Vanguard January 2014

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

SITTING

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THE WORLD FORMERLY HOMELESS LGBT YOUTH FIND THEIR NEW BEGINNINGS pg. 5

Charitable resolutions pg. 9 Vanguard Awards are the new black pg. 10 JANUARY 2014

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June 1-7, 2014

AIDSLIFECYCLE.ORG #aidslifecycle PRODUCED BY & BENEFITING

CEO LET TER

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Lorri L. Jean, CEO

January is often a time when many of us think about new beginnings. We leave the old year behind and resolve to improve in the new one. Eating better. Exercising. Losing weight.

Yet, the Center is in the “new beginnings” business every day of the year. Many of the folks who come to us for help each day are seeking dramatic changes in their lives, whether that is escaping the clutches of crystal meth addiction, mustering the courage to come out or make a gender transition, leaving a violent relationship, and more. For homeless young people, this is particularly true.

In this edition, you’ll read about two former youth clients who—with our help—created their own new beginnings. Today, they enjoy a level of success and happiness that is inspirational.

The Center’s own history of new beginnings has been equally inspiring, filled with pioneering programs and achievements. In 2014 we will continue this proud tradition by embarking upon another groundbreaking effort that will enable us to do so much more for our community. Next month we will close escrow on the property directly across the street from The Village at Ed Gould Plaza. This new facility will enable us to dramatically expand our services for homeless LGBT youth and seniors and so much more. Instead of the 50 beds we have today for homeless kids, we’ll have three times that! And, for the first time, we’ll have a place for our seniors to live and thrive.

ers of affordable housing in Los Angeles, we will build a first-of-its-kind multi-generational apartment complex for LGBT youth and seniors, with a wide array of supportive programs and services.

We also will move our headquarters to the new site so the health and medical programs in the McDonald/Wright Building will have the space they need to expand and become a comprehensive medical center, with medicine, mental health and research that more fully serves everyone in our community.

Turning this remarkable vision into a reality won’t be quick or cheap. We’ll have to launch a new capital campaign and raise at least $25 million, plus tap affordable housing funding streams. All of this is likely to be four years in the making, opening late in 2017 or 2018.

When we’ve accomplished this newest challenge, we will have created an innovative, trailblazing campus unlike anything that exists for our community anywhere on the planet.

None of it will be easy. But, the Center has NEVER been daunted by difficult tasks in pursuit of serving our community. That’s what you expect from us. It’s what you help us do. And when we’ve accomplished this newest challenge, we will have created an innovative, trail-blazing campus unlike anything that exists for our community anywhere on the planet. We will continue to be the world’s leading example of how to care for our community and do it with vision, competence and compassion.

That’s a new year’s resolution to be proud of!

Working in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles and in partnership with Thomas Safran & Associates, one of the finest develop-

On the cover: Fabian Quezada returned to the dorm-style rooms of the Center’s Transitional Living Program, where he lived six years ago.

JANUARY 2014

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CCEEN NTTEERR BBRRIIEEFFSS

VA NG UA RD STA FF Jim Key

Chief Public Affairs Officer

A TITANIUM GIFT

Kimiko Martinez

Australian singer Sia—the powerful vocalist behind the hit song “Titanium”— recently announced plans to donate a portion of the proceeds from her recent collaboration with Eminem to benefit the Center. Sia, 38, recorded “Beautiful Pain” with the rapper, which appears on his latest album The Marshall Mathers LP2.

Jesse Finley Reed

Sia was introduced to the Center in 2012 by longtime Center supporter and superstar songwriter Linda Perry, who produces the Center’s annual An Evening with Women. Sia was so impressed by the Center’s work, especially its services for homeless LGBT youth, that she volunteered to perform “Titanium” to a sold-out crowd in 2013 (watch the video at youtube.com/lagaycenter). The next An Evening with Women is scheduled for May 10 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

R A I S I N G T H E BA R F O R LG B T H E A LT H

Associate Director of Marketing & Communications Creative Director

Manny Sanchez

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Gil Diaz

Marketing & Communications Manager

Kurt Thomas

Graphic Designer printed by Pace Marketing Communications

CONTACT INFO

This fall, the Center earned the most respected designation awarded to community health centers by the federal government. It became one of the few LGBT health centers in the nation, and the only one in California, to be designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). With this designation, the Center will receive an annual grant of approximately $650,000 to support primary care medical services for more than 4,000 additional clients, including low-income people on Medicaid.

