Vanguard February 2014

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

MEDICAL FIELD OF DREAMS WE BUILT THE SPACE FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH AND PRIMARY CARE

p. 5

Fighting crystal meth with brotherly love p. 10 AIDS/LifeCycle rides on memory lane p. 9 FEBRUARY 2014

FEBRUARY 2014

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FEBRUARY 2014

PHOTO BY GEORG LESTER

CEO LET TER

LET’S TAKE HEART WITH OUR HEALTH Lorri L. Jean, CEO

I’ve always loved February.

It’s the month my folks got married (February 29); the month Arizona, my home state, became the 48th state; and the birthday month of important civil rights leaders Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony and Rosa Parks. It’s also Black History Month. Plus, it’s when we celebrate Valentine’s Day! Recently, I learned that February is also American Heart Month. Why should that make a difference to our community? Heart disease kills more LGBT people in the United States than anything else—more than AIDS and cancer. It’s the leading cause of death among men and women in the U.S. (although in the Asian & Pacific Islander community, it’s second to cancer). Every year about 600,000 people die of heart disease—that’s 1 in every 4 deaths.

“We now provide leading edge medical care to everyone in our community, regardless of their HIV status, by providers who specialize in caring for LGBT people.”

Yet, heart disease is actually preventable and controllable. There are precious few studies on the health of lesbians and gay men—even fewer on the health of bisexual and transgender people—but what little information does exist indicates that we seek health care less than our straight counterparts. One of the reasons is that a very high percentage of us report having experienced problems with insensitive health care providers in relation to our sexual orientation or gender identity. Another is that LGBT people generally make less money than non-LGBT people and have been more likely to be uninsured.

Fortunately, the Center has a solution! Because we have been designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center—and thanks to the Affordable Care Act, which expands health care coverage—we now provide leading edge medical care to everyone in our community, regardless of their HIV status, by providers who specialize in caring for LGBT people. And, we’ve added some terrific new primary care physicians to our already stellar corps of providers. This includes Dr. Ward Carpenter, who has an extensive background in LGBT medical care and— for the first time ever—a lesbian ob-gyn, Dr. Monica Stokes. (Read more about our expanded health programs on page 5.)

If you haven’t been getting regular medical care, I can’t think of a better time than American Heart Month to decide to protect and maintain your health.

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CCEEN NTTEERR BBRRIIEEFFSS

VA NG UA RD STA FF Jim Key

Chief Public Affairs Officer

Kimiko Martinez

SEEIN G S TARS Charity Navigator, the nation’s premier charity evaluator, awarded the Center its highest rating of four stars—for the fourth consecutive year—for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. Only 7 percent of the charities they rank have received four consecutive 4-star evaluations.

“We’re grateful Charity Navigator reminds people of the importance of donating to organizations known for fiscal responsibility,” says Center CEO Lorri L Jean, “and we’re very proud to be one of the few charities to receive their highest ranking for four years in a row!”

Associate Director of Marketing & Communications

Jesse Finley Reed Creative Director

Gil Diaz

Marketing & Communications Manager

Manny Sanchez

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Kurt Thomas

Graphic Designer printed by Pace Marketing Communications

RIDING TO THE TOP The final numbers from AIDS/LifeCycle 2013 are in and we now know that participants raised a record-breaking $14.5 million—a slight increase from the original $14.2 estimate!

CONTACT INFO General Information

323-993-7400

There’s still time to register for the seven-day ride from San Francisco to L.A., June 1-7.

AIDS/LifeCycle

323-860-7380

Cultural Arts

323-860-7324

Domestic Violence

323-860-5806

Family Services

323-993-7430

HIV/STD Testing

323-860-5855

Learning Curve

323-860-7332

Legal Services

323-993-7670

Medical Services

323-993-7500

Mental Health

323-993-7669

Pharmacy

323-993-7513

Room Rentals

323-860-7301

Seniors Services

323-860-5830

Register now at aidslifecycle.org!

LGBT COMMUNIT Y TAKES COVER The Center partnered with Covered California when it hosted a press conference on December 3 to kick off a marketing campaign aimed at getting the LGBT community to sign up for affordable health care.

