Frontiers Vol. 34, Issue 11 by Frontiers

SEPT. 17 - 30, 2015 | VOL. 34, NO. 11

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BULK UP W

ITH OU R

BOOB JOB FOR DUDES {p a g e 3 1}

AT HOME WITH

Design Trends with HGTV’s David Bromstad Does ‘Stonewall’ Really Fall Short? Refresh Your Routine with 11 New Grooming Products

MARGARET CHO

The comedy superstar invites us inside her private sanctuary

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Contents

SEPT. 17 - 30, 2015

FEATURES

A Stone's Throw

HGTV's David Bromstad

Margaret Cho Invites Us In

ON THE COVER Margaret Cho photographed exclusively for Frontiers by Dusti Cunningham. Hair by Marc Mapile. Makeup by Cat Elrod. Wardrobe by Charlie Altuna and Jany Stanley.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

Contents

Download our interactive digital edition with videos, expanded editorial, behind-the-scenes photos and more. Search for Frontiers magazine on

SEPT. 17 - 30, 2015

DEPARTMENTS NEWSBOX 11 12 14 20 20 22

Flipping the GOP's Reagan Worship Flashbulb Watercooler The FBI Comes to Palm Springs The Democrats' Dilemma DateBook

11 35

THE GAY AGENDA 25

26 28 28

Update Your Morning Routine with 11 New Grooming Products Warhol Your Wall J.Crew Dreams of Denim The Latest in Frozen Booze

HEALTH 31 32 32 33 33

A Boob Job for Dudes Sex Ed: A Heartfelt Hard-On Fitness Q&A Off the Couch: Put Down Your Phone Our Fave Celebrity Superhero Bods

25 43

CALENDAR 35 36 37 40 40

Out on the Mountain The L.A. Center's Chairs for Charity The Nellie Olesons Return 3 New Restaurants on the Scene Eating Out: Broken Spanish

ENTERTAINMENT 43 44 45 46

46 47

31 66

A Sit-Down with Loni Love Film Reviews Music Reviews Television Honors Its Own at the Prime Time Emmys Theater Reviews Coming to TV

Frontiers magazine is published by New Frontiers Media Holdings, LLC, 5657 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 470, Los Angeles, CA. 90036, and distributed throughout Southern California. Up to the first three copies of any single issue are free; additional copies are $10 each. Violators caught stealing or destroying issues will be prosecuted under California Penal Code 484. For magazine subscriptions, please call (323) 930- 3220. The contents of Frontiers may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. Letters to the editor, artwork, photography, manuscripts and other correspondence may be submitted to Frontiers at the above address. We cannot acknowledge or return material unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Allow at least three months for processing. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles or advertising in Frontiers is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation or the HIV/AIDS status of such person or organization. Copyright ÂŠ 2015, New Frontiers Media Holdings, LLC.

COLUMNS 64 65 66 72

Billy Masters Gossip Gay Palm Springs Gaydar

PEOPLE INDEX Courtney Act David Bowie Henry Cavill Andrew Garfield 4

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35 28 33 22

Taraji P. Henson Madonna Grace Jones Marilyn Monroe

47 72 38 26

Peaches Chris Pratt Andy Samberg Donald Trump

45 33 46 43

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

F RO NT I E R S M E DIA .C OM

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How to Flip Reagan Worship Back on the GOP Republican candidates are pushing a dark and dangerous misinterpretation of their sunny hero’s message By Karen Ocamb

4 The number of GOP presidential contenders who believe Kim Davis’ First Amendment religious rights trump the United States Supreme Court

SPEAK OUT

rom establishment candidates to the far-right fringe, the Republican contenders for the 2016 presidential nomination are devout in their worship of former President Ronald Reagan. But his long shadow hangs more like a pall than a majestic rainbow over the 16 aspirants to the Reagan throne. Even his vaunted cry for individual liberty is being twisted into an anti-gay religious rallying cry. “If you gave most of them a test on what Reagan did, they wouldn’t have a clue,” Reagan biographer Lou Cannon told George Skelton of the Los Angeles Times. During his time as governor, Reagan signed a law granting amnesty to millions of undocumented immigrants, forged compromises with Democrats, expanded Medicaid health coverage for the poor, was “the most environmental governor in California history” and “signed the most liberal abortion law in America,” according to Reagan chief strategist Stu Spencer. And while most LGBT people remember Reagan’s willful neglect of the AIDS crisis, in 1978, as California governor, his op-ed opposing Prop. 6 was a significant reason the anti-gay ballot measure went down to defeat. Prop. 6, known as the Briggs Initiative—inspirited by the anti-gay crusade of Anita Bryant—would have banned gay and lesbian teachers and anyone who supported them from California public schools. In his one-man play Oh Hell No! longtime gay politico David Mixner recalled how he and his consulting partner Peter Scott had a secret meeting with Reagan, who seemed prepared to endorse the measure. But Mixner spelled out how the initiative could lead to anarchy, with disgruntled students accusing their teacher of being gay after receiving a bad grade. It was the “anarchy” argument that swayed him, Mixner recalled.

And it’s the possibility of anarchy that looms now as far-right conservative Republicans, including presidential candidates, distort Reagan’s famous words about government from his 1980 inaugural address and use them now to defy the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution and argue that an individual person’s religious freedom, the will of the majority of “the people” and “the State” are superior to rulings by “unelected judges” of the Supreme Court—at least when it comes to marriage equality. Framing the “economic ills” of the late 1970s in a characteristically optimistic fashion, Reagan said in his inaugural, “In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” The new president went on to explain that the states created the federal government, not the other way around. Reagan then added, “Now, so there will be no misunderstanding, it is not my intention to do away with government. It is, rather, to make it work—work with us, not over us; to stand by our side, not ride on our back. Government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not stifle it.”

“It’s important to raise awareness of the persecution of gays and lesbians in other parts of the world. We may have it pretty good in the U.S., but the situation is so bleak in so many other places.” The current International Mr. Leather Patrick Smith, who recently wrapped a four-day outreach trip to notoriously anti-gay nation Uganda *According to Statista.com SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

FLASHBULB continued

Reagan believed in limited government, not no government, which is what many of the current crop of Reaganloving conservatives such as Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee espouse. Reagan wanted individual freedom to work responsibly for the common good, articulating American exceptionalism for ordinary Americans by quoting from an obscure World War I hero named Martin Treptow, who said, “I will fight cheerfully and do my utmost, as if the issue of the whole struggle depended on me alone.” But the current GOP take on that admonition flips that belief to suggest that an individual’s “religious conscience” has supremacy over the common good. The ongoing political chaos over elected Kentucky clerk Kim Davis, who refuses to issue marriage licensees to same-sex couples based on her Christian conscience, is a prime example of twisting Reagan’s words. Davis’ backers argue that her religious First Amendment rights and the rights of “the people” and “the state”— Kentucky has a Religious Freedom Restoration Act—trump the U.S. Supreme Court. It’s hard to believe that Reagan would concur, but at least four Republican presidential contenders do—Cruz, Huckabee, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. Perhaps more concerning, however, is the so-called First Amendment Defense Act, introduced in June by Tea Party right wingers Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Idaho. The broadly written bill says that, regardless of any other law, “the federal government shall not take any discriminatory action against a person” who acts based on their own religious conviction that marriage is only between a man and woman, and that sex is reserved for those straight marriages. In other words, a landlord could decide not to rent to an unmarried couple; an employer could fire a single mother; a county clerk could not issue civil marriage licenses to same-sex couples—without fear of accountability or punishment—as long as they claim they have a sincerely held religious objection and that the presumed “behavior” of those denied services falls outside the boundaries of marriage and thus offends their conscience. Imagine the prospect of self-appointed sex police. Gays remember a time when gay sex was a criminal act, before the Supreme Court struck down state sodomy bans in 2003’s Lawrence v. Texas. Reagan cheated on his first wife with his second wife. He couldn’t have possibly imagined the potential anarchy his “government is the problem” has created.

MICK ROCK: SHOOTING FOR STARDUST, Taschen Gallery, Sept. 9—The opening reception for Taschen’s latest exhibit, comprised of the famed photographer’s early work with David Bowie, drew an eclectic crowd. From left: Mena Suvari, Rodney Bingenheimer, Linda Ramone, Father John Misty, Benedikt Taschen, Aimee Osbourne with Mick Rock, KCRW’s Jason Bentley

CHRISTMAS IN SEPTEMBER, The Abbey, Sept. 10—It was 100 degrees but snowing in West Hollywood at the annual toy drive for L.A. Children’s Hospital. Top row: Billy Reilich, also known as The Ellen Show’s “Nick the Gardener” with the Abbey dancers Bottom: Jeffrey Sanker, DJ Casey Alva, Judy Tenuta, Jonny Drubel, Abbey owner David Cooley with Bryan Singer

SPEAK OUT “You’re not the good guys. You’re the shitty, oppressive, totalitarian Empire.” After his book Star Wars: Aftermath received a negative Amazon review for introducing a gay character, Chuck Wendig responded on his blog

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2015 QFILM FESTIVAL, Long Beach, Sept. 10-13—More than 1,500 people attended Long Beach’s longest-running film festival, which included narrative features, documentaries and short films. Top row: QFilms’ Christina D. Rios-Bennett with director/writer Brad Etter, QFilms Co-Executive Producer Porter Gilberg, Sylvia Rodmeyer and moderator Jodi Davis-Pacheco, Ileanna Simancas with executive producer of Liz in September Patricia Velasquez Bottom: Upstairs Inferno’s cinematographer Nick Morr with director Robert Camina and Christopher Rice, Tab Hunter Confidential director Jeffrey Schwartz with producer Neil Koenigsberg

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WATERCOOLER

Your cheat sheet for intelligent conversation — By Peter DelVecchio

Obama Invites Gays to Meet the Pope

President Obama has invited Aaron Ledesma and Frank Bua to Washington, D.C., to meet Pope Francis when he visits this month. Ledesma, 23, from Richmond, Va., blogged about his return to the Catholic Church, while Bua says he will be representing LGBTQ families and the Family Equality Council, of which he’s a member of the board. Francis stunned the world when he said of LGBT people in a 2013 interview, “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has goodwill, who am I to judge?” Asked by a local CBS reporter what he would like to tell the pope, Ledesma says, “I would tell the Holy Father how much it means to someone to hear you are loved, you are supported.”

End of Life Option Act Heads to Gov. Brown

The End of Life Option Act, which allows for medical assistance for the terminally ill, passed the California Senate by 23 votes to 14 on Sept. 11. The original bill was amended by Assemblymember Susan Talamantes Eggman, Chair of the Legislative LGBT Caucus, and passed the Assembly by 42 to 33 after an emotional debate. Gov. Jerry Brown has 30 days to sign, veto or let the right-to-die bill become law without his signature. “I certainly don’t take this lightly,” Eggman says, noting that she has spent much of her life working on health care since joining the U.S. Army at 18 as a combat medic. Eggman’s dying mother helped with her PH.D dissertation on end of life and the right-to-die. “I am committed to this issue of people being able to die on their own terms,” Eggman said before the Assembly vote. —K.O.

Caitlyn Jenner Tepid on Marriage Equality

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TransLivesMatter Storms Stage at AIDS Conference

L.A.-based trans Latina activist Bamby Salcedo and #TransLivesMatter activists stormed the stage at the U.S. Conference on AIDS in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 10. Unlike previous protests, they were welcomed by Paul Kawata, Executive of the National Minority AIDS Council, which hosted the event, and applauded after their 20-minute demonstration. Protesters called for justice instead of lip service, chided “the nonprofit industrial complex” for “making money on the backs of trans women of color” but not employing them and called out national institutions for failing to include or properly represent trans people in data collection that leads to public policy—all of which can lead to violence. Salcedo called out the Office of National AIDS Policy for a “terrible” new strategy that doesn’t implement what the community called for, implying that “trans people are not important.” —K.O.

Susan Talamantes Eggman

4 5

It seems Olympic icon, reality TV star and current LGBT tolerance poster child Caitlyn Jenner may be less than a full-throated supporter of the movement’s most significant achievement, marriage equality. Ulrike Lunacek In a recent appearance on Ellen, Jenner, who recently came out both as trans and Republican, said she was not for “this whole gay marriage issue” 15 years ago, but has evolved to the point where, “If that word, ‘marriage,’ is really, really that important to you, I can go with it.” Ellen DeGeneres was less than amused, explaining later to Howard Stern, “I said, ‘You’re wanting people to understand and accept you ... and you still have a judgment about gay people and marriage,’” adding, “but I want her to be happy, which is what I want her [to want] for me.”

The European Parliament adopted “a new comprehensive report on fundamental rights” in the European Union on Sept. 8, despite rightwing efforts to derail it, a release from the Parliament’s “Intergroup of LGBT Rights” states. The report declares that “same-sex couples everywhere should have access to marriage or registered partnerships, the effects of which should be recognized across the EU,” calls for “development of a comprehensive plan/strategy against homophobia” and urges “making legal gender recognition procedures easier for transgender people.” “I am very glad that the Parliament stood up for the ideals of equal rights and non-discrimination,” says Parliament’s Vice President Ulrike Lunacek.

Gavin Grimm

European Parliament Demands LGBT Rights Throughout Europe

Virginia Trans Student Appeals Restroom Ruling

A Gloucester County, Va., transgender high school student has appealed a federal court ruling upholding a school rule requiring students to use restrooms and locker rooms consistent with their “biological gender.” The ACLU of Virginia sued the school district back in June on behalf of Gavin Grimm, who was not allowed to use the boys’ restroom, arguing that the bathroom policy violated the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause and Title IX, a federal statute that prohibits schools which receive federal funds from discriminating on the basis of sex. Privacy for All is using this ongoing case to advance an anti-transgender measure on the 2016 California ballot.

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FBI Shuts Down Palm Springs City Hall Over Corruption Probe

alm Springs city employees and residents were shocked when a swarm of FBI and IRS agents took over City Hall on Sept. 1, sending everyone home and closing the public facility as part of a corruption probe. Agents also executed search warrants at the home of out Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet, who is at the center of the probe into a possible conflict of interest relationship with a major developer for whom Pougnet had worked as a consultant. “We do searches based on allegations of criminal activity, and so we’re seeking evidence pursuant to the warrant, however the warrant is under seal,” Laura Eimiller, spokesperson for the L.A. bureau of the FBI, said after computers, files and city-issued employee cell phones were seized. “I’m happy to cooperate with the inquiry going on at City Hall, just as I have always been fully cooperative and open in all of my many years as an elected official in Palm Springs,” Pougnet said at a Sept. 2 City Council meeting. “For many of you here in the crowd hoping to hear the words that I’m going to resign tonight, I’m not going to resign tonight,” Pougnet said. “So I will continue to lead this city for the next few months until the end of my term before I go and be with my family in Denver, Colorado. So I also ask everyone, don’t jump to all the conclusions. This investigation will be thorough, and we will all live by the conclusions.” Pougnet disclosed on his Form 700 that he earned more than $100,000 per year since 2013 working as a consultant for developer Richard Meaney‘s company Union Abbey, which the Secretary of State suspended in 2009 for nearly $50,000 in back taxes. While a consultant with Union Abbey, Pougnet and the City Council voted last December to sell city-owned property to Meaney and Chinese investor Yokang Zhou, raising questions about a possible conflict of interest. Meaney and his wife Heidi wrote an “open letter” regarding the controversy and Meaney’s “God-given right to defend himself against the government because he does business with a friend that happens to be a public official.” Pougnet subsequently called the sale “a mistake,” and the City Council voted to rescind the sale agreement. Pougnet, who is not seeking re-election this November, has hired Sacramento-based attorney Malcolm Segal, who specializes in white collar criminal investigations. —K.O.