General Information

323-993-7400

AIDS/LifeCycle

323-860-7380

Cultural Arts

323-860-7324

Domestic Violence

323-860-5806

The Center has operated as an FQHC “Look-Alike” since 2009, which means the medical clinic met many of the government’s standards for FQHC designation but had not received the annual awards accompanied by the full FQHC designation. The Center was notified of its full FQHC status on November 6.

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

TOTAL MISMATC H The MisMatch Game, the outrageous parody of the ’70s game show The Match Game, returns to the Center’s Renberg Theatre for another comic run January 17 through 19. The show, which premiered at the Center in 2004, will have raised more than $100,000 by the time this year’s production ends. It was honored by The Advocate with a “Theatre: 10 Best” award.

Producer and host Dennis Hensley will be joined on stage by a panel of film, television and theater performers, including some of Hollywood’s fastest, most creative and deranged comic minds: Patrick Bristow, Danny Casillas, Drew Droege, Maile Flanagan, Tom Lenk, Sam Pancake, Nicol Paone, Felix Pire and Tony Tripoli.

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

323-860-7300

Come and see which night we’ll reach the $100,000 mark!

For tickets, visit lagaycenter.org/theatre.

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

RIDE IN STRIDE

Center, a nonprofit corporation. 1625 N. Schrader Blvd., Los

AIDS/LifeCycle invites all cycling enthusiasts to get in shape after the holidays with its first-ever Resolution Ride on Saturday, January 11. Taking place in Griffith Park, the ride will have two fully-supported route options (a 15-mile and 35-mile route), as well as a festival with food and live entertainment.

Copyright 2013, Vanguard. All rights reserved. Subscription

For more information, visit resolutionride.org.

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JANUARY 2014

Angeles, CA 90028, Voice 323-993-7400 • TDD 323-993-7698. 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.

FROM HOM EL ESS TO FA BULOUS Since the Center’s earliest days, it has provided a home for abandoned LGBT youth. Today its 24bed Transitional Living Program is the home—as well as a symbol of foundation, strength and salvation—for many LGBT youth going through the darkest days of their lives.

In the following pages are the stories of two former residents who checked into the Center in despair…but checked out with renewed hope.

AS TOLD BY

GIL DIAZ

PHOTOGRAPHS BY

JESSE FINLEY REED

FABIAN QUEZADA, 29 I should be dead by now.

But I believe guardian angels have been watching over me ever since I decided to leave my hometown of Guadalajara, Mexico, and come to California—on my 17th birthday— in search of a better life.

I began trading sex for money just to help make some of my ends meet when I was 14.

That’s how poor I was.

My mother is a very religious woman. She desperately wanted me to be “straight” and forced me to attend seminary school. One night, while I was living in the seminary, I snuck out and went to a gay bar. I bumped into one of the seminary priests there. I thought he would become my friend, but instead, he became my worst enemy. Next thing I knew, he was on my case about everything.

I wasn’t doing my homework right. I wasn’t spiritual enough. I wasn’t doing my chores correctly.

When I was kicked out of the seminary, the priest lied to my mother. He told her that the reason I was being expelled was because someone saw me at the gay bar. Funny, he never told her that it was he who saw me at the bar that night.

I felt such guilt and shame about who I was.

Soon after I moved back home, I met an American man who was vacationing in Mexico. After he left, we continued to see each other even though we were living in two different countries. I eventually moved to Long Beach to live with him. I knew this was my chance

Fabian Quezada first came to the Center for help in 2004, when he was living on the streets and hooked on crystal meth.

to be free—to live in a place that accepts me for being gay.

While I was living in Long Beach, I found out I was HIV-positive. And within a year— to make matters worse—I broke up with my boyfriend, dropped out of school and got hooked on crystal meth.

A guy I met at the bar offered it to me. As soon as I did it, I instantly didn’t worry about my HIV or about my family in Mexico. Doing meth became my life…my way to escape the pain and misery of my situation.

I was cracked out on meth for most of the next year, but my life in the fast lane came to a screeching halt when I ended up on the streets with nowhere to go. I was lucky if a friend let me sleep on the couch.

I hit rock bottom. I tried to stop drinking and using meth, but I couldn’t.

One day some of my friends at AA told me about the Center’s Transitional Living Program—also known as the TLP—which helps young people like me get off the streets and develop the skills, resources, experience and confidence to make it on their own. I would receive housing in dorm-style rooms, get served three hot meals a day and become paired with a case manager.

