Winter Issue by Russell Poncik

VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 7 | WINTER 2013

[ OUR NEW YEAR EDITION ] RUSSELL PONCIK [ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ] blade.russell@gmail.com Natalie Martin [ copy editor ] Richard Vaughn [ design consultant ] · David Coombs [ graphic designer ]

[ photography ] “BIG MIKE” PHILLIPS | JRE | MEDIA | P. KRISTEN ENOS | STEVEN UNDERHILL

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

Advertising [blade.promotions@gmail.com] National Advertising Representatives [ Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 ]

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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. © 2013 by Blade California Media.

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“Here’s to a bright New Year, and a fond farewell to the old; here’s to the things that are yet to come, and to the memories that we hold.”

[ ON THE COVER ] OUR NEW YEAR EDITION features Steven Underhill model Kyle. Kyle is 24 and was born in Texas, raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles and is currently living in the San Francisco Bay area. He makes his living as a Model and Gardener. Kyle’s hobbies include oil painting, photography, and leather-working; he hopes to find success in the arts “because that is where I find I’m truly fulfilled.” His appreciation for nature coincides with his gardening work. “I like to spend a little time outside every day,” he shares. Kyle is excited to have the opportunity to further his career as a lifestyle model with Photographer Steven Underhill (www.StevenUnderhillModels.com, www.facebook. com/stevenunderhillmodels, twitter: StevenUnderhill or 415-370-7152). Cover photo and photos these two pages: Steven Underhill

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[ OUR NEW YEAR EDITION ]

Inside This Issue VOLUME 21 ISSUE 7 WINTER 2013

[ upfront ] 10-11 | Upfront

[ insights ] 14 | Health: Sexology 15 | Psych Advisor 16 | To the Hilt 17 | Active Voice

[ emporium ] 30 | Classifieds 31 | Adult Classifieds 32 | Community Resources

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upfront

Pop Music Icon Cyndi Lauper to Perform at ‘Evening Under the Stars’ Gala EVENING UNDER THE STARS, the 20th annual gala event to benefit AIDS Assistance Program (AAP), will feature the music of the incomparable Cyndi Lauper. The ‘must see’ performance, along with cocktails, dinner, and dancing, will take place May 11, at 6 p.m. at the O’Donnell Golf Club in Palm Springs. “Cyndi has so much talent, and her music is beloved by millions of fans around the world,” says Mark Anton, Executive Director of AIDS Assistance Program. “The fact that she is able to be with us at our 20th annual Gala is going to make the evening that much more special.” Cyndi is a tireless participant in the struggle to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic. She continues to participate in efforts and events for organizations like AMFAR, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and the Gay Men’s Health Crisis in order to speak out about the need for education and greater resources to fight this disease.

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Cyndi Lauper

Additionally, AAP has announced the recipients of the three awards to be presented at the annual gala. The honorees include: Helene Galen (Jeannette Rockefeller Humanitarian Award), Barbara and Jerry Keller (Gloria Greene Inspiration Award), and Brian Wanzek (aka Bella da Ball) (Herb Lazenby Community Service Award). “It is with great pride that we recognize the dedication of these wonderful, caring people, because

without them, our organization would not be where it is today,” says Anton. “Each of them have been instrumental in helping us carry out our mission of supporting the nutritional needs of those living with HIV/ AIDS in our community, and we are grateful for their big hearts, their outstanding kindness, and their efforts not only for AAP, but for organizations across the entire Coachella Valley.” Since its founding in 1991, AAP remains dedicated to providing nutritional support to improve the quality of the lives of those surviving HIV/AIDS. Initiated by a small group of concerned citizens, led by the late Gloria Greene, Jeannette Rockefeller, and Joanna Jakway, AAP provided meals to members of the community with low incomes and suffering with HIV/AIDS. Since then, the AAP client roster has grown from 20 to approximately 500 people. Over 8.5 million dollars has been distributed to nearly 2,000 low income clients in the Greater Palm Springs area. BC

upfront

Long Beach AIDS Ride Announced as New Local Annual Event Robert Stohr, Manager of Client Services, C.A.R.E., Ron Sylvester, President and Chairman of The Center and Councilmember Suja Lowenthal are flanked by members of Team Long Beach at the announcement event of Long Beach AIDS Ride on December 1.