Inside the Democratic Party (From left) Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Vice President Joe Biden, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley

THE DEMOCRATS’ DILEMMA As the 2016 election continues on and platforms become defined, simply embracing marriage equality may not be enough to energize some LGBT voters By Karen Ocamb

ompared to what some political observers call the “clown car” of contemptuous Republican presidential candidates, the Democrats have been downright normal. But pinpricks of dissatisfaction are letting the air out of the Hillary Clinton “inevitability” balloon as socialist Bernie Sanders soars in Iowa and New Hampshire polls and even got a standing ovation on Sept. 14 from conservative evangelical students at Liberty University in Virginia when the Vermont senator said he was seeking “common ground,” despite clear disagreements over abortion and same-sex marriage. Meanwhile, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley railed against the Democratic National Committee for limiting the presidential primary debates to six, calling the process “rigged” in Clinton’s favor. And the ‘draft Joe Biden’ movement seemed to pick up steam after the vice president’s emotional appearance on Stephen Colbert’s Late Show, where Biden’s heartbreak over his son’s death simply transcended politics. Some LGBT Democrats want Biden to enter the primary race, ever grateful for his marriage equality gaffe that forced President Obama and the Democratic Party to finally publicly support marriage rights. Many politicos thought the “gay issue” would be old news after the Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality. But Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis, who refuses to issue same-sex marriage licenses on religious grounds, brought LGBT rights front and center again. Four GOP presidential contenders support Davis—as does the Republican National Committee. Democrats not only feel Davis should just do her government job, but the DNC actually expanded its support for LGBT equality at its late August meeting in Minneapolis,

35% The Democratic National Committee’s set goal of overall convention spending on businesses owned by women, people of color and LGBT people—a goal that sparked the DNC’s partnership with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

Minnesota. DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz wants the Democratic Convention in Philadelphia next July to be “the most diverse political convention in history,” Earl D. Fowlkes, Jr., Chair of the DNC’s 36-member LGBT Caucus, tells Frontiers. “And that includes working to ensure that we will also have the most LGBT-friendly convention in history.” “The Democratic Party is the party of inclusion, diversity and a level playing field—in stark contrast to the Republican Party, whose candidates would set our country backwards when it comes to equality for women, people of color and LGBT Americans,” Wasserman Schultz said in a statement. “By ensuring diversity in the vendors we hire, we are taking another step forward in the Democratic Party’s long commitment to equality.” Fowlkes says the DNC is working with leadership in each of the 57 states and territories on plans for selecting delegates to the convention and setting diversity goals. “We’re working to make sure our share of LGBT delegates at the convention rises,” Fowlkes says. “Our LGBT Engagement Director Sean Meloy and I are working with state parties and others to ensure that LGBT Democrats, no matter who they support for president, understand the delegate selection process and how they can run and win as delegates.” Additionally, the DNC has set a goal of 35% of overall convention spending on businesses owned by women, people of color and LGBT people. To help accomplish the latter goal, the DNC is partnering with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. “As the business voice of the LGBT community, the NGLCC applauds the Democratic National Convention for its intentional inclusion of certified LGBT business enterprises at the 2016 Convention,” says NGLCC Co-Founder and President Justin Nelson in a statement. “Nothing is more essential to the American Dream than an equal seat at the table, and we’re so pleased that the 1.4 million LGBT business owners in America will have an opportunity to contract with the DNC during this momentous election season.” Fowlkes hopes this is the beginning of “an ongoing relationship” between the DNC and LGBT businesses. “For starters, the convention has already awarded a housing contract to an African-American-owned business and an LGBT-owned business working in partnership,” he says. That LGBT contract went to Todd Lambert, the gay president and CEO of EventSphere, a hotel booking, meeting and hospitality company, according to a Washington Blade report last May. Lambert, partnered with the event planning firm Akintayo Management Group, will provide housing and special event meeting spaces outside the convention. “We are a very proud member of the Democratic family,” Lambert told The Blade, noting that his company also worked with the DNC for the 2008 and 2012 conventions as well. The DNC also passed a resolution supporting marriage equality—but did not pass one supporting the Equality Act, legislation introduced with great fanfare last July that would provide broad protections against anti-LGBT discrimination in all areas of federal civil rights law, including housing and employment. The Equality Act is a full-throated civil rights bill, replacing the flawed Employment Non-Discrimination Act. The bill was introduced Sept. 3 on the House side as H.R.3185 by out Rhode Island Rep. David Cicilline with 168 cosponsors. The Senate version, S.1858, was introduced by Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, with out Wisconsin Sen. Tammy

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SPEAK

OUT

Baldwin and 37 other Senate Democrats and two Independents. No Republicans supported either version. Fowlkes noted that the party platform is still incomplete. “Over 80% of Democrats in Congress are co-sponsors of the Equality Act, and several of our Democratic candidates for president have also expressed their support—including Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Martin O’Malley. So far not a single Republican in Congress—or running for president—supports it,” Fowlkes noted. “We spoke about the Equality Act at our LGBT Caucus meeting but not in time for a resolution to be drafted. I would not be surprised at all if at a future DNC meeting you see us talking even more about this than we already have been, and I personally will be working to make sure that the Equality Act is on our agenda.” Nonetheless, as has happened numerous times in the past, some LGBT politicos in off-the-record conversations question the DNC’s commitment. Why not put support for the Equality Act in the platform to underscore the party differences, since the Republicancontrolled Congress won’t even bring it up for a vote anyway? Other Democrats argue, however, that the party should do more than simply compare themselves to Republicans or pass a resolution supporting something that’s already the law of the land. Some disgruntled LGBT voters think the DNC takes LGBT voters for granted because gays have nowhere else to go. Fowlkes rejec ts that contention . “Chairwoman Wasserman Schultz came into our caucus meeting and specifically reiterated her view that the fight is far from over for LGBT rights, even after the Supreme Court’s marriage decision,” he said. “She was very passionate about the party’s commitment to fighting for full equality—not partial equality. I have a feeling we will continue to see the party’s dedication to LGBT people as the platform is crafted. ... Nobody is sitting on our laurels or taking anything for granted. But while all the diversity work within the DNC may be advancing the party, there is a gap between what the party knows and a disaffected electorate educated by the media

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and opinionated bloggers. “Clinton is still most likely our nominee. Whether she is the nominee easy or hard is the question. Right now, it looks like it is going to be hard,” a Democratic strategist told pollster Stuart Rothenberg recently. Rosenberg goes on to say in his Sept 14 Roll Call column that “things could get worse before they get better.” Indeed, a recent Washington Post/ABC News Poll shows numbers the Post dubs “an alarm siren: Where 71 percent of Democratic-leaning female voters said in July that they expected to vote for Clinton, only 42 percent do now, a drop of 29 percentage points in eight weeks.” Additionally, neither Clinton nor the Democratic Party can automatically count on support from young LGBT voters, whose pro-Bernie Sanders support is also turning vehemently anti-Clinton, regardless of accuracy. Daniel Kort, a Social Psychology PhD Student at the University of Washington, for instance, wrote on the Huffington Post that despite Clinton having a gay campaign manger, Robbie Mock, and having included a same-sex couple in her first campaign video, Clinton is a “flip-flopper” on LGBT rights, compared to Sanders’ “far longer” record. “Only now,” Kort writes, “when it’s politically convenient and the Democratic voting base stands behind marriage equality and related causes, is the former first lady speaking out in favor of the community. It is certainly worth celebrating that a high-profile political leader has lent her support to the LGBTQ demographic, but that is not enough to earn my vote.” Kort takes his inaccurate reading of Clinton’s LGBT record as fact, when in reality few LGBT people knew of Sanders until his recent presidential campaign. Additionally, Clinton includes LGBT—including transgender—references in most of her speeches, such as her Sept. 14 speech on sexual assault at the University of Northern Iowa. But herein lies the Democrats’ dilemma: will angry anti-establishment LGBT voters get educated, will they vote for someone they now despise, or will they stay home for the primaries next year? There’s still much to be done by November 2016.

“I’m excited to get to the point where we don’t have to have this conversation—where we can have a pansexual Spider-Man.” Actor Andrew Garfield, who formerly portrayed the web-slinger on-camera, to Mic.com when asked about the character’s sexuality

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DATEBOOK FRI. | SEPT. 18

EQCA EQUALITY AWARDS

Hosted at the JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. Live, this year’s awards honor Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León, attorney Cary Davidson, philanthropist Tom Steyer and cofounder of The Robert Group Clarissa Filgioun. eqcaawards.org

WED. | SEPT. 30

L.A.’S PROMISE GALA

Record producer and philanthropist David Foster is honored by L.A.’s Promise—which aims to help kids through school—at this gala and musical tribute, taking place at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Globe Theatre. laspromise.org

SAT. | OCT. 3

THE AUTRY’S ANNUAL GALA

This year the Autry celebrates the beauty of Western landscapes with a black-tie or dressy Western evening including a cocktail reception, auctions and a dinner with live entertainment. Emmylou Harris will be honored. theautry.org

SUN. | OCT. 11

AIDS WALK LOS ANGELES

AIDS Project Los Angeles recently announced the date for one of the city’s most popular HIV/AIDS fundraisers. The Walk, which starts and ends in WeHo, is expected to draw a crowd of more than 25,000 and raise millions in support of those afflicted in L.A. County. Register at la.aidswalk.net.

FRI. | OCT. 23

GLSEN RESPECT AWARDS L.A.

The leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students honors Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake with the Inspiration Award at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. 2014 honoree Julia Roberts will serve as one of the event’s honorary co-chairs. glsen.org

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

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THE

GAY AGENDA

Rinse, Refine, Repeat Switch out your stale grooming staples with these 11 new routine-refreshing replacements By Mikey Rox

s your hair looking a little lackluster these days? Your skin too roughand-tumble to show off? Your lips in need of the perfect pick-me-up? Give your grizzled grooming routine a facelift with these au courant products, each of which will have you feeling like a brand-new man.

DEAR CLARK SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER Dry zombie hair rises from the dead with a resurrecting wash and rinse that fragrantly revives and hydrates your stressed tresses without damaging color or keratin. Available at Aqua Salon, 1000 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, $24

ORAL-B PRO 5000 SMARTSERIES ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH WITH BLUETOOTH Six different cleaning modes provide sensitive and deep-cleaning, whitening and gum care, plus it connects via Bluetooth to the enhanced Oral-B app, which provides real-time guidance and records brushing activity to share with your dentist. Available at Target, $250

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

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GAY

AGENDA

BRICKELL CLARIFYING FACE WASH Liquid face washes with hard-to-pronounce ingredients take a backseat to this natural gelbased formula featuring coconut-based cleaners, nourishing aloe and powerful pore-opening geranium. Available at Eddie’s Barbershop, 8704 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo, $25

BAXTER OF CALIFORNIA SUPER CLOSE SHAVE CREAM Coconut, menthol extracts and tea tree oils provide a moisturizing layer of protection between razor and skin for a shave so close you’ll want to tip yourself. Available at Alpha, 8654 Melrose Ave., WeHo, $18

BEAUTYRX EXFOLIATING PADS Tetrafoliant-enhanced exfoliating pads speed up your cleansing sessions with 10% buffered and pH-adjusted glycolic acid for glowing, eventoned, healthierlooking skin. Available at Saks Fif th Avenue, 9600 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, $70

WAHL STAINLESS STEEL LITHIUM ION+ TRIMMER Interchangeable detailer and stainless steel blades provide precision trimming from nose to nethers for heavy-duty, head-totoe manscaping, while a fourhour run time, twice the torque and worldwide voltage make it the most practical new addition to your Dopp kit. Available at Walgreens, $70

ALL GOOD LIPS SPF15 Keep your lips supple and tangy-sweet with this SPF-infused citrus lip balm that provides superior hydration and protection against UV rays without harmful oxybenzones. Available at Earthbar, 8365 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo, $3.50

LUCKY TIGER HEAD TO TAIL MUSCLE RUB Toss this beeswax ointment base of eucalyptus, wintergreen and menthol oils in your gym bag for instant, on-the-go muscle and joint relief after an intense weight room—or bedroom— workout. Available at Nigel Beauty Emporium, 11252 Magnolia Blvd., NoHo, $12

10.

DEGREE MEN MOTIONSENSE DRY SPRAY A tried-and-true favorite gets adventurous in this variant antiperspirant that provides 48 hours of odor and wetness protection with an extra boost the more you move. Available at Target, $5

MISTER POMPADOUR NATURAL BEESWAX PASTE High hold with a natural matte finish is the bee’s knees when it comes to this natural paste, ideal for all hairstyles—short or long, thick or thin, messy or (honey) combed. Available at Local Fixture, 6728 Bright Ave., Whittier, $17.50

WARHOL YOUR WALL IF YOU’VE ALREADY SECURED SUCH MAN-CAVE MUSTS as the Elvis bust lamp, the tapestry of poker-playing dogs and a wall-mounted moose head, you’re on your way to creating the ultimate dude den. But why stop there? Today’s modern man-caver doesn’t shy away from adding in a dash of art and culture, and that’s where Flavor Paper comes in. The trendy wallpaper designers (find their exquisite collections online at flavorpaper.com) have spread their fashionable Feng Shui across the globe, and their latest paper pattern project is a tribute to the late, great Andy Warhol. Cutting-edge printing techniques and daring new mediums are used to infuse the paper with snippets from the artist’s most prolific works, including pop culture icons (Marilyn Monroe, Queen Elizabeth), his famed dollar signs and flower patterns and even a bewigged Warhol himself. But of particular interest to the guy who wants to man-up his man cave motif is Flavor Paper’s life-size rendition of a gunslinging Elvis Presley from the classic film Flaming Star, available in white (pictured), graphite, fire red and, of course, blue suede. Besides, who wouldn’t want a flaming cowboy spread out on his wall? —Jim Larkins 26

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11.

EO NIGHT SERUM By repairing your skin’s essential moisture barrier, this nightly elixir reduces visible signs of aging while you sleep, thanks to some of the most effective active antiaging ingredients on Earth, like tsubaki, rose, macadamia and sunflower oils. Available at Whole Foods, $40

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

THE

GAY

AGENDA

I Dream of Denim “YOU HAVE TO EARN your whiskers!” says Frank Muytjens, Head of Men’s Design for J.Crew, referring to the act of breaking in a great pair of jeans and the versatility (though we’re pretty sure he’d say necessity) of quality denim in a man’s wardrobe. The 27-year-old label that has long specialized in American classics and staples recently unveiled a total overhaul of its men’s denim, updating everything from fits and detail work to material. Featuring fabric from Japanese textle house Kaihara Mill and an array of washes (no fewer than 12) developed at Wonderland Concepts in Henderson, Ky., the denim relaunch was no doubt painstaking work for J.Crew’s denim design team, comprised of Rich Hermosura and Ben Ross. “From the beginning, we knew we wanted our washes to feel as authentic as possible,” says Hermosura. “That meant using jeans we actually wore or vintage styles we picked up over the years as a starting point.” Authentic Americana has always been a calling card of the brand, whose new denim line is available in three fits—Slimmest (The 484), Slim (The 770) and Straight (The 1040)—and runs $125-198 for some selvedge styles. Preview the entire men’s denim relaunch at jcrew.com. While we had Muytjens, we asked if there was one tip he’d like to give men about sporting denim. “It all depends on personal taste,” he says. “You never want them too baggy, but also never too tight. I know when I like a pair of jeans when they just feel good on.” —Stephan Horbelt

A BOX OF BOWIE

f the iconic spacedout dialogue between ground control and Major Tom triggers some of your favorite rock ‘n’ roll reminiscence, you’ll want to snatch up the David Bowie Five Years 1969– 1973 boxed set, available Sept. 25. It’s comprised of six original studio alb um s , am o ng th e m Aladdin Sane and a new 2015 remaster of Hunky Dory, plus two live albums. But this musical mélange delves even deeper into the early Bowie repertoire with Re:Call 1, a two-disc set of non-album singles, single edits and B-sides, as well as a 128-page b o o k of rare p h otos , technical notes about each album and even original press reviews. The first in a series of boxed sets spanning the rocker’s lengthy career, i t ’s av a i l a b l e i n t wo formats—12 CDs for $150, 13 vinyl LPs for $250, both of which include digital downloads as well—to p l e a s e fa n s of eve r y possible generation. —J.L.

