Metra Issue 966 - JUN 2023

National Advertising: Rivendell Media 212-242-6863

For many, coming out of the closet is a huge step in finding yourself and being honest with yourself and those around you. It can be scary not knowing how people might react.

The same holds true when “coming out” about your HIV status. How will my friends react? Will my family still love me? Will my partner, or future partner, accept me still? These are all questions that go through your mind when first presented with a “positive”

diagnosis. But the truth of the matter is, coming out about your status is far less scary than it needs to be. No one NEEDS to know your status until you are ready to share. Of course, it would be frowned upon to not share with a sexual partner, but the fact is, coming out again with a status may seem scary and uncertain, but just remember that those who love you will love you regardless. After all, it’s just a House In Virginia.

Around Town

Camp Grounds

UPCOMING SUMMER LEAGUES

Sundays, 12pm-2pm

Registration Dates: 07/ 29 - 0 8/ 12

League Dates: 0 8/ 27 - 1 0/ 29

Thursdays, 6pm-8pm

Registration Dates: 07/ 10 - 07/ 28

League Dates: 0 8/0 1 - 09/ 26

Prom ReDeux

Affirmations invites you to the prom of your queer dreams! Bring yourself, your friends, and your partner(s) to an incredible party!

Music, prom pics, dancing, food, spiked punch, and tarot readings are all part of the fun.

Date: Time: At:

Tickets on sale now!

Saturday, June 24 8 pm - 12 am

Affirmations, 290 W 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale

Real Estate Talk with Realtor Kory

Happy Pride Cuties!

I’ve got some serious real estate tea to spill! Don’t you dare skip the all-important home inspection, honey! It’s giving you the inside scoop on overlooked issues that could potentially dampen your homeowner fantasy and drain your precious coin. Trust me, you don’t want to be caught off guard with this one, sis! Think of the home inspection as your ultimate power move, giving you the peace of mind, you deserve and the leverage to negotiate like the fierce diva you are. This thorough examination by a licensed and insured home inspector will uncover flaws, from leaky faucets and faulty electrical to roof and structural issues. Remember, investing in a home inspection is a small cost that can save you major drama and money in the long run. You deserve a home that not only dazzles on the outside but is structurally sound and fabulous on the inside. So, snatch that inspection like a true queen and secure your dream home with confidence.

Also, if you are a first-time home buyer, always remember, homeownership can be the first step to financial freedom and is more accessible than you think. I am more than happy to help get you started on buying your first home! Check out my TikTok for more Real Estate tips, @realtorkory or contact me today for all your real estate needs! Email, DM, Text, or Call because I do it all!

-Kory Lambarth

The thing that has made Club Vortex stand out for the past 7 years in Kalamazoo is that they totally, 100% treat each and every one of their patrons, whether first time or repeated customer, like family. They recognize everyone for their birthday, wedding, loss of a loved one and so much more.

Owner, Danny Frigo, started in the business in 2008 managing The Zoo Bar. During that time, he saw how the LGBTQ+ community came together as one. After seeing bars and clubs closing in recent years, Danny got to

thinking that this community needs a safe space, free of judgement.

Club Vortex has a different theme every Saturday and this gets the patrons involved and they truly make the theme come together; something that everyone loves! Vortex also has their own drag show the last Saturday of every month. The queens are definitely the backbone of Kalamazoo Club Vortex. “However,” said Frigo “at the end of the day our dedicated patrons and new comers make Kalamazoo Club Vortex what it is today.”

How often do you take a moment to reset, relax, listen to the breaths you take, savor the quiet, sit in the here and now?

Mindfulness allows you to be intensely aware of what you are sensing and feeling at that exact moment, without judgment, blame or guilt. It’s about relaxing the body and mind, so calmness can enter, and stress can escape.

We spend far too much time worrying about tomorrow, stressing over an incident at work or home, or agonizing about the past. These random negative thoughts that often consume us can cause anxiety and lead to depression.

Practicing mindfulness helps direct your attention away from negative thinking and toward positivity.

