Los Angeles Blade, Volume 07, Issue 41, October 13, 2023

LOCAL

Famed drag personality Momma, Worthie Paul Meacham, has died WEST HOLLYWOOD - RIP Momma. WEHO TIMES has just received news that Worthie Paul Meacham, known as everyone’s favorite larger than life drag diva, MOMMA, has died, According WORTHIE PAUL MEACHAM, Known as Drag Personality Momma. to some his close (Photo by Mike Pingel for WEHO TIMES) friends, who received word from a family member. His time of death and cause are not yet known.

Momma was widely known and loved in the West Hollywood community for her hosting of shows in West Hollywood’s LGBT Rainbow District and for participating in numerous fundraisers benefiting various LGBT causes. According to a profile written by Billy Masters in the Los Angeles Blade, Momma was born in 1994 during a drag compe-

tition at Drag Strip 66.

The tributes are already pouring in on Facebook: I just now learned that my wonderful, creative and talented friend Worthie Paul Meacham , also known as Momma has passed away this morning,” wrote friend Kevin Alpert. “May you be at peace and no longer be in any kind of pain. I hope you give many drag and fun performances up in heaven. Thank you for always being so kind and sweet and loving towards me. You will would be missed by so many people. May you rest in power. You are loved and missed.”

“I learned that my dear friend Worthie Paul Meacham passed away this morning,” wrote Mark Haneke. “We were close friends for over 30 years and I will cherish our memories together. We first met at an ECWR conference at Chapman University in Orange, California. Worthie was loud and boisterous, but with a caring heart of gold. He loved Jesus and he loved people. He was able to minister to people in ways no one else could. His drag persona , Momma, was renowned throughout SoCal, across the country and internationally.

Worthie and I enjoyed many trips and adventurers together. Some of my fondest moments are of him leading a

singalong at Disneyland’s Enchanted tiki Room “and down!” at the annual Gay Days Anaheim. We enjoyed sharing our mutual interests In Disney, going to movies and planning cruises. Worthie, you are loved and will forever be in our hearts!

Say hi to Walt for me! Love, Mark” “Worthie Paul Meacham has passed away today,” reports Chris Petty. “Momma you are a true LA legend! And you were instrumental in my coming out story. Such a wonderful friend. Hosting gay days at Disneyland. I’ll never forget hiking the Skeena river by terrace bc, turning the corner & seeing an 8′ tall drag queen fly fishing! RIP my dear. You definitely left your mark! I’ll be singing you Tainted Love one last time.

Meacham was wheelchair bound when he attended the memorial services of “Fairy Godmother of Fundraising,” Irene Soderberg last April at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

According to Mamma’s facebook page, LA Times has called Momma a “SoCal Drag Icon.”

This story will update as we learn more about memorial services.

MIKE PINGEL

ONE Magazine at Seventy LOS ANGELES - ONE Magazine at Seventy commemorates ONE’s legacy of uplifting LGBTQ+ communities and advancing queer rights and visibility through print. This exhibition chronicles the history of ONE Magazine, from its inaugural issue in January 1953 through its continued publishing until December 1967.

The show examines themes that ONE tackled that remain pertinent today, including the fight against police brutality, the importance of building community and cultivating joy, and the protection of free speech.

This exhibition considers the production and distribu-

tion of the magazine, the makers of the magazine (many of whom used pseudonyms), and the precedent it set for subsequent gay and lesbian periodicals and community formation. A selection of covers and inside spreads from ONE Magazine, supporting archival documents, audio stories, and ephemera will be on view at the Center’s gallery.

Exhibition materials will highlight iconic artifacts from ONE Magazine’s history such as the October 1954 issue that became the focal point of the landmark Supreme Court case ONE, Inc. v. Olesen, which was the first in U.S.

history to rule in favor of LGBTQ+ freedom of speech and expression.

Print blocks from the magazine’s production, early homophile posters, and letters to ONE will also be on view. Alongside public programming in the space, these materials will showcase key moments of ONE’s history, activism, and contribution to queer liberation.

ONE Magazine at Seventy will be on view at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Advocate & Gochis Galleries from October 1–November 5, 2023, Friday-Sunday 12-5 PM. LA BLADE STAFF

California workers just got more paid sick days, up from 3 to 5 care costs, with evidence showing that SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom when workers have paid sick days such signed SB 616 by Senator Lena Gonzales costs go down and workers’ health ben(D-Long Beach) guaranteeing workers at efits. least five paid sick days per year, up from “Too many folks are still having to choose the current three days, while also increasing between skipping a day’s pay and taking the accrual and carryover amounts. care of themselves or their family members The state’s powerful labor unions lobbied when they get sick,” said Newsom. “We’re heavily for the legislation, which stalled at Governor GAVIN NEWSOM making it known that the health and wellthe Capitol in previous years but gained motoday signed SB 616 by Senator being of workers and their families is of the mentum after the COVID-19 pandemic cast LENA GONZALES (D-Long Beach) guaranteeing workers at least utmost importance for California’s future.” new light on public health and the need for five paid sick days per year.

“Women and mothers are the default essential worker protections.

(Photo Credit: Office of the Governor) caregivers of sick family members. As such, Provisions of the legislation included: they are more likely to be harmed by disrupt• Working sick costs the national econoed or lost wages when they need to take time off work,” said my $273 billion annually in lost productivity.

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “More paid sick days • Two days of unpaid sick time is nearly the equivalent for ALL California workers will help ease this distinct burden of a month’s worth of groceries. on women, and bolster their economic security.”

• Offering sick days helps save employers mon“Today marks an exciting moment as our Golden State eney through improved productivity and morale, as well acts SB 616, which gives five guaranteed paid sick leave days as reduced presenteeism and turnover. to California’s workers,” said Senator Lena Gonzalez. “This • Increasing access to paid sick days reduces health 02 • OCTOBER 13, 2023 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM

reinforces our state’s values and commitment to protecting the health and well-being of our workers. As workers and families face illnesses that can disrupt their wages and livelihoods, California has delivered and stepped up to protect and expand paid sick leave, providing a critical safety net to all working Californians. I extend my gratitude to Governor Newsom for signing this bill into law, and to my colleagues in the Legislature, and all the labor supporters, small businesses, and community members who united to advocate for this critical legislation.”

“This is a huge win for workers who have struggled to access adequate paid sick time. We never know what can come up in our lives. A sick child. Emergency surgery. Serious illness. Going from 3 to 5 paid sick days a very important lifeline for working families across the state,” said Ingrid Vilorio, Jack in the Box worker from Castro Valley, CA. “Now, workers will no longer have to worry about how to make the month’s rent or how to keep food on the table while recovering from illness or caring for a loved one. We thank Gov. Newsom for standing up for workers and signing SB 616.”

LA BLADE STAFF

Long Beach

3500 Pacific Coast Hwy (562) 494-0340

LOCAL

Downtown Oakland’s LGBTQ Port Bar vandalized overnight

OAKLAND, Calif. - The sun came up over Oakland’s Port Bar this morning with its two front windows and glass entrance door apparently shot through in what its co-owner believes was an intentional act.

“Someone shot out all the windows to the Port Bar this morning,” Sean Sullivan, a gay man who is the co-owner of the popular downtown Oakland watering hole, told the Bay Area Reporter October 4. “The police said it appears intentional.”

Oakland police did not immediately return a request for comment for this report. The bar is located at 2023 Broadway. Sullivan stated in a text “this only happened to the Port Bar. Like not even the empty storefront next door.”

Sullivan said the police told him the windows were shot through with what appeared to be lead bullet “weights,” or metal projectiles.

The bar opened in 2016, and features popular drag events, as well as dancing. It serves as an anchor for a nascent but growing LGBTQ scene in the neighborhood, an alternative to San Francisco’s Castro and South of Market mainstays.

“We are devastated,” Sullivan said. “Our staff work hard to provide a welcoming, safe space to our beautiful LGBT community and to have this happen now with so much going on in our community is just heartbreaking.”

Sullivan created a GoFundMe on October 4 after “so

many nice people asked if they could help,” he stated. The fundraiser, which has a goal of $10,000, has raised $0 as of press time.

LAPD black and white patrol vehicle with handcuffs (Los Angeles Blade file photo)

The Oakland LGBTQ Community Center issued a statement of its own via Instagram on Wednesday.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share with our followers and LGBTQ+ community that @theportbar, one of the oldest queer bars in Oakland, was targeted for violence this morning,” the center stated. “We do not have any more details about this incident but encourage people to reach out to the owners @theportbar for more information and to

show your support.”

The LGBTQ center, located near Lake Merritt, had its own windows broken in June 2020 in an act of vandalism that police called a hate crime, as the B.A.R. previously reported.

Sullivan, who helped organize the city’s Pride festivities just weeks ago, was asked by the B.A.R. at that time about violence in the Bay Area in general and Oakland in particular as concerns over crime reach a fever pitch.

“We wish it was safer. ... I would say it’s difficult day-today — I still struggle,” Sullivan said at that time. “Criminals who break windows don’t care if they are breaking an LGBTQ person’s car window or a heterosexual person’s car window, but that’s on both sides of the bay. It gets situated in Oakland, but it’s the same as downtown San Francisco, and other parts of San Francisco, but LGBTQ people are undaunted and we will not let unfortunate incidents stop us from celebrating queer joy.”

There’ve been a number of criminal incidents against Bay Area queer bars recently; on Tuesday the B.A.R. reported about break-ins in San Francisco’s Castro and SOMA neighborhoods.

Last week, the B.A.R. reported about vandalism at the Cinch Saloon on Polk Street, and last month following Pride in San Jose the Splash Video Dance Bar had to temporarily close due to vandalism.

JOHN FERRANNINI

LA vs Hate’s Summer of Solidarity unveils new El Monte mural

LOS ANGELES COUNTY - Supervisor Hilda Solis unveiled a new anti-hate mural honoring the Latino community at an event this past Saturday.

