Vanguard November 2013

L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s Monthly Newsletter­­–Read By More Than 60,000 People

GREATEST GENERATION Saluting & serving senior LGBT veterans pg. 6

School’s OUT at LAUSD pg. 10 The Center Hearts U pg. 11 NOVEMBER 2013

L.A. GAY & LESBIAN CENTER’S ANNIVERSARY GALA

Help us celebrate the Center’s achievements and honor other groundbreaking leaders who are at the forefront of our movement locally, nationally and internationally, including:

JASON COLLINS inspirational out NBA player

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home of the barrier-breaking show Orange is the New Black

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CEO LETTER

SEA CHANGE Lorri L. Jean, Chief Executive Officer

Lately I’ve been reflecting upon how quickly things are changing for LGBT people.

Seemingly overnight we’ve gone from having virtually no elected officials willing to support the freedom to marry to having it almost become a requirement for most Democratic candidates. Even Republicans are coming around!

A court in New Jersey recently legalized marriages for same-sex couples there starting October 21. If that ruling hasn’t been stayed or overturned by the time you read this, marriage is now legal in 14 states and the District of Columbia, and in 17 other countries around the world. One day it will be the law of the land!

The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center is working on groundbreaking programs with both the L.A. Unified School District and Department of Veteran’s Affairs, organizations that not too long ago wanted nothing to do with any LGBT organization. The same military that just a few years ago was expelling us now grants special leave to gay and lesbian service members to travel to states where they can get legally married. Once married, the couple becomes entitled to military benefits they never otherwise would have received.

It used to be like pulling teeth to get members of Congress to visit the Center. Now they call on their own initiative.

In August our governor signed A.B. 1266, which requires public schools to allow transgender students to choose which restrooms to use and whether to join the girls’ or boys’ sports teams.

It really feels like we’re in the midst of a sea change when it comes not only to LGBT rights but to our place in general society.

transgender girl, Cassidy Lynn Campbell, as homecoming queen. A few years ago, there wasn’t a high school in the country that would have done so.

Of course, Cassidy’s experience wasn’t entirely positive. Her election was marred by numerous ignorant and bigoted attacks.

After a very public and tearful breakdown on YouTube, though, Cassidy rallied. She said that she was fine and that she wasn’t going to dwell on such ignorant comments or take them too personally.

What did her mother have to say?

“I’m so proud of her and not just because she’s my daughter—she could be anybody’s daughter today. I look at a lot of things differently now.”

Thankfully, so does most of the country when it comes to LGBT people!

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t still a huge amount of work to be done. The same week as Cassidy’s election, 100 miles north in Palmdale, local elected bigots gathered to urge the repeal of A.B. 1266 by referendum. What did they focus on? Bathrooms.

The same old canard that has been used for decades to bolster what are truly racist, sexist, homophobic and transphobic reactions.

The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center is working on groundbreaking programs with both the L.A. Unified School District and the Department of Veterans Affairs, organizations that not too long ago wanted nothing to do with any LGBT organization.

But, in spite of all the work that remains to be done, and the occasional steps backward that are likely on the horizon, we are winning. Not just in the courts, in statehouses and Congress, but in the hearts and minds of the American people. This month’s Vanguard is full of information about elements of our work that are contributing to this progress.

The recent developments at Marina High School in Huntington Beach illustrate my point. The students elected a 16-year-old

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group meetings at the village

seniors services

Community Groups

Social Networking Groups

Bears L.A. 3rd Wed., 7 - 10 p.m.

Bi-osphere* Explore and discuss the many shades of today’s diverse bisexual community Every 2nd & 4th Mon., 8 - 9:30 p.m.

Tai Chi Every Mon., 11 a.m.- Noon $6 suggested donation; no one turned away for lack of funds Call 323-860-5830 to RSVP

L.A. Leather Coalition 1st Thurs., 7 - 9 p.m.

Positive Images HIV+ Men’s Forum Every Wed., 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Call 323-860-7321 to RSVP Positive & Powerful Connect with other gay and bisexual men who have recently tested positive Every Thurs., 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Call 323-860-7321 to RSVP Prostate Cancer Support Group Every 1st & 3rd Tues., 7 - 9 p.m.