Covered California is the state’s marketplace for affordable health insurance, under the federally mandated Affordable Care Act. Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee urged people to sign up for health insurance by December 23 in order for their coverage to begin January 1. As of the beginning of the year, more than 400,000 Californians have enrolled for health insurance. Consumers must enroll in Covered California by March 31 in order to avoid a penalty. For more information visit coveredca.com.

WELL DONE & WELL FED Whole Foods Market’s Feed Four More campaign in West Hollywood raised more than $16,000 worth of pre-packaged, non-perishable food products for the low-income LGBT seniors served by the Center.

Social Networking Groups 323-860-7332 Village Box Office/Tickets lagaycenter.org/boxoffice

323-860-7300

The campaign, which ran from Thanksgiving through the end of 2013, also raised nearly $14,000 in cash donations from generous Whole Foods shoppers. The donations were greatly needed: more than half of the seniors the Center serves live on $2,000 per month or less and 18 percent live on less than $1,000 per month.

S UBSCRIP TIONS

LGBT YOUTH GET ‘SIRIUS’ The holidays became brighter for many homeless LGBT youth, thanks to SiriusXM radio hosts Derek and Romaine. The award-winning gay/lesbian duo, whose national talk show hit the airwaves in 2003, chose the Center as a beneficiary for their Season of Giving holiday donation drive. They encouraged listeners to donate items for the thousands of homeless LGBT youth the Center serves.

Days before Christmas, the Youth Center on Highland received more than 10 boxes of gently used casual clothing, winter coats, new underwear and socks ... just to name a few.

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FEBRUARY 2014

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

DREAM THE TEAM THREE NEW PROVIDERS HELP FULFILL THE CENTER’S VISION TO PROVIDE MEDICAL CARE FOR ALL LGBT PEOPLE BY

GIL

DIA Z

P H OTOS BY JES S E FINL E Y REED

DR. MONICA STOKES IS A FEARLESS WARRIOR. In her 30 years of practicing medicine, she has served in the Navy, completed her medical residency at the U.S. Naval Hospital in San Diego and interned at Oakland’s U.S. Naval Hospital.

She also co-led the primary care services at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Though she’s not in combat now, she is facing a new battle: helping lesbians and bisexual women take better care of their health. As the Center’s new Director of Women’s Care, Stokes is leading the Center’s medical services for women.

“As lesbians and bisexual women, we face unique risks to our health, so we’ve got to protect ourselves,” she says. “When the Center offered me this job, I said I needed 100 percent of the organization’s support to get this program off the ground. And I got it.”

BOLDLY GOING FORWARD “Because the Center offers so many health services all under one roof, I can build a comprehensive health program for women in our community,” says Stokes. “Our medical providers talk to our pharmacists on the first floor and our therapists on the fourth floor talk to all of us. We’re all one team. I plan to build a program that will be a shining example for other women’s health programs across the country.”

Director of Health and Mental Health Services Christopher Brown is in full support.

“It has been the Center’s top priority to have a strong women’s health program,” he says, “and I think we’ve found the perfect physician to help

us do that.”

In addition to primary care services, this program will provide gynecological services, such as pelvic and breast exams, pap tests, pre-conception health care, colposcopies, tests for sexually transmitted infections, and more.

Stokes hopes to elevate the new program one step further by creating group workshops on meditation and relaxation techniques.

A PRIMARY ELECTION Not only is the Center launching a health program for women in the community, it’s also expanding primary care services to better meet the needs of everyone in the LGBT community, following completion of construction on four new medical exam rooms and a larger waiting room and laboratory.

Since becoming a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in November, and following full implementation of the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare), there couldn’t be a better time to expand services— including the HIV/AIDS-related care offered through the Center’s Jeffrey Goodman Special Care Clinic—says Brown.

As a newly recognized FQHC, the most coveted designation awarded to community health centers by the federal government, the Center receives an annual grant of $650,000, which supports the expansion. And since the implementation of Obamacare, thousands of Americans have health coverage for the first time, including people who’d previously been

I PLAN TO BUILD A PROGRAM THAT WILL BE A SHINING EXAMPLE FOR OTHER WOMEN’S HEALTH PROGRAMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.” ­— DR. MONICA STOKES 6

FEBRUARY 2014

denied coverage because of their pre-existing conditions.