I didn’t believe anything like that existed— a shelter that gives you everything. I arrived at the TLP with no self-esteem. But when I first laid in my bed, my worries began to wash away.

Then, the real work began. From 2004 to 2007, I received free medical services from the Center, attended AA and Crystal Meth Anonymous meetings at the Center, and enrolled in the Center’s employment workshops, which helped me land my first job.

The TLP gave me bus tokens and lunch every day for work. The Center taught me how to become an adult and take responsibility for my life. The friends I made at the TLP became my family.

Six years after leaving the TLP, I am now enjoying the life I was meant to have. I am a successful hair stylist in Beverly Hills, and I’ve found the love of my life, Marc.

(You might know him. He works on-air for E! News.) We’re engaged.

As for my mother, everything’s better between us. In December 2012, we saw each other for the first time in nine years. She looked older, but it’s as if our relationship picked up where we left off. She’s more ac-

cepting of me. She realized we wouldn’t have any relationship at all if she didn’t change her views. Believe it or not, I’d do anything for my mom now.

Things happen for a reason—and I have to thank my guardian angels again. I ended up in the TLP at the right place at the right time—or else I probably would still have a problem with drugs and alcohol. If I discovered I was HIVpositive while I was still in Mexico, I wouldn’t be alive today because I wouldn’t have received the proper care.

I’m so grateful to the Center for saving my life…and for giving me a life.

Skylar Joyner holds a copy of his newly published textbook, Marriage and Family: The Twenty-First Century Approach.

SKYLAR JOYNER, 30 After I aged out of the foster care system, I had no skills or money…until the day I met the only person who seemed to care about me—a wealthy man who let me share his home and an endless supply of drugs. We became boyfriends, but I didn’t recognize that our relationship was doomed from the start. It was fueled by ecstasy, all-night rave parties and domestic violence.

If I didn’t do what he asked, he’d threaten to take all of life’s pleasures away from me: the home, the car, the money. We fought all the time. He even tried to strangle me several times because he was so high. If I had continued to stay with him, I know for certain he’d have eventually killed me. So I had to break off our destructive relationship and get away.

But I didn’t have a Plan B. My only option was to live on the streets. I

“YOU KNOW,

I wouldn’t have made it alive from the streets if it weren’t for the Center staffer who stood up for me that night against the sheriff’s deputy.

HE GAV E M E HOP E.” Skylar Joyner Ph.D. candidate, author & former TLP resident

pitched a makeshift tent near the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Schrader Boulevard, just a few yards away from the Center’s McDonald/ Wright Building. I felt completely defenseless. I was trying to survive. And, yes, living on the streets is as dangerous as you think: I was stabbed twice.

One night, a sheriff’s deputy was harassing me and ordered me to pack up my tent. He even threatened to arrest me, even though I was on a public sidewalk. Then, a man driving up in a van came to my defense and told the deputy that I wasn’t dangerous or a troublemaker; I was simply homeless. After the deputy left, the man in the van—who turned out to be a Center staffer—told me about the Center’s home for LGBT youth.

He told me about the Center’s Transitional Living Program. I never knew anything like that existed! All I knew about the Center was that it was the place to get an HIV test. For a couple of months, I debated whether I should request a placement in the TLP. I was afraid being there would be just like being in foster care, which I didn’t want to experience again.

I finally convinced myself that it was probably safer for me to be at the TLP than on the streets.

But because there was a list of youth ahead of me, I had to wait another two months before I was finally admitted into the program and given a bed.

It took me another few weeks to get used to having a home because, basically, I was in shock. I’d been living on the streets for so many months. I was still in “survival mode,” fearing that someone was going to steal my belongings.

The TLP requires all residents to either get a job or go to school. Throughout my life, I always liked school. My case manager sensed it and encouraged me to enroll at Santa Monica College, and we made a deal that I would go to school full time.

Five days a week, I took the city bus back and

Skylar Joyner stands near the spot where he used to pitch his tent while living on the streets of Hollywood 11 years ago.

forth between the Center and SMC—nearly two hours each way. Because of the long commute, I ended up finishing my homework on the bus most of the time. My classmates couldn’t believe I was a full-time student, the president of the Future Educators Club and yet I was living in a shelter.

After graduating with an Associate of Arts degree in education, I headed to the Midwest to pursue my bachelor’s degree at Wichita State University. I had never ventured outside California, but with the Center’s help, I was confident enough to move on.