Registration required. Contact scohen@lagaycenter.org or 323-860-7340 S.M.A.R.T. Recovery Every Sat., 9:15 -10:45 a.m.

Gay Men’s Sexual Dysfunction Support Group If you’re a gay man facing any type of sexual dysfunction, this group is for you Every 2nd & 4th Tues., 7 - 9 p.m.

Registration required. Contact GMSHF@yahoo.com or 323-860-7340 Rated M Last Tues., 6 p.m.

Meet other young guys (18-24) to talk about, dating, relationships and healthy, erotic sex To RSVP or for more information, email colorincommon@lagaycenter.org or call 323-860-7353

Coming Out Workshops Coming Out Workshop for Women Coming Out Workshop for Men Safe, nurturing workshops for anyone who is facing their own coming out process Call 877-OUT-4-LIFE (877-688-4543) for information and to register Coming Out Group for Youth A safe, nurturing space for those ages 22 and under to explore issues related to sexual orientation or gender identity Every 1st & 3rd Saturday, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Out Talk A safe, supportive space for anyone who loves or knows someone who is coming out can ask questions and process their feelings.

Every 1st & 3rd Saturday, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Visit lagaycenter.org/comingout for information

Lesbian Chat* Great conversation for lesbians and bisexual women; Every Mon., 8 - 9:30 p.m.

Lesbian 30+ Friday Night Chat Meet women outside of the bars Every 1st & 3rd Fri., 7:30 - 9 p.m.

Men’s Speakeasy* Great conversation for gay and bisexual men; Every Tues., 8 - 9:30 p.m.

Transgender Perceptions* Conversation and community-building for transgender people; Every Fri., 8 - 9:30 p.m.

Canceled Nov. 29, Thanksgiving weekend Village Readers An LGBT reading and discussion group.

Nov. 6, Midstream: An Unfinished Memoir,

by Reynolds Price. Dec. 4, Persian Boy, by Mary Renault. Every 1st Wed., 7:30 - 9 p.m.

12-Step Groups Al-Anon Gay Focus Thurs., 7 - 8 p.m.

Alcoholics Anonymous It’s Come to This Mon., 6:10 - 7:10 p.m.

AA Happy Hour Tues. - Fri., 6:10 - 7:10 p.m.

Women’s AA Wed., 8 - 9 p.m.

One Page at a Time Thurs., 8 - 9 p.m.

Gay & Lesbian CODA Tues., 8 - 9 p.m.

Crystal Meth Anonymous Sat., 9:10 - 10:10 a.m.

Debtors Anonymous Tues., 8 - 9 p.m.

Marijuana Anonymous Wed., 8:15 - 9:15 p.m.

Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous Thurs., 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Sexual Compulsives Anonymous Mon., Tues., Wed., 8 - 9 p.m.

Thurs., 8:15 - 9:15 p.m.

Sat., Noon - 1:15 p.m.

Women’s Lunch Every 1st & 3rd Mon., Noon - 1 p.m.

Women’s Chat, drop-in Mon., 10 a.m. - Noon Grief and Loss Support Group Every 2nd & 4th Tues., 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Call 323-932-5414 for location MahJong Club Mon., 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Comunidad Latina Every 2nd Wed., 3 - 4:30 p.m.

Metropolitan Community Church-Los Angeles 4607 Prospect Ave. Call 323-860-7369 to RSVP Men’s Lunch Every 2nd & 4th Wed., Noon - 1 p.m.

Larry’s Computer Club Wed., 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Chair Yoga with Master Lakshmi Every 1st & 3rd Wed., 10:30 a.m.

Stretch & Balance with Bobby Wed., 11 a.m. $5 suggested donation Dance Into Shape with Bobby Fri., 11:30 a.m. $5-10 suggested donation Men’s Drop-In Support Group Wed., 10 a.m. - Noon with Steve Valley Social and Networking Group Thurs., 12:30 - 2 p.m.

