JAN. 7 - 20, 2016 | VOL. 34, NO. 19
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L.A.’s Top Trainers Spill Their Fitness Secrets (P. 29)
SEVEN ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS FOR YOUR GROOMING ARSENAL
Inside Trump’s Orwellian Wet Dream p.16
(P. 21)
Play with Plasma at the Museum of Neon Art (P. 26)
LGBT Non-Discrimination Bill On Tap in Japan (P. 14)
HIT THE
WHY SO OBSESSED WITH PENIS SIZE? WE TELL FLU SEASON TO F*CK OFF 5 SEX ED SEMINARS
BOOKS
INSIDE THE LIBRARIES OF L.A.’s ELITE YOUR READING LIST FOR 2016 OUR 10 FAVORITE LGBT AUTHORS DTLA WANTS TO MAKE BOOKS SEXY
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NOVEMBER 25, 2015
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NOVEMBER JANUARY 20, 25, 2016 2015
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Contents
FEATURES
JAN. 7 - 20, 2016
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What's Your New Year's Resolution?
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Welcome to My Library
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© VALERIY KACHAEV | DREAMSTIME.COM
Your 2016 Reading List
ON THE COVER Image reprinted from MANMADE: The Essential Skincare & Grooming Reference For Every Man, © 2015 by Chris Salgardo, published by Pam Krauss Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC JANUARY 20, 2016
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Contents
Download our interactive digital edition with videos, expanded editorial, behind-the-scenes photos and more. Search for Frontiers magazine on
JAN. 7 - 20, 2016
DEPARTMENTS NEWSBOX 11 12 14 16
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When Deportation = Death Flashbulb Watercooler Drug Pricing Initiative Qualifies for Noveber 2016 Ballot Donald Trumps' Orwellian Wet Dream DateBook
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THE GAY AGENDA 21
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The 7 Products Every Man Needs in His Grooming Arsenal 5 Looks to Experiment With in 2016 Support Endless Orchard Explore the Museum of Neon Art Bro vs. 'Mo: Grooming Products
HEALTH 29
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10 Personal Trainers Spill Their Favorite Fitness Secrets Fitness Q&A Pop Culture's Penis Size Obsession 7 Ways to Stave Off the Flu
CALENDAR 33 35 37 37
Bar Mattachine's Grecian Guild The Sexual Health Expo Returns Sam Harris Hams It Up Eating Out: Hatchet Hall
ENTERTAINMENT 39 40 41 42 42
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10 of Today's Best LGBT Authors Film Reviews Music Reviews Golden Globes 2016 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 Š 2015, New Frontiers Media Holdings, LLC.
COLUMNS 58 59 60 64
Billy Masters Gossip Gay Palm Springs Gaydar
PEOPLE INDEX Alex Borstein Bill Clinton Sigmund Freud Frankie Grande 6
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Megyn Kelly Lenny Kravitz Padma Lakshmi Leona Lewis
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Jennifer Lopez Rick Santorum Martin Shkreli Maggie Smith
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When Deportation = Death Despite the media’s focus on the current Syrian refugee crisis, the Department of Homeland Security has begun to round up undocumented immigrants denied asylum or refugee status By Karen Ocamb
500 The number of resettlement slots for LGBTs that were requested (and refused) out of 10,000 Syrian refugees Obama has committed to accept in the United States
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he American LGBT community has lobbied, protested and diplomatically begged the Obama administration and Congress to intercede and help LGBT people who are tortured and suffering constant abuse and humiliation in homophobic countries. Recently, the focus has been on the Syrian refugee crisis as thousands flee the war and the brutality of the Islamic State. President Obama committed to accepting 10,000 refugees but refused to set aside 500 of those resettlement slots for LGBT refugees, leaving them to face certain death if discovered. On Jan. 1, ISIS threw a 15-year-old boy off the roof of a building in eastern Syria for having “homosexual relations” with a prominent ISIS officer, according to ARA news. The officer was exiled to Iraq, but the boy became one of 30 brutal public and publicized executions of LGBT people, according to Neil Grungras, Executive Director of the Organization for Refuge, Asylum and Migration (ORAM), who proposed the 500 LGBT Syrian set-aside. “The current system for those seeking refuge is failing sexual and gender minorities,” who are in “extreme danger” in homophobic countries and “often continue to be persecuted in the countries where they seek refuge” with no access to resources to help them gain refugee status, says Grungras. “We know how to do this. We can start saving lives today, and we have the moral responsibility to do so.” But while administration officials and politicians may be quick to condemn the horrific executions of gay youth in the Middle East, a distinction is drawn between the brutality of ISIS and the brutality of the Central American and Mexican gangs and drug lords. More than 100,000 people fled Central America and were caught crossing into the United States illegally in 2015.
Over New Year’s weekend, immigration enforcement agents started implementing a Department of Homeland Security plan to roundup and deport undocumented immigrants who were denied legal asylum and were ordered to leave by an immigration judge. By Jan. 4, they had captured 121 adults and children in raids in Georgia, North Carolina and Texas, according to the LA Times. “As I have said repeatedly, our borders are not open to illegal migration; if you come here illegally, we will send you back, consistent with our laws and values,” says Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson. Carol Gomez, Clinical Director at the Program for Torture Victims, calls the expedited deportations “sorely disappointing and contrary” to calls by Obama to show humanitarian compassion to the Syrian refugees. “The plight of Central Americans is no less dire,” she tells Frontiers. “When people are forced to flee their homes, their country, they are in shock, grieving, terrified, suffering physical and psychological injuries, in fight-or-flight mode. Most are unaware and, frankly, unconcerned about the nuances of immigration laws. They are fleeing to
“Was it a secret? Let’s all just enjoy life and have no regrets.” Actor Colton Haynes (Teen Wolf, Arrow) ‘came out’ via a coy Tumblr when someone referenced his “secret gay past.” Haynes, who has been outspoken about supporting his gay brother, appeared years ago in a sexually suggestive photo shoot for gay magazine XY
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FLASHBULB continued
THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY OPENING NIGHT, Ahmanson Theatre, Dec. 10—Local stars of stage and screen came out for the first official performance of the Ahmanson’s latest production, running through Jan. 17. Clockwise from top left: Wilson Cruz, Christopher Hanke, cast members Andrew Samonsky and Elizabeth Stanley, Jeremy Jordan with cast member Caitlyn Caughell, composer Jason Robert Brown with Kate Burton and CTG Artistic Director Michael Ritchie, Jesse Tyler Ferguson with Andrew Rannells, Shoshana Bean
FAIR SHARE FOR EQUALITY CONVENING, LA Times Building, Dec. 15—EQCA held this second annual convening to discuss ongoing efforts to reduce disparities in the lives of all LGBT Californians. Top, from left: APLA’s Terry Smith, Calif. State Controller Betty Yee, ACLU’s Melissa Goodman, Lambda Legal’s Jenny Pizer, EQCA’s Rick Zbur. Bottom: Sandra Fluke, L.A. County Assessor Jeff Prang, Ron Galperin
SPEAK OUT “There’s so much hate for gays and lesbians and transgendered people. You seem to be adding to the hate.” Fox News contributor Megyn Kelly, who currently graces the cover of Vanity Fair, speaking to a fellow Fox contributor who felt Chaz Bono is a danger to America
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STONEWALL DEMOCRATIC CLUB HOLIDAY PARTY, Private Residence, Dec. 26—The annual party was also a homeless clothing drive for Poverty Matters. Top, from left: Spiritual activist Rodney Scott with Poverty Matters founder Susie Shannon and Lavender Effect Founder Andy Sacher, Marilyn Grunwald. Bottom: Assembly Speaker Emeritus John Pérez with L.A. County Democratic Party Chair Eric Bauman, James Duke Mason, Stonewall Young Democrats’ Chris Bowen and Ari Ruiz
BRIDGES: RYAN MILLER/CAPTURE IMAGING; EQCA: COURTESY OF EQCA; STONEWALL: KAREN OCAMB
save their lives.” This is especially true for vulnerable LGBT asylum seekers, many too afraid or ashamed to come out and tell their stories. “Many of the LGBT asylum seekers, as well as outspoken allies, whom our organization works with, have suffered chronic community violence, mob attacks and sexual violence, including at the hands of police and government agents in their home countries,” Gomez says. “Being deported will in fact be a death sentence, if not [result in] ongoing torture and sexual violence.” In addition to the broken system, there are reports that ICE has also been asking everyone in the raided homes for their immigration papers, suggesting that DREAMers— those brought to the U.S. illegally as children—could be caught up in the mass deportation net, too. Gay DREAMers like Yordy Cancino, a Gay-Straight Alliance leader in his Los Angeles high school, who graduated as a salutatorian. At 18, fearing deportation to Mexico, where he thought he’d be subjected to violence, Cancino applied for asylum but was denied. Protests as he sat in detention led to an immigration attorney emerging who represented him pro bono. Last May, he again applied for asylum. “This law enforcement execution makes me wonder and become frightened to believe that I may lose my case and be sent back to Mexico, simply because a judge ruled for my deportation,” Cancino tells Frontiers in an email. “My case would add to the statistics of asylum seekers who were forced to leave.” Cancino hopes activists will start a social media education campaign to let people know “don’t open the door,” and they have the right to request an attorney if ICE appears at their homes. Ripping families apart and forcing them out is “simply not fair,” he says. “We have to stay strong as a community, not only the undocumented ones, the activists and advocates, but also everyone who believes that this decision is incorrect and immoral.” Last May, West Hollywood City Councilmember John Duran presented a largely ceremonial resolution offering WeHo as a sanctuary city. He is disappointed with this latest turn. “Honestly, I didn’t think we would have to worry about this issue with a Democrat in the White House,” Duran tells Frontiers. “But if these deportations commence, we will have to work with the L.A. LGBT Center and immigrant rights groups to urge LGBT people to speak their truth so they qualify for asylum. We might also have to ensure that our local law enforcement resources are not used to support the federal government’s actions.”
JANUARY 20, 2016
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WATERCOOLER
Your cheat sheet for intelligent conversation — By Peter DelVecchio
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Gay-Refusing Bakers Finally Pay-Up
At last tasting the sweetness of their victory, Rachel and Laurel Bowman-Cryer have been paid the $135,000 in damages awarded to them in their proceeding against Sweet Cakes by Melissa. The Portland bakery refused to bake the women a wedding cake in January 2013, citing religious opposition to same-sex marriage. The couple sued for emotional distress, and the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries ordered the payment last April. Since then, bakery owners Aaron and Melissa Klein have refused to pay, claiming it would destroy their business, despite their having received more than three times the amount of the award in donations from supporters. It is unknown why the Kleins finally relented.
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Santorum Would Ignore Supreme Court, Enforce DOMA
Former Pennsylvania Senator and 2016 Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum says, as president, he would rein in what he sees as Justicesgone-wild by ignoring rulings he doesn’t like. In a recent interview with Eternal Word Television Network, Santorum, currently polling at 0% in Iowa, said, “I think it is the role of the president to put the court back in the role as it should, which is not the final arbiter, nor the creator of all these rights, nor the inventor or amender of the Constitution.” Ever-obsessed with all things gay, Santorum says he would begin by enforcing DOMA, despite the Supreme Court’s invalidation of key provisions in 2013. “That’s where I would start,” he said. “This was a decision that was extra-constitutional. That law is good, valid law, and I would enforce that law.”
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Ultra-Orthodox Israeli MKs Boycott Gay Member
Israel, generally a beacon of LGBT tolerance in a backward region, apparently still has a ways to go. Members of the ultra-conservative United Torah Judaism Party boycotted the Dec. 28 swearing in of the first openly gay member of national legislature the Knesset. Speaking to the Knesset, Amir Ohana, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, spoke of himself as “a gay person who understands that the flag we carry, lesbians and gay men, trans and bi, is the rainbow flag.” Regarding the fatal stabbing of a lesbian during a Jerusalem pride parade on July 30, Ohana noted that he was sometimes considered a settler, other times a “Mizrahi,” a Jew from a Muslim country, but added, “When they stab to death a young woman in the parade of love and tolerance, I’m gay, a gay person who does not hope the day will come but gets up and supplies it.”
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A President Clinton Would Turn Kids Gay, Pastor Says
At the recent 2015 National Religious Liberties Conference attended by GOP hopefuls Ted Cruz and Bobby Jindal, Colorado Pastor Kevin Swanson delivered an epic rant calling for all U.S. gays to be executed. Now he’s back, this time arguing that, as president, Hillary Clinton would lead “tremendous majorities of American kids ... down the track towards homosexuality.” What appears to have touched him off is a Massachusetts federal court case in which a man prevailed against a Catholic school that rescinded a job offer upon learning he was gay and married. Swanson says the decision constitutes “preparation for the Greek form of education,” and warned that America is “going in the direction of Harry Potter’s mentor. We must repent, he says, and fast, or God will not “have mercy on this nation,” and Clinton will become president.
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LGBT Non-Discrimination Bill On Tap in Japan
Japan’s Democratic Party has crafted a bill that would prohibit much discrimination against LGBT people, and will submit it to the national legislature in January, the Japan Times reports. The proposed law would prohibit companies from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation with respect to promotions, would require the government to draft general non-discrimination guidelines for employers to follow, and would require public disclosure of the names of companies that refuse to comply. The measure would also require local governments to come up with their own nondiscrimination programs, and it calls for education in the schools on issues pertaining to sexual minorities. A majority in Japan now supports same-sex marriage, according to a November 2015 poll. Certain wards in the capital, Tokyo, already recognize same-sex unions.
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’Top Chef’ Caters 25 Palm Springs Gay Weddings
In an upcoming episode of Bravo’s Top Chef, contestants will face the daunting challenge of catering a mass, simultaneous wedding of 25 same-sex couples, including two of the show’s former contestants. Top Chef’s “Big Gay Wedding” episode will air on Jan. 7. The Palm Springs marriage extravaganza will be this season’s elimination challenge. Host Padma Lakshmi, specially ordained for the occasion, will officiate at the nuptials. Among the betrothed are alumni Rich Sweeney, a Season 5 contestant, and Sandee Birdsong, from Season 3, who has served as a Top Chef culinary producer since Season 7.
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Drug Pricing Initiative Qualifies
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race yourselves. Election Year 2016 promises to be an extraordinary and extraordinarily expensive battle. In California, millions have already been pledged to defeat a ballot initiative that would stop—and probably significantly lower—skyrocketing specialty drug prices in the state. Pharmaceutical companies’ success in marketing medications at exorbitant prices came to national attention last September when Turing Pharmaceuticals chief executive Martin Shkreli raised the price of the HIV drug Daraprim from $13.50 to $750—a whopping 5,000% increase. Despite his arrest by the FBI last month on an unrelated charge and his subsequent resignation, Turing has not lowered the price, despite public outcry. Now Johnson & Johnson—which reported over $16 billion in profits in 2014, an 18% increase from 2013—has contributed $5.8 million to a $10 million fund created by Big PhRMA (Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America) to defeat the California Drug Price Relief Act on the California November 2016 ballot. The initiative requires that state health programs pay no more for prescription drugs than the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs pays. According to the California Secretary of State, the other fund contributors are Amgen ($4.265 million), AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP ($4.15 million), AbbVie Inc. ($4.15 million), (Novartis ($2.88 million), Eli Lily ($2.88 million), Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. ($2.88 million), Otsuka America, Inc. ($1.075 million) and Purdue Pharma LP ($1.105 million). “It’s truly sad and disappointing that one of the most well-known and trusted companies in America is using its vast resources to try to keep drug prices at their outrageously high levels,” says initiative proponent and AIDS Healthcare Foundation President Michael Weinstein in a press release. “For people living with HIV/AIDS, this is a life-or-death situation.” AHF and Ohioans for Fair Drug Prices have mounted a similar effort in the critical election state of Ohio. On Dec. 23, they submitted 171,205 signatures, though only 91,677 signatures are needed to launch the process. The state legislature has four months to pass the measure as law. “In poll after poll, Americans continue to express their deep concerns about the exploding costs of health care and prescription drugs,” says initiative proponent Tracy Jones, Executive Director of the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland. “For people with chronic conditions including HIV, hepatitis and cancer who depend on their medications to stay alive, the urgent need to control high drug costs is more pressing than just a campaign slogan or simple policy discussion.” —K.O.
