BLADE California 21-6/7 by Russell Poncik

VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 6/7 | FALL 2012

[ FALL ENTERTAINMENT EDITION ] RUSSELL PONCIK [ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ] blade.russell@gmail.com Natalie Martin [ copy editor ] Richard Vaughn [ design consultant ] · David Coombs [ graphic designer ] Kevin Fitzpatrick [ operations manager ]

[ photography ] “BIG MIKE” PHILLIPS | JRE | MEDIA | STEVEN UNDERHILL

[ founding publisher ] BILL LaPOINTE Blade California is published by Blade California Media, DBA Blade California.

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Blade California is published monthly for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered community throughout California. Contributions of news tips and stories are welcome. Publication of the name or photographs of any person or organization in articles or advertising in Blade California is not to be construed as any indication of sexual orientation or HIV/AIDS status of such person or organization. Official views and opinions of Blade California staff and contributors are expressed solely in editorials and commentaries. Opinions and views expressed in columns, letters, articles, guest editorials, and cartoons or illustrations are those of the writers, contributors or artists and do not necessarily represent the opinions or views of Blade California. Letters to the Editor may be edited for length and clarity. Blade California is distributed free at many establishments and organizational or professional offices throughout California. Subscriptions are available at $45 for 12 issues by sending check or money order to the business mailing address above. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, either in whole or part, without express written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. © 2012 by Blade California Media.

BLADE CALIFORNIA

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BLADE CALIFORNIA

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[ FALL ENTERTAINMENT EDITION ]

Inside This Issue VOLUME 21 ISSUE 6/7 FALL 2012

[ upfront ]

[ arts & culture ]

10 | Upfront 13 | News and Notes

26 | All Access 27 | This Pop Life with Erik With a “K”

[ scene ]

[ feature ]

30 | Classifieds 31 | Adult Classifieds 32 | Community Resources

24 | Fall Entertainment Highlights

28 | The TyRon Mania Show Presents [Orange County] 29 | In the Heartland of California [Central Valley]

[ emporium ]

[ ON THE COVER ] JOEL RUSH (left) AND TYLER POELLE star in the film festival favorite Love or Whatever directed by Rosser Goodman. The film was recently screened at the Cinema Diverse festival in Palm Springs. The storyline of the film is as follows: Corey (Poelle) had it all - a successful career, a sister who’s his best friend and most of all, a bright future with his boyfriend. But, when the boyfriend dumps him for a woman, Corey sets off on a wild journey of self-discovery that leads him to new love and life-changing choices. Poelle starred as Boon in the television series “Scrubs” while Rush has appeared in the Eating Out series of films. Jennifer Elise Cox, Kate Flannery and Julie Goldman also star in the comedy. Look for the DVD release of Love or Whatever in early 2013. This Page Photo and Cover Photo: Courtesy KGB Films

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upfront

DIRTY LITTLE SHOWTUNES Continues in Palm Springs [ BY STAN JENSON ]

AFTER MONTHS OF various fundraising efforts,

Palm Springs’ Desert Rose Theatre Company is a step closer to success with their production of “Dirty Little Showtunes!” which continues weekends until November 3, Greater Palm Springs Pride Weekend. The clever assembly of parodies of songs from musicals was written by San Francisco’s Tom Orr. He skewers everything from Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Very Model of a Modern Homosexual” to tunes from “Wicked.” It appears that producers (and domestic partners) Jim Strait and Paul Taylor have identified a very real need in the desert – affordable gaybased entertainment that isn’t in a bar. The audiences for “Showtunes!” continue to grow, and the producers have spotted numerous guests

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coming back with friends in tow. When completed, the new Desert Rose Playhouse will be located near the Mary Pickford Cinema in Cathedral City, and will seat about 100. Tickets for “Showtunes” are available at www.desertroseplayhouse.org. BC

Broadway in Drag Returns THE PALM CANYON Theatre, providing profes-

sional, quality entertainment to the Coachella Valley for more than 15 years is presenting their 2nd annual drag pageant, BROADWAY IN DRAG, an official Palm Springs Pride Event on November 2 at 8 p.m. The venue is located at 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. BC

upfront

QSPEAK Features Julie Goldman THE CENTER LONG BEACH will host the final in-

stallment of QSpeak 2012, presented by Anderson Real Estate Group, on November 16 at The Ebell Club in Long Beach. This closeout QSpeak will feature award-winning comedian Julie Goldman in a one-night only performance. “We are thrilled to host Julie Goldman for QSpeak’s final installment of the year,” states Porter Gilberg Administrative Director at The Center. “Julie’s stand-up comedy truly exemplifies QSpeak’s mission to host engaging, entertaining, and provocative performances for the community.” Julie Goldman is a former cast member of Logo’s Big Gay Sketch Show and has been featured on RuPaul’s Drag U. Goldman also appears in the

Julie Goldman

QFilm Festival Official Selection Love or Whatever, and most recently performed with Glee’s Jane Lynch at The VH1 DO Something Awards.

The Ebell Club is located at 290 Cerritos Avenue in Long Beach. Due to extremely limited parking, guests are encouraged to either carpool or bike to the performance. Pre-sale tickets are available now at The Center, 2017 E. 4th St. in Long Beach, for $10-35. VIP admission ($35) includes two drink tickets and invitation to an exclusive post-performance meet and greet with Julie Goldman. The Center’s QSpeak Series is a quarterly lecture and performance series featuring artists, activists, scholars, and public figures in the LGBTQ community. QSpeak seeks to inspire, educate, challenge, and entertain its audience. All net proceeds benefit The Center’s programs and services. BC

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news and notes World Gay Rodeo Finals

Haunted Homobowl Returns

THE WORLD GAY Rodeo Finals® will take place

THE CENTER ORANGE County presents

October 19 – 21 at the Will Rogers Center in Fort Worth, Texas. The host venue is located at 3401 West Lancaster Avenue. To learn more, visit http://igra.com/upcoming-events/igraworld-gay-rodeo-finals-2/. BC

