GED MAGAZINE JULY 2024

DoxyPEP

FROM THE EDITOR

HELLO SUMMER!

Our summer travel issue is here and featuring the Stefan and Sebastian, the Nomadic Boys. This Greek/French couple met by chance in 2009, and after taking social media by storm, are now debuting their first travel book, Out in the World: The Gay Guys to Travelling the World. Their mission is to inspire travelers from the queer community and show them all the travel opportunities in the world while keeping things safe and fun.

A equally talented couple, Erik Braverman and Jonathan Cottrell, are bringing diversity to sports, as the new owners of GYM Bar in West Hollywood, and through Eric’s role as Senior VP with the LA Dodgers.

The GED Magazine Team is committed to bringing you the best in LGBTQ entertainment, nightlife, travel, and lifestyles, and GED continues to bring you new events and new excitement, including Issue Release parties across California, monthly BINGO with Ethylina Canne the second Sunday of each month at The Roost Lounge in Cathedral City, and more BIG event announcements coming soon! Visit us on the web at GEDmag.com and sign up for our monthly insider newsletter. Insiders will also be entered into future drawings for trips, event tickets, dinners and more. And for all the updates on social media, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @GEDmagazine and tag us in your photos to be featured… #GEDmag

GED MAGAZINE is here for YOUR entertainment!

— MICHAEL WESTMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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Billy Francesca

Daniel Hirsch

Ethylina Canne

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Dear Idiot,

I have just about had it with a friend of mine! I mean how many of “a friend’s wedding” can you go to, before you just say ‘F-it’ and stop going? We are on number three now and she is only 32 years old. Between the non-stop support and having to start over with these new people every couple of years, it’s kinda exhausting. This is a really good friend and I have tried the, “Oh we’re doing this again” joke, but I think this is just who she has become. And this one is a destination wedding! I don’t want to be a negative force, but this is nuts. Thanks -Always a Bridesmaid, I think I hate the bride.

Lord Baby Jesus, What a month!

I’’m not saying I’m ‘PRIDED’ Out, but boy are my hooves killing me! A fantastic June of celebration, awareness, and of course cocktails!

Loving the emails I am getting - actual people asking some really good advice questions! I guess the word is out that a life of mistakes and airport holding cells, has really shaped me into the fine upstanding young soccer mom you see before you…. [Laughs] Maybe the doctor was right, I do need to take all the pills they give me. Anywho, here we go…

BY BILLY FRANCESCA

Dear “Always a Bridesmaid, I think I hate the bride,” I literally almost spit out my moonshine when I saw your sign off. Ok, so, Yeah I would be ready to ‘F-this’ too. It sounds like you have tried to sort of “corral you friend in,” with going all out with these weddings, and a destination wedding, absolutely not.

The fact is, wedding or not, friends change, and our paths change too obviously. Sometimes we can still be around those people, sometimes, it just doesn’t work anymore. This isn’t totally about another wedding, it is about seeing the distance in a friendship, that you clearly value.

If it were me, and unless I really wanted to go to WHEREVER this wedding is, it would be a hard pass. Maybe your friend will get mad, sure, but now this opens up the conversation about why so many grand weddings. If not, and your friend understands, great, you dodged this bouquet. (See how I did that? I’m a riot!) But a deeper conversation is just around the corner, like an annulment.

(BAM! Two for two.) Hang in there babe!

Dear Idiot, What’s your take on fisting? My new boyfriend wants me to try it and I am not so sure that is for me. It doesn’t sound fun.

Thanks -Maybe I am Vanilla

Dear Vanilla, Hard Pass! I mean, I love the muppets as much as the next tap-dancing queer, but that is of no interest to me either. Putting this one sexual endeavor aside, do you enjoy other facets of sex with this new guy? I wouldn’t say you are vanilla because you are on the fence about this new thing. Maybe watch him with someone else, I mean, if you can sit through Gilmore Girls, you can watch anything.

I feel relationships work best when we are truthful with ourselves and our partner, trying to “make someone else happy,” at our own unhappiness is not a way to solve anything. Be open with him and see what he says. If you see him grabbing crisco and a tarp, clearly he wasn’t listening. Hope this helps. XO

Hooker faces - keep writing in, asking, talking, sharing, and of course, being good humans!

All My Love, BF

ALASKA STILL SETTING THE TOWN ON FIRE

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

Alaska set screens on fire when she first entered the Werk Room on the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Tall, lean, and full of spitfire, it was clear she was going to become a major part of Dragstory. Ending up placing as runner-up for her debut season and the winner of the 2nd season of All Stars, she has created an empire beyond the Drag Race runway that has cultivated into studio albums, tours, music videos, podcasts, a comedy special, web series, a fragrance, a memoir, a stage musical, and her most recent hit single, “Sweatpants.” When does she sleep?

Alaska hails from the town of Eerie, Pennsylvania.

What did you learn about life from growing up in Erie that you still subscribe to this day?

There’s a working-class sort of sense of humor in Erie and my whole family is very funny. I didn’t really realize this-- I was just used to being around funny people who used swear words a lot.

Alaska would go on to study theatre at the University of Pittsburgh, moving to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. Becoming disenchanted with finding work as an actor, he developed Alaska and became entrenched in the club scene in West Hollywood.

How was it settling into LA, what did you love the most, what was the hardest to get used to?

I liked the weather, and I liked riding my bike. And I like the fact that you can find nature or culture or fashion if you go looking for it. But LA is still hard. It’s a working town, and everyone is working all the time. Quite frankly I enjoy doing nothing whenever possible. But you can do that in LA too.

Regarding your early acting career in Los Angeles, what were some of your early auditions like? Any horror stories?

I arranged to take professional headshots with my friend who had a camera. It was like an existential crisis. I was like, “Who is going to hire this skinny weird kid in ill-fitting vintage clothes and a lip piercing and emo hair?” I

never ended up using the headshots.

When did it click that drag was where your passion was, and that’s what you wanted to do?

I had no discipline or talent for going on auditions or submitting headshots or any of the things it takes to be an actual actor. So, I did Drag because it was fun and I didn’t know what I was doing with my life, so I needed to do something to not lose my mind. Then I got a job the first night I went out in Drag. I kept doing it because it’s how I found my community and where I belonged.

Favorite part about doing drag? The show.

Least favorite part about doing drag? Waiting for the show to start.

After auditioning for every year for Drag Race, she was finally cast for the show’s fifth season. After placing runnerup with Roxxxy Andrews, Alaska wasted no time in keeping the spotlight on his drag, and his career began to explode as he jumped into numerous projects in a diverse group of mediums.

What did you learn most about yourself getting through Drag Race?

Drag Race is like therapy and it’s very personal. They were trying to teach me that I need to stand alone and separate myself from the strong personalities I like to be around, like RoLaskaTox (BFFs Roxxxy Andrews, Alaska, and Detox). On Drag Race you have to strive to be “the best” or “the only one,” or the show doesn’t work. But I love my friends and I’ll never send Roxxxy home. And I’ve learned in time that it’s actually more fun being one of the Supremes than Diana Ross all the time.

You have developed a whole empire outside of the Drag Race world. To what do you attribute your success outside of the show?

I don’t get it twisted. My life would be quite different if it weren’t for Drag Race. And I’m grateful for that every day and the doors they’ve opened. But

“Drag Race is like therapy and it’s very personal. They were trying to teach me that I need to stand alone and separate myself from the strong personalities I like to be around.”

THESE NOMADIC BOYS

HAVE GAY TRAVEL UNLOCKED

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

“We used our social media to inspire gay travelers to plan a fun and safe trip. By setting the aim of our posts in this way we’ve already set the standard for the type of content we want to publish.”

For over a decade, the Nomadic Boys, made up of couple Stefan and Sebastien (Seby), have been killing it in the social media scene with curated content from traveling the world. What started off by sharing pictures and videos from their travels with family friends has evolved to a full brand, a website, and now their debut travel book, Out in the World: The Gay Guys to Travelling the World. Their mission is to inspire travelers from the queer community and show them all the travel opportunities in the world while keeping things safe and fun.

This Greek/French couple met by chance, or fate, in London in 2009 at a gay bar as Stefan had plans to meet with a colleague and Sebastien was celebrating his decision to move to Spain.

SEBY: It was at the GAY bar in the smoking area. At first, we were both too shy to talk to each other, so as we were leaving, Stefan’s friend went over to Seby and got his number for Stefan.

STEFAN: After a few days of messaging/emailing, we had our first date at Le Beaujolais bar in Leicester Square – it was Friday 27th February, a day we continue to celebrate every year!

STEFAN: It absolutely was love at first sight! I’ll never forget the moment I first saw Seby, those puppy eyes staring at me with the cutest smile you’ve ever seen.

SEBY: I knew it was serious from the moment we got talking on our first date. We had so much in common, everything from our backgrounds, our interests, our music tastes, and most important of all, the desire to see the world!

Needless to say, Sebastien did not end up moving to Spain. They settled down in London and made a comfortable life for themselves, Stefan working as a lawyer and Sebastien working in finance. Their vacation was relegated to two-week holidays during the year, and the couple wanted more.

SEBY: The first thing I said to Stefan at the beginning of our relationship was that I did not want to stay in London forever. I wanted to travel but slowly. I wanted to find a way to make money online so that I could be based anywhere. I wanted to live in places like Buenos Aires and Barcelona for extended periods of time. I remember telling Stefan this. His reply? He took my hand, looked me in the eye, and said, “I would LOVE to go with you!”

The couple saved up their money, left their jobs and life in London behind, and embarked on an 18-month trip through Asia. They knew little to nothing of Asia and decided to explore the continent slowly, sometimes spending one month in each destination, making local friends, and experiencing the land from their queer perspective. They checked off Russia, Mongolia, Japan, China, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia on their travel lists. They started cataloguing their travels. The Nomadic Boys were born.