“We suddenly have thousands more LGBT Californians who have health coverage,” says Director of Primary Care Services Dr. Ward Carpenter, who joined the Center in late 2013.

“We’re going to push ourselves to meet as many of the medical needs of our community as we possibly can. And we want everyone to feel safe, respected and confident coming to the Center for their health care.”

A TRANS-FORMATION Another new addition to the Center’s medical team is nurse practitioner Will Hernandez who, with Carpenter, will support the Center’s groundbreaking Transgender Health Program, founded in 2009 by Dr. Maddie Deutsch. In March, Deutsch will be stepping down from her position as the Director of the Transgender Health Program to take an expanded leadership role at the newly formed transgender primary care clinic at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). She will continue to partner with the Center on transgender-related research opportunities and other projects.

Hernandez, who did his residency at a transgender clinic in the Bay Area while studying at UCSF, says, “I’m dedicated to ensuring transgender people receive the best quality of care possible. When I see a disparity in health care, such as the prevalence of HIV among transgender people, I want to help solve that imbalance.”

Due to the overwhelming demand, transgender men and women have had to wait as long as 10 months to be seen by one of the Center’s specialized medical providers. But with Carpenter and Hernandez now on board, the wait has been shortened to just two weeks.

WE’RE GOING TO PUSH OURSELVES TO MEET AS MANY OF THE MEDICAL NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY AS WE POSSIBLY CAN.” ­— DR. WARD CARPENTER

Dr. Monica Stokes

Director of Women’s Care Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Integrative and Holistic Medicine

Experience

Dr. Ward Carpenter

Director of Primary Care Services Board Certified in Internal Medicine

Experience

• Private practice in Integrative Medicine and Women’s Health • 23+ years working in obstetrics and gynecology • 13 years in the Navy

• Private practice providing primary and HIV-specialty care to 2,500 people in the New York City area • Primary care internist for LGBT health center Callen-Lorde Community Health Center in New York

Education

Education

• Undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from Stanford University • Medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn.

• Undergraduate degrees in Psychology and History from the University of Richmond • Medical degree from the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey

Fun Facts • Engaged to Madeline • Owns two Shiba Inus: Takei and Whaya • Dr. Stokes is related to professional tennis player Arthur Ashe

FOR THE LOVE OF WOMEN Since her first day on the job, Stokes has been redefining what a modern women’s health program should look—and feel—like.

She rearranged the exam room tables so that women are not facing the front door while seated. She also ordered new equipment and supplies: narrower speculums for smallerfigured women and cloth gowns.

“Ultimately, we respect the woman,” she explains.

She wants lesbians and bisexual women to feel comfortable being seen by her and

Fun Facts • Married to Russell • Owns two Sheepdogs: Fergus and Daisy • On the East Coast, Dr. Carpenter and his partner raised chickens and cows

the highly qualified staff. She strives to help them to become more aware of their health risk factors and to learn the ways to reduce those risks.

“A higher percentage of lesbians have unhealthy diets, drink alcohol excessively and smoke cigarettes,” she says. “We will help patients break those vicious cycles.”

OPEN FOR BUSINESS Medical Director Robert Bolan says this is an exciting time for the medical team.

“I am very proud of the broad array of

Will Hernandez, NP Nurse Practitioner

Experience • Worked as Nurse Manager at the Center’s Jeffrey Goodman Special Care Clinic in 2010 • Completed his residency at a Bay Area clinic for transgender people Education • Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of California, San Francisco Fun Facts • Born and raised in Los Angeles • As an avid outdoorsman, he regularly travels to Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada and Joshua Tree National Park near Palm Springs

high-quality services we can now provide to all members of the LGBT community.”

Curious to see the Center’s expanded and remodeled medical facilities and to meet the team of providers?

Visit our open house on Saturday, March 15, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the third floor of the McDonald/Wright building. You’ll have the opportunity to tour the health center and to meet our team of doctors, nurses and other providers. As always, free HIV tests will be offered that day.

