Losangelesblade.com, Volume 05, Issue 05, January 29, 2021

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389:!0;<:8=!>?!6@8<?>AB<@!C>!@DD<DC+!>E:AD::!=<DCA<F9C<>B!>?!E@GG<B: Focusing on age rather than specific high-risk occupations #$%#&'()%*+,+-./+%

!"#$%& '()*+,$%-./$& '%+#+'+*0& -#& #1$& %(//2(3#& ("& '(%()-4+%3*& 4-''+)-#+()*&+)&5-/+"(%)+-6&+)&-&*7*#$0&.$*$#&8+#1&*1(%#-9$*&("&.(#1& the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines at a national level and confusion in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to assist in the effort to deliver both vaccines speedily and equitably -'%(**&#1$&*#-#$= N)&-&*#-#$0$)#&#(&#1$&!**('+-#$,&M%$**6&;/3$&<1+$/,&("&5-/+"(%)+-& *-+,& +#& 8-*& >1()(%$,& #(& .$& +)4+#$,& .7& #1$& 9(4$%)(%& #(& @/-7& -)& +0@(%#-)#& %(/$A& +)& .-##/+)9& #1$& @-),$0+'& -),& ,$'/+)$,& "3%#1$%& G3$*#+()*=&L-+*$%&,+,&)(#&%$*@(),&#(&$0-+/$,&+)G3+%+$*&"%(0&#1$&!M& "(%&'(00$)#= Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services and other state officials have acknowledged that the *#-#$& ,($*):#& 1-4$& 3)+"(%0& +)"(%0-#+()& ()& 81$%$& ,(*$*& %$0-+)& 3)3*$,& (%& 81(& 1-*& .$$)& 4-''+)-#$,=& F3%)+)9& -8-7& "%(0& -& 0(%$& decentralized process and allowing Blue Shield to administer over the appointment system coupled with a new state notification and -@@(+)#0$)#&*7*#$0&*1(3/,&-//$4+-#$&#1-#&,-#-&,+*'())$'#&-&*(3%'$& #(/,&#1$&;/-,$= !& *@(H$*0-)& "(%& #1$& 5-/+"(%)+-& J$@-%#0$)#& ("& M3./+'& K$-/#1& #(/,&0$,+-&(3#/$#*&?$,)$*,-7&#1-#&#1$&'()#%-'#&+*&$O@$'#$,&#(&.$& finalized soon and that the transition in oversight from the state to ;/3$&<1+$/,&8+//&#-H$&*$4$%-/&8$$H*= !&;/3$&<1+$/,&*@(H$*0-)&#(/,&#1$&P(*&!)9$/$*&F+0$*&?$,)$*,-7& #1-#& #1$& '(0@-)7& +*& /((H+)9& "(%8-%,& #(& 1$/@+)9& >,%-0-#+'-//7& $O@-),& #1$& %-#$& ("& 4-''+)-#+()*& *(& #1-#& -//& 5-/+"(%)+-)*& '-)& .$& @%(#$'#$,=A ?$,)$*,-7:*& -9%$$0$)#& 8+#1& ;/3$& <1+$/,& '-0$& #8(& ,-7*& -"#$%& B(4=& B-4+)& Q$8*(0& *-+,& #1$& *#-#$& 8(3/,& (4$%1-3/& #1$& 8-7& +#& prioritizes Californians in the next round of COVID-19 vaccinations, focusing on age rather than specific occupations considered higher %+*H=&F1$&*1+"#&,($*&)(#&'1-)9$&81(&+*&-#&#1$&"%()#&("&#1$&/+)$&3),$%& #1$& @%+(%& #+$%+)9& *7*#$0& R& 1$-/#1'-%$& 8(%H$%*& -),& %$*+,$)#*& ST& and older followed by teachers, farmworkers and first responders, #1$&F+0$*&%$@(%#$,= As the state ramps up its efforts to get Californians vaccinated, on Monday, Newsom unveiled the website My Turn, (myturn.ca.gov) #(& 1$/@& 5-/+"(%)+-)*& *'1$,3/$& -@@(+)#0$)#*6& )(#+"7& #1$0& 81$)& #1$7&-%$&$/+9+./$&#(&.$&4-''+)-#$,&-),&.$##$%&#%-'H&4-''+)-#+()&,-#-& "(%&5-/+"(%)+-=&F1$&8$.*+#$&-,4+*$*&@$(@/$&8+#1(3#&$0-+/&-,,%$**$*& or a mobile phone to call the state’s COVID hotline at 833-422-4255 The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed 307 new deaths and 6,917 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday. As of January 22, the seven-day average of daily positive cases was 6,564, down from the peak of more than 15,000 cases on January 8.

On January 7 the county experienced a daily average of 194 deaths. On January 19, the County average has declined to 151 !"!"!#$%&$'(!)*+!),)-!"!./0$%12.203.$4256/7

,$-#1*&@$%&,-7=&&M3./+'& K$-/#1& '-3#+()*& #1$%$& '()#+)3$*&#(&.$&"-%&#((& 0-)7& ,-7*& ("& 0(%$& than 200 COVID-19 ,$-#1*& %$@(%#$,& +)& -& ,-7U& #(,-7& #1$& 5(3)#7& %$@(%#$,& 0(%$& #1-)& 300 deaths.

F(& ,-#$6& M3./+'& Health identified 1,091,712 positive cases of COVID-19 -'%(**& -//& -%$-*& ("& P=!=& 5(3)#7& -),& -& #(#-/& ("& 15,897 deaths. !*& ("& #1+*& 8$$H6& 662,963 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered within Los Angeles County. Of this amount, 544,049 are first doses and 118,914 are second doses. The week of January 18, the County received 168,575 doses, which is about 25,000 fewer doses than the previous week.

And for this week, the County only received about 137,000 doses.

V-'1&8$$H6&#1$%$&+*&-)&-//('-#+()&"%(0&#1$&"$,$%-/&9(4$%)0$)#&#(& #1$&<#-#$&#1-#&,$#$%0+)$*&#1$&)30.$%&("&4-''+)$*&-//('-#$,&#(&P=!=& 5(3)#7=& V4$%7&%$*+,$)#&+*&93-%-)#$$,&-&*$'(),&,(*$=&!),&0(*#&+),+4+,3-/*& 8+//& .$& -./$& #(& %$'$+4$& #1$+%& *$'(),& ,(*$& -#& #1$& *-0$& *+#$& 81$%$& they received their first dose. Many individuals vaccinated at a 5(3)#7& *+#$& %$'$+4$,& #1$& ,-#$& -),& /('-#+()& ("& #1$+%& *$'(),& ,(*$& appointment on their vaccination card, which will be 21 days after their first dose if they received a Pfizer vaccine, and 28 days after their first dose if they received a Moderna vaccine.