SEBY: So, our NomadicBoys gay blog started as a way for our friends and family to travel along our big trip in Asia back in 2014. We never intended to become influencers. We just wanted our family to know we were ok and to laugh along to our stories and photos we were sharing. Especially my mother who was always stressed about my wellbeing!

STEFAN: About a year into our Asia trip, we started noticing random people coming to our website. Our content had started ranking on Google for certain gay travel search terms and people were stumbling on our content. At the time there was little information about gay travel, and gay travel in Asia online so we were unwittingly filling a void with our content. At this stage, we decided to publish more content for LGBTQ travelers and at the same time started @ nomadicboys across all social media.

After their Asia trip, they returned to Europe for a few months and, seeing their success as influencers, made the big decision to make travel their lives. They set off on another 18-month trip, this time to Latin America. Their vacation turned into a vocation.

STEFAN: The most rewarding thing about being a travel influencer is the positive feedback we receive from people who have read our content and booked a trip or event off the back of it. At LGBTQ events or destinations, we are often stopped by someone who

recognizes one of our blog posts or has seen a video of ours on Instagram and we love this.

SEBY: When we were growing up, we had zero representation in the travel sphere from LGBTQ people. To be able to be a part of this representation for a young Stefan or young Seby today fills my heart with joy and pride!

In some cases, they were forced back in the closet for safety and legal reasons but were intent on not boycotting these nations to spread awareness and support the efforts of the LGBTQ communities in these restricted regions.

STEFAN: There are certain countries where being gay is illegal. In these circumstances we need to assess the extent to which these laws are enforced and therefore ascertain the extent to which we need to jump back in the closet – and of course if we want to go!

SEBY: For example, Egypt – it was my DREAM in life to visit the pyramids, but the country has a nasty anti-gay law, and the police actively enforce it using apps like Grindr to target and arrest gay men! So, for this trip, we booked a local gay-friendly guide recommended to us who met us as soon as we got off the plane and stayed with us for the entire

trip until we left. We agreed we would function as “friends” on this trip and avoid all public displays of affection. Also, we agreed not to post anything on social media before and during the trip.

STEFAN: We think it’s important to keep visiting these nations. At first, we thought “Absolutely not, we must boycott them!” But very quickly we learned this is not the best solution at all. By avoiding them you prevent the chance of being able to go there and help local gay/gay-friendly businesses. There is also a local LGBTQ community that would benefit from you giving them some form of positive visibility.

Almost 15 years into the relationship, they come as a package deal. Not only are they a power couple on social media, but they run and manage all aspects of their influencer business. How do they maintain a healthy relationship while working and traveling together?

SEBY: We are not only traveling together but managing NomadicBoys together. It’s certainly made our relationship more intense! I always said that the best test for a new relationship is that first big trip you do together. If you can survive that, then you’re both onto a win!

STEFAN: I’ve certainly seen our relationship elevate. We’ve got a better understanding of each of our personalities and temperament. Of course, we argue/bicker all the time – all couples do this, but NomadicBoys has made us tighter, made the relationship stronger.

STEFAN: Oh, there is one simple rule with us – “Seby is always right! A happy Seby is a happy home!” In all seriousness, we work because our personalities are so different but compatible at the same time. I am the driver; I like to get things done and am bored with detail. Seby on the other hand is a perfectionist and wants to spend ages deliberating over every single small aspect.

SEBY: We’ve also appreciated the importance of solo time and do factor in the occasional solo trip. This only helps the relationship and each other in many ways. I have to visit France a lot for family obligations, Stefan has to do the same in London, so this already forces us to separate in a healthy way every few months.

Making their relationship and private life very much public, how are they the most different than the version we see on social media?

We like to think we are exactly as we present ourselves on our socials. Most people say that to us when they meet us in person. Obviously, we don’t post online all the arguments and bickering – not because we avoid doing so, but because we don’t think it’s something people want to see online. We’ve alluded to it on occasions but always tried to give a positive spin on it. Our aim is to inspire LGBTQ travelers with our content, and we truly hope we achieve this.

STEFAN: We used our social media to inspire gay travelers to plan a fun and safe trip. By setting the aim of our posts in this way we’ve already set the standard for the type of content we want to publish. For example, I love the Eurovision Song Contest, Seby’s not so keen, so anything related to this I reserve it for my personal account.

SEBY: Another example, I LOVE gaming, Stefan does not, so anything about gaming I’ll reserve it for my personal account.

Literally having seen the world many times over, what do they want the queer community to understand most about other cultures?

STEFAN: The most important thing to appreciate from other cultures is that at the end of the day, we are all the same! We all want the same thing in life – a good career, success, happiness, a lover. In that way, we have so much more in common!

SEBY: One thing we found is that no matter where you go in the world, there is always a gay scene and LGBTQ community whether open or underground and it’s very easy to make friends with them. They are always eager to show off their culture.

Besides travel, how else does the couple “get away?”

STEFAN: I love baking and bingewatching a show like “Golden Girls” while doing so. I am happiest when I’m in the kitchen giggling away to Blanche and Dorothy’s bants whilst mixing egg flour and sugar…

SEBY: I love playing guitar and computer games.

With their long list of travel destinations, what trip has made the most impact?

Our first trip to Thailand together! We visited early on in our relationship and fell in love – both with the destination and the idea of traveling the world together. We also discovered diving on this trip and wanted more. This trip many many moons ago set the seeds for NomadicBoys.

Growing their travel empire even further, the debut of their first travel book, Out in the World, has been extremely well received.

Our book is our first-person LGBTQ travel guide organized into each continent. We’ve selected our favorite gay destination from each and highlighted the best things to do there for LGBTQ

travelers, practical safety tips, and a personal travel story – such as chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland, or gasping for breath at 5,000 meters on the Annapurna Trek in Nepal, or swimming with manta ray on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

STEFAN: Our main goal from our book is for LGBTQ travelers to be inspired and to also be able to plan a fun and safe trip. This has always been our goal from our 10 years of publishing gay travel content online.

SEBY: But most importantly, we want our book to be a part of the conversation for change that needs to happen. Growing up, LGBTQ visibility was almost non-existent. Homophobia thrived from our invisibility in society. As more of us have come out of the closet publicly in the last 20 years, we have forced important conversations in the press and online. It’s when these conversations take place that we start to see progressive change happening for our LGBTQ community.

We want our book to be a part of that change!

The couple continues to be infectious with their positive energy, artful content, and optimistic queer representation. Not only are we jealous of all the travel destinations they’ve been to, but also of the beautiful relationship they have built. After five years of constant travel, they have made their home in Stefan’s homeland of Cyprus. Their multi-month-long trips have given way to smaller trips so they can enjoy their home together. The world is at their fingertips, and we love seeing their journey.

Their message to the queer community this Pride season?

Love yourself no matter what! That *thing* that makes you different from everyone around you is your superpower. Own it, love it, and inspire everyone around you to do the same.

Follow everything Nomadic Boys at NomadicBoys.com

CLUE: You already know the names of the characters in this stage mystery, just as you know the weapons they will find and the rooms they will explore in a brooding old mansion. But can murder be the basis for belly laughs? On a dark and stormy night, six colorful guests, plus a butler and a maid, assemble for a dinner party at the palatial home of Mr. Boddy. When their host turns up dead, it is clear that no one is safe! Soon the guests are racing to find the killer and keep the body count from stacking up. Based on the 1985 movie, the laughs pile up on top of laughs, the sets and costumes are gorgeous, and the stage business is hilarious. This is the type show community theatres attempt, but oh what a difference seeing it in the hands of seasoned comedic actors.

Costa Mesa’s Segerstrom Center 7/20-28; and Los Angeles Ahmanson Theatre 7/30 – 8/25.

OLD GLOBE THEATRE: This San Diego jewel box is known and respected around the world. It actually includes three theatres: the 580-seat Old Globe, the 250-seat Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, and during the summer, the 620seat Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. At least 26 Old Globe productions have transferred directly to Broadway, and every performance I have attended at any of the three theatres has been great. Every summer they stage two Shakespeare plays in the outdoor Festival Theatre, and they are outstanding. They are trimmed down to 120-150 minutes, and the professional actors make Elizabethan English as easily understood as the evening news (and much more interesting). Usually, they choose one comedy and one tragedy, but this year they are presenting Henry VI parts one and two. Part One opens July 9, Part Two on July 16, with the two productions alternating until the end of August. Either part can stand on its own. The theatre complex is located in Balboa Park, which is gorgeous unto itself, and spending a few hours in the park (did someone say “Picnic”?) before the show, and then a glass of wine at their outdoor restaurant area before your Shakespeare. www.TheOldGlobe.com

PETER PAN: This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences ever since Jerome Robbins directed Mary Martin as the boy who won’t grow up and Cyril Richard as love-tohate Captain Hook for the 1954 Broadway production. The classic tale has been reimagined by director Lonny Price (Sunset Blvd.) with the script adapted by Larissa FastHorse and choreography by Lorin Latarro. And unlike most early productions, they use a boy (with a changed voice) as Peter. The songs are fun and the arrangements that I’ve heard breathe new life into them. And I can’t wait to see Peter and the Darling Children flying in front of a video wall. Should be amazing! San Jose Center 6/25 – 30; Hollywood Pantages 7/9 – 28; San Diego Civic 7/20 – 8/4; and Costa Mesa Segerstrom 8/6 – 18.