Haunted Homobowl — the most fun you’ll have this Halloween with your costume on! Homobowl returns for the second year to 300 at Anaheim Gardenwalk on October 19, 6:30 – 9 p.m., and features food, soft drinks and (of course) hours of bowling fun. The host venue is located at 321 West Katella Avenue in Anaheim. Purchase tickets online at www.thecenteroc.org. BC

OCTOBER 15:

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day THE LATINO COMMISSION on AIDS (LCOA), the

Hispanic Federation and many other organizations organize this day. The NLAAD campaign works annually at building capacity for non-profit organizations and health departments in order to reach Latino/Hispanic communities, promote HIV testing, provide HIV prevention information and access to care. To learn more, visit www.aids.gov/ awareness-days/. BC

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insights

HEALTHCARE IS A major

commitment to ensuring the passage and enactment of legislation that will provide affordable Now more than ever, votand accessible universal health ers are overwhelmed and care to all Californians spanned confused and want to elect her eight years in the State Senlegislators who know about [ BY DENISE PENN ] ate and six years in the State Ashealthcare and are willing to sembly. fight for them. The economy Under this legislation, conis still floundering and even a sumers would have total freerecovery will not change the dom to choose their health care fact that many Americans providers who would not be emdon’t have healthcare covployees of the state but would reerage and high medical bills main as private practitioners. The have left many with few opbill designs a plan that involves tions other than claiming personal bankruptcy. One study finds that over 60 no new spending on health care. Instead, health percent of the people who go bankrupt have ex- care would be paid for by federal, state and county monies already being spent on health care and cessive medical bills as a major factor. Policy experts and legislators from the LGBT by affordable insurance premiums that replace all community have taken the lead in addressing the premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket payments healthcare crisis in California. Senator Mark Leno and co-pays now paid by employers and consumwas a principal co-author of SB 840, the “Single- ers. The bill would save money by consolidating the Payer Universal Health Care Act,” and SB 810, “The functions of insurance companies into one comCalifornia Universal Health Care Act.” The bill would prehensive insurance plan, saving the state and provide healthcare coverage for all Californians consumers billions of dollars each year. The bill and would have replaced hundreds of health in- would provide other savings by using the state’s surance companies with state provided coverage. huge purchasing power to buy prescription drugs. Senator Kuehl first introduced this legislation Insurance costs are shooting up, so fewer employers are providing coverage and premium costs are in 2003. When it did not pass, she reintroduced rising four times as fast as wages, 87% since 2001. the bill in 2005. In 2006, and again in 2008, the It isn’t a coincidence that LGBT legislators are Legislature passed the legislation and sent it to taking the lead on healthcare. It has been thirty Governor Schwarzenegger, who vetoed it. Following SB 810’s defeat, single payer adyears since scientists first reported the existence of a strange and deadly disease that would come to vocates are re-assessing their strategy. In the be known as AIDS. Thirty million people around the meantime, the single payer Statewide Strateworld have died. During this time, it was the LGBT gy Group is reformulating itself into the Camcommunity that was impacted in this country. The paign for a Healthy California, to prepare to wage impact of watching friends, family and lovers die a statewide ballot campaign in the future. The without access to affordable, sensitive health care Campaign is looking for organizations supporting single payer to join. But the LGBT communiis something that will never be forgotten. It was Sheila James Kuehl, the first openly gay ty needs to continue to support and elect repreor lesbian person to be elected to the California sentatives who will follow the lead of Senators Legislature who led by authoring introducing Sin- Kuehl and Leno and carry on the fight. For inforgle Payer Healthcare legislation. Senator Kuehl’s mation: www.healthycaliforniacampaign.org BC

issue for most Americans.

LGBT LEGISLATORS TAKE THE LEAD ON HEALTHCARE

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bladecalifornia.com

health I’M STANDING ON A FRIEND’S coffee table

buck naked. Harry (said friend) invited me over for dinner. It’s the middle of a very hot summer in my desert hometown of Palm Springs, California. Since early in the day, the temperature has soared well over one hundred degrees. The sun has now gone behind the mountain range which takes the edge off but not much. Even my friend’s unheated pool gets up into the nineties simply from the the sun’s rays. Yet when I first arrived, we shared a dip in the pool under the palm trees and starlight. Then we shared his delicious watermelon salad and pizza. It was not on the agenda to lose my clothes and jump onto his coffee table (not that we were wearing much at that point — in this kind of heat most people tend to wear as little as possible), but the dinner conversation stumbled onto Harry’s rich design career, and before I knew it, he pulled out his art supplies and I was on his coffee table as his live model. Harry has a mid-century house that comes right out of a ‘60’s James Bond film. The interior is mainly white, with a simple squared fireplace and matching angular couches and tables. In one corner there’s a chair in the shape of a teardrop. This sparse, cool interior (as if to offset the heat outside) seems to only emphasize that there’s a tanned, naked man smack-dab in the middle of the living room, but it also emphasizes my realization: I am completely comfortable. From dinner table to coffee table, I don’t recall a wisp of resistance or shame. In fact, I was naturally and

[ BY JALLEN RIX, ED.D., ACS ]

any moment and the decision would be respected. Further, he wanted my visage as his muse, and instead of getting all freaked out about it, I instead chose to be proud of my body. I’m not the hottest looking, but I’m not undesirable either. Besides, artists don’t always want bodies that are perfect. They want variety. In this moment, he wants me as I am, and I don’t waste the experience by shying away, or make some excuse about going to the gym for another month before I would be ready. He asked. I said yes. It feels great! I look back on the experience without regret. This is pretty revolutionary since the first 25 years of my life I spent believing what the Baptist church told me about the body and sex being evil. Sure, I’ve worked hard to become a sexologist, but if I can come this far, so can anyone wanting a more satisfying sexuality, even if it’s something as innocent as modeling in the nude! To conclude, I appropriately thank Harry for offering what he wanted in the moment and I look forward to future artistic vignettes together. As to details of what happened after the sketch pad was tossed aside, that calls for a different kind of column altogether. Stay tuned... BC