All that residents will need to do is confirm the time that 8(%H*&"(%&#1$0&4+-&-&%$9+*#%-#+()&/+)H&#1-#&+*&$0-+/$,&#(&#1$0=&W(%& individuals who were vaccinated at the dozens of other sites across #1$& '(3)#76& +)'/3,+)9& @1-%0-'+$*6& 1$-/#1& '$)#$%*6& -),& '+#7& '/+)+'*6& @/$-*$&'()#-'#&#1$&@%(4+,$%&(%&*+#$&81$%$&7(3&8$%$&4-''+)-#$,&#(& receive information confirming your second dose appointment. >N#&+*&%$-//7&3@&#(&3*&81$#1$%&8$&'-)&*3*#-+)&%$2(@$)+)9*&8+#1(3#& jeopardizing each other’s health and our ability to get more schools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please start planning now to find ways to enjoy the Super Bowl 8+#1(3#& @3##+)9& 7(3%& "%+$),*6& 7(3%& "-0+/7& -),& 7(3%& )$+91.(%*& -#& %+*H=& & M/-7& +#& *-"$=& J():t organize a party at home. Don:#& 9(& #(& -& super bowl party. Outdoor events are prohibited. We can’t afford "(%&'-*$*&#(&%+*$&-9-+)&.$'-3*$&8$&/$#&(3%&93-%,&,(8)&()&-&<3),-7& (%&-)7&(#1$%&,-7=A

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C/66(..(/$#-+,%+%*#+5*(C,)/+Z#:,-%6#$%+/9+\?@2(C+A#,2%*<+%*#+ !"#$%&'#()*%+ &#,-.+ ,)/+ %*#+ 0/.+ 1$)#2#.+ 034!+ 5#$%#-+ 6/7#8+ $,%(/$P.+%*(-8+2,-)#.%+*#,2%*+8#:,-%6#$%B 9-/6+,+-,%*#-+8(2,:(8,%#8+/28+6/%#2+,$8+($%/+,+$#"2&+-#$/7,%#8+ Y-/6+ R==E+ %/+ R=ER<+ *#+ .#-7#8+ ($+ .#7#-,2+ -/2#.+ ,%+ A/",-8+ ;<;=='.>?,-#'9//%+@?(28($)+($+A/22&"//8B+12/$)+"(%*+%*,%+$#"2&+ Brown Health, the Midwest’s largest LGBTQ health organization, /:#-,%(/$,2+ .:,C#+ C,6#+ ,+ $#"+ #D#C?%(7#+ 8(-#C%/-+ ,$8+ %*#+ ,$8+ ?2%(6,%#2&+ @#C,6#+ (%.+ 7(C#+ :-#.(8#$%+ ,$8+ C*(#9+ :-/)-,6+ :-/6(.#+ /9+ ,+ $#"+ 9?%?-#+ ,$8+ 8(-#C%(/$+ 9/-+ %*#+ 5#$%#-<+ "*(C*+ officer. Among his many achievements while he was at Howard .($C#+ EFGF+ *,8+ C,-#8+ 9/-<+ C*,6:(/$#8<+ ,$8+ C#2#@-,%#8+ 034!H+ 4-/"$<+A/22#$8/$#-+",.+/$#+/9+%*#+9/?$8#-.+/9+4-/,8",&+`/?%*+ ($8(7(8?,2.+,$8+9,6(2(#.+($+%*#+I/?%*2,$8B 5#$%#-+]4`5^<+,+C/6:-#*#$.(7#+*#,2%*+,$8+./C(,2+.#-7(C#.+C#$%#-+ I:#,J($)+%/+%*#+0/.+1$)#2#.+42,8#+K#8$#.8,&<+01+034!+5#$%#-+ 9/-+034!Ha+&/?%*+#D:#-(#$C($)+*/6#2#..$#..B 5LM+0/--(+0B+N#,$+6,-7#2#8+,%+%*#+O/?-$#&+9/-+%*#+C#$%#-+.*#+*,.+ S$+ -#C/)$(%(/$+ /9+ %*(.+ 2#,8#-.*(:+ ($+ %*#+ C-#,%(/$+ /9+ %*#+ 4`5<+ headed for so long and is now preparing to hand off its primary *#+ ",.+ $,6#8+ ,+ 5/66?$(%&+ A#,2%*+ 0#,8#-+ @&+ b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eflecting on the role CenterLink has played, Jean noted that EFG8?8-HI-+G@A9-#?<DJ@?-K8L@?<9I-8M-?G<-!$-!&(>-+<:?<@N .##$+*(6+($+,C%(/$+,$8+",%C*#8+*(6+)-/"+%*#+Y/?$8,%(/$+,$8+ "*,%+",.+/$C#+,-/?$8+GU+034!H+C/66?$(%&+C#$%#-.+*,.+)-/"$+ ($9?.#+*(.+:-/)-#..(7#+7,2?#.+%*-/?)*/?%+(%.+"/-JB+S+-#.:#C%+*(6<+S+ ($%/+RV=+C#$%#-.B+ like him, and there is zero doubt in my mind that Joe will become a successful and powerful “If you look at legislative efforts or LGBTQ rights that have been expanded, there is ?.?,22&+,+.%-/$)+,$8+.%,@2#+034!H+C#$%#-B+!*#&+,-#+%*#+#$)($#.+/9+%*#+034!H+6/7#6#$%<W+ 2#,8#-+/9+%*#+0/.+1$)#2#.+034!+5#$%#-BW Effusive praise for Jean herself came as the news broke as to the selection of her .*#+.,(8B+X!*#&+,..(.%+9/.%#-($)+C*,$)#BW N#,$+ #D:-#..#8+ *#-+ )-,%(%?8#+ %/+ %*#+ @/,-8+ /9+ 8(-#C%/-.+ /9+ %*#+ 5#$%#-<+ $/%+ /$2&+ 9/-+ (%.+ successor Wednesday from lawmakers and California’s largest advocacy organization, 2#,8#-.*(:<+9?$8-,(.($)<+,$8+/7#-.()*%<+@?%+9/-+,22/"($)+,+2#$)%*&+%-,$.(%(/$+/7#-2,:+:#-(/8+ L>?,2(%&+5,2(9/-$(,B !*#+5,2(9/-$(,+0#)(.2,%(7#+034!H+5,?C?.+5*,(-+1..#6@2&6,$+L7,$+0/"+,$8+c(C#+5*,(-+ @#%"##$+*#-.#29+,$8+%*#+*#-+8#.()$,%#8+.?CC#../-<+N/#+A/22#$8/$#-<+%*#+C?--#$%+5LM+/9+ I#$B+I?.,$+!,2,6,$%#.+L))6,$+(..?#8+,+O/($%+.%,%#6#$%+/$+%-,$.(%(/$+/9+:/"#-+,%+%*#+0/.+ %*#+I,$+Y-,$C(.C/+1SZI+Y/?$8,%(/$B A/22#$8/$#-P.+ .#2#C%(/$+ C,::#8+ ,+ 9/?-'6/$%*+ $,%(/$,2+ .#,-C*+ C/6:2#%#8+ @&+ [/&,+ 1$)#2#.+034!+5#$%#-+K#8$#.8,&d XS%+ (.+ (6:/..(@2#+ %/+ #$C,:.?2,%#+ 0/--(+ N#,$P.+ 9?22+ (6:,C%+ /$+ %*#+ 034!H+ C/66?$(%&<+ @?%+ \,-%$#-.+ %*,%+ ./?)*%+ C,$8(8,%#.+ 9-/6+ )/7#-$6#$%<+ @?.($#..<+ ,$8+ ,+ "(8#+ -,$)#+ /9+ $/$' .*#+*,.+@##$+,+:(/$##-+,$8+,+9/-C#+%/+@#+-#CJ/$#8+"(%*+8?-($)+*#-+9/?-':2?.+8#C,8#.+/9+ profit organizations.

A/22#$8/$#-+*,.+2#8+I,$+Y-,$C(.C/+1SZI+Y/?$8,%(/$+]IY1Y^+.($C#+R=EGB+Z?-($)+*(.+%#$?-#<+ advocacy. Lorri Jean will leave the Los Angeles LGBT Center as one of the most influential people to ever take up the fight for equality, and we’re especially grateful for the way she he spearheaded the adoption of a new five-year strategic plan in 2019 that prioritized the #D:,$.(/$+ /9+ *#,2%*+ ,$8+ ./C(,2+ .#-7(C#.+ ,$8+ #.%,@2(.*#8+ -,C(,2+ O?.%(C#+ ,.+ ,+ 9?$8,6#$%,2+ has shepherded the Los Angeles LGBT Center into a world-renowned organization.