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TRUMP’S ORWELLIAN WET DREAM The GOP hopeful is going all-out to win in Iowa and New Hampshire, apparently to avoid becoming the party’s biggest laughed-at loser By Karen Ocamb
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he annual Tournament of Roses Parade has seen its fair share of political disruptions—including one by ACT UP—which were usually dealt with swiftly and perhaps referenced in the local news. But this past Jan. 1 was different. There was no way to stop or shoo away the AirSign Aerial Advertising skywriter floating 20 messages over Pasadena promoting the AnybodyButTrump. us website. “America is Great! Trump is disgusting,” said one anti-Donald Trump message, with which many LGBT voters might agree. But there are others impressed by the billionaire real estate developer as he maneuvers to become the Republican Party’s nominee for president. The skywriting ads were courtesy of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, real estate developer Stan Pate, who paid roughly $60,000 to reach Iowa voters who were in Los Angeles for the Stanford-Iowa Rose Bowl game to beseech them not to vote for Trump come Feb. 1. “The Iowa caucus is coming up, and he knew he could do it over the Rose Bowl, have a million people below and send a message before the Iowans at the game,” the skywriting company’s spokesperson Eddie Thompson told KPCC. Of course, Trump’s detractor got the candidate’s name in the news again, which has served Trump well. But that pales
$2M The amount of personal cash Trump has put into his campaign as of October, according to the Washington Post, compared to the nearly $30 million Jeb Bush has spent on ads
in comparison to what transpired just hours before, when Trump was the guest of honor for nine minutes before the grand finale to Fox News’ two-hour New Year’s Eve special. “Everybody has been waiting for this big moment in America with Donald Trump,” said an enamored Kimberly Guilfoyle, who hosted the special with Eric Bolling. “Donald, it’s so great to see you here on New Year’s Eve as all of America is watching you and your beautiful family.” Guilfoyle coyly asked if Trump would help Fox ring in New Year’s in 2017: “Are we calling the White House, and can we get the call through?” Trump didn’t bother correcting her or perhaps didn’t realize that Barack Obama will still be president on Jan. 1, 2017. “I promise you will get through. You will always be invited, and we’re gonna do something really special,” Trump glibly replied. The chatty hosts finished talking to daughter Ivanka Trump as the Times Square countdown marked five seconds. But by the time they realized it and switched over, fireworks were already going off. Instead of gamely acknowledging they had blown the big moment, they started counting down from five, pretending they were on time, even as the clock on the TV screen marked midnight. For a few seconds, as the East Coast entered 2016, Donald Trump was bigger than the ball falling in Times Square. The story is instructive in that it crystalized the media’s fascination with Trump, despite his constant berating and saying how much he “hates” the media, once suggesting reporters deserved to be killed. His angry, mostly white populist followers eat up his chicanery, believing that Trump is finally saying what “everyone” really thinks. In fact, the more Trump is politically incorrect—whether towards women, Latino immigrants, the disabled and, more recently, violently towards Muslims—the higher his poll numbers go. He has moved the needle so much on what has been previously considered “civilized” thought and behavior that he has become a caricature of an Orwellian candidate. As in Animal Farm, George Orwell’s famous allegory about Joseph Stalin and the sleight of hand in manipulating political power, Trump changes the meaning of words to suit his power-grabbing positions. Take Trump’s first TV ad, for instance. It is a dark message of doom and apocalypse from which he will save America. In it is an overhead shot of people scurrying towards a border, while the deep-voiced narrator talks about Trump building a wall to prevent illegal immigrants from crossing “the southern border” into America. It’s reminiscent of the ugly, unconstitutional ad used to frighten voters into passing Prop 187 in California in 1994. Except the image in Trump’s ad is of the Moroccan border, not the Mexican border. But Trump’s camp doesn’t care about factual accuracy. “No shit it’s not the Mexican border but that’s what our country is going to look like if we don’t do anything,” NBC reporter Katy Tur tweeted Trump’s campaign manager as saying in defending the footage. Trump is also going after former President Bill Clinton, who has been campaigning in Iowa for his wife Hillary, the former Secretary of State, who is seeking the Democratic nomination. Trump, who has previously praised the two,
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repeatedly calls Bill Clinton a “severe abuser,” raising Clinton’s sexual affairs in the 1990s. Trump says his own sexual affairs while married are also “fair game,” and insists he will be a “great” president for women. However, in a recent interview with CNN, attorney Elizabeth Beck said Trump had an “absolute meltdown” during a 2011 deposition about a failed Florida real estate project. Beck, a new but still working mother, had pre-negotiated breaks in order to pump breast milk for her 3-month-old baby. “[Trump] got up, his face got red, he shook his finger at me and he screamed, ‘You’re disgusting, you’re disgusting,’ and he ran out of there,” Beck says.” Trump responded in tweets that Beck “wanted to breast pump in front of me” and that she “did a terrible job against me, she lost (I even got legal fees). I loved beating her, she was easy.” Trump has accused Hillary Clinton of playing the “women’s card.” But neither Clinton is taking the bait. During a town hall in Iowa, Clinton said, “I’m going to let him live in his alternate reality. I’m not going to respond.” And what of Trump on LGBT rights, considering the other Republican candidates oppose marriage equality and favor the rightwing conservative view of religious liberty? Here, too, Trump is simply Machiavellian, doing whatever it takes to win. For instance, Trump has had two openly gay celebrities on Celebrity Apprentice— Clay Aiken and George Takei—and gay people have managed and been involved with his businesses and beauty pageants. He could hardly say that someone’s sexual orientation is a reason for a qualified employee to be fired. Additionally, LGBT employment discrimination is not cool among power players in the business community these days. Indeed, some pro-Trump supporters point to a 2000 interview with The Advocate as proof of Trump’s real pro-gay stance. “Amending the Civil Rights Act would grant the same protection to gay people that we give to other Americans—it’s only fair,”
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Trump said. He also said that he favored “a very strong domestic partnership law,” granting same-sex couples equal legal rights as married straight couples. He also said that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” had “clearly failed.” Trump’s campaign did not respond to a request by MSNBC seeking comment on Trump’s position on the Equality Act, which would amend the Civil Rights Act by adding sexual orientation and gender identity. “But,” says the reporter in a story last August, “his longstanding support for ending discrimination against gay people has been well-documented.” “It’s a complicated relationship that Trump has with the LGBT community, but if ever there was a group that can be said to have had a warm relationship with Trump, it’s LGBT individuals,” Gregory T. Angelo, Executive Director of the Log Cabin Republicans, told MSNBC at the time. It’s complicated when Trump has a history of placing winning over previously espoused principles. For instance, after decades of supporting abortion rights, he declared himself pro-life during an interview with the Today show in April 2011 when he was thinking of running for president. And the previous month he reversed that “well-documented” support for gay rights. Asked by the Des Moines Register about his position regarding legalizing gay marriage and giving “civil benefits” to gay couples, Trump replied, “No and no.” Last July, Trump defended himself after being called a racist for his opening campaign remarks calling undocumented Mexican immigrants criminals and rapists. It is a pure example of twisting the meaning of words and meanings. “I don’t have a racist bone in my body,” Trump told Entertainment Tonight. “The fact that I want a strong border and the fact that I don’t want illegal immigrants pouring into this country, that doesn’t make me a racist. It means I love this country and I want to save this country.” Trump’s wet dream is to win the White House, by whatever unscrupulous means necessary. And as Machiavelli himself once said, “Politics have no relation to morals.”
“To call me ‘gay’ is a compliment, and I would like to be considered an honorary gay man because I’m totally at ease with myself.” English singer-songwriter James Blunt speaks to the BBC about his “sensitive” music leading people to question his sexuality
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DATEBOOK SAT. | JAN. 9
WEGO!
In honor of National Get Organized (GO) Month, a free community event set to educate and inspire people to help them become more organized will take place at Plummer Park. Join professional organizers as they conduct workshops and offer tips for decluttering your life. wegoevent.org
WED. | JAN. 13
LONG BEACH STATE OF THE CITY
Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia will give his second State of the City address at the Terrace Theater at 6 p.m. Those interested are invited to stay after for games, refreshments and photos. stateofthecitylb.com
WED. | JAN. 13
WEHO NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING
A 6 p.m. meeting will be held inside the City Hall Community Conference Room to introduce a new mixed-use project for the French Market and DBA parcels. weho.org
THU. | JAN. 14
CAREER FAIR
Dress “business profesisonal” and bring 10-15 résumés with you to this free even for job seekers held at the Doubletree Hotel downtown from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Job opps include sales reps, retail managers, pharmaceutical sales, human resources and tons more. hirelive.com
SAT. | JAN. 30
MUSEUMS FREE-FOR-ALL DAY
In an effort to bring arts and culture to SoCal, over 20 local museums will be participating in this 11th annual event, opening their doors and inviting visitors to attend museums free of charge. socalmuseums.org/free
JANUARY 20, 2016
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Manly Maintenance The 7 products every guy needs in his grooming arsenal By Stephan Horbelt
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BACKGROUND PHOTO: VADYMVDROBOT | DREAMSTIME.COM
efore I came to lead one of the most successful and iconic brands in skincare, the sum total of my skincare and grooming education was a single pronouncement from my father: use an electric razor,” says Chris Salgardo, currently the president of a brand you likely know and love, Kiehl’s Since 1851. “The simple truth is, the basics of skincare and grooming don’t get passed along by the men in our lives.” In an attempt to pick up where your father (might not have) left off, here is a basic primer on the products that should live in every man’s bathroom. There’s only one you, so as we begin 2016, let’s ensure that personal care is in the forefront.
TIME TO BRUSH UP
On your grooming know-how, that is. Salgardo has compiled years of knowledge into a handy hardback for the 21st century man titled Manmade: The Essential Skincare Guide & Grooming Reference for Every Man ($30, 240 pp., Pam Krauss Books). It’s inspired by the many guys he’s met since taking the helm of Kiehl’s—most of whom have questions. Covering everything from the perfect shave to “grooming life hacks,” think of it like a little black book for always looking your best.
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FACE WASH
“Every day you must perform essential tasks for your face, without fail: cleanse, moisturize, protect. In that order. Choose a facial cleansing product with a bit of menthol and an exfoliant, and spend a little time washing your face. High-quality facial cleansers are low-lathering or non-foaming to help maintain the skin’s natural oil base. Use your fingertips and massage in a circular motion. Start with your forehead, working out to the edge of your face. Pat dry—never rub—with a soft towel.” Our Pick: Kiehl’s Facial Fuel, $22 for 8.4 oz., available at Kiehl’s inside The Americana at Brand, 889 Americana Way, online at kiehls.com JANUARY 20, 2016
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Meet Bruno.
WE’RE PRETTY SURE YOU’VE never had a friend like Bruno, who does the unthinkable—he renders useless a dustpan (not that you had one before) and works hard to keep your floors clean enough to eat off of (not that we’d recommend that). No, Bruno isn’t a bulky Estonian guy with a fetish for household chores. He’s a trashcan. The world’s very first “smartcan,” to be exact. In addition to being a recepticle for your undesirables, Bruno has a motion-sensing lid, sends your phone trash day reminders and, coolest of all, has a vacuum at its base that allows you to sweep the dust on your floor directly into its final resting spot. Available in five colors, including arctic white (pictured) and stainless, Bruno is available for pre-order now at $179 ($70 off retail) for a February delivery. brunosmartcan.com —S.H.
FIVE NEW LOOKS TO EXPERIMENT WITH IN 2016* (courtesy of 1985’s The Breakfast Club)
The Criminal
The Athlete
MOISTURIZER WITH SPF
“Slather on the moisturizer. Every time. Wrinkles deepen over time, and adding a healthy dose of hydration keeps your skin plumped, making the wrinkles appear less pronounced. And SPF is essential to avoid sun damage. Seek out products with age-fighting ingredients such as copper PCA, calcium PCA and hyaluronic acid to improve your skin’s elasticity. Moisturizers containing squalene will help keep your skin hydrated. Whether you use a lighter or heavier moisturizer will depend on your skin type, environmental conditions and personal preferences. Use a light moisturizer for day, and a richer moisturizer for skin recovery while you sleep.” O u r Pic k : A n th o ny Fa cia l Moisturizer SPF 30, $33 for 3 oz., available at Nordstrom at The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr., online at anthony.com
The Basket Case
The Princess
The Brain
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EYE CREAM
“Signs of fatigue and stress tend to show up first in the delicate skin around the eyes as dark circles, discoloration or lines. The skin around your eyes is thinner than on the rest of your face and contains one-third fewer natural oils. Top yourself off with an eye cream before bed; pamper the eye area with a product specifically formulated for the purpose, whether a serum, cream or gel. Use the tip of your ring finger to apply—it has the most padding and will be the easiest on delicate skin—under each eye, from near your nose, outward toward your cheekbone.” Our Pick: Origins GinZing with coffee beans, $30 for .5 oz., available at Macy’s, 8500 Beverly Blvd., online at origins.com
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JANUARY 20, 2016
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4 FRUIT FOR ALL
With Endless Orchard, two Angelenos have a plan to ‘give back’ to the city they love, one tree at a time
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ith its sights set on creating the largest and most generous collaborative public art project in the world, Fallen Fruit—the brainchild of L.A. residents David Burns and photographer Austin Young—has founded the Endless Orchard and needs your help. The premise of Endless Orchard is simple: fruit trees planted by the public and then mapped for everyone to share—a sustainable, living piece of public art that allows for simple actions to make a difference in the world. Right now, the project, which will be completed in two phases, is seeking funding on Kickstarter through Jan. 20. (tinyurl.com/huz6zrh) “Endless Orchard is an ongoing project that we’ve been building the infrastructure for in the past few years by planting what we call ‘urban fruit trails,’’’ says Burns, which Young describes as “networks of walking trails connecting neighborhoods and lined with public fruit trees for everyone to share.” Phase 1 will consist of creating an urban fruit trail in Downtown Los Angeles, currently a food desert, out of 200 fruit trees. Those who donate will see their money go towards dirt, mulch, stakes, rental equipment, the fruit trees themselves and a public tree adoption at L.A. State Historic Park come February. Fallen Fruit will also build a collaborative website, endlessorchard.com—a social media portal where fruit fans can map plantings along the sidewalks or fences of their own homes or businesses, and map fruit trees that already exist in public spaces. Users will be able to attach photos of their plantings, as well as upload artwork, videos and stories tagged to each tree location. Phase 2, planned for June 2016, will see the creation of an Endless Orchard app, bringing maps of urban fruit trails the world over right into the palm of your hand. Because SoCal has a year-round growing season, it’s possible to plant apples, avocados, figs, grapefruit, lemons, limes, peaches, pomegranates and more throughout the city. Over time, these trees will transform their local communities and be used as food resources by residents and passersby. By donating to Endless Orchard’s Kickstarter campaign, you’re literally bringing something to the table—fresh public fruit. “We can almost taste the fruit now,” Young says. —S.H.
