Vanguard October 2013

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

A peek in the closet The evolution of coming out

CARING FOR WOMEN Mind, Body and Soul THE YOUNG & THE SELFLESS A Revamped Young Professionals Council OCTOBER 2013

SAV E the DAT E

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

at the

NOVEM BER 9 , 2013 WESTIN BONAVE NTURE

CEO LETTER

OBAMACARE & YOU Lorri L. Jean, Chief Executive Officer

October 1 begins California’s first “open season” under “Obamacare.” What does this mean for LGBT people? Plenty.

For example, we can no longer be denied health insurance because of a pre-existing condition and our children can remain on our insurance until the age of 26. In addition, those of us who haven’t been able to afford health insurance will now be able to do so. That’s a larger number of people than many might think.

We know from numerous studies that LGBT people suffer severe income inequality compared to our straight counterparts. For example: •

gay men earn up to 32 percent less than similarly qualified heterosexual men;

•

up to 64 percent of transgender people make less than $25,000 a year; and

•

about 24 percent of lesbian and bisexual women between the ages of 18 to 44 are broke (that’s compared to 19 percent of straight women).

These income disparities translate directly to inadequate health care. Until now, unless we had HIV or were disabled, LGBT people without health insurance between the ages of 18 and 64 had no decent access to medical care.

Obamacare will change that.

For six months, beginning on October 1, legal residents without access to affordable health insurance through their employer will be eligible to purchase health coverage through Covered California. This is California’s version of the “exchanges” you’ve probably heard about. This works for people of all income levels who lack affordable insurance through their employer.

Also, anyone earning between 138 percent and 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $15,856 - $45,960 for singleperson households) will receive assistance from the federal government to reduce premium costs. Anyone earning under 138 percent will quality for Medi-Cal. To make a complicated story short, people will have the option of

choosing different tiers of plans at different prices, including HMOs, EPOs and PPOs. There are significant nuances for people with HIV. You can see exactly what all of your annual costs will be by going to a “shop and compare” tool on the Covered California website (coveredca.com). Once the open season closes, no one has the option of getting insurance again until October 15 through December 7, 2014, unless they have a qualifying event, like a change of job where they lose coverage, divorce or marriage, etc. (Getting sick or injured is not a qualifying event.) So, this window of opportunity should not be missed by anyone in need of health care.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center (look alike), the Center is already providing health care to uninsured members of our community, including many who are HIV-positive as well as many who are not.

Thanks to Obamacare, we’ll now be able to provide this care for even greater numbers of people. In fact, in addition to our highly competent physicians, we have two new doctors starting this month (a gay man with experience in HIV and transgender medical care and a lesbian OB/GYN with primary care experience) who will increase our capacity to provide the highest quality care to members of our community who would like to get that care in a place where they are understood and are not judged.

For six months, beginning October 1, legal residents without access to affordable health insurance through their employer will be eligible to purchase health coverage through Covered California . . . this window of opportunity should not be missed by anyone in need of health care.”

More information can be found on our website (laygaycenter.org), and staff is available to answer any questions you may have. Simply call 323-993-7500 and choose option 4.

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group meetings at the village 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.

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 Breast Cancer Support Group A safe space for women dealing with any stage of breast cancer Every 1st & 3rd Thurs., 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Registration required. Contact scohen@lagaycenter.org 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 Coming Out Group for Youth Three safe and 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 Workshop for Families A safe and compassionate space to learn how to support and accept a loved one who is coming out 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.

Village Readers An LGBT reading and discussion group.

Oct. 2, Other Voices, Other Rooms, by Truman Capote. Nov. 6, Midstream: An Unfinished Memoir, by Reynolds Price 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.

seniors services Tai Chi Every Mon., 10 - 11 a.m. $6 suggested donation; no one turned away for lack of funds Call 323-860-5830 to RSVP Women’s Lunch Every 1st & 3rd Mon., 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Women’s Chat, drop-in Mon., 1:30 - 3 p.m.