MODELING SEXUALITY

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happily eager to please my friend’s artistic side. Between adjusting poses every few minutes, insights keep occurring to me. That is, the insights I have about being his model also happen to be insights about healthy aspects of sexuality in general. For example, I knew I was in a safe environment. I knew I could trust my friend. We both knew we could say, “I have had enough,” at

Sexologist and author, Dr. Jallen Rix is a Professor at The Institute for Advanced of Study Human Sexuality (IASHS). He maintains a private practice in Palm Springs and San Francisco. His book, Ex-Gay No Way on Findhorn Press was nominated by the Lambda Literary Awards in 2010 for nonfiction. For more information, visit www.doctorrix.com.

insights

KEEPING NEGATIVITY OUT OF YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

contain a seed, no matter how small, of affection and shaved today?” “Wouldn’t the care. If the absence of critother shirt look nicer?” “You icism and ‘advice’ leads are always talking, can’t you to silence, that is quite all be quiet?” – Sound familiar? right, as you will eventually We often think of criticism re-experience warmth and as constructive. And that we friendliness toward each only want to make things betother. As you find things ter for our loved ones. In our to say that are neutral or [ BY HEIKE KHOLOOCI ] mind, we give well-meaning positive, you will begin to advice for how the other person should improve feel safe with one another, which is the essenand are helping them to overcome their faults and tial part of a healthy relationship. This is true for shortcomings. all your relationships, including parents, friends, Sometimes the other person follows our sug- siblings, etc. gestions to make us happy or to keep the peace To be clear, keeping completely silent and not however, most of the time it does not work. And expressing valid concerns is also not the right way while disapproving words can hurt your partner, to go. Suppressed thoughts and feelings can lead they can also hurt the relationship. What may start to passive-aggressive behavior and to a gradual out as a small slight or a joke might set a hostile decline of love and regard. Partners should of process in motion that may invade and eventual- course be allowed to express concerns and probly define the relationship. lems in a relationship. Presentation is everything, Whether criticism is phrased in a mild or in an though. Insensitive putdowns or hurtful behaviors unpleasant way, remember that it still comes from are not okay. the same place of (negative) judgment. Critics beA safe conversation should start with a statelieve that their opinion and the way they view the ment that describes how you feel about something world is the only reasonable and correct one. If your partner did. Letting them know in advance that someone does not share their view, they must be you are going to express something critical takes wrong, or even crazy. Often, the criticized partner away the element of surprise and defensiveness, is not regarded as an independent separate per- and it allows you to state your concern in a thoughtson, but as someone to be shaped into the critic’s out and respectful way. It makes it much more likeway of thinking. ly that your partner will agree to a compromise. Criticism comes in many forms. Besides words, To create a healthy, supportive environment for there are touches, glares, or eye rolls. The message change in a relationship, the very first step is to remains that one person is superior and the other make an attempt to curb all negativity. Although one is inferior. Feeling inferior or one down is ex- that may feel difficult at first, in time you will begin tremely unpleasant and harsh words can induce to notice all the many different ways you were critanxiety. In response, the criticized person may sur- ical toward your partner. Such as making jokes at render, fight back, or gradually walk away. their expense or speaking negatively about them. How about making an effort to suspend all neg- Even this increased awareness by itself can motiativity? Meaning, you and your partner refrain from vate change. put-downs and negative comments and behaviors. Why not give it a try – no negative words, comIt is vitally important that both members of the re- ments, or glances. Witness how it impacts you, your lationship make a solid and permanent commit- partner, and your relationships.BC ment to this approach. Even if that means, in an unhealthy relationship, that you have nothing to Heike Kholooci, PsyD, a clinical psychologist in private practice, specializes in relationship difficulties and process addicsay to each other for a while. tions. To reach Dr. Kholooci, please contact her via her webIn my experience, all committed relationships site www.drkholoocitherapy.com “HOW COME YOU HAVEN’T

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news and notes WITH JANIS ADAMS founder of Care Assist Services ADAMS IS A Registered Nurse with over 30 years of homecare, long term care, and acute care experience. She serves Orange County and the surrounding Southern California area. (BLADE CALIFORNIA) SHARE A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND WITH OUR READERS. JANIS ADAMS: CareAssist Services was founded, and is managed, by me, Janis Adams, RN,BSN, a Registered Nurse with over 25 years of combined homecare, long term care, and acute care experience. My vision was to create a professional homecare company that would provide the highest quality in-home care to adult clients of all ages in Southern California.

HOMECARE QUALITY IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST CONCERNS FOR CLIENTS AND PATIENTS. WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE CLIENT ASSESSMENT SO IMPORTANT AS PART OF THE SELECTION PROCESS? An initial comprehensive client assessment by an RN in the client’s home provides an opportunity for the client and family to discuss their health issues, challenges and perceived care needs along with giving the RN a chance to observe the client in their own home environment. It also is gives the RN a chance to get to know the client’s emotional, spiritual, and physical needs so that an appropriate caregiver can be found that matches the client’s overall needs and personality.

With that said...CareAssist Services is dedicated to keeping each and every one of our elderly and adult clients out of the Emergency Room and Hospital through close supervision, management and an effective Universal 5-Star Plan of Care. We have a philosophy of care giving that focuses on helping adults but specifically older adults achieve and maintain optimal functional ability at home. Our caregivers encourage independent rather than creating nursing care dependent behaviors, focusing on what clients can do as opposed to what they cannot do. Our goal is to restore clients to their highest level of function and improved quality of life.

KEEPING A CLIENT HEALTHY IS ONE OF YOUR PRIORITIES. EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS. Regardless of whether or not Healthcare Bill 26 stays or goes over the short-term, it is clear that all Americans, individuals and families, are being held more accountable for their health and lifestyle decisions as well as managing their health care challenges. Education, being “proactive” and “Care Management” have now become mandatory in the Healthcare world.

