THE FIGHT LGBT MAGAZINE MARCH 2013 by MARK ARIEL

THECONTENTS COVER STORIES AND FEATURES

16 LIKE IT OR NOT Justify Your Love

20 LEATHER: PAST & PRESENT

Evolution Of A Community

23 LIVE DEEPLY

Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2012

24 MAKE ROOM FOR DADDY Interview With Dan Lovell

30 BOTTOMS UP

Redefining Masculinity

36 AMAZING AMBASSADOR

Jaymes Vaughan at White Party

38 PUSHING BOUNDARIES Exploring Sexual Limits

42 SOBRIETY IN LEATHER

Paulo Murillo On Tom Pardoe

42 <

ON THE COVER PHOTO BY J. HORTON, www.jrhphoto.com

THE DEPARTMENTS

06 THE EDITOR Leather Culture

14 THE CITY Anti-Gay Church Pickets

08 THE CONTRIBUTORS Writers In This Issue

18 THE ROSTOW REPORT 40 THE EVENT It Won’t Get Better Evita Tuesdays, Evolution Fridays 28 THE LAW Disclosing Your Status 43 THE CALENDAR Leather Pride, 32 THE MIND White Party Good As Gold 42 THE FINAL FIGHT 34 THE FAMILY We’re Bi, Get Used To It Negative Pregnancy Test

10 THE LETTERS Aware Of Our Past 12 THE STATE Obama Joins Prop 8

4 T H E F I GH T | M A R CH 2013

39 THE EPIDEMIC Baby Apparently Cured

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THEEDITOR

his month THE FIGHT is proudly sponsoring Los Angeles Leather Pride, taking place at various venues throughout the city, and Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party in Palm Springs on March 29. “Defining the history of leather is kind of like interpreting the bible,” writes Robert Blackmon, co-producer of L.A. Leather Pride, in his article “Leather, Past & Present,” in this issue on page 20. “Depending on who you talk to there will be a different answer as to its origin,” states Blackmon. However, the general consensus, reveals Blackmon, is as follows. “In the weeks and months after WWII, young American soldiers who had gone off to war as boys would return home as men affected by the horrors they’d experienced. Their families and friends couldn’t identify with what they had experienced so they banded together. Groups of these former soldiers (most - but not all gay) would take camping trips and bond. They would hop on their motorcycles wearing their gear. Leather pants, chaps and vests were worn for warmth and protection against the harsh elements. The thickness of the leather also protected their legs from the heat of the hot metal on their bike. These camping trips called ‘bike runs’ were a chance for the men to share their war experiences both good and bad...” “Strong friendships and some relationships grew out of these runs,” states Blackmom. “It was their secret society. An unusual tribe that beared no explanation to one another. There was no shame or guilt - just trust, honor and respect. This was the foundation of what would become known as today’s leather community.” “One thing I love about leather culture is the family and mentorships that people in the community develop,” states this month’s cover model Dan Lovell, (“Make Room For Daddy,” page 24). “Over the past couple years I’ve learned that there’s more to the leather culture than just hot kinky sex,” says Lovell. “It’s also about love, family and community. This last year I had gone through some tough times and it was always a brother from the leather community to be the first to call to check on me, offering help. With that I learned what it meant to be a part of the community.” Also in this issue, Los Angeles based therapist Michael Liberatore, LMFT, explores “The Psychology of Bottoming,” (“Bottoms Up,” page 30). In many ways, says Liberatore, we are trapped in a straight man’s version of masculinity. “Society is heteronormative... Sure, things are improving, but dominant culture still embraces the stereotypical straight male persona as ‘normal,’ while anything which deviates is ‘abnormal.’” “We need to start re-thinking the associations we make with bottoming,” states Liberatore, “and embrace the idea of being vulnerable, open, and receptive as valued masculine qualities.”

STANFORD ALTAMIRANO Editor-In-Chief

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stanford Altamirano MANAGING EDITOR Mark Ariel ART DIRECTOR Nadeen Torio MARKETING CONSULTANTS Paul Vallejo John Michael Gamban Lisa Radamaker SOCIAL MEDIA Tim Kreslake WEBMASTER Nadeen Torio

GET THE FIGHT AT HOME Sent Via First Class Mail 12 Issues: $36 6 Issues: $24 Mail check or money order to: Third Step, LLC 611 S. Catalina St. Suite 307 Los Angeles, CA 90005 PUBLISHER Third Step, Inc. DISTRIBUTION Pride In Media The Fight Magazine is published monthly by Third Step, Inc. 611 South Catalina Street, Suite 307 Los Angeles, CA 90005 Telephone (323) 297-4001 Fax (213) 281-9648 Email info@TheFightMag.com

THE FIGHT MAGAZINE LEGAL CAVEATS By listing in The Fight Magazine, advertisers acknowledge that they do business in the spirit of cooperation, fairness and service, maintaining a high level of integrity and responsibility. Providers of products or services are fully and solely responsible for providing same as advertised. The Fight Magazine assumes no liability for improper or negligent business practices by advertisers. Advertisers and their agencies assume responsibility and liability for the content of their advertisements in The Fight Magazine. Publisher assumes no liability for safe-keeping or return of unsolicited art, manuscripts or other materials. The Fight Magazine reserves the right to edit all material for clarity, length and content. All contents © 2013 Third Step Inc. All rights reserved. Content may be reproduced with permission. The Fight Magazine assumes no liability for any claims or representations contained anywhere in this magazine and reserves the right to cancel or refuse advertising at publisher’s discretion.

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6 T H E F I GH T | M A R CH 2013

FEB R UAR Y 2013 | T H E F I GH T 7

THECONTRIBUTORS ROBERT E. BLACKMON In 2001, writer and on-air talent Robert E. Blackmon, became the first leather man to hold the title “Mr. Sister Leather,” sponsored by the International fundraising organization the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Later that year he competed at Los Angeles Mr. Leather where he placed 2nd Runner up. Blackmon has served as secretary, vice chair and co-producer of Los Angeles Leather Pride, since its inception. PAULO MURILLO West Hollywood resident Paulo Murillo has been writing for gay media for over twelve years. He got his start writing a bi-weekly column called “Luv Ya, Mean It” for FAB! Newspaper. Visit his website at thehissfit.com, or friend him on Facebook.

8 T H E F I GH T | M A R CH 2013

DR. GUY RINGLER Dr. Guy Ringler, a board certified physician in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at California Fertility Partners, assists Gay and Lesbian men and women build families through surrogacy and reproductive procedures. For more information call 310-828-4008 or visit: www. californiafertilitypartners.com ANN ROSTOW Ann Rostow writes news analysis columns for THE FIGHT and other gay publications across the country. For weekly LGBT News updates, visit her blog at: annrostow.blogspot.com. Ann can be reached at: arostow@aol.com.

DAVID HAKIMFAR Los Angeles based Attorney David Hakimfar received his law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego. While there, he made the Honor Roll and National Dean’s List. Currently David Hakimfar is a Trial Attorney and Senior Partner of Hakimfar Law, PLC. He can be reached at: 1-888-789-PRIDE (7743). JAMES GUAY, LMFT James Guay is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (#mfc39252). He works primarily with individuals and couples interested in embracing their lives anew. For more details about James Guay’s background and specialties visit: www.jamestherapy.com or call 310-405-0840.

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MAR CH 2013 | T H E F I GH T 9

THELETTERS MORE GROUNDBREAKING Dear Editor, So two privileged white guys went through the fertility process and created a family (“All In The Family,” THE FIGHT, Issue 25). Nice. I think a mixed-race same-sex couple creating, or adopting, a child would have been more groundbreaking. I’m not trying to take away from Jason & DeMarco’s story—I just think that an interracial couple would have made for a more interesting article. D. Jones, via the internet

BE MORE AWARE Dear Editor, Thank you for the article on the history of Stonewall (“Seneca Falls, Selma And Stonewall,” THE FIGHT, Issue 25). I mentioned Stonewall to a young gay man at my office the other day, and he didn’t know what I was talking about. In order to move ahead, we must know our history. The younger people in our community need to be more aware of our past, to help put recent events into perspective. Virginia Alexander, via the internet

CLOSETED EDUCATORS Dear Editor, Your magazine rocks! How about an article on closeted educators whose jobs would be on the line if they were outed? I’d sure love to know that I’m not alone. Name Withheld, via the internet

NOT, PER SE Dear Editor, Please tell your readers that God loves them, that they are no “worse” than adulterers, those who engage in premarital relations with the opposite sex and others who have sex outside of marriage. There is as much hope for them as for anyone else. All they need to do is to repent of homosexual acts (as well as all their other sins, just like anyone else), accept the love of God, make Jesus Lord, be baptized, and they will be forgiven of their sins, receive the Holy Spirit and be saved of their sins. Having homosexual thoughts is not, per se, a sin, any more than an unmarried person having heterosexual thoughts. It is how we deal with our temptations which matters. They should not feel guilty for their tendencies, but for their lack of repentance toward God. Name Withheld, via the internet

> WRITE TO THE EDITOR Email: editor@thefightmag.com Fax: (213) 281-9648. Letters may be shortened due to space requirements. 1 0 T H E F IGH T | M A R C H 2013

MAR CH 2013 | T H E F I GH T 11

THESTATE

The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Prop 8 on March 26 and March 27. detail, heightened scrutiny forces the state to justify a law that seems to single out a disfavored class or people for unequal treatment. Under normal standards of review, it’s the plaintiff who shoulders the heavy burden of proof to make the case against the state. So why is the government’s brief against Prop 8 so surprising? First, the United States is not a party to the Prop 8 case and the Justice Department could easily have stayed out of the fray. Second, the Prop 8 case in theory goes well beyond the challenge to DOMA. It’s one thing to argue that the federal government must recognize the gay marriages legally contracted in Massachusetts or elsewhere. It’s another to argue that the antigay marriage amendments ratified by voters in 30 or more states are themselves unconstitutional. HARVEY The Justice Department doesn’t go quite that far. But it does seemMILK to insist that—under heightened scrutiny—states may not offer gay couples all the benefits of marriage while denying them access to the name itself. This logic could apply not only to California, but also to a handful of other states with expansive civil union or domestic partner programs in place. Ironically, until the law is clarified, this rationale could also act as a deterrent for civil unions if legislators fear that their “compromise” measures could be used to force their states into providing marriage equality. That said, we know that the fight for marriage will ultimately be won with the Equal Protection Clause, not with a legal gimmick The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Prop 8 and Windsor on March 26 and March 27. As you may know, the justices will also address the technical issue of whether or not various parties in both cases have legal standing to participate in the litigation, ergo the justices could sidestep the core questions if they so choose. But surely the Court has not gone to the trouble to accept and brief two landmark same-sex marriage cases, only to dump them both back in our laps without resolution. Something will come out of this by next summer. And while we’re all focused on marriage rights, the more important determination would surely be the level of judicial scrutiny for gay bias cases going forward. Obama’s brief fuels our hope that the Court might actually confront the fundamental nature of sexual orientation discrimination and place it within the ranks of unacceptable prejudices. n

T S N I A G A E S A C OBAMA JOINS PROP. 8 CALIFORNIA’S NY HEIGHTENED SCRUTI JUSFORCES THE STATE TO MS TO TIFY A LAW THAT SEE VORED SINGLE OUT A DISFA R UNCLASS OR PEOPLE FO EQUAL TREATMENT.