Open-Air Opulence ONE OF L.A.’S MOST GORGEOUS, serene patio hot spots—Cavatina, located down a winding path from the lobby of West Hollywood’s legendary Sunset Marquis Hotel—has just welcomed a new executive chef to the fold. The fine dining spot, focusing on fresh California cusine, didn’t have too difficult a time recruiting Jonathan Kim for the job, as he’s played the role of Cavatina’s executive sous chef for the past year. Kim will collaborate with decorated chef Michael Schlow, who developed the restaurant’s original concept, in bringing a new menu to hotel guests and L.A. residents over the coming months. Dishes like the Cauliflower Steak with Artichokes and Truffles (pictured inset) have already wowed diners. Cavatina is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. cavatinala.com —S.H. 24
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SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
“Treat your hair respectfully with highquality products that nourish your hair and scalp. Not sure if your hair is dry, normal or oily? Ask your barber or stylist. Identify your hair type and buy formulations meant for that type. Coconut oil moisturizes. Avocado oil helps replace natural oils. Argan oil improves texture.” Our Pick: Jack Black Double-Header Shampoo + Conditioner with coconut oil and kelp extract, $32 for 16 oz., available at Sephora inside the Beverly Center, 8500 Beverly Blvd., online at getjackblack.com
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FRAGRANCE
“Rule number 1 (and 2 and 3) is don’t use too much if you do wear fragrance. You never want your fragrance to enter the room before you do. I spray once on both sides of the neck and both wrists. Never chafe your wrists together after; it crushes the notes and muddles the fragrance. Choose lighter scents for summer and more complex ones for winter.” Our Pick: L’Occitane Eau de L’Occitan Pour Homme, $58 for 3.4 oz., available at L’Ocitane at Fig at 7th, 735 S. Figueroa St., online at usa. loccitane.com
JANUARY 20, 2016
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WE’VE FOUND THAT in the grooming game, the Goldilocks-approved product—right down the middle price-wise of what the bros and the ‘mos prefer—is often your best bet. Here are a few more products to add to your grooming arsenal. —S.H.
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BRO VS. ‘MO BODY WASH
Irish Spring bar of soap, $0.50
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DEODORANT LOTION
“Hands and feet need moisturizing, just like the rest of your skin. Use products made specifically for the tougher skin on these areas at least once a week to keep hands hydrated and to help prevent cracking. In dry weather, or if you are doing a lot of manual labor, moisturize your hands daily. And don’t neglect your feet. Look for products that absorb easily into your skin type rather than sit on top of it or feel gummy to you.” Our Pick: Baxter of California Hand and Body Moisturizer, $18 for 10 oz., available at General Quarters, 1 5 3 S . L a B r e a Ave . , o n l i n e a t baxterofcalifornia.com
L
ooking for a new hobby in 2016? How about creating neon signage in classes taught by masters of the decades-old craft? Yep, that’s a thing at the soon-to-reopen Museum of Neon Art. The museum’s DTLA location closed its doors in 2011, but this month those doors will open once more, though in a brand-new space just across Brand Boulevard from Glendale’s outdoor-mallon-steroids The Americana. In addition to two exhibits on view—one a roundup of mid-century neon signage photography by Glenn B. Ward, the other a display of neon clocks from various collections—there is an on-site shop offering books, shirts, custom neon pieces and other ephemera. As for finding the new MONA, you won’t have any trouble. Look for sleek and shiny black subway tiles and brilliant neon signage of its own. 216 S. Brand Blvd., neonmona.org —S.H. 26
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Speed Stick Antiperspirant Deodorant, $3
Dove Men+Care Clinical Protection Deodorant, $10 at Ralph’s
Tom Ford Oud Wood Deodorant Stick, $50
TOOTHPASTE
Crest Cavity Protection, $2
Colgate Total Advanced Whitening, $5 at Rite Aid
Marvis Classic Strong Mint, $10
RAZOR
BEARD OIL
“Facial hair is different form the hair on your head or body; it is thicker and coarser. Beard oil keeps beard hair looking bright and healthy, and makes it softer and easier to trim. Eucalyptus extract penetrates the hair and invigorates skin under the beard. Rosemary oil provides antioxidant properties. Spearmint refreshes the beard and senses.” Our Pick: Bayolea Beard & Shave Oil by Penhaligon, $80 for 3.3 oz., available a t Pe n h a lig o n’s , 439 1/2 N. Rodeo D r. , o n l i n e a t penhaligons.com
Bic Sensitive Shaver 12-pack of razors, $3
Schtick Quattro Titanium Razor 3-pack, $8 at Walgreens
ProGlide Styler Beard Trimmer & Power Razor, $24
LIP BALM
Chap Stick, $1.50
Burt’s Bees, $3 at Rite Aid
Diptyque Soothing Lip Balm, $35
PHOTO CREDIT TK
PLASMA PLAYTIME
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Molton Brown Dr. Bronner’s Black Peppercorn Pure Castile Peppermint Soap, Body Wash, $30 $18 at Trader Joe’s
JANUARY 20, 2016
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health FOR YOUR
Spilling Secrets 10 of L.A.’s top personal trainers share some insight on making 2016 your healthiest year yet By Seth Browning
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or me, it takes a village. I didn’t learn how to transform bodies by having my head buried in a bunch of personal training books. I trained and picked the brains of some of the best in the business. To kickstart your 2016 fitness plan, I asked some of the top LGBT and gay-friendly health and fitness pros in Los Angeles their best tips and secrets to getting fit in a flash. Their
out-of-the-box training methods have helped everyone from accountants to A-list celebrities get healthy and ripped. Read on as they spill their most coveted secrets about everything from diet and exercise to simple lifestyle changes. Grab a notepad, a towel and a water bottle and get going. Happy new year, and happy new body!
1. SETH GOTTESDIENER, PERSONAL TRAINER
posture, helping you get the most out of every exercise. My clients and I always make sure we’re engaging our center throughout the entire workout. Try kicking off your next workout with a series of different planks.”
@TrainerSethG “Get epi-curious. The only way to truly know what’s going into your body is if you’re preparing it. It helps you develop a respect and appreciation for food instead of mindlessly eating. Try using meal delivery services to help kickstart your gourmet chef within!”
AMMENTORP | DREAMSTIME.COM
2. BETH BISHOP, OWNER OF PHOENIX EFFECT
@ThePhoenixEffect “Excellent range of motion and flexibilty help you look and feel better. In our Phoenix Fix class, we show you how to use mobility tools to move better during exercise. Try using a foam roller for five minutes on the front of your quads before your next run or spin class. It reduces or elmiminates knee pain!” 3. JASON WIMBERLY, PERSONAL TRAINER
@JasonWimberly “Form gets results. Activating your core creates strength and
4. AARON GUY BOYAJIAN, PERSONAL TRAINER
@AaronGuy_CPT “When trying to adhere to a nutritional, balanced lifestyle, I always tell my clients to set realistic short-term goals. Overly restrictive and unrealistic diets often don’t equate to long-term success. Focus on eliminating unhealthy professed foods and replace them with healthy, We want nutritionally dense foods on a week-by-week basis.” to see your
#SweatySelfie!
Put one of these 10 tips into action and tag us and the trainer on Instagram! @frontiersmedia @sethenator
5. DANIEL RICE, LEAD TRAINER OF MANSION FITNESS
@MansionFitness “Using resistance bands can help you develop some serious muscle and definition. They are also really helpful for those with injuries and joint issues. You can use them on just about any muscle. My favorite are B-Force Bands.” JANUARY 20, 2016
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FOR YOUR
health Sex
6. ASTRID SWAN, BARRY’S BOOTCAMP
8.JENNIFER CAMBELL, EQUINOX WEHO
10. JAKE FERRA, AURA YOGA
@Astrid_Swan “Don’t skip legs day to focus on your vanity muscles like the chest and biceps. Legs are the biggest muscles in the body. Pump those legs and the rest of the body will develop. Working them will also up your metabolism, which means less fat, creating definition from head to toe!”
@JenCampbellLA “Carbs are not your ememy. They’re your body’s main source of fuel, and to have a really killer workout, you’re gonna need them! Steer clear of refined carbs and sugar. Instead, add in organic fruit, sweet potato, oats and quinoa.”
@TrainerJake “Warm up! Try to avoid going right into it. A brisk walk on the treadmill can get the blood pumping and leads to a more effective workout. Also, don’t neglect the stretch. When the body gets too tight, it repairs slower and can cause injury. A proper full-body stretch everyday can work wonders and help you move more efficiently.”
@Adam_SummerPersonalTraining “If you want effective weight loss, you have to switch up your cardio! Try doing five different types of cardio each week. Include one hour on the elliptical at a constant pace, a long hike, hill sprints, plyometrics and jumping rope.”
FITNESS WITH AARON SAVVY
➸ Send your questions to aaronsavvy@ gmail.com
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@FrankMentier “Start by lifting your max weight on the first few exercises of your workout. This not only instantly boosts the heart rate but also helps burn body fat. Begin by safely lifting 5-10 pounds more than you would normally use for an exercise.”
Contact Seth at BodyByBrowning.com and on Instagram @sethenator
Any tips on keeping my New Year’s resolution about going to the gym? —Stephan, WeHo
Is there a better alcohol to drink to avoid gaining excess body fat? —Jeffrey, Echo Park
Hiring a personal trainer might just be your ticket in 2016. People are better at followthrough if they have a scheduled appointment. Try writing down or inputting your weekly workout plan into your iPhone as opposed to just telling yourself. You’ll be surprised how efficient a little thing like that can be.
Alcohol carries empty calories, so the less you drink, the better. With that said, you definitely want to avoid sugary drinks. A vodka soda is definitely the better way to go, or maybe a glass of red wine, which carries more antioxidants and is better for you than a glass of white wine.
AMMENTORP | DREAMSTIME.COM
9. FRANK MENTIER, PERSONAL TRAINER 7. ADAM SUMMER, PERSONAL TRAINER
TELL THE
Sex Ed
FLU
F**K OFF
By Jim Larkins
TO
A Penis Envy Predicament It's no shocker that most men are dissatisfied with their penis size, but yearning for a large member was hardly the case in ancient times
7 simple ways to stave off the ultimate sickness 1. Get a flu shot Shocker, huh? They’re available for free or low-cost all over the place, so what’s your excuse? 2. Keep ‘em clean Your hands, that is. And do it right, which means washing for at least 20 seconds. Try singing the “ABCs” song to ensure your timing is right. 3. Get touchy-feely There are studies suggesting that massage plays a role in increased immune system activity, and who are we to disagree?
AMMENTORP | DREAMSTIME.COM
D
oes penis size really matter? The answer to this question largely depends on who you ask, but in today’s society there does seem to be a direct correlation between the dimensions of a man’s wood and his perceived worth (and oftentimes the size of his ego). Even those who are not completely fixated on their phallic endowment seem more confident if they know they have an impressive package tucked neatly in their trousers. Sigmund Freud first coined the term “penis envy” nearly 100 years ago, but it had nothing to do with competition in the testosterone jungle. (It referred to a stage in female psychosexual development in which young girls experience anxiety upon realizing they do not have a penis.) Despite the original meaning of Freud's terminology, modern society’s adoption of his theoretical catchphrase is alive and well, pervading our modern ultra-competitive society. Even those who preach the penile “quality over quantity” sermon can’t deny that there are many men who wish they had more quantity. “Close to 95% of men are dissatisfied with their penis,” says psychoanalyst Dr. Ana Robles. “For some reason they equate size with manhood. Even men of adequate size often feel there’s something wrong, that they’re small.” This may be solely based on the perception that some women and gay/bisexual men prefer a large penis over a small one, but it is most likely especially true among gay and bisexual guys because men are known to be aroused primarily by visual stimulation. So while a well-hung stud may seem threatening to a “bottom” for obvious reasons, the very sight of his oversized organ is deemed exciting as well. Man-Hammer History Today’s massive member fixation is far removed from the beliefs of many historic cultures. In fact, if you traveled through time and asked a citizen of Ancient Greece or Rome if penile size matters, they would probably answer, “Of course, a smaller penis is almost always preferred over a large one.” We can
assume that the term “well-hung” never even came up back then, and if it did, came with a different meaning altogether. That's the reason some of the world's most famed statues (we're looking at you, David) surviving from ancient times are donning shrinkydinks. This notion is also evident in paintings and other artistic remnants salvaged from the ruins of these times. We may presently refer to these chiseled, handsome studs as Adonises, but it’s interesting that, like other portrayals of mythic figures from ancient civilizations, according to modern-day standards, they fall short in the area below the toga sash. Historians have various theories for the popularity of phallic shortcomings in early art, but what we do know is that at the time, it was generally accepted that an uncircumcised, small penis was coveted by the male population; large, circumcised cocks were considered comical. Oh, how things have changed. Contemporary Cock Culture That was then, and this is now. Today’s men live in a world of ever-increasing competition where bigger, faster and stronger are the goals everyone seems to be clawing for, and no matter how advanced we become, that which lies below the belt is no exception to the rule. A sizable phallus is considered in many modern-day cultures to be a symbol of high masculinity, dominance and power. Just take a look at Asian cultures that openly march giant artificial penises in parades celebrating the relationship between large cocks and fertility. It's worth mentioning that there has developed some methodology to measuring one's member, generally with two classifications—the “grower” and the “shower.” Until aroused, the “grower“ sports a somewhat infantile penis, as opposed to the “shower,“ who pretty much maintains his size even during a flaccid state. The good news for those men sporting the former is it's typically understood that the measurement which counts is the one taken at full salute.