The mural, “Come Walk with Me,” by Kiara Aileen Machado, is one of five murals that are a part of LA vs Hate’s Summer of Solidarity, a series of public art unveilings that celebrates the diverse communities of LA County. Local officials at the unveiling included El Monte Mayor Jessica Ancona and LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis. Also in attendance was Fidel Rodriguez from the LA County Commission on Human Relations.

“This mural is a journey through the El Monte community that is inspired by past and present stories of culture, unity, and pride,” said muralist Kiara Aileen Machado. “The mural was shaped by a key metaphor that emerged from community workshops: The unity and affection of El Monte is like the sweetness of ‘pan dulce’ and the warmth of ‘tamalitos’ from Valley Mall, where the mural is situated. Through vignettes of art, commerce, comradery, and of course food, the mural reflects the cross-cultural contributions of and solidarity between the Mexican, Central American and Asian communities that call El Monte home.”

This mural emerged from a series of community workshops where diverse voices came together through guided explorations of identity. The mural comes at a time when known hate crime events in California–which studies show are underreported–increased over 20 per-

cent, from 1,763 in 2021 to 2,120 in 2022, according to the California Department of Justice.

Recent data collected by 211 LA reported that hate crime events involving a racial bias overall increased over 11 percent, from 1,165 in 2021 to 1,298 in 2022.

With this mural and event emphasizing cross-cultural and interracial solidarity, LA vs Hate aims to bring diverse people together through the unifying power of art.

On July 17, 2018, the LA County Board of Supervisors passed a motion by Supervisors Hilda Solis and Sheila Kuehl to protect vulnerable communities in LA County from hate crime. Included in the motion was direction for the Commission on Human Relations to create and launch a multi-year public outreach anti-hate campaign. In response, Commission staff designed and implemented the LA vs Hate Anti-Hate Initiative.

“Latinas remain the highest percentage of targeted hate crime victims,” Solis told The Blade. “Latinas account for 40%, followed by whites with 38% followed

by African-Americans at 20%. So we definitely have a problem here and I do believe that we have instituted some plans and efforts to that people can really get the most assistance and help that our county can provide.”

“I am proud to join today’s mural unveiling and reinforce my continued call on hate having no place here or anywhere in our County,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “It is truly thrilling to see our

04 • OCTOBER 13, 2023 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM

LA vs Hate, the county’s anti-hate program, unveiled a new mural on Saturday, Sept. 30. The mural, “Come Walk with Me,” by Kiara Aileen Machado, is one of five murals that are a part of LA vs Hate’s Summer of Solidarity, a public art series that celebrates the diverse communities of Los Angeles. Local officials at the unveiling included El Monte Mayor JESSICA ANCONA (third from left) and LA County Supervisor HILDA SOLIS (fifth from left). Also in attendance was FIDEL RODRIGUEZ (sixth from left) from the LA County Commission on Human Relations. (Photo Credit: LA vs Hate)

community of El Monte coming together to celebrate an impactful artwork that speaks to our diversity and to prove that there is strength and beauty in it.

SIMHA HADDAD

LOCAL

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department honors slain deputy “We grieve, mourn, and celebrate the life of an exceptional man who is loved, respected, and admired by so many”

By BRODY LEVESQUE LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The funeral services for a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy who was shot and killed in Palmdale 3 weeks ago, in what Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna described as an ambush, were held yesterday at the Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral in Downtown Los Angeles.

Ryan Clinkunbroomer, 30, was on duty and was found shot and unconscious inside his marked patrol vehicle at around around 6 p.m. near the intersection of Sierra Avenue and Avenue Q on September 17 by a passing good Samaritan who called it in. Responding deputies transported Clinkunbroomer to the Antelope Valley Medical Center.

Medical personnel were unable to save the deputy and he died as a result of his wounds. Clinkunbroomer had just gotten engaged four days prior to his death.

He comes from a family filled with generations of LASD deputies, including his father and grandfather.

On September 18, 29-year-old Kevin Salazar, a Palmdale resident, the suspect in the slaying was taken into custody at around 5 a.m. Two days later Salazar was charged with murder in Superior Court for Los Angeles and entered dual pleas of not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity.

He also faces special circumstances of lying in wait, murder of a peace officer and discharging a firearm, a .22-caliber revolver, from a vehicle, according to the criminal complaint.

During a news conference, District Attorney George Gascón described the killing as “cowardly and senseless,” and indicted Salazar will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“We’re going to do everything within our legal power to make sure that this defendant never gets out of prison,” Gascón said.

In a statement released by the Department’s Public Affairs office Thursday, the LASD noted: The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, along with a multitude of fellow law enforcement agencies, as well as family and friends, gathered today with somber hearts to commemorate the memory of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer.

Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer’s passion to serve in the field of law enforcement, his dedication to upholding justice, and the enduring legacy he continued within his family and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are not only exceptional but are a testament of his life and the sacrifices he made to make this world a better place.

Today, we gather not only as a moment of mourning for the loss of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, but also as an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary life he led and

to draw strength and solace from the lasting impact he has left behind. We unite in prayer and reflection as we collectively remember and pay tribute to the memory of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, or as many of us knew him as “Clink.”

“We grieve, mourn, and celebrate the life of an exceptional man who is loved, respected, and admired by so many. Ryan excelled in what I believe is the most challenging of professions.” -Sheriff Robert Luna Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, a dedicated member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, was a third-generation law enforcement officer who proudly followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

At 30 years old, with eight and a half years of experience under his belt, he had earned the respect of his fellow deputies, serving the Palmdale and Antelope Valley communities, with unwavering dedication.

In July 2018, Deputy Clinkunbroomer transferred to Palmdale Sheriff Station, where he spent the last one and a half years as a Field Training Officer, helping shape the next generation of deputies. Tragically, just four days before his untimely passing, he and his fiancé had become engaged to be married. His fiancé, parents, and grandparents survive him, marking a family legacy deeply intertwined with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Ryan’s character left an indelible mark on those who knew him, as people not only respected but also adored him. He wasn’t just another deputy; he embodied a legacy of service within his family, spanning an incredible 121 years and 1 month of collective dedication to the department, with no interruptions.

The tradition of service began with Ryan’s Great-Grandfather, Aloysius W. Etzel, who joined the department on July 28, 1937, and retired as a highly respected Homicide Detective in 1968 after 30 years and 8 months of dedicated service, ultimately reaching the rank of Captain of Homicide Bureau.

Ryan’s Grandfather, Allan G. Etzel, entered the department on August 28, 1963, graduating from Academy Class 100. He proudly served for 35 years and 5 months, retiring as Captain of Internal Criminal Investigation, a precursor to Internal Criminal Investigation Bureau.

Following this lineage, Ryan’s Father, Michael J. Clinkunbroomer, joined the department on March 11, 1987, as a graduate of Academy Class 240. His commendable service spanned 32 years, concluding at the rank of Lieutenant.

Ryan’s Mother, Kimberly Etzel, joined the department on August 27, 1984, and retired as a Law Enforcement Technician on March 9, 1999, accumulating 14 years and 6 months of service.

Lastly, Ryan Clinkunbroomer himself entered the depart-

(Photo Courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department)

ment on March 9, 2015, graduating from Academy Class 407. His career came to a tragic end on September 16, 2023, after 8 years and 6 months of dedicated service.

“He cared for people and everyone around him.”-Deputy Zachary Corrales “Clink was a firecracker and had the best personality.”-Deputy Zachary Gregg “Clink always had the right thing to say to me.”-Deputy Andrew De La Rosa In honoring Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, we recognize not only the loss of a beloved colleague but also the culmination of a remarkable family legacy that has left an indelible mark on the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Service was running through his veins. He embodied the values of bravery, selflessness and was committed to justice. Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer was a devoted family member and a cherished deputy in the Palmdale community.

“Ryan was not just a coworker or a colleague to many of us he was a friend and in many ways a family member. He always had a smile on his face and loved a good laugh.”

Captain Josh Bardon Deputy Clinkunbroomer’s enduring legacy will continue to inspire us all, reminding us of the importance of selflessness, compassion, and dedication to the safety of our community.

“Everything Ryan touched; Ryan shined. It was clear Ryan’s calling and passion was working patrol, training new deputies. You’re my hero.” -Michael and Kimberly Clinkunbroomer “Ryan was the most thoughtful and caring person. He didn’t deserve this. He loved his job. He went to work with a smile, and he was so proud to take care of his community.

He is a real hero.” -Brittany Lindsey His legacy will forever serve as a source of strength and inspiration, ensuring that his memory lives on in the hearts and minds of those he touched.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer’s family, friends, and partners during this difficult time. We extend our deepest gratitude to the community for their outpouring of support and their commitment to honoring his memory.

LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • OCTOBER 13, 2023 • 05

SPORTS

Record crowd pays tribute to Rapinoe in her last home game

SEATTLE, Wash. — The largest crowd in National Women’s Soccer League history cheered, chanted, sang and saluted Megan Rapinoe at her last home game as a member of the OL Reign.

On the pitch Friday night there were fireworks, tributes, speeches and a video featuring congratulatory messages from Billie Jean King, Abby Wambach, and Second Gentleman of the United States Doug Emhoff. In the stands, a wide array of pink wigs and signs showing the soccer icon just how much she meant to her hometown. One sign declared, “We came 3,000 miles to say, ‘Thank you!’”

“It’s really overwhelming,” Rapinoe, 38, said following the nationally-televised match, which unfortunately did not end in a victory for the team. “I do know my impact, but it’s one thing to know it and another thing to really know it and see it and see some of the signs and see pink wigs and see what that means to people.”

More than 34,000 fans filled Lumen Stadium, setting a new league attendance record. What a difference from a decade ago: Fewer than 3,000 people were in the stands for her Reign home debut in June 2013.