BY ANN ROSTOW

xciting news as we go to press: the Obama administration has joined the case against Proposition 8 as a friend of the court. In a brief issued February 28, the Justice Department asks the Supreme Court to evaluate discrimination against gays and lesbians with heightened scrutiny, essentially the same sort of test that courts apply to race or gender bias. This legal posture is not new. Indeed, Obama and company announced that heightened scrutiny should govern gay cases back in February of 2011. That’s when the government switched its position on the Defense of Marriage Act, and that’s how the government wound up fighting against DOMA in the other case now pending before the High Court (Windsor). Without going into 1 2 T H E F IGH T | M A R C H 2013

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THECITY

FAMILY EQUALITY COUNCIL HONORS NBC CHRIS

he Family Equality KLUWE Council held its annual Awards Dinner and cocktail reception at the Globe Theatre in Universal Studios Hollywood last month. The event celebrated guests in art, entertainment, politics, and the LGBT community for their efforts in promoting equality in every family. This year NBC was honored for their consistent and positive representation of parents who are LGBT in primetime television. Celebrities presenting at the event included actors from “The New Normal,” “Go On,” and other television shows with LGBT characters or themes, as well as Minnesota Vikings’ CHRIS KLUWE, who was a vocal advocate against the law that would have banned same-sex marriage in Minnesota.

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ANTI-GAY CHURCH PICKETS IN SANTA MONICA

embers of the anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church, an organization best known for protesting at military funerals, spent an entire morning last month picketing at Santa Monica High School in apparent protest of what the church called “brutish teachers & hateful parents” who “have broken the moral compass of this generation.” School representatives said the church was specifically protesting the school's affirmation of LGBT students. In response to the protest, the school district’s Board of Education adopted an open letter to the community last month, reaffirming the school board’s “unwavering commitment to teach tolerance, acceptance and compassion for others.”

WEHO RESIDENT’S SEXUAL HARASSMENT CLAIM DISMISSED

sexual harassment lawsuit brought forward by a West Hollywood resident against former L.A. schools Superintendent, Ramon C. Cortines, was dismissed last month, according to a report on Wehoville.com. A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge ruled that LAUSD real estate manager Scot Graham failed to file the case within the time limit allowed for sexual harassment litigation. The judge did not rule on the merits of the lawsuit. Graham, 56, accused Cortines of making unwanted sexual advances toward him during a weekend trip in July 2010 to Cortines’ vacation cabin in Tulare County, reported Wehoville.com. Cortines, 80, retired in 2011. He admitted to meeting with Graham and to showing bad judgment, but called the incident consensual. n 1 4 T H E F IGH T | M A R C H 2013

MAR CH 2013 | T H E F I GH T 15

T I E K I L T O N OR

According to reports, Russian gay activists were also against Madonna’s MDNA, urging her to cancel the shows in Russia for the safety of the Russian LGBTQ community. “The law will stay in force, Madonna will leave and the Russian LGBT-community will be humiliated even more,” Nikolai Aleksev, the head of LGBT group Gay Russia, wrote on his blog. Of course, M didn’t just gay it up at the show in St. Petersburg, she also asked fans to raise pink armbands to show support for gays and lesbians. She had a gay rainbow flag on stage and she made a speech asking that members of Russia’s LGBTQ community be treated with dignity, respect,

Adding insult to their hurt feelings, the plaintiffs were ordered to pay $2,240.00 in litigation costs. It just goes to show that when it comes to Madonna, money and gays, Madonna always wins.

COURT’S PLAINTIFFS APPEAL RUSSIAN ONNA DISMISSAL OF ANTI-GAY MAD D BY THEIR LAWSUIT, BUT JUDGES STAN IT AGAIN. RULING AND REJECT THE SU BY PAULO MURILLO

adonna’s controversial MDNA Tour continues to make headlines long after the curtain fell on the last show in December 2012. She gave you guns, murder, mayhem, swastikas, a flash of her fifty-plus boob and gay boys dancing in monk robes, black tights and stiletto high heels. Russian nationals fumed when shows were added in

1 6 T H E F IGH T | M A R CH 2013

Russia during the summer. One of Russia’s deputy ministers called her a slut and Russian authorities threatened to arrest her if she pulled any gay shenanigans in St. Petersburg where a city law prohibits the propaganda of homosexuality and pedophilia among minors-criminalizing the reading, writing or speaking in favor of LGBT people.

compassion and love. “I feel people are becoming more and more afraid of people who are different,” She told her Russian fans. “We can change this. We have the power. We just have to do it with love.” She didn’t get arrested. However, she was slapped with a $10.5 million lawsuit by nine conservative and concerned citizens who claimed their feelings were hurt and they were morally offended by her gay speech. The St. Petersburg City Court dismissed the case last November. The plaintiffs appealed the decision, but judges stood by their ruling and rejected the suit again on last month. Adding insult to their hurt feelings, the plaintiffs were ordered to pay $2,240.00 in litigation costs. It just goes to show that when it comes to Madonna, money and gays, Madonna always wins. n

MAR CH 2013 | T H E F I GH T 17

THEROSTOWREPORT

BY ANN ROSTOW

Oscar Pistorius has been dropped from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;It Gets Betterâ&#x20AC;? anti-bullying campaign. some rule that all popes are to be treated as saintly father figures one step down from Christ himself? And was it a heroic gesture of some sort for a frail man in his mid-eighties to resign from a demanding public job? And what's the deal with the gay sex scandal at the Vatican? Do we even care anymore? Is it even a story? Once a "man bites dog" item, these days it's just a pit bull loose in the neighborhood. Alarming perhaps, but nothing to write home about.

IT WON'T GET BETTER

VIVA LA VIDA

he Mexican Supreme Court ruled in favor of three gay couples trying to marry in the state of Oaxaca back in December. But the other day, the Court issued its sweeping written opinion in these cases, making clear where it stands on matters of gay rights in general. And like our neighbors to the north, our neighbors to the south are way ahead of us. The High Court does not make law for the nation, but still, we appreciate the signs of progress however they arise. The justices also took strength from a 2012 gay rights opinion by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, suggesting that the road is paved for other Latin American countries to make progress. Marriage equality is already the law in Argentina and Uruguay, and in Mexico, you can marry in Mexico City and some parts of the Yucatan.

Danish zoo has become parents. I originally wrote that the penguins "have" become parents, but I was told by Microsoft to change the verb to match the subject "pair," not "penguins." It still sounds wrong to me. At any rate, the zookeepers in Odense have failed to name the birds, which takes some of the color out of the story, don't you think? We do know, however, that in their desperation to create a family, the crafty penguins tried to steal eggs from other couples and also tried to hatch a dead herring. Happily, one of the zoo's females produced two eggs and abandoned the extra. The egg was given to the boy penguins, and they successfully nurtured it to chick-hood. We will know its sex in a few months when it grows feathers. And I trust we'll have some awww-inspiring nicknames for the whole family by then.

BUH-BYE POPE ANONYMOUS PENGUINS

y the way, while I was cruising the Mexico story on Buzzfeed I learned that a pair of gay penguins in a

1 8 T H E F IGH T | M A R C H 2013

as I the only one who thought, and still thinks, that the media hoopla surrounding the Pope's resignation was a bit smarmy? Fine, the Pope is always going to be an international celebrity, but enough is enough. Is there

o, I just read that the "It Gets Better" video project is about to launch a version in South Africa. One of its star presenters was to have been Oscar Pistorius, the legless track star who recently shot his girlfriend to death "by accident." Pistorius has now been dropped from the anti-bullying campaign. "Just remember that you're special," Pistorius said in the now-abandoned clip. "You don't have to worry. You don't have to change. Take a deep breath and remember; 'It will get better.'" Newsflash. It's only going to get worse for Oscar, unless he manages to convince the judge that he fired several rounds through a locked bathroom door because he thought an intruder was hiding out in the john. I've never had an intruder in my house, and I have no doubt that it would be terrifying. That said, I'd feel much better about it if the dangerous criminal was locked in the bathroom rather than running around the house. Further, if I were the type to shoot someone, I think I'd wait until the person emerged, if only to verify that the supposed intruder was not my dog, my former roommate, a confused bum, a distant cousin, a drunk neighbor, or the love of my life. Hell, I might even ask who's there in a loud voice before unleashing the firepower. Then again, I'm special. n

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ALL B&W PHOTOS BY PAT ROCCO

LEATHER, PAS DEFINING THE HISTORY OF LEATHER IS KIND OF LIKE INTERPRETING THE BIBLE. DEPENDING ON WHO YOU TALK TO THERE WILL BE A DIFFERENT ANSWER AS TO ITS ORIGIN. BUT I WILL TRY IN THE SIMPLEST OF TERMS, TO GIVE YOU A TIMELINE OF SORTS AND EVOLUTION OF THE LEATHER COMMUNITY, FROM MY POINT OF VIEW.