Frank Muytjens, J.Crew’s Head of Men’s Design

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ARCTIC ALCOHOL These frozen treats are guaranteed to cool you down and mellow you out

ver want to get in touch with your inner child, beat the heat and get a buzz all at once? Today’s purveyors of popsicles and other frozen treats are creating alcoholic versions of the frozen favorites that once had us chasing down ice cream trucks. And while it may technically be fall here in Los Angeles, the summer heat has hardly subsided (you might have noticed), meaning anytime is a good time for a cool, refreshing treat. SnöBar Cocktails boasts a creative line of alcohol-infused ice cream and “cocksicles” (our own terminology, inset) that are available at Gelson’s around town and the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. Check out icy versions of your favorite adult beverages on a stick—the mojito, margarita and cosmopolitan—each made with premium spirits, or opt for a bowl of booze-filled ice cream, available in four flavors— Grasshopper, Pink Squirrel, Brandy Alexander and Brandy Alexander Chocolate Chip. Each serving of the ice-pops and ice cream has the equivalent alcohol percentage of a cocktail. For the caviar crowd, upscale UK department store Fortnum & Mason has introduced champagne popsicles made from its Blanc de Blancs Champagne (top), produced from its own vineyards located in the Grand Cru region of Chouilly. If that doesn’t sound like the most perfect way to ingest bubbly on a sweltering day, we don’t know what does. Unfortunately, though, you’ll have to travel to The Shard in London and take part in the Sky High Tea experience to try them out. (Hey, it’s the tallest building in the European Union, so well worth a look.) But if a trip across the pond isn’t in the cards, luckily you can purchase Blanc de Blancs stateside and head to fortnumandmason.com, where you’re provided with the recipe to make your very own. —J.L.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

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health FOR YOUR

A Boob Job for Dudes On the hunt for a great rack? Tons of guys have difficulty building up their pecs, but here’s how to do it right By Seth Browning

PIOTR MARCINSKI | BRUCE ROBBINS | DREAMSTIME.COM

esides your beautiful eyes, the chest is one of the first places people typically scope out, and it’s perhaps man’s favorite muscle group. Scanning the gym, you’ll see an ocean of guys pumping up their pecs. But when it comes to building the upper chest—for most men, anyway—the struggle is real. The upper chest neighboring the clavicle is incredibly underused as we rarely move our arms in that very small range, thus making it one of the most stubborn sections of the chest to grow. As a result, many men have a notable deficiency or gap there. In order to build it up, you have to find specific ways to stimulate that area. It’s all about angles. The position in which you press is truly the key to make that muscle come alive. Raising your bench turns your weights into a heat-seeking missile for the upper chest, as the inclined position adjusts the gravitational force of the weights and places direct stress on that small area. The incline is a challenging and possibly compromising position, so you’ll want to start with lighter weights than you would normally use on a standard chest press. It’s not only about the angle of the bench but also your arms. Rotating your arms inwards, even just a few degrees, can be a total game-changer when it comes to results. When using dumbbells,

you want to slightly pivot your elbows in closer to your body. When you press that way, it forces the muscle inward and upward, expanding that area. Without weights, try placing your hand on the opposite upper pec, then pivot your elbow in and press. You should feel the difference. Finally, take your shoulders out of the equation. I used to work the hell out of my upper chest; nothing seemed to grow, but my shoulders were massive. One of the most common mistakes while performing a chest press is letting your shoulders round inward. This takes it out of the chest and puts up to 50% of the force on the shoulders. So before you press, slightly tuck your shoulders underneath you. This will deactivate the shoulders and ignite the chest. After all, boobs are the goal here! Dissatisfaction with the upper chest and a demand for great pecs has become so great among my newer clients that I’ve created an entire upper chest-only workout, which I’ve affectionately named “The Boob Job.” Now I give it to you. After all, training smart is cheaper than going under the knife.

INCLINE DUMBBELL PRESS

Sit down on an incline bench with dumbbells resting on your lower thigh. Using your knees, kick the weights up to your shoulder and lean back. Position the dumbbells to the sides of your chest, slightly pivoting your elbows in. Press the dumbbells above your upper chest, then slowly lower to starting position.

INCLINE DUMBBELL FLY

Hold two dumbbells and lie back on an incline bench. Support the dumbbells above your upper chest with your arms fixed in a slightly bent position. Lower the dumbbells outward to the sides of your shoulders, keeping your elbows slightly bent. When a stretch is felt in your chest or shoulders, bring the dumbbells back together in a hugging motion.

ELEVATED PUSH UP Contact Seth at BodyByBrowning.com and on Instagram @sethenator

Get in a standard push-up position with your arms under your shoulders, and elevate your feet on a box or bench. Keeping your body straight, lower your chest to the floor. Now push back up and repeat.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

FOR YOUR

health SEX ED

By Jim Larkins

A Heartfelt Hard-On

When it comes to sex, endurance is as important as an erection, which makes maintaining good heart health a seductive goal

hether you’re tackling that next winding staircase, walking the dog or struggling through another physically taxing workday, it should come as no surprise that a healthy heart is necessary for basic survival. And unless you think taking numerous breath-catching breaks while having sex is a turn-on, you probably had an inkling that cardio health is also a must for erotic activities. What’s the point of being all pumped up for your man but too pooped to go the distance? If you think about it, with challenging positions and lengthy bouts of thrusting, sex can be an exhausting venture. So it makes sense that just as athletes must train for endurance, you must prepare for being all you want to be in the bedroom. Endurance is just as necessary for sex as an erection. SEXUAL SCIENCE When you’re laying the proverbial pipe to your significant other, blood races to that and other necessary muscles, all while other body systems are insisting on their cut of the energy pool. From temperature increases to the redistribution of blood needed for a solid hard-on, there is a lot of physiology behind your throes of ecstasy. In the absence of a healthy cardio system there can be a failure to launch and distribute the hormones, nutrients and other chemicals you need for energy and arousal; so putting in some serious treadmill time has an immediate positive effect on your sex life. The real do-or-die proof, though, is seen in the long-term effects of the sedentary couch potato. USE IT OR LOSE IT In one landmark male aging study, a group of more than 600 middle-age and older men were tracked for 10 years. Those who took daily brisk two-mile walks had half the risk of impotence compared to those who were inactive. Researchers who conducted the study at the University of California Irvine found that deskbound middle-age men who began exercising for one hour three

WITH AARON SAVVY

➸ Send your questions to aaronsavvy@ gmail.com

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With so many supplements on the market, which are the most important? —Davis G., Palm Springs

Yes, but avoid cardio that will compress your knees. Instead of running, walking will take quite the load off. Challenge your walk by inclining the treadmill and pumping your arms. This will elevate your heart rate and keep your knees in the safe zone. You can also bike, swim and use the elliptical.

There are three supplements that I believe to be the most important. The first is a preworkout BCAA (Branch Chain Amino Acid). This is crucial for the development of building muscle while also burning fat. The second is Glutamine, which is essential for muscle repair. The third is a multi-vitamin. Taking one every day will replenish vital nutrients that are being burned continuously.

KANTVER | DREAMSTIME.COM

FITNESS

Can I still do cardio with bad knees? —Gavin K., Hollywood

times weekly had better erections, more intense orgasms and higher overall sexual satisfaction. Another study of more than 8,000 people aged 18 to 45 found that 40% had increases in sexual arousal after starting regular exercise programs. Onethird of these participants reported having sex more often. So while there may be nothing more fearful for a man than erectile ineptitude, consider the possible consequence of avoiding a cardio program kick-start. If your sedentary lifestyle lands you in the hospital—or worse, the grave—sexual abilities will be the least of your worries.

OUR

FAVE

CELEBRITY

SUPERHERO

BODS

OFF THE COUCH

By Dr. Greg Cason 2

Call Me?

A new study shows that when looking for love, you may be better off dropping the phone and picking up your laptop

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ebbie Harry of Blondie and Carly Rae Jepsen both may have famously asked their suitors to dial them up on the telephone, but these gay-favorite ladies would stand a better chance of finding love if they’d just given out their email addresses instead. At least, according to a new study published in Computers and Human Behavior. Previous studies and conventional wisdom have long told us that sending email or texts was a poor way to communicate emotion because it was difficult to convey tone and inflection. But the tide has turned and now email is the reigning queen of heartfelt disclosures. The study out of Indiana University is the first to show that after more than 20 years of use, people have adapted to communicating emotion—even sexual arousal—through email. And it has nothing to do with emojis or emoticons. Researchers measured the psychophysiological responses of 72 college-aged people and found that the romantic email writer actually feels more emotionally aroused, and as a result uses stronger and more thoughtful language than those left by voicemails. These wordsmiths also do something that is impossible to do on a voicemail—edit. But the magic may not be in the email itself. Rather, the email is just a communication style that brings up less anxiety than talking on the phone. Anxiety skyrockets when one is attracted and pouring their feelings out to another person, and when it comes to communication with someone you are attracted to, anxiety can be a real cock-blocker. Generally anxiety is high when leaving a voicemail with a new love interest (think back to the infamous scene played by Jon Favreau in the movie Swingers). You may have a chance to delete and

re-record, but if you’re like Mr. Favreau, you hang up before you are even given the option. When anxiety is high, you forget what you are going to say, second-guess yourself and generally doubt the effectiveness of your communication. You sound nervous, tentative and rather unattractive. Email takes that pressure and anxiety out of the equation by letting you play with a draft before sending the final to your betrothed. So if you are prone to being tongue-tied when talking about your true feelings, stick with email. If you’d still prefer to brave it over the phone, you may want to do a few things to limit your anxiety. Here are three steps to help you either way: SUGGESTIONS FOR AN ANXIETY-FREE EMAIL:

1. Write out what you want to say and save the draft. 2. Go to bed (or wait at least four hours). 3. Edit the email and either send or work on it again in another four hours. SUGGESTIONS FOR A SURE-FIRE SEXY VOICEMAIL:

1. Write down bullet points of what you want to say (not a script!). 2. Practice it out loud. 3. Here’s something you didn’t expect: Get sexually aroused before calling. Watch porn, touch yourself or think nasty thoughts. Your arousal may help fight off some of that anxiety that will make you sound less like a plebe and more like a player.

Contact Dr. Greg Cason by going to DrGreg.com, or interact with him on Twitter @DrGregCason

1. Chris Pratt

Though he’s not set to return to superhero spandex as Star Lord until 2017, this guy can guard our galaxy whenever he likes.

2. Anthony Mackie

Having portrayed The Falcon in three films thus far (with next year’s Captain America: Civil War marking number four), it’s no surprise this guy’s wings—er, arms—are buff.

3. Hugh Jackman

Having portrayed Wolverine since 2000, this guy has rallied the gays to six X-Men films with his bulging pecs and vascular arms.

4. Jason Momoa

It turns out that the big screen’s Aquaman (set to first appear in next year’s Batman v. Superman) is a big fan of the water himself.

5. Henry Cavill

Hollywood’s reigning Superman has always been a looker, but with 2013’s Man of Steel he showed the world he’s got the buff body as well. SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

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events

nightlife

theater

exhibits

■ Thu. | Sept. 17 TOUCH THURSDAYS The Abbey

As the gay weekend starts on Thursday, Frontiers Media presents a night of dancing, drinking and all-around rabble-rousing before the weekend gets fully underway. Join us as we people-watch some of the city’s sexiest men and women ... and maybe ogle a go-go dancer or two. abbeyfoodandbar.com ■ Through Oct. 9 CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONISM The Autry

Each year between 1919 and 1956, Gardena High School seniors selected and purchased contemporary art that was gifted to the school. Now the school holds a museum-worthy collection of paintings, some by Maynard Dixon, Jean Mannheim and Edgar Payne. theautry.org ■ Wed. | Sept. 16 BEST IN TV EMMYS 2015 EXHIBITION Hollywood Museum

Gearing up for TV’s biggest night, the Emmys, the museum celebrates this year’s nominees with an exclusive exhibition of costumes and unique props. Through Nov. 1. thehollywoodmuseum.com

OUT ON THE MOUNTAIN Magic Mountain Sept. 18 outonthemountain.com

■ Fri. | Sept. 18 KAABOO DEL MAR Del Mar Fairgrounds

The three-day festival features a journey for music aficionados that includes seven stages. It’s a rare mix of talent that includes Snoop Dogg, Train, 311, Bonnie Raitt and comedians like Joel McHale, Lewis Black and Tig Notaro. Through Sept. 21. kaaboodelmar.com ■ Fri. | Sept. 18 KIM JONG FUNNER Lex Theatre

In honor of Celebration Theatre taking a new home, this sketch comedy group explores the theme of change and how we’ve all stayed basically the same … just with more hashtags and selfies. Through Oct. 10. celebrationtheatre.com ■ Fri. | Sept. 18 HIT THE WALL Davidson/Valentini Theatre

■ Thu. | Sept. 17 ALADDIN El Capitan Theatre

This limited run features special screenings where parents and small children can enjoy the movie in a tot-friendly way—with lights dimmed rather than out and reduced sound levels. Guests will be greeted by Genie live onstage before every showing. Through Oct. 7. elcapitantickets.com

Already well-received in New York and Chicago, this gay rights drama tells the story of a hot night out that turned into instrumental civil rights activism. Directed by Ken Sawyer and written by Ike Holter, it’s limited to only three nights. Through Sept. 20. lalgbtcenter.org ■ Sat. | Sept. 19 MADONNA BAR Busby’s East

Dedicated to all things Madonna, this monthly event celebrates the music of the legendary pop icon. Venus D’Lite of RuPaul’s Drag Race will perform, and guests will have a chance to win special giveaways. busbysla.com