HOW IS YOUR COMPANY ADDRESSING SPECIFIC LGBT CONCERNS? LGBT homecare clients are concerned about making sure they receive non-discriminatory high-quality care at home by LGBT caregivers or caregivers who are respectful and non-judgmental of the LGBT client’s lifestyle. CareAssist Services has addressed these concerns by hiring LGBT caregivers, and by providing an LGBT consultant to address the specific needs of our LGBT clients. BC

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insights

THIS WILL NOT be about Chick-fil-A. We have all

heard enough about that. This will be about the real problem; the chicken wing flap illustrates all too well that the real problem is ignorance. In the midst of the feathers flying over the chicken, I visited my mother and we had dinner with a friend of hers, who said things like: “I don’t know anything about Scientology, but I can’t believe Katie Holmes left Tom just over that” then “I don’t know what they mean by all of this talk about solar panels, but I’m sure they’ll say they cause cancer or something.” And so it went. Topic after topic prefaced by, “I don’t know…” followed by an opinion based on zero facts. Such was the case with the cockfight over the fast food giant’s anti-gay policies. There was too much stupidity bandied about to catalog in this or any other magazine. Starting with the ignorance of the chicken magnate himself: he picks one ambiguous verse of Leviticus by which to run his business and make contributions to causes that kill LGBT people, while ignoring the unambiguous section of Leviticus about eating or touching pigs. (Chickfil-A sells bacon and sausage. This is on a par with the moron who got a tattoo of Leviticus 18:22 condemning men sleeping with men, never reading as far as Leviticus 19:28, which prohibits tattoos.) There were the interviews with people standing in line on Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day: a woman saying that the founding fathers, in establishing America as a Christian nation, wrote into the constitution that a marriage was between one man and one

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Ignorance Kills [ BY WALTER G. MEYER ] woman. This would be laughable on so many levels if she weren’t serious and voting and giving more money to Chick-fil-A owner Dan Cathy. And there was the woman who quoted Jesus as saying, “Homosexuality is an abomination.” She didn’t have her Bible with her, but she knew it was in there. This would have been a good trick, given that a 1700-year-old book used a word that wasn’t invented until 1869 (A.D.). There is the right-wing/Fox News (aren’t these synonyms?) argument that gay people are trying to stifle Dan Cathy’s freedom of speech and religion. No one I know has ever suggested he isn’t allowed his opinion or his own religion. But my freedom of speech allows me to never patronize his restaurants. And to take it one step further, I applaud the efforts

of college students to boot Chick-fil-A off their campuses. That prime real estate should go to companies that will not use their profits to harm anyone group (other than giving them all heart disease equally). Could you imagine how quickly KFC would be thrown out if it were revealed the Colonel was a member of the Klan and a dime from every bucket went to buy rope for lynchings? (This example is not too extreme; Cathy does support “death to gays” laws abroad and “reparative therapy” in the US, which has been proven to lead people to suicide.) And if my religion teaches me I have to punch redheads, (sorry, Andrew, I needed an example) that religious freedom should rightly be infringed upon. What is even more distressful is the number of gay people who, knowing nothing about Cathy or what he supports, think it is no big deal to continue eating his chicken. I expect ignorance of Fox News and Michelle Bachman, but I expect better of my friends. And I get frustrated by the statement, “I just want a chicken sandwich, I don’t care about politics.” But that chicken sandwich is politics. It is money of the sort that cost us Prop 8 in California, keeps Texans from having job protection, and keeps Ugandan gays in fear for their lives. BC Walter G. Meyer is the author of three books, including the critically acclaimed gay novel, Rounding Third, which deals powerfully with the bullying crisis. He has spoken about bullying issues on radio programs and at colleges, libraries, and LGBT Centers across the country. His freelance writing has appeared in many newspapers and magazines.

insights

SO IT HAPPENED AGAIN: in a casual conversation

with a (slightly) older lesbian, I mentioned that I did not watch the “Xena, Warrior Princess” TV show. By the look on her face in response, you would have thought I had insulted her first born child and she immediately demanded to know why. She was clearly surprised that someone like me, who’s normally very savvy about community icons, would pass on such of a show. My standard answer was that I instead watched “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” that had aired around the same time. For a fan of LGBT imagery in the arts, it had the iconic Willow and Tara pairing, and a little bit of Buffy and Faith subtext when the latter was introduced. On top of which, it was a kickass show that had vampires long before the current craze. And if the answer sounds a little like I am avoiding telling these women my real reasons, it’s true. When I came out of the closet in 1988, I naturally tried to hunt down every movie, book or television show that had any gay representation. And since this was before the internet became the great virtual library and DVD choices were plentiful. This was at the time that TV shows maybe had a “gay episode.” I wanted to watch these shows to not only be knowledgeable, even if the portrayal wasn’t that positive. It was definitely an environment of beggars cannot be choosers. I would watch a TV show if there’s any remote chance of a gay moment -- if we actually knew there was one coming rather than a surprise. I would definitely frown if what I saw was ultimately insulting, which was more often than not Of course, things eventually became better.The token episode or character, turned into a regular character. That regular character turned someone who could actually become involved in relationships. And then we have shows that featured LGBT characters. I no longer felt like that I was a “beggar” and could actually become a proud fan. The rest of the LGBT community seemed to respond in kind. People could pick and choose shows by personal taste instead of constantly expecting something to insult their very core with general content that you may not had an interest in to begin with. I am personally pleased that there’s more than enough LGBT material out there that I have mostly passed on: “Ellen,” “Will and Grace,” “The L Word,” etc. Those shows had their fan bases and didn’t need

The Chooser’s Prerogative [ BY P. KRISTEN ENOS ]

little ‘ol me to be part of the viewership numbers. Now, that doesn’t mean everything produced should be considered a celebration of LGBT representation. Garbage is still out there, just like with other demographics.