BY ROBERT E. BLACKMON

have openly defined myself as a leather man since 1989 when I moved to California. Even before that growing up in Michigan, I was physically drawn to the images that have become iconic in our lexicon. Beefy, hairy masculine men in leather chaps and vests. Revving their Harley motorcycles as they straddle the fat black seat as their backs press against the long shinny chrome bar. As a teen I would go to the peep show theatre (with fake ID in hand) and be mesmerized by porn stars like Wade Neff. 6’2”, 225 pounds of 100% prime uncut American beef! A big hairy chest, arms the size of my thighs and a thick mysterious mustache that made me melt. Colt and Falcon studios brought to life those images that I could only dream about. While the extent of what most people know about leather comes 20 2 T H E F IGH T | M D EACE R CMBER H 2013 2012

from those porn films and magazines, the leather community is a very real, very active nation of people. These days the perception of a leather person is someone in a harness, armband or leather vest. And if you are into really hard core leather, a pair of leather jeans or chaps! OOHHHH! All of these iconically stereotypical images stem from the communities inception. When in fact the origin of the community was based on one word—brotherhood.

AMERICAN SOLDIERS In the weeks and months after WWII young American soldiers who had gone off to war as boys would returned home as men affected by the horrors they’d experienced. Their families and friends couldn’t identify with what they had experienced so they banded together. Groups of these former soldiers (most but not all gay) would take camping trips and bond. They would hop on their motorcycles wearing their gear. Leather pants, chaps and vests awere worn for warmth and protection against

PERIODICAL COURTESY ONE NATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN ARCHIVES AT USC

ST & PRESENT RADICAL FAERIES

I can’t talk about the origins of the leather community without mentioning one of the most notable pioneers of the LGBT community was Henry “Harry” Hay (1912-2002). Although Harry was not a leather man, he was a very important thread in our history that made it possible for leather folk to finally have a voice and be accepted. As an actor, labour advocate and teacher, in 1950 Harry started the Mattachine Society. Their sole mission was “American Homosexual Liberation.” For eighteen years Harry had been a active member of the Communist Party. Speaking out and creating such a club could mean prison or even death. In the 1970s he joined forces with Native Americans to fight discrimination and help form a revolutionary group called the Radical Faeries. He continued to fight for LGBT causes until his death. The 1980s brought about many social changes in the community that we are still dealing with today. As the community became more socially accepted - the AIDS epidemic caused a divide that is still felt today in some ways. A stigma if you will. I remember as a teenager the mention of the word AIDS made the adults around me MAR CH 2013 | TH E F I GH T 21

ALL B&W PHOTOS BY PAT ROCCO

the harsh elements. The thickness of the leather also protected their legs from the heat of the hot metal on their bike. These camping trips called “bike runs” were a chance for the men to share their war experiences both good and bad. They would eat, drink and tell stories. They would even entertain each other by dressing up as female characters and put

on shows. This is where the term “camp drag” originated. The drag shows were meant as entertainment and not out of gender identification. In fact most of these men made really ugly looking women. They didn’t shave their hairy beards and legs, merely dress in wigs, hats and sometimes lipstick as costumes. It made them laugh and forget about their pain for awhile. Strong friendships and some relationships grew out of these runs. It was their secret society. An unusual tribe that beared no explanation to one another. There was no shame or guilt—just trust, honor and respect. This was the foundation of what would become known as today’s leather community. The spirit of these beginnings are still witnessed today in the Satyrs Motorcycle Club. Founded in 1954, this Los Angeles based club is the oldest continuously-run gay organization in the world. The Satyrs main purpose is to promote biking. They host several runs a year and well as lend a hand to various local charities when possible. The Satyrs are best known for their four day Labour Day run to Badger Flats which in located in the High Sierras of the California mountains. Even if you don’t ride a bike, I encourage you to join them sometime. It’s an experience you will never forget.

FLYERS AND PERIODICALS COURTESY ONE NATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN ARCHIVES AT USC

MR. SISTER LEATHER

cringe with disgust. All of a sudden gay people who had been out and proud became fearful. Not just of the disease, but of what mainstream America might do to them if they realized a gay person was eating in the same restaurant or drinking from the same glasses as them. It was a very scary time. And no group was looked down on more than the leather folk. It was easy to pick us out. We dressed different, rode bikes, had thick mustaches etc. It was like shooting fish in a barrel. But it was a blessing in disguise. It brought the community closer together. We wore our leathers like armor prepared for battle. Our visible difference was our calling card. Every time there was a gay story or event on the news they would show a clip of the bikers or drag queens. It was a way to shock the mainstream. To keep misinformed fear among us. But we used it as well - to educate. We joined forces with the drag queens, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and any group that were deemed social deviants. We held fundraisers and bike rides to raise money and awareness. It was a self education of tolerance. The “old guard and new guard” together. 2 2 T HE F I GHT | MARC H 2 0 1 3

By the time 1996 rolled around I finally decided it was time for me to do more than just go the Detour bar on Sunday afternoon and watch all the hot leather guys strut around in tight jeans with tight bulges in their pants. I wanted to feel more apart of this tribe so I entered the Mr. Faultline Leather contest. It was life changing! I saw these really hot guys in their leathers and I knew I wanted to be just like them. On the entry application there was a space for your real name and a nick name. Well my family nickname is Bobby. In no way possible does Bobby sound hot or sexy. I had to think of something quick so I wrote down “Butch.” I got up on stage in my black leather jacket with spikes on the shoulders looking all of 17 years old. I was about as far from butch as it got. I tried lowering my voice to sound as masculine as possible. Out of five contestants I came in fourth. YES - there was one poor guy worse than me! But it taught me a valuable lesson. It wasn’t about what name I used or what I wore, they just wanted to get to know who I was--who I really was. And in the moment I knew this was the tribe for me. A few years later after to getting to know my leather self better I entered another leather contest... well three actually. But on February 14, 2001 I was chosen as the FIRST Mr. Sister Leather sponsored by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. I was elated but also overwhelmed at the new responsibility that I felt to my community. It was important that people know that leather folk come in various wrappings. To many leather folk it was funny at first because my title didn’t sound masculine. It wasn’t Mr. Faultline, Mr.Drummer or anything butch sounding at all. I knew again that I had to be my authentic leather self and in time people realized that and saw the real leather person shine. It was through this experience that

I met my very best friend Kevin Casey (Mr. Bullet Leather 2001) and we’ve grown together as leather brothers for the last twelve years.

TRUST, HONOR AND RESPECT Two of my mentors throughout this journey personify what a true leather man is. The first, Guy Baldwin and the second, the late Kent Arnold. Guy was the first leather man who truly embraced and encouraged me. He taught me to make my differences my strengths rather than weaknesses. He mentored me through my title year and has remained a friend. Kent was a different spirit all together. He was a very “Old Guard” leatherman, a traditionalist. But he had a tender and passionate side to him that really helped me. It was extremely important to him that the “New Guard” understand the struggles it took for them to have the freedoms that they do. And more importantly to honor and respect those who paved the way. Out of these conversations that we had, Kent and I developed the program know as Southland Honors. It is held the weekend of Los Angeles Leather Pride and is dedicated to honoring those members in the leather community who may get overlooked in general for their tireless works. Those men are heroic in my book. I will be forever grateful to them. The leather community today has vastly changed in many ways from its inception. The freedoms of today can’t be measured. It is wonderful to see young men and women openly exploring their leather, kink, fetish sides. The opportunities combined with the fearlessness of today’s tribe bring new hope that the next generation will do ever more for the lives of leather folk of the future. As I said at the beginning - this is my story. Many of you reading this I’m sure have had similar experiences. To most of you different ones. But please know that it is who you are and how you Trust, Honor and Respect each other that make you true leather folk. n

David B. Goodstein Photographs and Papers, ONE Archives

THEPROFILE

LIVE DEEPLY MARLON MORALES, MR. LOS ANGELES LEATHER 2012, ON PUSHING LIMITS, EQUALITY AND RAW HONESTY

orn in El Salvador, Marlon Morales, Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2012, grew up in Hollywood in the 1990s. “I actually didn’t come out to my family until after college,” confides Morales in an interview with THE FIGHT. “I had grown up in a very religious family raised by a single mom, it was difficult on her particularly to understand and not feel that she had failed as a parent. But as the years go by and as she realizes that I’m not any of the worst possible stereotypes that she imagined—it has gotten better.” Today, Morales has a career in social justice philanthropy, currently at Liberty Hill—LA’s public foundation for “Change, Not Charity”—that raises funds to improve racial equity and economic opportunity for the most vulnerable in Los Angeles. Morales first got involved in the leather community because he “always liked rough and rugged looking guys.” While Morales states that he “would have been very comfortable being an average patron at the Eagle LA or any other one of our leather bars in LA,” he entered The Mr. Los Angeles Leather contest last year because “so many guys encouraged me to get up on stage… I was doing it for them because they saw something in me I didn’t necessarily see in myself. I wanted to represent those men in L.A. Also, the year prior, in 2011, Los Angeles had the distinction of selecting its first Latino immigrant as Mr. LA Leather—and I wanted to continue representing, enriching everyone’s understanding because there are many different kinds of Latinos.” Winning the title last year, says Morales, changes one’s life. “I knew that the leather community could help me push my limits and explore life deeply. I believe leather men meet face-to-face, crotch-to-crotch and heart-to-heart, and as a result we live out a raw honesty that is vitally needed in our increasingly self-absorbed and alienated world.” “In the leather community,” reveals Morales, “I’ve felt the most connected to the history of what made the modern struggle for gay acceptance and equality so meaningful.” n

We know your history. The oldest active LGBTQ organization in the United States and the largest repository of LGBTQ materials in the world.

ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives 909 West Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 741-0094 | askone@onearchives.org

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The Fight_Feb. 26.indd 1

MAR CH 2013 | T H E F I GH T 23

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E ROOM FOR DADDY TWO-TIME RUNNER UP FOR EAGLE LA MR. LEATHER, MODEL DAN LOVELL, ON FAMILY, MENTORSHIP AND ROLE-PLAY.