Mountain Majesty The gays conquer Six Flags once more, led by Drag Race alum Courtney Act By Mike Ciriaco

ounded by TigerHeat maestro Ray Rhodes in 2008, Out On The Mountain is an evening of LGBT-inclusive amusement park access that combines pulse-pounding rides with WeHo-worthy dance parties and live performances from SoCal’s musical vanguard. The night at Six Flags Magic Mountain later this month is expected to attract over 6,000 attendees, and proceeds from ticket sales benefit local gay charities like The Trevor Project. “We’re very excited to bring a special night where LGBTs of all ages can enjoy time together for an evening of fun music and performers, exciting rides and many good memories to be made,” says Rhodes. “Each year the event impacts many people in the community, because it helps so many worthwhile LGBT organizations and charities.” From 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., the entire park is closed to the general public, allowing the event’s cavalcade of gays uninterrupted access to Six Flags’ myriad DC Comicsthemed rollercoasters. Queers with queasy stomachs can head straight to the plethora of dance parties offering special performances. This year, local queen Ingenue will serve as Out on the Mountain’s event host, while her longtime TigerHeat compatriot Rhodes will be manning the turntables. Other performers include DJ Christian B, Pussycat Dolls alumna Jessica Sutta, R&B vocalist Kaya Stewart and Australian Idol and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Courtney Act, for whom Magic Mountain is steeped in nostalgia. “I went to Magic Mountain when I was, like, 14 years old. I was on tour with my dad’s school,” says Act (né Shane Jenek) in her

charming Australian accent. “I remember having so much fun. At the beginning of the day, I was afraid of roller coasters, and by the end I was in love with them. It’s always so much fun. Doing anything with a group of friends is fun, but going to Magic Mountain with a group of friends when the park is filled with lots and lots of homosexuals is the ultimate experience.” Courtney Act promises that her performance will include a number of songs from her recent Kaleidoscope EP. Similar to how Out on the Mountain provides a safe, honest playground for gays of all ages, Act’s recent album provided an honest mouthpiece for the artist. “I had a vision of how I saw myself in my head,” says Act. “Since I was on Australian Idol, I’ve been working at actualizing that vision. I had a record deal that did a pop release, and it wasn’t quite what I pictured. I realized that when you’re a different kind of pop star, sometimes the creative forces that be aren’t always able to put you in a box. So I decided that I was going to create my own box and create my own music and videos.” The Aussie performer recently performed these new original songs at this year’s radical art extravaganza Burning Man as a gift to her gay-inclusive tribe The GlamCocks. For those who missed that weeklong festival of whiskey and dust storms, Out on the Mountain may serve as an encore. “A lot of the GlamCocks wanna come,” Act says. “I should see if we can have a reprise of the ‘Kaleidoscope’ performance with the boys in their neon tights. Get some GlamCock backup dancers on stage at Out on the Mountain—that would be beautiful.” SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

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Watch the Throne

CHAIRS FOR CHARITY The Washbow Sept. 24-26 lalgbtcenter.org

Chairs for Charity benefits the Center’s work with local homeless LGBT youth ■ Sat. | Sept. 19 4TH ANNUAL DOGGIE STREET FESTIVAL Westwood Recreation Center

This family-friendly dog lovers’ celebration includes dog and cat adoptions, products and services, vet tips, speakers, music and more. doggiestreetfestival.org ■ Sat. | Sept. 19 ABBA: THE CONCERT Hollywood Bowl

MenAlive, the Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus, returns to open for the wildly popular tribute concert, which sold out in 2013. Featuring some of the group’s iconic hits, the performance will dazzle audiences once more. hollywoodbowl.com

■ Sat. | Sept. 19 SLEEPLESS: THE MUSIC CENTER AFTER HOURS Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

This late-night immersive programming series trans forms one of L.A.’s most historic venues. Lie down and look up in the Pavilion’s Stern Grand Hall, silkscreen a pillow with artists Hit+Run and dance for the first time in the exclusive Founders Room, transformed into a retro “period room.” musiccenter.org ■ Sat. | Sept. 19 PITCH BLACK CITY Precinct

Victor Rodriguez and Chris Bowen (Shits & Giggles, Cub Scout) present a special edition of their

SNAP SHOTS ✱

FRONTIERSMEDIA.COM

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THIS MONTH, one of the most effective ways to help L.A.’s homeless youth is to simply sit on your ass. Beginning later this month, Culver City venue The Washbow will host Chairs for Charity, a threeday event peddling seating and artwork from designers, celebrities, artists and tastemakers, including A-Listers like George Clooney, Robert Downey Jr. and Halle Berry. Proceeds from CFC benefits the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Homeless Youth Services. The festivities commence Thursday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. with the VIP Opening Night Cocktail Reception, offering a hosted bar, gourmet munchies, gift bag and an opportunity to win a trip to Paris and London. Friday and Saturday feature general sales open to the public, with chairs donated by gay fan faves including Sandra Bernhard, Kat Dennings and the cast of Modern Family. Guests can also enter to win a six-day trip to Shanghai on Delta One, tickets for which run $100 each (to purchase, email chairsforcharity@lalgbtcenter.org). No organization does as much for local homeless youth as the Youth Center on Highland, which offers housing, showers, meals and education and employment programs for young people who need them. —M.C.

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BIG BAD WOLF | FAULTLINE Photos by Jeremy Lucido

S N A P SHOTS ✱

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COMMODORE | HENRY'S Photos by Jeremy Lucido

WHOA, NELLIE! Hilarious queer comedy troupe The Nellie Olesons reunite for their 20th anniversary show

ome things improve with age—gruyère cheese, bottles of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Nellie Olesons. In honor of the queer comedy trio’s 20th anniversary, Nora Burns, John Cantwell and Terrence Michael will reunite this month at the Cavern Club, the classiest theater to ever occupy a Mexican restaurant basement, for a brand-new show, Evil Never Dies. Despite the troupe’s strong cult following within the LGBT community, the Nellie Olesons have been forced into a prolonged hiatus over the last several years due to geographic limitations. “Terrence and I are in L.A., and Nora is in New York, as has been the case since 1998, so it’s kind of hard to put a show together,” says Cantwell. “Realizing it’s been 20 years since we all got together, we just couldn’t resist a chance to go all Haddonfield and do a 20-year reunion!” Adding, “That Halloween reference is for the over-50 readers of Frontiers.” That reference was already dated when Burns and Michael, who had previously worked together in another comedy group, splintered off to form their own act in 1993, evoking the name of Little House on the Prairie’s resident bad girl. Alison Arngrim, the actress who originally portrayed “Nasty Nellie Oleson” on television, has since bestowed her blessing on the comedy group, and has even performed onstage with the trio, whom she refers to as her “evil children.” In 1996, Cantwell attended one of their shows and was enamored by EVIL NEVER DIES the performance. Cavern Club Theater Sept. 25 - Oct. 4 “I had seen one of their shows cavernclubtheater.com and wanted in so bad, but I had absolutely no experience,” he says. “Later, I saw an ad in Backstage that they were looking for “women” to join the group, so I just had to send a headshot in. I met them, we all had a similar, sarcastic, high-brow/ low-brow sensibility. We loved John Waters, too. And we performed really well together.” Their rapport is evidenced by several original characters, many of which are slated to return in this new production. Longtime fans of the group will recognize Junky Jones, a crackhead illusionist; the Veeg Sisters, a pair of Dryad flautists; and Love Connie, arguably Cantwell’s most visible alter-ego, who recently graced Alaska Thunderfuck’s music video for “This Is My Hair.” After two decades, the Nellie Olesons promise they are still as edgy as ever. “We’re still gonna make you squirm and offend you deeply,” says Cantwell. “And show our balls.” —M.C.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

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S N A P SHOTS ✱

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QUEEN EDDY | KING EDDY Photos by Jeremy Lucido

monthly party, inviting the mysterious label head of Tusk Wax to spin a special set for the dance floor. precinctdtla.com ■ Thu. | Sept. 24 JUDGMENT AT NUREMBERG L.A. Theatre Works

Kicking off LATW’s 41st season are Richard Dreyfuss, Harry Hamlin and Alan Mandell in this adaptation of the 1961 Oscar-nominated film, a probe of the ethics of personal responsibility versus public duty. Through Sept. 27. latw.org ■ Fri. | Sept. 25 S/HE & ME Studio Theatre

Written by Alexandra Billings, this musical performance explores the evolving relationship between Alexandra and Scott—the boy she once was. It’s an intimate collaboration and non-linear story of love and reconciliation through spoken word and an array of off-Broadway musical numbers. Through Oct. 11. calrep.orgw

■ Sun. | Sept. 27 GRACE JONES Hollywood Bowl

Legendary rebel and pop siren Grace Jones returns to the Bowl with a stage show that blends new wave, world beats and disco. Baltimore abnd Future Islands opens the outdoor show. hollywoodbowl.com ■ Mon. | Sept. 28 MARGARET HONDA: COLOR CORRECTION REDCAT Theater

The artist’s first featurelength film is a commitment to celluloid cinema, a brilliantly conceived experience of projected light, made using only the timing tapes that corrected the color for a Hollywood feature, the identity of which Honda does not know. redcat. org ■ Tue. | Sept. 29 LINDA RONSTADT IN CONVERSATION Valley Performing Arts Center

The famed performer and political activist comes to Northridge and speaks with her longtime friend and award-winning producer Dan Guerrero. valleyperformingartscenter.org ■ Wed. | Sept. 30 SAN DIEGO FILM FESTIVAL Reading Theater

■ Sat. | Sept. 26 BATMAN DAY Barnes & Noble, The Grove

DC Entertainment brings back the fan-favorite event celebrating one of the comics’ darkest superheroes. Legendary artist and DC Comics Co-Publisher Jim Lee will appear for autographs for Batman Noir: Hush, out Sept. 22. dccomics.com ■ Sat. | Sept. 26 ANTIGONE A Noise Within

In only its second English language translation since its American premiere in 1945, this specially permitted presentation marks the world premiere of a new version of the spellbinding play, written for today’s audience. Through Nov. 20. anoisewithin.org 38

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Now in its 14th year, the festival looks to launch award-winning independent films, filmmakers and actors. There will be panels and parties around 100 screenings, with past premieres including Wild, The Imitation Game and 12 Years a Slave. Through Oct. 4. sdfilmfest.com ■ Wed. | Sept. 30 EDGE OF SEVENTEEN Hammer Museum

Screening as part of Outfest’s Legacy Project, Edge of Seventeen is the story of shy, cute Eric, who works a summer job with his best friend Maggie. Circumstances change, though, when he starts dating an older man. A Q&A follows with director David Moreton. outfest.org

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

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FORK IT OVER 3 new restaurants on the L.A. scene HOUSE OF MACAU Music mogul Manny Halley is trying his hand at the restaurant business with this new eatery and lounge in the heart of Hollywood (above). The sleek black-and-red interior as well as its Chinese-skewed pan-Asian menu pay homage to Macanese culture and contemporary Chinese trends. The space is made for events, with indoor seating for 140 and an outdoor patio with a fire pit that will fit 60 more. There are also two cocktail bars, one upstairs and one down, and a raw bar. Executive chef Christoffer Binotto’s menu includes starters like ginger ahi tuna tacos with citrus-avocado espuma and crispy duck spring rolls with plum sauce. Share the smoked Kurobuta riblets with blue soda hoisin bbq sauce and the bibimbap-style minchi hot pot with ground beef and pork, potato, fried egg and white rice, but save room for star dessert the fried banana spring rolls. 1600 Vine St., Hlywd., houseofmacau.com BELCAMPO MEAT CO. This NorCal-based farm has brought its signature meats—100% organic and humanely raised—including a variety of all-day sandwiches and burgers plus paleo and gluten-free options, to a third L.A. location. Chef Brent Thomas has created several specialty items unique to this location, including the Carnivore (a burger made with a patty of blended beef, beef heart and bacon with grilled red onion, roasted garlic, aioli, tomato and lettuce), the Belcampo cheeseburger with cheddar and caramelized onions on brioche, 100% grass-fed hot dogs and tallow fries. Don’t have time to sit down? Peruse the shelves for grab-and-go raw and pre-marinated packaged meats that you can cook up in your own kitchen. 8053 W. 3rd St., L.A., belcampomeat.com CLIFTON’S This behemoth Downtown building was once part of a chain of eight SoCal cafeteria-style eateries dating to 1935. Over the past four years, it’s been lovingly restored by developer Andrew Meieran. Reopening Sept. 17, it now features two distinct restaurants, a European-style gourmet market, five bars (including a speakeasy) and a Polynesian-inspired lounge. Plus there are plenty of odds and ends, like taxidermied wildlife dioramas, fossilized brontosaurus eggs, a bar made from a repurposed Boston church altar and a soaring redwood tree sculpture with a fireplace that anchors the three-story central atrium with murals of Yosemite and Muir Woods. Now that’s a delicious piece of history. 648 S. Broadway, DTLA, cliftonscafeteria.com —Eric Rosen 40

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EATINGOUT

Taste in Translation

pea, Swiss chard, hoja santa and Sun Gold arlier this year, chef Ray Garcia (you tomato salsa toppings, or with a meaty might remember him from FIG at the mixture of lamb neck, king oyster mushFairmont Miramar in Santa Monica) room and queso. dipped his toe into the downtown dining Order the house-made heirloom corn scene by opening B.S. Taqueria with backtortillas to dip in whipped carnitas fat or ing from restaurateur extraordinaire Bill a bowl of savory pollo presnado—a stew Chait’s Sprout Group. Located in the former of guajillo and dark chicken meat and skin Mo-Chica space, it’s a casual but upscale that tastes like it has been simmering over taco-and-cocktail restaurant that’s been a hearth all day. For another humble small drawing in lunch and after-work crowds. plate that has been gently upscaled, the Now the pair are onto the second step blood sausage is both hearty yet delicate, of plans for downtown domination, havgarnished with perfectly ripe peach slices ing opened Broken Spanish, which took up and arugula for a fresh counterpoint. residence in the former Rivera space on Among the mains, the standout has to Flower Street earlier this summer. be the juicy chicarron, a huge cut of pork You’ll recognize the same windowed that is pan-seared to sizzling perfection and façade and variety of dining areas as its topped with savory elephant garlic mojo, former incarnation, but whereas Rivera radish sprouts and pickled herbs for just the was all closed-in cool and retro Acapulco right amount of tanginess. glam, Broken Spanish is Desserts are just as more laidback and welplayful, with a take on a coming, with warm-toned traditional rhum baba that wooden floors, colorful tiling includes peach sorbet, lemon and windows that actually thyme and hazelnut; and a open onto the street so you dense ancho-chocolate cake can chat with passersby. with candied coco nibs and Garcia, an East Side milk ice cream. native, takes a freer hand Though the wine list is here than at past posts, Broken an eclectic mix of mostly interpreting a traditional Spanish European entries, it would Mexican-American cocina de 1050 S. Flower St., DTLA be a mistake to skip the abuelita (or grandmother’s (213) 749-1460 choice s fro m b eve rage cooking) into a new, finerbrokenspanish.com dire c to r M ichae l L ay ’s dining style of cuisine that $$$$$ cocktail menu. The Señor is elevated but never snobby. Ted Mosbley is smoky and On the table, that transAtmosphere herbal—bourbon, Fernet lates deliciously into dishes Modern cantina Vallet, Oro Blanco cordial, like a fluffy pan dulce slathDamiana and tea pot bitters ered with foie gras butter Standout Dishes Chicharron, pan dulce served in a highball with a and sea salt that is an huge ice cube—while the addictive mix of salty and Drinks more summery Surfer Rosa Surfer Rosa, Señor Ted sweet. The glistening, green Mosbley has a base of Pimms with poblano chile relleno comes Ancho Reyes liqueur, lemon stuffed with potato, kale Hours 5:30-11 p.m. daily and strawberry juice with a and lemon, topped with a basil flower garnish served rich cream sauce. Tamales Reservations over crushed ice. —E.R. are served with fava bean, Recommended

★★★★★

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

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The best in TV, film, music and more