4. Listen to your gut “Our gut plays a huge role in immunity,” says Mike Roussell, Ph.D., which is all the more reason to take a daily probiotic. 5. Don’t skip on ZZZZs A new study has found that people who get more than six hours per night are four times less likely to fall under the weather. Invest in a great pillow, too. 6. Change your coffee routine When you feel like you might be coming down with something, swap out your morning cup of black crack with a cup of matcha green tea, which helps the body (according to Korean research) fight the flu. 7. Find inner peace According to Mark Peterson, Ph.D., C.S.C.S., research shows that mind-body therapy like meditation can help your body fight off infection, because chronic stress impairs antiviral immunity. —Stephan Horbelt JANUARY 20, 2016
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“LA TIMES CRITICS CHOICE”
UN DER T H E BIG TOP
Join us for our first Frontiers Night Out of 2016. Feb 2 – 8PM at Dodger Stadium. More details to follow! 32 FRONTIERSMEDIA.COM
N OW P L AY I N G TH RO U G H F E B 7 DO DG E R STAD I U M C I R Q U E D U S O L E I L . CO M / K U R I O S PRESENTED BY
– In association with –
OFFICIAL SPONSORS
AFFILIATE PARTNER
events
nightlife
theater
exhibits
■ Thu. | Jan. 7 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
■ Fri. | Jan. 8 RED LIGHT DISTRICT Bullet Bar
The producers of L.A. Pride’s Erotic City have created another sex event modeled after Amsterdam’s famous strip. The evening features hot go-go men, a cigar bar, mini vendor mart, a Puppy Pit, private play spaces and live shows. Patrons are encouraged to sport fetish and kink wear. bulletbarla.com ■ Sat. | Jan. 9 ACT 3… Laguna Playhouse
■ Fri. | Jan. 8 LIVIN’ LA VIDA GRANDE Rockwell Table & Stage
Rita Rudner and Charles Shaughnessy star in this U.S. premiere production directed by Martin Bergman about what happens when secrets collide for a couple of a certain age. Through Jan. 31. lagunaplayhouse.com
GRECIAN GUILD: JEREMY LUCIDO
After two successful runs at NYC cabaret club 54 Below, Frankie Grande brings his larger-than-life personality to the L.A. stage. He performs his favorite pop hits and Broadway show tunes while sharing entertainment industry experiences, lost loves and family. Through Jan. 10. rockwell-la.com ■ Fri. | Jan. 8 SEAHORSES Arena Cinema
■ Sat. | Jan. 9 DEVOTED MALE IN TAHITI Antebellum Gallery
Martin, a sweet-natured restaurateur invites his Craigslist date over for a face-to-face meeting. Martin decides Lauren is “nice,” but she’s full of dark secrets and hidden agendas and is being stalked by her tough-guy ex. Is there hope for love between these two? Through Jan. 14. arenascreen.com
Photographer Verner Degray comes to Hollywood with an exhibit media outlets praised and described as “a present from Tahiti.” His works showcase nearly 45 exclusive artistic nudes, all highlighting the model’s sensuality, strength, pain and secrets. Through Feb. 9. verner-degray.com
Reading Between the Lines
Bar Mattachine’s Friday night party Grecian Guild is doing the unthinkable—making books sexy again By Mike Ciriaco
I
t’s not surprising that Bar Mattachine skews towards the cerebral. The name itself is a nod to one of the first gay rights organizations, the Los Angeles-based Mattachine Society, founded by Harry Hay in 1950. In a sense, Grecian Guild, the DTLA craft cocktail bar’s Friday party, is a thematic extension of that namesake in both its mid-century sensibility and queer intellectualism. The conceptual love child of longtime friends DJ Aaron Elvis and bar owner Garrett McKechnie, Grecian Guild is a unique event that presents go-gos doing the most unthinkable act one could ever imagine in Los Angeles—reading. “Garrett came to me and asked if I wanted to do a night. I came to him with the concept of an old beefcake pictorial theme from the ‘50s and ‘60s,” says Elvis. “That’s what the Mattachine Society would be reading at that period. That led into, ‘Why don’t we have guys there who are not technically go-go boys but hot guys in states of undress reading books’— usually books from that period.” “I wanted them in buttoned-up white shirts, with maybe a loose 1950s tie and glasses, and no pants,” adds McKechnie. “Maybe drinking an Old Fashioned.”
The name Grecian Guild, while not a direct allusion to the Mattachine Society per se, was chosen to evoke a similar resonance—cultured men descended from the lineage of Socrates, banding together for a lofty ideal. “It’s a club of like-minded gay men and women. Mostly gay men,” winks McKechnie. In addition to channeling the Mattachine Society, inspiration for the party draws heavily on homoerotic magazines like Beefcake, published by gay porn pioneer Bob Mizer in the same neighborhood as Bar Mattchine nearly half a century earlier. That magazine is notable for unleashing onto queer culture the iconic artwork of Touko Laaksonen, better known as Tom of Finland, and for providing autoerotic inspiration for gay men during a time when it was illegal to distribute images of gay sex. By presenting attractive young men in comparatively innocent poses, such as exercising or reading while scantily clad, they were able to successfully hide in plain sight. Walking through Grecian Guild feels like flipping through the pages of Mizer’s Beefcake. Beyond the go-go literati, the retro flavor of Grecian Guild extends to Elvis’ musical selection. Don’t Uber down to this event JANUARY 20, 2016
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continued
■ Sat. | Jan. 9 FATHER FIGURE Faultline
The latest party venture of Chris Bowen and Victor Rodriguez (Cub Scout) is calling all sexy daddies to the East Side. This month they’re bringing in Jacob Meehan of Men’s Room Chicago as a special guest, along with resident DJ James Cerne. The party starts at 9 p.m. faultlinebar.com ■ Through Jan. 10 THE CHRISTIANS Mark Taper Forum
■ Sun. | Jan. 10 NO PANTS METRO RIDE 2016 L.A. Metro System
The eighth annual ride will take place all over the city on public transit, with the third annual after-party to follow. Organizers will have pantless bands there to entertain, and plenty of boxers and briefs dancing in celebration. ■ Through Jan. 10 CHILL The Queen Mary
A deep freeze takes over the Queen Mary for the holidays, as the giant dome that was one home to the Spruce Goose is frozen over and transformed into a giant igloo with largerthan-life ice creations, an ice rink and live entertainment. queenmary.com
In this play with a full, live choir, Pastor Paul feels compelled to deliver a new message, though he knows it will shake the foundation of everything he has built. centertheatregroup.com
SNAP SHOTS ✱
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expecting to hear Britney and Beyoncé. The soundscape for the party leans more toward 20th century rock. “I started doing a lot of ‘60s and ‘70s rock remixes,” says Elvis, “and had it progress into a little more disco and Chicago housesounding, and then it went back to rock ‘n’ roll music. It has more of a ‘50s funk, bass-y kind of sound rather than a sound of today. It’s not very electronic.” Although the soundtrack veers back to music's mid-century roots, those disco elements must still be thumping around Elvis’ brain. When it comes to the books he’s personally reading, the DJ is currently plowing through the chronicles of a certain 1970s and ‘80s diva. “I’m in the middle of Grace Jones’ biography,” says Elvis. “It’s the first biography I’ve ever read.” Grecian Guild is also influencing the literary tastes of McKechnie. While he’s currently juggling several books at the moment, like Stephen King’s time travel tome 11/22/63 and the industry-appropriate Death & Co.: Modern Cocktail Classics, one of his bibliophilic focuses fits in perfectly with the theme of Bar Mattachine. “I’m in the middle of The Trouble with Harry Hay,” says McKechnie. The award-winning biography by Stuart Timmons couldn’t be more fitting for the guy bringing retro cool back to DTLA.
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SUNDAY FUNDAY | THE ABBEY Photos by Rolling-Blackouts
S N A P SHOTS ✱
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QUEEN KONG | PRECINCT Photos by Jeremy Lucido
LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX ED, BABY!
SEXUAL HEALTH EXPO Hilton Universal City Hotel Jan. 16-17 sexualhealthexpo.com
The Sexual Health Expo returns to L.A. for another year, and we've picked our 5 favorite seminars
W
hen it comes to self-education, what better place for gay men to start than in the bedroom? This month, the Sexual Health Expo returns to Universal City Hilton for its second year of sexuality workshops, panels and classes, including a selection presented by iconic West Hollywood sexatorium The Pleasure Chest. For those looking to improve their sex life, here are five sexual health and wellness seminars to help you sizzle in the sack. ROLE-PLAY WITH KOKO
Since 2008, KoKo has been active in myriad aspects of the sex industry, consistently emphasizing the importance of sexpositivity and pleasure, as well as consent-based education. These themes culminate in this workshop, which teaches the benefits of bedroom role play. Sat., Jan 16, 11:50 a.m. AMAZING ANAL
The author of The Ultimate Guide to Prostate Pleasure: Erotic Exploration for Men and Their Partners, Dr. Charlie Glickman, Ph.D., is an expert when it comes to teaching men to have a whole lot more fun with their holes. Sat., Jan. 16, 4 p.m. 10 STEPS TO ENHANCE MALE PLEASURE
A licensced therapist and columnist for sexpert.com, Dr. Hernando Chaves is most notable for his work with erotic minorities, such as BDSM, fetishism and unique sexual lifestyles. If anyone knows how to increase male pleaseure, it’s this guy. Sun., Jan. 17, 11:30 a.m. THE MYTHS OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
As one of the few officially licensed sex therapists in the world (as well as a friend of Frontiers), Dr. Chris Donaghue has earned a reputation as a premier sexpert in SoCal. He’s your go-to guy when looking to cure what ails you, especially when it affects you below the belt. Sun., Jan. 17, 3:30 p.m. BLOW HIS MIND
Whoever said “the quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” obviously never enjoyed a mind-blowing BJ. Screw his stomach and aim straight for his favorite organ. Dr. Jessica O’Reilly, a best-selling author and the host of Playboy TV’s Swing, wants to share with you the same fellatio improvement tips that have appeared in her Cosmo and Men’s Fitness columns. Sun., Jan. 17, 4 p.m. —M.C. JANUARY 20, 2016
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HIGH & TIGHT | REDLINE Photos by Jeremy Lucido
■ Tue. | Jan. 12 TOTALLY ‘90S TUESDAYS The Abbey
Head out to West Hollywood to hear all those amazing ‘90s hits you love and miss (as well as some films and TV shows). Local queen Mayhem Miller hosts, with special guest hosts and performances. tomwhitmanpresents.com ■ Wed. | Jan. 13 LV@VLVT Velvet Lounge
Returning to the stage with an all-new lineup of LGBTfriendly funny folks, LV@ VLVT boasts of a full cast of performers to entertain you in Orange County. This month features Tony Tripoli, Sharon Houston, Michelle March, Mikey Scott and resident host Nick Stadler. velvetoc.com
■ Through Jan. 16 #FASHIONART Advocate & Gochies Galleries
Daniel Ribera is a freelance illustrator specializing in fashion art and the human form. #FashionArt celebrates his career that began in the ‘90s. Many of the works presented are from commissions and are rough or final drafts, while some are personal projects. lalgbtcenter.org ■ Sat. | Jan. 16 FAM BAM SATURDAYS Griffith Park
Join other LGBTQ parents and their children for some quality FAM BAM time. Snacks, crafts, playing, having fun and building community is all a part of this family-oriented, weekly event taking place at Shane’s Inspiration Playground. laglbtcenter.org
■ Thu. | Jan. 14 TAKE IT OFF THURSDAYS Faultline
Shawn Morales hosts this ‘pants-off dance-off’ party every Thursday night, where guests can strip off their pants and enjoy cheap Absolut cocktails on the outdoor patio. Best of all, there’s never a cover. faultlinebar.com ■ Wed. | Jan. 13 THE ABSOLUTE BRIGHTNESS OF LEONARD PELKEY Kirk Douglas Theatre
In this new play, just awarded the United Solo Special Award, New York actor and writer James Lecesne portrays every character in a small New Jersey shore town as they unravel the story of Leonard Pelkey, an optimistic and flamboyant 14-year-old who goes missing. Through Jan. 31. absolutebrightnessplay.com 36
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The acclaimed hit production chronicling the 1969 Stonewall Riots continues to have performances added. The show includes an acoustic band performing original music from Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go’s and Anna Warnoker of That Dog. lalgbtcenter.org ■ Sun. | Jan. 17 SIZE Here Lounge
Tom Whitman’s infamous Sunday party is still kicking at WeHo hot spot Here Lounge, offering pop tracks that are sure to keep you on the dance floor til the early morning—or until the revelation hits that you have work tomorrow. herelounge.com ■ Through Jan. 17 BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY Ahmanson Theatre
Tony winner Bartlett Sher (South Pacific) directs this lush new musical based on Robert James Waller’s best-selling novel. It’s the story of a life-changing, four-day love affair, with some calling it the most romantic show of the year. centertheatregroup.com
SAM HARRIS: RAY GARCIA; HATCHET HALL TOP: WONHO FRANK LEE; HATCHET HALL FOOD: ANNE FISHBEIN
■ Through Jan. 17 HIT THE WALL The Village at Ed Gould Plaza
HAM: A MUSICAL MEMOIR Renberg Theatre Jan. 22-Feb. 7 lalgbtcenter.org/theatre
HAMMING IT UP Sam Harris brings his adapted memoir—with a little music thrown in—to the L.A. stage
SAM HARRIS: RAY GARCIA; HATCHET HALL TOP: WONHO FRANK LEE; HATCHET HALL FOOD: ANNE FISHBEIN
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his month, veteran actor Sam Harris will be serving Los Angeles a fresh slice of ham. Beginning Jan. 22, Harris will debut his original production of Ham: A Musical Memoir at the LGBT Center’s Renberg Theatre. This unique hybrid show chronicling the performer’s 30-year stage and screen career is pulled directly from his critically acclaimed book, Ham: Slices of Life, published by Simon and Schuster. “I’ve always loved writing, whether for TV or the stage, comedy for my stage shows, but a book seemed so ominous,” says Harris. “My friend Frank Langella had seen some of my essays and said, ‘Just write! Write with no expectation. Just write!’ So I did, and the stories kept coming, and it was such an amazing experience—exploring elements of my life, growing up gay in the Bible Belt, my career, getting married, having a kid. All fodder for humor and a bit of pathos. They say comedy is tragedy with time. That is so true.” While Harris may have three decades of theatrical experience under his belt, Ham: Slices of Life represented his first stab as an author. While the tome was well-received by readers and critics alike, the transition from page to stage wasn’t without its obstacles. “The challenge was for me to get out of my head about the book and into the head of a musical play,” he says. “To strip away the confines of what I’d spent a year and a half writing and give myself up to something beyond the original page.” Although Harris has crafted characters in projects ranging from The Life and The Producers to Rules of Engagement and CSI, this production presents the most challenging role thus far in his career: himself. “When you play a role, you are being somebody else and you use experiences of your life to imbue the character with reality—moments of your life that you call upon to get in touch with the character’s life,” Harris says. “But in an autobiographical show, you’re not substituting anything. It’s really your life, and it’s really scary! Every time I do it, I’m reliving it—the funny and the silly, yes, but also the feelings of being an outcast, a teenage suicide attempt, all the ego and crazy of a life in show biz—so much stuff. It’s a lot more raw, more vulnerable than playing someone else. But I love doing it. When it all comes down to it, I’m a big ol’ ham!” —M.C.
EATINGOUT
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breaded but fried to a golden crunch, all ou might remember this space from to be picked up and eaten off the bone in its days as Waterloo & City, or chef three satisfying bites. Sides are vegetableBrian Dunsmoor from his stint at driven but rich, including a dish of slightly Hart & the Hunter. But Hatchet Hall is a crecharred grilled carrots drizzled with warm ation unto itself (just look for the massive honey and chimichurri over a rich, creamy sign with a hatchet glowing over Washingbed of yogurt. ton Boulevard), and one that heralds a new Among the desserts is a roasted apple wave of modern Southern flair that seems to sundae with apple-cider donuts and butbe washing over L.A.’s dining scene. termilk ice cream, as well as a Southern The enormous space is now subdivided classic, banana cream pudding—only, here, into a few lively dining spaces that are indiit’s panna cotta with espresso Nilla Wafers vidual yet cohesive. There’s a twinkly front and a cardamom accent. patio with wrought-iron chairs you’d find at The wine list of Hatchet Hall comes any genteel Southern belle’s garden party. courtesy of the energetic Maxwell Leer, Inside, there are communal tables and more who will show up at your elbow to expatiate intimate four-top arrangements, as well as on a bottle of Pinot Meunier, a long bar where patrons can or perhaps pour a sparkling drink and dine. rosé for you just because The décor is whimsical. it’s the perfect “liver wine” Some might say Southern pairing for the chicken liver, Gothic. Look up on the walls served as whole chunks with to find taxidermied animal onion jam, pickles and applebusts, including a rather feral cider vinegar over huge slabs fox gripping a quail in its jaws of grilled bread. Thank goodand a rooster proudly holding ness he’s on hand, because pride of place amongst the at times the menu—which bottles shelved at the bar. Hatchet Hall is punctuated with hashtags, Settle in and let your 12517 W. Washington Blvd., TMs and exclamation points server explain the menu, Culver West (310) 391-4222 galore—might otherwise be because there are likely to hatchethallla.com a bit opaque. be a few pleasant surprises. If you feel like a cocktail, While small plates like the $$$$$ the man behind the bar is benne yeast rolls with honey Cappy Sorentino, who crebutter and sea salt certainly Atmosphere ated a name up at Spoonbar whet the appetite, don’t fill Southern Gothic speakeasy in Healdsburg. You can enjoy up, as you’ll want to sample Standout Dishes specialties like the Beau the heartier portions as well, Pan-fried quail, chicken du Bois with Tequila Ocho like wild little-neck clams liver toast Blanco, cinnamon-hibiscus with merguez sausage , Drinks Gran Classico, Campari and black-eyed peas, sherry Beau du Bois, Old Martinez Alessio Torino vermouth at and mint; or the wood-grilled Hours the slightly sequestered Old octopus with hearty canellini 5:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Mon-Sat, Man Bar through a swinging beans, Treviso, tangy lemon 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Sun door at the back of the resaioli and salsa verde. taurant. It opens at 8 p.m. The pan-fried quail is a Reservations Don’t be late. —Eric Rosen must, its delicate legs lightly Recommended
★★★★★
JANUARY 20, 2016
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The best in TV, film, music and more
The Library Is Open A handy guide to 10 of the best LGBT authors working in this decade By Patrick Rosenquist
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ometimes quality LGBT literature can seem challenging to find. Not because it’s rare—there are tons of great gay books out there—but because it seems buried among some iffy material. To aid in the hunt for quality literature, we’ve crafted a list of our favorite LGBT authors, from memoirists to genre writers and novelists. Queer literature is most assuredly as diverse and entertaining as it comes, and here’s where to start.