XT$8#-+ *#-+ .%#",-8.*(:<+ %*#+ C#$%#-+ $/"+ *,.+ 6?2%(:2#+ C,6:?.#.<+ ,+ 9?22&+ 9?$C%(/$,2+ principle to guide the organization’s growth. health care center and pharmacy, transitional housing, and a retail café that is staffed During his nearly five years at SFAF, he has grown revenue by 84 percent and significantly @&+)-,8?,%#.+/9+%*#+C#$%#-P.+C?2($,-&+,-%.+:-/)-,6+_,$8+,22+/9+%*(.+@,-#2&+.C-,%C*#.+%*#+ increased corporate and private donations to support the organization’s life-saving services.

3-/"($)+-#7#$?#<+N#,$+"-&2&+$/%#8<+(.+C-(%(C,2+($+,+6?2%('6(22(/$+8/22,-+,+&#,-+/:#-,%(/$+ .?-9,C#+/9+0/--(+N#,$P.+,CC/6:2(.*6#$%.B XK#+ "(.*+ *#-+ %*#+ @#.%+ ,.+ .*#+ 6/7#.+ C2/.#-+ %/+ -#%(-#6#$%<+ J$/"($)+ 9?22+ "#22+ %*,%+ *#-+ with nearly 800 employees that provide services for more LGBTQ people than any other 2#),C&+/9+.,7($)+2(7#.+,$8+#6:/"#-($)+6#6@#-.+/9+%*#+034!Ha+C/66?$(%&+"(22+#$8?-#+9/-+ organization globally. )#$#-,%(/$.+%/+C/6#B+K#+,2./+2//J+9/-",-8+%/+C/$%($?($)+/?-+"/-J+"(%*+($C/6($)+LD#C?%(7#+ “When you consider that [the Center] offers programs, services, and global advocacy .:,$$($)+*#,2%*C,-#<+ ./C(,2+ .#-7(C#.+ ,$8+ */?.($)<+"(%*+ #6:*,.(.+ /$+ 034!H+ .#$(/-.+ ,$8+ Officer Joe Hollendoner, who has been exceptional during his time with the San Francisco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quality California Executive Director Rick Chavez Zbur told the Blade: “Under Joe N#,$P.+.?CC#../-+*,.+@##$+:,-%+/9+%*#+034!H+6/7#6#$%+.($C#+C/6($)+/?%+,.+),&+,%+%*#+ ,)#+/9+EGB+K(%*+$#,-2&+RU+&#,-.+/9+6/7#6#$%+2#,8#-.*(:<+*#+*,.+:-/7#$+*(6.#29+%/+@#+,+ A/22#$8/$#-P.+2#,8#-.*(:<+I,$+Y-,$C(.C/+1SZI+Y/?$8,%(/$+*,.+@##$+,$+($C-#8(@2#+:,-%$#-+ in the fight to end the HIV epidemic, increase access to life-saving HIV medication and %-?.%#8+C/22,@/-,%/-+,$8+,22&+%/+,22+6#6@#-.+/9+%*#+034!H+C/66?$(%&B ,88-#..+2/$).%,$8($)+8(.:,-(%(#.+($+*#,2%*+,$8+"#22'@#($)+9,C#8+@&+:#/:2#+2(7($)+"(%*+AScBW+ Prior to taking the leadership role at SFAF, Hollendoner was chief of staff and first deputy !"#$%&'!'#(!$)'*+",-.-/$%0$12-345-3637-. !"

NATIONAL

Buttigieg starts path to confirmation as transportation secretary Would become first openly gay, Senate-confirmed Cabinet official

'+&,-.)/&01-2/12&345678968:;<97=><?@A46B Fielding questions during his confirmation Picking up on the hint of a tax hike, Sen. Mike hearing, Pete Buttigieg started his path last Lee (R-Utah) pointed out the gas tax is regressive Thursday toward becoming the first openly and suggested revenue could be found by cutting gay Cabinet member confirmed by the Senate, spending under the existing gas tax. Sen. Jon Tester promising infrastructure would be key in the Biden (D-Mont.), however, backed up Buttigieg and said administration. the time may well have come for an increase in Buttigieg, who made history as a gay candidate the gas tax, referencing a highway south of his during the Democratic presidential primary, said in farm that saved farmers thousands of dollars in his opening statement before the Senate Committee transportation costs. on Commerce, Science & Transportation as “Why? Less flat tires, front ends aren’t knocked transportation secretary he’d ensure infrastructure out of line, less wear and tear on vehicles, so you would be key to addressing economic and climate can run them longer,” Tester said. “That is why we issues. need to make sure rural America is taken care of.

“By creating millions of good paying jobs I don’t pay enough gas tax to fund a project that revitalizing communities that have been left behind, would put that highway in. But the truth is all of us enabling American small business workers, families working together as Americans, with the gas tax and farmers to compete and win in the global fund we’ve done it.” economy and tackling the climate crisis,” Buttigieg No questions related to Buttigieg’s sexual said. orientation came up during the hearing, marking #$%$&'(%%)*)$* took part in his confirmation hearing to become transportation secretary. (Blade photo by Michael Key) Consistent with Biden’s stated plan to address a change from the 1990s when being gay was systemic racism, Buttigieg also stated his plan for explicitly a reason gay appointees like Jim Hormel transportation is ensuring marginalized communities can benefit. and Roberta Achtenberg faced opposition in the Senate.

“Getting people and goods to where they need to be directly and indirectly creating The only time it came up as an issue was a positive reaction from Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), good paying jobs, but I also recognize that at their worst misguided policies and missed who pointed out Chasten Buttigieg, still sitting in the back row, was a fellow native of Michigan. opportunities in transportation can reinforce racial and economic inequality by dividing or Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), however, made sure Buttigieg didn’t get through the hearing isolating neighborhoods and undermining government’s basic role of empowering Americans without any bumps. The Texas Republican challenged him on President Biden’s decision to to thrive,” Buttigieg said. nix the Keystone XL pipeline, which has been opposed by environmental activists, on his first If confirmed, Buttigieg would be the first openly gay person confirmed to a Cabinet-level role. day in office.

Buttigieg, in his testimony marking the first time an openly gay person faced a confirmation “That is a major infrastructure project,” Cruz said. “That is a project that right now today has hearing for a Cabinet-level position, also made sure to thank his spouse Chasten Buttigieg, 1,200 good paying union jobs. And in 2021, the Keystone pipeline was scheduled to have more who was seated behind him in the room. than 11,000 jobs, including 8,000 union jobs for contracts worth $1.6 billion.”

“I’m really proud to have him by my side. I also want to take this chance to thank him for Buttigieg stood firm, reminding Cruz of the campaign promises Biden made in this election, his many sacrifices and his support in making it possible for me to pursue public service,” and predicted an approach to energy that paid heed to climate change would bear fruit.

Buttigieg said.

“I think the most important thing is to make sure that we make good on the promise of the Earl Fowlkes, a gay Black D.C.-based Democratic activist, told the Washington Blade before president’s climate vision as being one that on net creates far more jobs millions,” Buttigieg Buttigieg’s hearing his nomination as a gay appointee is “very important,” but he hopes said.

Buttigieg addresses transportation issues facing Black Americans.

Cruz wasn’t having it, saying the response amounted to Buttigieg telling potential workers Among them is public transportation, which Fowlkes said is taking a hit in revenue because on Keystone XL “somebody else will get a job,” but Buttigieg shot back. of the decrease in tax dollars amid the coronavirus crisis.