Nothin' But Love Comedienne Loni Love gabs about her upcoming docuseries, working with Ellen and returning to daytime series The Real By Mike Ciriaco

oni Love has a lot to share. This month, the former Chelsea Lately panelist and current co-host of daytime talk show The Real—which on Sept. 14 returned for its second season, airing on both FOX and BET—will be the focal point of the upcoming documentary series Being Loni Love, set to premiere Sept. 26 on the Centric Channel. As if those weren't enough to sate her die-hard fans, the fall TV offerings are merely a soupçon for the comedienne’s next big endeavor—hosting a game show produced by one of America’s most prominent funny ladies, Ellen DeGeneres, come January. This recent abundance of projects stems from Love's ability to maintain significant relationships with her peers in the entertainment industry—a characteristic she discovered while shooting the documentary. “I didn’t realize how many people I had worked with,” reflects Love, 44. “I take it for granted that I had projects,

ARNOLD TO HEAD 'APPRENTICE'

ormer California governor and once-again movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger will step into the boardroom and replace presidential candidate/professional lunatic Donald Trump as the host of NBC’s The Celebrity Apprentice. Trump hosted the show since its 2005 debut, but his return was put in doubt when he announced his presidential candidacy, thanks to strict laws regulating equal airtime for those in the running for the role. The decision was made a bit easier for NBC when Trump made “derogatory statements” about immigrants during his campaign, prompting the network to sever all ties with him. Curiously, Trump seemed to have forgotten all about getting dropped by NBC when he apologized to fans for not returning to the show, tweeting, "To all my fans, sorry I couldn't do The

Apprentice any longer—but equal time (presidential run) prohibits me from doing so. Love!" The Governator has thanked his fans, who’ve responded to the news with a sort of confused excitement. “I have always been a huge fan of The Celebrity Apprentice and the way it showcases the challenges and triumphs of business and teamwork,” he said in a statement. “I am thrilled to bring my experience to the boardroom and to continue to raise millions for charity. Let’s get started!” There’s no word yet on which of Schwarzenegger’s considerable one-liners and catchphrases will be trotted out for the show, but Paul Telegdy, NBC’s president of late-night and alternative programming, got the ball rolling in a statement: “The Celebrity Apprentice … will be back!” —Dominic Preston SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

film A REUNION Opens Sept. 17

*****

Overlook the amateurishness of A Reunion and there is a poignant twohander about love and friendship underneath. This gay-themed drama has the frivolous Michael (Michael Lovan) back from Japan and reconnecting with the serious Josh (Josh Watson), his friend and ex (of sorts). The guys, who co-wrote the script, embark on a scenic L.A.-to-Chicago road trip with stops in Grand Canyon and New Mexico. Michael is manic, while Josh expresses his desire for intimacy. Their emotional and physical nakedness eventually lead to a satisfying climax. Watson is terrific as Josh, absorbing Michael’s moodiness, and the film’s ending is quietly powerful.

BEING LONI LOVE Premieres Sept. 26 on Centric

but when it came to the point of, ‘oh well, you can you have speak for you and get their opinions about you,’ I had this really long list. I’ve been doing this for so long. Even doing the talk show—the guests we are getting now, I’ve worked with them in the past. And these people had a lot of nice things to say about me. I didn’t realize I had made an impact like that. I was most surprised about that.” Being Loni Love traces the entertainer’s roots as a latchkey kid growing up in Detroit’s Brewster-Douglas Housing Projects—one who would eventually mature into a professional engineer. After an eight-year on stint with Xerox, Love evidenced her characteristic fondness for others when, during a maelstrom of mass layoffs, she resigned to pursue standup comedy, effectively saving someone else’s job. The gambit proved fruitful. Love’s career blasted off after she made it to the finals on Star Search in 2004. Now, over a decade later, her selfsacrifice still remains one of her strongest virtues, even motivating her aspirations for the documentary. “Being Loni Love is going to talk about my family life and upbringing, and how I got to where I am today," she says. "I hope that it will inspire people—that’s what I really want to do. I want to encourage people to be themselves and tap into what they really want to do to be happy in their lives. It's not so much about 'lets talk about Loni’ and ‘look at me, I’m great!’ I want to use my stories to inspire people.” Love has been fortunate to work closely with DeGeneres, one of her own professional inspirations. In 2014, the talk show titaness invited Love to serve as a guest DJ on her show. The rapport they forged was so strong that when DeGeneres’ successful smartphone app Heads Up was developed into a game show, she selected Love to serve as its host. While career opportunities are one of the more prominent benefits of working with DeGeneres, Love cites another reason as her favorite. “The prizes she gives me. The gifts, man,” laughs Love, before her tone

*****

T h i s i n t e n s e Fr e n c h film depicts the intense friendship between two high school girls—virginal Charlie (Joséphine Japy) and extrovert Sarah (Lou de Laâge). After they fall into a fast friendship, sharing confidences and a kiss, soon betrayal and bullying forms the basis of the girls’ relationship. Breathe creates its delicious dramatic tension in the way the two frenemies enact a power struggle in the film’s last act. As Sarah plays catch and release with Charlie, the film becomes increasingly more uncomfortable, culminating in a startling denouement. This smart, sharp film about female friendships will leave viewers gasping.

THE NEW GIRLFRIEND Opens Sept. 18

*****

Cheeky gay French filmmaker François Ozon’s latest has Claire (Anaïs Demoustier) discovering that David (Romain Duris), her late best friend Laura’s (Isild Le Besco) husband, likes to dress as a woman. Initially taken aback, Claire eventually enjoys the company of “Virginia” (David in female garb) and befriends “her” as intensely as she once did Laura. Ozon’s film is a clever comedy about secrets and lies. There are amusing double entendres, and a series of queer love triangles, but the film is also an affecting drama about grief, love and identity. Duris is remarkable and sexy in the dual role. —Gary M. Kramer 44

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ALSO IN

>> theatres

Out Now

September 18

The Perfect Guy

Black Mass

Sleeping with Other People

Cooties

The Transporter Refueled

September 25

The Visit

Stonewall

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Opens Sept. 18

PHOTO CREDIT TK

BREATHE

ClockwiseFrom from left: left: Personal Best, TheInEndless Summer, Las Vegas with Michael Heather Ontkean MacDonald, in Slap Shot, Bad News as The co-host of TheBears Real

music CHVRCHES Every Open Eye (Glassnote)

*****

grows more earnest. “I’m learning how to be a great talk show host, and I consider her to be one of my mentors," she says. "She allows me to be myself. That's what I really admire about her. I remember when I first did her show. She said, ‘You can say whatever you want to say. Don’t worry about anything. If something happens, they can always edit it out.’ As a performer, that helps you to see that Ellen understands that. Because Ellen was a standup, so she understands the pressure. She’s helped me become a better performer and host.” Both mentor and mentee seem to thrive off their ability to relate positively with others, a trait that Love attributes to DeGeneres’ mega-success. “The thing about Ellen is she has such a great love for everything, and she’s so respectful of people," Love says. "She had Kanye West on her show, and now they are really good friends. It's a comedy talk show, but she also has people on that you normally wouldn’t think would be on. She’ll have them on, and then you can see how she's a master at making it work for her show. That’s a testament to her.” Love hopes to funnel the newfound skills gleaned from DeGeneres into her own talk show The Real now that it's returned for a second season. Touted as “a younger, intoxicated version of The View”—also with allfemale panelists—the brand-new season strives to balance a trademark irreverence with more serious issues. “We got the exclusive with Bobby Brown,“ she says. “We learned a lot of things about him and the situation with his daughter. That’ll be the difference. We’re going to show that we can do the big interview and still do our inspirational and fun stuff. You’ll also see, this season, us interacting more with the fans. We have this segment called 'Loni’s Love Corner,' where I give love advice to fans. There were thousands of submissions, so we’re bringing that back.” Apparently Loni Love gets back just as much love as she gives.

NEW RELEASES Out Now

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Ben Folds So There

>> music September 18 Chris Cornell Higher Truth

September 25 Disclosure Caracal

Leona Lewis I Am

Duran Duran Paper Gods

New Order Music Complete

Prince HITNRUN

Lana del Rey Honeymoon

Silversun Pickups Better

After a two-year hiatus and teasing us with singles for an interminable amount of time, Chvrches has released a second album, and you’re gonna need a Red Bull to keep up with it. The first five tracks speed away at a breakneck pace, leaving PRIME CUTS: only the spectre of a chorus in its wake. “High Enough to The overall effect is that of listening to an Carry You Over” album produced by the trio Stock Aitkin Waterman. “Keep You on “High Enough to Carry You Over” brings down the My Side” pace significantly and gives vocalist Lauren Mayberry a break. It’s one of the strongest tracks on the album. After it’s over, the album’s average BPM skyrockets and she’s back to doing her best Ellie Goulding impression. A fun album, but was it worth the wait? —Dominik Rothbard

OUGHT

Sun Coming Down (Constellation)

*****

So much underground music is an alternative to nothing these days that the few bands expanding the genre or exploding its boundaries have become micro-specialists. On their sophomore release, this Canadian quartet achieves both. They PRIME CUTS: have roots that stretch from The Velvet “Beautiful Blue Sky” Underground to Talking Heads, through Sonic Youth, “Men for Miles” Pavement and Radiohead. Tim Darcy’s declama“Never Better” tory singing style is make-or-break for most people, especially during their thunderous songs, though the band commands as well an aural/lyrical delicacy comparable to The Go-Betweens. When their intricate drone transforms passages of minor-key beauty—as on the majestic “Beautiful Blue Sky”—you can’t help but utter what Darcy’s intricately repetitive lyric portends: the exclamation—in wonder—of a single word. Yes! —Dan Loughry

PEACHES

Rub (I U She Music)

*****

On Peaches’ sixth disc, you’ll immediately notice its trap influences and more downtempo sounds via current co-producer Vice Cooler. Gone are the minimal, 808 electropunk bedroom beats of her debut and some of the grittier, guitarPRIME CUTS: infused sounds of her past work. Of “Close Up” course, her sex-positive bravado lyrics “Rub” remain as fearless and explicit as you’d expect, and “Light in Places” she name-checks everyone from Ayn Rand to Mo Tucker to Sisyphus to Stevie Nicks, proffering an ominous Hateraid manifesto on “Free Drink Ticket.” She also invites fellow feminist icons like Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth) and Feist along for the raunchy ride. Only Peaches can get away with citing mooseknuckles, epidurals and dicks ‘n clits with such NSFW aplomb. —Paul V. Vitagliano SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

By Nathaniel Grey

Television Honors Its Own

n contrast to this year’s lily-white Oscar contenders, the colors and genders of the 2015 Emmy nominations were hailed far and wide. And this 67th year of honoring excellence in the TV industry has more than enough to sate members of the LGBT community. Jeffrey Tambor is a favorite for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, while the scene-stealing Tituss Burgess from The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is a standout on the list for Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Though some have questioned the category in which it’s nominated, Orange is the New Black may earn a well-deserved statue as Best Dramatic Series, yet it faces stiff competition from Better Call Saul and fan favorite Game of Thrones. The unstoppable Lily Tomlin is reportedly a shoo-in for Lead Actress in a

stage

THE OBJECT LESSON

WHEN STARS ALIGN

*****

Kirk Douglas Theatre Through Oct. 3

Created by theater artist/ illusionist Geoff Sobelle, this is not your standard everyday stage experience. The moment you walk into the theater itself, the play has begun. Brown cardboard boxes are stacked 20 feet high, mementos and knick-knacks strewn throughout, with old pictures and toys making up what was once the Kirk Douglas auditorium. The audience is meant to peek through the boxes to explore their contents, and after marveling at the objects around them, they pull up a seat/box, sit on an old couch or ratty airplane seat and wait for Sobelle to arrive. When he does, the next hour and a half might not make sense to you. Or maybe it will. It might seem absurd, or it might be absolutely clear. Between stories of France, odd phone calls to himself and a final 15 minutes where he continually pulls out objects representing an entire life, this is a play you should interpret for yourself. It might seem like it’s about physical stuff and things, but it’s actually about the stuff and things in our heads—and the question of whether one informs the other. —Kevin Taft

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Comedy Series for the freshman hit Grace and Frankie. Another first-year hit, Kimmy Schmidt, found its place in the Outstanding Comedy Series category along with Transparent, either of which could unseat Modern Family as the repeat winner. Shockingly overlooked at last year’s awards, Tatiana Maslany was finally acknowledged for her multiple roles on the BBC America hit show Orphan Black. American Horror Story: Freak Show is up for Outstanding Limited Series, with the Queen Latifah-starring Bessie in line for the Best TV Movie title. Hollywood Game Night’s Jane Lynch is in the running with Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum for Best Reality/Competition Series Host. Brooklyn Nine Nine star Andy Samberg will host this year’s ceremony, which will air live on both coasts.

Am Horr

Odyssey Theatre Through Oct. 4

There's a hint of Gone With the Wind a n d a to u c h of v i n t a g e nighttime soap opera, merged with appealing musical interludes, in this ambitious stage adaptation of Carole Eglash-Kosoff's sprawling historical novel. Co-writers Kosoff and John Henry Davis (who also directs) penned this epic mix of romance, tragedy and history, set in the Deep South in the mid-19th century, prior to and during the Civil War. The handsomely designed production benefits from a strong ensemble cast of 20. Main story threads include a star-crossed romance between interracial spouses (Haley McHugh and Jason Woods), the conflicts between kindly plantation owner Jerdidiah (Veryle Rupp) and his dastardly son (the deliciously despicable Nick Ballard), the abuse of black slaves and the ravages of war. This makes for a hefty narrative and a large number of characters in a production that sags somewhat after intermission. Yet it appears to be a bona-fide crowd pleaser. —Les Spindle

PHOTO CREDIT TK OBJECT: CRAIG SCHWARTZ; STARS: ED KRIEGER

THE 67TH PRIME TIME EMMY AWARDS Sept. 20 5 p.m. on FOX

Empire Sept. 23, FOX Season 2 arrives sooner than originally announced and picks up where the first season left off—Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) is in jail for the murder of Bunkie; Taraji P. Henson’s scene-stealing Cookie sports new hairstyles and tries to take control of Empire Records; Jamal (Jussie Smollett) is doing background gigs for Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Gray); and Boo Boo Kitty is still trying to stir up trouble. Upcoming guest stars include Marisa Tomei, Chris Rock and Don Lemon, plus music superstars like Mariah Carey, Pitbull, Lenny Kravitz and Alicia Keys. This sophomore season will have more episodes but will be broken up into two halves with nine episodes in each.

SCREAM QUEENS September 22, FOX

Ryan Murphy is no stranger to horror, but this time he’s added comedy to the mix as Lea Michele reunites with her Glee boss for a combination of laughter and terror. The 15 one-hour episodes take place at a college plagued with a rash of murders as creative as those found in the Final Destination films. Another Murphy alumna, American Horror Story’s Emma Roberts, will appear as well, along with the original scream queen herself, Jamie Lee Curtis, Magic Mike’s Joe Manganiello, Abigail Breslin and singers Nick Jonas and Ariana Grande. TELEVISION LONG DIVISION

American Horror Story

Scream

Scary Movie

Scream Queens

Saturday, Sept. 19

PHOTO CREDIT TK OBJECT: CRAIG SCHWARTZ; STARS: ED KRIEGER

The ninth season of Doctor Who will bring the return of Alex Kingston as Professor River Song in its annual Christmas episode, marking her character’s first time meeting Peter Capaldi’s incarnation of her Time Lord husband. (6 p.m., BBC America)

HEROES REBORN Sept. 24, NBC It’s rare that a canceled series gets a second chance, especially five years after it left the air. Heroes Reborn picks up as those with special powers (Evos, shortened from “evolved”), much like in the X-Men films, are endangered due to fear-mongering and jealously from average humans who view them as a threat. Returning from the original series are Jack Coleman, Masi Oka, Greg Grunberg, Sendhil Ramamurthy and Jimmy Jean-Louis as The Haitian. New cast members include Chuck vet Zachary Levi and The Boy Next Door’s hunky Ryan Guzman.