I’m still in Kansas, with a bachelor’s and master’s degrees. And I’m on my way to getting my doctorate in June.

I teach at a community college, and I’ve recently become a textbook author too. My book, Marriage and Family: The Twenty-First Century Approach, was published in October and can be used by colleges all over the country.

Not bad for someone who once had no skills or money.

You know, I wouldn’t have made it alive from the streets if it weren’t for the Center staffer who stood up for me that night against the sheriff’s deputy. He gave me hope. I didn’t have anything to show for myself—just some ragged clothes and a makeshift tent—but he and the Center gave me this chance.

The Center saved my life—I know that from the bottom of my heart.

WA T C H

Skylar revisit his former surroundings on lagaycenter.org.

A home for the homeless The Center’s Transitional Living Program is a 24-bed residence in the heart of Hollywood for LGBT youth who have been abandoned by their families or who don’t feel safe or welcome at home.

Young people (ages 18-24) can stay in the program for as long as 18 months while working toward independence and selfsufficiency.

Residents receive: • • • • • • • •

dorm-style housing three hot meals a day mental health and medical services help finding and maintaining a job or enrolling in school assistance managing their savings support groups case management staff support 24 hours a day

Learn more or make a year-end donation to support homeless youth services at lagaycenter.org.

JANUARY 2014

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& * 31 llar! r be o m for d e c r De dolla y b ift hed g a tc ke ma a M l be il it w

HOMELESS

LGBT are

YOUTH

ALONE, Scared & hungry

Give young people food, medical care, warm beds and a welcoming place to stay during the holidays.

Make a gift by December 31 and longtime Center supporter Barry McCabe will match it dollar for dollar.*

Donate today at lagaycenter.org/match

THANK YOU

The

Great

give

Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean generosity has to stop.

Here are some exceptional ways to give back to the Center—365 days a year!

Make a

wish come true

Some of the Center’s programs, including Seniors Services and LifeWorks (youth development and mentoring programs), have wish lists to support their members.

All of the items will be used for direct services. To learn more about LifeWorks’ wish list, visit lifeworksla.org; for Seniors Services, email seniors@lagaycenter.org.

Be the belle of the ball

Bank on the center Donating your equity securities, such as stocks and mutual funds, is a tax-wise approach to support the Center’s work. Benefits include a deduction on your taxes and avoidance of federal and state tax on the capital gain.

Visit lagaycenter.org/SU_Stock_Gifts.

Hosting a house party or special event is a fabulous way to share your interest in supporting the Center with your friends and neighbors. Twelve-year-old Cami Katz asked her bat mitzvah guests for donations. She raised an astonishing $3,000 for new laptops to be used by residents of the Center’s Transitional Living Program!

Visit lagaycenter.org/houseparties.

Join the circle By leaving a future gift to the Center in your will or trust, you can be assured that you’ll make a huge impact in the quality of life for LGBT people for years to come. You’re never too old—or too young—to join the Center’s Circle of Life. Just ask Mary Zeiser who, at 24 years old, became the youngest Circle of Life member! Visit lagaycenter.org/plannedgiving.

Start spreading

Let’s make a match Did you know that at least $10 billion in workplace matching funds go unclaimed each year? It’s because most corporate employees don’t know about their employer’s charitable gift matching program. Find out if a matching program exists in your company. Giving a donation to the Center may double your fun!

the news

Impress your friends by telling them you’ve become an ambassador! At the Center, we treat our ambassadors like royalty for inviting their friends to take a Center tour, helping to spread our message and fulfilling our mission: building the health, advocating for the rights and enriching the lives of LGBT people.

Learn more at lagaycenter.org/tour.

Share your talents Share the royalties from your creative project with the Center, whether it’s recording a hit song or writing a best-selling book.

One longtime Center supporter penned a gay romance novel and donated 100% of the book’s royalties (lagaycenter.org/jakewells) to benefit the Center’s services for homeless and high-risk LGBT youth.

If you have an original idea to give back to the Center, contact Nellie Sims at nsims@lagaycenter.org.