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., 12:30 - 1:30 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.

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 Gabriela Call 323-860-7369 for more information Center Angels The Center Angels give back through various volunteer opportunities. Call 323-860-7367 for more information.

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

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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.

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contact info General Information 323-993-7400

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

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

vanguard staff

OCT

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Jim Key

Chief Public Affairs Officer

Kimiko Martinez

Associate Director of Marketing & Communications

modelsofpride.org

Jesse Finley Reed Creative Director OCT

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Manny Sanchez

Marketing Communications Coordinator

Stevie St. John

October Vanguard Editor Graphic Designer printed by Pace Marketing Communications

RSVP

subscriptions Center, a nonprofit corporation. 1625 N. Schrader Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028, Voice 323-993-7400 • TDD 323993-7698. 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 323-993-7620 or visit lagaycenter.org/newsletter.

presented by senior services Come talk with VA counselors to find out what benefits you may qualify for.

Kurt Thomas

Vanguard is published monthly by the L.A. Gay & Lesbian

VA benefits day

THE 11TH ANNUAL

LESBIAN HEALTH CONFERENCE

The Village at Ed Gould Plaza L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center 1125 N. McCadden Place Los Angeles, CA 90038

323-860-5830 seniors@lagaycenter.org

UNTIL NOV

2

Register today at

lagaycenter.org/mindbodysoul L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center The Village at Ed Gould Plaza 1125 N. McCadden Place Los Angeles, CA 90038

Photography Retrospective

Alexandra Gibson

Advocate & Gochis Galleries lagaycenter.org/art

OCTOBER 2013

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IN MEMORANDUM

Just for women...

DUNCAN DONOVAN

by Kimiko Martinez

Duncan Donovan had some definite likes and dislikes … and he wasn’t afraid to let you know about either.

On the 93-year-old former journalist’s list of likes? Corvettes, bow ties (he had 45), books (he had more than 4,000), shorts (he wore them most of the time), a host of favorite restaurants and other local haunts … and the Center.

As a longtime participant of the Seniors Services department’s programs, perhaps it was no surprise then that Donovan left half of his estate to the Center when he passed away in January.

“While Duncan enjoyed activities at the Center, especially his Men’s Group meetings, what he really felt strongly about was the Center’s advocacy and the way the Center organizes and fights for LGBT justice and equality,” says Nellie Sims, director of Planned Giving.

Aside from the Center, Donovan was involved with the ACLU for many years. And as a journalist and Angeleno, Donovan rubbed elbows with plenty of politicians. Eventually, he fell in with some of Hollywood elites and served as a publicist for the Motion Picture Industry in the early 1940s.

“He was extremely intelligent and had some really interesting observations about politics and current events. I always learned from him,” says Steve Gratwick, the Center’s manager of Seniors Services. Gratwick leads the men’s group and helped throw Donovan’s 90th birthday party. “He always had these amazing stories and insights, like (Winston) Churchill compared to F.D.R. (Franklin 6

OCTOBER 2013

JOIN US! Get to know Duncan Donovan and one of his favorite L.A. hangouts at a screening of The Other Side: A Queer History’s Last Call on Saturday, October 5 at the Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza. The documentary looks at the closing of The Other Side, a piano bar in Silverlake that served as a hangout for a generation of gay men. All proceeds benefit the Seniors Fund. Details at lagaycenter.org/ seniorsfund.

Roosevelt), because he’d interviewed people like that firsthand.”

As a gay man, he probably would’ve had a lot to say about the decisions last spring regarding the Defense of Marriage Act and California’s Prop 8.

“If he were here today,” Sims says, “he would be marveling at the Supreme Court decision.”

Interested in leaving the Center a gift in your estate? Contact Nellie Sims at 323-993-7691 or nsims@lagaycenter.org.

Women are notorious for putting other people’s needs first. Perhaps that’s why we sometimes let our health fall through the cracks.