“It’s so much different than it was when we all started playing so that to me is really special. That’s been the most special part of my career,” Rapinoe said. “Specifically in the NWSL, the players taking on so much and having to deal with so much and just the beautiful perseverance that we have to drag ourselves and this league to so much higher ground and such a beautiful place that we feel like now this league really has an opportunity to grow and to thrive and to reach its potential.”

signs and see pink wigs and just see what it means to people.

Living up to that potential, said Reign head coach Laura … It’s hard to put this deep sense of gratitude and joy and Harvey, is the best way to honor Rapinoe’s legacy. thankfulness for being able to have a moment like this into “It frustrates the hell out of me it’s taken Pinoe to retire for words.” that to happen,” she said. “But I think it just shows that peoShe said she was particularly happy to ple want to watch us play. They want to share the moment with her family — inwatch these players play and we have to cluding fiancée Sue Bird. capitalize on that.”

While Rapinoe is leaving the soccer Harvey led the crowd in a rousing sinfield, she promised to remain a social galong of “Oh, Megan Rapinoe” and said: justice activist. She led the national “When this amazing human showed up, team’s successful fight for equal pay she gave us a light at the end of the tunwith the men’s national team and was nel,’’ one of the first prominent athletes to Rapinoe has played in 114 regupublicly come out and be outspoken lar-season games for the Reign and about LGBTQ+ rights. Rapinoe has also scored 49 goals. Although this was her MEGAN RAPINOE at her last home game advocated for racial equity and was the final home game, next week the Reign as a member of the OL Reign. first white pro athlete to kneel during wrap up the season on the road against (Screenshot/YouTube CBS Sports) the playing of the National Anthem in the Chicago Red Stars, and they are still solidarity with former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. in contention for a postseason berth.

“That’s what really matters,” Rapinoe said. “Of course we Just two weeks ago, Rapinoe’s U.S. Women’s National Team love playing, we want to make the league better in every posbid her farewell. But to have her teammates and her homesible way that we can. But it’s a game at the end of the day town turn out as they did, Rapinoe said she struggled to find and it’s something that we get to use to what I feel the point the words. of life is: To use what you have to better yourself and make “The way that the city showed up to express that gratitude people better around you and leave things in a better place or love towards me is really special,’’ she said. “It’s really overthan where you found them. whelming. I know that I’m a well-liked figure and an important “To me that’s the whole point and that’s what I take most person in this game. I’m not trying to minimize that, or trying pride in.” to play too humble. I do know my impact, but it’s one thing to DAWN ENNIS know it, and then to really feel it and see it, see some of the

NHL bans ‘Pride Tape’ use by all 32 teams for 2023-2024 season

typically auctioned off to raise NEW YORK, NY. - In a move money for LGBTQ+ charities in first reported by LGBTQ sports each team’s hometown. blog Outsports, the National But from now on, no pro Hockey League has banned hockey player will be wearing the use of ‘Pride Tape’ across those rainbow jerseys during all 32 teams in the league. This warm-ups. comes a week after ESPN reThe change was prompted ported the league clarified in

by NHL Commissioner Gary a memo, sent out to all team Bettman’s recommendation, franchises, regarding ‘special which he signaled was coming initiatives’ teams could parin a March interview with CTV ticipate in including LGBTQ+ News: “This is one issue where ‘Pride Nights.’

Washington Capitals players use Pride Tape during warmups players for a variety of reaESPN’s Ryan Clark reported at Hockey is for Everyone night in Washington, D.C. sons may not feel comfortable that one section of the memo (Screenshot/YouTube Washington Capitals Hockey) wearing the uniform as a form stated: “Players shall not be of endorsement,” said Bettput in the position of having man. to demonstrate (or where they may be appearing to demonA grand total of seven NHL players, out of 1,123, decided to strate) personal support for any Special Initiatives. A factor that skip pregame warmups on Pride Nights when their teammates may be considered in this regard includes, for example, whethwore the special rainbow-themed jerseys before games, starter a Player (or Players) is required to be in close proximity to ing with Ivan Provorov, as the Los Angeles Blade reported in any groups or individuals visibly or otherwise clearly associated January. with such Special Initiative(s).”’

At that time, the Russian defenseman played for the PhilaThis past June, the NHL’s Board of Governors agreed that delphia Flyers, and claimed a religious exemption based on his players will no longer wear special rainbow-colored PrideRussian Orthodox faith. Provorov’s decision was defended by themed jerseys during warm-ups next season. coach John Tortorella.

The specially-designed jerseys will continue to be manufacHe was followed by James Reimer, a goaltender for the San tured and sold, and players will still have the option to autoJose Sharks, and Canadian brothers Eric and Marc Staal of the graph or even model them. The autographed Pride jerseys are 06 • OCTOBER 13, 2023 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM

Florida Panthers, who also cited their religious beliefs for not participating. Canada is home to the vast majority of NHL players, followed by American, Swedish and Russian athletes.

Commissioner Bettman’s recommendation was criticized by many players - including two-time Stanley Cup Tampa Bay Lightning’s Steven Stamkos who told reporters at the time: ‘’It was 98 percent or 99 percent of other players that wore the jersey and enjoyed wearing it and were proud wearing it, whatever jersey it was, whether it was the Pride, the military night, the cancer nights.

In its story, categorizing the NHL banning Pride Tape, as the league creating its own ‘Don’t Say Gay’ policy, Outsports noted that the action taken is, as far as Outsports is aware, “the most stifling, anti-LGBTQ policy any pro sports league in North America has ever issued.”

The message the NHL is sending: Hockey is not for everyone.

The use of ‘Pride Tape’ was promulgated by NHL and NHLPA in an effort to eradicate homophobia under the NHL’s Hockey Is For Everyone banner, and has been a program that has proven to be widely performative under the supervision of NHL’s executive vice-president Kim Davis.

One person noted on background to Arun Srinivasan, a contributing writer for Yahoo Sports Canada, that use of ‘Pride Tape’ is a small but important act of solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities, allowing NHL players to show their support in a visible way on the ice.

The NHL, the NHLPA and their partner You Can Play have yet to comment on Outsports’ original report.

DAWN ENNIS

President Biden to keynote HRC National Dinner WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden will give the keynote address and first lady Jill Biden will deliver remarks during the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner on Saturday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in D.C. In a press release, HRC President Kelley Robinson said, “We are incredibly excited and humbled to welcome President Biden and the first lady to our National Dinner.”

Robinson added, “It is up to all of us to combat this hate and show anti-LGBTQ+ extremists the growing power of our community.”

“The Biden administration has been exceptional advocates and change-makers for LGBTQ+ people across this country and the world,” she said. “Despite the truly monumental steps

President BIDEN speaks with Press Secretary KARINE JEANPIERRE, the first openly gay press secretary in the Oval Office on Monday, September 25, 2023. (Official White House Photo by Cameron Smith)

NATIONAL

the Biden administration have made for LGBTQ+ equality, like lifting the blanket ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood, enforcing nondiscrimination laws to protect LGBTQ+ people, and signing the Respect for Marriage Act into law, our community is living in a state of emergency — full stop.”

Biden has attended the dinner four times, delivering the keynote twice when vice president during the Obama-Biden administration. Vice President Kamala Harris headlined last year’s dinner, warning the audience that “the very existence of LGBTQ+ people is under assault.”

Months later, HRC would issue a state of emergency for LGBTQ Americans.

CHRISTOPHER KANE

Anti-LGBTQ Libs of TikTok targets Dept. of Interior spokesperson WASHINGTON - A group of anti-LGBTQ right-wing pundits led by Libs of TikTok creator Chaya Raichik have led an online harassment campaign against Out queer Tyler Cherry, principal deputy communications director and senior spokesperson for the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The attacks began on Thursday afternoon, when Raichik shared a post on X featuring a photo of Cherry -- which looks like an official headshot -- writing, “This is the Communications Director for the Secretary of Interior”.

Conservative news outlet The Blaze followed suit with a nearly identical post.

Hours later, Libs of TikTok shared more photos of Cherry in a post proclaiming, “Meet Tyler Cherry. The queer spokesperson for the @Interior.” The group also highlighted some of their past social media posts and previous employment with a progressive nonprofit.

Raychik has come under fire for promulgating, by proxy, bomb threats against schools and educators that came after they were targeted by her on the Libs of Tik-

Tok social media accounts.

Cherry, who held high profile roles for major Democratic consulting firm SKDK and also within the Biden-Harris administration prior to his appointment at Interior, was honored among the Forbes “30 Under 30” list for media professionals.

Cherry did not respond to a request for comment. The FBI, which investigates and prosecutes threats against government officials, also did not immediately return a request for comment.

Human Rights Campaign National Press Secretary Brandon Wolf condemned the harassment of Cherry in a statement to the Washington Blade: “Last week, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert hurled a transphobic tirade at US Asst. Secretary of Defense for Readiness Shawn Skelly; this week, it’s Libs Of TikTok creator Chaya Raichik targeting Dept. of Interior Spokesperson Tyler Cherry. Simply for being who they are.”

Wolf continued, “This vile harassment is more of the extremist agenda to demonize the LGBTQ+ community and

divide the country -- and it’s exactly the kind of hateful rhetoric that has led to spiking violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, mounting threats of violence against schools and children’s hospitals, and plunged the community into a state of emergency.”

He added, “Shame on those who peddle hate for clicks and cheap political points. We are grateful for the work of these talented public servants and the inspiration they bring to so many.”

In a statement to The Advocate on Friday, a White House spokesperson said “No one should be targeted simply for being themselves. It is cruel and unacceptable. This is an administration that believes to our core in the principle that out of many we are one — and we are proud that the people who serve in it reflect those values as well.”

The statement continued, “Tyler is an invaluable member of our team who continues to deliver for the Department of Interior and the American people.”

CONTINUED AT LOSANGELESBLADE.COM

USN’s Club Q hero given valor award for actions during shooting COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - U.S. Navy Information Systems Technician Petty Officer Second Class Thomas James was awarded The Navy and Marine Corps Medal this week for his actions taken as one of the three persons who tackled and then disarmed the shooter in the LGBTQ+ Club Q nightclub mass shooting in Colorado Springs last November.