Monday, Sept. 21 Blindspot, a new conspiracy thriller from Greg Berlanti, has Thor’s Jamie Alexander playing a mysterious tattoo-covered woman discovered naked in Times Square with no knowledge of who she is or how she got there. (10 p.m., NBC) Monday, Sept. 21 A series version of the Tom Cruise film, Minority Report is set a decade later when PreCrime prosecution has been outlawed. The show stars B roadway ’s Kinky Boots vet Stark Sands and That ‘70s Show vet Wilmer Valderrama. (9 p.m., FOX)

SET YOUR

Tuesday, Sept. 22 The Muppets are back with their first TV series since The Muppet Show ended back in 1981. This version targets an older audience and is set to feature guests like Liam Hemsworth, Reese Witherspoon and Elizabeth Banks. (8 p.m., ABC) Sunday, Sept. 27 Quantico is a new crime thriller with a focus on an elite group of new FBI recruits. It stars Desperate Housewvies’ and Hemlock Grove’s Dougray Scott with sexy The Flash vet Rick Cosnett as a gay character. (10 p.m., ABC) SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

A STONE’S THROW

By Patrick Rosenquist

b o u t halfway through Stonewall, director Roland Emmerich’s fictional retelling of the famous riots that sparked the LGBT civil rights movement, in theaters later this month, the character Cong inspects a curtain hanging in a dilapidated hotel room. Surrounded by an assortment of squatters—way too many to be comfortable in such a small area—the gender-fluid African-American who keeps a well-used brick handy in her purse snatches the fabric off the wall and fashions it into a dress. Danny, the film’s Indiana-born protagonist, voices his disapproval of the act as theft. She saunters toward him and states her reasoning—“If I don’t take what I want, then I have nothing.” The idea that the most marginalized of society—those even castigated by the wider gay community—could spark such a potent and long-lasting movement is what initially drew Emmerich to the story. “I’ve always been interested in history, especially Stonewall,” he says, “and I had friends ask me, ‘Why not make a movie about it?’ And I’d say, ‘Well, I’m not sure. It’s not what I usually do.” Emmerich, 59, better known for his big-budget disaster films like Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow, does not traffic in small, historical dramas, but, as the director puts it, “Something peculiar happened.” Emmerich has long been involved with the Los Angeles LGBT Center, having won an award earlier this year from GLAAD in part for his support of the organization. During his time with the Center, he came across a startling fact—today, nearly 40% of homeless youth are LGBT. “That statistic—that’s a scandal to me,” he says. Shocked that the same dire conditions that exploded violently nearly a half-century ago on the streets of New York are still so common, Emmerich decided to tell a story about the youths who changed the world. Talking to Frontiers, the director and his actors explained their reasoning behind making Stonewall.

he film centers on Danny Winter s (Jeremy Irvine), a new arrival to New York. Set in 1969, Danny leaves home after being outed in high school and arrives on Christopher Street with no money and the dim prospect of attending Columbia U n i ve r s i t y. H e s o o n befriends Ray (Jonny

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Beauchamp), a prostitute, and a group of other young queer men and women, learning to turn tricks to make money and survive homelessness. He’s soon caught in a love triangle with Ray and Trevor (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), an older gay activist. Tensions rise between the three as they’re enveloped by the social turmoil surrounding them. Emmerich began fashioning the film as a wholly fictional story but integrated historical figures as he and writer Jon Robin Baitz refined the script. “I talked to some of the participants that I knew,” says Emmerich. “I asked an older friend of mine, who was there, about growing up in Oklahoma. He told me he left after falling in love with a quarterback”— a tale that provided the inspiration for Danny’s backstory. “I got a tape from Emmerich of some coming out stories,” says Irvine, “and I listened to them every week.” Cong, too, is partially based on a real participant—a Christopher Street youth named Congo Woman—though Vladimir Alexis,

PHILIPPE BOSSÉ

Maligned with charges of ‘whitewashing’ history, Roland Emmerich insists his Stonewall is a deeper tale of the disenfranchised coming to power. Does his lofty mission fall short, or are critics and naysayers simply speaking too soon?

Otoja Abit as Marsha P. Johnson; (opposite) Jonny Beauchamp as Ray

PHILIPPE BOSSÉ

who portrays her, insists Cong is a different creation. “I didn’t know a whole lot about the character,” he says, “but it inspired me to learn about the trans movement at the time.” Speaking about Cong, Alexis adds, “She brings reality to the table. When Danny is confused, she straightens things up.” Referring to Cong’s experience living on the streets, he says, “She’s toughened up. She has to watch her back. She could be taken advantage of by society, cops, other LGBT members or tricks. It’s a terrifying world.” Both actors commented on Emmerich’s willingness to let the actors improvise, especially during the film’s climatic riot sequence. Covering the first night of the riots, the film shows vice cops and patrons still inside The Stonewall Inn while a large group sets fire to the boarded windows and uses a parking meter as a battering ram. “Roland let us go full-out, and gave us creative freedom,” says Alexis. “We filmed in Montréal, where I’m from, and some of the extras were friends of mine. You could feel the anger. People were cheering. I’d take a speakerphone and shout, ‘Let’s do this, motherfuckers!’” Irvine says the potency of the sequence was very much true to life. “Some of the participants I talked to said, ‘If we had gotten inside Stonewall, we would have killed them.’”

etails of the actual riots are spotty, given that most of the participants were unknown and a good number died in the ‘80s during the AIDS crisis. What is known is that in the early hours of June 28, 1969, the Public Morals Squad of New York raided the mafia-owned Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. Unlike those APRIL 00, 2015

Jonny Beauchamp as Ray and Vladimir Alexis as Cong; (right) the cast of Stonewall, led by Jeremy Irvine as Danny

carried out by the local police, this raid was unannounced. A few vice officers and those sequestered for questioning—mainly those wearing gender-inappropriate clothing—remained inside the bar, while other patrons were let go. The crowd surrounding Stonewall grew in size and eventually became restless. From there, Emmerich based his portrayal on a few agreed-upon facts. “It’s like a car crash. You ask five people involved, and you get five different answers,” he says. “People agree that rioters first threw coins, and that a lesbian being arrested started the riot itself. By the time police showed up, rioters had formed a chorus line—which is such a unique thing. There’s something irreverent about it.” For most of the movie, however, the audience focuses on Danny as he navigates a new social scene and status in life. He is caught between feminine Ray, whose rings and outfits create a stir no matter where he goes, and Trevor, a Mattachine Society member whose staid look and restrained mannerisms belie an activist spirit. It’s this conflict—the central love story—that gives audiences the most insight into the world Emmerich and Baitz have created. It shows the fractured and internally knotted world of gay rights moments before it broke into the larger consciousness—divided among racial, social and economic lines. 50

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“i wanted it to be a true gay story, with unrequited love and rejection,” says emmerich... “it’s something that could still happen today.” Ray, who also goes by Ramona, represents a more flamboyant and marginalized aspect of gay New York, stealing food from bodegas and subjected to rape and assault. Trevor’s romantic overtures and relatively stable life represent an eagerness to assimilate into mainstream society. “I wanted it to be a true gay story, with unrequited love and rejection,” says Emmerich. “It’s something that could still happen today.”

till, it’s the portrayal of those street kids—racially diverse, embodying a range of gender identities and sexualities, almost universally poor—that has fueled the controversy surrounding Emmerich’s film. Since the trailer for Stonewall was released in August, some in the LGBT community have claimed the film portrays a whitewashed version of gay history, tacking a diverse story to a few white men. “I didn’t see the controversy coming,” says Alexis. “You have me, you have Otoja Abit playing [LGBT liberation activist] Marsha P. Johnson, you have Johnny Beauchamp, who is Hispanic, all starring in this movie. It’s a diverse cast.” Irvine was also surprised by the backlash the trailer unleashed. “When the trailer came out, it was slightly misleading. It makes it look like Danny started Stonewall,” he says.

“It started a conversation,” adds Alexis. “Stonewall is a controversial event on its own; there’s not a lot of documentation about what exactly happened. But this isn’t about who threw the first brick.” Irvine is also quick to point out that the film isn’t just about the historicity of the Stonewall Riots, but is a story about a group of homeless youth learning to make do on the dangerous streets of ‘60s Manhattan. “These kids are struggling to survive. It isn’t just about a riot.” Emmerich—who is currently filming his next movie, Independence Day: Resurgence—says he hasn’t given much thought to the controversy. “I haven’t read anything about it,” he says. “If you start reading about it, you have to read everything.” The director did, however, release a statement in early August on Facebook regarding the turmoil, saying, “I understand that following the release of our trailer there have been initial concerns about how this character’s involvement is portrayed, but when this film—which is truly a labor of love for me—finally comes to theaters, audiences will see that it deeply honors the real-life activists who were there — including Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera and Ray Castro—and all the brave people who sparked the civil rights movement which continues to this day.”

iscussing one of the main contentions critics have—that a diverse story is being told through a white, middleclass character—Emmerich believes his personal point of view informed the construction of Stonewall. “You put yourself into every movie you make, and I happen to be white,” he says, adding, “There’s a lot of racial diversity in this film.” Irvine and Alexis both agree that those who believe Stonewall won’t do the movement and its participants justice should wait to judge until after watching the film. They also point out that a half-century later, the same intractable problems still plague queer youth of all types. “When you see the numbers, it says the system has kinda failed,” says Alexis. “Despite Stonewall, Pride and more, we’ve made some progress, but there’s so much more to be made.” Stonewall hits theaters Sept. 25 SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

DESTINED FOR DÉCOR As the much-loved face of cable giant HGTV, David Bromstad went from hard times to ‘design star,’ and now he's regularly welcomed into style-starved homes across the country BY PATRICK ROSENQUIST

IN HIGH SCHOOL,

David Bromstad and his sister fell in love with a French Country store in suburban Minneapolis called Billy Lilly. Now 42, as a kid he had grown up around design. His parents, a “very spiritual” couple that embody Minnesota nice, involved the kids whenever they painted their house, redid the floors or picked out wallpaper. “I grew up thinking that was normal,” he says. Always an imaginative kid, Bromstad knew he wanted to create, so he and his sibling painted flowerpots to sell at the store. “I loved French Country—the bric-a-brac, the roosters, the colors and patterns,” says Bromstad. This first foray into interior design made him certain he wanted to find a career in home décor. “I love being a part of someone’s home.” That love of living spaces has carried Bromstad throughout his career—guiding him through a stint working for Disney, taking him near insolvency, eventually landing at the first season of HGTV’s Design Star, where he learned, on-air, how to rework his specialty—creating kids’ rooms—into a colorful and expressive take on modern design. The trialby-fire of that reality TV competition series launched his spectacular career and ever-growing roster of TV shows, making Bromstad one of HGTV’s—cable television’s clear leader when it comes to home improvement, gardening and remodeling—most popular and visible stars. 52

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D B

Clockwise romstad believes that Cokato—the Minneapolis suburb where from top left: he grew up—is where he learned to take risks. “We would be Bromstad on the set out all day, and our mom didn’t know where we were. It wasn’t of Color Splash; hard like today,” he says. at work as a color consultant; one of The youngest of four, Bromstad was the “good kid,” learning from his dramatic room the mistakes and indiscretions of his older siblings. His parents also transformations noticed his budding interest in design and encouraged his artistic side. They once gave him a font book for his birthday, which was, according to Bromstad, “the coolest thing in the world.” By the time he graduated high school, Bromstad knew he wanted to work for Disney. He attended the Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida, a well-known recruiting location for the Mickey empire. After graduating, he went to work for the company. Bromstad landed in visual marketing, specializing in the sculptures that populate Disney’s various theme parks. “You know those statues of Minnie and Mickey all around Main Street? My team used to make those, by hand,” Bromstad says. He was part of the last generation of designers that created intricate and detailed statues by hand before computers took over the hard work. “Everything we made had to be perfect,” he says, recalling Disney’s exacting standards and specific aesthetic. After a few years, Bromstad was burned out. While he found the work fulfilling, it wasn’t very creative. His moment of frustration also coincided with 9/11 and a downturn in park attendance, which, accompanied by the growing role computers played in fashioning art pieces, meant Bromstad’s job was in jeopardy. A boss noticed the toll the work was taking on him, and suggested Bromstad work with an outside group to whom the parks outsourced design tasks. The change meant he would be given a wider variety of projects—murals, store windows and woodworking among them. “I remember a designer asking me, ‘Do you know how to do woodworking?’ and of course I said, ‘Yes, I can do that.’ Which was a lie. I called my dad on the way home freaking out because I didn’t know what I had gotten myself into, and he told me, ‘Calm down, David. Just remember what I would do in the studio,’” says Bromstad. So he bought a jigsaw and soon picked up the craft. Wooden knick-knacks—small little ornaments that adorn different installations throughout the parks—became his specialty.

till, Bromstad was working within the confines of Disney’s design, and the restrictions again grew tiresome. Looking for a change, he teamed up with an old friend who designed model houses. This friend had no eye for children’s quarters, but Bromstad’s work at Disney meant he was uniquely suited to create fantasy rooms, complete with the sort of murals and whimsical touches that had become his specialty. “I began fashioning headboards, painting walls, picking out bright, happy colors,” says Bromstad, who loved the freedom a blank room provided. Since they were model homes, he could dream up a theme and bring it into reality. He soon found a niche, and began working with a rotation of designers in Florida. The artistic fulfillment came at a cost, though, and Bromstad wasn’t making enough money to get by. “I was on the brink of bankruptcy; I was barely paying my bills,” he says. One of the designers Bromstad had teamed up with suggested that he audition for a brandnew cable show, HGTV’s Design Star. The series, which premiered in July 2006, would pit 10

designers against each other in head-to-head interior design challenges, with one designer sent packing each week, the prize being a personalized show on the network. Bromstad didn’t know anything about HGTV or the show, as he couldn’t afford cable, but still, the opportunity intrigued him, appealing to his competitive side. Soon enough, Bromstad was vying for the chance to host his very own show.

hat first season of Design Star tested Bromstad’s full capabilities. While he had previously dabbled in adult interior design—coordinating his rooms with other designers’ overall aesthetic, having input on ideas like color schemes—he had never put together, say, a living room or a kitchen. Bromstad went into the show with limited experience and learned how to translate his intuition for color and his lively approach to children’s furniture into something refined and striking. While tackling all-new territory, Bromstad dominated the competition, becoming a fan-favorite and a clear front-runner on the new show, taking home the big prize. SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

continued

“My life changed 180 degrees, that’s for certain,” he says. Bromstad went from barely making a living to becoming one of the most visible personalities on the popular cable channel. At first, Bromstad wanted to go back to his roots and create a show about children’s design. The brass at HGTV, however, felt the idea was too limited—it didn’t rate well. Unsure of what else he could tackle with confidence and experience, the network suggested he do a show about incorporating color into home design. “I thought, well, I know the color wheel. I studied illustration in college. Yeah, I could do that,” he says. Bromstad became HGTV’s first openly gay host, and now, nine years after his debut stint on Design Star, he remains a mainstay of the network.