JANUARY 2014

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THE VANGUARD AWARDS ARE THE NEW BLACK

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CAST MEMBERS FROM ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK were the center

of attention on the red carpet at the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s Anniversary Gala Vanguard Awards November 9 at the Westin Bonaventure in downtown Los Angeles. ( 6 ) Dascha Polanco (Dayanara Diaz), Samira Wiley (Poussey Washington), Netflix Vice President of Original Programming Cindy Holland, Uzo Aduba (Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren), Alysia Reiner (Natalie Figueroa), and

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JANUARY 2014

Lea DeLaria (Big Boo) were among the more than 800 Center supporters and community leaders attending the inaugural Vanguard Awards, co-chaired by ( 3 ) Tad Brown and Danielle Carrig (with Center CEO Lorri L. Jean), which raised more than $650,000 for Center programs and honored leaders at the forefront of the LGBT movement, including: ( 7 ) Joe Lorenzo, awarded the 2013 State Farm Good Neighbor Award for his leadership as a member of the Center’s Young Professional Council;

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( 5 ) inspirational out NBA player Jason Collins, presented the National Vanguard Award by ( 1 ) Lance Bass; Netflix, presented the Corporate Vanguard Award by the cast of Orange is the New Black and accepted by Holland; and ( 4 ) Xiaogang Wei, founder of China’s first AIDS Walk, presented the International Vanguard Award from ABC-TV Scandal cast member ( 2 ) Dan Bucatinsky.

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Seniors Services Thanksgiving (1-3) Bon appetit! Seniors Services guests celebrated Thanksgiving in the heart of Los Feliz Village with a scrumptious dinner at Rockwell Table & Stage.

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Threads of Change (4-6) Hosted by the Center’s Young Professionals Council, the seventh annual clothing drive party was an incredible success with more than 600 bags of donated items dropped off at Eleven Nightclub in West Hollywood. (7) American Idol’s Crystal Bowersox (center) rocked the house with her favorite holiday hits!

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Volunteer Appreciation Celebration (8-9) More than 100 volunteers were the guests of honor at Friendship Auditorium near Griffith Park, in celebration of their dedication to the Center.

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REGISTER TODAY!

WORDS & MUSIC Hands-on Musical Theatre Workshop

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

Tues., Feb. 4 - Mar. 11, 7-9:30 p.m.

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

W E A LT H & SECURI T Y

YOURS, MINE AND OURS

Wealth Management for Same-Sex Couples 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.

C R E AT I V E A R TS

WRITE THAT TV SPEC SCRIPT NOW

MOVEMENT & FORM

Aspiring writers need a polished spec script to make it in the world of TV. Learn what it takes from a working writer/producer/showrunner. All genre and formats welcome.

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.

Television Writers Workshop

Instructor: Mark Alton Brown 6-Part Course Wed., Jan. 22 - Feb. 26, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $129

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 1/21)

LIFE DRAWING Capturing the Beautiful Human Body 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.

Instructor: Ron Anderegg 4-Part Course Tues., Jan. 21 - Feb. 11, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $69

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 1/20)

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JANUARY 2014

Principles of Gesture Drawing

Instructor: Daniel Ribera 2-Part Course Mon., Jan. 27 & Feb. 3, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Instructor: Rebecca Dreyer

Workshop

Thurs., Jan. 23, 7 - 9 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $29 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 1/22)

L A NG UAGE & CULT URE

VOULEZ-VOUS PARLER FRANCIAS?

Enrollment Fee: $39

Conversational French for Beginners

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 1/26)

Learn the world’s most romantic language, including basic vocabulary, casual conversation, and simple grammar construction that will be helpful to travelers and connoisseurs alike.

WRITING FOR THE STAGE

An Intensive Playwriting Workshop Learn the craft of playwriting in our popular hands-on course. Learn structure, character, conflict, climax, resolution and much more.

All experience levels are welcome.

Instructor: Nadine Cohen

Instructor: Richard Steel

Enrollment Fee: $120

6-Part Course Sat., Jan. 25 - Mar. 1, 1 - 4 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $99

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 1/24)

6-Week Course Tues., Jan. 21 - Feb. 25, 7:30 - 9 p.m.

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 1/20)

REGISTER TODAY call: 323-860-7300, ext. 3 online: lagaycenter.org/learningcurve

Learning curve Classes P H OTO G R A P H Y

PERSONAL GROW TH

CAMERA TECH & PHOTOGRAPHY FUNDAMENTALS

A CLEAR PATH

An intense, information-filled course for photographers who want to master their cameras and develop their creative skills. A perfect primer for all other photography courses.

With the holidays over, it’s time to bring order back into your life. Take charge of the holiday 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.