According to Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez at a press conference last year, James, Army veteran Rich Fierro and a trans woman, all joined in the courageous takedown, disarming the 22-year-old suspect and holding him until the arrival by responding Colorado Springs police officers.

James had grabbed the barrel of the weapon and restrained the gunman until the police arrived and took the assailant into custody, a Navy press release said.

He suffered a gunshot wound in his abdomen and burned his hands as a result of his actions. Still, he offered his seat in an ambulance to another injured person.

“I simply wanted to save the family I found,” James, originally from West Virginia, said in a statement in November 2022. “If I had my way, I would shield everyone I could from the nonsensical acts of hate in the world, but I am only one person.”

The shooter walked into Club Q late on Nov. 19 with multiple

Information Systems Technician Second Class THOMAS JAMES, right, receives the Navy and Marine Corps Medal from Rear Adm. SCOTT ROBERTSON, director of Plans, Policy and Strategy for North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, at a ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, near Colorado Springs, Oct. 5.

(Joshua Armstrong/Department of Defense)

firearms and is accused of killing five people. At least 18 others were injured.

The Navy Times reported that Rear Adm. Scott Robertson,

director of Plans, Policy and Strategy for North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, presented the award to James on Thursday at Peterson Space Forces Base in Colorado Springs.

Robertson said ahead of the ceremony he asked James, who is assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency, why he chose to act the way he did.

“He said, ‘I wanted to buy time for my friends. I wanted to protect my community,’” Robertson said at the ceremony, according to the Navy press release.

Robertson also said James’ actions caused him to reflect on how he himself would have responded if put in the same situation.

“I myself can only hope that I would channel the courage in our Navy core values like he did,” Admiral Robertson said at the ceremony. “But, we don’t have to wait for crisis to apply core values. We can and should apply them every day. That’s what I am taking away from the lessons you taught us all.”

The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the highest noncombat award for heroism and typically is awarded to those who put their own life in jeopardy.

BRODY LEVESQUE

LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • OCTOBER 13, 2023 • 07

NATIONAL

Campus Pride’s absolute worst & unsafe colleges list 2023

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Campus Pride’s list of the worst colleges and universities for LGBTQ+ students in the United States has grown to 196. This year, three new campuses were added and updates were made to nearly one-third of the campuses on the list, documenting new instances of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination.

“The Worst List provides prospective college students and their families with crucial information about the most blatantly unsafe campuses in the country for LGBTQ+ people,” said Campus Pride Founder, CEO and Executive Director Shane Mendez Windmeyer. “It is absolutely necessary to bring attention to campuses that have a documented history of anti-LGBTQ+ actions or that have chosen to openly discriminate against LGBTQ+ people, often shamelessly using religion as a justification to discriminate.”

In order to be on the Worst List, a campus must have a documented history of anti-LGBTQ+ actions, programs and practices, or have applied for a Title IX religious exemption.

Religious colleges often ask the federal government for Title IX exemptions so that they can discriminate against LGBTQ+ students, while still receiving federal taxpayer funding.

The new additions to the Worst List are: Faulkner University (Montgomery, Alabama), which received a Title IX religious exemption to openly discriminate against LGBTQ+ people in March 2023.

Oak Valley College (Rialto, CA), which received a Title IX religious exemption in March 2023 and mentions “homosexuality” as immoral sexual activity that goes against the personal conduct honor code, along with other statements in the Student Handbook that negatively target LGBTQ+ students.

Welch College (Gallatin, Tennessee), which has a recent history of anti-LGBTQ discrimination with an alleged Title IX violation.

Under Title IX statutes, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity operated by a recipient of Federal financial assistance, any educational institution “controlled by a religious organization” may apply

for an exemption if adhering to the requirements of Title IX “would not be consistent with the religious tenets of such organization.”

LGBTQ event last September 2022 in the Johnson Center at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

(Photo Credit: Campus Pride)

However, a Title IX exemption does not offer a carte blanche to discriminate in all areas. When a college applies to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) for an exemption, they must request permission regarding a specific issue, policy or practice — essentially stating a specific intent to discriminate against LGBTQ+ students.

One highlight from this year’s updates to the Worst List is the egregious case of Baylor University in Waco, Texas. The campus was granted a Title IX religious exemption that not only covers housing, admissions, and the requirement to provide “comparable facilities,” but also includes sexual harassment.

In the letter from the OCR approving Baylor’s exemption, a note states: “the University requests assurance ‘that the belief in or practice of its religious tenets by the University or its students’ would not constitute ‘unwelcome conduct’ under the Department’s definition of ‘sexual harassment’ under Title IX.”

Baylor is the first known university to have requested and received a Title IX religious exemption that covers sexual harassment “The freedom of religion is important — but that freedom doesn’t give anyone the right to discriminate, harass and inflict lasting harm on students, and that’s what’s happening at every single college and university on the Worst List. Discrimination against LGBTQ+ people has become more visible and blatant on many college campuses this year, even under the current Democratic administration,” said Windmeyer.

“The fact that, in 2023, our federal government is still granting campuses like Baylor an exemption from laws protecting LGBTQ+ students from sexual harassment is something that’s shocking and disturbing. It is cause for great alarm — and is sure to embolden other religiously-affiliated colleges and universities.”

Other Worst List colleges that raised special concern this year include: Point Loma Nazarene University (San Diego, California), where a dean was allegedly fired for “insubordination,” because he sided with a colleague who had been terminated due to her support for LGBTQ+ rights.

Geneva College (Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania), where a gay women’s soccer coach says she was fired due to a social media post supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

Campus Pride Since 2001, Campus Pride has been the leading national organization dedicated to building future LGBTQ and ally leaders and creating safer communities at colleges and universities. Learn more at CampusPride.org.

Campus Pride maintains annual listings of the Best of the Best Colleges & Universities for LGBTQ+ Students and the Worst List: The Absolute Worst, Most Unsafe Campuses for LGBTQ+ Youth.

LA BLADE STAFF

ACLU of Tenn. sues over Murfreesboro anti-LGBTQ+ ordinance

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, ACLU, Ballard Spahr, and Burr Forman filed a lawsuit in federal court against the city of Murfreesboro, on behalf of the Tennessee Equality Project (TEP), founder and host of the annual BoroPride Festival.

The lawsuit challenges a new anti-drag city ordinance and a local policy denying all special event request permits

by TEP. The lawsuit was filed after the Murfreesboro mayor and city manager engaged in a yearlong, concerted anti-LGBTQ+ campaign to chill TEP and Murfreesboro residents’ protected speech and expression, culminating in the city establishing an official policy prohibiting the issuance of permits to TEP; discriminatorily and unconstitutionally denying TEP’s request for a permit for 2023 BoroPride; and implementing a sweeping and vague ordinance designed to censor any LGBTQ+ speech or conduct within the Murfreesboro community or from TEP. This ordinance has already been utilized to ban multiple LGBTQ+ books from Murfreesboro public libraries.

“BoroPride celebrates the growing and vibrant LGBTQ+

community in the Murfreesboro area,” said TEP executive director, Chris Sanders. “Being able to hold our events in public spaces on the same terms as any other group is the basic fairness that we seek.”

The lawsuit alleges that the defendants are explicitly seeking to restrict protected speech and expression because they disagree with its content, its message and its messenger. The lawsuit further alleges that the ordinance is unconstitutionally broad and vague and discriminatorily chills the free speech rights of Murfreesboro residents, violating the First Amendment. The lawsuit also challenges the ordinance’s discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community as a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment.

“The government has no right to censor LGBTQ+ people and our expression,” said ACLU-TN legal director, Stella Yarbrough. “Restricting drag performances and censoring affirming LGBTQ+ messages are discriminatory actions and violate community members’ First Amendment rights.”

“We stand with the plaintiff and the ACLU in challenging these blatantly unconstitutional restrictions on expression, as well as the city’s discrimination against the LGBTQ+ com-

08 • OCTOBER 13, 2023 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM

munity,” said Michael P. Robotti, partner in Ballard Spahr’s Litigation Department. “The city is taking these actions against the Tennessee Equality Project and the BoroPride Festival simply because city leaders disagree with their proLGBTQ+ message – and that’s a violation of the law and plaintiff’s constitutional rights.”

“Murfreesboro officials have engaged in a baseless, unconstitutional campaign to censor and restrict the lawful speech of BoroPride,” said Li Nowlin-Sohl, staff attorney for the ACLU’s LGBTQ & HIV Project. “This festival and the countless like it around the country celebrate the freedom of self-expression and cultivate community, solidarity, and joy among LGBTQ people. We’re filing this claim on behalf of BoroPride to ensure all residents of Murfreesboro know they can’t be targeted by their local officials simply for disagreeing with them.”

The plaintiff is asking the court to find Murfreesboro’s new anti-drag ordinance unconstitutional and to stop the city from enforcing its blanket denial of all future special event permits applied for by TEP. LA BLADE STAFF

INTERNATIONAL

LGBTQ groups rally to support Israelis during war

LGBTQ rights groups in Israel have rallied to support to those who have been impacted by their country’s war against Hamas that began Saturday.

Hila Peer, chair of the Aguda, the Association for LGBTQ Equality in Israel, on Monday said her organization and other Israeli LGBTQ rights groups have launched an “operation to take in people” who have been evacuated from communities in southern Israel that are near the Gaza Strip. The Aguda has also encouraged anyone to reach out if they want to donate food or equipment to members of the Israel Defense Forces or offer “a listening ear.”

Members of Ma’avarim, an Israeli transgender rights group, cook meals for Israel Defense Forces members in Tel Aviv.

(Photo courtesy of Ma’avarim’s Facebook page)

“We are here for each other,” reads a post to the Aguda’s Facebook page. “Let’s not go through this alone.”