“The answer is that we are very eager to see those workers continue to be employed in “It’s so important, especially for Blacks and other racial minorities who can’t afford cars or good paying union jobs, even if they might be different ones,” Buttigieg said. live in places like New York or Chicago, where having a car is…nice, but it’s not really always Cruz concluded by asking about an energy regulation, which blocks the transportation of realistic when it comes to parking, upkeep, and insurance,” Fowlkes said. liquefied natural gas by rail, and whether the Biden administration would consider repealing Buttigieg enjoyed a largely favorable reception during the hearing. Of particular note: The the measure. When Buttigieg said the best answer he can give is taking a look, Cruz said the first confirmation hearing for an openly gay nominee to a Cabinet-level position included response was “disconcerting.” questions from LGBTQ committee members.

But generally speaking, Buttigieg appeared to enjoy bipartisan support from committee Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), the first out lesbian in the Senate, started her questioning by members. Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), a fellow Hoosier, introduced Buttigieg at the confirmation asking Buttigieg if he’d support “Buy America” initiatives. Buttigieg said he would. Sen. Kyrsten hearing. Young concluded his questioning by saying he looks forward to supporting Buttigieg’s Sinema (D-Ariz.), the first out bisexual in the Senate, asked Buttigieg how he’d maintain COVID confirmation. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), in a statement after the hearing, said she’ll also vote safety in the transportation system. Buttigieg responded that the first step is enforcing the to confirm Buttigieg. mask mandates instituted by President Biden on his first day in office.

An aide to a Republican senator on the committee was rosy about the prospects of Buttigieg Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), who feuded with Buttigieg during the presidential primary, enjoying GOP support in his confirmation. also queried Buttigieg, but their friendly exchange signaled that friction was in the past.

“Transportation is an issue both sides can work together on,” the aide said. “I think “I think you know I’m excited about your nomination,” Klobuchar said, adding, “I know you Republicans are looking forward to working with him and will support his confirmation.” well, and I can attest to my colleagues what a forward thinking and thoughtful secretary you Next up for Buttigieg is a committee vote, followed a floor vote in the Senate, which would will be.” also require a vote to invoke cloture if any one senator objects and filibusters. A simple One moment of controversy during the hearing was when Buttigieg openly mulled raising majority would be required to confirm Buttigieg as a presidential nominee. the gas tax under questioning from Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) about the highway system.

Buttigieg has one week to submit his questions for the record, a Senate aide said, and “As you know the the gas tax has not been increased since 1993, that’s never been pegged then he is able to be placed in a markup for committee vote. The office of Senate Majority to inflation, and that’s one of the reasons why the current state of the Highway Trust Fund is Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) didn’t respond to the Washington Blade’s request to comment that there’s more going out than coming in,” Buttigieg said.

Wednesday on the timing for confirmation. !"!"!#$%&$'(!)*+!),)-!"!./0$%12.203.$4256/7

NATIONAL

89:;<=:>?!3<=:>!@<A?;!BC>!D>!?9C>;E:>=:9!;:9F<G:!H:HB:9; Defense Sec. Austin says Pentagon will ‘expeditiously’ implement order #$%#&'()%*+,+-./+

Kamala Harris, and newly confirmed Secretary !"#$%&%'#()*+%),%&%-+.%).%/).0&1%&,#+(.)).2% of Defense Lloyd Austin, Biden addressed the President Joe Biden affixed his signature to an press corps and others in the room.

Executive Order that lifts the ban imposed by “Well, folks, thank you very much for being President Donald Trump barring transgender here. I’m about to sign an executive order, but Americans from serving in uniform in the armed I want to begin by thanking the vice president forces in its entirety. for helping this, but also thank Chairman Milley, The order provides that “all transgender who has been a great, great help, and then also individuals who wish to serve in the United States the soon-to-be Secretary of Defense, who, when military and can meet the appropriate standards we can finish this, will be sworn in in a moment. shall be able to do so openly and free from And so, don’t say anything to cause him to discrimination.” change his mind, okay?

The order directs the Secretary of Defense to “But all kidding aside, this is reinstating a implement the policy and to “take all necessary position that previous commanders and — as steps to ensure that all directives, orders, well as the Secretaries have supported. And regulations, and policies” of the Department of what I’m doing is enabling all qualified Americans Defense “are consistent with this order.” to serve their country in uniform, and essentially The action taken by the president fulfills a 89:;<=:>?!0'+%#1(+2!;<E>;!?I:!:J:GK?<F:!D9=:9!@<A?<>E!?I:!L9KHM!BC>!D>!H<@<?C9N!;:9F<G:!BN! restoring the situation as it existed before, with campaign promise made by Biden to lift the ban. ?9C>;!$H:9<GC>;!D>!#C>5!)O5!!P8ID?DQ!0G9::>;ID?!F<C!6R08$%S transgender personnel, if qualified in every Although the president had indicated publicly that other way, can serve their government in the reversing his predecessor’s would be a ‘Day-One’ United States military.” priority, administration sources told the Blade Sunday afternoon that the president and his U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a statement issued by her office after the president’s senior advisers had opted to wait to take action until incoming Secretary Austin had been fully action took direct aim at former President Trump’s ban. confirmed by the Senate.

“Today is a day of great hope and progress for thousands of heroes in our military and indeed Austin, a retired four-star Army general, was confirmed by the Senate, in a near-unanimous for our entire country, as the Trump transgender ban is thrown into the trashbin of history. Led 93-2 vote last Friday,

by President Biden, America is restoring our proud pledge: that no one with the strength and Seated behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office facing members of the White House Press bravery to serve in the U.S. military should be turned away because of who they are.

Corps and flanked by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark A. Milley, Vice President

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identify as transgender are eligible to enter and serve in their self-identified gender. These /#+,6$.%-200%$,.'&$%,5%5,$%-200%*$%.$)+&+3$1%5&%12./#+&6$1H%5&%1$,2$1%&$$,02.3($,3H%.50$04%5,% 3#$%*+.2.%59%6$,1$&%21$,3234: “Prospective recruits may serve in their self-identified gender when they have met the +))&5)&2+3$%.3+,1+&1.%95&%+//$..25,%2,35%3#$%(2023+&4%.$&82/$.: !"#2.%&$82.$1%)502/4%-200%+0.5%$,.'&$%+00%($12/+004<,$/$..+&4%3&+,.2325,%&$0+3$1%/+&$%+'3#5&2J$1% *4%0+-%2.%+8+20+*0$%35%+00%G$&82/$%($(*$&.%+,1%-200%&$<$I+(2,$%+00%/+.$.%59%3&+,.6$,1$&%G$&82/$% ($(*$&.%3#+3%(+4%*$%2,%.5($%95&(%59%+18$&.$%+1(2,2.3&+328$%)&5/$$12,6.:A% Secretary Austin then noted that Pentagon officials over the next 60 day period would !$I)$12325'.04%1$8$05)%3#$%+))&5)&2+3$%)502/2$.%+,1%)&5/$1'&$.%35%2()0$($,3%3#$.$%/#+,6$.:A "#$%;0+1$%.)5@$%-23#%G#+,,5,%K2,3$&H%+%/2820%&26#3.%+335&,$4%+,1%3#$%0$6+0%12&$/35&%95&%3#$% National Center for Lesbian Rights, who offered an analysis on what to expect as the process )5.3<*+,%(58$.%95&-+&1: !L,%)&+/32/$H%3#2.%($+,.%3#+3%3&+,.6$,1$&%)$5)0$%-200%5,/$%+6+2,%*$%+*0$%35%$,02.3%2,%3#$%(2023+&4% provided they meet the same fitness standards applied to other recruits. It means that service ($(*$&.% -#5% /5($% 5'3% +.% 3&+,.6$,1$&% -#20$% .$&82,6% -200% ,53% *$% @2/@$1% 5'3% 5&% 53#$&-2.$% 12.+18+,3+6$1%*$/+'.$%3#$4%+&$%3&+,.6$,1$&HA%K2,3$&%.+21:% !"&+,.6$,1$&%.$&82/$%($(*$&.%-200%*$%)&5821$1%-23#%3&+,.2325,<&$0+3$1%($12/+0%/+&$H%3#$4%-200% be able to change their military records and classification to match their gender, and they will be +*0$%35%028$%+,1%.$&8$%+.%3#$2&%+'3#$,32/%.$08$.:A Commenting on the actions taken first by the president and then Secretary Austin’s statement Minter remarked: “President Biden specifically ordered the Secretary of Defense to immediately 21$,3294%+,4%.$&82/$%($(*$&.%-#5%#+8$%*$$,%12./#+&6$1%95&%*$2,6%3&+,.6$,1$&%.5%3#+3%3#$2&% &$/5&1.%/+,%*$%/5&&$/3$1%+,1%3#+3%3#5.$%-#5%-2.#%35%15%.5%+,1%/+,%($$3%3#$%/'&&$,3%.3+,1+&1.% #+8$%+,%5))5&3',234%35%&$$,02.3:% !"#2.% 2.% +% .-$$)2,6% &$8$&.+0% 59% 3#$% "&'()% *+,% +,1% +% /0$+&% /5((23($,3% 35% $,.'&$% $M'+0%