Call 323-860-5830 for location Men’s In-Depth Support Group Closed group facilitated by Steve Call 323-860-7339 for more information Women’s In-Depth Support Group Closed group facilitated by Julia Call 323-860-7369 for more information Center Angels The Center Angels give back through various volunteer opportunities. For more information, call 323-860-5830 and leave a detailed message.

NA—Heartbeat of Recovery Mon., 7 - 8:15 p.m.

CMA—Let Go and Let God Fri., 8 - 9:30 p.m.

OA Thurs., 7 - 8 p.m.

UA—Artist in Prosperity Tues., 7 - 8 p.m.

For more information about Seniors Services classes, please call 323-860-7322.

Email seniors@lagaycenter.org or call 323-860-5830 to RSVP. Parking permits are required at The Village during office hours; please call ahead for information.

*group may not welcome late arrivals

Unless stated otherwise all activities occur at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza,1125 N. McCadden Place 4

NOVEMBER 2013

upcoming events

advertising You can effectively reach more than 60,000 members of the coveted lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender market in Los Angeles! Advertise in the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s monthly newsletter Vanguard and gain unparalleled (and direct) access to this niche demographic.

NOV

9 L.A. GAY & LESBIAN CENTER’S ANNIVERSARY GALA

contact info Medical Services 323-993-7500

AIDS/LifeCycle 323-860-7380

Mental Health 323-993-7669

Cultural Arts 323-860-7324

Pharmacy 323-993-7513

Domestic Violence 323-860-5806

Room Rentals 323-860-7301

Family Services 323-993-7430

Seniors Services 323-860-5830

HIV/STD Testing 323-860-5855

Social Networking Groups 323-860-7332

Learning Curve 323-860-7332 Legal Services 323-993-7670

NOVEM BER 9, 2013

at the

UNTIL NOV

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Laramie Project: Ten Years Later

Village Box Office/ Tickets 323-860-7300 or lagaycenter.org/ boxoffice

vanguard staff Jim Key

Chief Public Affairs Officer

WEST IN BONAVENTURE

lgbtvanguardawards.org l-r: Paul Witten, Paul Haitkin Photo credit: Win Win Imaging

General Information 323-993-7400

The Village at Ed Gould Plaza lagaycenter.org/theatre

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Lesbians 50+ Thanksgiving Social & Potluck (women only) Noon-3 p.m.

The Village at Ed Gould Plaza RSVP/info: 323-860-5830 or women50plus@lagaycenter.org

Kimiko Martinez

Associate Director of Marketing & Communications

Jesse Finley Reed Creative Director

Manny Sanchez

Marketing Communications Coordinator

Stevie St. John

November Vanguard Editor

Gil Diaz

Marketing Communications Manager

Kurt Thomas

Graphic Designer printed by Pace Marketing Communications

subscriptions Vanguard is published monthly by the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, a nonprofit corporation. 1625 N. Schrader Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028, Voice 323-993-7400 • TDD 323-993-7698.

Copyright 2013, Vanguard. All rights reserved. Subscription rate: free to membership. Printed in the USA. Publication of

the name, quotation or photograph of a person in articles or advertising is not an indication of the sexual orientation or the HIV status of such person. Moving, getting duplicate mailings or wish to be removed from the Vanguard mailing list? Call us at

UNTIL NOV

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Transgender Awareness Month

Sun. Nov. 3: March & Trans Flag Raising 11 a.m. at Plummer Park 7377 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood Ends at Trans Memorial (Matthew Shepard

Triangle, Santa Monica and Crescent Heights) Parking at Plummer Park / Shuttle Bus available

Thurs., Nov. 7: Transgender Economic Empowerment Job & Resource Fair 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The National Council for Jewish Women 543 N. Fairfax Ave. LA 90036 Sat., Nov. 9: Film screening 2 - 4 p.m.

West Hollywood Council Chambers 625 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood Sat., Nov 16: Trans Wellness Conference 6:30 p.m.

The National Council for Jewish Women 543 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles Wed., Nov 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance 6:30 p.m.

West Hollywood Library Auto Court 625 N. San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood

323-993-7620 or visit lagaycenter.org/newsletter.

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Serving seniors who served our country

by Stevie St. John

W hen 84-year-old Joe Levy served in the

military, he was more afraid of being discovered as gay than of going into combat.