“We’re keeping safe, trying to do everything we can to help our friends in reserves right now and people in active service,” Peer told the Washington Blade.

Hoshen, an advocacy group that works in secular Israeli

schools, on its website also encouraged its members to donate food and equipment and host evacuees from southern Israel. Hoshen, like the Aguda, has also pledged to help Israelis who the war has directly impacted.

“Our role as a community is to stand together, hand in hand and heart to heart, to help, assist, support and encourage them,” said Hoshen.

Maya Arbel, executive director of Ma’avarim, a transgender rights group, on Tuesday said she and her colleagues are cooking meals for IDF soldiers and collecting donations. “[During] these times, it’s crucial for the transgender community in Israel to be part of Israeli society and contribute to civic efforts, fostering a sense of unity with the hope and goal of coming together and improving our situation during this crisis,” Arbel told the Blade.

Arbel said Ma’avarim is also working to ensure trans people continue to have access to health care and other basic needs during the war.

“The transgender community in emergency situations are especially vulnerable, as not every space is accommodating to transgender identities, and those who rely on medical resources may be marginalized due to the emergency situation,” said Arbel. “These days of chaos emphasize the importance of preparedness and know-how for aid and calmness.”

A Wider Bridge — a U.S.-based organization that seeks to build “a movement of LGBTQ people and allies with a strong interest in and commitment to supporting Israel and its LGBTQ communities” — is accepting donations on its website that it will send to Israeli advocacy groups.

Hamas, which the U.S. and Israel have designated a terrorist organization, on Saturday launched a surprise attack against communities in southern Israel from Gaza.

The Israeli government has said more than 1,200 people have been killed, including at least 260 people who Hamas

militants murdered at an all-night music festival in a kibbutz near the border between Israel and Gaza. The Israeli government also says more than 3,000 people have been injured in the country since the war began and Hamas militants kidnapped at least 150 others.

Hamas rockets have reached Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Ben Gurion Airport and other locations in central and southern Israel. The AP reports IDF forces and Hezbollah, another militant group, have exchanged fire across the Israeli-Lebanese border.

The Palestinian Health Ministry on its website says Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed 1,055 people and injured 5,184 others. The Israeli government has cut electricity and water to the territory and has stopped food and fuel shipments.

“As a community, we stand with the people of Israel and condemn those who choose terror and torture over peace,” said Congregation Bet Mishpachah, an LGBTQ synagogue in D.C., on Tuesday in a statement sent to the Blade. “For many, Israel not only represents the homeland of the Jewish people, but also stands out as a beacon of freedom, hope and acceptance for LGBTQ+ Jews and non-Jews alike in the Middle East and around the world.”

Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin joined D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Eliav Benjamin, the deputy chief of mission for the Israeli Embassy in Washington, among thousands of others, at a prayer vigil that took place at Adas Israel Congregation in Northwest D.C. on Tuesday.

“We recognize the necessity for the people and State of Israel’s right to defend themselves against groups who wish to take away those freedoms and seek the total annihilation of the Jewish people,” said Bet Mishpachah in its statement. “Our hearts mourn the loss of innocent lives in Gaza as well.”

Continues at washingtonblade.com.

MICHAEL K. LAVERS

Gay Israeli man’s friends killed during music festival massacre

A man whose boyfriend is an officer in the Israel Defense Forces said Hamas militants killed several of his friends who were attending a music festival in southern Israel on Saturday.

“I don’t know just one … I can’t even count right now,” Shmuel Hugi told the Washington Blade on Tuesday during a WhatsApp interview from his home in Tel Aviv.

Hugi, 29, spoke with the Blade three days after Hamas, which the U.S. and Israel have designated a terrorist organization, launched a surprise attack against communities in southern Israel from the Gaza Strip.

He said upwards of 3,000 people were at the all-night Tribe of Nova music festival that was taking place near Re’im, a kibbutz that is three miles from the border between Israel and Gaza, when the attack began on Saturday at around 6:30 a.m. local time (11 p.m. ET on Friday.)

Israeli officials say Hamas militants killed at least 260 people at the festival. They kidnapped what the Associated Press has reported as “a still undetermined number” of others and brought them back to Gaza.

Hugi said he received an invitation to attend the festival.

“My friends went there, some of them,” he told the Blade.

“I just heard the stories from the families and the survi-

SHMUEL HUGI (right) with his boyfriend DENNIS, who is a member of the Israel Defense Forces.

(Photo via Shmuel Hugi’s Instagram)

vors,” added Hugi. “They are terrifying.”

Hugi said he does not know anyone who the militants kidnapped and brought into Gaza. Many of his friends, however, have relatives who remain missing.

“They’re assuming they’re over there (in Gaza) because

of no signs of life or contact or what happened,” said Hugi.

Hugi and his boyfriend, Dennis, met a year ago. They live together in Tel Aviv.

“From the moment I saw him I knew he was going to be my husband,” Hugi told the Blade.

Dennis, 25, was on a weekend leave from IDF earlier this month when he and Hugi attended a “Pride festival party” for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. Upwards of 20,000 people attended the event that Israeli DJ Offer Nissim headlined.

The party coincided with Dennis and Hugi’s birthdays, which are Oct. 2 and Oct. 3 respectively.

Hugi said the IDF was about to transfer his boyfriend to another assignment that would have allowed him to remain at home more often. Hugi told the Blade the commander who was going to replace him has been killed.

“Now we don’t know how he’s going to continue and how it’s going to affect our relationship and our plans for the future, but this is the smallest problem now,” he said.

Two of Hugi’s brothers are also in the IDF and have been deployed.

“I can’t say it’s easy,” said Hugi. “It’s not.”

Continues at washingtonblade.com.

MICHAEL K. LAVERS

LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • OCTOBER 13, 2023 • 09

ETHAN FELSON

is the executive director of A Wider Bridge, an organization that builds a strong relationship between the LGBTQ communities in North America and Israel.

Amid unspeakable violence, silence isn’t an option

Hamas militants launch surprise attack on Israel killing hundreds Most mornings, we wake from our dreams. But on Oct. 7, Israelis and all who support them awoke to a nightmare. Hamas, the terror group that rules the Gaza Strip, viciously attacked Israel by land, sea, and air, on the Sabbath and a Jewish holiday.

Hundreds of Israelis have been murdered, thousands more are injured, and many others have been taken hostage. This horrifying act of violence is personal to all Israelis, and to many other Americans, including me.

The very real issues that have caused division recently seem distant today — and even trivial — while our friends in Israel are locked in safe rooms, listening to sirens blaring and rockets exploding overhead.

Hamas’s attack was brutal, calculated and designed to inflict the maximum physical harm to the maximum number of innocent civilians. There is devastating emotional harm to ordinary Israelis. Hamas murdered elderly people in the street. They pulled families from their homes, including young children, and are keeping them hostage. They paraded young people and the elderly, dead and alive, through the streets of Gaza. The echoes of the past are deafening.

Dear friends of ours are in deep trauma right now. Funerals are happening. The injured are suffering. We are all distraught with worry about those who have been abducted. Their pictures fill our social media feeds.

Please hear the pain that our friends and family are experiencing. And do something.

Many of us have condemned atrocities in Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, Iran and elsewhere. We have taken action, lobbied and posted our opinions online. While this may feel like just another hopeless horror in the world, please don’t be silent now.

This is not a “both sides” situation.

Whatever the grievances of Israel’s Palestinian neighbors, this is an unprovoked act of war that will cause boundless suffering and devastation to everyone involved. There is no calculation by which this terror brings us any closer to peace or justice.

Sadly, this type of escalation and violence isn’t new. Since its founding, Israel has never known a day without threats to its very existence.

I know that many around the world look at Israel as a powerful player. Those who know Israelis well, and I hope every reader has had the opportunity to know some Israelis, recognize a different calculus. Israelis may be grateful for military strength, but they’ve always known that very powerful forces are aligned against it. Israelis feel that keenly right now. And those who

connect with Israel, who have visited, or have friends and family there feel that now as well.

Your voice matters — on social media, in articles and op-eds and in your everyday conversations. Many people who are close to Israel feel isolated and unsafe, including in the LGBTQ community.

I can just imagine the pain that college students must be feeling on campuses where their connection to Israel is used against them. The country they love, and perhaps loved ones who live there, are under attack. Will they feel safe to share their pain without inviting harm from others? Can they come to queer spaces to find support? I am thinking in particular about what happened recently at Rice University. The leading LGBTQ group there decided to boycott the school’s leading Jewish group. Rice PRIDE falsely branded Hillel International as hostile to Palestinians — and singled out the main Jewish group on campus, Rice Hillel, for a boycott. In effect, Rice PRIDE was acting out a version of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, using LGBTQ Jewish students as a proxy to demonstrate opposition to the Israeli government.

This discriminatory act, like many others on other campuses and across parts of the LGBTQ community, leaves LGBTQ Jews feeling they have to choose between their LGBTQ and their Jewish identities — especially since national identity and connection to Israel is so deeply woven into how many Jews experience our faith. Imagine the isolation they feel on that campus, having once had a close partnership between the Pride and Hillel groups. Now imagine this against the rising tide of anti-Semitism and LGBTQ phobia in our broader society.

It’s a daunting situation for these students, made even more acute and devastating after this latest outbreak of violence in Israel.

Imagine instead how those same students and other LGBTQ Jews might feel knowing that there are LGBTQ people who stand with them?

Much of what happens around the world can feel out of our control, and it’s easy to feel like our actions can’t possibly make a difference. Now is the time to put one foot in front of the other and take action on the things we can change. Standing in solidarity with LGBTQ Jews is one concrete action we all can take together.

May the coming days bring peace, justice, and understanding to Israel, the region, and all of us around the world as we deal with this violent and dangerous moment.