Burroughs
Barker
Alison Bechdel You may know the Bechdel Test. It’s a simple measurement for media’s feminist credentials that goes like this: the work a) has at least two women, b) who talk to each other, c) about something other than a man. That simple rubric came from her iconic strip Dykes to Watch Out For, one of Bechdel’s most famous collections of comics. Other than that, Fun Home—her memoir about growing up with a maybe-gay father who maybe committed suicide is elliptical, beautifully illustrated and engrossing. A musical adaptation won the Pultizer Prize for Drama, but her work in print is equally compelling. Bechdel’s Must-Read: Fun Home. A graphic memoir, Bechdel recalls her own experiences exploring her homosexuality while growing up in a funeral home, teasing out the possibly gay life of her distant father.
Ellis
ELLIS: JEFF BURTON
Clive Barker While more famous for his films—Hellraiser and Candyman, among others, are among his creations—Barker is a writer with a special love for the taboo. His works often deal with the intersections of sexuality, shame and pleasure. His novella The Hellbound Heart, inspiration for his character Pinhead, deals with a trinket that unleashes an otherworldly dimension devoted to maximizing the intensity of all three. If you want unabashed genre content with a dark bent, Barker is your writer. Barker’s Must-Read: Books of Blood. Eight stories in this gothic collection have been adapted into movies—with hooks as gothic and fascinating as urban legends come to life and funerals gone horrifically awry—and it’s easy to see why Hollywood keeps mining this material.
Sedaris
Augusten Burroughs Burroughs’ 2002 memoir about his fantastically fucked-up childhood, Running With Scissors, was released to overwhelming acclaim. His follow-ups include Dry, about his tenuous sobriety and a relationship with an ex-boyfriend dealing with a similar predicament, and A Wolf at the Table, a collection of stories about his estranged father. Despite the heavy subject matter—pedophilia, maternal abandonment, addiction—Burroughs weaves a good dose of humor into his experiences. For the modern gay man, his works are a series of must-reads—and as luck would have it, he’s got a new book coming out this year (read about it on p. 56). Burroughs’ Must-Read: Running with Scissors. After being left with a questionable psychiatrist, Burroughs begins an affair with an unbalanced older man. It’s one of the century’s most compelling coming-of-age memoirs.
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Cunningham
Feinberg
film BAND OF ROBBERS Opens Jan. 15
*****
Michael Cunningham Cunningham’s most famous novel, The Hours, reconfigures Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway in a dazzling fashion: the Pulitzer prize-winning book begins with Cunningham delving into the thoughts of Woolf as she kills herself and then moves to a turn-of-the-century retelling of Woolf’s most famous creation. Cunningham himself is reluctant to call himself a “gay writer”—despite the prevalence and depth of LGBT themes, he would prefer not to be pigeon-holed—but his compassion and intellect marks him as one of America’s foremost creators of fiction. Cunningham’s Must-Read: The Hours. Utilizing stream-of-consciousness, Cunningham transports Woolf’s classic Mrs. Dalloway to ‘90s New York while weaving together fiction about Woolf herself, a mid-century housewife and other men and women buckling under society’s strict ideas of gender and success.
B and of Robb e r s h a s Huckleberry Finn (Kyle Gallner) and Tom Sawyer (Adam Nee , who codirected—badly—with brother Aaron Nee) as grown men in contemporary California. Huck just got out of jail, and Tom is a wiseacre cop. They conspire with Joe Harper (Matthew Grey Gubler) to find the long-lost “Murrel’s treasure,” but Becky Thatcher (Melissa Benoist) and various unexpected situations complicate their elaborate plan. The robbery, in fact, is as inept as the filmmaking. This witless film features some of Mark Twain’s irreverence, but Nee makes an annoying Tom Sawyer, and his lame film is never amusing or ingratiating. —Gary M. Kramer
Bret Easton Ellis Gay, straight, queer, bi—Ellis is coy when it comes to labeling his sexuality, and even more so about how it influences his work. From gripes about dating a millennial man (Ellis is, after all, “the voice” of Generation X) to his novels about the rich and listless in Southern California—as well as a little work called American Psycho, the most savage take-down of ‘80s capitalist greed—Ellis mixes pitchblack humor with his trademark nihilism. In his hands, business cards have never seemed so homoerotic. Ellis’ Must-Read: Less Than Zero. The be-all and end-all of Generation X novels, Ellis penned this book while he was still in college. Sex, drugs and ennui don’t get more unnerving.
THE LADY IN THE VAN Opens Jan. 15
*****
The L ady in the Van recounts gay playwright Alan Bennett ’s (Alex Jennings) experiences with the titular homeless woman, Miss Shepherd (Maggie Smith), who lived in his driveway for 15 years. A timid man, he tolerates her odor and her cantankerousness, and comes to care about (not for) her. He ultimately benefits from their arrangement as much as she does. The film version is certainly engaging whenever Smith is on-screen, even if Miss Shepherd is more repellent than charming. But stagy devices, such as Bennett literally debating with himself, and facile narrative observations make The Lady in the Van less welcome. —G.M.K.
Leslie Feinberg In the mid-’90s, Feinberg became one of the most prominent voices of queer literature with Stone Butch Blues, a semi-autobiographical novel about a butch lesbian named Jess who grows up caught between the insular world of gay women and the desire to be accepted by broader society. Feinberg, who passed away in 2014, has always been outspoken and controversial. Her thoughts about transgenderism—and her purposefully broad definition of the identity—have been debated within queer academics for decades. Sitting proudly outside of the binary, Feinberg still informs our ever-evolving definition of gender. Feinberg’s Must-Read: Transgender Warriors. Framed as a personal reckoning but backed up with years of historical research, Feinberg aims to define what is transgenderism and how it has shaped our view of the world.
VIVA
James Hannaham Hannaham’s breakout novel, God Says No, follows an overweight African-American man in Florida. He’s young, married, devoutly religious and loves Disney World. His big crime? He cruised a public bathroom for a quick hookup. The author’s latest book, Delicious Foods, tells the story of a woman and son ensnared in an inescapable
The Irish entry for the Academy Awards’ foreign language film consideration is a Havana-set family comedy-drama about a Cuban drag troupe; the young man, Jesus, who styles their wigs; and the return of his estranged, pugnacious ex-boxer father. It’s also stunning. Héctor Medina, who plays Jesus, is an unusually expressive actor. Alert and sensual and grounded, his body language is nearly as important to his wounded portrayal as his face. His journey—from wig stylist to drag performer, from abandoned son to tough reconciliation—is a wonder to behold, especially as the odds are more than stacked against him in the Cuban slums. His quiet triumph overcomes any mere LGBT wish fulfillment; by film’s end, he becomes as iconic as Rocky Balboa, only this Rocky does it in heels. —Dan Loughry 40
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ALSO IN
>> theatres
Out Now
January 8
45 Years
The Forest
The Hateful Eight Joy
January 15
Point Break
The Benefactor
The Revenant
Ride Along 2
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Opens Feb. 5
Kushner
music
Rice
THE ANCHORESS
Confessions of a Romance Novelist (Kscope)
***** situation cultivating produce for a southern agricultural company. Hannaham not only explores some of the darkest crevices of modern America—the suffocating effects of the closet, the treatment of agricultural workers—but does it with an inventive eye. Part of Delicious Foods, after all, is narrated by crack cocaine itself (and, god, is it angry). Hannaham’s Must-Read: Delicious Foods. After the death of her husband, Darlene becomes addicted to crack. Desperate to find steady work, she takes a job at a company called Delicious Foods—and forever changes the life of her young son, Eddie. Tony Kushner One of America’s most famous playwrights, Kushner has tackled everything from the Mormon identity to the AIDS crisis to the politics of the 13th amendment. Known for his florid, deeply revealing dialogue and fantastical flourishes, his works are deep dives into the American psyche, with a potent and unique gay point of view. Outside of his work onstage, his collaborations with Steven Spielberg—resulting in Munich and Lincoln—have helped revitalized the historical drama. Kushner’s Must-Read: Angels in America. Divided into two separate plays, this epic explores late 20th century America from every conceivable angle—Mormon mythology, Jewish theology, environmentalism and the psychological damage of the AIDS crisis. Christopher Rice Like Ellis, Rice began his career as a novelist a few short years out of his teens. A New Orleans native (and the son of famed author Anne Rice), he’s best known for his atmospheric and gothic romance stories set in humid, lurid Southern locales. Lately his work has turned toward horror, with supernatural works like The Vines, a story about the death of a plantation heiress whose suicide awakens a primal force. Rice’s Must-Read: The Heavens Rise. Mining the always-mysterious world of the Louisiana Bayou, the novel is set years after the disappearance of the Delongpre family. Filled with dread and horror, Rice’s novel explores hostility lurking in the swamp. David Sedaris Sedaris is a gift. He’s consistently hysterical and often poignant. Whether tackling his upbringing in North Carolina (one of his siblings is the equally funny Amy Sedaris) or his embarrassment of cruising a nudist colony, Sedaris leavens his personal traumas and foibles with a talent for self-deprecation and deft writing. From his early work as a Chicago-based commentator on NPR to his latest bestseller, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, Sedaris is an engrossing storyteller. Sedaris’ Must-Read: Me Talk Pretty One Day. Who the hell moves to France fulltime without speaking a lick of the language? David Sedaris does. Divided into two parts—one set in America, the other in France—Sedaris spits out anecdote after side-splitting anecdote.
NEW RELEASES
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Brendon Urie
>> music Out Now
January 15
Cage the Elephant Tell Me I’m Pretty
Daughter Not to Disappear
Chris Brown Royalty
Panic! At the Disco Death of a Bachelor
Kid Cudi Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven
Catherine Anne Davies, who previously self-released music as Catherine A.D., unleashes her wide-ranging debut as The Anchoress on the world (produced by Paul Draper, ex-Mansun; a follow-up, produced by Bernard Butler, formerly PRIME CUTS: of Suede, is due later in 2016). As many “Rivers of Ice” debuts go, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. Davies’ “One for Sorrow” style jumps from song to song, cramming her tunes “P.S. Fuck You” with ideas and sounds and an unstoppable enthusiasm. At her best she channels the freakish concentration of P.J. Harvey (“Long Year”), the cabaret intensity of Amanda Palmer (“P.S. Fuck You”) and the twisted balladry of Tori Amos (her best song, the bonus track “Rivers of Ice”). It’s a hodgepodge that’s also a persuasive introduction. Let’s hope album two streamlines her focus. —D.L.
DAUGHTER Not to Disappear (Glassnote)
*****
This English trio traffics in what would, by all rights, be classified as dream pop, though sophomore release Not to Disappear is richer and more melodic than that sobriquet might suggest. Think Mazzy Star. Think Cowboy Junkies. Think, even, Cocteau Twins. And then PRIME CUTS: forget all of that. Elena Tonra, lyricist and vocal"No Care” ist, is more direct in her approach than the afore“Numbers” mentioned bands, even when her subject is the “Alone/With You” disengagement of love (“Alone/With You” is as damning a dissection of long-term relationships as you could find). Guitarist Igor Haefeli does plenty of talking of his own with expressive lead lines, while drummer Remi Aguilella keeps it all moving forward, slowly or quickly as the case may be. —D.L.
MYSTERY JETS Curve of the Earth (Caroline International)
*****
It can’t be a coincidence that Eel Pie Island’s Mystery Jets’ latest album cover bears a striking resemblance to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. The two albums are entirely different, but the PRIME CUTS: influence can be felt throughout. Opening “Telomere” track and lead single “Telomere” makes “Blood Red it clear from the get-go that the band has Balloon” abandoned the Americana sound that tinged its “Taken by the previous LP, Radlands. This time it’s strictly art-pop, Tide” aiming for the stratosphere, and invariably hitting its mark with nine heady songs. That’s not to say this is an impenetrable album. The aptly titled “Bubblegum” bounces along, and “Blood Red Balloon” should be a single immediately. The plaintive “1985” is at once wistful and anthemic. Mystery Jets are one of England’s most underrated bands. —Dominik Rothbard JANUARY 20, 2016
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tv
By Dominik Rothbard
Who Will Take Home a Golden Globe? ON JAN. 10, ALL EYES SHOULD BE on Ricky Gervais as he attempts to reignite the controversy of his last Golden Globes hosting gig. (Personally I found him to be one of the most entertaining awards show hosts in decades.) As for the nominees? It’s a banner year for the LGBT community on screens both big and small. Of course there was Jeffrey Tambor and Judith Light with their well-deserved nominations for Transparent. Lily Tomlin got two nods, one for Netflix series Grace and Frankie and one for her stellar performance in Grandma. At the movies we had Carol and The Danish Girl, which received eight noms between them. Sam Smith got a nomination for his Spectre theme, “Writing’s on
8 People We Wish Were Hosting The Oscars In February
73rd Annual Golden Globes Jan. 10 8 p.m. on NBC
the Wall,” and Queen Latifah will battle it out with Lady Gaga, inexplicably nominated for her embarrassing turn in the not-yet-over American Horror Story: Hotel. On the TV front, Noah Hawley’s Fargo leads the pack with five nominations. I’d like to see longshot Rachel Bloom score for her excellent turn on The CW’s underrated Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Awards show fans can expect all the usual pre-show red carpet extravaganza on both NBC and E!, while the obligatory Fashion Police special on E!—featuring Melissa Rivers, Margaret Cho, Giuliana Rancic and Brad Goreski—will air the following night. I still can’t believe there are no nominations for Aloha!
MARVEL'S AGENT CARTER Jan. 19, ABC Because Star Wars nerds can’t watch Star Wars forever, ABC has trotted out another short season of its cinematic Marvelverse series. This year, the show, set in 1947, moves from New York to Los Angeles and deals with threats from the new post-WWII atomic age. There will also be new friends, new love interests and old hairstyles. Hayley Atwell, James D’Arcy and Chad Michael Murray return for two back-to-back episodes on this night to kickstart the season.
