Vanguard January 2013

JANUARY 2013

L. A. GAY & LESBI A N CENTER’S M ONTHLY NE WSL E T TER — ­ RE AD BY M ORE THAN 60,0 0 0 PEOPLE

Welcome Home Center Expands Services to Help Homeless Young People Thrive - 24/7

Pg. 7 A Tour You Must Take, Pg. 6

Disabled Veteran Rides to Fight HIV/AIDS, Pg. 10

AIDS/LifeCycle Soirée Learn about ALC | Meet riders and roadies Entertainment | Hors d’oeuvres | Prize Drawings

Saturday, January 19 6-10 p.m.

Masonic Lodge – Hollywood For details, visit aidslifecycle.org/soiree

JUNE 2-8, 2 013

AIDSLifeCycle.org 2 decades of commitment Register today and Save $20 Discount code VANGUARD

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CEO Letter

An Equality Landslide!

The election was not incremental change by any measure. It was a sea change. An equality landslide! It is likely to have ramifications that we cannot even begin to contemplate today.

Second, even if the only thing we had to celebrate was electing—for the first time in history—a president who vocally supported our full and complete equality (as well as repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”)—that would have been momentous. But there was so much more that went right for our community.

For Californians, the juxtaposition to four years ago is especially poignant. I know I’m not alone in feeling that November 2008 was the worst election day of my life because

Prop 8 passed.

November 2012 was, without a doubt, the best. I had emotionally prepared myself to lose all four marriage-related ballot measures, just as the 32 previous measures around the country (both before and after Prop 8) had been lost. But in my wildest dreams I never anticipated that we could win ALL FOUR. And yet, we did. Plus, the first openly At the Center’s 41st Anniversary Gala & Auction, Center CEO Lorri LGBT person was elected to the L. Jean celebrates the “equality landslide” that took place in the November election. For more photos from the gala, see page 12.

United States Senate—Tammy Baldwin, a proud lesbian and a progressive. equality landslide! It is likely to have ramiCalifornia also elected its first openly LGBT fications that we cannot even begin to conperson to Congress—Mark Takano, from template today. I sincerely believe that this Riverside of all places! Five other states also election was the electoral tipping point in our sent openly LGBT people to Congress. favor. We may still have occasional setbacks, More than 118 openly LGBT people were but the momentum is now so clearly on our elected to office! As a result, 39 state legisla- side that in the long term, there will be no gotures now have openly LGBT elected leaders. ing back. This election, most of the American Ohio also boasts the only openly gay Re- people said no to bigotry, no to discriminapublican in any state legislature. And legis- tion, and no to anti-LGBT extremism. They lators in Colorado and Oregon have already said yes to freedom and fairness virtually elected openly gay and lesbian speakers. every time they had a chance. Yes to equalRhode Island is expected to do the same. ity. Yes to their LGBT neighbors, friends and Washington elected an openly gay man family. to lead its Senate, as is likely for Colorado, We’ve never seen anything like it. I believe which will mean both chambers there will be it’s a portent of things to come. led by openly gay men. And this is just some of the good news.

The election was not incremental change by any measure. It was a sea change. An

PHOTO BY LYDIA MARCUS

Yes, the election was in early November.

But I’m still excited about it! And the more I talk to people about it, the more I realize that not everyone has focused on its truly extraordinary significance for LGBT people and those who love us.

First, it’s now clear that Obama has our community to thank for winning. We voted for Obama rather than Romney by a 3-to-1 margin. That edge in exit polls among the 5% of voters who identified themselves as lesbian, gay and bisexual was more than enough to give Obama the ultimate advantage.

This year, the Center partnered with State Farm to present the 1st Annual Good Neighbor Award to transgender community activist Bamby Salcedo in recognition of her work to make a difference for the trans community.

Salcedo has shown extraordinary commitment to helping trans women and men thrive; for example, she’s given her time to raise money for trans people who otherwise would not be able to afford medical care. She’s also the founder and president of The Trans-Latin@ Coalition, VANGUARD

an organization of Latino and Latina leaders in the U.S. who advocate for the needs of trans Latino/Latina immigrants.