V O L U M E 07 I S S U E 41

ADDRESS 8237 Blackburn Avenue Ste. 201, Los Angeles, CA 90048 PHONE 310-230-5266 E-MAIL tmasters@losangelesblade.com INTERNET losangelesblade.com PUBLISHED BY Los Angeles Blade, LLC PUBLISHER TROY MASTERS tmasters@losangelesblade.com, 310-230-5266 x 8080 SALES & ADMINISTRATION SALES EXECUTIVE SHANA WONG SOLARES swong@losangelesblade.com, 808-386-0872 SALES/EVENT MARKETING EXECUTIVE ANDREW BEAVER abeaver@losangelesblade.com, 646-907-4482 NATIONAL ADVERTISING RIVENDELL MEDIA sales@rivendellmedia.com, 212-242-6863 MARKETING DIRECTOR STEPHEN RUTGERS srutgers@washblade.com, 202-747-2077 x 8077 EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTING WRITER KAREN OCAMB karenocamb@losangelesblade.com NATIONAL EDITOR KEVIN NAFF knaff@washblade.com, 202-747-2077 x 8088 EDITOR BRODY LEVESQUE California CONTRIBUTORS

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

ADMINISTRATION PHILLIP G. ROCKSTROH prockstroh@washblade.com, 202-747-2077 x 8092 CREATIVE DESIGN/PRODUCTION AZERCREATIVE.COM DISTRIBUTION CHRISTOPHER JACKSON, 562-826-6602

All material in the Los Angeles Blade is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Los Angeles Blade. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons. Although the Los Angeles Blade is supported by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Unsolicited editorial material is accepted by the Los Angeles Blade, but the paper cannot take responsibility for its return. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit any submission. A single copy of the Los Angeles Blade is available from authorized distribution points, to any individual within a 50-mile radius of Los Angeles, CA. Multiple copies are available from the Los Angeles Blade office only. Call for rates. If you are unable to get to a convenient free distribution point, you may receive a 52-week mailed subscription for $195 per year or $5.00 per single issue. Checks or credit card orders can be sent to Phil Rockstroh at prockstroh@washblade.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Los Angeles Blade, PO BOX 53352 Washington, DC 20009. The Los Angeles Blade is published weekly, on Friday, by Los Angeles Blade, LLC. Rates for businesses/ institutions are $450 per year. Periodical postage paid at Los Angeles, CA., and additional mailing offices. Editorial positions of the Los Angeles Blade are expressed in editorials and in editors’ notes as determined by the paper’s editors. Other opinions are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Los Angeles Blade or its staff. To submit a letter or commentary: Letters should be fewer than 400 words; commentaries should be fewer than 750 words.

Submissions may be edited for content and length, and must include a name, address and phone number for verification. Send submissions by e-mail to tmasters@losangelesblade.com.

2023 GLAAD Media Awards

10 • OCTOBER 13, 2023 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM

©2023 LOS ANGELES BLADE, LLC.

TYLER JOHNSON

a sophomore at the University at Albany, is pursuing a dual major in Public Policy/Management and Social Welfare.

Candace Owens’ mission: Exploitation & sustainment of oppression

While free speech is a cornerstone of our democracy, it’s essential to distinguish between legitimate discourse and harmful rhetoric ALBANY, N.Y. - Candace Owens, the 33-year-old conservative commentator who rose to fame after her support for former President Donald Trump, who the extreme, right-wing idolizes, now loves to travel to college campuses to harass students.

If you’ve heard of Candace Owens, you might be familiar with her radical beliefs. Here is a short list, accompanied by titles of her podcast episodes.

According to the New Yorker, This is What “Enrages” Candace: • The Trans-Rights Movement • The Body-Positivity Movement • The Black Lives Matter Movement • The “LGBTQ Agenda” • The Democratic Party And According to Her Podcast Titles, the Following is also Important for Her to Highlight: • “Why I Used to Support Gay Rights” • “Is Homosexuality Ruining Western Civilization?”

• “Juneteenth is Ghetto and Made Up” • “Why I Am Not an “Ally” to the Gay Community” • “Therapy is Ruining Western Civilization” • “White Lives Matter” • “5 Reasons Everyone Hates Pride Month” • “LGBT Agenda Madness” That’s not even close to half of them, and the titles don’t even do the insane words she speaks during these episodes justice.

Turning Point USA hosted Owens at my university, the University at Albany, this past week where her outlandish views were on full display. I use the term outlandish not only because I disagree with her but to reflect her statements deeming equality movements “one of the most dangerous” and “evil” things, that feminism is bad, her characterization that homosexuality is only about lust, not love, and her active promotion of conspiracy theories. The things she speaks about aren’t simple matters of differing opinion; they are matters of human life and morality. Her idea that one group of people deserves less than another simply because of who they are is un-American and does not sit right with me. So, I confronted her face-to-face.

At her October 3rd tour stop, Owens had a lot to say, and so did the members of the queer community. During the Q&A portion, I stepped up to the mic and said: “… what’s so perplexing to me is how you choose to only

focus on things that are negative when it comes to the queer community. Do you not realize that people like you are the reason we have to be so openly proud of who we are? Your demented, homophobic, and transphobic rants just further prove our point that we have to fight loudly to be respected.

The reason that LGBTQIA+ suicide rates are so high isn’t just because we are part of the community, it’s because of people like you who make us feel like we don’t belong. The only “LGBTQ agenda” we are pushing is for equality. How do you and how do you think other people with your beliefs respond to the fact that your hateful and harmful rhetoric cost the lives of queer children every single day, on average every 45 seconds.”

Her response was predictable, veering into anti-trans rhetoric as she went on a tangent using an extreme, exaggerated scenario, that was almost entirely unrelated to my overall question. In my question, I was focused on the entire LGBTQ+ community and the dire impact her words and those of her peers have on so many. She began to argue that suicide rates skyrocket after trans individuals transition, but in reality, only 1% of people ever regret transitioning.

According to the National Library of Medicine: “A narrative review was undertaken evaluating suicide-related outcomes following gender-affirming surgery, hormones, and/or puberty blockers. Of the 23 studies that met the inclusion criteria, the majority indicated a reduction in suicidality following gender-affirming treatment…”

While we’re talking about the facts of LGBTQ+ suicidality, according to the Trevor Project’s 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People, “41% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year — and young people who are transgender, nonbinary, and/or people of color reported higher rates than their peers, Transgender and nonbinary young people who reported that all of the people they live with respect their pronouns reported lower rates of attempting suicide, Nearly 1 in 3 LGBTQ young people said their mental health was poor most of the time or always due to anti-LGBTQ policies and legislation, and Nearly 2 in 3 LGBTQ young people said that hearing about potential state or local laws banning people from discussing LGBTQ people at school made their mental health a lot worse.”

Owens and others disavow responsibility for statis-

tics like these, but the hostile responses to my interaction with her underscore the harm her rhetoric perpetuates.

The threatening DMs I receive all day show exactly how her supporters feel about the LGBTQ+ community.

They are further supporting my claim that conservative pundits like her want queer people to feel like they don’t belong.

Now, back to her bullying tactics of college students.

Candace, in her latest podcast episode quotes a college student’s question to her saying: “What do you have to say to the trans students on this campus who feel actively victimized by your presence here?”

I’m sure you’ve all seen the now viral clip of Candace responding by saying: “Life’s tough, get a helmet, man.”

Owens is eating up the fame she’s gotten from this clip and has even gone as far as making a sweatshirt with the quote on it. She also took it a step further in her most recent podcast episode by saying: “I also recommend her getting some knee pads. She seems especially fragile.”

As the episode goes on, she says this individual is pursuing victimization by “making sure she was one of the first to buy tickets before they sold out.” But tickets weren’t for sale, no one bought tickets to this event.

People like Candace Owens and many other conservative commentators specifically target liberal colleges like UAlbany because they know students who disagree with them will come out to express their opposition to their presence. To me, it sounds like they know people will feel threatened and victimized by them because of their harmful rhetoric and behavior.

Political commentators such as Candace Owens and their campus visits are not merely exercises in free expression but rather opportunities for them to amplify divisive views that contribute to the marginalization and harm of vulnerable communities. It’s imperative that we engage in critical dialogue, challenge harmful narratives, and foster an atmosphere of inclusivity and respect on our college campuses.

While free speech is a cornerstone of our democracy, it’s essential to distinguish between legitimate discourse and harmful rhetoric. Where must the line be drawn between hate speech and free speech?

LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • OCTOBER 13, 2023 • 11

LGBTQ+ bars in Latin America: A reporter’s notebook These spaces are not available to everyone

By MICHAEL K. LAVERS (Editor’s note: ReVista: the Harvard Review of Latin America originally published this story on Oct. 5.)

La Purísima is an unapologetically irreverent gay bar on Avenida República de Cuba in A drag queen dressed as Frida Kahlo at Porky’s Divine in Mexicali, Mexico, on July downtown Mexi22, 2018. (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers) co City. One of its most endearing features is the staff who dress as Catholic priests and nuns.

I was on assignment in Mexico City for the Washington Blade, the oldest LGBTQ+ newspaper in the United States for which I am the international news editor, in July when I decided to go to la Purí, as the bar’s known for short. I arrived shortly after 11 a.m. and spent the next 90 minutes or so dancing and slowly sipping shots of mezcal. I was walking outside to get some fresh air when Sergio, a staff person who was dressed as a priest, approached me in the hallway that led to the door and asked me if I wanted to go to confession. I said yes, and he led me to a small booth on the sidewalk. He unlocked the makeshift confessional and we went inside. I had learned in my childhood Confraternity of Christian Doctrine class at St. Thomas Aquinas Church that what one says inside a confessional remains between the penitent, the priest (and God.) I am not one to question Sergio’s standing within the church, but that night at la Purí was quite a memorable one.

I have reported from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Miami, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Peru, Chile and Brazil since the Blade hired me in 2012. One of the “traditions” that I have while on assignment in a particular place is to visit a gay bar.

Community, regardless of place, is critically important and gay bars are a good way to interact with a certain segment of it that is privileged enough to have access to these spaces.