HOLLYWOOD BOWL: This Southland icon has been wooing audiences since 1922 and it is still incredibly special and a place you definitely should visit. The 18,000-seat venue is the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and they play orchestral fare most Tuesdays and Thursdays, but they also back up artists such as Beck and Chaka Kahn for their concerts. One of the biggest thrills of the season is any concert which features fireworks such as the 4th of July Gala (plays July 2, 3 and 4) with Harry Connick Jr. The orchestra will play light classics for a half hour, intermission, and then Harry Connick Jr. with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. You’ll be amazed that they can tackle just about any sort of music. And then the fireworks. Hands down they present the most spectacular pyrotechnic display I have ever seen –and it’s all synchronized to the orchestra playing a medley of patriotic tunes. If you can afford it, spring for the box seats, and either bring a picnic or order one to be served to your box by the Bowl staff. They set up tables in the boxes, and yes, you can bring your own wine. www.hollywoodbowl.com

hen it first came out in 2012, Truvada — the first-to-market pre-exposure prophylactic (PrEP) — was a gamechanger for HIV prevention. Since then, the CDC reports that more than 300,000 people in the U.S. take PrEP in the form of a daily pill. The FDA also ultimately approved both generic Truvada and a gentler-on-the-kidneys PrEP medication known as Descovy.

In 2022, a new player hit the field: Apretude, a brand of long-lasting, injectable PrEP.

To learn more about long-lasting, injectable PrEP, I spoke with DAP Health PrEP Navigation Manager Andrew Glorioso, who has worked in HIV care for 25 years, and who has lived with HIV for even longer.

What is Apretude?

Apretude is an injectable medication that’s used to prevent someone from acquiring HIV. It involves coming to the clinic once every two months for an injection.

What’s the benefit of injectable PrEP over taking a pill? Isn’t oral PrEP enough?

It’s all about lifestyle and being able to provide more options. There was a time when all we had to provide were condoms. Then we got PrEP. We’ve been continuing to expand what’s available.

Both oral and injectable PrEP protect against HIV with the same level of efficacy — both are 99.9% effective [if taken daily]. However, what Apretude has is the benefit of medication adherence. People who are on oral medication are taking one pill once a day, but are they really taking it once a day? Having to come into the clinic every two months for Apretude helps with medical adherence.

Who exactly is injectable PrEP for?

It can help people in situations where it’s difficult to adhere to a regimen. It’s not a one size fits all kind of thing. It takes talking to each individual and determining what makes sense based on their lifestyle. We deal with many individuals

INJECTABLE PREP TO PREVENT HIV

BY DANIEL HIRSCH

who may have mental health, substance use, or housing stability issues. Apretude might be a great option because they don’t have to worry about storing their medication or keeping track of pills.

Also, if somebody comes in and they’re interested in Apretude, one of the first things I ask them is: How do you feel about getting a shot? If you really don’t like needles, Apretude is not the thing for you.

Do the shots hurt? Are there any other side effects?

It’s a regular gauge shot. It’s not like a little pin prick in the shoulder. Some people have reported having injectionsite soreness for a couple of days and maybe a little nodule developing under the skin. So, it’s not completely without its possibility of adverse effects. That said, we also have people who are using Apretude and love it. They love knowing they don’t have to worry about taking their PrEP for two months.

Is injectable PrEP more expensive? Is it covered by insurance?

Our ability to get Apretude for individuals depends on the type of health care coverage they have. If somebody is on the state’s Medicaid program (MediCal), or IEHP out here in the Coachella Valley, those programs actually give individuals the option of injectable or oral PrEP, so it’s great. Medicare will cover both versions of PrEP. For people who have private insurance, it depends on the plan. And then for people who are uninsured, we don’t really have a mechanism right now to get them access to Apretude. We can easily get them access to oral PrEP medication for little to no cost. Anybody who wants PrEP can be on oral PrEP.

Visit daphealth.org to learn more about injectable PrEP.

MEGAN DAVIS REPROGRAMMING HER MIND

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

While Los Angeles may be home to a number of actors wanting fame and a lucrative career, how many have the true passion and hard work ethic to make it happen? Megan Davis is no stranger to the entertainment industry. She is a self-described theatre kid who had her first lead role at the Tulsa Opera in Oklahoma at the age of 12. Barely a few years later she again was playing the lead in The Day They Shot John Lennon at the Edinburgh Theatre Festival. She has gone on to TV roles and has earned a nomination for Best Actress at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards. With a mind full of creative ideas and a talent for words, she debuted her first book of poetry What Breaks Us this past year. Even as Los Angeles as she has become, she states that

she is a true Southern girl at heart, work ethic and all.

What ideals and what part of being raised in the South has given you the tools for life that you still subscribe to this day?

My love for BBQ food. I learned a lot of things, but I don’t know if I can say that I was the best at subscribing to manners. I was sent to manners classes. I got in trouble for throwing my tomatoes at people. I did the sweethearts balls and I nearly got arrested at the after party. But I will say that I learned a hell of a lot about kindness. I stand if someone older than me comes to the table. I will write handwritten thank you notes. I give the wave if someone lets me into traffic. I know all the words to every Garth Brooks song, I can twostep till I die, I loved beer and whiskey

when I drank, I can slide down shale into a creek and I can ride a horse. So, I guess being Southern taught me almost everything I need in life.

You got into the entertainment industry early on. What was that inspiration that made you realize you wanted to be on stage and in the spotlight?

I was just obsessed with telling stories. And being a part of a different universe. I read recently that adults still sit down in a theater or in front of a television and say, “Tell me a story.” When I get occasional panic attacks that I can’t stop, I’ll tell the person with me to tell me a story. Our interest in each other - in learning and compassion - sustains us in so many ways. It might be the only thing that still gives me hope in humanity.

When did you first start to realize that your sexuality was a bit different? It took me a while. People often talk about representation, and to be honest, it’s hard for me to understand why anyone doesn’t get it still, but this is a good example of it. Visibility is so important. Human beings deserve to see themselves reflected in the culture of society. We owe it to children to show them that they are all superheroes, even if they wear different capes. My mom told me recently that she wished she knew how different and alone I felt when I was younger. And I told her there was really no way for you to know because I didn’t fully know. I was still attracted to guys. Or at least as much as I assumed anyone was. When you’re super young it’s more of a social thing anyway. Some guy asks you to be his girlfriend on the playground, you say yes, and then you don’t speak again until one of you says ‘ew, yuck never mind.’ But when I started to get older, I was so confused. I didn’t know if everyone had crushes on their friends, or if everyone sat around fantasizing about their friend playing with their hair. We didn’t talk about sex in my household, other than the customary gift of the “What’s Happening to my Body?” book. And it wasn’t in any story I read. It wasn’t in any TV show I saw or any movie. There were no same-sex couples in commercials or in print ads. I had figured out my grandfather was gay when I was about eight because I noticed he was flirting with the piano man and I asked my mom and she almost hit the car in front of us. She asked me if I needed to talk about it, which confused the hell out of me, and then told me to keep it a secret. So that was it. That was all I knew about anything other than straightness. That it was something to be kept a secret. But I remember watching the bottle go around and around and hoping it would land on a girl. I remember hooking up with an older woman when I was a teenager. And I could tell I liked it more. But when I had sex with a guy for the first time, then I was really confused because I loved it. So, I thought, maybe I’m straight. Then I had sex with a girl and was like, well, definitely not straight.

“I think as a society, we treat sexuality differently for female-identifying and male-identifying people. They both are subject to the patriarchy in the way that it seems that men are forced to choose, and women are allowed to experiment but they’re not really supposed to fall in love with another woman, certainly not consider marriage.”

What is your coming out story?

I remember knowing it was going to be a big deal in my family. You can imagine, being from Oklahoma, they’re super Republican and super religious. So, naturally, they were thrilled to give birth to a queer drug addict. But I started sleeping with women and thought, well they don’t need to know about that. I’ll just tell them when I fall in love with a girl. And then I did. So, I did. I was really scared. I don’t care what anyone says, of course, you want your family to love and accept you. But that’s not everyone’s story. Not all

of them are homophobic. But a lot of them still are. Some have gotten better. Some politely “love me but think I’m going to hell” and don’t see that as their problem. And some are downright still hateful about it. That’s why I wrote the poem “Family” in the book. I thought they’d throw a fit but eventually decide that love was more important. Maybe they will one day. I did have a dream though that I was texting with my grandmother (mom’s mom) in Heaven and told her and she texted back “Aw, honey there’s no gender here.”

Megan went to Catholic growing up, something that would prove bittersweet. How did you deal with what the Catholic Church has to say about queerness as opposed to the feelings you were feeling?

Honestly, there were parts of it that were fun. I always found the chanting and the bells and the water spritzers to the crowd to be super fun. Slightly offensive that you couldn’t have any wine or bread, but you got a blessing, which felt a bit condescending. I just wanted the wine because I was already a little teenage addict. I was

quite literally ALWAYS in trouble at school. I remember getting kicked out so many times. For legit questions. One day I asked, “If Adam and Eve only had Cain and Able, then who did Cain and Able have children with?” I still think that’s a reasonable question. You know, I didn’t fully understand my sexuality yet because I was attracted to men too. So, I thought maybe I was just super desperate for friendship, and everyone is secretly longing to cuddle with their legs intertwined with their friends at night. I mean, when I was a kid - you were either straight or you

were Ellen. There wasn’t anything else. I couldn’t understand why I was fine with whoever the bottle landed on. But I was never ok with (what felt to me) like a huge amount of hypocrisy in the church. I have never been ok with religion. I have never been ok with the idea of telling someone they’re going to hell or placing yourself as a conduit between another person and God. And I am certainly not ok with the fake concept of “Why can’t we just agree to disagree?” Well, because my disagreement with you doesn’t come with a side of condemnation of your soul to an eternity of hellfire, Karen. That’s the biggest gaslight ever. So yeah, I’d say I’m probably not over it quite yet.