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d al lobes 0 NBC
MadTV 20th Anniversary Special Jan. 12, The CW While the rest of the networks get all political with Obama, The CW will be airing the 20th anniversary of a sketch show that never actually aired on its network. Curious. It’ll be nice to see Stephanie Weir, Ike Barinholtz, Will Sasso, Alex Borstein and so many others back together again. I think we could all do with a visit from Stuart, Ms. Swan and Dot. But will it be able to compete with the sheer grandeur of SNL’s 40th bash last year? No. Obviously not.
SHADES OF BLUE Jan. 7, NBC Jennifer Lopez finally decides to settle for a TV series. Here she’s a down-onher-luck single mother and NYPD detective named Harlee Santos (oh geez). Like all female NYPD detectives, Harlee has perfect skin and a world-class ass. And thank goodness, because we need more cop shows starring pretty people. Santos finds herself torn between a corrupt police force and doing the right thing. Ray Liotta and Drea De Matteo co-star. Expect chase scenes. TELEVISION LONG DIVISION
NYPD Blue
The Mysteries of Laura
Better Butts
Shades of Blue
The Real Housewives of Potomac Jan. 17, Bravo Any edition to the Housewives franchise is A-OK with me, though I must admit, I thought a Potomac was a car or something. No matter, the previews make these ladies look livelier than most. Potomac is in Maryland, alongside the Potomac River. A trip to Wikipedia tells me Potomac is the most affluent town in all the United States, based on median household income. A trip to Bravo’s website tells me these women are crazy. Manners are a very big deal to them. With Atlanta down a NeNe Leakes, those girls better watch their backs.
SET YOUR
Sunday, Jan. 10 Who will watch the Globes when Murder She Baked: Peach Cobbler is on Hallmark? Records are expected to be broken, murders solved and peaches cobbled. Allison Sweeney and Cameron Mathison return with that patented “what did we get ourselves into?” look in their eye as they solve the murder of a peach or something. (8 p.m., Hallmark)
Thursday, Jan. 14 Younger has quietly become one of the most charming sitcoms to air in years. Sutton Foster’s understated performance is so likable, you won’t be able to turn it off. Debi Mazar, Miriam Shor and Hilary Duff support Season 2. (10 p.m., TVLand)
Tuesday, Jan. 12 It’s time for the State of the Union Address of 2016. I think he’s gonna yell at us this time. (9 p.m., all networks)
Saturday, Jan. 16 Adam Driver has proven he can play awkward in Girls and Vaderish in Star Wars, but can he be funny? We will soon find out as he attempts Saturday Night Live. (11:30 p.m., NBC)
Wednesday, Jan. 13 2 Broke Girls limps along to its magical episode 100, meaning tonight will likely be the 1,000th time they’ve said the word vagina on-air. One hundred episodes and they’re still broke? (8 p.m., CBS) Wednesday, Jan. 13 Ryan Murphy’s beautiful but ultimately meandering American Horror Story: Hotel comes to an end. Details of the finale, as usual, are a closely guarded secret. The episode is titled “Be Our Guest,” but that doesn’t guarantee dancing clocks and candelabras. Though it’s AHS, so not out of the question. (10 p.m., FX)
Tuesday, Jan. 20 Ready for Kocktails With Khloe? It’s not surprising someone gave The Kardashians another talk show. That someone is the FYI network, which, FYI, I’ve never heard of. (10 p.m., FYI)
JANUARY 20, 2016
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In 2016, I’m going to . . . .
By Dr. Greg Cason Illustrations by Valeriy Kachaev
© VALERIY KACHAEV | DREAMSTIME.COM
E NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS ARE SEDUCTIVE. When people announce one, they often feel more confident and in control. It’s like a little high of hopefulness. But how many times have you scrapped your goal and given up early? Here are the secrets of a successful new year’s resolution, why they typically fail and how to keep yourself from falling into Baby New Year’s age-old trap.
very year I’m asked at some random New Year’s Eve gig if I “made any resolutions.” Usually the only resolution I have on my mind at that moment is escaping this prying yahoo and allowing my lips to make an intimate connection with a glass of champagne. Apparently, I’m in the minority. According to Nielsen, only 16% of people in 2015 didn’t make a resolution.
The whole “new year’s resolution” thing seems like that treadmill from The Jetsons that won’t shut off. You just keep doing the same old thing year after year after year (and I’m not talking about marriage). So I’ve decided to crack the code for you on just what makes an effective and lasting new year’s resolution—though I do worry that if I’m successful, I may be fighting you for a spot in my bootcamp class! JANUARY 20, 2016
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Secrets to a Successful New Year’s Resolution
The Top New Year’s Resolutions (and How to Make Yours a Good One)
1. Link it to your “ideal self.” That’s the self you would like to be if there were no barriers or limitations. If you have trouble figuring out what that ideal self is, just ask yourself, “What would I be like in a perfect world?”
01/ “I’m going to get fit and healthy.”
Ugh. “Diet and exercise” just seem like a fancy way of saying “deprive and exhaust.” And I hate the swell of sweat-covered hopefuls all crowding the gym like an invading ant colony in January, only to retreat back to their respective hills (a.k.a. homes) in February. 2. Commit to a strategy, not an endpoint. Rather than “looking great,” figure out what you can do each day to get you there, and commit to it.
The Solution: Figure out why you want to be fit and healthy. Is it because you want to be around for your family? To get more followers on Instagram? Or is it because you want to look attractive to your mate (or your roommate’s mate)? Set a goal that will get you closer, keeping that reasoning in mind.
A Good Resolution: Resolve to do two minutes on the treadmill at the gym, and increase that by two minutes every month. You may feel like a fool at first, but you’ll get into the swing of using a treadmill every time you go into a gym. By December you will spend 24 minutes every time.
02/ “I’m going to lose weight.”
The Biggest Reason for New Year’s Resolution Failure?
A
ccording to Stanford psychologist and author of The Willpower Instinct Dr. Kelly McGonigal, most people have “False Hope Syndrome” and follow this three-step process: 1) Make a vow to change, 2) Become surprised how difficult it is, 3) Give up early because it’s not as quickly rewarding as they had hoped. (Then rinse and repeat next year.)
It's a bitch to get skinny. The problem is that most who have struggled with their weight have also struggled with saying “no.” This prompts drastic diets—or worse, cleanses— putting undo stress on the body and causing it to hold onto whatever weight it can just in case this is the last food it will see in a while.
The Solution: Find the real reason you want to lose weight. Did your friends make fun of your muffin top peeking out of your overly tight Versace tank? Do you wheeze when you climb stairs? Do people roll their eyes when you approach an airline seat?
A Good Resolution: Commit to one change per day, and practice it for 30 days. At the end of one month, add a new strategy to your arsenal. Example: For the first month, drink a bottle of water instead of a soda. For month two, you can add an apple. For month three, add fasting from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Slow and deliberate changes will have you back in that Versace tank by the time 2017 rolls around ... because cold weather should never stop anyone.
Try to figure out one small thing you can do each day that will move you to your goal. By the end of the year, your smile may be your best feature.
04/ “I’m going to get organized.”
This one is rising in 2016 with a bullet due to the popularity of the book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo.
“Resolve to do two minutes on the treadmill at the gym, and increase that by two minutes every month. You may feel like a fool at first, but you’ll get into the swing of using a treadmill every time you go into a gym.” More Secrets to a Successful New Year’s Resolution
03/ “I’m going to enjoy life to the fullest.”
What exactly does this mean? Sure, we all know what it is to have a good time, but how do we go about doing this in a meaningful way?
The Solution: Figure out what it is that floats your boat. For some it may be climbing to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite. For others it could be entertaining several “top-shelf” guests while dangling in a sling at a sleazy motel just off the 101. As Auntie Mame says, “Live! Life’s a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!” Figure out what you want to feast upon and enjoy. A Good Resolution: If you hunger for experiencing other cultures, take one big trip and two weekend trips this year (and plan them immediately). Other examples include: Learning how to ski, learning how to speak Spanish or learning how to take a fist. Use the “one thing a day” rule.
The Solution: How does this link to your ideal self? Do you want to pay your bills on time? Have an interior that could be mistaken for a room at the new Edition hotel? Just find the remote? A Good Resolution: Go through every piece of snail mail every day, and don’t let it out of your hand until you have either thrown it away, filed it or acted upon it. Or allocate 30 minutes every day to deal with email, and don’t do anything else during that time until you’ve finished. (Same rules: Trash, file or act.) Of course, if you want the whole banana, get the book and follow the steps there! By the end of the year you’ll be able to have an overnight guest worthy of introducing to mom.
3. Break it down into small, achievable, daily chunks (though weekly or monthly works, too).
4. Reinforce yourself for every step, celebrating every win, no matter how small.
5. If you fall off the wagon, just dust yourself off and get back on. JANUARY 20, 2016
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BY THE BOOK Who says Angelenos aren’t book-reading intellectuals? We asked 10 local LGBTs—and one legendary gay author-filmmaker— to open up their home libraries to Frontiers, taking us on a tour of their most prized literary possessions and their current bookish tastes
John Waters The cult film director once famously said, “We need to make books cool again. If you go home with somebody and they don’t have books, don’t fuck them.” Speaking with him for this issue’s compilation of personal tome testaments, he recants his famous statement just a bit. “I’m a liar,” he says. “If they are cute enough, who looks at their library?” We still think Waters’ original statement rings true.
Another favorite title from Waters’ collection
What are you currently reading? I just finished A Manual For Cleaning Women by Lucia Berlin—heartbreaking and hard-hitting short stories about alcoholism, men trouble and the insight you gain from being on the bottom every once in a while (and I don’t mean sexually). I can’t wait to re-read Cruising the Movies by Boyd McDonald, which was just re-released in paperback. He’s just as good a film critic as Pauline Kael, only he writes about the assholes and sexual smells of the stars. Waters’ most recent work, Carsick, in which he recounts hitchhiking across the country, made it onto the New York Times’ Best Sellers List
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PHOTO CREDIT TK
What is the most cherished possession in your home library? It’s a first-edition hardback of Two Serious Ladies by Jane Bowles. The funniest, wittiest, most baffling novel in my library.
WATERS: GREG GORMAN; BEAT: AUSTIN YOUNG; BEAT INSET: JOE FITRZYK; YOUNG BY AUSTIN YOUNG
By Stephan Horbelt
K Jackie Beat
WATERS: GREG GORMAN; BEAT: AUSTIN YOUNG; BEAT INSET: JOE FITRZYK; YOUNG BY AUSTIN YOUNG
PHOTO CREDIT TK
To all those up-and-coming queens out there, I want to say just one thing: Before you can read anyone to filth, you’d better read some books! Actually, no matter what you want to do in life, reading will make you much better at it, because it will make you a more educated, well-rounded person. I am very well-rounded, honey—but that’s probably because I have a tendency to snack while I’m reading. Food for thought, indeed! Just so you know, when I get on my soapbox and scream, “Read!” I am not only referring to the literary classics, although they are very important. I am not an elitist, oh no. This year I read everything from Michelle Visage’s The Diva Rules to a Johnny Carson biography I found at the 99 Cents Only Store. I love to crack open a good book when I’m flying all over the country doing shows, but my favorite place to read is soaking in a hot bathtub. Heaven! I don’t own a lot of books because I almost always give them away once I’m done—share the love, right?—but I have a few favorites that I will never give up: My first edition of Stephen King’s Carrie (the book club edition, not the actual first edition, which can now fetch as much as a late model used car), my copy of
Joan Crawford’s bonkers autobiography My Way of Life (featuring Joan on the cover in front of her big-eyed Keane portrait, holding two white toy poodles) and an autographed copy of Jacqueline Susann’s Once is Not Enough that I found at a thrift store for a dollar. I’m sure I don’t have to say this, but I prefer an actual book over those newfangled high-tech digital versions. To me, books are like cock—I love the feel, the heft and the smell of the real thing. Happy reading! You’ll find Jackie Beat as she tours the country with her hilarious stage shows, and also at Precinct in DTLA once a month at the party BONKERZ!
Austin Young What is the most cherished possession in your home library? My favorite book in my collection is Leigh Bowery: Violette Editions (1998). My portrait of Leigh opens the book. What are you currently reading? I’m reading The Philosophy of Andy Warhol (From A to B and Back Again). I love Andy’s portraits; he’s my favorite portrait photographer. His work is simple, and he always nails it in just a few shots. He’s a visual genius. I’m not so sure about his writing, though. Young is known for his inimitable photography, short films and new media work focusing on queer culture, and his portraiture of trans and drag culture are world-renowned JANUARY 20, 2016
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CUNNINGHAM: SINAN SHIHABI; CICCONE: SCOTT HOOVER
Dusti Cunningham
What are you currently reading? A collection of 1970s swingers magazines I recently purchased. One is Swingers Life: For the Broadminded Adult. The entire magazine is personal ads with photos. I read them and imagine their lives now, 40 years later. I’m fascinated by the change in how we represent ourselves now versus then. The photos aren’t retouched, and the ads aren’t vulgar in any way. They’re all very politely written, completely the opposite of how hookup personal ads are written today. Find this prolific local photographer’s work online at dustcunningham.com, or devour his more NSFW photos at diablodivine.tumblr.com
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Andrés Rigal What are the most cherished possessions in your home library? I have two! My most prized possession on my bookshelf has to be the first edition of J.D. Salinger’s 1951 novel The Catcher in the Rye, and my most cherished possession is currently on my coffee table—the limited Art Edition of Valentino Garavani: Una Grande Storia Italiana, which is signed by Garavani himself. What are you currently reading? Currently I’m reading Widow Basquiat: A Love Story by Jennifer Clement. So far it’s the most compelling book I’ve ever encountered about Basquiat. I can’t wait to read The Battle of Versailles: The Night American Fashion Stumbled into the Spotlight and Made History by Robin Givhan, which is about the five American designers who went toe-to-toe and dress-to-dress with five French designers in one legendary fashion show at the Palace of Versailles in 1973. Rigal is responsible for some of L.A.’s hottest nightlife productions, including Commodore (Saturdays at Hooray Henry’s) and Mr. Black, which recently returned after a years-long hiatus
PHOTO CREDIT TK
What is the most cherished possession in your home library? I have an autographed copy of Quentin Crisp’s The Naked Civil Servant that I’m pretty fond of, and many other favorites. My most cherished, though, is a little book of questions with the answers filled in by my grandmother. It’s all about her childhood and early life. Just a little book of memories in my grandmother’s handwriting.
BY THE BOOK >>
Christopher Ciccone What is the most cherished possession in your home library? A first-edition, leatherbound copy of The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyam is my most prized book. What are you currently reading? Right now I’m reading The General in His Labyrinth by Gabriel García Mérquez. At this point in his life, Ciccone seems to have done it all, from backup dancer to restaurateur to furniture designer. He famously wrote his memoir Life with My Sister Madonna in 2008.
CUNNINGHAM: SINAN SHIHABI; CICCONE: SCOTT HOOVER
Dr. Chris Donaghue What is the most cherished possession in your home library? The most powerful and meaningful part of my library is my Queer Theory collection. It’s a genre that has helped redirect me to alternative ways of thinking and living in the world, always showing that non-normative ways of being and psychologies are far healthier than normative and culturally expected ones. These books have transformed my life. What are you currently reading? I’m currently reading social justice-based and black queer feminism books and memoirs. Working in the psychology field, I see how we have misled clients by letting them think most issues are theirs versus macro cultural-world problems they have understandably internalized. It helps me focus on the actual social issues that need to be addressed.
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Donaghue, a sex and relationship therapist and television expert, is also an author. His book Sex Outside the Lines: Authentic Sexuality in a Sexually Dysfunctional Culture is available now.