Some of my favorite places that I have visited while in Latin America are gay bars and clubs. They offer patrons a safe (and fun) place to be themselves, but before I list them I would like to note that not all LGBTQ+ people have access to these safe spaces.

• Bar Lou Lou is a small bar on Rua Teixeira de Melo in the heart of Rio de Janeiro’s Ipanema neighborhood. I was on assignment in Brazil twice in 2022 to cover the country’s presidential election. One night after dinner, I discovered the bar, a couple of blocks from the apartment in which I stayed while I was in Rio in March 2022.

I saw Pride flags and a group of people standing outside on the sidewalk. Walking inside, I ordered a caipirinha and soaked up the lively atmosphere. I returned to the bar a couple of days after. It was my last night in Rio before I flew back to D.C. A Brazilian volleyball player introduced himself to me and invited me to hang out with a group of people from the United States, France and the U.K. whom he had just met. I speak limited Portuguese and his English was limited, but the language barrier did not matter to me and to the group of friends we had just made. We danced and drank caipirinhas for several hours inside

the bar and on the sidewalk until closing time at midnight. We exchanged phone numbers and Instagram handles before we hugged each other and said goodbye. I remain in touch with several of them today.

• Indie Lounge is a gay bar in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, that I visited on Feb. 9, 2022, while I was on assignment in the country.

Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power had attended Honduran President Xiomara Castro’s inauguration a few weeks earlier. I was driving to an interview with Victor Grajeda, the first openly gay man elected to the Honduran Congress, in San Pedro Sula, two days earlier when I heard on the radio the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced sanctions against former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández for corruption. (Honduran authorities on Feb. 15, 2022, arrested Hernández at his Tegucigalpa home after the United States requested his extradition on drug trafficking and weapons charges. Hernández’s brother, former Congressman Juan Antonio “Tony” Hernández, is serving a life sentence in the United States after a federal jury convicted him of trafficking tons of cocaine into the country.) On the night I visited, Indie Lounge staff invited patrons to submit messages that would then appear on television screens throughout the bar. One of the messages read, ‘happy divorce, Andrés.” My husband’s name is Andrés, and I began to laugh when I saw it.

• Las Tunas, Cuba, is a provincial capital about 400 miles southeast of Havana. The National Center for Sexual Education (CENESEX), a group directed by Mariela Castro, the daughter of former Cuban President Raúl Castro, organized a series of events in the city in May 2015 to commemorate the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBiT), which honors the World Health Organization’s decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder on May 17, 1990.

The bone-jarring drive from Havana to Las Tunas took more than 10 hours, and I finally arrived in the city shortly before 1 a.m. on May 16. The IDAHOBiT march that Mariela Castro led took place a few hours later. She and two activists later paid homage to Vicente García, a leading figure in the 10 Years’ War from 1868-1878 during which Cubans fought for independence from Spain, during a ceremony that took place in Las Tunas’ main square.

CENESEX also organized a party at a local nightclub on the city’s outskirts. It was around 2:30 a.m. on May 17 when a local bus driver introduced himself to me and asked if I wanted to go to the “after party.” I was exhausted, but I nevertheless accepted the invitation. I had never been to Cuba before, and I took him at his word when he told me that we would take a taxi to the restaurant where the party was taking place. We walked outside and climbed into a horse-drawn cart that brought us, his friends and a drag queen to the party. Our boisterous group made jokes and laughed at each other as the cart made its way through the city. The trip took less than 15 minutes, and the party continued once we arrived at the restaurant. Dawn was breaking when I returned to my hotel. I rested for a couple of hours and then began the long drive back to Havana. (I had reported from Cuba several more times when I arrived at Havana’s José Martí International Airport on May 8, 2019. Cuban customs officials told me that my name was “on a list” and they would not allow me into the country. I spent the next seven hours at the airport before an agent escorted me onto a flight back to Miami. The Cuban government has still not provided me with an official explanation of their decision not to allow me into the country. A contact

12 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • OCTOBER 13, 2023

suggested Mariela Castro, who is a member of the Cuban National Assembly, told the government not to allow me into the country because she did not want me to cover an LGBTQ+ rights march that independent activists organized in Havana three days later. The Cuban government has, to my knowledge, never publicly disclosed why it decided to prevent me from entering the country. I explained what happened to a press attaché at the Cuban Embassy in Washington me in July 2021 after he emailed me about meeting for coffee. He clearly did not know what his government had done to me. I did not hear back from him after I told him what happened.

• Mexicali is a Mexican border city that borders Calexico, Calif., in the Imperial Valley. I was on assignment in the area in July 2018.

The temperature was well over 100°F when I parked my rental car in a parking lot in Calexico at shortly after 8 p.m. on July 21, walked to the border crossing and entered Mexicali. I had a couple of tacos at a small, family-run restaurant and then walked to Taurinos Bar, a gay bar a few blocks south of the border. Patrons were playing pool and drinking beers while I asked the manager about then-U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and their impact on LGBTQ+ people. I finished the interview and then walked to Porky’s Divine, another gay bar three blocks south of the border. A California woman and members of her bachelorette party were among those who were inside when go go boys took the stage. A drag queen dressed as Frida Kahlo was among those who also performed. The temperate was still around 100°F when I left Porky’s Divine shortly after 1 a.m. on July 22. I stopped at a nearby convenience store to buy a bottle of water and a bag of potato chips before I walked back through the border crossing and into California. I was back at my hotel in El Centro, roughly 12 miles away, in less than half an hour.

Not everyone can access these spaces: They often have cover charges, and that cost, along with drinks and transportation to/ from them, are prohibitive to someone who is not economically privileged. And this economic privilege often goes hand-in-hand with violence and discrimination based on factors that include sexual orientation, gender identity and race.

“Access to a car or a job that does not involve sex work could very well mean the difference between life and death for a trans Salvadoran woman or a gay man who is perceived to be too effeminate,” I wrote in the Blade on Feb. 7, 2017, after my first reporting trip to El Salvador. “Many of these people feel as though they have no other option than to leave the country and migrate to the U.S.” Alexa, a transgender woman with whom I spoke for the Blade in La Ceiba, Honduras, on July 20, 2021, told me it is “very difficult to lead the lifestyle that we lead as trans women” in the country because of discrimination and a lack of employment opportunities because of her gender identity. Alexa spent nearly three years in prison after authorities charged her with attempted murder, even though she claimed she was defending herself against a woman who was hitting her in the face with a rock.

She told me a Salvadoran man raped her in prison. Alexa also said the warden forced her to cut her hair and guards doused her with cold water in an isolation cell after the attack.

“I was a woman,” said Alexa. “They made me a man.”

We were both crying during the interview. We embraced each other for several minutes when it was done.

These stories are incredibly difficult to hear, and they are indicative of the reality for many LGBTQ+ people in the region who struggle to survive on a daily basis. It is crucially important to share these stories. It is also equally as important to show our readers there are safe spaces in Latin America that offer LGBTQ+ people a safe place where they can be themselves. Bars and clubs such venues.

FILM

‘Dicks: The Musical’ is as trashy as you think Film sets out to be gloriously stupid and achieves that goal deliciously

By JOHN PAUL KING ni – have crafted a conceit and a script so committed to stylized artifice, so centered in a If you think “Dicks: The Musical” is a tasteless title, just be thankful they didn’t stick with “meta” perspective which drives home the absurdity of sanitized “niceties” in the face of the original name. sheer human depravity, that it cannot possibly be taken seriously. In other words, anyone Of course, if you think the title is in poor taste, you likely won’t think much of the film driven to outrage by the messaging it pushes under guise of irony can only be stymied by itself, in limited release since Oct. 6 and expanding wide on Oct. 20. Directed by comedy the obvious fact of its gleefully-embraced stupidity. icon Larry Charles (who rose to prominence writing for “Seinfeld” and “Curb Your EnthusiFor the record, using words like “stupidity” in reviewing a movie should normally be asm” before helming buzzy hit movies like “Borat,“ Religulous,” and the controversial “The avoided, since it ultimately says more about the reviewer than the film itself. For a film Dictator”) and adapted from their original stage production by its stars, Aaron Jackson like this one, however, it gets straight to and Josh Sharp, it’s the kind of movie that the point and does not imply any negative seems to put extra effort into making sure judgment; “Dicks: The Musical” sets out to no line is left uncrossed. be gloriously, giddily stupid, and it achieves Jackson and Sharp – who, aside from a that goal in delicious spades. From the general similarity of build and stature, look first, it attempts no disguise; its leads are nothing alike – respectively play identical obviously gay men playing toxic straight separated-at-birth twins Trevor and Craig, male stereotypes, its irony-steeped centwo hyper-driven and self-absorbed agtral theme of “family” is clearly intended to gressively heterosexual businessmen (the turn conventional ideas of that construct “dicks” of the title) who meet and become on their ear, and the deeply dysfunctional very fond of each other when hired at the personalities of its pathologically un-selfsame company. It doesn’t take long for aware characters leave no doubt about its them to figure out their true relationship – ambition toward tongue-in-cheek social twin siblings raised separately by divorced commentary. Indeed, it seems to considparents (Megan Mullally and Nathan Lane) er the points it makes so obvious as to be – and decide to “Parent Trap” their mom moot, and largely focuses instead on simand dad into reuniting, but unfortunately, ply providing a good, old-fashioned, seriboth parents possess some decidedly not ously filthy time. normal personality traits. The inexplicably Much of what makes it work – if it does, wheelchair-bound mom has a seemingly which, once again, is contingent on how tentative grasp not only on objective realisympatico one is to the whole idea of it – is ty but on her own vagina, and the flamboythe sheer talent of the performers. Jackson antly gay dad has a secret obsession with and Sharp, both of whom make their big a pair of grotesque-but-oddly-adorable screen debuts as leading men, manage caged mutants he keeps in his home and JOSHUA SHARP and AARON JACKSON flank BOWEN YANG as God in ‘Dicks: The Musical.’ to capture that delicate balance between refers to as his “sewer boys” – which presself-conscious caricature and endearingly ent more challenges to their scheme than goofy sincerity that keeps us from hating them from the start, something they no doubt originally anticipated. perfected through countless performances of their stage piece – which, just to answer It’s all very over-the-top, played purely for laughs with full awareness of its own lack the question we begged in our opening line, was originally titled “Fucking Identical Twins.” of substance or subtlety; there is nothing in it that could be described as believable, at Even more valuable are the chops brought into the mix by Lane and Mullally, whose backleast in any straightforward sense, and even our cursory synopsis above likely reveals ground in outrageous theatrical performance and finely wrought screen characterization the deeply imbedded queerness in both its storyline and its intent. Either of these factors turn what might otherwise be nonsensical clowns into human-ish figures with whom one would likely alienate a significant chunk of potential audience, and both together must might empathize. In an unlikely but inspired film debut, rapper Megan Thee Stallion steals surely eliminate the appeal for all but the most deviant of viewers. It’s utterly ridiculous, all her scenes as a boss lady who has learned to “out-alpha the alpha,” and rounding appallingly dysfunctional, and shamelessly perverted, all at the same time, and when it things out is the always-game Yang’s saucily sex-and-sin-positive version of the Almighty draws to a close, it offers up an unrepentantly transgressive finale presided over by none Himself. other than a very gay God Himself (Bowen Yang), who has served as narrator to the whole Also offering major support in the “pro” column are the contributions of costume detwisted tale from the beginning. Spoiler alert: it involves even deeper socio-sexual taboos signer Valerie Klarich, a delightful blend of the garish and the subtle, and the cinematogthan homosexuality. raphy by Michelle Lawler, which evokes the stylistic flourishes of both old-Hollywood glam By now, most of our savviest readers will have easily deduced that “Dicks: The Musical” and bargain-basement grunge; the surprisingly catchy and devilishly clever song score, is an intentional exercise in “camp” – and not just the kind that lampoons stodgy cultural composed by tropes but the kind that does so in such a deliberately exaggerated style as to be a lamKarl Saint Lucy and Marius de Vries to the lyrics by Jackson and Sharp; and, of course, poon of the lampoon itself. That’s a thin line to walk; as a general rule, trying too hard director Charles’ sharp countercultural sensibilities help bring out the meat of Jackson to be campy all but ensures that the joke will end up getting lost in its own obviousness. and Sharp’s script while asserting his own iconoclastic voice in the process.