The benefits are many: focusing on the present moment helps relieve stress, anxiety, pain and depression, to name a few. It also can improve attention, decrease job burnout and help you sleep better. How many times have you laid in bed at night as your mind fills with thoughts of tomorrow and all of its demands?

To sleep well, your mind must be in what I call “a good mind space” where calmness and peacefulness can flow. And, how often do your thoughts consume you at work when you feel you have been wronged or a problem did not resolve the way you hoped it would?

So, how do we get to that good mind space?

Begin by sitting down and taking a few deep breaths. Focus on each breath and what you are feeling at that exact moment. Next, try to shift your attention to the thoughts and emotions you are experiencing and allow these to be with you without judgment. Try not to push

without anger, fear or negativity. This is the healthy place we all are searching for.

To help you be more mindful, start practicing in the morning when you first wake up. Focus on your breathing and how your body slowly is getting energized for the day. Practice again at lunchtime; take five minutes to reset and find your good mind space. Every day, give yourself at least five minutes to reset. Keep practicing until mindfulness becomes effortless. Here are a few more simple ways to incorporate mindfulness into your life:

• Pay attention. We live in a fast-paced world and often are looking at what is next instead of experiencing the moment we are in – what we see, hear, smell and taste. Do you remember what you had for breakfast and how it tasted? Do you remember the conversation you had with your partner before you left for work?

• Live in the moment. Intentionally try to focus on everything you are doing at that exact moment. Enjoy the simple pleasures.

• Accept yourself and treat yourself the way you would treat a trusted friend.

• Focus on your breathing. When negative thoughts start creeping in, take a deep breath, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Doing this simple exercise even for one minute can return your mind to a sense of calmness.

• Meditate. Mindfulness is a form of meditation, which uses different practices to quiet the mind. Practice mindfulness and see the results!

Joe Kort, Ph.D., LMSW

SATURDAY'S: BOYZ NIGHT OUT

UNDERWEAR CONTEST

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment. (bik-TAR-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:

 Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.

Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:

 dofetilide

 rifampin

 any other medicines to treat HIV-1

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:

 Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.

 Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.

 Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.

 Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

 Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

 The most common side e ects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side e ects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.

You are encouraged to report negative side e ects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

Continued on next page.

Please see Important Facts, including important warnings, continued on the next page and at BIKTARVY.com

REAL BIKTARVY PATIENTS

Meet a few of the extraordinary people who take BIKTARVY. Watch their stories at BIKTARVY.com

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY® (cont’d)

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

 Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.

 Have any other health problems.

 Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.

 Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

 Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

 BIKTARVY and other medicines may a ect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY

Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION

 This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

 Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5

 If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

Please see Important Facts, including important warnings, above and at BIKTARVY.com.

Featured patients compensated by Gilead.

DIMITRI

ZACH NIKKI CHAD HUGO D’EVA

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, KEEP BEING YOU, and LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2022 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0088 03/22

Affirmations Spotlight

How long have you been with Affirmations? 8 months.

What is Affirmations to you? Affirmations is a place where I feel like I can be my authentic self. In a world that is often not so friendly towards queer folks, it is refreshing to have a place where I can be me with no filter.

When you’re not working, what do you do for fun? I love to workout and roller skate.

If you could collaborate with any musician/ artist who would it be and why? It would be pretty cool to collaborate with J. Cole. I love his lyrics and the way paints a picture of his experience as a black man in America. I feel like it would be cool to have him help me create a song about my life.

What’s something you're proud of at Affirmations? I am proud about the impact that we have in the community and how we are always looking for ways to continue supporting the Southeastern Michigan community at large, not just the LGBTQ+ community.

Ethan Parker, Development & Community Relations Coordinator

Hook-up from hell Hook-up from hell Hook-up from hell

“A while back I met this guy at a party and we both had a few too many glasses of ‘orange juice.’ We went back to my place and started to get down. I soon found out he was a virgin. I went down on him and it hit my gag reflex just right and I puked all over him, to which he asked, ‘did I finish or is that vomit?’ I ended the night crying naked on the bathroom floor. I think we were both traumatized by that hookup.”