JANUARY 20, 2016
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Daniel Franzese
Darren Stein
What is the most cherished possession in your home library? I don’t have many actor-y books left in my library. After reading everything on show business that a student could find, I donated most of them to my former high school library when I was done. But the one I never gave away is David Mamet’s True and False: Heresy and Common Sense for the Actor. New copies still get purchased as presents to aspiring actors from time to time. It was instrumental in my history for deciding to leave college and pursue a professional acting career instead. I don’t think I could ever let my tattered copy go even if I tried.
What are the most cherished possessions in your home library? Geek Love is this grotesque, otherworldy novel about a family of carnival freaks, written with such genuine affection that you grow to love these outlandish, morally questionable characters. It’s repulsive but so honest and unflinching about human nature, and the prose is profane and poetic—insanely original. It’s the kind of book that you want to share with everyone you know. The Stories of Ray Bradbury. This massive book has a hundred of Bradbury’s best short stories, including “The Black Ferris,” which became Something Wicked This Way Comes. I remember getting my book signed at this fantasy bookstore called A Change of Hobbit in Venice. He wrote, “Darren! Keep writing! Good luck!” which made the book hugely meaningful for me. My first short film in high school was based on his short story “The Screaming Woman” about these kids who hear this wailing woman under the ground in an empty lot. I convinced several of my teachers to act in it. And The Orton Diaries. I remember sitting alone in the aisle of the Encino public library and reading these forbidden, sexually explicit diary entries detailing Orton’s storied sex life. I couldn’t bring it home, but I couldn’t put it down either. It was quite an awakening, discovering eroticism in the pages of a book. I also remember reading Christiane F. – Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo at 12 or 13 and being really fascinated and aroused by the stories of heroin and prostitution in a sleazy Berlin train station.
What are you currently reading? Just like one overindulges in food during the holidays, my reading material goes so trashy—from Us magazine on the flight over to South Florida to lazy stoner days by the pool reading something fun and juicy. This season my lap is featuring Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology by Leah Remini. I love this book for my mother’s couch, but it’ll stay at her place so I don’t get labeled an “S.P.” at the dog park. I’m excited to read Dave Eggers’ The Circle when I get back to L.A. It’s been on my bookshelf for too long. Find this Mean Girls and Looking alum on the new show Recovery Road, premiering Jan. 25 on Freeform (the new name for ABC Family)
What are you currently reading? Right now I’m reading We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson. It’s like Grey Gardens with a built-in murder mystery, from the author who wrote The Haunting of Hill House and The Lottery. It’s Southern Gothic with this totally immersive first-person narration. It leaves you with a kind of horror for humanity, not unlike the Netflix docu-series Making a Murderer. The man behind the films Jawbreaker and G.B.F. most recently wrote Seeds of Yesterday, a TV movie in Lifetime’s revisiting of the VC Andrews series Flowers in the Attic
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FRANZESE: NOMI ELLENSON; ST. JAMES: FROM THE BOOK WORLD ACCORDING TO WONDER, PHOTO BY IDRIS + TONY
>> BY THE BOOK
FRANZESE: NOMI ELLENSON; ST. JAMES: FROM THE BOOK WORLD ACCORDING TO WONDER, PHOTO BY IDRIS + TONY
Rhys wears shirt by Sharpe available at Sharpe Suiting, vest and pants by Drykorn available at Choukair, his own shoes and tie, stylist’s own cufflinks. Zackary wears dress by Little Mistress, jacket by Forever21, shoes by Dolce & Gabbana
James St. James What is the most cherished possession in your library? I collect etiquette books, so I have a lot of fun first editions of Barbra Cartland, Quentin Crisp, Sydney Biddle Barrows. A lot of my celebrity memoirs are signed. I stood in line for two hours for Vanna White one time. Oh, I have a Duchesss of Windsor cookbook that is so OCD it makes Joan Crawford look like Mama June. But my favorite is this copy of Andy Warhol’s America. “To James, I love you madly, Andy Warhol.” Of course, I had to tell him to write that, but he went along....
What are you currently reading? My books are on my Kindle, which is my best friend. I jump around a lot, but right now I’m reading Present Shock: When Everything Happens Now by Dougla Rushkoff, Mrs. Dalloway by Virigina Woolf, Darling Monster: The Letters of Lady Diana Cooper, Assholes: A Theory by Aaron James and some others. St. James, the author of Disco Bloodbath: A Fabulous But True Tale of Murder in Clubland, will soon see his other print work, Freak Show, turned into a film directed by Trudie Styler and starring Bette Midler JANUARY 20, 2016
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H OW TO B E A
BOOK WORM IN 2016
The new year has much in store for bibliophiles, with imminent releases scheduled from industry veterans and promising newcomers. Here’s our must-read list for 2016, encompassing fiction, nonfiction, memoirs and more By Patrick Rosenquist
Charlie Hebdo's late editor Charb; George R.R. Martin (below)
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MEMOIR
NON FICTION
FICTION
YOUNG ADULT
2015 WAS AN INTERESTING TIME TO BE A READER. The compulsively controversial Jonathan Franzen released his latest work, Purity; Harper Lee (maybe, perhaps) published her second book; and the most expensive debut novel ever purchased by a publisher—City of Fire—came out to polarized reviews. We aren’t sure if 2016 will be as interesting, dramawise, as last year, but we do know that a number of promising books are hitting bookshelves in the coming months. Here are some of the works we’re looking forward to thumbing through:
PASSENGER
by Alexandra Bracken (Out now)
Bracken’s latest novel follows a downon-her-luck violinist named Etta who is transported through time to 1776. Bracken’s last trilogy, Darkest Minds, was a huge success with YA fans and is being developed into a film as we speak.
OPEN LETTER: ON BLASPHEMY, ISLAMOPHOBIA AND THE TRUE ENEMIES OF FREE EXPRESSION
Aviator’s Wife, and this latest dip into historical fiction is highly anticipated.
THE HIGH MOUNTAINS OF PORTUGAL by Yann Martel (Feb 2)
Martel won the Booker Prize for 2001’s Life of Pi, and while his recent work has been iffy, he’s always able to craft magical epics that span time and distance. This one involves a “worldchanging” mysterious artifact, trips to Lisbon and Canada and, of course, zoo animals.
by Charb (Out now)
Finished two days before his murder, the late editor of Charlie Hebdo, Charb (Stéphane Charbonnier), takes on the intersection of humor and religion in contemporary France, exploring whether his country’s love of the profane can be balanced with its changing character.
Poitras
(Jan. 26)
Who doesn’t want to read a novel about famous Manhattan frenemies Truman Capote and Babe Paley? Benjamin sold her fictional portrayal of Charles Lindbergh and Anne Morrow in The
This isn’t a biography of Queen Bey. Instead, reporter Traister has spent the last half-decade researching the state of the single woman. For the first time in American history, more adult women are single than married. How does such a profound shift in demographics change the way we look at government, family and ourselves?
(Mar. 8)
(Jan. 26)
by Melanie Benjamin
(Mar. 1)
INNOCENTS AND OTHERS
GOOD ON PAPER
THE SWANS OF FIFTH AVENUE
ALL THE SINGLE LADIES
by Rebecca Traister
by Dana Spiotta
by Rachel Cantor
Ph.D. candidate Shira is surprised when a Nobel Prize-winning Italian author selects her to translate his latest work, something he admits may prove impossible. Cantor’s last novel, the sci-fi headtrip A Highly Unlikely Scenario, wowed reviewers. The subject matter here couldn’t be more different, but we all love a writer with range.
of death in modern America. She explores topics like health care, family customs and religious ceremonies while attempting to answer, What is, exactly, a good death?
ASTRO NOISE
by Laura Poitras (Feb. 9)
The Oscar-winning documentarian has asked privacy advocates—everyone from Ai Weiwei to the subject of her film Citizenfour, Edward Snowden—to contribute to a “how-to” guide to surviving global surveillance.
THE GOOD DEATH: AN EXPLORATION OF DYING IN AMERICA by Ann Neumann (Feb. 16)
Spurred by her father’s painful death from non-Hogkins Lymphoma, Neumann delves deep into the state
Two college friends, Meadow and Carrie, embark upon similar career paths—they both move to Los Angeles and become filmmakers. Now in their 40s, it’s clear that despite their long-standing friendship, the pair have absolutely nothing in common. Spiotta is a novelist especially attuned to the complexities of modern femininity— and her latest looks like another winning story.
THE NEST
by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney (Mar. 22)
The Plumb children are waiting to receive their inheritance—which has grown to a gargantuan size thanks to a rising stock market—until their careless older brother, Leo, puts the entire sum at risk with a costly drunkdriving accident. Early reviews of this work are very favorable, marking D’Aprix Sweeney’s novel as surely one of the best acidic comedies of the new year. JANUARY 20, 2016
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continued
HAD A BUSY 2015? Weren’t able to pick up and devour the latest-and-greatest releases? Don’t fret—we’re here with the books that everyone was talking about last year. PURITY
by Jonathan Franzen Sometimes it seems as if Franzen is the world’s foremost literary troll. What man says he almost adopted a teenage refugee in order to write about millennials with more nuance? His latest book, however, garnered some stellar reviews. Focusing on a young woman caught up in a Wikileaks-style movement, Franzen delves once again into his favorite topic—the inherent knottiness of family and romance. 576 pp., $28 (Farrar, Strauss & Giroux)
WHAT IS NOT YOURS IS NOT YOURS by Helen Oyeyemi (Mar. 8)
Oyeyemi’s past works have earned comparisons as lofty and diverse as Toni Morrison and Haruki Murakami, and this fantastical collection of stories revolving around keys—real, metaphorical and everything inbetween—is shaping up to be a mindbending work.
LUST & WONDER
by Augusten Burroughs (Mar. 29)
Burroughs is, of course, one of America’s most famous memoirists, having tackled everything from his perversely dysfunctional childhood to his alcoholism. Now he’s taking on gay love in New York with a series of stories about the men he’s dated, loved and lusted after.
SLEEPING GIANTS
by Sylvain Neuvel (April 26)
Neuvel’s debut novel plays out as a series of found documents—police reports, transcripts and newspaper articles—dealing with the same bizarre anomaly: in South Dakota, at the bottom of a sinkhole, lies a giant silver hand. Told from the POV of Rose, a scientist who has devoted her life to unraveling the object’s meaning, Sleeping Giants looks to be a sci-fi standout. 56
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CITY ON FIRE by Garth Risk Hallberg Hallberg’s epic about different subcultures of 1970s New York made headlines long before it hit stores—at $2 million, it was likely the highest amount paid for a debut novel. While reviews have been strongly mixed—anticipation may have dulled some of the fervor— his complex plotting and sense of place made it a blockbuster. An HBO adaptation, naturally, is in the works. 944 pp., $30 (Knopf)
THE HEART GOES LAST by Margaret Atwood Does Atwood ever step away from her keyboard? The prolific Canadian novelist released this dystopian future barely a year after she wrapped up the Oryx and Crake trilogy (and, yes, she’s slated to release something next year, too). Set in the near future after the economy collapses, a married couple struggles to survive while working in private prisons, fending off roving gangs and dealing with Elvis escorts. 320 pp., $27 (Nan A. Talese)
ON THE MOVE: A LIFE by Oliver Sacks Sacks did more to change scientific literature than any other writer in the 20th century, making it fascinating, accessible and compassionate. His autobiography also provides a stunningly honest look at his life—a drug addiction, the love of motorcycles and his struggles with being gay. 416 pp., $28 (Knopf)
DREAMLAND by Sam Quinones Thoroughly reported and richly written, Quinones’ account of the opiate epidemic ravaging America is told through the lens of Portsmouth, Ohio—a small town hit hard by drugs like Oxycontin. From tracking Mexican heroin shipments to the historical marketing of opiates, Quinones expands upon the stories of Portsmouth’s residents to give scope to a dangerous epidemic. 384 pp., $28 (Bloomsbury Press)
MEMOIR
NON FICTION
ZERO K
by Don DeLillo (May 10)
From bizarre comedies like White Noise to his peculiar retelling of Lee Harvey Oswald’s life in Libra, DeLillo is one of literature’s most inventive storytellers. In his latest, he follows the family of an ailing Texan billionaire whose latest endeavor promises to reverse death.
FICTION
northern California teen named Evie as she is taken in by the mesmerizing and terrifying Charles Manson.
PATIENT H.M.: A FAMILY’S SECRETS, THE RUTHLESS PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE, AND THE BRAIN THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING by Luke Dittrich (Aug. 9)
THE NOISE OF TIME
by Julian Barnes (May 10)
Barnes won the Man Booker Prize for his last book, A Sense of Ending, and this follow-up is hotly anticipated. Opening in 1936, the novel follows Dmitri Shostakovich as he balances the needs of his family, his art and his own life in the face of Soviet oppression.
An expansion of his 2010 Esquire article, Dittrich sets out to understand the life of Henry Molaison, an epileptic who underwent a temporal lobotomy in 1953. Afterwards, Henry lost all ability to form new memories, becoming one of the most famous neurological cases in history.
Abramovic
by Siddhartha Mukherjee (May 17)
Mukherjee’s The Emperor of Maladies was a deep dive into the biggest disease of all, cancer. Now he turns his extraordinary ability to explain and analyze complex medical topics surrounding DNA. Following his own family, he sets out to demystify how our genes shape us.
by Emma Straub (May 31)
Straub’s The Vacationers was a blazingly entertaining look at marriage gone awry, and her upcoming book looks to be just as smart and enjoyable. Following two former bandmates who have stuck together as they landed jobs, bought real estate and had children, their friendship faces its greatest threat when their own offspring head off to college.
THE GIRLS
by Emma Cline (June 14)
A fictional look into the compelling and bizarre world of the Manson family, Cline’s debut novel follows a
history bestseller The Yiddish Policemen’s Union, set in an Alaska reconfigured as a Jewish state, to the academia satire Wonder Boys, Chabon finds the humanity in any situation.
From top: John Le Carré, Michael Chabon, Margaret Atwood
MARINA ABRAMOVIC MEMOIR (November)
Abramovic is, arguably, the world’s most famous performance artist. Lying on a block of ice naked, living in a public space for over a week, dancing with Jay-Z—this Serbian legend has led an interesting life. Given her almost compulsive devotion to openness, her memoir is bound to be illuminating.
THE TEMPEST
by Margaret Atwood
THE GENE
MODERN LOVERS
YOUNG ADULT
(TBA)
To celebrate the 400th anniversary of The Bard’s death, The Hogarth Shakespeare program has commissioned a group of writers to reinterpret a selection of his plays. Canadian writer Margaret Atwood chose The Tempest, and given her sci-fi bent, we’re sure this will be the weirdest take on the play yet.
THE WINDS OF WINTER
by George R.R. Martin
PIGEON TUNNEL: STORIES FROM MY LIFE by John le Carré (September)
In his first work of nonfiction, celebrated spy writer (and former spy himself) le Carré will detail his real-life experiences with spycraft, paranoia and the brutality of the Cold War. Carré was always open about how he drew his plotlines from his life, so reading the real story is enticing.
MOONGLOW
by Michael Chabon (Nov. 1)
Details about Chabon’s latest novel are slim, but his track record as a compelling and original writer is without question. From his alternative
(TBA)
No, there isn’t a firm publish date, but with rumors flying that Martin will delight (or, more likely, depress) his fans with the latest installment in 2016, we have to include The Winds of Winter. The question is, with HBO’s adaptation poised to return in April, will he beat the cable network to the punch?