BY MARK ARIEL • PHOTOS BY J. HORTON, JRHPHOTO.COM

his month, in the things-aren't-always-what-they-seem category, artist, model, local gogo dancer and leather man, Dan Lovell, definitely deserves to be in the final stretch. Born and raised in Lancaster, Lovell says that he is "naturally very shy," however, he concedes, "with everything that I'm involved with no one would probably believe it." “Five years ago,” reveals Lovell, “I would never had thought that I'd be able to get up on stage, being pretty much naked with nothing on but a jock strap, which was around my neck, for a contest (yes, that did happen)... I'd say I've come a long way with coming out of my shell." In an interview with THE FIGHT, Lovell talks about leaving the church, gay subcultures, and how he got involved in the leather community. WHAT WAS THE COMING OUT PROCESS LIKE FOR YOU? I grew up with a strong religious background, being taught that homosexuality was wrong. I didn't come out of the closet till I was 25. For the decade of my life before coming out I was heavily involved in a Pentecostal church. At one point I was head of the church's music department, assistant choir director, assistant youth leader... I was preaching on street corners, and I was always the lead role in the church plays. I died on the cross at least half a dozen times. For years I had fought my sexuality, always ashamed of it, I literally felt that I would rather die than have anyone even think that I was gay. The turning point in my life was probably when the pastor of my church inadvertently outed me in one of his sermons. I knew then that no mater how hard I fought it - it would never go away. After a lot of tears and dealing with all the embarrassment I finally admitted to myself that I was gay. From there it took a while but I learned to embrace it and soon learned to love myself for it. When I did finally come out, I was working for the pastor of the church as a tree trimmer. I was fired and kicked out of church when they found out I was gay. A lot of friends stopped talking to me. My brother completely disowned me at first, but eventually came around. My mom had a tough time with it at first but loved me regardless. Now my mom is proud of everything I do. I give her copies of every magazine or calendar

I model in; she takes them to her work and shows me off to all her female coworkers. She even wants to come watch me go-go dance sometime soon. My life was at it's lowest when I came out but I quickly became the happiest I've ever been in my life because of it, and keeps getting better. WHEN DID YOU START MODELING? My modeling career started when the photographer Kevin Johnson, who goes under the alias of Boots Bryant, discovered me. When we first met he found me wandering around Long Beach gay pride with my shirt off. We became really good friends and we have done quite a few photo shoots over the past three years. Kevin also got me connected with Shawn Morales who promotes a few nights in the area, which started me dancing on a regular basis. For a lot that I've had the privilege of doing I have Kevin to thank for. For what I've done in terms of modeling I've done shoots for Elbow Grease, The Slammer, and Rough Trade. I'm also in the 6th issue of Starrfucker magazine along with David Laflamme. I've modeled for photographers such as Dusti Cunningham, Jeremy Lucido, Austin Wondolowski, and Mark Flanders to name a few. YOU HAVE BEEN GO-GO DANCING FOR QUITE SOME TIME. HOW DID THAT EVOLVE? Well, I'm a go-go dancer for events in both West Hollywood and Silverlake and have been dancing for two years now. First time I danced was for Jeff Rasul for his birthday party when he was a bartender at Akbar. Recently I was one of the finalists for the West Hollywood go-go dancing competition. I dance for events like Lumberjacked & Meatrack at the Eagle

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“I grew up with a strong religious background, being taught that homosexuality was wrong. I didn’t come out of the closet till I was 25. For the decade of my life before coming out I was heavily involved in a Pentecostal church. At one point I was head of the church’s music department, assistant choir director, assistant youth leader... I was preaching on street corners, and I was always the lead role in the church plays. I died on the cross at least half a dozen times.”

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LA, BFD at Fubar, Otter Pop and Bearometor at Mickey's, and DILF at Faultline, and the occasional fundraiser for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Bears LA. Because I'm so hairy I get a bit different attention from the crowd than most dancers, turns out it's one of my best traits and surprisingly quite popular. I'm as hairy now as I was when I was 18 years old. Growing up being that different I quickly developed an insecurity about myself and started shaving it when I was 19. I shaved my chest for over 10 years before a friend of before a friend convinced me I would get a lot more attention if I stopped shaving. I finally let it grow out and shortly after that I started getting asked to model and go-go dance. 2 2 T H E F IGH T | M A R C H 2013

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE LEATHER COMMUNITY? I started hanging out at Eagle LA nearly 4 years ago. Right away I became best friends with two partners I met there, Scott and Ray. They took me in and started showing me the ropes in the leather scene. They took me to several events such as Folsom and Palm Springs Leather Pride, doing what they could to get me into trouble, and they did a good job at it. It was from them that I got my first piece of leather, a leather harness. One thing I love about leather culture is the family and mentorship that people in the community develop. Over the past couple years I've learned that there's more to the leather

culture than just hot kinky sex. It's also about love, family and community. This last year I had gone through some tough times and it was always a brother from the leather community to be the first to call to check on me, offering help. With that I learned what it meant to be a part of the community. I am also a two-time runner up for Eagle LA Mr. Leather contest for 2012 and 2013. I FOUND A BIO ONLINE THAT DESCRIBED YOU AS A "KINKY LEATHER MAN." CAN YOU ELABORATE ON THAT? I think leather is very sexy, it's masculine. Its roots come from gay ex-military motorcycle gangs, and being a biker myself I feel I fit in pretty well. And the warrior look of all the leather harnesses is really hot, after all my generation grew up watching He-man. I identify as a Top/Dominant in everything vanilla to kink, although I don't mind being tied up on rare occasions. Role play is something I'm pretty big into, I love when a guy calls me Sir, and especially when I'm called Daddy. The Daddy/boy relationship isn't about age, I've had guys older than me call me Daddy, to me it's a more intimate way of someone willingly submitting themselves to me and my desires, and at the same time I make them feel safe and protected. Being called Sir really brings out my dominant side. I do however generally go for guys younger than me. A (human) pup will always make my heart melt, there's something I find adorable about them. Pup play is a relatively new but growing trend. I'm not one myself but would be considered a Handler, the one holding the leash taking care of and looking out for the pup. I do not have a boy or pup collared to me at the moment... I've also had my hand in flogging, electro, water sports, and even fisting (no pun intended). DO YOU FEEL THAT THE RACE TOWARD EQUALITY (GAY MARRIAGE, SAME-SEX COUPLES WITH KIDS, ETC.) IS ERASING GAY SUBCULTURES IN FAVOR OF ASSIMILATION? I don't personally think that it is. People of all subcultures of the LGBT community have been fighting together for the same thing for years. Not every gay man is going to be into bears or twinks or leather, but everyone wants to be treated as equally as the next person. There are even those who aren't really interested in getting married or raising kids, but still support the cause to have the right to do so. n

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THELAW

DISCLOSING YOUR HIV STATUS

MMUNICABLE DIS“FAILURE TO DISCLOSE A CO INTERCOURSE VITIEASE (SUCH AS HIV) PRIOR TO CONSENSUAL INTERATES CONSENT AND TURNS RY.” NEVER LIE, COURSE INTO A SEXUAL BATTE ICE. ALWAYS TELL, OR PAY THE PR BY DAVID HAKIMFAR

n 1975, then-and-now California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law the “Consenting Adult Sex Bill,” repealing the sodomy laws and making gay sex legal for the first time in the state. Since then, a lot has changed: the fall of communism, the internet, condom use, and oh, yeah: the deadly rise of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Gentlemen, we need to have a serious talk... According to a 2003 study by the city entitled “HIV Prevalence, Incidence, & Risk Behaviors among Men Seeking HIV Testing & Prevention Services Inside Los Angeles Bathhouses,” 91% of men go to bathhouses for the 2 8 T H E F IGH T | M A R C H 2013

sex, 71% go specifically for anonymous sex, and 49% go out of boredom. However, most shockingly: ”85% never discuss HIV status with partners before sex.” Now, this was originally supposed to be an article about the laws surrounding bathhouses and sex clubs. But in light of the above-mentioned facts, we are talk about that another time and focusing on saving some asses, literally and legally! Exposing a person to HIV can give rise to several private civil causes of action including, and not limited to, sexual battery, fraud and deceit, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence. California Civil Code Section 1708.5 provides, in relevant part, that a person commits a sexual battery when intending to cause a harmful or offensive contact with an intimate part of another, and a sexually offensive contact with that person directly results. Further, case law holds that the “failure to disclose a communicable disease (such as HIV) prior to intercourse vitiates consent and turns consensual intercourse into a sexual battery.” And that’s just what you could expect from a lawsuit. CRIMINALLY, California Health & Safety Code Section 120291 provides that any person who exposes another to the HIV by engaging in unprotected sexual activity when the infected person knows at the time of the unprotected sex that he or she is infected with HIV, has not disclosed his or her HIVpositive status, and acts with the specific intent to infect the other person with HIV, is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for three, five, or eight years. Evidence that the person had knowledge of his or her HIV-positive status, without additional evidence, shall not be sufficient to prove specific intent. Now, if you’re trying to get clever and find a way out of that HIV test coming up, DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT. Aside from being wrong to skip for health and consciousness reasons, California law may find a person negligent for sexually transmitting a communicable disease even if that person transmitting the disease lacked knowledge of having it! n David Hakimfar is a Trial Attorney and Senior Partner of Hakimfar Law, PLC, located in West Hollywood. He can be reached at (213) 265-9252.

MAR CH 2013 | T H E F I GH T 29

BOTTOMS

UP EMPOWERING MEN WHO IDENTIFY—OR ARE ASHAMED TO IDENTIFY—AS BOTTOMS. IN MANY WAYS, WE ARE TRAPPED IN A STRAIGHT MAN’S VERSION OF MASCULINITY. BY MARK ARIEL

few months ago The Institute for Sexual Health (ISH) in Beverly Hills, hosted a discussion/ seminar that focused solely on bottoming. The seminar, titled “Bottoms Up: The Psychology of Bottoming,” was part of The Men’s Room, a platform for discussion regarding gay sexuality and a safe space for diversity of thought, experience, and sexual expression. The discussion was lead by ISH Member, Michael Liberatore, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with a successful private practice in Los Angeles. “The main focus [of the seminar] was empowering men who identify—or are ashamed to identify—as bottoms,” explained Liberatore in an interview with THE FIGHT. “Too often men who prefer the bottom position—and look at our terminology: bottom, which 3 0 T H E F IGH T | M A R C H 2013

Michael Liberatore, LMFT: “We need to start re-thinking the associations we make with bottoming and embrace the idea of being vulnerable, open, and receptive as valued masculine qualities.”

equates with ‘lower’ versus top, synonymous with ‘best’—feel ‘less than’ in a sexual hierarchy. The top is valued more. Even in adult entertainment—the bottom often makes less per scene than the top. Devaluing the bottom role is rampant in our community. Look at how we, gay men, use ‘bottom’ as slander. ‘Oh, he’s the biggest bottom in WeHo’ is a pejorative slur, but ‘He’s the biggest top in WeHo’ is a compliment.”