THE CENTER LONG BEACH

DURING A CANDLELIGHT World AIDS Day event in Long Beach, representatives from The Gay and Lesbian Center of Long Beach (The Center) and The Comprehensive AIDS Resource and Education (C.A.R.E.) program at St. Mary Medical Center announced the kick off of Long Beach AIDS Ride (LBAR), a new annual fundraising event to help support the work of these two organizations in the areas of education, prevention, testing and treating of the HIV/AIDS pandemic locally. Long Beach AIDS Ride will take place on the Saturday closest to World AIDS Day. The 2013 date for the inaugural event is the morning of November 30. This one day bike ride will begin at the Junipero Beach parking lot and wind down our beautiful local southern California coast. Riders can choose to do a 40-mile or 70-mile route, returning to the Junipero Beach lot. Participants can register as a rider or choose to be a fundraiser. Either way, cyclists will be raising money that will stay in Long Beach.

The event is designed to support local Long Beach efforts in the areas of education, prevention and treatment of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and related illnesses. LBAR is also a platform to increase positive, lifeaffirming experiences for people affected and infected by HIV and to encourage activism in the Greater Long Beach community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the first time that The Center and C.A.R.E. have come together on this level to address the needs

of our community. We realize that by combining our expertise and efforts we can make a much bigger impact for Long Beach, and we hope that members of the greater Long Beach community join us on our mission,â&#x20AC;? shares Robert Stohr, Manager of Client Services, C.A.R.E. For more information, contact The Center at (562)434- 4455. Registration for this event is now open. BC

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bladecalifornia.com

health CONGRATULATIONS CALIFORNIA FOR your progressive stance against “reparative therapy!” Passing legislation that prevents minors from being forced into reparative therapy is a huge step in stopping this harmful fake treatment to “cure” homosexuality! Yet, there is often a vague waffling in the media and public discourse about the topic that allows for ex-gay ministries and so-called “reparative therapists” to continue to have a foot in the door in regards to speaking authoritatively about sexuality, and it’s got to stop. Yes, as best we can determine, our sexual orientations are solidified somewhere between conception and the first few years of life. Yes, as people are given freedom and acceptance to discover, experiment and grow a healthy sexuality they can become pretty diverse and sexy beings. However, there is no evidence that therapy, peer pressure, coercion, exorcism, brainwashing, spiritual experiences, “healing,” laying on of hands or nurturing massage will somehow flip-flop your gay sexuality into straight. Dozens of psychological, medical, and educational organizations around the world have researched the topic and found that change efforts do not work. Further, these organizations have made clear that such “therapies” can potentially harm individuals by causing depression, shame, suicidal tendencies, paranoia, spiritual isolation, sexual dysfunction, and more. In addition, ex-gays’ theory on which most of reparative therapy hangs — “improper parental relationships” — has been disproven since the 1970‘s. Yet, ex-gay leaders continue to preach it like gospel. It’s like being an expert on how the world is flat yet that doesn’t make the idea any more correct. The good thing is reparative therapy continues to be exposed for what it is — religious quackery. Here’s some pointers to keep in mind as you help the debate along:

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[ BY JALLEN RIX, ED.D., ACS ] PURE AND SIMPLE RELIGIOUS BIAS. I’ve never once met an atheist reparative therapist. In fact, as an ex-gay survivor myself, I can tell you that many aspects of their “treatments” border on cult-like and

“REPARATIVE THERAPISTS” experts on how the world is flat.

brainwashing activities. For centuries, religion has pitted itself against sexuality mainly out of sheer ignorance. We’ve had some pretty crazy ideas about sex — hairy palms anyone? Now we are coming out of the dark ages, and it’s only a matter of time before the facts catch up to our superstition. Still, religious freedom is a human right. People can believe whatever they want, but that does not mean they have the right to dress it up in psychological pseudo-science and attempt to rid the world of homosexuality.

EX-GAYS DON’T LAST LONG. They may be vocal. They may be the squeaky wheel, but given time and wisdom that comes from trying and trying and trying to change, yet receiving little to no results from it, finally

people come around (that is unless they are paid to be spokespersons). For many, they have to go through this religiously oppressive self-loathing to finally know what real acceptance feels like. But during this process their self-hate and denial of reality does not make them experts in the field of sexuality to be splashed on every media outlet.