While performing at the Edinburgh Theatre Festival, she saw the powerful piece The Laramie Project, a reactionary piece to the hate crime murder of Matthew Shepard. She saw how art could change people’s perspectives and open hearts. Megan decided her Catholic school in Oklahoma had to perform the show. Although protested against, the show was put on and standing-room audiences began to fill the auditorium.

My director, Mrs. Oliver, was amazing. She took the play and highlighted the lines of the Catholic priest, who was one of the most loving and accepting characters based on Father Roger Schmit, who was the campus priest at the time Matthew Shepard was killed. This is a quote that really shows who he is - “I thought, ‘You know, should we… call the bishop and ask him permission to do the vigil?’ And I was like, ‘Hell, no, I’m not going to do that.’ His permission doesn’t make it correct; you realize that? And I’m not knocking bishops, but what is correct is correct.” She highlighted all of his lines and sent them to the head of the school but also to the bishop. They finally agreed, as long as we put a disclaimer about the church not endorsing the lifestyle of... blah blah blah. That part isn’t important, and obviously, we weren’t thrilled about that, but we got to do it. And that was what was important. Because, so often, even before social media, we live in these echo chambers. People

only express views that are the same as everyone around them. But this was important because no one talked about this in Oklahoma. No one was talking about the danger of hate. No one was talking about sexuality at all. I mean, how the hell are we going to learn anything other than our own experience if we don’t talk about it, don’t read about it, don’t take in art about it. And without that, we don’t have a shot at compassion at all.

That show was a turning point for Megan and from that moment on, she was committed to using art as a way to make a difference, to make the world a better place. She went on to study Acting and Musical Theatre at the University of Arizona. She then decided to pack her bags and head to Los Angeles to really pursue her career. What was it like moving to Los Angeles?

I was so terrified. And when I get massive amounts of anxiety, I just tend to not sleep. Somehow it honestly quiets the mind. As unhealthy as that I, when I first moved here, I would go 48 hours away and 12 hours sleeping. But eventually, the chatter got to be less, and things started feeling safe. I did like the fact that I could walk to places. Like the store. I know that seems ridiculous, but I had never lived anywhere where you could just walk to a store! I also really loved the energy of LA where it just seems like everyone is accepted for who they are.

How were your first auditions in LA, any horror stories?

Even getting to the point of getting auditions is really hard. It felt like I wanted to be in the Olympics but instead of training somewhere else and getting a sponsor, I just showed up to the city where the Olympics were in and asked to be put in. I mean, I have been in some weird situations - showed up in some pretty shady places for “auditions”. But what haunts me are the opportunities that I wasn’t ready for and missed out on.

Did you ever feel the pressure to hide your sexuality in order to make it in Hollywood?

Well, yes and no. I think as a society, we treat sexuality differently for female-identifying and male-identifying people. They both are subject to the patriarchy in the way that it seems that men are forced to choose, and women are allowed to experiment but they’re not really supposed to fall in love with another woman, certainly not consider marriage. Which is all just such bullshit. I know a lot of incredible people who identify as male who are attracted to all kinds of people, and I know a lot of people who identify as female who want to marry another female-identifying person. So, while I never felt pressured to hide my sexuality, I definitely felt the shift from some men around me in the industry once I had a girlfriend. Wasn’t hot anymore. All of a sudden it was somehow offensive. The other thing that has annoyed me is that I have had a bunch of casting directors tell me I don’t “look gay enough” which is a bit confusing, since I am. I mean, what do you say to that? Take me to a strip club and find out? Put a really hot girl in front of me and let’s see if I am? Such a weird comment.

She began appearing on stage and in roles in American Horror Story, 2 Broke Girls, and Bones. Her biggest onscreen role was in the Fox movie Hot Take: The Depp/ Heard Trial, playing Amber Heard. An actor playing a celebrity in the headlines is often a gamble, for Megan it paid off. I would say it did pay off and I’ll tell you why - when it was first announced in Deadline, I got more hate mail on Instagram than I have ever gotten in my life. I mean, just thousands of hateful messages. And from both sides. How could you do this to women? How could you do this to bi people? How could you do this to gay people? What makes someone as ugly as you think you could play her? What makes someone as fat as you think you could play her? Just on and on and on. And then the movie came out. And I didn’t get a single piece of hate mail after that. Instead, I got messages saying things like hey I didn’t really like her before, but I can see her human side now or I get it or I have compassion now. And

honestly, that’s all I was interested in. I knew it wouldn’t be nominated for awards or win any brownie points in the industry because the timing was too salacious for some people, and I get that. But I don’t care how anyone felt about her, she’s a human. And, no, she didn’t do herself any favors with her testimony. It was odd for sure. But I really never understood why people didn’t seem to understand that she was a 25-year-old girl when they got into that relationship. He was a 45-yearold man. I don’t know about you, but I have pretty different expectations for my behavior at 25 than I do at 45. And yet, no one seemed interested in holding him accountable. But that wasn’t my job. My job was to relate to her and see her truth enough to play her fairly - could I see her humanity, could I understand why she did and said the things she did, could I understand her wounds and her trauma and how those caused her to act out of fear, could I understand her relationship to addiction and attachment, could I see the world from her point of view? Because that’s what she deserved from me. And I hope that I did.

Playing Heard has been Amber’s biggest onscreen challenge, thus far. We had such little time to prepare and such little time to shoot. And I hadn’t seen any of the trial until after I got the role. So that was a lot of hours to watch. I ate, slept, and breathed it. And we would get handed new pages the day-of on set. And these are real-life moments. These are moments that have been well documented on camera. So, you can’t just improv and wing it. That wouldn’t serve the truth at all. It was hard for sure.

Over the past 12 years, Megan has worked on her mental health through poetry. At the urgence of friends and colleagues, she has put her poetry journey together for What Breaks Us, a raw and visceral anthology of poems that are provocative, heartbreaking, and inspirational.

How does poetry represent you differently than your other mediums?

You know, when I was a kid my dad introduced me to poetry, and he would read poems with me at night. And I would sleep with the anthologies under my pillow. Maybe it is as simple as I learned what my emotions were through reading poetry so then when I went to write them out that’s how they came out. Or maybe it is that my brain needed something to do so I could process the emotion and giving it the task of coming up with words in a sort of pattern kept the ADHD busy enough that I could feel. But I don’t really know. I think of songwriting as poetry, in fact, some of what I would consider my favorite poets are songwriters. Somehow it just seems to express the human experience in an intangible way that nothing else can. Helplessness as a word feels so insufficient but expressed in Edgar Allan Poe’s poem as trying to save a single grain of sand from the pitiless wave, it just makes sense, and it’s like yes that’s it - that’s the feeling.

It is a love letter to what breaks you…. What has broken you the most, and how did you get through it?

I was really sitting here reflecting on this one because there were so many moments in my life that seem an obvious answer to this. Overdoses, arrests, rehabs, jails - certainly those were all moments that seemed insurmountable at the time. But I think what I have really realized lately is how much I have broken myself because I was too afraid to speak my own truth. When I was little, I learned that love was protecting people. I spent most of my life abandoning myself if it meant protecting someone else. And I have really struggled with that. I don’t know, if you ask me tomorrow or next week I might have a different answer, but for today, that is true for me.

Which poem best describes where you are today?

Ok, I’m going to say two lines from two different poems - “I’m reprogramming my mind” and “Your feelings are not bigger than your purpose. They are

like the wind - eventually, they will stop blowing.” And I picked these because what this book has taught me was just how many beliefs I was carrying around that I didn’t put there. They were put there by religion, or society, or parents, or family, or any number of things, but that doesn’t mean I have to continue to agree that they are true. I really have struggled my whole life with self-esteem. I grew up in a violent household, and I was the only one that got hit. Probably because I was the only one who talked back. But it created in me a deep belief that there was something wrong with me - that I didn’t deserve to be loved, or that no one ever could. And because I believed that my whole life, I found myself in situations where I chose people who didn’t have the capacity while simultaneously trying to fight for their love. And it really had little to do with them and everything to do with my own beliefs about myself. And often, something will happen, and I’ll have an emotional response and then realize later that some of what my emotions or bodily reaction were telling my mind wasn’t even true. It was just old, frayed wiring. So, now I am in a place where I am really trying to allow whatever response my body has, and then, after it has passed, ask myself what is true and what isn’t, and reprogram from there.

What do you want the most from your future career?

I was thinking about this tonight. I suppose the best way to say it is I just want to continue to get to make art that I love with people who inspire me and hopefully make a difference in the world.

What is your message to the LGBTQ community this Pride season?

I mean, I don’t think I need to say anything except keep loving yourself no matter what people say. There is a truth to the fact that most people respond with hate because they are unable to love themselves, so anything that Pride is met with other than love is simply a reflection of the person projecting their hatred. Pride is important for so many reasons, but at its core, I believe it is about a group of people in New York City who refused to be persecuted for who they were and decided to fight back. And it is up to all of us to continue to honor and respect their courage by continuing to speak our own truth today. And, most of all, thank you. Because I don’t know what my life would look like today without them.

Check out everything Megan and What Breaks Us at WhatBreaksUsPoetry.com

EXPANDING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN SPORTS ERIK BRAVERMAN & JONATHAN COTTRELL

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

his Pride, GYM Bar in West Hollywood got a fresh look and new ownership. This sports-driven, community bar has served the Los Angeles community for over a decade. Backed by an investor group, the majority owners and faces of the venue are husband and dynamic duo Erik Braverman and Jonathan Cottrell. Merging sports groupies and the LGBTQ community is nothing new for the pair, the two have a long history of sports/queer activism and even got married centerfield at Dodger Stadium in 2022. Braverman is one of the most influential out LGBTQ people in American sports and was named among the Top 10 of Outsports’ inaugural Power 100.