Digital Photography Primer

Instructor: Dali Sadhana

Clear Away the Clutter and Organize Your Life

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION LGBT Affirmative Classical Mindfulness-based Skills Practice

Delve into classical mindfulness-based meditation techniques in an LGBT affirmative settings. These skills will help you become more aware, attentive, focused, present and mentally clear.

Instructor: Matthew Silverstein

4-Part Course Mon., Jan. 27 - Feb. 24, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

No class 2/17

Instructor: Regina Lark Workshop Sat., Jan. 11, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Workshop Thurs., Feb. 13, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $99

Enrollment Fee: $29

Enrollment Fee: $20

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 1/26)

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 1/10)

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

FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY

Principles of High Fashion Photography Learn to take on the world of high fashion photography. This course will provide you with all the skills and knowledge you need to become a professional fashion photographer.

Instructor: Korbin Bielski

4-Part Course

Thurs., Jan. 30 - Feb. 20, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $99 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 1/29)

URBAN PHOTOGRAPHY Photographic Composition & Developing Your Creative Eye

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

Instructor: Ralph Buck (aka Buck) 6-Part Course Tues., Jan. 21 - Feb. 25, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Optional weekend location shoots throughout

Enrollment Fee: $129 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 1/20)

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Learning curve Classes P ERF O R M I N G A R TS

T ECHN O LO GY

W EL L NES S

VOICEOVER TALENT

LEARN ADOBE PHOTOSHOP EXT.

AWAKENING

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

Photoshop is the graphic world’s most powerful tool. Whether you need to learn it for work or just for yourself, it’s an invaluable skills to have. Learn how to retouch, create composites, paint, color correct and more.

Don’t let the rush and tension of the holiday season stress you out. Start your weekends with us by opening your eyes, your heart and your soul while centering your mind and body.

Instructor: Dali Sadhana

Instructor: Marc Caldwell

L1 Sat. Jan. 4, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

L2 Sat. Jan. 11, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. or L1 Wed. Jan. 29 & Feb. 5, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

L2 Wed. Feb. 12 & 19, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Class

Introduction to Voiceover for Beginners

Instructor: M.J. Lallo Workshop Tues., Jan. 21, 7 - 10 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $49 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 1/20) Course meets off-site.

GUITAR FOR BEGINNERS Introduction to Guitar

Learn the fundamentals of guitar in a fun and easygoing environment that includes basic scale, chord theory and open chords. Students must provide their own guitars.

Instructor: Marc Flores 6-Part Course Wed., Jan. 29 - Mar. 5, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Enrollment Fee: $99

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 1/28)

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

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

Instructor: Adam Barnhardt 6-Part Course Sat., Jan. 25 - Mar. 1, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

The Comedy Store performance: 3/2 Enrollment Fee: $120

(Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on 1/24)

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JANUARY 2014

Levels I & II

Enrollment Fee: $89 Each Level Combine Levels I & II Enrollment Fee: $149 (No Additional Discounts) (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. 1/28)

Saturday Morning Meditation

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

No class on 1/18 Free (donations are welcome) Walk-up; no RSVP necessary

REGISTER TODAY call: 323-860-7300, ext. 3 online: lagaycenter.org/learningcurve

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.

COM ING OUT

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

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

Canceled Jan. 20 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.

Jan. 8, Rubyfruit Jungle, by Rita Mae Brown; Feb. 5, The Two Krishnas, by Ghalib Shiraz Dhalla Every 1st Wed., 7:30 - 9 p.m. *group may not welcome late arrivals

Chair Yoga with Master Lakshmi Every 1st & 3rd Wed., 10:30 a.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 Coping with Caregiving Every Thurs., Dec. 5 - Feb. 27 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Open to everyone aged 50+ Grief and Loss Support Group Every 2nd & 4th Tues., 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Call 323-932-5414 for location 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 Jan. 20

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

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

Canceled Jan. 20 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.

Marijuana Anonymous Wed., 8:15 - 9:15 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 & 3rd Sat., 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

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

Canceled Jan. 20

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.

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 & 3rd Sat., 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

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

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.

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 Jan. 20 Women’s Lunch Every 1st & 3rd Mon., Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Canceled Jan. 20 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.

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

Women’s AA Wed., 8 - 9 p.m.

JANUARY 2014

15

L.A. GAY & LESBIAN CENTER

McDonald/Wright Building 1625 N. Schrader Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90028

Get Centered! tours

Experience the Center

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

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