3&$+3($,3%59%3&+,.6$,1$&%.$&82/$%($(*$&.%+,1%&$/&'23.%2,%$8$&4%+.)$/3%59%(2023+&4%.$&82/$H%9&5(% $,02.3($,3%.3+,1+&1.%35%(2023+&4%&$/5&1.%35%($12/+0%/+&$:A L,%#2.%.3+3$($,3%G$/&$3+&4%7'.32,%)52,3$1%5'3N !"#$%O,23$1%G3+3$.%7&($1%P5&/$.%+&$%2,%3#$%*'.2,$..%59%1$9$,12,6%5'&%9$005-%/232J$,.%9&5(% our enemies, foreign and domestic. I believe we accomplish that mission more effectively when -$%&$)&$.$,3%+00%5'&%9$005-%/232J$,.:%L%+0.5%*$02$8$%-$%.#5'01%+8+20%5'&.$08$.%59%3#$%*$.3%)5..2*0$% 3+0$,3%2,%5'&%)5)'0+325,H%&$6+&10$..%59%6$,1$&%21$,3234:%Q$%-5'01%*$%&$,1$&2,6%5'&.$08$.%0$..% fit to the task if we excluded from our ranks people who meet our standards and who have the .@200.%+,1%3#$%1$85325,%35%.$&8$%2,%',295&(:%"#2.%2.%3#$%&26#3%3#2,6%35%15:%L3%2.%+0.5%3#$%.(+&3%3#2,6% 35%15:A Minter reflected on the Defense Secretary’s statement then told the Blade, “This is a major turning point in the history of transgender rights. We will look back on today’s executive order +.%3#$%95',1+325,%59%+%,$-%$&+%59%0$6+0%+,1%.5/2+0%+//$)3+,/$%95&%3&+,.6$,1$&%)$5)0$%2,%3#2.% country. The opportunity to serve in our nation’s armed forces on equal terms has been the /5&,$&.35,$%59%(+,4%53#$&%/2820%&26#3.%(58$($,3.H%+,1%-200%*$%5,$%#$&$%+.%-$00:A Minter alongside his co-counsel Jennifer Levi, were lead attorneys in the first case to challenge Trump’s ban, Doe v Trump, as well as Stockman, a related California trans military case.

“It is my highest goal to serve my country in the U.S. military and I’ve fought this ban because I know that I am qualified to serve,” said Nicolas Talbott, an aspiring service member who is a plaintiff in Stockman v. Trump. “I’m thrilled and relieved that I and other transgender Americans /+,%,5-%*$%$8+0'+3$1%.50$04%5,%5'&%+*20234%35%($$3%(2023+&4%.3+,1+&1.:%L%055@%95&-+&1%35%*$/5(2,6% 3#$%*$.3%.$&82/$%($(*$&%L%/+,%*$:A K2,3$&%+,1%R$82%+0.5%&$)&$.$,3%+,%2,12821'+0%.$&82/$%($(*$&%,+($1%;0+2&$%K/L,34&$%-#5% .$&8$.%2,%3#$%K2/#26+,%S+325,+0%T'+&1%2,%+,53#$&%/+.$%/#+00$,62,6%3#$%*+,: “Our fight to end the transgender military ban was about equal opportunity, fairness and service, and President Biden’s order today honors those shared national values,” said Jennifer Levi, Director of Transgender Rights Project at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders. !"&+,.6$,1$&%7($&2/+,.%/+,%+,1%-200%*&2,6%,$$1$1%.@200.%35%5'&%+&($1%95&/$.%+3%$8$&4%0$8$0H% and I look forward to seeing our nation benefit from the contributions of a new generation of 3&+,.6$,1$&%0$+1$&.%+,1%)+3&253.:A K2,3$&%3501%3#$%;0+1$%3#+3%3#$%+/325,%*4%;21$,%)&5821$.%3#$%&$02$9%3#+3%3&+,.6$,1$&%2,12821'+0.% were seeking by suing to overturn Trump’s trans ban. “There is no other way to frame this +/325,HA%#$%.+21:

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V O L UM E 05 IS S U E 05 !""#$%% 5455 Wilshire Blvd, 21st Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90036 &'()$ 310-230-5266 $*+!,-.tmasters@losangelesblade.com ,)/$#)$/.losangelesblade.com &01-,%'$".12.Los Angeles Blade, LLC &01-,%'$# TROY MASTERS tmasters@losangelesblade.com 310-230-5266 x8080 (o), 917-406-1619 (c) %!-$%.3.+!#4$/,)5 %!-$%.$6$70/,8$ !"#$%&%$'$!!())( *+,-./0+1-.2303140-5367+, 89:;<8=;8:>> &!-+.%&#,)5%.!77(0)/.$6$7 BRAD FUHR, 760-813-2020. brad@gaydesertguide.com )!/,()!-.!"8$#/,%,)5 RIVENDELL MEDIA sales@rivendellmedia.com, 212-242-6863 +!#4$/,)5.",#$7/(# STEPHEN RUTGERS srutgers@washblade.com, 202-747-2077 x8077 $",/(#,!7()/#,10/,)5.9#,/$# KAREN OCAMB karenocamb@losangelesblade.com )!/,()!-.$",/(# KEVIN NAFF knaff@washblade.com, 202-747-2077 x8088 ,)/$#)!/,()!-.$",/(# MICHAEL K. LAVERS mlavers@washblade.com $",/(#.!/.-!#5$ BRODY LEVESQUE California 7()/#,10/(#%

ERNESTO VALLE, YARIEL VALDÉS GONZALEZ, PARKER PURIFOY, CHRISTOPHER KANE, AUSTIN MENDOZA, JOHN PAUL KING, JOEY DIGUGLIELMO, CHRIS JOHNSON, LOU CHIBBARO JR., MARIAH COOPER, REBEKAH SAGER, JON DAVIDSON, SUSAN HORNIK, CHANNING SARGENT, SAMSON AMORE, CHRISTOPHER CAPPIELLO, MICHAEL JORTNER, DAN ALLEN, SEAN SHEALY, SCOTT STIFFLER