Even for those who are good about getting regular yearly exams, health is more than just about the physical body. True well-being, for many, is finding a balance of mind, body and soul. And that’s the goal of the Center’s 11th Annual Lesbian Health Conference.

“Women’s health needs are very different than men’s,” says Susan Cohen, Health Education Consultant and the organizer of the Lesbian Health Conference. “I don’t know of any other events out there that really focus specifically on the well-being of women who love women, which is why we created this event more than a decade ago.”

The Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza will be a haven for health on Saturday, October 26. The full-day conference will feature free, expert-led workshops on topics ranging from aging and advocacy to empowerment and intimacy.

Featured presentations will include: • “The 5 Health Exams Every Woman Should Have” with Dr. Kathleen Young from California State University, Northridge • “LGBT Health & Aging Advocacy” with Shane Snowdon, Director of the Human Rights Campaign’s Health & Aging Program • “The Power of Pleasure” with Dr. Ava Cadell, founder of Loveology University “We really wanted to create a safe space for women — lesbians, bisexual, trans, genderqueer … however people self-identify,” says Cohen, “to connect with women’s health experts, one another and provide resources for them to focus on their health in a holistic, positive way.”

BE A PART! Mind, Body & Soul: The 11th Annual Lesbian Health Conference Enjoy a full day of FREE workshops just for women who love women! For more information and to register, please visit lagaycenter.org/mindbodysoul.

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OCTOBER 2013

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Evolving by stevie st. john

New

Yorker Joe Levy was known as the best date around in his circle of female friends. But when the women compared notes, they realized that those dates were all quite chaste. They suspected he was asexual.

But in reality, Levy was frequenting bathhouses and having clandestine affairs with men.

In 1963 Levy came out to his parents at age 34.

Flash forward nearly 50 years to Orange County, California. Trevor Pop is on the cusp of graduating from high school when he comes out to his first crush, an openly gay friend who’s involved in their school’s Gay-Straight Alliance … who’s now dating someone else. It’s bittersweet because it turns out they once had mutual feelings for each other, and they wonder about what might have been.

In 2012, Pop by then a college student, came out to his parents at age 18.

A new era When Levy was growing up, discussions about sex and sexuality were taboo. Bathhouses and gay bars faced the perpetual threat of police raids. Levy lived in fear that his secret would be discovered—especially during his time in the military. The prospect of being found out was more terrifying than the possibility of being sent into combat.

A half century later, Pop, 19, is coming of age in a post-Ellen world that includes openly LGBT celebrities, soldiers, politicians and sports stars. George Takei proclaimed that “it’s OK to be Takei” on his popular social media channels, and actress Raven-Symoné casually came out in a tweet.

Being out today is a lot less shocking than it was when DeGeneres appeared on the famous “Yep, I’m Gay” TIME magazine cover. This month thousands of LGBT people will change

their Facebook profile pics in celebration of being out and proud on National Coming Out Day on October 11.

“Just culturally, it’s talked about now,” says

I really credit the Center with being the fertile field in which I was allowed to grow.

Kendall Evans, trans woman

Nick Belperio, a volunteer facilitator for the men’s Coming Out Workshop at the Center.

“Gay is everywhere.”

Yet it was Levy’s parents five decades ago who, though not exactly pleased, said his boyfriend would be welcome in their home the same way his other friends were.

And it was Pop’s parents just last year who thought his being gay was an affliction caused by demons—demons they wanted cast out.

“It’s definitely a mixed bag,” Belperio says.

“Everybody’s story is different.”

We're coming

out

Although Pop’s story of family rejection is an extreme one, it isn’t an isolated case. According to the Pew Research Center*, 39 percent of LGBT people surveyed said that they have faced rejection from a family member or a close friend because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

That’s a statistic that represents a lot of difficult conversations, complicated relationships and awkward holiday meals. But it also represents a cacophony of closet doors being kicked open.

After all, families can only react to someone’s OCTOBER 2013

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The It sounds very grandiose to say that room (where we hold the Coming Out Workshops) saves lives, but it does. I know it does.”