HYPERMASCULINITY OVER FEMININITY As a culture, states Liberatore, we tend to value hypermasculinity over femininity. “Look at profile posts which contain terms like ‘straight-acting,’ ‘butch,’ ‘masculine.’ Look at gym bodies, Tom of Finland, and the leather community. Images of idealized masculinity bombard us daily,” says Liberatore. On the other hand, “femininity and vulnerability are devalued. I think this is because we are a patriarchal society, and males unfortunately still hold the position of power. By giving up the masculine, insertive role, we are ceding our dominance. I think this is the same struggle with acceptance our friends in the trans communities face. The betrayal of macho power.” In many ways, says Liberatore, we are trapped in a straight man’s version of masculinity. “Society is heteronormative... Sure, things are improving, but dominant culture still embraces the stereotypical straight male persona as ‘normal,’ while anything which deviates is ‘abnormal.’ Look at how ‘that’s so gay’ crept into the lexicon of contemporary communication. A young person defended the term to me by explaining ‘it doesn’t mean gay as in queer, it means lame.’ Really? And that’s supposed to make me feel better? Gay equals lame?”

FEAR AND SHAME As far as the origins of bottoming’s negative connotation, Liberatore says “we can sum it up with one word: fear. Maybe two words: fear and shame. Prior to the 1980s, gay men struggled with perceived masculinity. Admitting to enjoying receptive anal sex classified you as receptive, submissive, even less ‘manly.’ Post 1980, in the bleakest days of the AIDS epidemic, it also classified you as ‘at highest risk.’ It was commonly believed that tops couldn’t contract HIV (completely false) and

that bottoms were in greater danger of infection than tops (true). So what did a preference for the bottom position mean? A death wish? We had to incorporate this kind of paranoid judgment into our self-assessment.” “I’d like to think things are improving,” says Liberatore. “I think young people are more comfortable with the idea of being gender-queer than were those of my generation. Despite Ziggy Stardust and Glam Rock, we—baby boomers—still didn’t associate gender-fucking with being openly gay. Because there was no openly gay. This generation seems fearless at times, and willing to challenge stereotypes. I love the idea of the ‘power bottom,’ which is a relatively new concept. Still, I have plenty of clients under 30 trapped in the same masculinity myth that infects 40-somethings. I think this devaluing of all things equated with perceived femininity runs quite deep.”

DEFYING LABELS While many in the community regard those who claim they are “versatile” as closeted bottoms, Liberatore states that “we tend to want everyone to fit into a nice little compartment. The LGBT community is great with labels: Butch, Fem, Top, Bottom... I think it contributes to stratification. Because so many of us were bullied as kids, we avoid being the bottom of the food chain at all costs. Labeling allows us to elevate our social standing in the community— there can and will always be someone less deserving than us. Like bisexuals, there are people who defy the labels we want them

to assume. Bisexuals function perfectly well with either sex, and therefore don’t have to choose. Why should they? Because it makes us feel more comfortable? Same with someone who identifies as versatile.” Regarding men who are not into anal sex at all, Liberatore says the terminology doesn’t necessarily have to equate to one’s anal sex practices. “One can be a top or a bottom orally, or even in a dom/sub relationship,” states Liberatore. “Personally,” reveals Liberatore, “I love the idea of a submissive boy breaking sexual rules and fucking a dominant daddy. This skewing of assumed sexual roles absolutely does not have to disturb the dom/sub relationship, by virtue of the ‘power bottom’ and who is expected to serve and provide pleasure. This plays with our tendency to make assumptions: the young lean boy must be the bottom... the heavy hung muscle stud must be the top. These stereotypes only feed the shame element of bottoming. If I admit to being a bottom will people automatically assume my penis is smaller than my boyfriend’s? Will they assume I am being ‘taken care of’ by my older partner?” Ultimately, says Liberatore, “we need to start re-thinking the associations we make with bottoming and embrace the idea of being vulnerable, open, and receptive as valued masculine qualities.” n

For more information on this topic and others, visit Michael Liberatore’s web site at: mgliberatorelmft.com, or his blog at: mgliberatoreblog.com. FEBMAR R UAR Y 2013 HE CH 2013 || TTH E F F II GH GH TT 31 31

THEMIND

LD AS GNO GOOD AGING—THRIVI G AT GAY MEN MIDLIFE AND BEYOND.

BY JAMES GUAY, LMFT

ging can bring with it fear of invisibility, rejection and physical decline. For gay men aging, these concerns can be heightened because of the extra pressures placed on us to look forever young—especially in Los Angeles. We might protect ourselves from this by busying our lives, denying the inevitable and spending an inordinate amount of time or money on looking young. Fortunately, there can be positive experiences with aging too. Having provided psychotherapy to clients from ages 12 to 86 the past 16 years, I’ve seen how they’ve developed throughout the lifespan, some having an easier time than others. Each developmental stage comes with it tasks to complete that we don’t get to bypass. When we avoid them, they tend to build up and over time can make it difficult to fully embrace our lives, careers and relationships. According to Erik Erikson, an influential psychologist known for his theory on psychosocial development (see stages below), the developmental task of adolescence (12 to 18 3 2 T H E F IGH T | M A R C H 2013

years old) is to get to know ourselves well enough to have a sense of self. Without this level of intimacy with ourselves, it can be difficult to relate to others from this place, the developmental task of young adulthood (19 to 40 years old). Most of us who are LGBTQ have experienced shame for who we are at our core from external societal, religious and familial oppression, in one form or another. Without necessary validation and encouragement in our teenage years, we can learn self-protective mechanisms to survive the onslaught of homo-prejudice that extends into our adulthood. We can deny our own sexuality, check out, overcompensate, become addicted, get self-absorbed or become too focused on another (co-dependence). Thankfully, becoming more mindful and compassionate with ourselves as we age, continuing our internal work, we can learn to thrive in our lives. It can be a time to deepen our appreciation for life and to prioritize the importance of being our most authentic self. We can learn to have more comfortable ease in the unknown and access our internal wisdom more fully. It is our task in middle adulthood (40-65 years old) to be connected to our mission in life and give to the world in some way that is meaningful for us - a sense of generativity. We can then truly look back on our lives feeling fulfilled; the developmental task of maturity (over 65 years old). For the past five years, I’ve co-led weekend workshops with Rik Isensee at Esalen, a personal retreat center along the Big Sur coastline, focused on helping gay men thrive throughout their lives. Our next weekend is April 5th - 7th, 2013. It’s a unique opportunity to explore various obstacles we face aging and embrace our lives with the support, warmth and humor of other gay men. I hope to see you there. For more information and to register, go to http://www.esalen.org/workshop/11702. n James Guay, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (#mfc39252), is a psychotherapist for individuals, couples and groups in West Hollywood, specializing in affirmative LGBTQ health and well being. For more info: www.LivingMoreFully.com, www.Facebook. com/JamesTherapy, 310-405-0840.

THEFAMILY

WHEN YOUR SURROGATE DOES T AN NOT GETIVTE PRPEGRNAENCGYN TEST FROM AFTER A NEGA IMPORTANT AN EMBRYO TRANSFER, IT IS FACTOR TO CAREFULLY REVIEW EACH E ARE ANY OR VARIABLE TO SEE IF THER FAILURE. “CLUES” TO THE CAUSE FOR

DR. GUY RINGLER

or gay men planning to start a family, the combination of egg donation and surrogacy provides some of the highest pregnancy rates possible in reproductive medicine. Embryo transfers that do not result in a pregnancy can lead to great disappointment and frustration. What is the next best step? After a negative pregnancy test from an embryo transfer, it is important to carefully review each factor or variable to see if there are any “clues” to the cause for failure. You should sit down with your doctor and carefully re-evaluate all the variables: egg factors, sperm factors, and uterine and/or systemic factors that are contributed by the surrogate. Egg donors are women in their twenties with normal medical histories. Prior to starting treatment each candidate is carefully screened to rule out any genetic or infectious disease, and to evaluate their ovarian reserve—which predicts their response to medication. However even in young women, a percentage of the eggs recruited each month will be chromosomally abnormal and unable to successfully initiate a pregnancy. Many failed embryo transfer cycles may be attributed to the embryo having an abnormal number of chromosomes—this is called aneuploidy. Another factor affecting egg quality may be the ovarian stimulation. Excessive stimulation drugs for too many days may decrease the quality in a given cycle. Sperm contribute half the genetic material of an embryo. Chromosomally abnormal

3 4 T H E F IGH T | M A R C H 2013

sperm or denatured sperm DNA can impact embryo development and pregnancy rates. The sperm quality should be carefully reviewed to assess its developmental impact on the embryos. Repeat semen analysis, sperm DNA fragmentation index and karyotype are indicated. If abnormalities are found, you should consider referral to a reproductive urologist for a thorough exam and discussion of treatment options to optimize the sperm quality. Surrogate mothers are also carefully screened prior to starting treatment. After a failed cycle it is important to re-evaluate the uterine cavity to look for any pathology that may not have been detected. Uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, uterine adhesions may all affect pregnancy rates. Systemic factors such as undiagnosed/untreated thyroid disease or diabetes may also affect pregnancy rates and should be sought out. The quality of the embryo transfer itself may adversely impact pregnancy rates. Painful procedures indicate uterine contractions that may dislodge the embryos placed in the uterine cavity. It’s always helpful to perform the procedure under ultrasound guidance to insure the placement of the catheter. After repeat treatment failures with fresh and frozen embryo transfers, one should consider changing one of the variables: egg donor, surrogate or sperm donor (if applicable). Another option is to seek a second opinion from an experienced professional who can provide a fresh look on the data available and offer new suggestions. The good news is that patients who remain committed to their goal of pregnancy are usually successful and able to become parents. n Dr. Guy Ringler is a board certified physician in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at California Fertility Partners. For more information call California Fertility Partners at 310-828-4008 or visit: www. californiafertilitypartners.com.