There’s so much material, I admit that these days, that I can hold out for aspects that are of interest to me personally as a lesbian feminist who doesn’t mind intelligent and hot women. I no longer feel compelled to watch everything. So it goes back to why did I pass on “Xena”? It’s simple: I just didn’t like the show when I sampled an episode way back when. It had nothing to do with whether or not Xena and Gabrielle are worthy of being considered an iconic lesbian couple. And yes, I chickened out frankly admitting this because dykes can be…passionate about their loyalties. When I had prepared to attend the official Xena Convention earlier this year, I watched a few highly recommended episodes and saw that it rightly earned its place in the lesbian popular arts. I still didn’t become a fan though I admitted my completest nature did compel me to want to watch the full series... eventually. But once the event was over, I went back to my personal list of LGBT TV shows, movies, comics, anime, et cetera , and “Xena” still Continued on page 23

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health

WELCOME TO THE INAUGURAL “Monthly Dose,”

a new editorial focusing on HIV and other health related issues affecting our LGBTQ community. I am an HIV Expert Pharmacist practicing in Orange County for over 20 years. I was deeply impacted during the beginning of the AIDS epidemic and have been driven throughout my career to care for those infected with HIV and provide compassionate care to my community. My work in HIV is my Life’s purpose and the courage of all those who have come into my life, living with HIV and those lost to AIDS propel me each day to do what I do, both at Laguna Drug and through my consulting and MichRx.com. It is a privilege to write this new monthly editorial for Blade California. This “Monthly Dose” focuses on the 19th International AIDS Conference that was held in Washington DC this past July. This was the first time in 22 years that the conference was held in the United States as last year President Obama lifted the travel ban on HIV infected individuals entering the United States. The conference began with a visit to the National Mall to view the AIDS Memorial Quilt. There were 48,000 panels on display on the National Mall and other locations throughout Washington DC. It was a moving experience walking through the quilts and looking at each one as a vibrant person lost way too soon. The Theme of the conference this year was to create an AIDS Free Generation. This is a tall order and secretary of State Hillary Clinton outlined a blueprint for an AIDS Free generation and this is the goal for all throughout the world to strive for. In the US there is still a very high incidence of new HIV Infections in gay men especially in African American men. The HPTN 061 study showed that in black gay men 6 in every 100 became HIV positive within a year. Black gay men comprise less than 1% of the population yet make up nearly a quarter of new infections. Young age and unemployment was also linked to higher incidence of HIV in this study.

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AIDS Memorial Quilt

Globally the impact on gay men is also devastating due to draconian laws and criminalization of homosexuality in many African, Middle Eastern and Caribbean countries. Michael Kirby a judge from Australia commented that MSM are dealing with two epidemics, one is the epidemic of HIV/AIDS and the other is the epidemic of prejudice, discrimination and hostility towards sexual minorities. Additionally, Dr Paul Semugoma from Uganda delivered a poignant plenary address on Turning the Tide for MSM and HIV. One of the most talked about and exciting areas at the conference was Cure Research. After the Berlin patient, Timothy Brown was “cured,”scientists and researchers have been vigorously focusing on this area in the hopes of developing the HIV Cure and they are inspired to work towards that goal. The International AIDS Society is developing a global scientific strategy Towards an HIV Cure with more than 40 scientists and stakeholders. What does an HIV Cure actually mean? Scien-

tists view the cure as requiring either the clearance of HIV from every cell in the body or the establishment of a sufficiently strong immune response to keep HIV in check when medication is stopped. Eradication of the virus is difficult because HIV remains latent in T-cells and other cells in the body for years and cannot be detected by the immune system. When the cells are activated by an external stimulus they begin to produce HIV. The cells form reservoirs of latent virus that could cause viral rebound once the antiretroviral medications are stopped. Scientific and technical challenges exist. Basic science must be reviewed, new assays must be developed to tackle viral reservoirs and new therapeutic agents must be investigated. In addition to these challenges community engagement and activism are also key components in achieving a cure. The road to a cure is very complex and will take time (some say 10 years or more), it will require prolonged investigation in many areas; however, the complexity should not stop the attempt. HIV and aging is also an important topic to consider. People with HIV are growing older, there is the aging of the epidemic and as people age other issues come in to play such as heart disease, cancer, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes and osteoporosis to name a few. The HIV virus and inflammation associated with it has been shown to contribute to many of these other conditions, even in those with HIV who are younger than 50. It appears that HIV infection causes aging and those with HIV age faster (about 10 years) than someone their age who is HIV negative. Several studies were presented on new medications that are in the pipeline and near approval. Here are some of the highlights: The next One Pill Once a Day called the “Quad” will hopefully be approved by the FDA soon. This medication is a combination of Tru-

vada (tenofovir and emtricitabine) and Elvitegravir (the next generation integrase inhibitor) and Cobicistat (a new booster). The current integrase inhibitor approved by the FDA is raltegravir and it has to be taken twice daily. The new generation elvitegravir is taken once daily, but it has to be boosted. Gilead Sciences has developed a new booster called Cobicistat that is also waiting FDA approval. Cobicistat unlike ritonavir has no drug drug interactions with HIV medications or other medications. It is not metabolized by the P450 enzyme system in the liver and would be advantageous for this reason, as well as a better side effect profile. Cobicistat has been shown to increase serum creatinine but ritonavir as well as other medications such as trimethoprim (found in Bactrim), famotidine (Pepcid), ranitidine (Zantac) and tenofovir (Viread, Truvada, Atripla, Complera) also increase serum creatinine. Last month the FDA approved the OraQuick In-Home HIV test which will be available over the counter and used without medical supervision. This is a great step forward in getting people tested and ultimately decreasing the HIV infection rate. The important thing with this test is what happens if someone tests positive. Linkage to care is critical and hotlines are provided in each kit should someone test positive.BC