Nick Belperio, a volunteer facilitator for the men’s Coming Out Workshop at the Center

sexual orientation or gender identity if they know about it.

In the Pew study, 86 percent of those surveyed said they have told one or more close friends about their sexual orientation or gender identity.

More than half (56 percent) say they’ve come out to their mothers; 39 percent have told their fathers.

With more people coming out, more people know someone who is out—and that changes how many people feel about LGBT issues. This makes society as a whole more accepting of LGBT people, said 70 percent of those surveyed.

“There is no doubt that youths today live in a world with less social stigma toward LGBT people than would have been faced by older generations,” says Gary Gates of the Williams Institute. Gates pointed out that the General Social Survey has found a “substantial decline, especially in the last 15 years” in the percentage of U.S. residents who believe it is wrong to be in a same-sex relationship.

Even Pop, whose family reacted so negatively to his coming out last year, thinks it’s a great time to be LGBT in the U.S. He’s hardly alone in holding that view. A full 92 percent of Pew survey respondents said that society has become more accepting over the past 10 years and will continue to grow more accepting in the next 10.

“There’s a huge change in awareness,” 84-year-old Levy says. “It became normal.”

An oasis Over the years, Levy had a few boyfriends.

He moved to L.A. with one of them, but their relationship dissolved soon after. He was later in a relationship for 12 years, but he never got serious about anyone else again after it ended.

Levy is wistful. He loves children—his friends’ kids call him “Uncle Joe Levy” —and would have liked to have some of his own. That would have been unthinkable during the years he was coming of age.

But Levy isn’t alone. He connects with his community through the Center’s Seniors Services department, which offers a broad array 10

OCTOBER 2013

of programming for LGBT people ages 50 and up. He first came to the Center to take a poetry class. Then, he said, “I got hooked.” He has continued to take poetry, has taught ballroom dancing and has taken part in theatrical performances through Seniors Services.

Pop, too, can often be found at The Village, which he calls “a little oasis.”

The teen first turned to the Center soon after fleeing his parents’ house. His parents demanded that he either attend an “ex-gay” camp or undergo weekly “counseling” sessions overseen by a group of conservative ministers.

Both choices were unbearable, so Pop boarded a bus to L.A. He found a home with the Center while he worked, saved money and prepared to move out on his own.

Pop also got involved in LifeWorks, the Center’s youth development and mentoring program. He’s taken martial arts classes, talked to LifeWorks staff about his problems and volunteered his time as a peer mentor.

“It’s like a family and a safe place for me,” he says.

A safe

space Twenty-year-old Maria Martinez was still struggling to accept herself when she turned to the Center for support. Although she had started her coming out journey years earlier, with a first crush at age 13, she wasn’t really out.

“I would tell myself that I wasn’t ashamed, but at the same time, I wouldn’t tell people,” she says. “I felt like something was holding me back.”

In the Center’s Coming Out Workshop, Martinez found a roomful of women who she could relate to. For the first time in her life, she had substantial conversations about being a lesbian. The feeling of being utterly alone—a feeling exacerbated by having no out classmates in high school—dissipated. The workshop instilled her with newfound confidence.

“I’m really happy where I am right now,” she says. “Being part of the community makes me feel incredibly comfortable with myself.”

unknown The terribly scary thing about coming out is that life outside the closet is unknown. So many things could happen. In the Coming Out Workshops, participants can talk about all of those “what ifs” and how they can prepare to deal with different scenarios.

The workshop model pushes participants to set goals and work toward them. Individual goals vary widely from person to person. Some want to come out to their families or co-workers. Others, grappling with how they identify, are still coming out to themselves.

That’s where Kendall Evans was in 2009.

Already out as bisexual, Evans had realized it was time to explore her gender identity. In the Coming Out Workshop, she found a safe space where she began the process of coming out as a transgender woman.