Now fixtures in Southern California society, Erik hails from Houston, and Jonathan from France. How did they end up in Los Angeles?

EB: I moved to Los Angeles in 1989 for a job at KFI Radio. My sister was attending Pepperdine University in Malibu, and my older brother had already graduated from Chapman University, so I felt a natural gravitational pull toward the West Coast. I’ve been blessed to meet so many amazing friends along the way while spending the past 35 years working in radio, television, and for the Dodgers (now in my 16th year). My mother moved to LA shortly after I did, so I had my immediate family nearby. All these factors played a crucial role in helping me make it in LA.

JC: A Tech Startup is what brought me to California in 2012. I first moved to North America to go to University in Montreal at McGill. Within a year of graduating, I moved to San Francisco for a startup. Then about 8 years later, after meeting Erik in Mexico, I started visiting Los Angeles monthly, then practically every week, it was inevitable to end up in LA. I considered transferring within Google to a team in Los Angeles but chose instead to do another tech startup. Scenario (getscenario.ai).

And how did this couple meet?

EB: We met in November 2019 at Mantamar Beach Club, an oceanfront bar and restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We were both on vacation—me from my job with the Dodgers, and Jonathan from his job as a software engineer at Google in Mountain View, California. We happened to be at the same swim-up bar, sipping piña coladas. We had a great conversation, met up later that evening with our groups of friends, and we haven’t stopped talking since!

JC: The moment I saw Erik’s mischievous grin and heard his quick wit in that swimming pool in Mexico, my gut told me I was going to fall hard. I was cautious at first, but every step of the way as we got to know each other I was amazed by the person every inter-

action uncovered. As we say in French “Il Gagne à être connu,” which essentially means a person only gets better the more you get to know them.

Erik has enjoyed 16 years working with the Dodgers, serving as the team’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Broadcasting. He has been a major part of the team brand’s growth even beyond the world of baseball. He manages marketing on all levels, even to the Dodgers’ social media, making the team one of the most followed teams in baseball across all platforms. He is out and proud at work and heads the Dodgers’ PRIDE Business Resource Group and launched Pride Night in 2013, a night that has become the most anticipated queer-spotlighting event of the season. This last year may have been the most well-attended event yet, with Dodger players and coaches wearing Pride hats, a voguing competition, and a kickball session prior to the big game presented by OutLoud Sports. The Dodgers remain the leader in MLB queer representation, hopefully planting the seed for more teams to follow.

Our annual LGBTQ+ Pride Night has become one of the largest of its kind among sports teams, possibly even worldwide. I am immensely proud to have been at the forefront of this initiative for the Dodgers. As the executive chair of our internal Pride BRG, I’ve worked with many employees to ensure we engage with the LGBTQ+ community year-round. The secret to our success is our authentic connection—we don’t just pander once a year for the rainbow dollar. The Dodgers have a legacy of breaking barriers, and I am incredibly proud to contribute to that legacy with this amazing organization.

For Erik, his sports and queer life go hand in hand. Though he was out to friends and family, he professionally came out to Outsports in 2015 with the intention of showing youth that you can be out in pro sports. Knowing how labels can quickly put you in a box, he had wanted his work to speak for itself rather than just his sexual orientation. This professional coming out was

also extremely rewarding and went smoothly for me. Looking back, I wish I had done it years earlier, but I recognize that my journey, like everyone else’s, took its own time. There is no right playbook for how to come out.

I’m an executive for the Los Angeles Dodgers who happens to be gay. My love for sports has always been a part of who I am, and my sexual orientation doesn’t change that at all. I also enjoy RuPaul, drag shows, and spending time with friends and the community. Balancing both aspects of my life has allowed me to embrace my identity fully and show that passion for sports and being gay are not mutually exclusive.

What have been Erik’s biggest obstacles in growing LGBTQ representation with the Dodgers’ brand?

To be honest, there haven’t been many obstacles, mostly because of everything I mentioned in my previous answer. I think the answer regarding the LGBTQ community is the same as any other marginalized community, people want to feel welcome and safe, and the Dodger organization is committed to that being the case for ALL fans.

Of course, any traditional, American institution like baseball will be slow to change its views and inclusion. Last year the Dodgers successfully worked through queer opposition from a conservative group when it came to Pride Night and the honoring of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. The evening went on as planned and had over 49,000 people in attendance. What would Erik and Jonathan say to a Dodger fan who does not support LGBTQ inclusion?

EB: The key here is being fun, engaging, and loving for all fans. For those who don’t support it for one game a year, we have 80 more games where they are welcome. In time, like everything else, even those who don’t love it will learn we are just like everyone else, and we share a common interest - Dodger Baseball!

JC: A few years ago, I had an amazing interaction with a fan who didn’t realize he’d bought tickets to Pride

Night at Dodger Stadium. He asked me many questions, including asking why it was ok for the word “Queer” to be displayed as he believed that to be a slur. I was wearing my rainbow shorts and he approached me to ask some questions. I believe the atmosphere of good fun really created a space where someone who didn’t know where they stood was able to ask honest and open questions and I believe we created an ally that day.

Over the past few years, queer sports fans have gained a strong voice. More and more genres of sports are acknowledging the community and we’ve seen an increase in athletes coming out queer globally. This year Paris Olympics will host a handful of first-time openly queer competitors in certain events.

EB: I strongly believe this shift is due to significant societal changes over the years. In 1996, 68% of Americans opposed same-sex marriage, with only 27% in support. By 2018, those numbers had almost completely reversed, with 67% supporting same-sex marriage and only 31% opposing it. Additionally, by 2018, 60% of Americans said they would not mind if their child married someone of the same gender. These changes in public opinion reflect a broader acceptance and integration of LGBTQ culture into mainstream society, including the world of sports.

JC: As somewhat of an outsider, I’ve always admired the American value that anyone can follow their dreams and do what they love. I am so happy to see that the LGBTQ community is feeling increasingly comfortable bringing their different worlds together. Every person is unique and there are many things that make us who we are. I’m glad that “Sporty Spices” (my affectionate term for those in the LGBTQ community who love sports) is finally able to integrate their lives more fully and be their authentic selves.

Erik being so busy with the Dodgers and Jonathan enjoying a thriving career in startups, why GYM Bar?

EB: I have been a regular at GYM Bar West Hollywood since it first

opened in 2009. As a die-hard sports fan and member of the community, GYM Bar naturally became my “Cheers.” When the bar closed at its old location during COVID, I lost my go-to place to watch sports with friends. I’ve been friends with the founding owners since the New York location opened in 2005. They approached us in late 2023 to see if we were interested in taking over as owners, knowing our fondness for the bar. Honestly, it wasn’t something we had ever discussed before. After doing our due diligence over the next 90 days, we took on minority investors and were able to purchase GYM Bar WeHo, with the idea and plan to take it to the next level.

JC: Although I have never owned a bar, even while growing up I’ve always had a bit of an adventurous, entrepreneurial streak. Startups ranging from a cinnamon roll business as a teenager, a high-tech music startup, and a mental health tech startup (getscenario.ai), I love learning new things, and when the opportunity to own GYM Bar came about, it seemed like such a natural fit for my husband Erik, and I knew that our strengths would complement each other perfectly.

What can expect from the future of GYM Bar?

EB: We love that GYM Bar isn’t just our “Cheers,” but a cherished spot for many in the community. It’s important to us that it remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone, both patrons and staff. Our prime location makes us a perfect destination for bar hopping, as the beauty of the Rainbow District is that you can walk just two blocks and find numerous great bars and restaurants. Our goal is to enhance and elevate what GYM Bar has been while staying true to the identity it has built over the years.

You can expect improvements to the menu, restrooms, A/V system, and overall look and feel of the bar. Additionally, you’ll see a very present and engaged ownership group on-site, all of whom share our love and passion for GYM Bar WeHo.

As stewards of GYM Bar WeHo, our

commitment is not just to preserve its legacy, but to enhance it, ensuring it remains a beacon of community, diversity, and excellence in West Hollywood. Our vision is clear: to create an inclusive space that honors the past while embracing the future. Our goal is to elevate the experience for all who walk through our doors, fostering connections, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments. We believe in the power of sports to bring people together, transcending differences and forging bonds that last a lifetime.

JC: You can also expect us to continue showing all kinds of sports, Men’s Sports, Women’s Sports, International Sports. We will always do our best to make any fan of sports in our community feel welcome and have a home to root for their teams.

Connection is at the heart of community, and our goal is for everyone who walks into the space to sense that it is a safe space where they will be welcomed and have a chance to connect with other people. Whether that be over common interests or even their differences!

What are the biggest challenges they face owning a bar in West Hollywood?

EB: Like every other business, it’s all about delivering a consistent product that caters to a community of people who want to patronize GYM Bar WeHo regularly. We aren’t reinventing the wheel here. We are just shining it up a bit.

Since COVID, there has been much community speculation that the queer landscape is changing. We are seeing more straight families moving in, we see an increase in straight attendance at our bars and see other gay institutions closing their doors. Does this entrepreneur couple think West Hollywood is at risk of losing its queer identity?

EB: I think it’s a good thing that WeHo has become a fun space for all. I don’t think it will ever lose its queer identity. I think, like everything else, that identity is evolving as society does. As a member of the community and business owner now, I think that’s a great thing.