CELEBRATE 35 YEARS WITH US!

ARIES: Pig Play is an acquired taste for most Bottoms while Tops are fussy. Be resourceful this month! Your best moves or that special thing you do is what is helping to make the hottest nights to remember. Just Spring Clean the Black Book & Don’t let your heart control your paycheck.

TAURUS: Lust and Passion are now working together to bring out this Seduction Energy. If you have never did a double penetration or just played with 2 guys at once. Well Birthday Sex could be the only thing serving you realness.

GEMINI: Sometimes being platonic at the right time can be your Superpower this month. The Air is filled with pheromones that is bringing out the Bears, Otters, Alphas and the Tweekers! Survival Mode is on. Even though things look and feel great now. Later Life was a Twist.

CANCER: Private Resorts will allow you to be in your bubble. Remember to put sunscreen on your balls if you are naked. Use sex to push out any Anxiety or Frustration this month. This is a good time to visit places like

Suck & Tuck.

LEO: Daddies & Sugar Babies are In Season & be the company that you want to attract. Do not care what the haters say. Know that if you didn’t have them, you would not know of your own Suck Sense and that success.

VIRGO: Don’t let some dudes give you the Dirty Sanchez with that Work & Pleasure Hookup. Make sure all terms are clear so no confusion. Unless you want to be the Scatman & Bobbin’ in this adventure. The cat and mouse energy is a strong game.

LIBRA: Boundaries & if you be the gift, it can be the sexiest thing to do. Sometimes the eyes will play tricks that only dicks can see. Body language & eyes are the key to knowing what is going on across the room. Learn to read Lips it could save the day.

SCORPIO: Have Expectations as High as if it was served in a Dispensary. Know your worth and learn from the past but throw no shade at those that cum to you. Know one day those same toes will then return out of the blue and make your toes curl

to return the flavor.

SAGITTARIUS: A Throuple could be a simple fix to put an end of making a choice between favorites. If you want to create one, make sure everyone is a team player and each gets attention. Any Man Left behind untouched is a tragedy.

CAPRICORN: Never judge a package by the body! The size does matter and the growers, showers, girths and those that are long soft are magical in their own way. Do not underestimate anyone little or that Muscle Daddy. People could be catfishing for you, and you never knew it.

AQUARIUS: Your mind is everywhere, and you keep cool for the most part. Keep your mind active so the “what if?” factor keeps you focused on that Juicy Ass that you been wanting or looking for. Play it safe near the end of the month.

PISCES: Try having more Flip Flop Nights! Taking turns can be fun too. Having no limits this summer brings so many Cocks to you. Each are swinging their own way and flavor to add to this Wonderful BBQ you got going on.

All About Jerome

Watch out world, fetish wear is getting a makeover! Jerome Fulton, a recent graduate from the College of Creative Studies in Detroit, has set out to break the stigma of wearing fetish gear and give it a more modern flare.

When most of us think of “fetish wear” the words that often come to mind are black, leather, maybe chain? With Fulton Fetishwear, Jerome is looking to change that perception. By offering jocks, harnesses, and other fetish-wear products hand-made and in a variety of luxurious materials, Fulton hopes to reach a new audience of people.

“By offering a variety of colors and material options like exotic skins, the hope is to reach a new audience of people looking to wear fetish gear and feel free and liberated while making a bold statement” said Fulton. “… these really are statement-making pieces.”

Fulton said he was inspired to bring something new to Detroit after spending time living in New York. He wanted to bring back the variety and options that queer communities in other big cities have. Fulton also says that much of his work is inspired by homoerotic artist Tom Finland.

For anyone looking to dip their toes, so to speak, into leather harnesses, jocks, and other similar accessories, Fulton Fetishwear is where you’ll want to look.

Stay tuned for more from Jerome as he looks to launch his fabulous new pieces in the coming weeks and re-defines what fetish-wear looks like!

SCAN & SHOP

SELECT CONTRIBUTIONS GOES TO AFFIRMATIONS

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