r o m s t a d ’s w a r m a n d f r i e n d l y demeanor have made him an audience favorite, and Color Splash with David Bromstad, which debuted in March 2007, has been one of HGTV’s most popular shows. His ability to take the helm—and learn along the way—has expanded his repertoire as a designer. “I’ve learned so much about color, about how it affects someone on a day-to-day basis,” says Bromstad. “You have to think, What does living in a blue world do to a person? How does color influence your mood? I’ve picked up so much.” Bromstad has hosted Color Splash for nearly nine years—and debuted Color Splash Miami in 2010—eventually moving production from his home in south Florida to San Francisco. He has also continued to be involved with the show that started it all, acting as a mentor to Design Star’s sixth season contestants and actually taking over hosting duties for the series’ most recent three seasons. In addition to those series, Bromstad guides homebuyers on the show Beach Flip, in which he renovates and spruces up coastal properties around the country. As far as his favorite locales to work in—from the Gulf Coast to Nor thern California—Bromstad is truly happy anywhere. “Put me in a cabin in the middle of the woods, and I’ll figure out what to do,” he says. Bromstad is currently filming a new show called My Lottery Dream House that premiered back in March. Like an outsized version of House Hunters, in the new series he guides lottery winners through three properties and shows them just how luxurious their new life can be. “I have people saying, ‘How can I take care of a house this big?’” he says. “I tell them, ‘Well, you’ve won the lottery. You can afford this!’” Bromstad finds strands of his own story in that of the lottery winners he’s been working with. “Design Star was like winning the lottery,” he says. “Before that, I had nothing. My life has changed completely.” 54

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DISSECTING DESIGN TRENDS D

esign changes every season, of course, and what’s in at the moment may be passé in a few months. Still, there are trends that stick around and really shape what designers and customers look for when seeking a contemporary, on-point look. After Bromstad hit up this spring’s High Point Market—the largest furniture trade show in the world—we asked him to pick out the trends that have him most excited. Everyone is looking for interesting textures. Designers and homeowners are crazy about mixing disparate textures and embracing the unique qualities that make a piece special. “You no longer just see a leather chair—that’s boring,” says Bromstad. “People are making furniture with leather seats and a fur back. Objects that are distressed or show their age are very of-themoment. It has a certain feeling.” Mixing metals isn’t a faux pas, it’s on-point. “People used to really think, ‘If I have silver in this room, I can only do silver throughout the house,’ but that’s not true,” says Bromstad. “All metals are neutral, so they all go together. You can even do matte with shiny, or shiny with something brushed.” A mix of metals makes a space feel lived-in, not over-designed. Don’t be

afraid to put copper with gold. And speaking of gold, Bromstad is happy the long-maligned metal is making a comeback. “I think it’s going to be around for a decade. I’m excited! You see mirror, matte and shiny finishes. Of course, there’s nothing more luxurious than diamonds and gold.” New fabrics mean you can bring the indoors outside—and the outdoors into your living room. Technology makes it possible to fashion furniture that looks right at home around a dining room table but can withstand stresses of the outdoors. “People want their living space to spill out to their patio,” says Bromstad. The reverse is also popular—reclaimed wood, chunks of logs and greenery liven up an indoor space and create a sense of tranquility. Pink and blue are dominating design. Decorators are working with all shades available, mixing navy with light blue or rose with faint pink. “If you look at a flower in one of these colors, you’ll see everything from light tints to rich hues,” says Bromstad, “and you can mix these different colors without it looking too matchy-matchy.” Just don’t put both pink and blue together—they still don’t mix. Local pieces are huge, and they’re good for the industry. Who doesn’t want a unique piece tying together their living room? Decorators are seeking out local artisans, hoping to find something that tells a story and speaks to homeowners. “It’s great to support local talent, to help out people who make a living fashioning furniture,” says Bromstad. He’s got a special connection to the artisan movement, as he used to sell handmade furniture at festivals around Orlando long before he hosted Color Splash. “Everyone wants something special in their home,” he says. —P.R.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

Cho lounges on a daybed with two of her three dogs, 8-year-old Gudrun and 1-year-old Dogmar. 16-year-old Bronwyn is just out of frame

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OPEN HOUSE Comedic actress, skillful stand-up and outspoken activist Margaret Cho welcomes Frontiers inside her personal sanctuary, an urban oasis tucked into the base of L.A.’s Verdugo Mountains PHOTOGR APHY BY DUSTI CUNNINGHAM

argaret Cho has long been a guardian of the modern queer movement. When not dismantling the specters of sexism and racism in her routines, the 48-year-old former San Franciscan highlights in equal parts the hassle, hustle and hilarity of the LGBT experience. As she’s endeared herself so strongly to the crusade, it’s easy for most gays to consider her a close personal friend, whether one has spent quality time on her couch or merely admired her career—spanning television, the stage and, most recently, music—from afar. During Frontiers’ most recent sit-down with Cho, she figuratively and very literally welcomed us into her home, opening up about what initially drew her to Los Angeles and what keeps her here; her most prized possessions and her political leanings; her current role as a ‘talking head’ and her anticipated new projects. Here is Margaret Cho, as personal as ever, in her own words. —Stephan Horbelt

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

(Left) Two gold lions welcome guests up the stairs to her abode, a 1928 house north of Glendale (Right) Cho’s upstairs living room mantel is a shrine to professional hero and departed friend Joan Rivers, and houses sentimental pieces picked up in her years of traveling the world

LIFE IN THE CITY OF ANGELS “I love Los Angeles. I fell in love with the whole area from the movie Valley Girl, which is an ‘80s movie with Nicholas Cage and Deborah Foreman and lots of great bands. It just made me wanna be there so bad. I had cousins who lived in Southern California, so I would come here for the summer, and I always just fell in love with the culture of L.A. with being in the car and blasting the radio to ‘General Hospi-tale’ [by The Afternoon Delights]. You know that song? Or getting a tan out by the pool. I mean, my time living here never included having a pool, but I always think I’m gonna have one some day. “I’ve been in Los Angeles since 1991—I came from San Francisco—and I’ve been here in this house since 2000. The house was built in 1928. It was the first house here that defined 58

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the area. I think it was just all kinds of uncleared forest here. This area wasn’t developed much at that point, but I bought it. There was no electricity, and I did a lot of the wiring and all of the painting myself. I’ve been here for a long time and it’s, I don’t know, it’s my paradise. “Before I was here, I lived under the Hollywood sign in Beachwood Canyon, which is nice, too. I’m always attracted to a kind of more natural beauty, like more country than city. I love that in L.A. you can sort of live in a canyon. I wanna have a little sanctuary—just a place that’s really peaceful and quiet and that I love, and I really love this house. It’s the first house I’ve ever bought, and every year I’m always more and more grateful for it.”

MEANINGFUL COLLECTIONS “When Joan Rivers died I wanted to get this portrait that Jason Mecier made of her. He’s a wonderful artist, and he takes people’s detritus, which is everything that’s kind of, like, stuffed in drawer,s and he just asks for it. This is the garbage of every major female comedian—from Phyllis Diller to Sarah Silverman to Amy Schumer—they’re all represented in this portrait. It was a great relief to me to have this when she passed, because it was a nice way to celebrate her life. It’s a beautiful work of art. “Underneath the Joan portrait are various things I’ve collected, and there are all these different gifts that Joan had given me through her life. She always gave me her jewelry and accessories, like her special perfume, which is up there. “ There’s also a Dina Martina commemorative plate. It comes

from her latest show, which I just saw in Provincetown and loved. Sometimes she will open for me, and I’ve worked with her on different projects over the years. I think she’s a genius. “Then we have a couple ceramics that are celebrating marriage equality. Those are really special to me. I love Day of the Dead stuff. I don’t really know very much about it, and I’ve never been to Mexico for it, but just the aesthetic of it—you know, with the sugar skulls and everything—I think is really beautiful. It’s very L.A., too. “I think my aesthetic is ‘L.A.,’ but I’m also kind of a citizen of the world. A lot of the artwork that I have collected is stuff from everywhere. So there are things from India, things from Nepal; there’s a lot of sacred art from different places. It’s all the things I’ve collected in my travels.” SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

FROM COMEDIENNE TO SOCIAL COMMENTATOR “By getting personal in your routine, you can really expand on things and talk about things in a very frank way, and also you can demand more from other people. In talking about yourself in a very frank manner, you are also able to talk about other people in that same kind of frank manner. So I treat myself as a subject in my shows just as I would treat anybody else. “It’s so exciting to actually be a talking head, which I think is really the height of somebody who is educated and somebody who knows what’s going on. I love that just, because I never went to school; I don’t have the kind of education that I should have. It has always made me feel very insecure, but now I’m able to go on any sort of platform and talk about politics and society in a way that is really listened to. I mean, it’s very legitimate; it’s very important.”

different things that make us who we are. “As a result of touring, I can see where there are communities where you’re not safe when you come out, where you really don’t have a sense of community because you feel isolated. I do see places where, when I’m talking about gay rights and talking about marriage equality, it’s a really rare thing to be talking about. So I think it’s encouraging that people are out there, and we’re really expanding the boundaries of where we are able to go and who we are. But it can be tough sometimes.”

‘I’M FOR HILLARY, BUT I’M CRUSHING ON BERNIE’ “I really like Bernie Sanders. I like where he is. I like that he has no interest in protecting corporations, and he’s got no interest in protecting the super-rich. He has no agenda other than equality, and a big part of that is trying to figure out where we can tax the super-rich to make it easier on everybody else. “I think he’s really smart. I really like the way he has handled the racial conversation—how we talk about race—and how we talk about this election specifically and how it relates to race, because I think it’s an important factor. “As far as my big issues go, I think we have to figure out how to tax these super-churches. I don’t understand why we can’t tax these religious groups when they’re making so much money. And, in fact, they tax their congregations with tithing. Tithing is just a way to tax your congregation. So if churches are able to tax people, why can’t we do that with churches? It seems reasonable, and I don’t know why it’s not happening. “There needs to be real equality when it comes to the economy. It’s like there are very, very rich people and people who are not making any money. I don’t know how to solve that, but we definitely need some kind of a break somewhere.”

IN THE WORKS TIME FOR CELEBRATION “I basically spent that whole time around [the Supreme Court’s June 26 decision] crying. Like everyone I know who was involved in trying to make marriage equality happen, we’ve all been doing this for a long time. I have personally been on the campaign since 2004. A lot of people have been working on it longer, and it’s something that we wanted as a symbol of equality and something that is about celebrating who we are as a community. So I think finally getting to celebrate the Supreme Court decision—it’s a huge relief that we finally got there. “There were a lot of times when I doubted that I would see it in my lifetime, you know? We’re just dealing with so much homophobia out there, so it was a tremendous thing. I remember it just being about crying—that whole weekend, everybody was crying. And then, of course, all summer the Pride festivals have been incredible because everybody is so happy, everybody is celebrating.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? “I think now we’re really into specifics about how the Supreme Court’s decision is going to affect the LGBT community in every state. Now I think a lot of conservative groups are going after adoption rights, so that’s where I would like to see us have more protection. I would like to have more language in how we deal with hate crimes as it relates to the transgender community. Now that we have marriage equality, we need equality in terms of protection in terms of hate speech, in terms of all of these 60

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“I love Peaches, and I did two videos with her for her new album, and I also made a bunch of videos for my music that are all gonna come out around the same time as my upcoming Showtime special, psyCHO [airing Sept. 25]. I’m always on tour, which is my main focus, and I’m doing some development behind the camera, so I’m doing some writing and producing. I’m not sure exactly what that will turn into yet, but I’m thrilled about that.”

COMING INTO FASHION “I talked to Melissa Rivers after Joan had died, and we had been discussing Fashion Police. Then they decided to go with Kathy Griffin, then Kathy left, so I’m gonna go and—I’m just doing one episode. [Editor’s note: Margaret killed it on that season premiere episode, and they had her go back the very next week.] They have other people lined up. I think they’re gonna see who works with the cast. “I’m just excited because I bring a different perspective to Fashion Police, whereas I am much more progressive. I’m much more forward-thinking in fashion, and I always cheer for the underdog. I cheer for people who take risks. That to me is true glamour. And I like to spend time with Melissa, so it’s a nice thing for us. I would love to do more.”

YOU’VE GOT TO COME CORRECT “Regarding the recent Fashion Police-related ‘PC controversies’ [statements made by Giuliana Rancic and Kelly Osbourne],I think I’m the one who smells like pot and patchouli, and it’s Asian

(Opposite) Local artist Jason Mecier’s portrait of Joan Rivers is comprised of everything from botox syringes (most likely Joan’s) to Sarah Silverman’s Justin Bieber trading cards to a jar of Gefilte fish (also probably Joan’s) (This page) Margaret lounges in the living room with Dogmar

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

(Top) Gorgeous stained glass doors lead to the lower level of her home, which houses opium den-chic living quarters with a giant antique Chinese wedding bed (Below) Photographs of Cho with friends and family are showcased throughout the house, as on this hutch in her den. The photo on the right features Cho with her parents Young-Hie and Seung-Hoon, who have always played a prominent role in her stand-up routines

people who clean Donald Trump’s toilets, so I mean [laughs] that’s how I stand there. I think in general it is good to pay attention to language and pay attention to how we talk about race and how we frame these conversations. There should be some dignity about racial conversations overall. So I think the sort of PC consciousness is positive, but then when it stifles you and makes you feel like you can’t say anything, then that’s wrong. “I feel like I have some leeway because of all of my identities. I’m Asian-American, I’m queer, I’m politically progressive, I’m feminist. These are the parameters of the people who would complain about stuff, so I feel like I can use my own minority statuses to override that. And also, coming from the tradition of comedy that Joan was doing, she didn’t apologize for anything, and she didn’t have a filter. She would get everyone. But then again, I know that she had a lot of fear about it, too. Joan was not as confident as she appeared, so she definitely did worry about stuff, but it still ... it made her very brave. “I don’t feel stifled by political correctness because I think it’s an important thing to comment on. I think a lot of it actually comes from a white liberal perspective—this sort of very earnest effort for white liberals to talk about race—but in a sense it serves to silence people of color. When we get closer and closer to the bone of what racism is and we’re able to talk about it more, I find that white people still try to control the conversation and control what we say or how we say anything about race. “So that’s something to be conscious of. I’m conscious of it, but I was talking about this to other Asian-American comedians, and it’s like, white fragility is the thing that we’re all dealing with, and it’s like walking on eggshells around white people. It was so much easier when all we had to do was walk on their back. [Laughs] These are jokes that you kind of have to make about something that’s very hard to explain. It’s not racism exactly; it’s more just this desire for everybody to be equal, but that’s not really possible, so they would rather everybody be invisible. It’s a complicated conversation.”

ON MILEY “I think Miley Cyrus is great. I think what’s really inspiring is that she has opened this homeless LGBT youth center, which is incredible. That’s an amazing thing. I think she’s incredibly feminist, and I think it’s thrilling that people in that age group—the millennials—are now really defining their sexuality by not defining, you know? They’re just like, all we know is that we’re not straight, and that’s cool. I love that kind of androgyny that she plays with, and then the freedom that she’s allowing for herself to really just figure out who she is, which I think is important for young people.”