Active Voice

Continued from page 21 isn’t in my top 100. Yes, there is that much material there. Yet, I do respect the passion that is in those die-hard “Xena” fans. I am just as passionate about my own interests; I really was a die-hard “Buffy” fan so I wasn’t lying about that show being much more artistically satisfying for me. But the Universe does make everything come full circle. A couple of years ago, I was browsing in a used DVD store when I overheard two twentysomething women nearby. Apparently scanning the TV shows in front of them, one of them stated how she just couldn’t get into “Buffy” and didn’t see what the big deal was about. She said she preferred “Stargate” instead. I immediately moved away because I definitely felt like she had insulted my first born child. BC

[ FALL 2012 ]

bladecalifornia.com

Entertainment HIGHLIGHTS NEW & NUMBER ONES By: Kristine W. Release Date: Available Now Label: Fly Again

GIRL ON FIRE By: Alicia Keys Release Date: November 27 Label: RCA

ELYSIUM By: Pet Shop Boys Release Date: Available Now Label: Astralwerks

PERFECTLY IMPERFECT By: Elle Varner Release Date: Available Now Label: RCA

UNO BY GREEN DAY

Release Date: Available Now. Label: Reprise

BRIGHT BLACK HEAVEN By: Blaqk Audio Release Date: Available Now Label: Red General Catalog

SUN By: Cat Power Release Date: Available Now Label: Matador

FREE DIMENSIONAL By: Diamond Rings Release Date: October 22 Label: Astralwerks

PUSH AND SHOVE BY NO DOUBT

Release Date: Available Now. Label: Interscope Records

THE SPIRIT INDESTRUCTIBLE By: Nelly Furtado Release Date: Available Now Label: Interscope Records

LOTUS By: Christina Aguilera Release Date: November 13 Label: RCA

BEGIN By: David Archuleta Release Date: Available Now Label: Highway Records

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FANATIC By: Heart Release Date: Available Now Label: Legacy

GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES (New York City Encores!) BY CAST RECORDING Release Date: Available Now. Label: Sony Masterworks

DREAMS ARE GOLD By: Databoy Release Date: Available Now Label: DATABOY Music

Hello, Gorgeous: Becoming Barbra Streisand By: William J. Mann, Release Date: Available Now List Price: $30.00, Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Fragments: Poems, Intimate Notes, Letters By: Marilyn Monroe, Stanley Buchthal (Editor), Bernard Comment (Editor) Release Date: October 16 List Price: $17.00 Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Born This Way: Real Stories of Growing Up Gay

MAGIC MIKE

Release Date: October 23 List Price: $28.98, Studio: Warner Home Video

DIANA ROSS – PARIS 1968

Release Date: Available Now List Price: $15.95 Studio: IMV Blueline

By: Paul Vitagliano Release Date: Ocober 9 List Price: $14.95 Publisher: Quirk Books

Cruise Control: Understanding Sex Addiction in Gay Men

LIBERATION: DIARIES: 1970-1983 By: Christopher Isherwood Release Date: November 20 List Price: $39.99 Publisher: Harper

By: M.S.W. Robert Weiss (Author), Ph.D. Patrick Carnes (Foreword) Release Date: December 11 List Price: $18.95 Publisher: Gentle Path Press

Back Off! Your Kick-Ass Guide to Ending Bullying at Work

Oddly Normal: One Family’s Struggle to Help Their Teenage Son Come to Terms with His Sexuality

MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS

By: Catherine Mattice, MA and E. G. Sebastian, CPC Release Date: Available Now List Price: $14.95 Publisher: Infinity Publishing

By: John Schwartz Release Date: November 8 List Price: $26.00 Publisher: Gotham

Release Date: Available Now List Price: $29.99 Studio: Walt Disney Video

The Passionate Attention of an Interesting Man

CINDERELLA (DIAMOND EDITION)

By: Ethan Mordden Release Date: November 13 List Price: $15.95 Publisher: Magnus Books

Release Date: Available Now List Price: $39.99 Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

Strangers on a Train: A Queer Film Classic

REVENGE: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON

By: Jonathan Goldberg Release Date: November 13 List Price: $14.95 Publisher: Arsenal Pulp Press

Release Date: Available Now List Price: $45.99 Studio: ABC Studios

Kyle’s Bed & Breakfast: A Second Bowl of Serial By: Greg Fox, Release Date: Available Now List Price: $18.95, Publisher: Sugar Maple Press

[ FALL 2012 ]

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arts and culture I LOVE BROADWAY. No, not the cast albums that

almost every gay man can sing along with. I mean the big musicals as they are staged in New York City. I’ve managed to visit NYC twice this year, and though each visit was for only one day, I viewed three terrific shows. The first was in April when I saw Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Wow, what a treat! Most of us have seen the Australian movie and remember that Priscilla is actually the name of the bus, not any of the three drag queens limping across the Australian outback inside her. In the Broadway musical, not only is there a bus onstage -the bus is the star of the show! She is full-sized, rotates, lights up in a multitude of ways, and features a giant high heel shoe on her roof that extends over the first five rows of the audience, supporting a singing drag queen. The three leads were all great, especially Aussie Tony Sheldon as Bernadette, the older transsexual, and Nick Adams as Felicia. The two most amazing things about the show are how quickly the cast can get into and out of drag (there’s a trick to the eye makeup), and how the male en-

semble can look great as “girls,” and 1 minute later strip down to their jocks and look like Thunder from Down Under. It appears that we’ll have to wait a year for the tour, but I’ll be in the front row when it comes to California. Last month I got a “twofer” when I saw Peter and the Star Catcher on a matinee, and then won the pre-show lottery for front-row seats for Book of Mormon the same evening. The shows couldn’t have been more different, but both were terrific and highly memorable. It was obvious that the scripts are adjusted to fit the original Broadway casts, and that the costumes and pieces of stage business are likewise designed for the original individuals. Sometimes those designs and bits don’t fit their successors nearly as well, especially when the shows go on tour.