HEAR THE STORIES OF EX-GAY SURVIVORS. Not only does the evidence show that Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) don’t work, there is also the huge volume of personal stories (nightmares, really) from all the people whose lives have been devastated by the ex-gay movement. Ex-gay survivors are the people the media should select to speak out about the debilitating harm these organizations have personally brought about in their lives, yet they are rarely called upon. View and share some of these stories, or add your own ex-gay survival experience at beyondexgay.com.

GIVE HEAPING AMOUNTS OF UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE. Whenever you can, let ex-gays know that they don’t have to change. They can be loved and accepted as they are. There are huge chunks of religious communities that love and accept unconditionally their LGBT members. There is no need to hate and stigmatize aspects of one’s sexuality. We are evolving and learning what it really means to embrace diversity. Everyone can have the opportunities to love unconditionally every part of their sexuality and it can be responsibly enjoyed! BC 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 non-fiction. For more information, visit www.doctorrix.com.

insights

DID IT START with an un-

ARE YOU OVERREACTING?

warning signals seriously. helpful suggestion, an unIf you can recognize them, fair accusation, or even an you are in a better position invitation to argue? If it sent to rein in your emotions and [ BY HEIKE KHOLOOCI ] you into an emotional fury, avoid overreacting. chances are it resulted in an Breathing is extremely ugly confrontation — a shouting match with your helpful. Because your mind and breath are alpartner or a nasty fight with an associate. The ways connected, if you slow down your breathensuing surge of stress hormones might have ing, you also slow down your thoughts. Conleft you feeling stunned. Harsh words spoken scious diaphragmatic breathing can help you “under fire” to defend yourself or to attack the interrupt the fight-flight response and give you other person can do lasting damage to the re- a chance to shift your automatic reaction to lationship. a more thought out response. Practice deep How does one prevent impulsive, often un- breathing whenever you feel your body’s warncontrollable overreactions? Paying attention ing signals. It is also important to assess your to our bodies’ early warning signs can give us current state. Are you feeling tired? Or hungry? a chance to reduce anger and other passion- Emotionally exhausted? If so, it is usually best ate responses before they erupt like a volcano. to withdraw from the situation and to revisit Your emotional overreaction may be triggered the issue when you are feeling stronger and by fear, rejection, resentment or loss of control. more centered. Even the most innocent-looking interaction can Another particularly helpful trick to get a initiate one of these responses starting a fight- grip on your emotions is to name them. Overflight response and limiting your ability to react reaction means there is a lack of balance bein a more rational way. tween the right and the left brain hemispheres As an emotional overreaction builds, you are and you lost access to the left brain. Checking likely to view the object of your wrath as either in with yourself, recognizing and naming the all good or as all bad. During highly stressful feeling that you are experiencing requires reencounters, in our minds, we often have only flecting and thinking (left brain activities), which these two categories available. We cannot see then reestablishes the connection between left any favorable characteristics in the situation and right and restores balance. or in the other person. You may also find that And lastly, how do you react to criticism? Try past emotional memories associated with the to frame any feedback (positive and negative) event can add fuel to the fire. This can make the as useful information without taking it personcurrent incident seem more important and in- al. If you feel criticized, ask yourself, “What can tense than it really is. Sometimes the either-or I learn from this experience?” “How can I use reaction, intensified by old feelings and memo- this comment to help me grow and improve?” ries, can result in our feeling justified in having When you ask practical questions, without feela forceful outburst or other extreme reactions. ing defensive, you can turn constructive feedWhat are the best ways to cope with an on- back into true learning opportunities that will slaught of emotions? One way is noticing your benefit you. BC body’s signals. Maybe your neck is tense, or Heike Kholooci, PsyD, a clinical psychologist in private pracyour heart rate increases. It might be difficult to tice, specializes in relationship difficulties and process addicTo reach Dr. Kholooci, please contact her via her webbreathe and your thoughts are racing. Take these tions. site www.drkholoocitherapy.com

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insights

I WENT TO a play recently. Even some of the

friends in the production had warned me how bad it was. But I know half the cast, think they are talented professionals, and like to see them on stage even if what they are performing is dreck. And amazing thing happened. I liked the show. It was far from the best piece of theater I have ever experienced, but also far from the worst. I realized that a huge factor in my reaction to the piece was that my expectations were so low that anything above dismal was good. The opposite of course has also happened. We’ve all had a friend tell us, “This is the funniest movie you will ever see!” Then we watch it and say, “Uh, well, it was amusing, but…” If our expectations are too high, it is hard for anything to come close to them. A short fifteen years ago, most gay people had zero aspirations for gay marriage. It wasn’t on most people’s radar. There was no expectation so no disappointment that we didn’t have it. Now, across the country and especially in California where we had the cake offered to us and then snatched back, the LGBT world expects marriage equality and is wondering WTF is taking so long! I will admit, I was one of those who thought that as long as we got all of the rights that came with marriage, you could call a “civil partnership” or “orange marmalade” for all I cared, just let me have my rights. Reading the ruling of the Massachusetts Supreme Court changed my mind. They made it clear that “separate but equal” is by definition not equal. They ruled that the state could call what everybody got a partnership or a marriage, but everyone must get the same thing.