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THANK YOU The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center is extremely grateful for the support of the following new Sustaining Donors and Circle of Life members.

LEGACY CIRCLE $100,000 & ABOVE

STERLING CIRCLE $3,600-$5,999 (cont.)

SILVER CIRCLE $1,500-$1,799 (cont.)

Thomas Swan III*

Mike Wallace, M.D. & Richard Racine*

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE $50,000-$99,999

SILVER CIRCLE $2,400-$3,599

Tyler Cassity* Ryan Murphy Charles Paul & Van Fletcher* The Wietersen Foundation*

Bob Baral Rhona Berens, Ph.D. & Jennifer Berens* April Bradley Gary Burt James Cain & Tom Teves* Carleen Cappelletti* Eric Egaas & Stephen Rose* Melinda Elmer Gerhardt Felgemaker & Jim Hill Gary Garabedian Dennis Grant* Jill Greenbaum Nicholas Hess & Cesar Pineda Jon Imparato* Karen Kubin David Kuivanen* Gordon Morris Charles Phillips Don Roos & Dan Bucatinsky Silton Family Foundation Silton Roger Vorce

Marc Malkin & Fabian Quezada Timothy McNeal Julieta Moran Phillip Musikanth, M.D. & Kerry Flowers Tammy Nichols Michael Oard & Ron Attrell* Rachel O’Connor William Olcott Bret Parsons Sandra Patterson Judi Rees Dr. Stephen Roderick William Rosendahl Edward Spencer Jason Stone Russell Todd David Tolbert* Lisa Vidato, M.D. Arch Wallace Richard Williams Thomas Workman

DIAMOND CIRCLE $18,000-$49,999 Greg Basser & Kiera O’Neill* Gregory Goodman & Paul Langh* Sir Elton John & David Furnish Robert Joseph, D.P.M. Michael Lombardo & Charles Ward PLATINUM CIRCLE $12,000-$17,999 Jane Anderson & Tess Ayers* Tomas Fuller & William Kelly, M.D.* GOLD CIRCLE $6,000-$11,999 Leon Alexander David Baral David Bohnett William Buntain* Dean Devlin Daniel Edelman & Ivan Ontiveros* Gregory Evans Richard Hetherington Harald Kloser & Anna Maria Lombo Richard Llewellyn Jr. & Christopher Caldwell, Esq.* Matthew Marks and Jack Bankowsky* O’Melveny & Myers, LLP Dean Pitchford & Michael Mealiffe* Heather Reisman & Gerry Schwartz Todd Rubin* Ernest Schmider & Omar Rodriguez* Marian Schwartz Ed Traynor* Len Wechsler* David Yates STERLING CIRCLE $3,600-$5,999 James Anderson & Ronald Sinanian David Cooley Brian Dubow & Greg Self* Kenith Goodman & Jeff Leidall Sara Jurek & Rebekah Chee Adam Kawalek, M.D.* John Nicholson* Steve Rabin & Jonathan Winslow Julian Roca Bradley Ross Lisa Simonetti & Robin Jenkins Skadden, Arps, Sleate, Meagher & Flom, LLP Skadden* Jennifer Steinkamp

SILVER CIRCLE $1,800-$2,399 Jason Abate Cengiz Alaettinoglu* Kevin Berg* Sharon-Franklin Brown* Thomas Campbell* W. James Henneberg & Jackie Sue Henneberg Kenneth Jamison* Peter Johnson Danielle Knight* Jason Wanderer Wendie Warwick Sally Whitehall & Mark Gordon SILVER CIRCLE $1,500-$1,799 Mary Bailey Clint Birdsong Matt Bomer & Simon Hall Gary Carnow, Ed.D. & Barry Soroka Ward Carpenter & Russell Hicks Robert Chen The Collective, Realty Douglas Dyakon James Ennis Sherri Fitzgerald, D.C. & Cara Eisenberg, Esq. Jan Goren Lawrence Henderson Nik Kacy* Danielle Knight* Paul Lerner & Stephen Reis