A nationally recognized speaker and trans advocate, Salcedo serves on the board Unid@s, The National LGBT Human Rights Organization, and she has been involved in numerous LGBT groups. Salcedo is the HIV Prevention Services Project Coordinator with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

PHOTO BY MANNY SANCHEZ

She’s a Good Neighbor for Her Community

Good Neighbor Award honoree Bamby Salcedo, third from left, with State Farm representatives Keir Jones, Linda Johnson, Mabel Iturriaga-Yosifi, Brian Eubanks and Kayla Myhre.

JANUARY 2013

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group meetings at the village Social Networking Groups

Community Workshops

Bi-osphere* Explore and discuss the many shades of today’s diverse bisexual community.

Every 2nd & 4th Monday, 8 – 9:30 p.m.

Coming Out Workshop for Women Coming Out Workshop for Men Two safe and nurturing workshops for adults (18 and over) facing the coming out process.

For information and to register call: 877-OUT-4-LIFE

The Village Readers An LGBT reading and discussion group. Wednesday, Jan. 2, Maurice, by E.M. Forester. Wednesday, Feb. 6, A Great Unrecorded History: A New Life of E.M.Forester, by Wendy Moffat.

Every 1st Wednesday, 7:30 - 9 p.m.

Lesbian Chat* Great conversation for lesbians and bisexual women.

Every Monday, 8 - 9:30 p.m.

Canceled, Dec. 24, 31 and Jan. 21 Lesbian 30+ Friday Night Chat Meet women outside of the bars.

Every 1st & 3rd Friday, 7:30 – 9 p.m Men’s Speakeasy* Great conversation for gay and bisexual men.

Every Tuesday, 8 – 9:30 p.m.

Transgender Perceptions* Conversation and community building for transgender people.

Every Friday, 8 – 9:30 p.m.

Canceled, Dec. 28

MahJong Club Tuesdays, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

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.

Debtors Anonymous Tues., 8 – 9 p.m.

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

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

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

Registration and attendance at first meeting required.

Overeaters Anonymous Big Book/Meditation Meeting Wed., 7 – 8 p.m.

Thurs., 7 – 8 p.m.

Positive & Powerful Connect with other gay and bisexual men who have recently tested positive.

Every Wednesday, 7-8:30 p.m.

Call 323-860-7321 to register.

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

JANUARY 2013

Grief and Loss Support Group Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Call for location: 323-932-5414

12-Step Groups

Bears L.A. 3rd Wed., 7 – 10 p.m.

Gay Men’s Sexual Dysfunction Support Group If you are a gay man facing any type of sexual dysfunction, this group is for you.

Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday, 7-9 p.m.

RSVP & short questionnaire required before first meeting.

Email GMSHF@yahoo.com or Call 323-860-7340

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

Errol’s Beginner Computer Club Tuesdays, 10 a.m.

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

S.M.A.R.T. Recovery Every Saturday, 9-11 a.m.

Women’s Lunch Every 1st and 3rd Monday, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

HIV + Writers Workshop A creative place for HIV-positive men and women to explore their journeys through creative writing.

Call 323-860-5828

Community Groups

Prostate Cancer Support Group Every 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 7-9 p.m.

RSVP required.

Email ED_Brotherhood@yahoo.com or call 323-860-7340

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seniors services

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

Thurs., 8:15 – 9:15 p.m.

Fri., 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Sat., noon – 1:15 p.m.

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

CMA—Let Go and Let God Fridays, 8-9:30 p.m. *denotes group may not welcome late arrivals

Unless stated otherwise all activities occur at

The Village at Ed Gould Plaza 1125 N. McCadden Place

Stretching and Conditioning Tuesdays, 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

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

Metropolitan Community Church-Los Angeles 4607 Prospect Ave. Please RSVP to 323-860-7369 Men’s Lunch Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

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

Men’s Drop-In Support Group Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - noon with Steve Valley Social and Networking Group Thursdays, 12:30 - 2 p.m.

Call for location: 323-860-5830 Senior Dance Class Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Caregiver Support Group Every 1st & 3rd Thursday, 1 - 3 p.m.

Call for location, 323-932-5414 In-Depth Men’s Support Group Closed group facilitated by Steve.

For more information, call 323-860-7339 Women’s In-Depth Support Group Closed group facilitated by Gabriela.