JC: There are multiple forces at play here. As the community gains more acceptance, many don’t feel as much the need to only go to LGBTQ venues, since they feel more welcome elsewhere. And people who do not identify as LGBTQ also now feel welcome to join our spaces. Although that can erode the feeling of having our “own space just for us”, I believe it is somewhat natural, and I would like to see us continue to have gathering spaces for the community, but I also believe that is it a positive thing that the lines are a little blurred on what constitutes OUR spaces.

Ok, inquiring minds want to know. How does this married couple maintain a healthy relationship while taking on this ownership together?

EB: This is all new to us. Constant communication is key. Thankfully, we are both level-headed, data-driven business people. With that said, we are open to any ideas you or anyone has on this one!

JC: It really helps that Erik and I really complement each other. Communication is key, but we also practice something with each interaction (and try to apply it in all our interactions): communicate with respect and always treat others with dignity, even when you disagree. Also, I strongly believe most people don’t thank others in their lives enough for the things they do. Erik and I practice gratitude towards each other. It’s easier to accept the occasional constructive criticism or someone pointing out a mistake when you’ve been thanking each other for all your successes the rest of the day.

The two are unified in their vision for the Bar.

EB: Our biggest dream is for GYM Bar WeHo to be a staple in the community for a long time to come. We hope to deliver on our promise to elevate the bar on many levels. Most of all, we want the community to have a quality sports bar & grill - don’t forget we have good food, and it’s improving daily.

JC: My biggest dream for GYM Bar is for it to be known as the place you go regardless of whether you are meeting

a large group there, or if you are flying solo for the day, and you know you will experience connection, validation, and all-around fun. And excellent food & drink. Overall, my dream for West Hollywood is that we continue to be a beacon of hope for young people all over the country who are finding themselves and want to see what an inclusive, loving, and supportive community can be.

And their message to the community this Pride?

EB: Happy Pride! We plan to be a place where you can come, in good times and bad, and where you will always find a friendly ear. Also, to quote from Ru Paul, “Don’t forget to love yourself. If You Can’t Love Yourself, How In The Hell Are You Going to

Love Somebody Else?”

JC: My message this year is twofold: those of you who have celebrated many prides, look back on how far we’ve all come, and although we have to stay vigilant, take a moment to smell the roses. For those of you just joining the community, we welcome you, and we want to be there for you to support you. Let’s continue to create an inclusive, welcoming, tolerant, loving world for all! Oh, and my little PSA: beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I don’t want to hear about anyone Yucking anyone’s Yum this Pride Month!

Check out GYM Bar’s new menu and spruced-up environment. Follow them on IG: @WehoGYMBar

ETHYL’S PLACE

THE JEWEL

OF THE DESERT

BY ETHYLINA CANNE

I

I don’t know about you, but I love to accessorize. They say it’s what makes us different from the animals. If that were true, and since I do accessorize my adorable tan chihuahua Joey, I guess he and I are ARE the same... [Laughs] When it comes to the accessories I wear, they are either custom creations from some of my talented friends who are jewelry designers, or vintage pieces I pick up here and there. I try to stay away from buying the “wear it once and throw it away” selection that the fashion district in downtown LA offers. I like

good quality baubles that last the test of time.

I’m so thrilled I was able to catch up with Joan Manuel Rivera and talk to him about his jewelry company Desert Girl PS, right here in the Coachella Valley.

How long have you been in the jewelry business and how did you start working with BMA Inc?

I’ve been in the jewelry business for four years, starting as the personal assistant to the owner of BMA, Inc. during the early months of COVID. Initially unaware of the nature of his business, we met serendipitously in

Palm Springs, where I had recently moved after losing a job offer in the Coachella Valley due to COVID. We met from a distance during the stayat-home mandates, and I took a liking to his dog, DG (Desert Girl), whom I offered to groom. This encounter led to him asking if I would be interested in assisting with personal tasks, and eventually, business tasks as trust was built. I soon found myself in apprentice mode, learning the business of buying and reselling jewelry, art, and more. While primarily serving as his executive assistant, I leveraged my background in retail management, sales, marketing, and event production to make significant changes in the retail and office operations of the business.

My employer’s home base is a major East Coast city, so I split my time between Palm Springs and the East Coast, continuously learning about the business, identifying trends, and more. Over the past four years, I’ve learned how to test metals and stones, distinguish different styles and eras, and gained invaluable education from many teachers in the field.

What types of jewelry do you sell at Misty’s Consignment in Rancho Mirage and in Cosign Design? Do you cater to all women, or do you have a specific client that you focus on and buy for?

At our jewelry shop inside Misty’s Consignment Store in Rancho Mirage, we have a reputation for carrying some of the most exquisite jewelry that caters to all lovers of beautifully crafted pieces of art, whether it’s a signed vintage Chanel piece or a gorgeous, handcrafted sterling silver and turquoise artisan work. We believe jewelry has no gender, and if you love a ring that was made for a smaller finger, we can partner with my amazing jeweler to resize and customize it just for you.

After all those years working as the Executive Assistant, you are getting ready to take over the business as your very own. What changes will you make, if any, and are you excited to essentially be your own boss?

Having been more than just an

executive assistant, I have grown into a role where I now manage our amazing staff—some of whom have been with us for over seven years and bring a wealth of knowledge and loyalty. My responsibilities include going on house calls and meeting with clients who want to part with items that still have life, finding them new homes, and keeping them from landfills. I feel a strong sense of responsibility to maintain and build upon the legacy my boss created, providing jobs for our incredible sales ladies, who are the backbone of the store even at 80+ years old, while also bringing in new experts in the field.

I absolutely love meeting clients who need a little help figuring out what to do with their amazing vintage pieces and beyond. I will be rebranding to Desert Girl PS and expanding to a second location inside Consign Design in Rancho Mirage. We will begin carrying items that cater to a broader clientele in both style and price point. Additionally, I am exploring a clothing boutique where we will accept curated pieces for consignment along with handbags.

At the end of the day, I will never be my own boss, nor do I wish to be. I will always report to my team, clients, and customers who make it all possible for business owners and entrepreneurs.

What might I find perusing the items you have for sale and the range of price points?

At Desert Girl PS, you will find a well-curated selection of vintage designer pieces from beloved brands like Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and David Yurman. We offer exquisite pins and brooches that range from elegant to extravagant, reflecting their current vogue status. One of my personal favorites is our turquoise and silver jewelry, which includes everything from belt buckles to squash blossoms. Our aim is to make beautifully made pieces of jewelry art accessible to everyone, so our prices are within reach for most customers, while still offering extraordinary pieces for the seasoned collector.

When sourcing out pieces, do you head out to estate sales and such, or

do people bring you their baubles and bangles to assess?

Sourcing pieces is one of the best parts of this job, offering opportunities to discover new treasures from various places. Often, it begins with a walk-in at the shop looking to consign. Depending on the quantity and value of the items, I either conduct a review of the pieces at the shop or visit the person’s home. The ultimate experience is a word-of-mouth referral, where I am invited into a home to review an estate, which may consist of just a couple of pieces or dozens. Of course, a weekend local estate sale is also fun to peruse, as you never know what you might find.

With these two locations, are you able to see the same inventory online?

In the consignment business, it is tricky to maintain an online inventory because pieces tend to come and go quickly, and each item is unique. However, we will feature items on our Instagram page @desertgirlpsjewels, and we will soon launch an eBay store where you can browse and purchase our selections online.

Coco Chanel, the fashion designer, was supposed to have said “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.” Do you follow her advice or throw caution to the wind?

Personally, I follow Coco Chanel’s advice because, more often than not, in both business and life, it’s wise to take a

second look and edit. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have your own fun sense of style, but not all occasions call for every piece you own. There’s a time and place for accessories, and it’s important to match them with the occasion.

With exciting things do you have in store for Desert Girl PS?

I am excited to create an environment at Desert Girl PS where everyone feels comfortable and at home, enabling meaningful conversations to find that special gift for yourself or a loved one. It’s about connecting beautiful objects, designed and created by artists and cherished by someone, with a new person who will treasure them and give them another life. Above all, I am thrilled to have friends and business partners who are in this with me, looking to collaborate and uplift each other. This spirit of community is what has kept me in the desert and showcases what we can build when we come together. Lots of new wonderful things are on the horizon.

Next time you are looking for a statement piece or something specific to go with your new Sunday Best Ensemble, check out Desert Girl PS! Joan may just have what you are looking for and more.

Joyfully, Ethyl ethyl@ethylina.com www.ethylina.com

NIGHTLIFE IN GAY PUERTO VALLARTA DOES NOT DISAPPOINT

BY MICHAEL WESTMAN

uerto Vallarta is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. It’s also a gay mecca with world class nightlife. Once a sleepy fishing town, Puerto Vallarta emerged as a major hotspot when Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton made it their second home. From the 1960s onwards, PV has been a very fashionable destination. It offers the perfect combination of sun, sand and sea, AND in peak season it’s also one of the gayest places in the Americas. So, you just laned in Puerto Valllarta and are ready to hit the town. There are options-a-plenty here for your nightlife adventures, from bar hopping, cabaret and drag shows, to cruising and saunas. There truly is something for everyone in Puerto Vallarta’s gay nightlife scene. Here are some top spots to visit and tips for getting around.

PTaxis are cheap and plentiful. Don’t worry about how short your journey might be, taxis will take you where you want to go. Pay in Mexican pesos for the best rate and agree on the fare before you get in the cab. Uber is also widely available throughout PV and rides are inexpensive and come quickly.

The epicentre of the gayborhood lies at the intersection of Lázaro Cárdenas & Ignacio L. Vallarta streets, home to most of Puerto Vallarta’s gay bars. Walking is definitely in order in the Emiliano Zapata or Zona Romantica, so head out and explore the busy nightlife.