“I really credit the Center with being the fertile field in which I was allowed to grow,” she says.

Evans, 63, had repressed her true self for decades. During that time, she watched the world change dramatically. The Internet gave unsure and isolated LGBT people a way to find information, resources and, maybe more importantly, one another.

Today, television and movies include more and more LGBT characters. And the media covers things like Chaz Bono’s coming out and interviews with young trans people (like the young trans girl featured on 20/20).

“I think that my coming out is so much easier because of all the people who came before me,” Evans says.

But easier doesn’t mean easy.

Belperio says a lot of participants start the workshop feeling their sexual orientation or gender identity will always be a burden. Many of the men coming out as gay are married to women, and some have children. They’re terrified about what coming out will mean for their families.

“Six months later, nine months later, they are relaxed and they are different people,” Belperio says. “And they’re surrounded by people who love them. It’s remarkable, and I think it’s an incredible privilege to be a part of that process.

“It sounds very grandiose to say that room [where we hold the Coming Out Workshops] saves lives, but it does. I know it does.” *A Survey of LGBT Americans: Attitudes, Experiences and Values in Changing Times, Pew Research Center, 2013

Coming out Support If you or someone you know is questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity or struggling with the coming out process, a Center’s Coming Out Workshop may help!

Workshops specifically for women and specifically for men meet weekly. And the Center just launched two new groups for LGBT youth ages 14-22 and for the straight family members of anyone who is coming out.

The Coming Out Workshop for Families will provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for family members to educate themselves and get support.

Coming Out Workshops for Men Coming Out Workshops for Women Meets weekly. Meeting details disclosed upon registration. Call 877-688-4543 for more information and to register.

Coming Out Group for Youth (14-22) Meets from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first and third Saturday of each month at the Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza.

Coming Out Workshops for Families Meets on Saturdays. Meeting details disclosed upon registration. Call 877-688-4543 for information and to register.

For more information, visit lagaycenter.org/comingout

PERSONAL, POLITICAL & PHILANTHROPIC The Center launches a revamped Young Professionals Council

By Stevie St. John

The Center’s YPC Executive Committee (pictured above) are the brains behind the newly revamped group’s bi-monthly events, which include networking, personal enrichment, professional development and volunteer/fundraising opportunities with the Center.

The Young Professionals Council (YPC) is about growth—and giving back.

As an incubator for budding LGBT activists and philanthropists under 40, the YPC matches its members with enriching volunteer opportunities that help make the Center’s work possible.

And its new series of events also supports its members’ personal and professional development. “Net-WerQing,” the first in the series, featured Jayzen Patria, a Center board member and executive director of the NBCUniversal Talent Lab, who spoke about leveraging professional networks.

Of course, being a part of the YPC is also a lot of fun. Mixers and other YPC events give young LGBT professionals a great way to build a diverse and vibrant community.

“I was really looking for my home where I could feel like part of the community,” says Carolyn Merrell, who joined the YPC this year. “I’m so honored and excited to be a part of the YPC.” Merrell, 24, says she was inspired when she took a tour of the Center’s headquarters building.

“I was dumbfounded by how amazing this place was,” says Merrell, a member of Facebook’s consumer communications team. “I couldn’t believe it really existed.”

Like many YPC members, Merrell wants to draw on her professional expertise to support

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the Center. With her experience in public relations, she hopes to get media coverage for Center programs and services, and she was instrumental in getting the Los Angeles Times to feature the Center’s Senior Prom.

Merrell’s dedication to supporting the Center is representative of the YPC’s mission: cultivating a culture of philanthropy that inspires its members to support charitable causes through volunteerism and financial support.

Since the YPC formed seven years ago, its members have supported the Center’s work in a variety of ways, including serving Thanksgiving dinner to homeless youth and helping at the Senior Prom. This month, YPC members will volunteer at the Models of Pride conference for LGBT youth.

The group has also raised more than $700,000 for Center programs through fundraisers like the YPC volleyball tournament, which this year became the Beach Classic.