For more information, call 323-860-7369 Center Angels The Center Angels give back through various volunteer opportunities. For more information, call 323-860-7367.

Tai Chi Every Monday, 10-11 a.m. $6 suggested donation; no one turned away for lack of funds Please RSVP: 323-860-5830

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

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

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advertising

Ringing in the New:

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.

By Manny Sanchez

Legal Services 323-993-7670

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

Health Education & Prevention 323-860-7312

Social Networking Groups 323-860-7332

HIV/STD Testing 323-860-5855

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

Jeffrey Goodman Special Care Clinic 323-993-7500 Learning Curve 323-860-7332

vanguard staff Jim Key Chief Public Affairs Officer Stevie St. John Vanguard Editor/Communications Manager Jesse Finley Reed Creative Director

Danielle Carrig Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Public Affairs for A+E Networks, Danielle Carrig leads the company’s award-winning public affairs initiatives that tackle some of the most critical social issues we face today.

Leveraging the power of Hollywood and Washington, she executes multi-year social action and cause marketing campaigns that involve legislative advocacy and partnerships with hundreds of non-profit organizations, civic leaders and key members of the media.

These efforts reach over 100 million households on-air while also driving awareness through grassroots efforts in communities across the country.

Carrig lives in Angelino Heights with her partner, Patsy Cox, and their “zoo”—dogs Willa and Lucy, and cats Roger and Frodo.

PHOTO PROVIDED

General Information 323-993-7400

The Center’s board of directors recently welcomed two new members, Danielle Carrig of A+E Networks and Scott Poland of Hackman Capital Partners.

“The Center has grown tremendously in the past few years, and we have ambitious goals for doing even more in the future to respond to our community’s needs. None of this could happen without tremendous leadership on our Board of Directors. I’m excited that we’re adding two more dedicated leaders to the board,” says Center CEO Lorri L. Jean.

Danielle Carrig

PHOTO PROVIDED

contact info

2 Leaders Join Center Board

Scott Poland

Scott Poland Chief Financial Officer for Hackman Capital Partners, Scott Poland knows investing in the Center will pay dividends for the LGBT community. A six-year veteran of AIDS/LifeCycle, and one of the ride’s top fundraisers, Poland has shown extraordinary dedication to the Center’s values and goals. As an HIV-positive rider, he understands the stigma many people living with HIV/AIDS face and the work the Center does every day to break down those barriers.

Poland lives in West Hollywood with Eddie Nestlebush, his partner of 25 years.

Manny Sanchez Marketing Communications Coordinator

subscriptions Vanguard is published monthly by the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, a non-profit corporation 1625 N. Schrader Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028, Voice 323-993-7400 • TDD 323993-7698. Copyright 2012, 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

VANGUARD

JANUARY 2013

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A Tour Everyone Should Take

By Matthew Parr

I recently had the opportunity to take a onehour Get Centered! Tour, and it’s a tour I believe everyone who cares about the LGBT community should experience.

After a brief meet-and-greet, Center CEO Lorri L. Jean gave us an overview of the Center’s history and its extensive services for the LGBT community. Next, she showed us the medical clinic where the Center offers HIV specialty care, transgender specialty care and primary medical care for the entire LGBT community.

The clinic is being remodeled to add four exam

If you are LGBT, if you’re an ally, or if you know someone who is LGBT, you need to take this tour. rooms due to growing demand.

Next we toured the Transitional Living Program (TLP) facility where homeless youth live while they work or attend school, and where they receive a range of services to enable them to become self-sufficient.

Meeting one of the young people who found a home with the Center was the highlight of the tour. His story, like so many others who turn to the Center, was heartbreaking. He was a college graduate who had fallen on hard times and ended up homeless—one of the estimated 3,500 LGBT youth who experience homelessness in L.A. each year.

As we left the TLP facility, I struggled to hold back tears. When I finally looked up, I noticed I wasn’t alone. Some of my fellow visitors were tearing up—and so was Lorri.

There is no way for me to explain the effect that this tour had on me emotionally so I have to leave it this way—if you are LGBT, if you’re an ally, or if you know someone who is LGBT, you need to take this tour.

In case you are wondering, at no time did anyone from the Center ask for money, although I would have gladly written a check on the spot.