CIRCLE OF LIFE Robert J. Campbell & Webb Huang John Chaney Van Fletcher Gilbert T. Galvan Thomas Giancoli Robert Gotham & Michael Manuel Shirley Ann Hill & Joyce Brisboe Larry Kaplan Adam Kawalek Ronald G. Lieber Mark McAllister Edward McKitrick Hee Noh Kenneth Norman George Pao & George Schulman Dr. Mark Powell Paul J. Simon Kevin Turgeon Paul R. Verdon Beverly Winters Steve Yeager *Indicates an increase in membership level For information about Planned Giving or becoming a Sustaining Donor, please contact: Lauren Custer Director of Major Gifts and Special Events 323-993-7465 or lcuster@lagaycenter.org Nellie Sims Director of Planned Giving 323-993-7691 or nsims@lagaycenter.org

AIDS/LIFECYCLE

Blasts from the Past With the start of AIDS/LifeCycle four months away, past participants shared their fondest memories of the 545-mile bike trek from San Francisco to L.A. by answering the question: “What made the ride special for you?”

“Sharing a tent with my older brother for a week and—on the night before our last day of the ride—catching him with his legs in the air as he’s applying soothing lotion on his butt.

We were giggling like teenage girls!”

– Casey Lucas

“My special moment happened during the talent show. My husband—a little choked up—turned to me and said, ‘I have to tell you something. These are our people. This is our community.’ And that was exactly what I was feeling, too.”

– Lisa Guinn

“I wanted to take on the 500+ miles. The ride was immensely beautiful... such a glorious way to see my home state!”

“Having lived through 30 years of AIDS, the clincher was the Candlelight Vigil on Ventura Beach. When the silence broke, and as we were leaving the beach, I cried my eyes out.

My bike buddies were there to comfort me, to be silent and supportive, to share common experiences.”

– Ron Hirsch

“Spending a week in a perfect society.”

– Tom Benbrook

“Riding in 2013 gave me the opportunity to have another round of ‘first experiences’: to remember my first AIDS/LifeCycle in 2007 and to honor my partner who rode it with me but passed away in 2012. AIDS/LifeCycle 2013 generated new memories and new friends.”

– Chris Lotspeich

– Eva Galenes-Rosenbaum

Want to create your own memories? There’s still time to join AIDS/LifeCycle, June 1-7. Sign up at aidslifecycle.org!

in

60 minutes

Experience

the Center

ESCAPE RELAX PLAY CREATE LEARN GIVE PARTY ESCAPE RELAX PLAY CREATE LEARN GIVE PARTY ESCAPE RELAX PLAY CREATE LEARN GIVE PARTY ESCAPE RELAX PLAY CEATE LEARN GIVE PARTY ESCAPE RELAX PLAY CREATE LEARN GIVE PARTY ESCAPE week end CREATE LEARN GIVE PARTY NOVEMBER 2013

peek inside

Christopher Kennedy's

Join us for a tour to see how we open the doors of hope for our community.

You will leave not only informed but inspired!

Visit lagaycenter.org/tour or call 323-993-7635.

Holiday Gift Bag

‘DINE & DISH’ WITH JACKIE COLLINS

EXPLORE THE DESERT'S NEW

GAY ADVENTURES

Visit desertoutlook.com and click “sign up for our newsletter” today!

MODERNISM FAMILY

GAY COUPLES WITH KIDS REVAMP VACATIONS IN PALM SPRINGS & BEYOND

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Wanna know what’s going on in Palm Springs this weekend? Delivered to your inbox every Thursday morning – our LGBT newsletter is your FREE insiders’ look at the hottest desert parties, events and performing arts. All the info you need to plan your weekends in Palm Springs.

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FEBRUARY 2014

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ON HIS BROTHER’S LIFE ONE MAN’S WAR AGAINST CRYSTAL METH ADDICTION

by Gil Diaz 10

FEBRUARY 2014

PHOTOGRAPH BY JESSE FINLEY REED

W

Flemming Foundation. This nonprofit organization raises money and awareness for the Center’s Crystal Meth Recovery Services and other substance abuse programs.

“With the foundation’s growth and commitment, we’ll be able to hire more staff, including an on-call interventionist,” says Rizzo, “and create more programs to save those in our community who are struggling to kick their addictions.”