The YPC joined forces with the Center’s Los Angeles Women’s Network (LAWN) and MKH20 productions to expand the event to include a Toyota Financial Services 5K Retro Run and a 2K swim in addition to the original State Farm Beach Volleyball Tournament.

And later this year, the YPC will host its annual Threads of Change clothing drive party, where it will accept donations of clothing for homeless LGBT youth.

I was really looking for my home where I could feel like part of the community.”

- Carolyn

Merrell

JOIN TODAY! The Young Professionals Council is open to all Center supporters under age 40.

Members commit to making a $25/month donation to the Center.

For more information about joining the YPC, email ypc@lagaycenter. org, or follow them on Facebook (lagaycenterypc), Twitter (LaGayCenter_YPC) and Instagram (@lagaycenter_YPC).

RAPIDQUEST: PHOTOS BY MANNY SANCHEZ

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2 SHOOTING RAW: PHOTO BY KATIE POMERANTZ

RapidQuest An adventurous group of Center supporters braved the American River Sept. 6-8 to raise funds for the Center’s LGBT seniors and homeless youth services.

1. This year’s 24 participants raised more than $95,000 for the Center 2. Team Party Crocs 3. Cornelius Jones Jr. 4. Costume Award: Team “Bring it On…” 5. Top Fundraising Raft: “Bella Rafters” of Wells Fargo (Not pictured) Top Fundraiser: Ryan Fitzgerald

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Shooting Raw Exhibition 6. Some of the uncommonly talented photographers who’ve participated in Learning Curve digital photo classes show off their work in the Center’s Advocate & Gochis galleries 4

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GARCETTI: PHOTOS BY MANNY SANCHEZ

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Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti Reception More than 150 Center supporters joined our new mayor for a reception at the Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza on Sept. 9

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7. L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti and Center CEO Lorri L. Jean 8. Doreena Wong, Jeffrey Erdman and Kathy Paspalis 9. Mayor Garcetti supporters 10. Dennis Herzig and Rick Davis

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Adventure FLYING HIGH

Hang Gliding Over Dockweiler State Beach Have you ever dreamt of flying? This fun and invigorating class allows you to soar over the warm sands of Dockweiler State Beach.

Instructor: Various Lesson Sat., Oct. 26, noon - 3:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $149

(Enrollment closes at 11:59 p.m. 10/18)

Technology LEARN ADOBE PHOTOSHOP EXT. Levels I & II

Photography Series CAMERA TECH & PHOTOGRAPHY FUNDAMENTALS Digital Photography Primer

An intense and information-filled course for photographers who want to master their cameras and develop thier creative skills. This course is a perfect introduction to all our other photography courses.

Instructor: Dali Sadhana 4-Part Course Mon. Oct. 21 - Nov. 11, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $99

FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY

Principles of High-Fashion Photography Ready to take on the world of high-fashion photography? This course will teach you all the skills and knowledge you need to become a professional fashion photographer.

Instructor: Korbin Bielski

4-Part Course

Tues., Oct. 24 - Nov. 21, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

No class on Oct. 31, Halloween.

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 10/23)

URBAN PHOTOGRAPHY NIGHT LIGHT

Photographic Composition & Developing Your Creative Eye

Learn how to manipulate your camera to capture amazing nighttime exterior images.

Saturday sessions include exterior location shoots.

Jump start your creativity and improve your compositional skills. Explore various techniques designed to motivate you and help you to capture more compelling images.

Instructor: Mary Grace McKernan

3-Part Course

Tues., Oct. 8 - 22, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Instructor: Dali Sadhana Level 1 Wed., Oct. 23 & 30, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Level 2 Wed., Nov. 6 & 13, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $89 Each Level Combine Levels I & II Enrollment Fee: $149 (No Additional Discounts) (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. 10/22)

Health & Wellness

Enrollment Fee: $99

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 10/20)

The Art of Night Photography

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

Instructor: Mary Grace McKernan 6-Part Course Tues., Oct. 29 Dec. 3, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Optional weekend location shoots throughout.

