p.m. during Restaurant Week (just be sure to make a reservation). Spa fans will find themselves in paradise all week long, too. Three words: Watermelon Basil Vodkatini. The famous Spa Las Palmas (omnirancholaspalmas.com) is offering a luxurious
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mani-pedi special that sounds as delicious as it does refreshing. If you envision Restaurant Week in Palm Springs as only something your parents would enjoy, guess again. Even the ever-so-hip Ace Hotel (acehotel.com/palmsprings) is on board, offering a custom three-course prix fixe menu at its restaurant, King’s Highway. If you’re feeling extra keen on some you-time, bring your King’s Highway receipt to the on-site Feel Good Spa and score 25% off any 60-minute treatment. What began in 2007 with fewer than 30 restaurants has more than tripled in the last eight years. As a restaurant owner himself, Marchese sees the positive impact from both sides. “The participation in restaurants throughout the Valley has grown,” he says. “I think it’s because restaurant owners are seeing the value in it. It’s a great way for owners to give back to the community and try restaurants and try dishes that they haven’t tried before.” So what does a restauranteur like Marchese, who owns Trio Restaurant & Bar (triopalmsprings.com), look forward to each year? “Every year I look forward to the new participants. This year there’s a restaurant called Mr. Lyons. They don’t normally participate, so I’m excited about trying that.” For just $38, the steakhouse is offering delectable options off their prix fixe menu like Beef Wellington, french onion soup and sticky toffee pudding. Restaurant Week gives the community one more big boost before the summer, when many restaurants close up shop for the season. “The busier restaurants are the ones who create a value,” says Marchese. “You can get a $26 meal but almost a $40 value. For the everyday consumer, it’s an opportunity to try these really great restaurants at an affordable price. It’s a win-win.” With deals like that, you’ll have extra money to hit the shops and pick up a pair of pants with extra stretch in between top-notch meals.
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PALM SPRINGS Fri. | May 29 DEVELOPING YOUR PERSONAL BRAND LGBT Center of the Desert
Thu. | June 4 THURSDAY NIGHT TRIVIA Hunters Nightclub
This interactive workshop focuses on developing personal style and influencing others, starting at 5:30 p.m. It’s free with advance registration. thecenterps.org
Show off how much useless trivia you’ve stored in that brain of yours while competing against customers at Hunters’ Fort Lauderdale location, every Thursday starting at 5 p.m. hunterspalmsprings.com
Fri. | May 29 BOBBIE EAKES Purple Room
Wed. | June 10 12 ANGRY MEN Camelot Theater
The actress best known for TV’s All My Children and The Bold and the Beautiful sings for her supper, through May 30. purpleroompalmsprings.com
Jury duty was never as fascinating as in this 1957 drama, screened at 8 p.m. as part of the theater’s Wednesday night Classic Hollywood Film Series. camelottheatres.com
Tue. | June 9 RETROVISION Spurline
Enjoy your favorite music videos of the ‘80s and ‘90s every Tuesday night starting at 8 p.m. spurline.com Through June 2 ARTWALL PROJECT: MANDALAS Streetbar
Sat. | June 13 SPLASH HOUSE 2015 Throughout the city
This city-spanning pool party and music festival hosted at various Palm Springs venues features a poolside fashion show, concerts and dance parties throughout the weekend. splashhouse.com
The project welcomes the work of Paul Hamel, who began his recent “Modern Mandala” collection after retiring and moving to Palm Springs last year. psstreetbar.com
SING IT, SISTER
I
f you’re a six on the Kinsey scale of human sexuality, that means you’re exclusively gay. But if you’re a Kinsey Sicks, it means you’re an a capella singing drag queen quartet known for high camp, outrageous song parodies and biting commentary on current events. Billing themselves as “America’s Favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet,” Kinsey Sicks began by accident in 1993 when a group of San Francisco friends went to a Bette Midler concert dressed as the Andrews Sisters, assuming many other attendees would be in drag as well. Turns out they were the only ones, but a woman in the audience asked them to perform at her upcoming 50th birthday party. The group was born. The Advocate calls them “Gut wrenchingly funny” with “pitch perfect a cappella harmonies,” while the Huffington Post says Kinsey Sicks “has remained steadfastly lewd, crude and rapturously reviewed.” If you’re looking for your own chance to review them, you can do that June 12-13 at Palm Springs’ Copa nightclub, located at 244 E. Amado Road. coparoomps.com —James F. Mills
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GAYDAR
BENDING THE RULES While you’re rocking out at the Pride mainstage, thank the legendary children of music who put you there PLAYING DRESS-UP
MAINSTREAM MAKEOVER
The New York Dolls’ ticket to rock stardom— raiding their sisters’ closets
GENDERBENDER
LADIES DOING LADY THINGS
KISS & MAKEUP
IF I WERE A BOY
Lady Gaga may be royalty, but her male alter ego just freaks us out
Trés adorable and seemingly nonthreathing to the fly-over states
“Thank you, America. You know a good drag queen when you see one.”
Big Freedia serves the bounce and the good weave
Why dress like Judy when you can be Judy?
Like a disco angel in a gold lamé kaftan, Sylvester has come to take you higher
Supermodel (and drag diva) of the world
With a single photo, k.d. lang became the envy of every straight man in America
Madonna is the only man we’ll ever need
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Adam served primetime guyliner on American Idol
Bowie bended the rules until they broke
These dudes served contour like no other
Annie Lennox became the face of ‘80s androgyny
Grace is woman, hear her roar
Think it’s difficult to get laid when you’re prettier than your groupies?
JULY 23, 2014
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