part of our lives is not only a reasonable goal, it is the expected goal. It is interesting to talk to our older brothers and sisters—pre-Stonewall gays—about how little they asked for in terms of equal rights. As long as they were not sterilized, jailed, fired, or beaten they thought they were doing pretty good, so if they could actually get a few laws to protect them from these horrors, they might have been satisfied. (Sadly, in more than half of the states you can still be fired or evicted for being gay.) They had small expectations, and few if any, dreamed we’d have come so far so fast. Now the expectation goal line has moved to the far end of the field, and even more amazingly, it is in sight. When I was young, I wish I had thought to ask my great-aunt how it felt not to be able to vote. When she turned 21, women could not vote. By the time her younger sister, my grandmother, turned 21 she could vote. Did my aunt feel something was missing? Did she and most other women expect to see this in their lifetimes? Susan B. Anthony had been fighting this battle for over fifty years. Was Anthony one of a handful of women who thought it was possible or did the average woman, like my aunt have the expectation that she could and should vote? We can vote and we can bring about our highest expectations. BC

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

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F U N K I M U N K I P H O T O G R A P H Y. C O M

[ BY WALTER G. MEYER ]

To call the gay union something less than marriage made it less than marriage. Suddenly there was this expectation that we could and should have marriage. Even straight people like Gavin Newsom got caught up in this new expectation that everyone should be equal. DADT, DOMA and other inequalities became glaringly unacceptable. Now anything less than full and total equality on every front, in every

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

BEING A LESBIAN with short hair and practical

fashion sense, I assume I look like a dyke to anyone with even the weakest gaydar. With that, ever since I came out of the closet at age twenty, I’ve always had gay male friends in a huge age range. I’ve noticed early on that being in their company, especially in a one on one situation like in a restaurant that people would treat us like we’re a couple. My best friend Nico (who I’ve known since college) and I constantly joke how we had eventually developed a very “domestic air” that old friends do. So I’m not really that surprised when we get the occasional waiter that gives me what I call “the straight woman treatment,” where I get a little less attention than my male companion but they also give him the check. But it still pisses me off at times. Years ago I ate at a Black Angus in Orange County with my gay, older, Caucasian male friend Karl. They so blatantly kissed his ass, that the observer in me just took in the behavior with mental notes. I purposely did not point out that through almost the entire dinner, that nobody bothered filled my empty glass while they offered him almost every drink on the menu. When I pointed it out to him, Karl felt so guilty about my neglect that he waved down our responsive waiter that I needed a refill. It was done but no apology and no acknowledgement to me. And the part that made me burn the most was that the meal was my treat to Karl for helping me move – so I had to pay the bill. I’m honestly not bitter that he got such good treatment; it pissed me off that they didn’t treat me the same way. There was just no reason for it if you understood the basics of Customer Service. Needless to say, I haven’t step foot in a Black Angus since. Last month, Nico came out to visit me in Las Vegas. Since it would be a treat for me as well, I booked us a room in a fancy-shmancy

OUT OF CONTEXT [ BY P. KRISTEN ENOS ]

hotel and casino where I was a member of their player’s club and got perks. We checked in together, where I made it clear that we were to have two beds in the room and individual room keys. It was the kind of hotel where everything, including the curtains, was controlled by remote control. The high-definition television monitor defaulted to a welcome screen with all sorts of entertainment and multi-media options for passing your time. We had been there two days before I realized that the welcome screen displayed my name with a “Mrs.” in front it. It ticked me off