Jason sometimes feels like the “last man standing” without his brother, but his parents remind him of John-Andrew’s wish.

“He would’ve wanted me to form this foundation,” Jason says. “He told us to use his journey as an example for others—to warn people about the evils of meth. That’s exactly what this foundation is all about.”

For more information about The John-Andrew Flemming Foundation, visit thejohn-andrewflemmingfoundation.org.

Watch a short video that John-Andrew recorded while high on meth. Warning: It contains disturbing content. lagaycenter.org

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE JOHN-ANDREW FLEMMING FOUNDATION

When Jason Flemming saw the lifeless body of his younger brother John-Andrew lying on a gurney, he struggled to take a photograph of it.

“John-Andrew wasn’t ashamed. He said that everyone, especially his drug dealer, needed to see what crystal meth did to him,” Jason says. “He wanted his image—graphic and uncensored—to be visible. It was his dying wish.”

The Flemming brothers—both gay and only two years apart—were extremely close.

They grew up in a small rural Michigan town (population: 1,832) and attended Michigan State University. Both men moved to Los Angeles after graduation in the early 1990s.

When John-Andrew began vanishing during the weekends beginning six years ago, Jason found it unusual. It just wasn’t like his brother to not keep in touch.

“John-Andrew would schedule time for us to have dinner or a night out, but once the weekend arrived, he’d disappear. I had no idea he was getting high to the extent he was,” Jason recalls.

“Looking back at how he behaved, I can hardly believe I didn’t see the clues. This drug turned my brother into a completely different man.“ John-Andrew—who was once living a successful life working within the interior design industry—slowly deteriorated into a full-fledged meth addict. He became irritable and paranoid.

He picked and scratched his body obsessively to a point where his skin, and later his scabs, would bleed. During the last two years of his life, JohnAndrew documented his decay through more than 2,400 graphic photos and videos.

In an attempt to save his brother, Jason reached out to Mike Rizzo, founder of the Center’s Crystal Meth Recovery Services, for help.

Rizzo met with John-Andrew’s parents in an attempt to set a family intervention. Each parent flew to Los Angeles to meet with John-Andrew, who eventually gave in and agreed to enter a

detox facility.

“I was convinced my brother was going to fight his addiction,” says Jason. “He was a steadfast and strong man. He could be stubborn, but if he set his mind to something, he made it happen.”

Despite several attempts to rehabilitate, the younger brother couldn’t shake his addiction.

Meth had already owned him.

“John-Andrew is an example of the beautiful, successful young men who get caught up with this drug and systematically dismantle their lives over a period of time,” Rizzo says.

On April 28, 2013, Jason got a phone call. It was John-Andrew’s roommate on the line.

“He said, ‘I have some horrible news. It’s your brother,’” Jason recalls. “And I knew immediately what had happened. I instinctively felt so lost. It knocked my breath away.”

John-Andrew died from an overdose, a combination of meth and the “date rape drug” GHB (gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid). He took a nap on the bed, but he never woke up. He was 43 years old.

“I remember looking at my brother laying on the gurney,” says Jason. “I put my hand on his forehead, and he was still warm. He was no longer gritting his teeth or scratching at himself.

Gone were the frowns on his forehead. He was finally at peace.”

To honor his brother, Jason and his family and friends have formed The John-Andrew

John-Andrew Flemming’s use of crystal meth dramatically changed his appearance over the years.

For more information about the Center’s Crystal Meth Recovery Services and other substance abuse programs, call 323-993-7669 or visit lagaycenter.org/mentalhealth.

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ENROLL TODAY!

P ERF O R M I N G A R TS

VOICEOVER TALENT

Introduction to Voiceover for Beginners 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 copies of their work. A new career in V.O. is only one class away.

Instructor: M.J. Lallo Workshop Tues., Feb. 18, 7 - 10 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $49 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 2/17) Course meets off-site.

PERSONAL GROW TH W E A LT H & SECURI T Y

CAREER

YOURS, MINE AND OURS

CRUSHIN’ IT ON KINDLE

Financial 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.

Instructor: Rebecca Dreyer

Learn how to publish your first (or next) book on Amazon Kindle. Workshop covers how to quickly self-publish a quality book, attract readers, give you credibility, and provide a steady stream of royalties.