BAR HOPPING

ANONIMO – Huge terrace on the second level, perfect for people-watching.

ANTROPOLOGY was the only strip bar in town for years, and even with competition, it is still going strong in Puerto Vallarta. A tow-minute walk north of the River Cuale with over 20 stripper performing nightly shows.

APACHES – A popular lesbian-owned restaurant and bar on the main street of the romantic zone of Puerto Vallarta.

BLONDIES bar is a good stop-off point on your way back from the beach in Puerto Vallarta. Also perfect for an alcoholic slushie on the way to or from the beach.

CC SLAUGHTERS is where the boys like dancing once the bars close. On the opposite corner, you will discover Paco’s Ranch, the successor to the infamous Club Paco. Paco’s is a mix of tourists and locals thanks to its low drink prices, camp shows, and ample dance floor.

DIVAS BAR – Dinner, drinks and a show are a must at Divas with crazy Drag Queens and a fun mixed crowd.

GARBO – This piano bar is popular with everyone, the sort of place you can take your straight friends in Puerto Vallarta. A nice mix of tourists and locals.

INDUSTRY, located close to the busy gay bars, is Vallarta’s late-night dance venue. While the club opens at 11 pm, it gets busy from around 1 am. The club is open until 3 am. Enjoy fantastic light and sound, sexy gogos and world-class DJs. One of the newest and definitely the largest gay clubs in Puerto Vallarta.

LA CANTINA – Close to Mr Flamingo, but with a more relaxed vibe and friendly bartenders.

LA CHACHALACA – Fun happy hour and great for post-beach or pre-dinner drinks, just five minutes from the beach.

LA MARGARITA BAR – Located right next door to the famous La Noche bar, La Margarita Bar is a fun Cantina style bar with a relaxed vibe.

LA NOCHE is one of the best bars in Puerto Vallarta, a must-visit in town, and famous for its hot GoGos and rooftop lounge. Laid out over three floors, La Noche has sexy go-go boys performing nightly and special weekend shows.

LOS AMIGOS – Cantina Style Gay Bar Sawdust on the floor, a packed pool table and cold beer.

MR FLAMINGO – Busiest bar in Puerto Vallarta with an open-air feel, space for dancing, and the earliest happy hour, starting at 2 pm.

ONE SIX ONE – Stylish bar and lounge with live DJs, craft cocktails, patio, and rooftop.

la noche

REINAS – there must be a Queens’s bar in every city, and Puerto Vallarta is no different.

STUDS – Puerto Vallarta’s only Bear & Leather Bar, home to the Bearadise Parties.

THE TOP SKYBAR is Gay Puerto Vallarta’s hot spot with stunning sunset views, great cocktails and a delicious tapas menu. Located high above the Mantamar beach club.

THE CORNER BAR – Sexy bartenders and friendly service are hallmarks of The Corner Bar where they invite you go get “Un poco f*cked Up”. Great Martinis and cocktails.

WET DREAMS is a men-only bar in Puerto Vallarta with regular all-male nude shower shows.

CABARET AND DRAG SHOWS

Drag fans should reserve seats at THE PALM CABARET on Olas Altas Street to catch stellar live acts and mind-blowing tribute artists, from Beyonce to Gaga; the program changes each season. ACT 2 hosts some of the biggest shows in Puerto Vallarta with three beautiful theatres, the Red Room, Danny’s main stage and the Outdoor starlight cabaret. Program changes each month.

SAUNAS

CLUB SPARTACUS SAUNA is Puerto Vallarta’s largest cruising area. It is clean and modern and spread over several floors with a rooftop pool, steam room, large dark room, cruising area and private cabins. The staff are friendly and will give you a tour of the facilities. The early afternoons can be quiet, depending on the time of year. The busiest time is when local guys finish work, so post 7 pm, you will find it extra busy.

TIP: Make sure you bring your ID with you to enter, no matter how old. Also, bring your flip-flops! Post-work (7 pm to 9 pm is the busiest time)

The Sauna is opposite the main gay strip, close to the bars and clubs at 244 Lazaro Cardenas, 48380, Puerto Vallarta.

Industry

flamingo

la cantina

BARS & CLUBS

AKBAR

4356 W. Sunset Blvd

Silverlake, CA 90029

323.665.6810 akbarsilverlake.com

BEACHES WEHO

8928 Santa Monica Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069

310.360.0395 beachesweho.com

FIESTA CANTINA

88565 Santa Monica Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069

310.652.8865 fiestacantina.net

FUBAR

7994 Santa Monica Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90046

323.654.0396 fubarla.com

GYM SPORTSBAR

8919 Santa Monica Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069

424.313.8202 gymsportsbar.com

HAMBURGER MARY’S

8288 Santa Monica Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069

323.654.3800 hamburgermarys.com

HEART WEHO

8911 Santa Monica Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069 heartweho.com

HI TOPS

8933 Santa Monica Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069 hitopsbar.com

MICKYS

8857 Santa Monica Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069

310.657.1176

mickys.com

ROCCO’S

8900 Santa Monica Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069

424.343.0123 roccosweho.com

LOS ANGELES DIRECTORY

SAINT FELIX

8945 Santa Monica Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069

310.275.4428 saintfelix.net

THE ABBEY

692 N Robertson Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069

310.289.8410 theabbeyweho.com

THE CHAPEL

692 N Robertson Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069

310.289.8410

theabbeyweho.com

THE EAGLE

4219 Santa Monica Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90029

323.669.9472 eaglela.com

REVOLVER VIDEO BAR

8851 Santa Monica Blvd.

West Hollywood, CA 90069

424.382.1108

Revolverweho.Com

STACHE

8941 Santa Monica Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069

310.402.0770 Stacheweho.Com

THE BAYOU

8939 Santa Monica Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069

310.273.3303

Thebayouweho.Com

TRUNKS

8809 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.652.1015 west.hollywood.trunksbar.com

CLOTHING & LEATHER

665 LEATHER & FETISH

20810 Lassen St Chatsworth, CA 91311 818.678.9193 665leather.com

BLOCK PARTY

8853 Santa Monica Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069 blockpartyweho.com

BRICK & MORTAR

8713 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069

310.652.6605 shopatbrick.com

CIRCUS OF BOOKS

8861 Santa Monica Blvd and West Hollywood, CA 90069 323.337.9555 circusofbooks.com

LOVE CONNECTION

8244 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046

ROUGH TRADE LEATHER

3915 Sunset Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90029 323.660.7956 roughtradegear.com

THE PLEASURE CHEST

7733 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046 323.650.1022 thepleasurechest.com

YMLA

8594 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 ymla.com

HAIR SALONS

BLADE

801 N. Larrabee St, Ste #1 West Hollywood 310.659.6693

SHORTY’S BARBER SHOP

755 N Fairfax Ave West Hollywood 323.297.0554 shortysbarbershop.com

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

HEALTH/COUNSELING

AID FOR AIDS AFA

8235 Santa Monica Blvd #200 West Hollywood, CA 90046

323.656.1107 aidforaids.net

AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION/MENS WELLNESS CENTER

• 6255 W Sunset Blvd, 21st Fl Los Angeles, CA 90028

888 AIDS CARE

• 1300 N Vermont Ave, Ste 407 Los Angeles, CA 90027

866.339.2525

800.367.2437 inspotla.org

AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION PHARMACY

8212

•

•

323.653.1990 – appts 323.653.8622 – admin lafreeclinic.org

• 6043 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028

•

PALM SPRINGS DIRECTORY

• 1726 East Colorado Blvd

Pasadena, CA 91106

626.440.1719

• 360 North Fairfax Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90036

323.934.1956

PROJECT ANGEL FOOD

922 Vine St

Los Angeles, CA 90038

323.845.1800 angelfood.org

THE TREVOR PROJECT

9056 Santa Monica Blvd #100 West Hollywood, CA 90069

310.271.8845 thetrevorproject.org

VALLEY COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE

6801 Coldwater Canyon Ave North Hollywood, CA 91605

818.301.6314 - HIV testing

818.301.6390 - Medical Services smarthealthla.com

LEGAL

LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE & EDUCATION FUND INC.

Western Regional Office 3325 Wilshire Blvd #1300

Los Angeles, CA 90010

213.382.7600 lambdalegal.org

NATIONAL G & L TASK FORCE

5455 Wilshire Blvd #1505 Los Angeles, CA 90036

323.954.9597 thetaskforce.org

WITH GED MAGAZINE

COMPETITIVE RATES

STATEWIDE PRINT DISTRIBUTION

sales@gedmag.com

ATTRACTIONS

THE LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS

47900 Portola Ave

Palm Desert, CA 92260

760.346.5694 livingdesert.org

PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM

745 N Gene Autry Trail

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.778.6262 palmspringsairmuseum.org

PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM

101 Museum Drive

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.322.4800 psmuseum.org

PS AERIAL TRAMWAY

1 Tram Way

Palm Springs, CA 92262

888.515.8726 pstramway.com

BARS & CLUBS

BLACKBOOK

315 E. Arenas Rd

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.832.8497 blackbookbar.com

CHILL BAR

217 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.327.1079 chillbarpalmsprings.com

DICK’S ON ARENAS

301 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.327.0753 eagle501bar.com

HUNTERS

302 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.323.0700 hunterspalmsprings.com

ONE ELEVEN BAR

67555 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234

760.537.3111 oneelevenbar.com

OSCAR’S

125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 108 Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.325.1188 oscarspalmsprings.com

QUADZ

200 S. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.778.4326 Spurline.com

STREET BAR

224 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.320.1266 psstreetbar.com