so much that I went down to the registration desk at 2 a.m. and told the clerk to remove it, which she did with an apology. When I checked the welcome screen later, I was pleased that the “Mrs.” was gone. But I still have a lingering thought in the back of my mine that my marital status wasn’t really changed in their system somewhere, but at least it wasn’t in my face to annoy me. I know it is all “innocent” in that heterosexist way and my reaction may be a bit overboard. That’s why it’s a “peeve” in my mind. And I could understand some of the scenarios, but there are others that are definitely far-fetched in my mind. I had once been at a blackjack table by myself while chatting with a female dealer. A man eventually came up behind and started to watch. As long as he stayed out of my personal space, I pretty much ignored him. The dealer was a friendly type and offered repeatedly for him to sit down, which he declined. Eventually he slipped away without a word. When the dealer noticed, she asked me where did he went. I answered that I don’t know and I don’t care because I didn’t know him. That’s when the woman was clearly surprised and admitted that she thought he was with me, which is why she offered so many times for him to sit down. I had to bite my tongue to curb any immediate scathing responses. Not because she thought I was straight, but that man was very, very unattractive both physically and socially. I was offended that she thought he was the best I could do. Sometimes you just can’t win. BC P. Kristen Enos has worked with the Blade magazine since year one. She was very active in the Orange County LGBT community during the ‘90’s. Her column Active Voice debuted in the magazine in 1994 and appeared for four years. Like all hard-core activists, she burned out, took a decade to recharge and is now back.

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MUSIC

NOTES

THE ABBEY ROAD SESSIONS By: Kylie Minogue Release Date: Available Now Label: Parlophone

ANTHEMS By: Russell Watson Release Date: Available Now Label: Masterworks

2013 GRAMMY NOMINEES By: Various Artists Release Date: January 22 Label: Capitol

ORIGIN OF LOVE BY MIKA

Release Date: Available Now. Label: Casablanca

DREAMCHASER By: Sarah Brightman Release Date: April 16 Label: Simha LLC ALL THAT ECHOES BY JOSH GROBAN Release Date: February 5. Label: Reprise

HEARTTHROB By: Tegan and Sara Release Date: January 29 Label: Warner Bros.

GLAD RAG DOLL By: Diana Krall Release Date: Available Now Label: Verve

LOVERMAN By: Barbara Cook Release Date: Available Now Label: DRG

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SET YOU FREE By: Gary Allan Release Date: January 22 Label: MCA Nashville

ROADS By: Chris Mann Release Date: Available Now Label: Universal Republic

I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU: THE BEST OF WHITNEY HOUSTON By: Whitney Houston Release Date: Available Now Label: RCA FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: ALIVE & KICKING By: Cast Recording Release Date: Available Now Label: DRG

WINTER

THE MYSTERY OF YOU BY SPENCER DAY Release Date: March 12. Label: Concord Jazz

SOMETHING GOOD By: Martha Wash Release Date: January 10 Label: Purple Rose Records

2013

Gods Like Us: On Movie Stardom and Modern Fame By: Ty Burr Release Date: Available Now List Price: $28.95 Publisher: Pantheon

Cyndi Lauper: A Memoir Damron Men’s Travel Guide: 2013 Edition

Damron Women’s Traveller: 2013 Edition

By: Gina M. Gatta, Release Date: January 15, List Price: $22.95, Publisher: Damron Guides

By: Gina M. Gatta, Release Date: January 15, List Price: $18.95, Publisher: Damron Guides

Gay Rights at the Ballot Box By: Amy L. Stone Release Date: Available Now List Price: $22.50 Publisher: University of Minnesota Press

By: Cyndi Lauper with Jancee Dunn Release Date: Available Now List Price: $26.00 Publisher: Atria Books

Bully: An Action Plan for Teachers, Parents, and Communities to Combat the Bullying Crisis

Spit and Passion (Blindspot Graphics)

By: Lee Hirsch, Cynthia Lowen, Dina Santorelli, Release Date: Available Now, List Price: $15.99, Publisher: Weinstein Books

By: Cristy C. Road Release Date: Available Now List Price: $15.95 Publisher: The Feminist Press at CUNY

Hidden: Reflections on Gay Life, AIDS, and Spiritual Desire

The End of Your Life Book Club By: Will Schwalbe Release Date: Available Now List Price: $25.00 Publisher: Knopf

By: Richard Giannone Release Date: Available Now List Price: $27.95 Publisher: Fordham University Press

Struck By Lightning: The Carson Phillips Journal

Victory: The Triumphant Gay Revolution By: Linda Hirshman Release Date: Available Now List Price: $27.99 Publisher: Harper

By: Chris Colfer Release Date: Available Now List Price: $17.99 Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