As for the touring shows that we see in California, there is a wider variation of quality. When they fall short, it is often Stan Jenson because the theatres they tour to are way too large for the productions. Virtually every theatre on Broadway seats 1,200 or less, so even the back row of the balcony is less than 100’ from the front of the stage. Most of those theatres were built before the days of radio mics, and even Miss Merman could only project so far. The local venues that attract touring productions tend to be much larger, and the producers of the tours are dazzled by the prospect of selling 3,000 tickets instead of 1,200. The big spectacle shows such as Wicked and Les Mis are fine in 2,800-seat houses like the Segerstrom Center and the Pantages, but tiny shows such as the recent tour of La Cage Aux Folles get swallowed up, especially when viewers are in the second or third balcony. Also, many touring productions trim down the sets, costumes, and even cast numbers. Set pieces that glided onstage magically on Broadway are often pushed to their locations by cast members when the shows reach the west coast, and elevators and trap doors in the original production obviously can’t be cut into the stage floor for a two week visit by a touring show. It’s a good idea to try to check how long a show has been touring before you purchase your tickets. Perennial tours that are euphemistically described as “encore productions” are usually cut down to the number of people who can fit on one bus and the amount of scenery that can fit on two or three trucks. When you see that Mama Mia, Cats, or Riverdance is making its fourth or fifth return to your local theatre, know in advance that it is not going to be the same production you saw in New York a few years earlier. However, touring productions of Broadway musicals are like sex. Even when they’re not the best, they’re still a lot better than most other forms of entertainment! I’ll try to see the LA production of Book of Mormon when it opens and give you a comparison. Stan Jenson acted in his first play when he was 14 and he has never left the entertainment world since then. He has written for The Blade since December 2003, covering theatre, travel, restaurants and lifestyle.BC

BLADE CALIFORNIA

[ FALL 2012 ]

arts and culture

Elton John

I HATE WHEN mommy and daddy fight. And it

seems like there’s been a lot of fighting going on between Elton John and Madonna lately. This feud has put gay fans in a tough spot. In one corner, you have a gay pop star and in the other you have a pop icon revered by the gay community. What’s a gay man to do? The exact origin of the feud is unclear. Some sources claim Elton is upset over vague insults Madonna has made about Elton. Another theory is that Elton is mad about Madonna’s feud with Lady Gaga, who just happens to be the godmother of Elton’s son Zachary. Who knew the music industry was so symbolically incestuous? Whatever the cause, Elton has been taking potshots at Madonna all year. Back in January when Madonna beat out Elton for a Golden Globe, Elton and hubby David Furnish took to social media to berate Madonna, her song and the Golden Globes. A couple of weeks later when Madonna was gearing up for her Super Bowl performance, Elton appeared on Good Morning America to offer Madonna the following catty advice: “Make sure you lip-synch good.” Most recently, Elton went on Australian TV to call Madonna a “fairground stripper” and to declare that Madonna’s “career is over.” This last assessment seemed harsh, especially coming on the heels of so many other attacks. To be sure, Madonna’s run as the queen of the pop charts has slowed since her heyday in the ‘80s and early ‘90s. But such is the nature of pop music. Madonna just turned 54 and pop music is a realm where 35 is considered ancient. If the charts are ruled by relative youngsters like Rihanna and Katy Perry, does that mean Madonna should pack up shop and retire? Hardly. After all, Elton’s latest outburst came while Madonna is in the midst of a lengthy tour that is selling out venues all over the world. She released a number one album earlier this year – her fifth chart-topping album in a row – and her Super Bowl performance was the most watched

[ BY ERIK SIWAK ]

FINDING THE HARMONY halftime show ever, drawing 114 million viewers. She may not be reeling off pop hits like she used to, but there are still plenty of people who are interested in Madonna’s career. So why is Elton so eager to bury Madonna? I wonder if Elton’s latest complaints are just a case of someone indulging in the popular pastime of labeling trends over. So many people delight in being the first ones to jump off any bandwagon. This seems to be especially true of gay men. We take our roles as unimpeachable arbiters of taste

Madonna

very, very seriously. It’s in our nature to know instinctively what’s in and what’s out. Sometimes though, this desire to kill off a trend can become overzealous to the point where it reeks of wishful thinking. I think that may be what we’re seeing with Elton’s feverish campaign to push Madonna into obsolescence. Hopefully, cooler heads will prevail and this rift can be mended. Perhaps it can all be settled with a sing-off in the style of The Voice. Just get Elton in his Donald Duck costume, Madonna in her cone bra and Gaga in her meat dress on stage together and let them work it out. After all, it’s just not healthy for gay fans to see our idols go at each other like this. When mommy and daddy fight, it’s always the children who get hurt. BC

[ FALL 2012 ]

bladecalifornia.com

scene

[ ORANGE COUNTY ]

WESLEY RAYMOND HULL affectionately known as DJ Wes, is a popular Club DJ who has contributed much love and talent to the LGBT community. Well known for his spectacular DJ skills and night club events, DJ Wes is simply amazing. He made Club Oasis in the Inland Empire one of the staple clubs on the scene for nearly 12 years, now he has stepped out with his a new venture called Club 340 in Pomona CA. Make some noise and join me as I talk to DJ Wes! TYRON JACKSON: First of all, thank you for taking the time to chat with me. You do so much and you are of those club DJ’s who has been around for a long time. I consider that a total blessing. It must be very exciting? DJ WES: You are so sweet, thank you. I’ve been doing this (working as a DJ) for over 23 years now. Oh gosh, it reminds me of my age. But it’s been great, just to see the revolution of music and the club scene from a different perspective. Yes, 23 years is a long time, but as I mentioned , it must be a total blessing to still be able to do what you love. Tell me about your passion for music. Music is the heart of it! Music inspires me and since it is constantly changing, that is what makes being a DJ fun and worth every moment. Plus, you get to pay homage to some of music’s greats. There are certain artists who are very influential and I find it important to cue the new generation on those who paved the way for others in music. Yes, I agree that it is very important to pay homage to those in music and entertainment who made it possible for us to do many of the things we do today. Who is your biggest musical influence? Madonna! I love her. I’ve always enjoyed female artists and Madonna is number one on my list. Why did you want to be DJ? It is pure and simple. I love to entertain and I want people to feel the experience. Regardless of what’s on your mind or what you’re experiencing, I love to grab your attention for the moment and entertain you. Put your hands in the air! Scream! That makes me feel good, people having a real good time and I enjoy sharing that. Without trying to focus on any negative things, what have been some of the struggles of being a club DJ? I can’t speak for everyone, but for me it is trying