In fact, I’ve become a sustaining donor to support the amazing work the Center is doing for the LGBT community.

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JANUARY 2013

PHOTO BY MANNY SANCHEZ

Editor’s note: The Center offers free “Get Centered!” tours of its McDonald/Wright headquarters. Matthew Parr left his tour feeling so inspired that he penned a version of this piece for the Southern California Advocate.

Members of Spectrum, Toyota’s LGBT employee resource group, tour the Center’s headquarters. Toyota Financial Services is one of the generous corporate sponsors that helps make the Center’s work possible.

Get Centered- Take the Tour!

Experience the Center in 60 minutes! Join the Center for a free one-hour tour and see how it opens the doors of hope for the LGBT community. You’ll leave informed and inspired!

Be a Get Centered! Ambassador Already experienced the tour and eager to introduce others to the Center?

You can support the Center by becoming a Get Centered! Ambassador.

Ambassadors commit to recruiting 10 or more guests for a tour and one person to become an Ambassador.

lagaycenter.org/tour

323-993-7635

Think Snow. Think Arriba!

The Arriba! Ski and Snowboard Club has been bringing the LGBT community and their friends together for fun on the slopes for over 35 years.

For 2013 we’ll be visiting Cortina, Italy; Munich, Germany; Whistler, British Columbia; Crested Butte, Colorado and as always, several trips to Mammoth.

Learn more at arribaski.org VANGUARD

PHOTO BY JESSE FINLEY REED

Homeless Center Helps Youth without a Home Grow & Thrive

by Stevie St. John

Dressed in crisp—even preppy—clothes, a clean-cut 19-year-old ambles down the sidewalk of Sunset Boulevard. If you spoke to Logan*, who is polite and smart, you might guess he was on his way to a college class or his first job.

You certainly wouldn’t guess that Logan is one of more than an estimated 3,500 LGBT youth who experience homelessness in L.A. each year. The reason you can’t tell: he found help at the Center. Now he has a place to eat, to shower, to get clean clothes, and even to sleep. Just as important, he has the support he needs to help turn his life around.

This morning, Logan is headed from the site of the Center’s 24-bed Transitional Living Program, where he’s found a temporary home, to the nearby Youth Center on Highland.

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PHOTO BY JESSE FINLEY REED

he found a place where he is free to be himself. He can choose his attire, which today includes a rubber rainbow bracelet. He can say a boy is cute without fear of being judged.

Finding a place where he’s accepted has been transformative.

“I feel like I’m growing and flourishing when I’m here,” he says.

At 11 a.m., one of the busiest times of day, a steady stream of youth walk up the stairs and leave their bags and backpacks at the check-in desk. Some of them, new to the youth center, gather for a tour being led by Logan, who is a volunteer ambassador. He’ll help them learn their way around the youth center’s new building. Until a few months ago, the services here were provided at the former Jeff Griffith Youth Center. The new Youth Center on Highland, designed pro bono by HOK Architects, is 12,675-squarefeet—much larger than the previous facility.

At the Youth Center on Highland, homeless youth can get three meals a day. The Center serves more than Logan shows the guests two large clothing 26,000 meals to homeless youth each year. closets where he and others can snag the neIt’s 8:30 a.m. and Logan joins about 30 oth- parents. He told them it wasn’t possible to cessities: jackets and ties for job interviews; er youth for breakfast at small round tables in change his sexual orientation. His mother backpacks and messenger bags to carry their the dining room of the bright and airy youth stopped speaking to him for more than a belongings; and hoodies for protection from the nighttime cold—especially important for center. It’s a diverse group of young people; month.

It was his father, though, who gave him those who sleep on the streets. a majority are black or Latino. Most are in The group walks through the day room, a their late teens or early 20s, though some are the push that drove him out the door. He younger. Today they’re eating biscuits and said Logan needed to undergo “ex-gay huge space where about a dozen youth are therapy,” which uses debunked techniques curled up in brown leather chairs watching scrambled eggs.