In his era—and even until recently—the consequences of being outed could have ranged from teasing and harassment by fellow service members to physical assaults or even a dishonorable discharge from the military. So he, like many others, zealously guarded his identity.

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NOVEMBER 2013

Veterans Day, observed this month, honors those who’ve served in the U.S. armed forces. But sadly, many LGBT service members have been treated with anything but honor.

The end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) in 2011 was a tremendous milestone—both for the military and for the movement for full equality (although, unfortunately, transgender people are still barred from openly serving in the armed forces)—but it doesn’t erase the terrible toll homophobia took on older LGBT veterans.

“More than one-fifth of the LGBT seniors who come to the Center for support served in the armed forces, and they’ve made extraordinary sacrifices for the sake of their country,” says Kathleen Sullivan, director of the Center’s Seniors Services department. “They deserve to be celebrated just as much as straight veterans.”

Far from being celebrated though, generations of military personnel like Levy have lived in the shadows, hiding their true identities during their service to our country … and many continued to hide for years afterward.

In fact, many older LGBT vets felt so stigmatized during their time in uniform that it prevented them from applying for the veteran benefits they had earned. So even though many Center clients probably qualify for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), few have applied. In fact, a 2012 survey of the Center’s senior clients found that only 4 percent of those who are veterans were actively receiving VA benefits.

On the frontlines of change Determined to help senior veterans get the benefits they had earned from their years of service, the Seniors Services department reached out to the Los Angeles VA in 2009. At first, the calls

went un-returned.

But persistence—probably helped along by the country’s significant cultural shift on LGBT issues—finally yielded results in 2011. That year, Center staff provided VA mental health employees with a cultural competency training about “Creating Safe Spaces for LGBT Seniors.” The training helps workers understand the issues LGBT seniors face as they age, particularly issues related to past discrimination and marginalization.

By July 2011, the VA was holding its first-ever veterans benefits workshop at an LGBT organization—the Center. The workshop gave veterans age 50 and older an opportunity to apply and be

assessed for their VA benefits.

The working relationship between the VA and the Center’s Seniors Services department continued to improve as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was repealed that fall.

Since that policy change went into effect, active-duty service members can now come out… and so can VA staff members. This year, the VA even invited LGBT staff to march in the L.A. Pride parade—a remarkable difference from just a few years ago, when marching could have cost them their jobs.

“The VA is changing,” says Leyla Ramos, an LGBT Army veteran who is both a VA case manager and a social work intern in the Center’s NOVEMBER 2013

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This success has spurred our Seniors Services department to launch an initiative to train VA staff throughout California—and then the nation—to work with LGBT veterans.

Lorri L. Jean, CEO, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center

Seniors Services department. “The whole culture is changing.”

Today, the Center has regular VA benefits workshops for veterans age 50 and older—like the one at The Village in late October—where vets can talk to VA staff members, learn about benefits for which they may be eligible and begin the application process.

The specific benefits for which veterans qualify depend on many factors and vary greatly: they may be eligible for medical, pension, housing and even burial services. For some of those who’ve received benefits with the Center’s help, it’s made a remarkable difference.

Surviving World War II For three days, many survivors of a World War II Navy destroyer clung to a raft attached to a net. The raft wasn’t big enough to hold everyone seeking refuge, so the healthier shipmates rotated between climbing onto the raft and hanging from the net.

“I remember lashing myself into the net to keep from drowning as I slept,” says Jack Murphy* in his written account of his ship’s sinking in 1944. “We had some Spam and a little water. We had no idea if or when we’d be rescued. Finally, on the third day after the sinking, an LCI (Landing Craft Infantry) found our raft. We were too weak to climb aboard. They actually had to lift us aboard. We were too exhausted to do anything but collapse on the deck.”

Before he’d reached the raft that kept him afloat, Murphy helped several of his floundering shipmates reach rafts.

“Jack is a true hero,” a fellow survivor, Paul Frederick* told the group at a recent Navy reunion.

Now 87, Murphy is one of just a handful of still-living survivors of his ship’s sinking. He has faced medical issues as a result of the experience.