Enrollment Fee: $99

Enrollment Fee: $129

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 10/7)

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 10/28)

AWAKENING

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

Instructor: Marc Caldwell

Class

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

No class on 10/26 Free (donations are welcome) Walk-up, no RSVP necessary.

World Traveler VOULEZ-VOUS PARLER FRANCIAS?

Conversational French for Beginners This fun and interactive course will teach you the world’s most romantic language. Learn basic vocabulary, casual conversation, and simple grammar constructs that will be helpful to travelers and connoisseurs alike.

Instructor: Nadine Cohen 6-Week Course Tues., Oct. 15 - Nov. 19, 7:30 - 9 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $120 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 10/14) 14

OCTOBER 2013

Creativity & Fun

Performance

MOVEMENT & FORM

VOICEOVER TALENT

GUITAR FOR BEGINNERS

Introduction to Voiceover for Beginners

Introduction to Guitar

Held in a professional recording studio; students will get mic time and will receive digital copies of their work.

Learn the fundamentals of guitar in a fun and easygoing environment. Class covers basic scale, chord theory and open chords.

Students must provide their own guitars.

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.

Instructor: Daniel Ribera 2-Part Course Mon., Oct. 28 & Nov. 4, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $39 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 10/27)

LIFE DRAWING Capturing the Beautiful Human Body This fun course is perfect for beginners and experienced artists who are interested in developing their artistic talents. Each session features a live nude model. Students must provide their own materials.

Instructor: M.J. Lallo Workshop Tues., Oct. 22, 7 - 10 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $49 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 10/21) Course meets off-site.

Instructor: Marc Flores 6-Part Course Wed., Oct. 9 - Nov. 13, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $99

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 10/8)

Wealth & Security I DO, DON’T I?

Understanding Marriage in California

YOURS, MINE AND OURS

Wealth Management for Same-Sex Couples

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.”

Retirement planning can be different for queer people. This workshop will focus on real-world solutions to some of our unique challenges when it comes to planning for retirement.

4-Part Course Tues., Oct. 22 - Nov. 12, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Instructor: Christine Wilson

Instructor: Rebecca Dreyer

Workshop

Enrollment Fee: $69

Tues. Oct. 15, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Workshop

Instructor: Ron Anderegg

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 10/21)

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 more. All experience levels welcome.

Instructor: Richard Steel 6-Part Course Sat., Oct. 12 - Nov. 23, 1 - 4 p.m.

No class on 10/26.

Enrollment Fee: $99

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 10/11)

REGISTER by calling 323-860-7300, ext. 3 or

lagaycenter.org/learningcurve

Enrollment Fee: $25 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 10/14)

Tues., Oct. 22, 7 - 9 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $29 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 10/21)

Self Improvement RE-INVENT YOURSELF

Create a Career That You Love Are you seeking a career change? In this workshop, you’ll learn how to network more effectively and how improve your online job search.

Instructor: Bob Dallmeyer Workshop

A CLEAR PATH

Clear Away the Clutter and Organize Your Life Take charge of the mess in your home and/or office once and for all. Learn how to turn your chaos into an organized and clutter-free expression of the person you are inside.

Instructor: Regina Lark

Thurs. Oct. 24, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Workshop Sat., Oct. 19, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $25

Enrollment Fee: $29

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 10/23)

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 10/18)

OCTOBER 2013

15

L.A. GAY & LESBIAN CENTER

McDonald/Wright Building 1625 N. Schrader Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90028

L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center presents

THE 11TH ANNUAL

LESBIAN HEALTH CONFERENCE

Saturday, October 26 • 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Register today at

lagaycenter.org/mindbodysoul L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center The Village at Ed Gould Plaza 1125 N. McCadden Place • Los Angeles, CA 90038

Moving, getting duplicate mailings or wish to be removed from the Vanguard mailing list?

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