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AMAZING AMBASSADOR CHPPENDALES HUNK JAYMES VAUGHAN, THE FIRST EVER WHITE PARTY AMBASSADOR, ON BEING YOURSELF, THE AMAZING RACE AND JEFFERY SANKER BY JOSHUA MILLER

3 6 T H E FIGH T | MA R C H 2 0 1 3

right? Long story short I needed a job, Chippendales needed a singer for their show at the Rio, 500 guys showed up, and somehow the most insecure guy in the world faked his way into the most famous Male Review in the world. And now, I’m on all the billboards up and down the strip. It is seriously the craziest thing ever. I’m honestly just some silly country boy from Virginia who somehow stumbled upon the coolest life in the world. I’m truly blessed.” When the famous party producer Jeffrey Sanker asked Vaughan to be his “White Party Ambassador, he says his first reaction was “Holy crap, Jeffrey Sanker knows who I am? THE Jeffrey

Sanker? Pretty sure I said ‘yes’ before he even finished asking the question.” Vaughan, a White Party—and Palm Springs—virgin, says that he has no idea what to expect. “It looks like madness, but really fun madness.” Vaughan reveals that he is mostly looking forward to the music. “First and foremost I’m a singer, and I’ve always been a big music lover. So definitely looking forward to all of the live musical acts and DJs.” n For more information about the White Party visit www.jeffreysanker.com. For more information about Jaymes Vaughan visit www.jaymesv.com.

PHOTO BY NICK COLETSOS, WWW.PHOTOSBYNC.COM

ou’ve seen him bumping and grinding on stage as part of the world-famous Chippendales dance troupe. He made it all the way to the finals last season as runner up on CBS-TV’s “Amazing Race.” More recently, he launched a campaign to help fund his own father’s fight against cancer (forgetcancernow.com). Now Jaymes Vaughan will serve as the first ever White Party Ambassador for Uber-party producer Jeffrey Sanker’s annual desert extravaganza, White Party Palms Springs, March 29-April 1. In an interview with THE FIGHT Vaughan, originally from Chesterfield, Virginia, reveals that he comes from a “super religious southern, baptist, if you’re gay, you’re a weirdo and you’re going to hell kind of family. Where I grew up I honestly feel a serial killer son would have been preferred over a gay son.” Eventually, when Vaughan came out to his family and friends, the worst response he received was “from my friend Rachel who was pissed. Pissed because she’d said she ‘always wanted a gay friend, and had one all along and didn’t know it.’ Then she immediately asked me to go shopping. I told her that not all of us liked to do that... that’s when I finally saw tears in her eyes.” When asked what advice he would give other gay men or lesbians hoping to compete on “The Amazing Race,” Vaughan explains that “a race around the world is not about your sexuality. So don’t stress that element. Its 2013, be yourself and go kick ass... The only thing you really need to know is to fully love yourself and who you are, so you can be yourself without any reservation. Because that is when you be able to be your best and compete your best.” Vaughan moved to Las Vegas after Hurricane Katrina (he was living in New Orleans, at the time) and auditioned for the Chippendales on “a gamble... Cliche’ for Vegas,

MAR CH 2013 | T H E F I GH T 37

PUSHING BOUNDARIES INSPIRED BY THE RUMORED-TO-BE-LOST 40 MINUTES OF GAY S&M FOOTAGE FROM THE CONTROVERSIAL FILM, “CRUISING,” FILMMAKERS JAMES FRANCO AND TRAVIS MATHEWS EXPLORE THE LIMITS OF SEXUAL AND CREATIVE FREEDOM IN THEIR NEW FILM “INTERIOR. LEATHER BAR.”

BY VICTOR MELAMED

n order to avoid an X rating, 40 minutes of gay S&M footage was rumored to be cut and destroyed from William Friedkin’s 1980 film “Cruising,” starring Al Pacino as a New York City cop who goes undercover in the gay leather bar scene. Inspired by the mythology of this controversial film, filmmakers James Franco and Travis Mathews collaborated to imagine their own lost footage. Amid the backdrop of a frenzied film set actor Val Lauren reluctantly agrees to take the lead in the film. Val is repeatedly forced to negotiate his boundaries during scenes on and “off camera,” as unsimulated gay sex happens around him. The film itself is constructed as a play with boundaries remaining queer in subject and form. As much a film about filmmaking as it is about an exploration of sexual and creative freedom, “Interior. Leather Bar.” defies easy categorization. “I wanted to make a film that was as much about the experience as it was about making something,” says James Franco. “I wanted to go to a place of uncertainty, to set up parameters and then let the movie make itself. I wanted to explore the beauty of queerness, beautiful because it is counter to everything normal. As “straight” becomes the new “gay,” I wanted to find places where the anti-normative still thrived. Travis [Mathews] became my partner and guide on a trip to the queer-side.” 3 8 T H E F IGH T | M A R CH 2013

“One of the first things that James and I ever talked about was gay marriage,” reveals Travis Mathews. “We shared a concern that the race toward equality was also a race of straightening out the queer kinks, of erasing subcultures in favor of assimilation. It’s a conversation captured in the opening scene of the film, one that ‘helps inform

“We took the mythology of a still controversial film, “Cruising,” and the rumored-to-be-lost 40 minutes from the original cut of that film, as an opening for this exploration,” says Mathews. “But our film is neither a remake nor a dedicated 40 minutes of re-imagined lost footage. It’s so much more about our process of construct-

“We shared a concern that the race toward equality was also a race of straightening out the queer kinks, of erasing subcultures in favor of assimilation.” choices’ as I say. In a lot of ways this became the foundation of the film, this idea that we’d make a queer film about a gay subculture that was as much a celebration of as it was an agitator. Yes, there is gay sex in the film, but it’s the slippery way in which boundaries and definitions are in constant flux that really make it a queer film for me.”

ing this film and the mercurial ways in which the film plays with expectations and form. Is it real or is it fake, is it art or is it porn, and where exactly does one bleed into the other?” n For more info on the film, and to check upcoming screenings, visit: www.interiorleatherbar.com.

THEEPIDEMIC

BABY BORN WITH HIV APPARENTLY

CURED DR. ANTHONY FAUCI: “YOU COULD CALL THIS ABOUT AS CLOSE TO A CURE, IF NOT A CURE, THAT WE’VE SEEN.”

baby born with the AIDS virus appears to have been cured, scientists announced this month, describing the case of a child from Mississippi who’s now 2 1/2 and has been off medication for about a year with no signs of infection, reports The Associated Press. There’s no guarantee the child will remain healthy, although sophisticated testing uncovered just traces of the virus’ genetic material still lingering. If so, it would mark only the world’s second reported cure. “You could call this about as close to a cure, if not a cure, that we’ve seen,” Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health, who is familiar with the findings, told The Associated Press. A doctor gave this baby faster and stronger treatment than is usual, starting a three-drug infusion within 30 hours of birth. That was before tests confirmed the infant was infected and not just at risk from a mother whose HIV wasn’t diagnosed until she was in labor. That fast action apparently knocked out HIV in the baby’s blood before it could form hideouts in the body. Those so-called reservoirs of dormant cells usually rapidly reinfect anyone who stops medication, said Dr. Deborah Persaud of Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. She led the investigation that deemed the child “functionally cured,” meaning in long-term remission even if all traces of the virus haven’t been completely eradicated. No one should stop anti-AIDS drugs as a result of this case, Fauci cautioned. But “it opens up a lot of doors” to research if other children can be helped, he said. The only other person considered cured of the AIDS virus underwent a very different and risky kind of treatment—a bone marrow transplant from a special donor, one of the rare people who is naturally resistant to HIV. Timothy Ray Brown of San Francisco has not needed HIV medications in the five years since that transplant. n MAR CH 2013 | T H E F I GH T 39

PHOTOS BY GOGAYTODAY.COM

THEEVENT

EVITA TUESDAYS AT BLOK

he new Tuesday night party presented by Luke Nero and Andres Rigal finally arrived in the form of Evita. Always a suprise or two in store. Last month had a special performance by the amazing Amanda Lepore. www.bloknightclub.com

4 0 T H E F IGH T | M A R C H 2013

EVOLUTION FRIDAYS AT THE NEW METROPOLITAN NIGHTCLUB

fter a two month renovation, the former Factory Weho was transformed into the new Metropolitan Nightclub and opened last month with a new party presented by Paul Nichollsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Evolution Fridays. www.EvolutionWeHo.com.

MAR CH 2013 | TH E F I GH T 41

SOBRIETYINLEATHER

“A sober person can do anything a non-sober person can do with one exception: You don’t drink or use no matter what.”

TOM PARDOE, ACTIVE IN THE LEATHER SCENE, CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS SOBRIETY. BY PAULO MURILLO

he leather community is often linked with leather bars, dungeons, leather gear, fetish, kink, bondage and a certain satisfaction in a little bit a pain. However, people don’t always connect the leather lifestyle with sobriety or any form of recovery. Then we meet Eagle LA Mr. Leather 2010, and producer of LA Fetish Pride 2012, Tom Pardoe, who has been active in the leather scene, doing outreach, fundraisers and representing leather organizations like the Eagle for more years than he cares to mention—oh yeah, and he’s also celebrating 20 years of continuous sobriety in April. When asked what it was like, what happened and what it’s like now that he’s a sober man in the leather community, Tom sums up his drunkalogue as: it was crazy. It got worse. And then it got better. “A sober person can do anything a non-sober person can do with one exception: You don’t drink or use no matter what,” He tells THE FIGHT. “I’ve seen people go in front of me in sobriety and do some amazing things in life. We’re able to do anything. To me that is being completely happy, joyous and free.” Tom says building a foundation in early sobriety is a key to long-term recovery regardless if men consider themselves leatherfolk (all leather all the time) or leather men (occasionally leather and denim). “Being mentored by men in the leather community who have been around for a long time has helped,” he says. “There are so many who are willing to walk 4 2 TH E F IG H T | MA RC H 2 0 1 3

newcomers—if you will—through the dynamics and the structure and the traditions just like we do in sobriety,” he adds. Being sober for so many years, Tom has watched gay men struggle to stay sober in and out of the leather scene. According to Tom, internalized homophobia and honesty about sexual boundaries play a significant role in some of the relapses. “It’s about a willingness to put your sobriety in front of your dick, you ego, and low self-esteem,” he says. “It’s about being your authentic self and being of service,” he adds. Leather sex doesn’t necessarily add up to loaded sex, says Tom. “The leather idea brings up fetishes and kink and pervy things outside of the normal sexual box,” he explains. “The true players are never under any kind of stimulus, because it’s about an exchange of power. There’s an intimacy that requires people to engage in a way where you’re telling each other what you want. Everything is very clear, so to be on G or X or K or booze or whatever is often times not the way we go.” When asked what he would tell the men in leather who feel they can’t be sober while playing in the leather scene, Tom says, “I don’t tell them shit. They get to see me. I don’t hide my sobriety. I try to be honest, open and willing in all my affairs and how it affects people is none of my business. If this is a big shout out for sobriety in the leather community, I say we can do anything and you don’t have to drink or use to do it.” Pardoe is currently taking his new business Movement to Music Classes(tm) to treatment centers. Movement to Music incorporates elements of recovery into synergy through a non-verbal workout program for the body, mind and spirit. It uses stretches, breathing, yoga, games and tasks that require ensemble connection, creativity, trust, play, focus and determination-all leading to Movement to Music, an exercise about letting go and self-expression. n Tom can be reached directly at tpardoe@gmail.com.