THE WONDER
by Emma Donoughue (TBA)
Donoughue’s last book was adapted into the buzzed-about indie Room this year, and around the time of the film’s release, it was announced her followup would land in 2016. While details are scarce, given the reviews of the film, she’s going to have a much larger audience to satisfy when The Wonder hits bookstores. JANUARY 20, 2016
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THE WORLD OF BILLY MASTERS
BILLY LOOKS BACK AT 2015—
Clockwise from top left: Caitlyn Jenner, Laverne Cox, Lenny Kravitz, Joan Rivers, Margaret Cho, Kathy Griffin, Allyson Chinalia with Harry Louis, Tommy DiDario with Gio Benitez, the cast of HBO’s Looking
LOVE, TV, COMING OUT & LOTS OF PENIS
The Year in Love Gio Benitez had been squiring top fitness model Tommy DiDario for months, and they chronicled their romance online. Still, we were all shocked when the ABC reporter got down on his knees in front of Tommy. If they weren’t at the Eiffel Tower, I’d have anticipated something more sexual, but leave it to a gay man to execute a perfectly planned proposal in a romantic setting. Lea DeLaria proposed to Chelsea Fairless, and they plan to wed later in 2016, with Sandra Bernhard officiating. Gay porn star Harry Louis got engaged on live television in Spain to Allyson Chinalia, a guy often referred to as his lookalike. And while we don’t know exactly who went down on his knees (but one of ‘em has oodles more experience), Dustin Lance Black and Tom Daley announced their engagement in The Times of London. The Year in TV After campaigning to replace Joan Rivers on Fashion Police, Kathy Griffin crashed and burned. It was a bad match from the start, and when the going got tough, Griffin got going. Then Melissa Rivers joined the panel. Now she’s bringing in someone Joan would approve of, Margaret Cho. The show will return with a Golden Globes recap. The show of the year was Empire—a dishy, catty, well-written nighttime soap. Taraji P. 58
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Henson is chewing up scenery like she hasn’t eaten in weeks! Someone who isn’t going hungry is Mo’Nique, who claims Lee Daniels offered her the role first. The show also brought us an openly gay character played by an openly gay actor (and we have his full-frontal nude photo). Jussie Smollett and his ponderous penis made many of my readers’ dreams come true. Someone who saw the photo confirmed that it is indeed legit, saying cryptically, “I couldn’t sit down for a week.” HBO cancelled Looking, although it’s returning for a wrap-up movie. Suze Orman signed off after 13 years on CNBC, and Chad Allen announced he’s retired from show business. He’s getting a doctorate in clinical psychology and planning a private practice. Someday you could say, “My therapist is the kid from Dr. Quinn!” The Year in Coming Out Say what you will about the Kardashians, but Caitlyn Jenner has brought the transgender issue to the forefront of the American psyche. But she didn’t do it alone. Laverne Cox laid most of the groundwork with the success of Orange is the New Black and an Emmy nod. And she has the good sense not to be a Republican! We heard memorable coming out stories from Joel Grey and Holland Taylor. Since their average age is 78, we’re glad to have Reid Ewing from Modern Family bring down the average. (And seeing him nude being mounted by a dog in the film 10 Rules for Sleeping Around was a bonus.) That reminds me—Andy Cohen admitted that the most famous person he slept with was Lance Bass! Details may not have been forthcoming, but Bass said, “Sex is a broad term ... like ‘Andy banged Lance’—when did he ever say that? This is an old story.”
The Year in Penis That brings us to celebrity nudes. The most popular one came courtesy of the L.A. revival of Bent. Yes, the show featured Jake Shears acting and singing in drag, but it was stolen by Tom Berklund’s perfect body, gravity-defying ass and enormous (semi-erect) penis. Every bit of Jake and Tom’s “work” can be seen on my site. Lenny Kravitz and his penis burst onto a Stockholm stage. If I didn’t see it for myself, I wouldn’t have believed it. And what about 20-year-old soccer player Aaron Moody from the UK? He posted photos under the name “bigwhitecock20”—talk about truth in advertising! Besides a big white cock from Britain, we got a kinda average-sized white cock from Canada, courtesy of Justin Bieber. The year’s biggest gay porn scandal was about porn star Brodie Sinclair, aka Leif Derek Truitt, who was allegedly hired to fly to Chicago and have an overnight “date” with Condé Nast CFO David Geithner, the brother of former Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. Once Brodie/Leif figured out that Geithner had connections, he asked for help with a legal dispute. Geithner cancelled the date but paid Brodie/Leif in full. Nonetheless, Brodie/ Leif leaked details to the press, Geithner denied it, proof was produced and lawsuits were filed. When I’m delivering gossip for a landmark 20 years, it’s definitely time to end yet another year of columns. You can find an expanded version of this column (and much more) at BillyMasters.com, the site that’s always celebrating something. If you have a question, send it along to Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you. Until next year, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.
PHOTO CREDIT TK
IN RECAPPING THE TOP STORIES of 2015, I’m going to be somewhat selfish and start with me. This year, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of this column—a column I thought would only last a few months. I fully expected to be the Neil Patrick Harris of print media. That reminds me—never say this is the “Best Column Ever!”
QUEERSAY
BY GOSSIP GAY
GIVE ME A LYFT
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or most, LAX is a frustrating headache, but for me, it couldn’t have been a more welcome sight. As I stepped off my plane, having returned from 10 days in the Midwest, my gay sensibilities and I were relieved to be back on the West Coast. Oh, the horrific stories I could tell about my holiday trip home— especially the Christmas Eve dinner conversation, where my drunk uncle told me “Donald Trump would make a good president, even for homosexuals like you!” and “Those Black Lives Matter people all need jobs!” or (my favorite!) “Global warming is just something Rachel Maddow made up so she has something to talk about on her show of lies!” But that’s all for another column … or my therapist. The real gossip here is my return trip home. If you didn’t know, Lyft was recently authorized to pick people up at the airport, which is a welcomed gift for all of us with flaky friends who promise they’ll come get you but never show, because “I woke up next to some guy I didn’t know and had to go to the free clinic.” In order to get back t o m y ( Va l l e y - s i d e) Hollywood Hills (-adjacent) mansion, I called my rideshare operator and was promptly picked up at my terminal. Typically, the drivers are quite kind—making brief conversation, offering bottled water, getting you to your final destination at a quick clip. But once I’d made eye contact with my driver, my jaw spiraled to the ground. My driver was none other than a former Logo reality star—from back when Logo produced reality TV other than Drag Race. We were both completely uncomfortable, because he knows me and I know him—intimately. In fact, he’d spent more than one night in my Valley-side residence—until, of course, I saw his show and found out he was engaged to an old, rich sugar daddy. This Lyft driver had broken my heart with his lies. (I won’t totally destroy him by giving you his name, because I’m classy like that.) Instead, my sweet revenge played out on the way home, as I called my most recent fling—a 21-year-old Andrew Christian underwear model who just so happens to think I’m “rad sick.” (It’s a compliment, I think.) As I grabbed my Louis Vuitton and stepped out of his Ford Focus, he mumbled, “You can tip on the app, if you enjoyed your ride.” To which I responded, “Honey, riding you was like riding the Red Line—cheap, creepy and totally regrettable!” Then I flipped my hair and sauntered away, to my beautiful life in my Valley-side Hollywood Hills-adjacent mansion in the sky.
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SPOTTED!
P
op star Leona Lewis at Sweet Salt in Toluca Lake, looking more beautiful than ever, sitting with an equally stunning entourage of women. These ladies who lunch were seen dining on—believe it or not—carbohydrates! Leona, us gays keep bleeding with love for you, and we look forward to your next album!
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! JANUARY 20, 2016
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PALM SPRINGS Clockwise from left: Richard Neutra’s Kaufmann House, East Canyon Hotel & Spa, Jordan, Trio’s SpaTini
MY PALM SPRINGS: CJAY JORDAN The founder of BrozWhoBrunch and all-around Rat Pack fanatic takes us on a personalized tour of his second home, the Southern California desert music projects, and is involved with Palm Springs Modernism Week, scheduled to take place Feb. 11-21 this year. When he’s not working, Jordan likes to spend his time in the desert. A lover of the Rat Pack, Old Hollywood and SoCal’s incredible arid oasis, he refers to Palm Springs as “Calm Springs,” and has made the city his second home. Here are just a few of his recommendations for Angelenos who find themselves in need of a little time away. —Rob Love
Kaufmann House “Naming my favorite celebrity house in Palm Springs is like asking me what’s my favorite limb on my body, but because my right arm is used to shake hands, sign deals and wave to my favorite song in the club, I’ll pick one—the Kaufmann House. It’s one of the most loved homes in Palm Springs and has been photographed a million times over, but it’s still a sight to behold. Designed by master architect Richard Neutra in 1946, it was thrust into the celebrity limelight by Barry Manilow in the ‘70s.”
Dazzles “It’s by far my favorite place to go for antique shopping! My boys Mike and Keith are knowledgeable about every piece in the shop, which turns your trip into an expedition of sorts where all you want to do is pick up pieces and ask about their origin. I’m a huge barware collector, and this place houses some of the most amazing Georges Briard pieces in town.”
The SpaTini “I ventured to Trio’s in Palm Springs one hot summer night and ordered up a cocktail called the SpaTini, because it sounded like it’d make me feel sexy and fancy. Cucumber vodka, lime juice, agave, freshly muddled cucumber—it makes for a magical summer night. The bartender at the time, Saul Montes, made that cocktail with so much vigor, I was hooked! Today he has moved to other locations, and I follow him around like a rabid fan to ask for the SpaTini made only the way he can.” Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms Estate “The Chairman of the Board had the best Palm Springs homes of the Rat Pack by far. Designed by E. Stewart Williams in 1947 for Sinatra and his first wife, Nancy Barbato, the Twin Palms Estate is true mid-century architecture beauty in the heart of Palm Springs. This is the home that hosted some of the most amazing parties in Palm Springs when movie stars were truly movie stars! It was also reported to have seen some of Sinatra’s most memorable bouts. There is still a chip in the bathroom sink from a champagne bottle that Ava Gardner threw at him. When I visited, it was the first room I shuffled to. No shame!” 60
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Gyoro-Gyoro Izakaya Japonaise “OK, sushi in Palm Springs sounds like a car crash waiting to happen. There’s something about heat and raw fish that makes me uneasy, but this is one of my favorite places to go, with a fantastic vibe, friendly staff and fun chefs. It was the first time I’d ever had black truffle infused in sushi—talk about love at fist bite!” East Canyon Hotel & Spa “For the folks not interested in waking up to coffee and full-frontal nudity in their face, East Canyon is the place. It isn’t clothing-optional, so y’all gots to keep your damn clothes on. It provides spa services on-site—salt rubs, massages, a steam room—and has a cocktail hour for guests by the pool that feels like the old days of Palm Springs. Meet great guys from other parts of the world and enjoy a dip.“ Playgirls at Toucans Tiki Lounge “Toucans on Sunday is where you want to take your friends for the best drag show, especially if they’re fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race like I am. A man who can death-drop and walk around and perform in six-inch heels—you win everything in life! You can stand right next to the stage, feel the energy and feel the drag love. It’s simply amazing.”
FRENCHIE DAVIS: ROBERT ECTOR
W
ith the goal of empowering young people and making a meaningful difference in their lives, CJay Jordan’s BrozWhoBrunch is a nonprofit organization seeking to motivate others to invest in and support local community programs. And how better to reach out to young professional men of color than through gatherings over light bites and cocktails? But in addition to his nonprofit work, Jordan runs the digital department of Overlook Entertainment, crafting strategic marketing plans for film, TV and
Sat. | Jan 9 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION 5K FUN COLOR RUN Palm Springs Art Museum
Work on maintaining those resolutions with this run/walk for adults, children and their dogs, starting at 8 a.m. psmuseum.org Sun. | Jan. 10 PEKING ACROBATS McCallum Theatre
The Chinese acrobats will leave your mouth hanging open and give you new ideas about contortion and flexibility, performing at 3 p.m. mccallumtheatre.com Fri. | Jan. 15 PARK AFTER DARK Living Desert Zoo
An adults-only guided nighttime tour of the zoo, combined with a beer-tasting event, starting at 6 p.m. livingdesert.org Fri. | Jan. 15 ANGELS IN AMERICA Desert Rose Playhouse
The first part of Tony Kushner’s classic dealing with AIDS, homophobia, politics and American society plays through Feb. 2 1. desertroseplayhouse.org
Fri. | Jan. 15 SALLY KELLERMAN Purple Room
The original “Hot Lips” Hoolihan has a sultry voice that has been selling out cabaret clubs for ages. Catch her desert shows Jan. 15-17. purpleroompalmsprings.com Sat. | Jan. 16 MARILYN MAYE’S SINATRA TRIBUTE Annenberg Theatre
In her six-decade career, the chanteuse has won every jazz and cabaret award that a singer can earn. She honors her friend Frank Sinatra with a special show, Her Way, starting at 8 p.m. psmuseum.org
FRENCHIE DAVIS: ROBERT ECTOR
A VOCAL POWERHOUSE HEADS TO THE DESERT FEW PEOPLE HAVE COMPETED on two different singing competition shows, but Franchell “Frenchie” Davis can claim that distinction, having appeared on both American Idol in 2003 and The Voice in 2011 as part of Christina Aguilera’s team. Now she brings a new cabaret show to the desert’s Copa Room for two nights this month. Sandwiched between those two competitions, th e 3 6 -ye a r- old Davis joined the Broadway cast of Rent, then later was in a West Coast touring production of Dreamgirls playing Effie. The Washington, D.C.-born, Los Angeles-raised Davis also keeps iTunes busy with her R&B powerhouse singles like “When Love Takes Over,” “Love’s Got a Hold on Me” and the recent “Stand (By Me).” In 2012, Davis came out as bisexual herself, saying, “I want to live my life to inspire FRENCHIE people to be brave and couDAVIS rageous, to believe in themJan. 16 & 17 Copa Room selves and never take no for an coparoomtickets.com answer.” —James F. Mills JANUARY 20, 2016
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GAYDAR Start the new year with a great book on your bedside table. Frontiers has five copies of The Danish Girl to give away to our readers. Head to FrontiersMedia.com to find out how.
READING RAINBOW
In our ever-growing gay world, where paradise is a library that never closes and no friend is as loyal as a book, reading is fundamental CLIFF’S NOTES VERSION, PLEASE
TURNING KIDS GAY EVERYWHERE
No, it’s nothing like that lunch you had in Warm Sands
BOOK CLUBWORTHY
AN LGBT MUST-READ
A GAY BESTSELLER
OUR FAVORITE PULP FICTION
The Hardy Boys were like Charlie’s Angels produced by Bel Ami
It’s like The Secret for baby gays Those Twilight twerps have nothing on Lestat, fiction’s ruling sexy vamp
A Hollywood legend spills the beans
What tales did the lady Madrigal leave untold?
The genius of Capote came with a price
So much for my happy ending Lemme get this straight: I stay young forever and a painting takes the heat? Where do I sign?
Time for a little spring cleaning? Is that a wand in your pocket, Dumblebore, or are you just happy to see us?
Hey, Hollywood, instead of vampires and werewolves, how about making these YA books into movies?
David Sedaris’ Santaland Diaries— the antidote to any Christmas cheer overdose
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Stephen King’s Carrie taught us that it’s a cruel world out there, so you’d better be dressed for it
Ever been down the paint aisle of a Home Depot? There’s a helluva lot more than 50 shades of grey
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