Additionally, he and his partner, Tom Cooper*, have struggled financially.

Before Murphy and Cooper went to a benefits workshop at the Center, Murphy didn’t know that he would qualify for financial benefits through the VA. “For all these years, he had no idea,” says Coo8

NOVEMBER 2013

per, who is himself a Korean War veteran.

After attending the Seniors Services workshop at The Village, Murphy discovered he qualified for substantial financial benefits that dramatically increased the pair’s income.

Serving struggling seniors Many LGBT seniors face serious financial hardships, and veterans like Cooper and Murphy are no exception. According to Sullivan, 12 percent of the veterans her department serves live on less than $1,000 a month, 41 percent live on less than $2,000 a month and 22 percent don’t know if they will have enough food at the end of each month.

At the Center, case managers help seniors navigate applying for different types of assistance that can make a huge impact on their quality of life— and for struggling vets, VA benefits can be a big part of that.

That was the case for another World War II veteran Bob Clement, 88. After his partner’s death, Social Security was his only source of income, and he had to stretch those monthly payments as far as he could.

After attending a benefits workshop, Clement qualified for benefits that more than tripled his monthly income and helped alleviate his financial strain.

On a mission The Center’s work to support LGBT veterans has impacted many lives. Today, 19 percent of the vets active with the Center’s Seniors Services program report getting VA benefits, up from 4 percent just last year.

That statistic represents a lot of lives improved and the Center is on a mission to help even more LGBT veterans.

“This success has spurred our Seniors Services department to launch an initiative to train VA staff throughout California—and then the nation—to work with LGBT veterans,” says Center CEO Lorri L. Jean. “It will literally change the lives of many seniors. And who could be more deserving than those who risked their lives serving our country?” *Names changed to protect privacy

About Veterans Benefits Many veterans don’t know what benefits they might be entitled to. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, benefits may include: •

Health care

•

Pension compensation for veterans who were injured during service

•

Survivors’ benefits for the spouse, child(ren) or parent(s) of a service member who died during his or her service

•

Housing

•

VA-guaranteed home loans

•

Financial support for education

•

Low-cost life insurance

•

Employment services such as job training

•

Burial services

For more information, visit va.gov.

Or, if you are a veteran age 50 or older, call the Center’s Seniors Services department at 323-860-5830 and ask for VA case management support.

About the Photos The photos of men are from the collection of John Ibson, author of Picturing Men: A Century of Male Relationships in Everyday American Photography. The images of women are public information from United States Air Force Historical Studies Office.

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STARTS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST IN SELECT THEATERS

PHOTOS BY MANNY SANCHEZ

COMING OUT FOR SCHOOLS INITIATIVE/PROJECT SPIN

(left to right) Alan Acosta speaks at the the launch of the Out for Safe Schools initiative, an LAUSD administrator shows off his new ally badge, LAUSD teacher displays the banner students created.

School’s in and staff are “out”

by Gil Diaz

Last month’s National Coming Out Day took a different “spin” when thousands of staff, educators and administrators of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)—the second-largest district in the country—pledged to “come out.”

As part of a new initiative proposed and developed by the head of the Center’s Project SPIN (Suicide Prevention Intervention Now), Sara Train, a remarkable 30,000 LAUSD staff members—one-third of the district’s personnel—came out as visible allies for LGBT youth by wearing “Out for Safe Schools” badges.

“Anti-LGBT harassment and bullying not only leads to more LGBT students dropping out of school, but increases their risk of suicide,” says Train. “So it’s hugely important that students in L.A.—one of the most diverse metropolitan cities in the world—feel safe when they go to school every day.”

LAUSD schools are the first in the country with teachers, staff and administrators who publicly identify themselves as LGBT allies. The badges, created by the Center and distributed on National Coming Out Day, have the word “ally” printed on the front in seven different languages and a list of district and community LGBT resources on the back. They serve as a visual signal to students that the staff who wear them are allies who can help youth in need of support and resources.

“We’re proud that the LAUSD is leading the way in helping LGBT students feel safe and welcome in schools,” says LAUSD School Superintendent John Deasy.

LAUSD research indicates that nearly 11 percent of the district’s K-12 students may identify as LGBT and 16 percent have LGBT family members.