Workshop

Instructor: Emilee Moeller

Wealth Management for Same-Sex Couples

Tues., Feb. 25, 7 - 9 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $29 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 2/24)

I DO, DON’T I?

Understanding Marriage in California 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: Christine Wilson Workshop Thurs., Feb. 20, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $25

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

HELP! I DON’T UNDERSTAND MY 401K Ins and Outs of Managing Your Retirement Plan

Most people never get any direction about their 401k retirement plan. This course will help you invest wisely by teaching you the rules to make your 401k work for you.

Instructor: Rebecca Dreyer

Workshop

Tues., Feb. 18, 7 - 9 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $29

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 2/17)

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FEBRUARY 2014

Learn to Self-Publish on Amazon Kindle

2-Part Course Thurs., Feb. 27 & Mar. 13, 7 - 9 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $59

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 2/26)

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION LGBT Affirmative Mindfulness

Become more aware, attentive, focused and mentally clear when you delve into classical mindfulness-based meditation techniques in this LGBT affirmative setting. Discover the key to living a more peaceful life.

Instructor: Matthew Silverstein, Ph.D., LMFT Workshop Thurs., Feb. 13, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $25

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

ENROLL TODAY online: LearningCurveLA.org or call: 323-860-7300, ext. 3

Learning curve COURSes DAT I N G & I N T I M AC Y

C R E AT I V E A R TS

IS IT POSSIBLE TO FIND LOVE IN L.A.?

LIFE DRAWING

It isn’t easy to find love in L.A. In this workshop you will discover lost parts of yourself that will help you on your journey toward finding love and meaningful connections.

This fun course is perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike who are interested in developing their artistic talents. Each session features a live nude model. Students must provide drawing pad and drawing media.

How to Find & Keep the Love You Want

Instructor: John Buse, LMFT

Capturing the Beautiful Human Body

Instructor: Ron Anderegg

Workshop

Mon., Feb. 24, 7:30 - 9 p.m.

4-Part Course Every Tues., Feb. 18 - Mar. 11, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $29

Enrollment Fee: $69

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 2/23)

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 2/17)

MOVEMENT & FORM

WOMAN-ON-WOMAN SEX WORKSHOP SERIES GETTIN’ DOWN TO SEX

Sex Tips for Women Who Love Women

Woman-to-woman sex has a treasure trove of delights. This fun workshop will teach you different techniques for Sapphic satisfaction that are certain to take you to new heights.

Workshop Mon., Feb. 3, 7 – 9:30 p.m.

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

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 Every Mon., Feb. 24 & Mar. 3, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $39 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 2/23)

WORDS & MUSIC Hands-on Musical Theatre Workshop

HURTS SO GOOD Introduction To S&M

Discover the amazing potential of consensual sexual power exchange. Learn how to introduce S&M to your lover and build your ultimate desires.

Workshop Mon., Feb. 10, 7 – 9:30 p.m.

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. 2/9)

Learn to transform your idea into the musical of your dreams. Topics include story development, structure, composition, song/ lyric writing and everything else you need for success.

Instructor: Mark Saltzman

6-Week Course Every Tues., Feb. 4 - Mar. 18, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

No class on 2/11

Enrollment Fee: $99 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 2/3)

OH, OH, ONANISM!

Embracing Female Masturbation

Learn how to take charge of your sexual power and reach new levels of self-satisfaction.

Discover techniques that will transcend you to higher plane of pleasure and satisfaction.

Workshop Mon., Feb. 24, 7 – 9:30 p.m.

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. 2/23)

Instructor for all three courses: Kim Airs Enrollment Fees: $25 Each

$45 Any two

$65 All Three (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. the day before each single course begins.)

W EL L NES S

AWAKENING

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

Instructor: Marc Caldwell

Class

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

No class on 2/15 Free (donations are welcome) Walk-up; no RSVP necessary

ENROLL TODAY online: LearningCurveLA.org or call: 323-860-7300, ext. 3 FEBRUARY 2014

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Group Meetings At the village COM MUNIT Y GROUPS

SOCIAL NET WORK ING GROUPS

SENIORS SERV ICES

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.