THE COMEDY VANGUARD “I love Tig Notaro. I think she’s great. I’m part of her posse, so I did her documentary and I’ve just been watching her and really admiring her for a great long time. I love Amy Schumer. I think she’s great. I think she’s really, really funny and really smart. I always get super excited about Dave Chappelle; I just adore him. “I think Hannibal Buress has done an incredible thing for women and for comedy, and for re-explaining Bill Cosby’s history as a rapist. I think it’s crazy that this is something that was out there, that people knew about, but nobody really talked about it, and it took somebody like him to just call attention to it. That’s when you see how powerful comedy is.” Margaret Cho’s Showtime special, psyCHO, airs Sept. 25, and she performs at L.A.’s Wiltern Theatre on Nov. 14. 62

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

THE WORLD OF BILLY MASTERS From left: Tanner White, Steve Grand, Joan Rivers, Jack Black, James Marsden, Paula Deen, Nick Carter

REMEMBERING JOAN, THE FEDS TAKE ON GAY SEX, STEVE GRAND HAS A BALL

Let’s Have a Ball You know how innocent young men often ask a famous person to a prom, or a ball, or some other fabulous event? Well, we now have a first. Tanner White, a Marine, made a special video for Steve Grand, better known for posing in various forms of undress than for actually singing: “Steve, you are an amazing singer. I’ve seen some of your blog videos, and they were awesome. I would like for you to go with me to the 2015 Marine Corps Ball in Wilmington, North Carolina, as my date. Hopefully you’ll say yes. If not, it was worth a shot.” Because apparently nobody can simply pick up a telephone, Grand posted a video of his own. “I want to say that I’m honored to accept your invitation to be your date at the Marine Corps Ball 64

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this November,” he said. “Thank you so much for your service to this country, and I look forward to a really fun evening with you in November.” I wouldn’t be surprised if the date includes more servicing—to say nothing of a part of the anatomy turning purple, decidedly south of the heart. Keeping America Safe? The offices of the largest gay escort website, Rentboy.com, were recently raided in New York City, and seven employees were arrested. But this raid wasn’t solely carried out by the NYPD. The website was being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security. Huh? Is ISIS trying to infiltrate the U.S. through hot male hookers? Was Bin Laden the Al-Qaeda equivalent of Heidi Fleiss? Maybe they’re housing a sleeper cell! The official complaint was filed by special agent Susan Ruiz, and she spends an inordinate amount of time defining terms such as twink, scat and fisting. Here’s an example: “I have learned that a sling, also known as a ‘sex sling,’ is a device that allows two people to have sex while one is suspended.” If nothing else, we’ve surely enriched Ruiz’s education. Time to Dance I’m already looking forward to Dancing with the Stars—or, as I like to call it, “Dancing with a Bunch of Nobodies.” So far we have Chaka Khan huffing and puffing and sweating like a pig. Paula Deen might be a hoot. Then there’s Nick Carter. If nothing else, he’ll get back in shape (and there are few things in this world better than Nick Carter in shape). As to Bindi Irwin, really? She’s a celebrity? Legendary Olympian Greg Louganis has signed with CAA to represent him in all areas of showbiz. This may seem trite, as people switch agents all the time, but in Greg’s case, it is quite significant. He’s won numerous honors, written best-selling books and was even the subject of a

documentary last year. But what does he want? To be on Dancing with the Stars. At least we’ve heard of him! And he’s an Olympic legend, to say nothing of an HIV trailblazer. There’s also talk of him finally getting onto a box of Wheaties. Baby steps. Ask Billy: All About the D Our “Ask Billy” question comes from Ryan in Tulsa: “I can’t believe you never wrote about The D Train with James Marsden and Jack Black. They have sex and everything.” I love when I learn something from my fans. James Marsden’s career has always fascinated me. Rarely has someone had the whole package, such as it is—looks, talent, charisma and, of course, that body. Although he’s played gay several times, he is (allegedly) heterosexual. I remember being virtually tongue-tied when I met him at the Hairspray premiere. Yet Jack Black finds himself literally tongue-tied with Marsden in this film, which came and went in May. It made roughly $440K opening weekend and then quickly disappeared—so quickly that I never even heard of it. The plot surrounds a nerd (Black) trying to arrange his high school reunion and track down his hottest classmate (Marsden). You’ll have to watch the movie to see how they end up having sex, but you can see them in the act on my site. When our tax dollars are being used to teach the Feds about slings, it’s definitely time to end yet another column. I must make a confession to you: I’m glad the summer’s over. I was getting a bit bored. Back to reality and Los Angeles, if that’s even possible. For all your gossip needs, check outBillyMasters.com, the site that never takes a vacation. And if you have a question, send it along to Billy@ BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before I record a video asking Marsden to be my date for Gay Days Anaheim! So, until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

PHOTO CREDIT TK

Memories of Joan It’s been a year since Joan Rivers’ untimely death. As you know, I had a long relationship with Auntie Joan, so I’d like to relate two anecdotes I don’t believe I’ve ever shared before. When I first contacted her as a kid, the abbreviations for states had just changed to what are now the standard two letters, so Massachusetts went from Mass to MA. She ended her first letter to me (on Caesars Palace stationery) saying, “It makes me feel so happy to know I have a fan in Maine.” Over the years, Joan and I spent many memorable moments together on the red carpet. One that stands out was the 2005 Golden Globes. Joan had briefly left E! for the TV Guide Network. After the pre-show, we were walking by the now-deserted E! set. I mentioned how nice it looked, festooned with roses. “You should take the flowers,” I quipped, knowing it never took much to goad her. Auntie Joan’s eyes flashed, “Damn right! I put that network on the map! They owe me. Get out your camera.” Not sure if I should take photos or a video, I did both. You can see this brief video and photos for the first time on my site.

QUEERSAY

BY GOSSIP GAY

KARMA FOR THE CASH-BACK QUEEN

’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—karma is a bitch! One group of eyeroll-inducing twinks are finding that out the hard way. As my regular readers may remember, late last year I gossiped about a gaggle of pasttheir-prime houseboys who were ripping off their Sugar Daddies by way of a debit card cash-back scam. Their mean gurl of a leader had proudly explained to me, “Basically, I told [Sugar Daddy] that I wanted to start contributing to our relationship more by doing all the household errands, so he got me a debit card from his account. Now I’ve been going to places like the grocery store and buying a packet of gum and then getting $100 cash back. I pulled in over $2,600 last month alone!” Well, folks , it seems things have caught up with the clan. You see, Wells Fargo has begun posting not only charges to one’s card but also the amount of cash back a buyer received with a transaction. A packet of gum and $100 cash back no longer reads as a $101.38 charge but rather as a $1.38 charge with $100 cash back. The now-sobbing (and newly homeless) twink explained to me, “My [Sugar Daddy] looked over our debit history and realized that I had taken out over $12,000 in a little over five months. He didn’t even ask me to explain myself! I came home from CrossFit one day and my shit was on the front lawn. He’s already moved in a [much younger and probably much hotter] twink, and I’m devastated! I gave him my time and body, and he gave me money. Isn’t that how it’s supposed to work?!” Honey, that ain’t love. That’s the world’s oldest profession! As every smart kept boi knows, debit $100 once, shame on you. Debit $12,000 in five months, enjoy sleeping in the alley behind Motherlode!

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ON AGING GRACEFULLY

ne of my readers, identifying him/her/zirself merely as “Fuuba,” recently wrote to address my mid-summer misanthropic posting about entering my 30s. I readily admit that the piece was a bit “woe is me,” but I must confess that entering my 30s in WeHo really stressed me out! But Fuuba has taken issue with my raving rant. “Dear Gossip Gay, I read your article about entering your dreaded 30s. REALLY?! What are you going to do as the years and decades pass and you don’t recognize your body? What will you do when you’re 50? That may seem like a long way off, but at 70+, I can tell you it will seem like a moment in time. If you are dreading entering your 30s (and actually you entered your 30th year when you celebrated your 29th birthday), what the hell are you going to do in the future?” To that, I respond thus: “Dear Fuuba, did ever see that TV sitcom Dinosaurs in the early ‘90s? There was an episode calling “Hurling Day” where, when a member of the community aged past his prime (which I’ve found is around mid-30s in WeHo), the town would throw them off a cliff. As the dino daddy said, “It’s the most loving thing we can do!” So to answer your question, when I hit 36, I’ll wait for the town twinks to gather and hurl me off the top of Runyon Canyon. Or I’ll move to Palm Springs. One of the two.” For more Gossip Gay, go to FrontiersMedia.com. Drop me your dirty little secrets at QueerSay@hotmail.com, and don’t worry, I never give up my deep throat! SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

PALM SPRINGS From left: Palm Springs International Airport, Suzanne Somers and Barry Manilow at last year’s Evening Under the Stars, the aerial tramway

MY PALM SPRINGS: KERRY HENDRIX The head of the Desert Business Association knows a thing or two about the desert cities, from their hidden outdoor gems to their unbeatable happy hours

hen hemoved from Los Angeles to Palm Springs in 2006, Kerry Hendrix began to volunteer for every event that needed help as a way to meet people. He considers that one of the smartest things he could have done to find out who’s who and what’s what in his new desert home. Nine years later, the 45-year-old Tupelo, Mississippi, native’s social schedule is still filled to the brim with mixers, events, gallery openings and get-togethers with friends. “On the rare night when I’m not attending or hosting a function, I stay home Restaurant Week It’s held in early June every year, and it’s aan affordable opportunity to try new restaurants or visit some of your favorites. Our restaurateurs really pull together amazing menus for $26-38. palmspringsrestaurantweek.com Art Galleries It’s a feast for the eyes! Both Uptown and Downtown, we’ve got great galleries that offer such a variety of visual aesthetics in so many media. One of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon is creating my own Art Walk up and down Palm Canyon Drive. Hiking I’m an avid hiker, and I love that that we have so many hiking trails. I highly recommend Lykken Trail. It provides both novice and experienced hikers an opportunity to see fantastic views of the valley. In the warmer months, be sure to start early, because it does get hot quickly on those trails.

and take care of my three dogs and my ‘part-time husband,’ Jason, who lives in Northern California but flies in for a quick 36-hour-per-week visit,” laughs the former marketing expert now involved with financial planning. Since 2007, Hendrix has been active in the Desert Business Association, the Coachella Valley’s LGBT chamber of commerce, spending the last four years as its executive director. Here he shares some of his favorite things about Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. —James F. Mills Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Whether you’re looking for snow in the winter or a respite from the heat of summer, a ride to the top of the tram is always a delight. The tram station is at 8,400 feet, with snow throughout the winter and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. I love the trail up to San Jacinto Peak. It’s 10,400 feet above the valley with a spectacular 360-degree view. It’s one of the steepest peaks in North America! pstramway.com Lulu California Bistro After a day of running around, there’s no place I like better. It’s welcoming to both tourists and locals; a very friendly place to meet people, both gay and straight. They have an all-day happy hour! Be sure to grab a seat at the bar, since the prices on the bar menu are cheaper than on the table menu. lulupalmsprings.com

Whitewater Park One of our hidden gems. It’s on the other side of the 10 Freeway and has trout ponds, trails and streams of cold, crisp water from the mountains. There’s nothing better in July than going there for a cool break.

Gala Season From January to May, there’s so much going on, a tuxedo is a must for your wardrobe! From the Palm Springs International Film Festival to the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards to Evening Under the Stars, there are so many great events. Raising money for our many nonprofits and spending time with friends makes our gala season a special time for everyone.

Desert Business Association I’m prejudiced, naturally, but it’s a dynamic group with some amazing people. We really help connect LGBT and allied businesses to promote the sharing of business, ideas and networking throughout the Coachella Valley. Twice a month we have networking mixers, so come check us out. desertbusinessassociation.org

Palm Springs International Airport For an international airport, it’s one of the easiest and most organized. Lines are short, and getting through security is quick—you can typically be through in six minutes, and if you’re TSA pre-approved, you’re generally the only one in line.

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Fri. | Sept 18 DEAD MAN’S CELL PHONE Arthur Newman Theater, Palm Desert

Fri. | Sept 25 JOSHUA TREE PRIDE Highway 62, Joshua Tree

Sarah Ruhl’s comedy is about an exasperated woman who answers the ringing cell phone a table over and is soon enmeshed in the life of the phone’s dead owner. Through Sept. 26. dtworks.org

Celebrate Pride in the desert with a three-day community festival with live entertainment, DJs, musicians, artists, vendors, games for the kids, a beer garden for the adults and more.

Sat. | Sep 19 HEART Agua Caliente Casino

Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson have been proving that women know how to rock for the past 40 years. Enjoy hits like “Barracuda,” “Magic Man” and “Crazy on You.” 8 p.m. hotwatercasino.com Fri. | Sept 25 LOOT Desert Rose Playhouse, Rancho Mirage

1960s British bad boy playwright Joe Orton’s dark comedy about gay bank robbers using a coffin to hide their loot opens for a four-week run. Through Oct. 2 5 . deser troseplayhouse.org

Wed. | Sept 30 UNDRESSING ISRAEL Temple Isaiah

Undressing Israel: Gay Men in the Promised Land examines Israel’s thriving LGBTQ community and the policies that helped shape it. 7 p.m., with a discussion afterward. templeisaiahps.com Thu. | Oct 1 MOMMIE DEAREST Ultra Max Star Cinemas, Cathedral City

“No wire hangers, ever!” is the rule as Faye Dunaway (unintentionally) camps it up as Joan Crawford in the 1981 biopic, with drag queen Jersey Shore providing live commentary, starting at 7 p.m. ultrastarmovies.com

Faye Dunaway in Mommie Dearest

CAN WE TALK? LEGENDARY COMIC JOAN RIVERS may have died one year ago, but she lives on thanks to celebrity impersonator Joe Posa. A New York native who now makes his home in Boston, THE BITCH Posa turned his love for Rivers into a club IS BACK The Purple Room act that is now coming to Palm Springs. The Oct. 2-4 Bitch is Back plays the Purple purpleroom Room in early October. palmsprings.com The show, which debuted in Los Angeles in April, has been getting raves because Posa doesn’t just imitate Rivers’ sarcastic wit and tell her jokes but gets her mannerisms and physical qualities down perfectly. A character actor since the late 1990s, Posa performed with the real Rivers on two separate occasions, and also visited with her in Provincetown in July 2014, just two months before she died. When Posa told Rivers that he was doing her in a cabaret show “in a very respectful way,” she replied, “You can do me disrespectfully.” Respectful or disrespectful, the show is a loving tribute. —J.F.M. SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

GAYDAR

MATERIAL GIRL GONE WILD Already holding our breath for her Oct. 27 Forum show, we broke out the Encyclopedia Madonnica, wondering, just how queer is Our Lady of Perpetual Reinvention? MADONNA DON’T PREACH

FROZEN

IT’S A CELEBRATION

BORDERLINE

BITCH, SHE’S MADONNA

JUSTIFY OUR LOVE

What did hydrangeas ever do to you?

Bad boys seem to be her only weakness

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery Now this is a gay wedding “Dick—my bottom hurts just thinking about it.” From Sandra Bernhard to Rosie O’ Donnell, her gal pal list goes on

Gaultier gave her the cone bra and the corset, plus he’s a Gaydar regular

Gurl gone wild

From Harlem to Hollywood: beauty’s where you find it

We all appreciate mean girl Madge, but must it be directed at Gaga?

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Putting the ‘boy’ in ‘boy toy’

Just don’t PHOTO CREDIT TK

God?

Bless her heart, she tried

JULY 23, 2014

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