Buffy the VamA few weeks ago, Logan still ate his meals that purport to change pire Slayer. A staff in the Orange County house where he grew LGBT people. At that member announcup—a house so conservative that brooms point, Logan knew he At the Center, Logan found a es that it’s time for were verboten because of their connection couldn’t stay—home place where he is free to be with witches. Believing their son’s sexuality wasn’t (and hadn’t himself. He can say a boy is cute the meth support group to begin, and was his “life struggle” from God, they told been) safe. without fear of being judged. a few of the youth He thought he’d him to “draw closer to Jesus” in order to cast Finding a place he’s accepted follow him out of out the demon they believed was making have to travel all the has been transformative. the room. Meth use way across the country him gay. is rampant among Logan, whose life largely revolved around to Washington, D.C., homeless youth, his church, tried to be the person his fam- for help. But after findily wanted him to be, but the pressure was ing and watching, through tearful eyes, an who often use it to stay awake at night and stifling. His parents had rigid expectations; online video about the Center’s services for protect themselves and/or their belongings.

Among those joining the meth group is he wasn’t so much as to disagree with them youth, Logan knew the support he needed Izzy, an 18-year-old transgender woman about politics at the dinner table. He was also was less than a two-hour bus ride away.

He packed a bag for L.A., leaving behind with pink eye shadow that matches her pinkpressured into attending a religious college his beloved guitar but packing his laptop streaked ponytail. Izzy was once in the foster and to major in a subject of their choosing.

After months of torment and two attempts in case his parents want to contact him. care system, as were more than 40% of the to take his own life, Logan stood up to his (No word from them yet.) At the Center, homeless youth who turn to the Center. She’s 8

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lost track of how many families she lived with—between 10 and 15. Most pressured her to hide her true self. She wasn’t having it; she knew she was a woman even though she’d always been labeled a boy.

After aging out of the system, and with no other options for a home, Izzy accepted an invitation to move into a trailer with friends.

When she arrived, she discovered it was actually an abandoned mobile home, not a legal residence. Like several of her housemates, she turned to meth; eventually they were all busted and evicted. That’s when a government worker told Izzy she could get help at the Center.

Izzy was nervous at first—would it only be gay and lesbian youth?—but when she walked through the doors, she found a staff who wholeheartedly welcomed her and accepted her. Her response: “Thank God— somebody gets it.”

“When you’re able to be yourself,” Izzy says, “you’re able to grow up.” And with the Center’s support, she is growing, and she’s changing her life. She’s clean. And she’s just one math test short of a GED (high school equivalency diploma).

After the meth group, Izzy heads to the GED room to study. Next month, she’ll take that math test, then she’ll either look for work, attend college, or both. She hopes her future will include a husband and a child.

And maybe a chance to help LGBT youth in need, the way others are helping her.

Near the room where Izzy is studying with a tutor, there is a bay of computers reserved for youth who are seeking jobs. At one keyboard sits a man in his early 20s, sporting a VANGUARD

pierced ear and a dark blue hoodie.

Luis, who is from an affluent family, comes to the youth center every day to look for work. When he came out to his parents, they stopped footing the bill for his prestigious U.S. college and banned him from ever returning to their home in Latin America. He’s happy to still be in touch with his 16-year-old sister, but she has to maintain a secret email address so their parents don’t know she’s communicating with him.

Dinner is served early at the youth center—tonight they’re serving meatloaf and mashed potatoes. For day visitors, the youth center closes at 5:30 p.m., but some will stay the night in one of the 20 “emergency overnight beds” that give them shelter on a night-by-night basis. The staff yearns to put a roof over the head of every homeless LGBT youth in the city—but sadly, there aren’t enough beds.

Logan, Izzy and Luis are fortunate enough to be among the 24 residents of the Center’s Transitional Living Program. They can stay at the residence, located within the Center’s McDonald/Wright building, for as long as 18 months.

As they start their walk from the youth center back to their temporary home with the Center, they are also taking the first steps toward new lives—with the Center coaching and supporting them every step of the way. *Real names withheld to protect privacy DONATE to support the Center’s services for homeless LGBT youth lagaycenter.org/donation

RIGHT COLUMN: PHOTO BY SUSAN GOLDMAN

Izzy has lost track of how many families she lived with when she was in the foster care system. Most pressured her to hide her true self. She wasn’t having it; she knew she was a woman even though she’d always been labeled a boy. At the Center, she found a staff who wholeheartedly welcomed her and accepted her. Her response: “Thank God—somebody gets it.” With the Center’s support, she’s changing her life. A former meth user, Izzy is now clean, and she’s one math test away from earning her GED.