Art Lab Fri., 1-3 p.m.

No experience necessary

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 gvalenzuela@lagaycenter.org Generation Y Every Tues., 6-8 p.m.

Meet other young men (16-24) to talk about dating, relationships, and living with HIV. Contact ppandy@lagaycenter.org or 323-860-7321 L.A. Leather Coalition 1st Thurs., 7 - 9 p.m.

Let’s Talk About Health Every Thurs., 6-8 p.m.

If you’re living with HIV, learn how to maintain the highest quality of life. Contact ppandy@lagaycenter.org or 323-860-7321 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 Positive Images HIV+ Men’s Forum Every Wed., 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 gvalenzuela@lagaycenter.org 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, contact colorincommon@lagaycenter.org or 323-860-7353 S.M.A.R.T. Recovery Every Sat., 9:15 -10:45 a.m.

HERstories* A gathering place for all LGBT women who want strong community and great conversation Every Mon., 8 - 9:30 p.m.

Canceled Feb. 17

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

Canceled Feb. 14

Coping with Caregiving Every Thurs. through Feb. 27 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Open to everyone ages 50+

Village Readers An LGBT reading and discussion group.

Feb. 5, The Two Krishnas, by Ghalib Shiraz Dhalla; Mar. 5, We The Animals, by Justin Torres Every 1st Wed., 7:30 - 9 p.m.

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

Call 323-932-5414 for location

*group may not welcome late arrivals

HIV+ 50+ Men’s Drop-In Support Group Thurs., 1-3 p.m.

12-ST EP GROUPS

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

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

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

Canceled Feb. 17

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

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

Canceled Feb. 17 CMA—Let Go and Let God Fri., 8 - 9:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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 Sat., 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

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

Canceled Feb. 17

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

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

FEBRUARY 2014

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

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

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

More information at ComingOutLA.org

Center Angels The Center Angels give back through various volunteer opportunities. For more information, call 323-860-5830 and leave a detailed message.

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

Metropolitan Community Church-Los Angeles 4607 Prospect Ave. Call 323-860-7369 to RSVP

COM ING OUT

Out Talk A safe, supportive space for anyone who loves or knows someone who is coming out to ask questions and process their feelings Every 1st Sat., 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

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

OA Thurs., 7 - 8 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.

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

Women’s AA Wed., 8 - 9 p.m.

Men’s Drop-In Support Group Wed., 10 a.m. - Noon with Steve Men’s Lunch Every 2nd & 4th Wed., Noon - 1 p.m.

Stretch & Balance with Bobby Wed., 11 a.m. $5 suggested donation Woman to Woman Chat Group Mon., 1:30 - 3 p.m.

Canceled Feb. 17 Women’s Lunch Every 1st & 3rd Mon., Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Canceled Feb. 17 Women’s Movie Every 2nd & 4th Mon., 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Valley Social and Networking Group Thurs., 12:30 - 2 p.m.

Call 323-860-5830 for location For more information about Seniors Services classes, please call 323-860-7322 or visit facebook.com/50pluslgbt.

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.

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

PHOTOGRAPHS BY GIL DIAZ

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AIDS/LifeCycle 10k Holiday Party (1-5) Held at the Hancock Park home of Center Board Member Dean Hansell, AIDS/LifeCycle throws a holiday party for members of the 10K Club who have committed to raising at least $10,000 for the fight against HIV/AIDS. 3

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LAWN Holiday Party (6-11) Members and guests of the Los Angeles Women’s Network (LAWN) celebrate the holidays at The Village with a special musical performance by Sophie B. Hawkins (9).

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L.A. GAY & LESBIAN CENTER

McDonald/Wright Building 1625 N. Schrader Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90028

W E L L S FA R G O P RES EN TS

SAVE the DATE S A T U R D A Y, A P R I L 5 , 2 0 1 4 C LU B V IP 5 – 6 : 30 p m | G E NER A L 6 – 9 p m BENEFI T IN G

SI M PLY D IVINEL A.ORG

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

Call 323-993-7620 or visit lagaycenter.org/newsletter 16

FEBRUARY 2014