.,)'5-6)%+)*-7892,/+:.5-/8 $?(!@!($)A'(6@"# ",%/#,10/,() CHRISTOPHER JACKSON, 562-826-6602

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a&4)$9'(5#6$8$"(%#$($9(*24#*$,"-$8A%#$B##4$,&2"$:-*$\b$ 9#/&(2*&5&(4$+(3&4)@$X8+$&2$+(:#$:-*$0#$2-$)-$(4/$+##$"#*$,&2"$U(2+$B#&4)$($B(B3YA$>4/$"#$,(+$'&1#@$ 3#(*+@$(4/$03$5"&'/*#4$(*#$'&%&4)$2"#&*$2*.2"@$(4/$8$5(4$'--1$2"#0$&4$2"#$#3#$(4/$B#$*#(''3$9*-./$ -:$2"#0$(+$".0(4$B#&4)+$(4/$2"#$,-*1$2"(2$2"#3$/-6$!"#3$/-$9"&'(42"*-9&5$,-*1@$(4/$8A0$+-$ ‘Go. She’ll be fine.’ Those were really scary days — really, really scary days. The landscape is 9*-./$-:$2"(2cS#A%#$2('1#/$(B-.2$,"#4$8A0$2--$-'/$2-$0(1#$/#5&+&-4+@$,#A%#$2('1#/$(B-.2$"-,$ somewhat different today, luckily.” >*&$I#223$"(+$4-2$-4'3$'-%#/$(4/$#09-,#*#/$"#*$)(3$5"&'/*#4$>.).+2$(4/$U(2+$B.2$*#G-&5#/$ 2"#$:-.4/(2&-4$&+$)-&4)$2-$B#$*.4@$(4/$2"#3A''$2(1#$-%#*6$F.2$2"#3$"(%#$2"#&*$-,4$:-.4/(2&-4+$ — and I have a life of purpose and a life filled with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a#/$K$&2A+$ -.*$ 2&0#$ 9'(3&4)$ 2-)#2"#*6$ >4/$ 8A%#$ (',(3+$ 2*.+2#/$ the work. And if I’m able to influence anybody else 2"#0$2-$0(1#$2"#$*&)"2$5"-&5#+$B#5(.+#$2"#3$4#%#*$ 2"(2$"(+$&45-0#@$#[2*($&45-0#@$/&+9-+(B'#$&45-0#@$&:$8$ )(%#$0#$(43$&4/&5(2&-4$2"(2$2"#3$,#*#4A2$(B'#$2-$/-$ 5(4$B#$(4$#[(09'#$2-$(43B-/3@$2"(2A+$2"#$B-4.+@$(4/$ +-0#2"&4)$ .4+(:#'36$ S"#4$ >.).+2$ 2-'/$ 0#$ 2"(2$ "#$ 8A0$&45*#/&B'3$"-4-*#/$2-$*#5#&%#$2"#$(,(*/6$82$0#(4+$ ,(+$)-&4)$-.2$,&2"$+-0#-4#$:*-0$2"#$*--0$+#*%&5#$ 2"#$,-*'/6H staff at this hotel we were living at — I just went to !"#$P(0#'-2$'#)#4/$*#:#*+$2-$2"#$032"$(B-.2$2"#$ S#+2$ T-''3,--/@$ :-.4/$ -4#$ -:$ 2"-+#$ %(4+$ 2"(2$ (*#$ &/3''&5$ ,-*'/$ -:$ d&4)$ >*2".*$ (4/$ 2"#$ d4&)"2+$ -:$ 2"#$ -4$2"#$+2*##2$(2$4&)"2$(4/$"(%#$(''$-:$2"#$&4:-*0(2&-4$ Roundtable who pledged to do good work to benefit (4/$ 8$ )-2$ (''$ -:$ 2"#$ 9(51#2+$ -:$ &4:-*0(2&-4$ (4/$ 2"#$ 2"#$9#-9'#$(4/$2"#&*$"(99&4#++6$Z(5L.#'&4#$d#44#/3$ 5-4/-0+$K$8$G.+2$,(42#/$2-$B#$#[2*($5(*#:.'$K$(4/$ *#%&%#/$ 2"#$ 032"$ ,"#4$ 2('1&4)$ (B-.2$ 2"#$ '#)(53$ -:$ )(%#$&2$(''$2-$>.).+26 "#*$(++(++&4(2#/$".+B(4/@$Z-"4$e6$d#44#/3@$(4/$2"#$ 7>+$'-4)$(+$2"#3A*#$&4:-*0#/$(4/$,"(2$2"#3$4##/$ ,-*'/$ "#$ &4+9&*#/$ /.*&4)$ "&+$ 2--W+"-*2$ 9*#+&/#4536$ 2-$ /-$ 2-$ :##'$ '&1#$ 2"#3A*#$ 2"#&*$ 2*.#$ #++#42&('$ +#'%#+@$ S#+2$ T-''3,--/$ ,(+$ G-3:.''3$ /.BB#/$ 2"#$ 7)(3$ 8$ #45-.*()#$ \DD]@H$ I#223$ +(3+6$ 7U(2+$ ,#42$ 9.B'&5$ P(0#'-2H$(:2#*$&2+$:-.4/&4)$&4$\fgE6$!-/(3@$2"#$*-%&4)$ ,&2"$ ($ +2(2#0#42$ '#22&4)$ #%#*3B-/3$ 14-,$ 2"(2$ 2"#3$ B(4/$-:$9"&'(42"*-9&+2+$.4/#*$2"#$'-%&4)$2.2#'()#$(4/$ "(/$2-9$+.*)#*3$/-4#$(4/$8$5-.'/4A2$B#$0-*#$9*-./$ )(a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os Angeles Blade readers nominated finalists; the top five vote getters in each category were then added to the final ballot. Thousands of Blade readers then voted and the winners are presented here. The Blade staff congratulates each of this year’s winners and finalists.

!"#$%&'!()%*+,-."+/"0 !"##$%&' ("("'()%($)*+' Gigi Gorgeous has won the award for Best LGBTQ Influencer /1%+',"+3"-1)=+."&%+()+&+%1B@+F4%+B())"%+,&3+&+>&33(?"+/&)+ $&3"+B,"%"+3,"+'"##3+,"%+/1##1B"%3+'1+$"+',"(%+$"3'+3"#?"3@+G,"+ ,&3+="3-%($"=+,"%3"#/+&3+$"()*+&+H-%"&'1%<+5"%31)&#('.<+>1="#I &-'1%<+#1?"%+1/+$"&4'.<+/&3,(1)<+&)=+&+*11=+5&%'.@J+E)+KLMN<+8(*(+ 81%*"143+-&>"+14'+&3+&+'%&)3*")="%+B1>&)@+8(*(+81%*"143+ ,&3+."'+&*&()+B1)+',"+&B&%=+/1%+$"()*+',"+$"3'+7869:+ influencer due to her platform, which she uses to communicate &$14'+%"&#OB1%#=+(334"3@+81%*"143D3+E)3'&*%&>+(3P+ !"#"#"$%"&$'(

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THANK YOU RICHARD AYOUB FOR ALL YOU DO TO

WINNER BEST LGBTQ EXECUTIVE BEST NON-PROFIT, EDITOR’S CHOICE BEST LOCAL MEDIA PERSONALITY, JESSICA HOLMES HOST OF PROJECT ANGEL FOOD’S LEAD WITH LOVE TELETHON Thank You Los Angeles Blade Readers for your generosity and kindness.

Let’s keep Project Angel Food’s vital COVID relief work alive by donating at angelfood.org.

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!"#$%&&'(#&)*+,-.$)$",-+)$)$, Jeffrey King has been an advocate for LGBTQ rights for many years. King believes that the LGBTQ community has the answers to solve its own problems. Specifically, in the context of the healthcare system, King has advocated for a more inclusive health care system by saying it currently “omits the voice of the people.” As a Black man, King believes that organizations like the AIDS Healthcare Foundation are important to help mobilize the Black LGBTQ+ population to be more open to testing and outreach messages.

“I have always believed that the community has the answer to our problems,” King says.

“The arrogance and dismissiveness” of some in the public healthcare system “omits the voice of the people.”