One Good Deed: 365 Days of Trying to Be Just a Little Bit Better By: Erin McHugh, Release Date: Available Now. List Price: $18.95, Publisher: Abrams Image

BOOK

NOTES

WINTER [ WINTER 2013 ]

2013

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arts and culture

EMMY ROSSUM’S Sentimental Journey THE AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS will be releas-

ing her first album with Warner Bros. Records on January 29. The album, titled Sentimental Journey, features a collection of covers done of classic songs spanning the 1920’s to the 1960’s. “I grew up surrounded by classical music singing in the Children’s Chorus at The Metropolitan Opera and when I would come home, the house was filled with the voices of Frank Sinatra, Sam Cooke, and Judy Garland,” Rossum shares. “For as long as I can remember, my mother would sing ‘Apple Blossom Time’ to me as a bedtime lullaby; Classics, jazz, and standards really infused my childhood and so it felt quite natural to finally make this record.” Recorded at The Village in Los Angeles, Sentimental Journey was produced by Rossum’s friend Stuart Brawley, who also co-wrote and produced her 2007 album Inside Out. Rossum is an acclaimed actress who currently stars in the comedy series Shameless on Showtime with William H. Macy. She also stars alongside Emma Thompson, Jeremy Irons, and Viola Davis in the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures feature film Beautiful Creatures, which will hit theaters on February 13. But even with her busy acting career making Sentimental Journey was a project that is close to her heart. “Whenever I have an artistic

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compulsion, I follow it,” she says. The work is a collection of covers of classic songs and includes many highlights including the title track, which was a No. 1 hit for Les Brown and His Band of Renown with Doris Day as the vocalist in 1945; “These Foolish Things,” a ‘30s standard that has been recorded by everyone

from Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby to Rod Stewart and Michael Buble; “Summer Wind,” which was popularized by Frank Sinatra in 1966; and “I’ll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time,” which was a Top 5 hit for the Andrews Sisters in 1941. Learn more at the official website http://emmyrossum.warnerreprise.com/. BC

ARE YOU AN AWARDS SHOW FANATIC?

Here’s a quick list of upcoming 2013 shows!

January 9

People’s Choice Awards

January 10

Critics Choice Movie Awards

January 13

Golden Globe Awards

January 27

Screen Actors Guild Awards

February 10

Grammy Awards

February 20

British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA)

February 24

Academy Awards (Oscars)

March 23

Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards

April 7

Academy of Country Music Awards

April 21

Juno Awards (Canada’s Music Awards)

September 8

MTV Video Music Awards

September 22

Primetime Emmy Awards

November 19

Latin Grammy Awards

November 22

MTV Europe Music Awards

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2013 LGBT FILM

arts and culture

Decorate Your Wall 2013 CALENDARS

FESTIVALS (CALIFORNIA)

OAKLAND BLACK LGBT FILM FESTIVAL Oakland, February 15 – 17, 2013 www.blacklgbtfilmfest.com

FUSION LOS ANGELES LGBT PEOPLE OF COLOR FILM FESTIVAL Los Angeles, March 23 & 24, 2013 www.outfest.org/fusion.html

FILMOUT SAN DIEGO

San Diego, May 29 – June 2, 2013 www.filmoutsandiego.com/

QUEER WOMEN OF COLOR FILM FESTIVAL San Francisco, June 14 – 16, 2013 www.qwocmap.org/festival.html

SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL LGBT FESTIVAL

San Francisco, June 20 – 30, 2013 www.frameline.org/festival/

OUTFEST: LOS ANGELES GAY AND LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL Los Angeles, July 12 – 21, 2013 www.outfest.org

CINEMA DIVERSE: THE PALM SPRINGS GAY AND LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL

Palm Springs, September 19 – 23, 2013 cinemadiverse.ning.com/

FRESNO REEL PRIDE FILM FESTIVAL

Fresno, September 18 – 23, 2013 www.reelpride.com

LONG BEACH Q FILM FESTIVAL

Long Beach, September 2013 www.qfilmslongbeach.com/

SACRAMENTO INTERNATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL

Official Philip Fusco 2013 Wall Calendar List Price: $16.95, Buy: store.philcity.com