GED Specialist David Macias, right, helps Izzy prepare for the math test she needs to take to earn her high school equivalency diploma.

The youth center has computers youth can use to check email, search for jobs and polish their résumés.

At the youth center, young people take part in an array of activities such as support groups, art therapy and more.

To learn more about the Center’s services for LGBT youth, visit lagaycenter.org/youthservices.

To watch a video about these services— the video that Logan discovered before coming to L.A.—visit the Center’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/lagaycenter.

To read the story of Enrique, who turned to the Center for help when he was homeless and is now thriving, visit lagaycenter.org/Enrique.

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Disabled Veteran Fights To Finish First Ever AIDS/LifeCycle PHOTO BY MANNY SANCHEZ

By Christopher Jones

Veteran A. J. Randle-Garcia, 68, usually gets around in a wheelchair. But he’ll put aside “Old Ironsides” for another set of wheels—a bike operated by a hand crank—to ride in AIDS/LifeCycle.

A.J. Randle-Garcia is not one to let circumstances deter him from a mission.

The 68-year-old disabled Vietnam veteran spends most hours of his day in a wheelchair, but he’s going to trade in “Old Ironsides” for another set of wheels in June, when he embarks on his first AIDS/LifeCycle (ALC).

The road of overcoming physical adversity for this veteran began overseas when during a routine military operation he suffered an injury that affected his legs and rendered them virtually inoperable.

But the Arroyo Grande native isn’t letting that stop him from completing the seven-day bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

He will ride all 545 miles—including those that go through his home county of San Luis Obispo—on a customized three-wheeled bike operated by a hand crank.

The ride is a physical challenge, even for those without disabilities, but Randle-Garcia isn’t fazed. He’s staying focused on why he plans to ride.

“I want to do this not only for my son Gerald, who is HIV-positive, but for other service men and women with this disease,” he says. “I fought for this country and its freedom, and now I’m fighting with the LGBT 10

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in recent years, Randle-Garcia lost both his community to end HIV/AIDS.” When Randle-Garcia told his doctor younger son, known as “Junior,” and his about his plans to do the ride, she expressed longtime partner, John, with whom he raised the boys. concern about the “We’ve always pain and health been close, but now risks he might Gerald’s my everyface. But he exI want to do this not only for my thing,” he says. “I’m plained that ALC son Gerald, who is HIV-positive, always checking on has a full-service him and visiting him; medical team but for other service men and made up of prowomen with this disease. I fought he’s doing great! He’s healthy and taking his fessional doctors, for this country and its freedom, medication. I’m very nurses, chiropracand now I’m fighting with the proud.” tors, and other LGBT community to end HIV/ Inspired by his son, medical staff who AIDS. he’s resolved not only provide volunteer to take on the chalsupport on the lenge of the ride, but event. Now the to keep riding in years doctor is encouraging him to follow his dream and do the to come.

“If I can do it, anyone can,” he says. “I will ride.

For Randle-Garcia, completing AIDS/ ride until the war against HIV/AIDS is over.

LifeCycle will not only mean joining the As long as I have breath, I will ride.” fight against HIV/AIDS but also strengthening the special relationship he has with For more information about his son. It is a family bond that he treasures AIDS/LifeCycle, or to register, more than ever before, now that they are visit aidslifecycle.org the only members of the family still living; VANGUARD

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PHOTOS BY MANNY SANCHEZ, JESSE FINLEY REED, DEXTER BROWN • PHOTOS PROVIDED BY TAD BROWN AND XIAOGANG WEI

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1&2. A river rafting adventure that’s the ultimate in responsible vacationing, Rapid Quest raised almost $150,000 for Center services. 3-7: Models of Pride LGBT youth conference. 3. Broadway veteran Sylvia MacCalla. 4. The Crystal Meth Recovery Services table at the resource fair. 5. Frankie Barcenas, a member of the Center’s LifeWorks program. 6. Students from the Gay-Straight Alliance of Monroe High School. 7. Members of UB PROUD, the LGBT Affinity Group of Union Bank, a presenting sponsor of Models of Pride. 8. More than 100 people joined the first China AIDS Walk on the iconic Great Wall. The walk, organized by activists in China with support from the Center, raised about $24,000 for HIV/AIDS services in China. 9-11: The Center’s Thanksgiving lunch for homeless LGBT youth.