“We have an obligation to care for all our students,” Deasy says. “And this initiative could help change or even save the lives of our students.”

The Center is the lead funder of the Out for Safe Schools initiative. Additional funding has been provided by the GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) Network and the LAUSD’s bargaining units: SEIU, UTLA, and ALAA.

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NOVEMBER 2013

Anti-LGBT harassment and bullying not only leads to more LGBT students dropping out of school, but increases their risk of suicide.

- Sara Train, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center Project SPIN Leader

THANK YOU

An

attitude of

gratitude

November is the time of year when we all reflect on what we’re thankful for.

And there’s plenty to be happy about this year!

Our service people

We’re thankful that lesbian, gay and bisexual people can now serve openly in the U.S. military.

Our founders blazed a trail

A small group of volunteer activists paved the way for the Center to become what it is today: the world’s largest LGBT organization. Thanks to these pioneers, we’ve been serving the LGBT community for more than four decades—and we’re grateful for the opportunity to make a difference!

AIDS/LifeCycle is on a roll

Thanks to the heroes of AIDS/ LifeCycle—2,800 riders and volunteer roadies—this year’s ride raised a record $14.2 million for life-saving HIV/AIDSrelated services!

YOU make everything we do possible!

We’re so grateful to you! However you support the Center—whether as a sustaining donor or periodic donor, a member of the Young Professionals Council or the Los Angeles Women’s Network, or someone who attends our events—we’re thankful that you’re part of the Center family!

Our volunteers are never a ‘drag’ … in fact, they’re fierce!

We can put a ring on it

Once again, the freedom to marry is ringing out in the Golden State! Of course, while we’re celebrating that victory, we’re also supporting the work of fellow activists who are working to bring marriage equality to other states.

The 3,000 active volunteers who help make our work possible bring a great attitude, remarkable dedication and, on occasion, fabulous hats. Last year, RuPaul and Drag Race co-stars Michelle Visage and Santino Rice surprised our homeless youth clients by volunteering at the annual Thanksgiving dinner.

Watch our #thankfulThursday tweets this month

to see some more things we’re thankful for … and tag us in your tweets to tell us what you’re giving thanks for this year! twitter.com/lagaycenter

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Celebrating the Golden Age Belmont Village residents enjoy exceptional hospitality, luxurious amenities and premier programs for health and wellness.

Senior Living has never looked better!

S E N I OR L I V I N G

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NOVEMBER 2013

8/29/13 10:22 AM

BEACH CLASSIC PHOTOS: CHRISTOPHER STEWART

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Beach Classic 1. Toyota Financial Services 5k Retro Run 2. State Farm Beach Volleyball Tournament Competitive Division Winners, Team Kimchi Power 3. Rachel Morgan, Top Swim Fundraiser 1

4. Todd Kusy, Tommy Chambers, Nick Small and George Mariella 5. David Mizener and Arturo Carillo 6. Beats for Boobs’ Kristen Hosack with Director of Institutional Giving, Jens Kohler 7. Eric Shore 8. Bridget Trumpet and Yemi Adegbonmire 4

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SUSTAINING DONOR AND GALA KICK OFF PHOTOS: LYNDA-MAREE SWABY FOR LMFTV

Sustaining Donor Dinner

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VIP Kick-off for this year’s Anniversary Gala Vanguard Awards 9. Tad Brown & Chris Panizzon 10. Patti Rayne & Christina Minna 11. Morris Bekas, Lorri L. Jean, Rashel Adragna 12. New Auction co-chairs David N. Lubell and Eric M. Finley 13. VIP Kick-off guests

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Performance VOICEOVER TALENT

Introduction to Voiceover for Beginners Unleash the vocal giant inside of you! This hands-on course will teach you tricks of the trade and how to start your career in voiceover. Held in a professional recording studio, students will get mic time and will receive digital copies of their work.

Instructor: M.J. Lallo Workshop Tues., Nov. 19, 7 - 10 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $49 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 11/18) Course meets off-site.

Dating & Intimacy

Technology

MAN OF MY DREAMS

LEARN ADOBE PHOTOSHOP EXT.