Sacramento, October 10 – 13, 2013 www.siglff.org/

SAN FRANCISCO TRANSGENDER FILM FESTIVAL

Boy Next Door 2013 Wall Calendar

San Francisco, November 2013 www.sftff.org/

True Blood 2013 Wall Calendar

List Price: $14.99 Buy: 10percent.com

List Price: $13.99 Buy: amazon.com

OUTrageous: THE SANTA BARBARA LGBTQ FILM FESTIVAL Santa Barbara, November 2013 www.outrageousfilmfestival.org/

LOS ANGELES TRANSGENDER FILM FESTIVAL

Los Angeles, November 2013 www.tgfilmfest.com *SOME DATES ARE YET TO BE DETERMINED

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Beautiful Men 2013 Wall Calendar List Price: $14.99 Buy: 10percent.com

2013 Keith Haring Wall Calendar

List Price: $13.99 Buy: amazon.com

dvd notes 2013 WINTER

SEASON ONE DVD of the new hit comedy mys-

tery, web series, Where the Bears Are went on sale November 23, 2012. The series has attracted a wide fan base, with more than 2 million views since its debut on August 1, with many more fans discovering it every day. Where the Bears Are comes from the creative team of Rick Copp (The Brady Bunch Movie) Joe Dietl (The Thin Pink Line) and Ben Zook (Jack and Jill). This comedic mystery web series follows the exploits of three gay bear roommates living together in Los Angeles. Think of it as “The Golden Girls” meets “Murder, She Wrote” with big, hairy, bears. The full-length feature DVD version features an array of extras including an all-new 20-minute Christmas episode, bloopers and outtakes, deleted scenes and interviews. The series was designed to appeal to both gay and straight audiences alike and stars Ian Parks as “Hot Toddy,” Chad Sanders as Detective Winters, Mario Diaz, Scott Beauchemin , Jesse Meli, James Parr, and Pete Cincinnato. Learn more and order your copy of the DVD at http://wherethebearsare.tv/. BC

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scene

[ ORANGE COUNTY ]

PLEASE SIT BACK, relax and join me as I get to know

John Hessling, the owner of the Blue Moon Resort in Las Vegas, a Hotel for Men. TYRON JACKSON: Thank you for taking the time to talk with me. You are amazing. Your dreams and creativity has resulted in one of the hottest Resorts in Las Vegas. You are proof that when one steps ‘out of the box,’ and when you stay determined, great things can happen. JOHN HESSLING: Thank you TyRon! Thank you and Blade California for this opportunity. How did the idea for the Blue Moon Resort come about? I decided to open my own hotel after having been in the main-stream hotel and casino (business) for 15 years. I have traveled extensively and stayed at other gay hotels in Palm Springs and P-Town. I decided that I could do it bigger and better. After a year and a half of writing the business plan and shopping for investors, I was ready to go and took the leap. Share one thing that many people may not know about you. Despite being around people all day, I’m really kind of a shy person, until I get to know you and feel comfortable. Who are your heroes and who or what inspires you? I really don’t have any heroes to speak of although I do admire one person in my life greatly. He worked for me when I was at Mandalay Bay. His name is Kevin Aiken. He has gone on to manage his family business of 6 large consignment stores in Las Vegas. I look up to him, admire him so for the incredible positive way about him. He is driven and that motivates me. You are very much a part of the gay community and many are inspired by you and your generosity. How does it feel to have such influence? Thank you, but, I really don’t feel as though I’ve had much of an impact on the local gay community to be honest with you. If I have I am oblivious to it. I just don’t see it. I do what I can for those I can. That’s just how I am as a person. I would do it even if I didn’t have the hotel. I think that you have made an impact on the gay community, and many people do recognize what you do. What is your advice to those who have felt like giving up? I’ll tell you…these last three years since the economic melt- down have been the toughest in my career. What I can share is that these times have shown me how to live with less and get by more efficiently. It has shown me who my true friends are and it has helped me to manage this hotel better than it ever has been. My advice: keep on plugging away. Day by day…minute

BLADE CALIFORNIA

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The TyRon Mania Show Presents... [ BY TYRON JACKSON ] by minute…and be conscience of what you are learning along the way. Despite how difficult it may be, you are becoming a better person for it. That is great advice. What do you like to do in your time off and what are your hobbies? Whatever clears my mind and allows me to not think. Whenever I walk into my yard and I’ve got my hands in the dirt working in my garden, my head is free. And when I see the flowers begin to bloom, I am back there again. Hobbies include gardening, blogging, rock climbing and long-distance bike riding. What do you think makes the Blue Moon so incredible? Blue Moon is an ever evolving piece of work. I will never be finished with it. I strive every day to make it better…better in quality, service and comfort. What big celebrities have you had stay at the Blue Moon? I can’t tell you!