THE BARRACKS

67-625 E. Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234

760.321.9688

REFORMA

333 S Palm Canyon Dr Unit 2, Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.902.6630 reformaps.com

THE ROOST LOUNGE

68718 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234

760.507.8495 theroostcc.com

TOOL SHED

600 E. Sunny Dunes Rd. Palm Springs, CA 92264

760.320.3299 pstoolshed.com

TOUCANS TIKI LOUNGE

2100 N. Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.416.7584 toucanstikilounge.com

CLOTHING OPTIONAL RESORTS

BEARFOOT INN

888 N. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA. 92262

760.699.7641 bearfootinn.com

DESCANSO

288 E. Camino Monte Vista Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.320.1928 descansoresort.com

DESERT PARADISE

615 S. Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264

760.320.5650 desertparadise.com

EL MIRASOL VILLAS

525 Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264

760.327.5913 elmirasol.com

INNDULGE PALM SPRINGS

601 Grenfall Rd Palm Springs, CA 92264

760.327.1408 inndulge.com

SANTIAGO RESORT

650 San Lorenzo Road Palm Springs, CA 92264

760.322.1300 santiagoresort.com

THE HACIENDA

586 S. Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264

760.327.8111 thehacienda.com

TRIANGLE INN PALM SPRINGS

555 San Lorenzo Rd. Palm Springs, CA 92264

760.322.7993 triangle-inn.com

TWIN PALMS

1930 S. Camino Real Palm Springs, CA

760.841.1455 twinpalmsresort.com

VISTA GRANDE RESORT

574 S. Warm Sands Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92264

760.322.2404 vistagranderesort.com

CLOTHING & LEATHER

EL TUGGLE

388 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.880.4338 eltuggle.com

GAYMART

305 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.416.6436

GEAR LEATHER & FETISH

650 E Sunny Dunes Rd #1 Palm Springs, CA 92264

760.322.3363 gearleather.com

PALM SPRINGS DIRECTORY

ROUGH TRADE LEATHER

321 E. Arenas Rd

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.699.7524

roughtradegear.com

GIFTS

DESTINATION PSP

170 North Palm Canyon

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.354.9154 destinationpsp.com

GREETINGS PALM SPRINGS

301 N Palm Canyon Dr # 102 Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.322.5049 greetingspalmsprings.com

JUST FABULOUS

515 N Palm Canyon Dr

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.864.1300 bjustfabulous.com

MISCHIEF CARDS & GIFTS

226 N Palm Canyon Dr

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.322.8555 mischiefcardsandgifts.com

PEEPA’S

120 N Palm Canyon Dr

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.318.3553

peepasps.com

PS HOMEBOYS

108 S. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.318.7388 pshomeboys.com

Q TRADING COMPANY

606 E Sunny Dunes Rd

Palm Springs, CA 92264

760.416.7150

HAIR SALONS

CUT BARBER

1109 N Palm Canyon Dr

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.322.2999

cutbarber.com

DADDY’S BARBERSHOP

192 S Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264

760.537.1311 daddysbarbershop.com

MEN’S GROOMING SPOT

68487 E Palm Canyon Dr Suite 43 Cathedral City, CA 92234

760.992.0028 mensgroomingspot.com

PS FINE MEN’S SALON

750 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 3 Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.904.0434 psfinemenssalon.com

REALTORS

3 BEARS REALTY

2905 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.699.6175 3bearsrealty.com

PALM SPRINGS HOME TEAM

Conrad Miller (DRE #01973983)

760.464.9559

Brandon Holland (DRE # 01986968)

760.413.1220 Palmspringshometeam.com

RESTAURANTS

1501 UPTOWN GASTROPUB

1501 Uptown Gastropub 1501 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, 92262

760.507.1644 1501uptown.com

BLACKBOOK

315 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.832.8497 blackbookbar.com

BOOZEHOUNDS PS

2080 North Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.656-0067 boozehoundsps.com

EIGHT4NINE RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

849 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.325.8490 eight4nine.com

FARM

6 La Plaza

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.322.2724 farmspalmsprings.com

JOHANNES

196 S. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.778.0017 johannespalmsprings.com

RICK’S DESERT GRILL

1596 North Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.325.2127 ricksdesertgrill.com

SHERMAN’S DELI

401 E Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.325.1199 shermansdeli.com

TRILUSSA

68-718 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234

760.328.2300 trilussarestaurant.com

TRIO RESTAURANT

707 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA. 92262

760.854.8746 triopalmsprings.com

WILMA & FRIEDA’S

155 S Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.992.5080 wilmafrieda.com

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

DAP HEALTH

1695 N. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.323.2118 daphealth.org

DESERT CARE NETWORK

760.561.7373 desertcarenetwork.com

DESERT OASIS HEALTHCARE

275 North El Cielo Road Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.325.DOHC (3642) mydohc.com

EISENHOWER HEALTH

39000 Bob Hope Drive Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

760.340.3911 eisenhowerhealth.org

MICHAEL’S HOUSE

1910 S Camino Real Palm Springs, CA 92262

844.768.0633 michaelshouse.com

PALM SPRINGS

ANIMAL SHELTER

4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264

760.416.5718 psanimalshelter.org

PALM SPRINGS FRONT RUNNERS & WALKERS frontrunners.clubexpress.com

STONEWALL GARDENS

2150 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.548.0970 stonewallgardens.com

LGBTQ COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE DESERT

1301 North Palm Canyon Dr, 3rd Floor Palm Springs, CA 92262

760.416.7790 thecentercv.org

REACH THE PS LGBTQ COMMUNITY AND ADVERTISE WITH GED MAGAZINE

COMPETITIVE RATES

STATEWIDE PRINT DISTRIBUTION

sales@gedmag.com

SAN FRANCISCO DIRECTORY

BARS & CLUBS

440 CASTRO 440 Castro, San Francisco, CA the440.com

BEAUX

2344 Market St., San Franciso, CA beauxsf.com

HI TOPS

2247 Market St, San Francisco, CA

415.551.2500 hitopsbar.com

LOBBY BAR

4230 18th St. Unit A, San Francisco, CA lobbybarsf.com

LOOKOUT

3600 16th St., San Francisco, CA

415.431.0306 lookoutsf.com

MAC’S CLUB

39 Post St., San Jose, CA

408.288.8221

MIDNIGHT SUN

4067 18th St., San Francisco, CA

415.861.4186

midnightsunsf.com

MOBY DICK

4049 18th St., San Francisco, CA

415.294.0731

OASIS

298 11th St., San Francisco, CA

415.795.3180 sfoasis.com

RENEGADES

501 W Taylor St., San Jose, CA

408.275.9902 renegadesbar.carrd.co

SF EAGLE

398 12th St., San Francisco, CA 415.200.2002 sf-eagle.com

SPLASH

65 Post St., San Jose, CA

408.292.2222 splashsj.com

THE CINCH SALOON

1723 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 415.776.4162

THE MIX

4086 18th St., San Francisco, CA 415.431.8616 thesfmix.com

WHITE HORSE BAR

6551 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 510.652.3820

HAIR SALONS

HEALING CUTS

2350 Market St., San Francisco, CA 415.286.2970 healingcutssf.com

SPUNK SALON

4147 19th St., San Francisco, CA 415.701.7865 spunksalon.com

THE CASTRO BARBER LOUNGE

2265 Market St., San Francisco, CA 415.678.5942 thecastrobarberlounge.com

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

HEALTH/COUNSELING/SUPPORT

API WELLNESS CLINIC

726 Polk St. SF LGBT Center 1800 Market Street San Francisco, CA apiwellness.org

BILLY DEFRANK

LGBTQ CENTER

938 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 408.293.3040 defrankcenter.org

LYRIC CENTER FOR LGBTQQ YOUTH

127 Collingwood St (@ 18th St), San Francisco, CA 415.703.6150 lyric.org

OAKLAND LGBTQ COMMUNITY CENTER

3207 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland, CA 510.882.2286 oaklandlgbtqcenter.org

PACIFIC CENTER FOR HUMAN GROWTH

2712 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, CA 510.548.8283 pacificcenter.org

QUEER LIFESPACE

2275 Market St, San Francisco, CA 415.358.2000 queerlifespace.org

RAINBOW COMMUNITY CENTER

2380 Salvio St., Concord, CA 925.692.0090 rainbowcc.org

SF AIDS FOUNDATION

470 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 415.437.3400 strutsf.org

SF LGBT CENTER

1800 Market St, San Francisco, 415.865.5555 sfcenter.org

STONEWALL PROJECT

1035 Market St, #400, San Francisco, CA 415.487.3000 stonewallsf.org

THE TREVOR PROJECT

866.488.7386 Text: 678.678 thetrevorproject.org

UCSF ALLIANCE HEALTH PROJECT

1930 Market St, San Francisco, CA 415.476.3902 ucsf-ahp.org

LEGAL

AIDS LEGAL REFERRAL PANEL

1663 Mission St, #500, San Francisco, CA 415.701.1100 alrp.org

OASIS LEGAL SERVICES

1900 Addison St, #100, Berkeley, CA 510.666.6687 oasislegalservices.org

TRANSGENDER

LAW CENTER

510.587.9696 transgenderlawcenter.org

HOTLINES

THE GLBT HOTLINE OF SAN FRANCISCO: 415.355.0999

GLBT NATIONAL HOTLINE: 1.888.843.4564

GLBT NATIONAL YOUTH TALKLINE: 1.800.246.7743

TREVOR PROJECT HOTLINE (Queer Youth Suicide Prevention): 866.488.7386

CALIFORNIA AIDS, STD, & HEPATITIS HOTLINE: 1.800.367.2437

SEXUAL ASSAULT - COMMUNITY VIOLENCE SOLUTIONS: 800.670.7273

CONTRA COSTA CRISIS CENTER for Suicide & Crisis Intervention: 800.273.8255