9. Volunteers serve Thanksgiving dinner. 10. Volunteers from World of Wonder Productions, which hosted the Thanksgiving lunch. 11. RuPaul, Michelle Visage and Santino Rice (RuPaul’s Drag Race) make a surprise appearance. 12&13: The Transgender Day of Remembrance event in West Hollywood. 12. Michaela Mendelsohn joins the reading of the names, a tradition in which volunteers share the names and stories of transgender people who lost their lives because of antitrans hatred and violence. 13. More than 200 guests attended the event, co-sponsored by the City of West Hollywood Transgender Advisory Board and the Center.

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Beth Stanislas & Emily Urbani at the cocktail reception.

Some of the dedicated volunteers who gave their time to make the gala a success. The event raised more than $700,000 for Center services.

The cocktail reception, which included an extensive silent auction.

Speaker of the California Assembly John A. Pérez.

Grammy-winning singer Estelle (Shine).

Soccer star and Olympic gold medalist Megan Rapinoe with gala chair and Center board member Tad Brown. Rapinoe was honored with the Center’s Board of Directors Award at the event.

Ray Espino, Angel Silva, William Dixon & Arthur E. Macbeth.

Honoree Megan Rapinoe, third from left, with other guests, including her twin sister, Rachael Rapinoe, second from left, mother Denise Rapinoe, fourth from left, and teammates Sarah Huffman, Lori Lindsay, Amy LePeilbet and Kelly O’Harra.

PHOTOS BY LYDIA MARCUS AND FAYE SADOU

More than 1,000 guests joined the Center for its 41st Anniversary Gala & Auction, presented by Wells Fargo.

Want to see more from the gala?

Check out the Facebook album at Facebook.com/LAGayCenter to see more photos For gala video clips, visit the Center’s YouTube channel at YouTube.com/LAGayCenter 12

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VANGUARD

Learning Curve THE L.A. GAY & LESBIAN CENTER’S ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM DESIGNED TO HELP ELEVATE THE LIVES OF LGBT PEOPLE

Technology

Wealth & Security YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU Managing Your Estate Planning Issues

FROM WORK TO RETIREMENT Realities of Planning for Retirement

Don’t wait until it’s too late to manage or protect your assets. Learn the basics of estate planning and how to transfer property at death as well as how to plan for retirement, incapacity and disability.

Instructor: Christine Wilson

It’s never too early to start planning for retirement.

Every passing day is one that you could be saving and investing for the comfortable future you’ve always hoped for. Course topics include: understanding how to manage retirement income, longevity risks, Social Security, purchasing power, long-term investments, anticipating health care needs and everything else you need for a secure and worry-free retirement.

Instructor: Grant Gochin

Workshop Wednesday, Jan. 23, 7-8:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $25 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 1/22)

LEARN ADOBE PHOTOSHOP EXT. Levels I & II

Workshop Wednesday, Jan. 30, 7-9:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $25 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 1/29)

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

JANUARY 2013

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Learning Curve Creativity & Fun

Performance

WRITING FOR THE STAGE An Intensive Playwriting Workshop

VOICEOVER TALENT Introduction to Voiceover for Beginners

FLAMENCO AND CLASSICAL GUITAR Stylized Guitar for Beginners

Through creative tools and exercises, you will learn the craft of playwriting in this fun writersgroup styled course. By reading and discussing each student’s work you will learn structure, character development, conflict, motive, climax and resolution and be on your way to completing your play. All experience levels welcome.

Instructor: Richard Steel

Unleash the vocal giant inside of you. This hands-on class will teach you tricks of the trade and how to present yourself to casting and talent agents. Held in a recording studio and includes actual mic time.

Instructor: M.J. Lallo

Whether you know how to play traditional guitar or you’ve never held a guitar in your hands, this class will teach you all the basics of creating beautiful music. Course includes a mix of classical and flamenco playing styles.