Gotcha! Well then…let’s move on. What gets your creative juices flowing? Change and the ability to affect change; I love constant change and evolution. Running a business is rewarding and challenging. What have been some of your challenges? My constant challenge is: knowing that I will never make everyone happy. Despite knowing this, I still try every day. A benefit is the pleasure of watching the guys enjoy what I’ve created. What are your thoughts on the current state of the gay community? We have come a long way as a society, but I think we have a long way to go. And not necessarily in gaining respect from the world at large but within our own communities. It’s ironic for me to see every day how despite being a minority in the world, we are still so hateful, judgmental and rough on each other. If you don’t fit a certain body style, age or even race, we tend to be really hard on each other. Yes, I agree and I pray daily that there will be more unity in our own community! It is our leaders and people like you who help make a difference. Thank you, John. In closing, regardless of what makes you unique, remember you have a purpose in this life. Keep dreaming and striving. Always with love, TyRon Jackson

resource

connection s FOR CALIFORNIA

[ WINTER 2013 ]

bladecalifornia.com

snapped in palm springs

[ PALM SPRINGS, CA ]

GREATER PALM SPRINGS PRIDE NOVEMBER 3 & 4, 2012 [PHOTOS BY P. KRISTEN ENOS ]

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snapped in palm springs

[ WINTER 2013 ]

bladecalifornia.com

snapped in las vegas

[ LAS VEGAS, NV ]

LAS VEGAS PRIDE SEPTEMBER 7 & 8, 2012 [PHOTOS BY P. KRISTEN ENOS ]

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snapped in burbank

[ BURBANK, CA ]

BENT-CON 2012 NOV. 30 - DEC. 2, 2012 [PHOTOS BY P. KRISTEN ENOS ]

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bladecalifornia.com

[ classifieds winter 2013 ] HEALTH SERVICES

LOOKING FOR THE CLASSIFIED FORM? For details and a form, write to: blade.promotions@gmail.com

BUSINESS & SERVICES FARMERS INSURANCE Full insurance broker, call Richard Coffey (949) 496-6821. STATE FARM INSURANCE For your automobile, home, business, life and health. 891 W. Baker, Costa Mesa. (714) 957-6666.

TOMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOUSECLEANING SERVICE Since 1982. Quality work at fair rates. No hidden costs. Own equipment & environmental supplies.Top references from OC. We speak English, German, Austrian & Japanese. The same small crew. (949) 838-6696.

PET SERVICES GARDEN GROVE DOG & CAT HOSPITAL Drs. Les & Mark Malo, D.M.V. (see ad this issue) or call (714) 537-8800 or (562) 490-9432. ANIMAL INNS The original luxury pet hotel (see ad thisissue)orcall(714)636-4455or(562)424-5429.

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MASSAGE HANDSOME MASSEUR NEEDS YOU! Talented GWM, Very reasonable, In/Out OC/LA (562) 7735980, Myron, Long Beach. NORTH ORANGE COUNTY Erotic/relaxing, five year pro. Strong/Sensitive touch. Nice guy/Body. Spiritual. Fullerton/Anaheim area. 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. No calls after 11 p.m. Chuck (714) 743-8275. In/Out available. BE MANHANDLED BY AN EXPERT! Masculine, Discreet, Affordable, Respectful Full-Time, Professionally- trained Massage Therapist w/10yr+ exp. Strong/Sensual/ INTUITIVE Hands will revitalize you with a full-body nude massage, COMPLETE stress release. Swedish/Sports/Erotic massage the way you like it. ALL men welcome! “1st Timers” Gay/Bi/Straight/Married – All ages- Body types. Days and Eves. Larry (562) 818-2332. FULLERTON GM 34yo 5’11 will give you a full-body massage in the nude. Gets you total satisfaction. $40 In/Out. Eric (714) 879-5293. 24-hrs. AWESOME TOUCH IN LB Enjoy a high quality sensual massage by handsome, nurturing masseur. W/M 6’ . In $65/Out $75. Dave (310) 922-1237.

[ WINTER 2013 ]

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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

VICTORYFUND—TheGay&LesbianVictoryFundendorses qualified, committed openly LGBT candidates who can win at the ballot box. www.victoryfund.org

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[ WINTER 2013 ]