King is grateful for critical funding from sources such as AIDS Healthcare Foundation that helped the organization purchase a mobile HIV testing unit that goes where the gay/ bi black men are and creates unique outreach messages.

“AHF’s support allowed us to do a lot of programs and interventions and testing in a way that could reach men who are resistant to testing,” King says. “Funding from AHF, Macy’s Passport and the Weingart Foundation allowed us to develop programs and grassroots community mobilization efforts that the government would not fund us for. Having that support is of great importance in our community.”

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!"##$%&' +-.-/-'0-%%"12'3"4$'5%$1"6$#7'89'7:$';#"7$6'<7-7$1 As we continue to celebrate the progress the LGBTQ+ community has made in this country, Kamala Harris has always been a fierce advocate of the LGBTQ+ community. She was there every step of the way as we fought for our constitutional right to marry.

As attorney general, she refused to defend the ban on gay marriage and worked tirelessly to support marriage equality. She led the way to fight the status quo, long before it was politically convenient or popular, and officiated some of the first same-sex marriages in the country. She advocated for inclusion and justice for the transgender community and led the way in ensuring safety for our LGBTQ+ neighbors. As a senator and then as a presidential candidate, Harris made certain to place priorities on LGBTQ needs up front. Now as vice president of the United States we are certain she will continue to advocate and fight hard for our community and to get the Equality Act passed through this Democratic Congress and signed by President Joe Biden.

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ktla.com/author/jessica-holmes Jessica Holmes is an American television personality.

She was the co-host of the popular Nickelodeon TV series “Slime Time Live.” She is currently an anchor of the KTLA Morning News in Los Angeles.

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Richard Ayoub is executive director of Project Angel Food, a non-profit that delivers healthful meals to homebound clients. One of Project Angel Food’s most recent endeavors is its work with the University of Southern California tackling diabetes within the Native American community in Los Angeles. )+>@$1B%!-;$>-):!+&A>+!-$$#)2

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Apart from being a hero to many as the chair of the House Intelligence Committee and leader of the first House impeachment hearings against former President Trump, Schiff is also well known as an elected official who cares about and truly represents his constituents, especially those in the LGBTQ community.

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A victim of the coronavirus pandemic, the cafe is temporarily closed. Now that smoking marijuana for fun and profit is legal in California, the only thing that’s criminal about Los Angeles’s first weed cafe is that it charges $14 for a bowl of chips and guac.

Technically, the Original Cannabis Cafe is in West Hollywood, near the city’s northeastern border on La Brea Avenue and it’s not simply the first legal weed cafe in the county — it’s the first one in the country. Let’s hope it returns! )+89$1:%!-;$8-)<!-$$>8)%5! #&&'F$>)$A:&>$(#&)

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Alfred Coffee on Melrose Place is a small coffee shop known for its unique interior design and fantastic coffee.

KCET is a content channel of the Public Media Group of Southern California, formed by the 2018 merger of KCETLink Media Group and PBS SoCal. KCET is your guiding light when it comes to illuminating arts, culture and local news, and LGBTQ issues in the Southern California region.

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!"##$%&',-#4%$425"-#'6-)'(7" Congregation Kol Ami won the award for Best House of Worship in 2019, won Editor’s Choice in 2020, and now wins the award for the Best House of Worship this year. Kol Ami is an important leader in the Jewish, LGBTQ, and West Hollywood communities since its founding in 1992. Rabbi Denise L. Egers broke barriers to create a more inclusive Reform movement that has resulted in more LGBTQ inclusion at synagogues worldwide.

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For the second year in a row, West Hollywood has won the award for the Most LGBTQ-Friendly City. As noted a few years ago, West Hollywood has its “boutique hotels, celebrity-owned restaurants, unparalleled nightlife and shopping, and world-renowned events.”

The inclusive city has multiple LGBTQ bars, restaurants, and nightlife and it’s no surprise that the LA Blade readers chose West Hollywood as the Most LGBT-Friendly City.

As we noted last year, when singing the praises of WeHo’s win for Best Place to Live, “There’s just no place like it. The little town remains Los Angeles’ hottest destination for the entertainment industry with its boutique hotels, celebrity-owned restaurants, unparalleled nightlife and shopping, and world-renowned events. like the HBO Emmy Party, Sir Elton John’s Annual Oscar Party, and the West Hollywood Halloween Carnival.” What’s more, WeHo City Council member and Mayor Pro Tempore Lindsey P. Horvath took top honors this year, in our Best Public Official category. )+89$1:%!-;$8-)<!#$'(!*)&-;

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Congregation Kol Ami is honored to be named “Best House of Worship” for this year’s Best of LGBTQ LA Awards!

THANK YOU! WINNER! We would like to thank the Jewish, Interfaith, West Hollywood, and LGBTQ+ communities for your continued support!

Connect with us for our wide array of online programs, classes, and prayer services at kol-ami.org Rabbi Denise Eger and Rabbi Max Chaiken Are looking forward to seeing everyone again soon at our home on La Brea!

1200 N La Brea Ave, West Hollywood, 90038 | KOL-AMI.ORG | @KolAmiweho | (323) 606-0996

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GLAAD hosted a live stream event, “Together in Pride: You are Not Alone” in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on its YouTube channel and Facebook Live last April. The event raised funds for LGBTQ community centers across the country suffering due to the financial impact of the coronavirus. The star-studded event featured performances by Kesha and Melissa Etheridge and special guests Billy Eichner, Matt Bomer, Adam Lambert, Dan Levy, Mj Rodriguez, Gigi Gorgeous, Nats Getty, Sharon Stone, and more.

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Founded in 2009 by Jose Ramos, Impulse Group is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a stronger and healthier community for gay men. Hosting more than 400 events annually in 25 cities across the globe, Impulse seeks to create a brave space to engage, support and connect our community. )+89$1:%!-;$8-)<!&8+%!#8=)-2-#)

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!"##$%&'0/-'1#9$,$-'0.:;'2$#3$% !For more than 50 years, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has been providing invaluable services to our community. Many of our employees choose to work at the Center precisely because they are empowered to grow professionally in an environment that respects and honors who they are,” said Center Director of Human Resources, Sharon Brown. !"#$ believe this ability to be one’s authentic self—regardless of background or identity—creates a workplace that is full of compassion and respect for the LGBT community and all who enter our doors. We are enormously proud of our staff and grateful to be acknowledged in this way.” )+89$1:%!-;$8-)<!>1$/)-9!&'()#!=$$+

#$%&'($#&)($*+,-+$5!?@ABCDE?F@D!@G!HEIJFH!KEDLC?EK!IF!FHE! LA LGBT Center, administers the first Moderna COVID19 LI??CMIFC@M!F@!.+/-0&1+()0,!!N*JIBE!>H@F@!OP!'@IH!-HDCKFCIMKEMQ

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The iconic Hollywood Bowl offers a plethora of virtual programming during the pandemic, from concerts to fundraisers. Visit hollywoodbowl. com for the upcoming lineup of events, which includes a Feb. 6 fundraiser, “Icons on Inspiration.”

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This award has gone to PAWS LA for the second year in a row. Its founder, Nadia Sutton, served on the West Hollywood Gay and Lesbian Advisory Board, and has been an activist for years.

PAWS/LA was founded more than 31 years ago by West Hollywood resident and community activist Nadia Sutton who also served on the West Hollywood Gay and Lesbian Advisory Board and was a founding board member of The Lavender Effect.