THECALENDAR JUDY TENUTA, SEE SAT., MARCH 23, MR. LOS ANGELES LEATHER 2013 CONTEST

Hollywood, 7:30pm-9pm, for more info: (818) 762-8890. www.bulletbarla.com. A night of live on-stage storytelling from the heart. Stories can range from hot, heavy, funny, or touching. Hosted by Carl Dove—Mr. LA Leather Bear 2013. If interested in sharing your stories please send submissions to carldove@me.com. TUESDAY, MARCH 19

SPANK! THE DARK SIDE OF KARAOKE—LEATHER PRIDE EDITION The Bullet, 10522 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, 9pm, for more info: (818) 762-8890. www.bulletbarla.com. Join Alex (the kinkiest boy in the valley) for a no-holds-barred edition of the funniest night of the week! SATURDAY MARCH 16

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20

PROBED (THE BLACK PARTY) Pistons, 2020 East Artesia Boulevard, Long Beach, for more info: (562) 422-1928. www.pistonsbar.com. Experience the fantasy that was the world famous nightclub, The Probe. Hot sweaty men in black leather, rubber, neoprene and gear, or just your boots!

HELL ON WHEELS PART II Moonlight Rollerway, 5110 San Fernando Road, Glendale, 7pm-10pm, for more info: (818) 241-3630, www.payasos-la.org, www.moonlightrollerway.com. Put on your hot pants or bell-bottoms and ROLLER BOOGY! Rent a pair of skates or bring your own. Hosted by Payasos LA.

GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF LOS ANGELES First Congregational Church, 540 S. Commonwealth, Los Angeles, 8pm, for more info: gmcla.org. The chorus continues its 34th season of performances with the show Awakenings, featuring special guests Vox Femina and the new youth chorus Outside Voices.

SCSC MIXER @ THE CROCKER CLUB Downtown Los Angeles, for more info: www.socalsocialclub.com Join the SoCal Social Club for complimentary light appetizers until 8pm, cash bar, drink specials and raffle drawing Hosted by Luciano Costa, Jomo Patterson, Saif Arroyo and Vartan K. Learn more about the swanky new lounge “The Crocker Club” at www.CrockerClub.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 17

HELL ON WHEELS PART I—THE RIDE For more info: www.satyrsmc.org or www.payasos-la.org. Members of Payasos LA & The Satyrs MC invite you to a tour of LA’s famous leather venues. LA LEATHER PRIDE KICK OFF The Bullet, 10522 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, 3pm-7pm, for more info: (818) 762-8890. www.bulletbarla.com. Avatar Club LA will be hosting the annual Beer Bust and Contestant Number Draw (formerly known as The Party Lot Party). Come and support all of the contestants vying for the title of Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2013. They will be drawing their numeric placement for the contest and no doubt showing a bit of skin in the process. MONDAY, MARCH 18

STORIES IN LEATHER The Bullet, 10522 Burbank Blvd., North

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

PROWL AND GROWL Mickys, 8857 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 8pm-11:45pm, for more info: (310) 657-1176, www.mickys.com. Dress in your finest hottest leather gear. Meet the L.A. Leather contestants of 2013. Then dance the night away at one of West Hollywood’s mot popular dance clubs. Hosted by Bears LA. FRIDAY, MARCH 22

THE ASSEMBLY Rough Trade Gear, 3915 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, 7pm-10pm, for more info: (323) 660-7956, www.roughtradegear.com. Join The California B&B Corps, BLUF and The Regiment of the Black and Tans at Rough Trade Gear in Silver Lake for an evening of food, cocktails, fun and some of the hottest men in uniform to be found in the Southland! Wear your best uniform

gear, and bring out some serious energy for a fantastic Friday night. Beverage Service courtesy of The Bullet Bar. Strict Dress Code Enforced: Formal Dress or Full Dress; Military, Law Enforcement, Fire Prevention Utility or Dress Club; Leather Replica Uniform; Formal Leather. Civilian Attire: Black Tie Optional, Coat & Tie. Please no fatigues / combat or work uniforms. Cost: $25 Tickets available at laleatherpride.com. (Also included in the $99 Chaps Level Package & $149 VIP Level Package). SATURDAY, MARCH 23

MR. LOS ANGELES LEATHER 2013 CONTEST Circus Disco, 6655 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, 7pm-9pm, for more info: www.Laleatherpride.com This is the big event that we’ve been waiting for all week! Come support your favorite leather man as he competes for the title of Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2013. The victor goes on to compete at International Mr. Leather in May in Chicago. With the fabulous and incomparable Judy Tenuta, “The Love Goddess.” Cost $35 in advance or included in Boots, Chaps, and VIP Level Packages. MEAT RACK OFF THE HOOK (LA LEATHER PRIDE EDITION) Circus Disco, 6655 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, 9:30pm-2am, for more info: www.Laleatherpride.com Immediately following the Mr. LA Leather 2013 Contest—Justin David, Hunter Fox & John Piampiano present “Meat Rack Off The Hook!” Your Mr. LA Leather Contest ticket or weekend package allows you to stay after the contest to dance, and celebrate with the hottest men in LA! Cost: $35 in advance. HRC LOS ANGELES GALA DINNER Ritz-Carlton/JW Marriott at LA Live, for more info: www.hrcladinner.com. Benefits the extraordinary life changing work of the Human Rights Campaign. With special guests Tom Bergeron, Christine Gregoire, Dana Goldberg and others. SUNDAY, MARCH 24

MR. LA LEATHER VICTORY BRUNCH & SOUTHLAND HONORS AWARDS Pistons, 2020 East Artesia Boulevard, Long Beach, 11:30am-2pm, for more info: (562) 422-1928. www.pistonsbar.com. Come and meet the newly sashed Mr. LA Leather at his victory brunch celebration while we honor our past and celebrate our future. Additionally, the 10th Annual Southland Honors Awards pays tribute to some of those in the community who deserve recognition. MAR CH 2013 | T H E F I GH T 43

THECALENDAR ANA MATRONIC

GROUPS ASIAN/PACIFIC GAYS AND FRIENDS www.apgf.org GAY ASIAN PACIFIC SUPPORT NETWORK www.gapsn.org LOS ANGELES GAY AVIATION CLUB Pilots, Flights Attendants, Mechanics. www.unusualattitudes.info CLUB NUR Gay Middle Eastern. www.clubnur.com GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF LOS ANGELES www.gmcla.org THANK GAYS IT’S FRIDAY STANDUP COMEDY Every Friday, 8:30 p.m. MJ’s Bar, 2810 Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles. (323) 650-1503 GAY & LESBIAN SALSA Every Monday, 8 p.m. Little Temple Bar, 4519 Santa Monica Blvd., Silverlake, 90029. gaysalsanight@yahoo. com or www.facebook.com/gaysalsanight GAY TRAFFIC SCHOOL Third Tuesday and Wednesday of every month, 6-10 p.m. The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N. McCadden Place, Los Angeles 90038. 1-800-Gay-4-You or www.laglc.org

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

WHITE PARTY PALM SPRINGS

Jeffrey Sanker offers a sizzling list of world-class talent at this year’s annual White Party, March 29-April 1. Tickets, VIP passes & hotel accommodations available now at: www.jeffreysanker.com. This year’s main event takes it to the extreme with two amazing artists co-headlining the world famous White Party. Ana Matronic (www.anamatronic.com) of Scissor Sisters will rock White Party into the ultimate Palm Springs Kiki with an unforgettable solo performance. In addition, Roc Nation/Columbia Records artist Alexis Jordan (www.alexisjordanofficial.com) returns by popular demand to spread the happiness and debut her slamming new song, “Acid Rain.” The weekend-long festivities kick off with the Friday Night Bulge Underwear Party featuring the Andrew Christian Underwear boys and explosive musical entertainment from Meital Dohan (www.meitaldohan.com) and Kwanza Jones (kwanzajones.com) each performing their hit songs as heard on the now infamous Andrew Christian videos. Saturday’s Pool Party shines as not only one of the sexiest parties on the planet, but also as a legendary launching pad for artists on the rise. This year is no exception as “Real Housewives of Miami” star Adriana DeMoura (www.adrianademoura.com) shows us exactly why the housewives phenomenon continues to make waves, performing, “Feel The Rush,” the theme from her hit Bravo series. Saturday Pool Party revelers will also be introduced to one of Europe’s best kept secrets, Albanian superstar Bleona (www. 4 4 T H E F IGH T | M A R C H 2013

bleonaqereti.com), making her U.S. debut with her single “Without You.” The party continues on Sunday poolside, as attendees get to experience an incredible live performance by pop music singer/ songwriter and YouTube juggernaut Laura Michelle (www.lauramichelle.com) with her debut song, “Chuck Norris” (with 5 million views) from her soon-to-be-released album, NOVEL WITH NO END. Rounding out a weekend full of men, music and classic memories, Sunday’s afternoon T-Dance promises to keep the energy up as the sun descends below the mountains. Superstar Carmen Electra (www.carmenelectra.com) brings the glam, the beats and the boys with her new single “I Like It Loud.” RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Willam Belli (www.willambelli.com) & Detox and Vicky Vox will also seize the T-Dance stage with a hunty performance of their smash hit “This Boy is a Bottom.” And in keeping with his tradition for breaking new talent, Jeffrey Sanker welcomes Swedish duo Icona Pop (www.iconapop. com), currently blowing up U.S. Top 40 radio with their smash anthem, “I Love It!” Following the spectacular, choreographed T-Dance fireworks display, the official Closing Party at the Renaissance hotel brings the weekend excitement to a climax. The music, muscle and mayhem converge indoors for one last dance and the final performance of the weekend from K. Rose (www.kroseonline.com), with her aptly titled song “Sleep When I’m Dead.” To find out the latest schedule updates, hotel, ticket and pass information visit: www.jeffreysanker.com