BLADE CALIFORNIA

[ FALL 2012 ]

The TyRon Mania Show Presents... [ BY TYRON JACKSON ] to satisfy everyone. Some people like Latin Music, others like Hip-Hop, while others enjoy Top 40. You want to make everyone happy. Trying to please your crowd, I think that’s always been an important factor for any DJ. However, I think it has gotten a little easier now because times have changed and people are more open-minded when it comes to music and clubs. It feels good to see that our community can come together. I know you are a big fan and supporter of the Drag Scene. I’m a big Drag Queen fan. I’m a big drag fan in the sense that I just think it’s a part of our community. I think it’s really fun to dress up and be expressive. It is an art and even though there are many aspects of it, I still think it’s fun. And I’m so proud the way the Drag scene has evolved and so many doors have been opened. It is great to see that the gay community has progressed in so many ways. I agree absolutely that the gay community has

(Left) DJ Wes with TyRon Jackson

made tremendous milestones. Just the fact that so many people are being proud of who they are and coming out. People like Anderson Cooper, Adam Lambert and many others. That makes me proud because these people are an inspiration to the world. When you’re not working as a DJ or planning your next club event, what do you do for fun? Being a DJ is fun. It’s work, but it is still fun. I’ve learned many lessons over the years and took some risks. I’ve learned to walk away from situations that are not healthy and helpful. While at times it was difficult, in wanting to follow your dreams, you sometime have to take risk and walk away from certain people and situations. I admire you for that. Sometimes you have to take those risks and walk away from things in order to grow. You have to do what is best for you. You’re right. And that’s why I’m happy with my new Club 340 and all the great things that are occurring. Get ready…Great things are about to happen! Great things are happening! You’re still doing what you love…and that is every reason to celebrate. Thank you, DJ Wes . You are super awesome. In closing, never be afraid to dream or take risks. Think about the many inspiring leaders who came before us. It was their risk taking that has shaped the world. Always with love, TyRon Jackson

[ CENTRAL VALLEY ]

WHEN PEOPLE THINK health related issues

for the LGBT community, they almost always think of HIV and AIDS. But that would be ignoring all the other health concerns that face our population such as heart disease, lung cancer, drug or alcohol abuse, mental health issues, nicotine addiction, and breast / cervical cancer, to name a few. Research shows that LGBT individuals have more difficulty getting the health care they need due to social stigma, lack of options, fear of prejudice, and violence. But despite their stigma and difficulties, the LGBT community is made up of regular people who suffer all the regular health concerns of the regular general population… they just have less access and less acceptance. With this in mind, Gay Central Valley has begun a Health Awareness Project that will highlight different health related issues concerning the LGBT community at large in the coming months through seminars, social events, outreach, mobile / free testing days, and educational events. Each event will focus on one area of health that is often overlooked but is nonetheless important to our community. By providing resources, a safe place to be educated (or tested),

[ BY KAYLIA M. METCALFE ]

Fresno: Think Pink Health Awareness Seminar and Social

scene

and outreach, Gay Central Valley hopes to help our community be healthier in as many ways as possible. The annual Gay Central Valley Spring Fling Health Fair will culminate these efforts in late March with a large block party type of health festival. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it is with this in mind that the new Gay Central Valley Health Awareness Project launches. Their first event, Think Pink: Health Awareness Seminar and Social, will take place at the Fresno LGBT Community Center at noon on October 27. Working with leadership from the California Health Collaborative, the Fresno Department of Health, Planned Parenthood, and the American Cancer Society this interactive and fun event will be geared toward breast and cervical cancer and will include games, prizes, raffle items, themed desserts, and educational material focused on early detection and health resources. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Gay Central Valley at (559) 325-4429 or by emailing info@ gaycentralvalley.org. Kaylia M. Metcalfe is a freelance writer, activist, and community organizer in Fresno. Her short story collection “Link” is now available.BC

[ FALL 2012 ]

bladecalifornia.com

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[ FALL 2012 ]

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COMMUNITY RESOURCES GLAAD—The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media. www.glaad.org

GLSEN —The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. www.glsen.org

HRC—The Human Rights Campaign advocates on behalf of LGBT Americans, mobilizes grassroots actions in diverse communities, invests strategically to elect fair-minded individuals to office and educates the public about LGBT issues. www.hrc.org

LAMBDA LEGALDEFENSE & EDUCATIONFUND —Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. www.lambdalegal.org

NATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE—The NGLCC is committed to forming a broad-based coalition, representative of the various interests of LGBT owned and friendly businesses, professionals, and students of business for the purpose of promoting economic growth and prosperity of its members. www.nglcc.org

PGLAG—PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. www.pflag.org

THE AIDS INSTITUTE—The AIDS Institute promotes action for social change through public policy research, advocacy, and education. www.theaidsinstitute.org

THE TREVOR PROJECT—The Trevor Project operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock suicide prevention helpline for gay and questioning youth. www.trevorproject.org

TRANSGENDER LAW CENTER—The Transgender Law Center (TLC) is a civil rights organization advocating for transgender communities. www.transgenderlawcenter.org

VICTORY FUND—The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund endorses qualified, committed openly LGBT candidates who can win at the ballot box. www.victoryfund.org

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[ FALL 2012 ]