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!"#$%"&#''(#)*+,#,-.#/%0+#%1,23#,-.#%4,*%5#%/*5,#6*7%"+#+,../#."#,62#8%9:,.5#+,29+#%"/#,..;# the reigns of government back from a certain short-fingered tyrant, Rhea Litre made a public /245%3%,:."#.1#623#.-"(#-:,6#,62#3252%+2#.1#623#+:<=,3%4;#/2>*,#%5>*7(#?@*4;@.";20&A## Largely recorded and engineered in Las Vegas after pandemic protocols put a sudden, still-in-effect all-stop to the great drag queen economic engine (think bars, clubs, cabarets), @*4;@.";20#:+#,62#3.-/0(#+2<0(#+-2%,0(#+9:,=+5%9=;:++(#4%9%4:,0#43.-/#B%,*3/%0#":C6,#+7.;23# 0.*#7:C6,#6%D2#>0#,62#,:72#,62#02%3#:+#.*,(#>*,#".,#%"0#,:72#+.."& The Blade spoke with BuckBonkey’s driving force, Rhea Litre, the drag daughter of Raja %"/# E%0627# E:5523(# -6.# 4272",2/# 623# 45%:7# %+# ?F3%CG+# @%//2+,# @:,46A# -62"# +62# 7.D2/# to Las Vegas when work dried up in Los Angeles — and still, at year’s end, managed to be ".7:"%,2/#:"#,-.#4%,2C.3:2+(#1.3#the Los Angeles Blade’s Best of LGBTQ LA Reader’s Choice Awards 2021. What’s more, Litre was welcomed back by LA with open arms, when she hosted the Jan. 28 awards show via Instagram Live, the same platform from which she presents #QuarantineQueen, which by all accounts will forever hold the record for First Digital Drag Show of the Pandemic Era (March 15, 2020).

“What Rhea did so well, that set her apart from other digital entertainers,” noted Los Angeles Blade publisher Troy Masters, “was to take the intimacy and energy and defiant spirit of drag that you could only find in clubs and bars—and turn that into something that everyone could 2").0#."5:"2&A And as outrageous as Rhea can be, said Masters, “There’s just something sweet about her.

You see it in the way she relates to her co-hosts and her guests — always propping them up, never tearing them down. That’s why we wanted Rhea to host our awards sow and to do it on Instagram Live. We’re inviting the whole world to understand a little bit more about our 4.77*":,0(#%"/#-2G32#,255:"C#.*3#4.77*":,0#,6%,#*",:5#-2#32,*3"#,.#,6.+2#95%42+#-2GD2#%5-%0+# C%,6232/#%,#,.#1225#+%12#%"/#5.D2/(#-2G55#6%D2#,6%,#-62"#-2#).:"#2%46#.,623#:"#32%5#,:72(#:"#,62# +%72#D:3,*%5#+9%42&A As for the gathering place you can find Rhea at when we get the all-clear and can come within less than six feet of one another, here’s what Litre had to say, in her own unfiltered words. !"#$%&'(!(#$)!%*(+$What are some of the album’s notable themes, and do they relate to your non-musical work on the stage or Instagram Live? ,-(%$!./,(+#HD230,6:"C#I#/.#:+#9*32#+2<&#IGD2#%5-%0+#-%",2/#,.#7%;2#0.*#6.3"0(#>*,#%+#IG7# growing and learning as a person I also want you to think. Know why you’re horny. Ya know? )!%*(: The name of the album—where does it come from, and what does it mean? ,-(%: It comes from the South, like buck baked or buck wild. When you put those two things together, you get a BuckBonkey, a naked party. While searching for the title of the song, I came across a synonym for “Naked Party/Orgy” called BUCKBONKEY, I was like, “HELL YA! This is It!” )!%*(: Was the whole thing written during the pandemic? ,-(%: SamJGarfield and I started writing this project before the pandemic, during a very transitional period in my life—realizing nightlife would not be my bread and butter, moving to Las Vegas, making new friends, and learning how to adapt.

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)!%*(J#K%;2#*+#,63.*C6#,62#@*4;@.";20#,3%4;5:+,L#-6%,#+,052+(#-6.#9231.372/#:,(#2,4& ,-(%J#!"#$#%#&#'()(*"&+(%,-*.(/(0+1(2(3+*4,&%5(/(2$2$(36+57(/(89:(%,-*.;#B,%"/+#1.3# !"#$%&'()*+,-./*,+*#)/0,/*&#E0#;:/+#%32#+.#,%52",2/#%"/#IG7#+.#93.*/#.1#2D230#+:"C52#."2#.1# them. Our Haus is strong. We love hard, support and lift each other up. This track really gives you an idea to who we individually are and how we fit together. !<6=><$8>&9'( )( *"&+( %,-*.( /( 0+1( 2( 3+*4,&%5; BUCKBONKEY was the first track we worked on—an original track produced by SamJGarfield and written by him and myself. This song definitely went on a journey. I told SamJGarfield, “I’m throwing a BUCKBONKEY and 2D230."2#:+#4.7:"C&A !?&3+0(,8-&*%65&'()(*"&+(%,-*.(/(@,%%+1; During the Pandemic I relocated to Las Vegas to work in a live Drag Rock Show Residency at the Fremont Experience called, Dragapalooza starting 2021. It wasn’t until I walked into The Garden Las Vegas that Vegas felt like home!

Willam came to Las Vegas for Pride and this conversation took place. !?,?+(%+0(?&3+0(A5,?+(%+0(*"&+B'()(*"&+(%,-*.(/(+%+0>+(-"685&*46=>; I live for Las Vegas and obsess over Elvis Presley. This was a gay combo and what an iconic song. I met Alaska back in the day club ratting around and there is not a soul on this planet like Alaska! She is THE QUEEN and we are not worthy! !=%$650'()(*"&+(%,-*.(/(1+9"&1(/(?&%$(/(-+9%$*(:$; SamJGarfield was playing this ,3%4;#,.#72#%+#625:4.9,23+#-232#4:345:"C#/*2#,.#93.,2+,+#%"/#27.,:."+#-232#.D23-6257:"C&# I#-%",2/#,.#-3:,2#%#5.D2#52,,23#,.#2D230#3%42(#2D230#C2"/23#%"/#2D230#7:".3:,0#,6%,#6%/"G,#125,# seen or heard. My drag mother Mayhem Miller came in and killed the chorus. Taylor XO and VELO magically turned into exactly what the song was meant to be, a melting pot of love and *"/23+,%"/:"C#%"/#/:D23+:,0& Clouds has a sample from one of my favorite rap songs of all time “Love Is Blind” by EVE. !-6=>(,-'()(*"&+(%,-*.(/(C(/(=+7@&%%;#M.-#0.*#;".-#I#9:4;2/#,3%4;#N#1.3#70#12%,*32#-:,6# HBO’s “We’re Here” Superstar, “6”! This throwback ’90s parody of Salt & Pepa’s, “Push It” is a banger. This is what it was like to go out to my Wednesday Night Party @TheAbbeyWeHo! LGBT Icon, DJ Cazwell jumped on and I felt like I was back on the dance floor. )!%*(: Does your in-studio performance style or intensity differ from stage work in any way? ,-(%: Everything I do, I do it BIG! I show up and show out because after all you don’t have to get ready if you stay ready. )!%*(: What kind of hours did you work in the studio or writing sessions? ,-(%: I work fast! I write a song in a couple hours max. Sam has the hardest job, producing %"/#2"C:"223:"C&#K6:+#324.3/#-%+#%#4.7952,2#).0#,.#7%;2(#+*32#,6232#-232#+.72#6*3/52+(#>*,# it wouldn’t be a Haus Of Litre project if there wasn’t.

)!%*(: What is the ratio of stuff you create vs. what ends up out there for the world? ,-(%J#HD230,6:"C#I#432%,2#92.952#-:55#+22&#I,G+#%55#%>.*,#4.",2",(#C3.-:"C#%"/#52%3":"C#13.7# mistakes. Get into my flaws, Get into my beauty, Get into this body, Let’s Have a BuckBonkey.

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