Everyone dreams when they sleep, but what are your dreams telling you about your waking life? This fun and eye-popping workshop will disclose what your subconscious is trying to tell you about love and relationships.

Photoshop is the graphic world’s most powerful tool. Learn how to retouch, create composites, paint, color correct and much more.

As one of our longest-running courses, this fun and inspiring workshop is perfect for anyone who wants to take center stage and make them laugh. Topics include: joke writing, improv skills, character creation, and stage persona. At the end, perform your own comedic stand-up piece at The Comedy Store!

Instructor: Dali Sadhana

Instructor: Adam Barnhardt

L1 Wed., Nov. 20 & Dec. 4, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

L2 Wed., Dec. 11 & 18, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

6-Part Course Sat., Nov. 16 - Jan. 11, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

No class on 11/30, 12/21 & 12/28.

The Comedy Store performance: 1/12

A Dream Workshop for Gay & Bi Men

Instructor: Matthew Silverstein, PhD, LMFT Workshop Thurs., Nov. 21, 7 - 9 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $25 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 11/20)

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YOUR WORLD PREMIERE AT THE COMEDY STORE

NOVEMBER 2013

Levels I & II

Enrollment Fee: $89 Each Level Combine Levels I & II Enrollment Fee: $149 (No Additional Discounts) (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. 11/19)

Stand-Up Comedy Workshop

Enrollment Fee: $120

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 11/15)

Creativity & Fun

Career

Health & Wellness

MOVEMENT & FORM

CRUSHIN’ IT ON KINDLE

AWAKENING

Learn to Self Publish on Amazon Kindle

Saturday Morning Meditation

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Start your weekends by opening your eyes, your heart and your soul while centering your mind and body.

Instructors: Emille Annine Workshop Wed., Nov. 20, 7 - 9 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $29

Instructors: Marc Caldwell

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 11/19)

Free (Donations are accepted.)

No RSVP necessary.

Principles of Gesture Drawing This course is the perfect complement to our popular Life Drawing course. Learn how to capture movement and gesture in your drawings of the human nude. Each session features a live nude model.

Instructor: Daniel Ribera 2-Part Course Mon., Nov. 25 & Dec. 2, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $39 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 11/24)

Wealth & Security

LIFE DRAWING

I DO, DON’T I?

Capturing the Beautiful Human Body

Do you and your future spouse know the laws for which you will apply together? Learn the facts and myths so that you can make an informed choice when you say, “I do.”

Instructor: Ron Anderegg

Instructor: Christine Wilson Workshop Tues., Nov. 19, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $25

Enrollment Fee: $69

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 11/18)

WRITING FOR THE STAGE

An Intensive Playwriting Workshop Learn the craft of playwriting by reading and discussing each student’s work. Learn structure, character, conflict, climax, resolution and much more. All experience levels are welcome.

Instructor: Richard Steel 6-Part Course Sat., Dec. 7 - Jan. 11, 1 - 4 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $99

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 12/6)

Every Sat., 10 - 11:30 a.m.

No class on 11/30

Understanding Marriage in California

Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike who are interested in developing their artistic talents. Each session features a live nude model.

4-Part Course Tues., Nov. 19 - Dec. 10, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Class

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 11/18)

YOURS, MINE AND OURS

Wealth Management for Same-Sex Couples Retirement planning for one is very different than planning for two. This workshop will focus on real-world solutions to some of LGBT people’s unique challenges when it comes to planning for retirement.

Instructors: Rebecca Dreyer

Workshop Tues., Nov. 12, 7 - 9 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $29 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 11/11)

REGISTER by calling 323-860-7300, ext. 3 or lagaycenter.org/learningcurve

NOVEMBER 2013

15

L.A. GAY & LESBIAN CENTER

McDonald/Wright Building 1625 N. Schrader Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90028

A CLOTHING DRIVE FOR HOMELESS LGBT YOUTH

Sunday, December 8 Noon - 4 p.m.

Eleven Nightclub & Restaurant 8811 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood

Show us your #YPCThreads Presented by

Sponsored by

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Call 323-993-7620 or visit lagaycenter.org/newsletter.