POP LUCK CLUB Second Sunday of every month, 11 a.m. Locations vary. Los Angeles based organization for Gay Dads, Prospective Dads, and their families. www.popluckclub.org PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, at the Gay & Lesbian Center. RSVP to Dennis@malecare.org or call (323) 860-7340. GREAT AUTOS OF YESTERYEAR The largest LGBT classic car club on the West Coast. www.greatautos.org LOS ANGELES PRIME TIMERS Social group for older mature gay men and admirers. www.laprimetimers.org LOS ANGELES GAY BRIDGE CLUB www.communityvisions.org/IAGLBC LOS ANGELES GAY/LESBIAN SCIENTISTS www.lagls.org LOS ANGELES GAY FOR GOOD Gays making a commitment to volunteer for social welfare and environmental service projects. www.gayforgood.org LOS ANGELES GAY NATURISM California Men Enjoying Naturism. cmen.info BI-OSPHERE P.O.V. Every 2nd Wednesday, 8-9:30 p.m., The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7302. M-F between 6-9 p.m. Topic-driven discussion for women and men who identify as, or are exploring bisexuality. MEN’S SPEAKEASY Every Tuesday at 8 p.m. The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7302. Fun, alternative space for gay and bisexual men to meet and make new friends. LGBT BOOK CLUB First Wednesday of each month, 7:30-9:30 p.m. The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7302, M-F between 6-9 p.m. USC LAMBDA LGBT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION alumnigroups.usc.edu/lambda/ LOS ANGELES BLACK PRIDE www.myblackpridela.com GREATER PASADENA AID FUND www.greaterpasadenaaidfund.org POSITIVE IMAGES WORKSHOP Every Monday, from 7-9 p.m. The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. If you’re looking for

> EMAIL YOUR EVENT OR GROUP TO ways to deal with HIV, the Live Life Better Workshop can help you learn coping skills, build a support system, and work toward your health goals. An RSVP is required. For more information or to reserve your place, call (323) 860-7321. The e-mail contact is positiveimages@lagaycenter.org. TRANSGENDER PERCEPTIONS Every Friday, 8 p.m. The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7302. M-F between 6-9 p.m. Social networking group offers a safe and welcoming opportunity for people of any age and gender identity to learn from others and to share experiences. GET CENTERED Meditation Class. Every Saturday, 10-11 a.m., $10. Gay & Lesbian Center, 1625 N Schrader Blvd. Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7300. SENIORS SERVICES Ongoing, The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7359. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT Ongoing, L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, 1625 N Schrader Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-5806. MPOWERMENT WEEKLY WORKSHOPS Tuesdays and fridays, 6 p.m. APLA, 3550 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300, Los Angeles. More info: Donta Morrison, tel: (213) 2011561. For young gay men of color—ages 18 thru 24—looking for a safe place to hang out. “Each week offers a great opportunity to vent, laugh, make friends, and simply celebrate who you are.” SUPPORT FOR HIV-POSITIVE WOMEN Second and fourth wednesdays, 7 p.m. The David Geffen Center, 611 south Kingsley Dr., Los Angeles. More info: call Women At Risk at (310) 204-1046. SOCAL SOCIAL CLUB For more info: www.Socalsocialclub.com. Southern California’s social & business network for lgbt professionals. 12 STEP GROUPS

editor@thefightmag.com

CRYSTAL METH ANONYMOUS Saturdays, 9:10-10:10 a.m. DEBTORS ANONYMOUS Tuesdays, 8-9 p.m. MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS Wednesdays, 8:15-9:45 p.m. Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. SEXUAL COMPULSIVES ANONYMOUS Mondays, 8-9 p.m. Tuesdays, 8-9 p.m. Wednesdays, 8-9 p.m. Thursdays, 8:15-9:15 p.m. Saturdays, 12:15-1:45 p.m. WOMEN’S NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Saturdays, Noon-1 p.m. SPORTS LOS ANGELES LESBIAN SOFTBALL www.lagaysoftball.com LOS ANGELES LESBIAN TACKLE FOOTBALL www.californiaquakefootball.com LOS ANGELES LESBIAN RUGBY www.eaglerockrugby.com WOMEN’S SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GOLF www.womensgolf.org/wscga LOS ANGELES LESBIAN POKER www.lalpg.com LOS ANGELES WOMEN ON A ROLL Luncheons, Comedy Nights, and Conversation Groups. www.womenonaroll.com

www.sagala.org V.O.I.L.A. Volleyball. www.lagayvolleyball.com GREAT OUTDOORS The largest gay outdoor recreational organization in Southern California. www. greatoutdoorsla.org GAY AND LESBIAN SIERRANS Camping, Outdoors, Hiking Angeles. www.sierraclub.org CHEER LA Cheerleading. www.cheerla.org

HOLLYWOOD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH hollywoodumc.org, 6817 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028 HOLY SPIRIT holyspirit-la.org, 4201 West Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029 UNITED UNIVERSITY CHURCH uniteduniversitychurch.org, 817 West 34th St., Los Angeles, CA 90089

LA ROWING www.larowing.org

DIGNITY CENTER dignitylosangeles.org, 126 South Avenue 64, Los Angeles, CA 90042

DIFFERENT SPOKES Cycling www.differentspokes.com Rides start in various locations in the greater Los Angeles area.

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH-HLYWD hopelutheranchurch.net, 6720 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BLADES Ice Hockey. www.bladeshockey.com LOS ANGELES FRONTRUNNERS Running and walking club. www.lafrontrunners.com WEST HOLLYWOOD SOCCER CLUB Comfortable, supportive environment for learning and playing the world’s most popular game. www.gaysoccer.com LOS ANGELES GAY SCUBA CLUB www.barnaclebusters.org LOS ANGELES GAY ROCK CLIMBING www.lalgbtclimbing.com WEST HOLLYWOOD AQUATICS Swim and Water Polo Teams. www.wh2o.org

LOS ANGELES GAY RODEO CLUB www.gsgra.org

WORSHIP

LOS ANGELES GAY FLAG FOOTBALL www.laflagfootball.com There’s also lesbian tackle football.

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH mccla.org, 4953 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027

WEST HOLLYWOOD GAY RUGBY www.larebellion.org

BETH CHAYIM CHADASHIM SYNAGOGUE bcc-la.org, 6090 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035

LOS ANGELES POOL LEAGUE Friendly Billiard teams. www.lapl8ball.com

fccla.org 540, South Commonwealth Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90020

All groups meet at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N McCadden Place, Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 860-7302 M-F between 6-9 p.m.

GAY & LESBIAN BOWLING LEAGUE www.tavernguildleague.com

KOL AMI REFORM SYNAGOGUE kol-ami.org, 1200 North La Brea Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90038

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Mondays, 6:10-7:10 p.m.

SAGA LA Gay Ski & Snowboard Club.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF LOS ANGELES

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MAR CH 2013 | T H E F I GH T 45

THEFINALFIGHT since his divorce from second wife, Janet Adelberg, in 1985. “After my second marriage failed, I met a man who was also grounded in music,” the 80-year-old writes. “Having only had loving relationships and sexual intimacy with women, I opened myself up to the possibility that I could have that with a male, and found that I could.” “I’m still attracted to women,” he adds. “You don’t have to be only one thing or another. For me, it’s the person.” Bisexual men won’t likely be surprised to learn that a recent scientific study confirms that their sexual attraction to both men and women is real. But the findings may help enlighten those who still subscribe to the stereotype that bisexuals are just closeted gays and lesbians, or simply confused. For the study, researchers at Northwestern University recruited a group of 100 Chicago-area men, identifying as heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual in roughly equal numbers. Unlike a previous Northwestern study of bisexuality, however, the current study used more stringent criteria to define bisexuality. Bisexual men were required to have had sexual encounters with at least two people of each gender and to have been in at least one romantic relationship of three months or longer with a person of each gender. The previous study, published in 2005, largely relied on responses to a standard questionnaire to determine sexual orientation. The participants were hooked up to genital sensors that measured erectile arousal while they watched videos of male or female same-sex intimacy. The men were also asked to rate their subjective arousal in response to the videos on a scale of 0 to 10. The researchers found that bisexual men reported being aroused by both types of videos and that the genital sensors also measured arousal to both. Gay and straight men in the study did not have the same responses. By contrast, the 2005 study had suggested that bisexual men’s responses of arousal and attraction resembled those of gay men.

! T I O T D E S U T E G , I WE’RE HERE, WO-E’RE B D PR LEGENDARY RECOR : “I’M DUCER CLIVE DAVIS WOMEN. STILL ATTRACTED TO BE ONLY YOU DON’T HAVE TO THER. FOR ONE THING OR ANO N.” ME, IT’S THE PERSO BY VICTOR MELAMED

n his new memoir, famed music mogul Clive Davis acknowledged his bisexuality publicly for the first time. In his book, “The Soundtrack of My Life,” the twice-married producer opened up about two long-term relationships he’s had with men 4 6 T H E F IGH T | M A R C H 2013

That conclusion outraged bisexual men and women, who said it appeared to support a stereotype of bisexual men as closeted homosexuals. “I’ve interviewed a lot of individuals about how invalidating it is when their own family members think they’re confused or going through a stage or in denial,” Dr. Lisa Diamond, a psychology professor at the University of Utah who was not involved with the study, told The New York Times. Still, Dr. Diamond and others interviewed by the Times noted that measuring genital arousal to erotic videos in the lab doesn’t reveal much about real-world sexual encounters—or about a person’s sexual orientation and identity. Indeed, the parameters for inclusion in the study were perhaps more telling of the actual bisexual experience. “This unfortunately reduces sexuality and relationships to just sexual stimulation,” Ellyn Ruthstrom, president of the Bisexual Resource Center in Boston, told The New York Times. “Researchers want to fit bi attraction into a little box—you have to be exactly the same, attracted to men and women, and you’re bisexual. That’s nonsense. What I love is that people express their bisexuality in so many different ways.” n