Instructor: Darryl Denning

6-Week Course Saturdays, Jan. 26 - March 9, 1-4 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $99 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 1/25)

WORDS & MUSIC Hands-on Musical Theatre Workshop

Do you have an idea for a stage musical? This fun hands-on workshop will help you transform your idea into the musical of your dreams. Topics will include story development, structure, composition, song/lyric writing and many other important elements you will need to bring your story to life.

Instructor: Mark Saltzman

6-Week Course Wednesday, Feb. 6 - March 13, 7-9:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $99 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 2/5)

Workshop Tuesday, Jan. 22, 7-10 p.m.

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 1/21) Course meets off-site.

YOUR WORLD PREMIERE AT THE COMEDY STORE Stand-Up Comedy Workshop

Perfect for anyone who wants to make ‘em laugh.

Topics include: joke-writing, character creation, improv skills and stage persona. At the end, you will perform your own comedic stand-up piece at the Comedy Store!

Instructor: Adam Barnhardt

6-Week Course Thursdays, Jan. 24 - March 7, 7-9:30 p.m.

No class on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. The Comedy Store performance: 3/10 Enrollment Fee: $120 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 1/23)

6-Week Course Wednesdays, Jan. 23 - Feb. 27 7:30-9 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $99 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 1/22)

Health & Wellness WEEKEND ZEN Saturday Morning Meditation

Begin your weekend feeling centered and balanced. Develop a healthier connection to your thoughts, create greater balance with your emotions, and get in touch with your body and mind.

Instructor: Marc Caldwell

Guided Class Every Saturday Morning, 10-11:30 a.m.

Fee: Free (donations are welcome) Walk-up, no RSVP necessary.

Senior & Student Discounts Available when you enroll in person at the box office.

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JANUARY 2013

VANGUARD

THE L.A. GAY & LESBIAN CENTER’S ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM DESIGNED TO HELP ELEVATE THE LIVES OF LGBT PEOPLE

World Traveler

Dating & Intimacy

SPRECHEN SIE DEUTSCH? Conversational German for Beginners

MAN-ON-MAN LOVE SERIES

After French and Spanish, German is the third most-taught foreign language in English-speaking countries. In this fun and interactive course, you will learn to speak German in a friendly environment with your fellow classmates and our fun and inspiring instructor.

Instructor: John Turley

6-Part Course Thursdays, Feb. 21 – March 28, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $120 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 2/20)

Self Improvement RE-INVENT YOURSELF Create a New You for a Brighter Future

If you are in a career transition or seeking new opportunities, this workshop will show you how to network more effectively, how to make technology work for you and how to master the secrets of career coaching and online job searching.

Instructor: Bob Dallmeyer

Workshop Thursday, Jan. 24, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $25 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 1/23)

Choose one, all four or mix-n-match any of these four workshops.

MAY/DECEMBER LOVE Navigating Inter-generational Relationships

YOU CAN MEET ANY MAN YOU WANT Make Peace with Fears of Rejection

No matter which end of the spectrum on which you are seeking love, there are ways to build a loving and healthy relationship with the man of your dreams, regardless of his age or yours.

The greatest fear we face is rejection. This fun and interactive workshop will teach you to overcome the fears stopping you from meeting any man you want.

WORKSHOP Wednesday, Feb. 20, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 2/19)

WORKSHOP Wednesday, Feb. 6, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 2/5)

ONLINE LOVE VS. ONLINE LUST A Survival Guide to Internet Dating

MR. WRONG VS. MR. RIGHT How to Break Bad Dating Habits

Learn to focus your attention on how to recognize possible Mr. Rights before you make your first move. This fun and interactive workshop will help you see through the facades and see the Mr. Rights out there.

WORKSHOP Wednesday, Feb. 13, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 2/12)

Learn how to make online connections without losing a sense of who you are or what you really want. This workshop will show you how to increase your chances of finding exactly what you are looking for, whatever that may be.

WORKSHOP Wednesday, Feb. 27, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 2/26) All Workshops led by: Neil Kaminsky, LCSW Enrollment Fees:

Any one workshop: $25 Any two workshops: $45 Any three workshops: $65 All four workshops: $79

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

JANUARY 2013

15

L.A. GAY & LESBIAN CENTER

McDonald/Wright Building 1625 N. Schrader Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90028

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

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

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