Whether or not that’s true of “Dicks” will depend on individual thresholds of “taste” Of course, if the overtly raunchy humor that permeates “Dicks” is not to your “taste,” (there’s that word again) more than any supposed ideal of how such things “should” be then none of that will keep you from finding it tiresome. If, however, you’re a fan of the handled in a Hollywood movie, but what’s certain is that it takes its self-proclaimed asunapologetic “filth” propagated in the films of John Waters, the straight-panic-spoofing piration (in publicity materials) to become a “future midnight movie classic” much more sci-fi sensibilities of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” or the arch satire of shows like seriously than it takes any of the ostensibly “shocking” outrages within its content. Jackson “Strangers With Candy” – all cited as influences by the movie’s creators – you might just and Sharp – who first created the project as a 30-minute comedy sketch for the Upright think it’s the best thing you’ve seen in a long time.

Citizen’s Brigade, the popular improv comedy troupe of which they are both proud alum-

LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • OCTOBER 13, 2023 • 13

CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENT

CANCEL YOUR TIMESHARE. Call Attorney Sid Connor, your nationally trusted consumer protection attorney. 40+ years experience, 1,000+ clients represented, 99% success rate.

L. Sidney Connor IV, Esq. 1500 U.S. Hwy. 17 North, Suite 209, Surfside Beach, SC 29575. https:/www.timeoutco.com. info@timeoutco.com.

Ph: 1-843-846-3688.

Bar No. 001363

DONATE YOUR CAR TO KIDS Fast Free Pickup – Running or Not 24 Hour Response Maximum Tax Donation – Help Find Missing Kids!

Call 1-888-491-1453.

INSURANCE SAVE BIG on HOME INSURANCE! Compare 20 A-rated insurances companies.

Get a quote within minutes.

Average savings of $444/ year! Call 1-844-410-9609!

(M-F 8am-8pm Central)

WANTED! OLD PORSCHE. 356/911/912 for Restoration Hobbyist. 1948-1998 only.

Any Condition. Top $ Paid.

MEDICAL HEALTH PLEASE LEAVE MESSAGE 1-707-339-5994 or email STROKE and Porscherestoration@yahoo.

CARDIOVASCULAR com disease are leading causes of death according to the CABLE / INTERNET/ American Heart Association.

SATELLITE TV Screenings can provide NEW AUTHORS WANTED! early detection! Contact Life Page Publishing will help FREE high speed internet Line Screening to schedule you self-publish your for those that qualify. your screening. Special offer own book. FREE author Government program for - 5 screenings for $149. submission kit! Limited offer! recipients of select programs Call 1-888-892-5598 Why wait? incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Call now: 1-855-667-0380 Housing Assistance, WIC, SAFE STEP North Veterans Pension, Survivor America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Switch and save up to $250/ Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 Comprehensive lifetime year on your talk, text and GB internet service. Bonus warranty. Top-of-the-line data. No contract and no offer: Android tablet FREE installation and service. Now hidden fees. Unlimited talk with one-time $20 copay. featuring our FREE Shower and text with flexible data Free shipping & handling. package and $1,600 off for plans. Premium nationwide Call Maxsip Telecom today! a limited time. Financing coverage. 100% U.S. based 1-855-480-0769 available. customer service. Limited Call 1-888-989-5749 time offer get $50 off on FINANCIAL SERVICES any new account. Use REAL ESTATE/ LOANS code GIFT50. For more Over $10K in Debt? Be debt information, free in 24 to 48 months.

RETIRED COUPLE call 1-844-908-0605 No upfront fees to enroll. $1 MIL for business purpose A+ BBB rated.

Real Estate loans.

AUTOS WANTED Call National Debt Relief Credit unimportant.

1-888-231-4274.

V.I.P. Trust Deed Company DONATE YOUR www.viploan.com UNWANTED CAR, TRUCK, HOME REMODEL Call 1-818-248-0000 RV OR BOAT TO HELP Broker-principal DRE HOMELESS PETS. Jacuzzi Bath Remodel 01041073.

Pets Alive, a California can install a new, custom, No Consumer Loans.

Qualified 501-C-3 Nonprofit. bath or shower in as little as We are Tax Deduction and one day. For limited time, The difference in winning Paperwork Experts and we’re waiving all installation and losing market share Provide Guaranteed Tax costs! (Additional terms is how you spend your ad Deductions. For Quotes apply. Subject to change and dollars. CNPA’s power to and Quick Pickup, Call us vary by dealer. Offer ends connect nearly 10 million Today! 1-833-772-2632, 12/31/23). consumers and an engaged audience, makes our LAPETSALIVE.ORG Call 1-833-985-4766

14 • LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • OCTOBER 13, 2023

BOOKS

Amy Schneider’s book short on ‘Jeopardy’ insights

New memoir addresses transition and life with fame

By KATHI WOLFE oirs. No mess, no insecurity, Who hasn’t dreamed of beno annoying traits or confuing on “Jeopardy!”? sion.

Amy Schneider, the most Refreshingly, “In the Form successful woman to comof a Question,” isn’t a “first pete on “Jeopardy!,” as well this happened, then this hapas the only out trans person pened” memoir. It’s structo compete in, and win, the tured in the form of easily show’s prestigious Tournadigested series of essays on ment of Champions, has lived everything on what it’s like this dream. She won more for her to live with attention than $1 million after winning deficit disorder (ADD) to why 40 games on “Jeopardy!”, beshe, an atheist, does Tarot fore competing in the Tournareadings to her love for the ment of Champions. animated TV show “Daria.”

Schneider’s memoir “In the She writes about her expeForm of a Question” will fas‘In the Form of a Question’ rience using drugs. To Schneicinate fans wanting to know

By Amy Schneider der, “getting high” gives her what Schneider is like off of c.2023, Avid Reader Press new perspectives, she writes, TV, delight snark aficionados $28 | 272 pages “to better understand my and disappoint “Jeopardy!” own.” lovers jonesing for dish on the show.

Kudos, to Schneider for writing about the Schneider, born in 1979, dreamed, growabsurdity of Nancy Reagan-era “Just Say No” ing up in Dayton, Ohio, as she watched “Jeopanti-drug campaigns. ardy!” with her parents, of being on the show.

Schneider isn’t a mental health expert.

Schneider was raised in a Catholic houseRecreational drugs and social drinking are hold where knowledge was valued, her parfun. Yet, I wish Schneider had written more ents loved her, and sexuality was submerged (other than a snarky footnote noting the in guilt and secrecy. “downsides” to drug use) about the issue of Schneider didn’t know she was trans as a addiction in the queer community. child. She only knew she liked hanging with Schneider’s memoir is entertaining. She’s girls, wasn’t happy when her voice changed, delightfully candid: she loves the term “tranand thought boys were crude and gross. She ny” and likes being famous. She and her wife, felt other boys felt the same way.

Genevieve, who live in Oakland, Calif., with Being proud of yourself wasn’t encourtheir cats, enjoy the free things (like marvelaged. “Pride is one of the worst sins in Caous toasters) that her fame brings them. tholicism,” Schneider writes, “and the largely But, at times, Schneider’s snark nearly German Catholic community I was part of morphs into cruelty. One day, in Portland, a defined ‘pride broadly … The mere fact of bewoman gave Schneider some “fairy rocks.” ing talented in some field raised suspicions,” It’s the thought that counts, Schneider knew. she adds.

“But all I could think was ‘I am not flying home Thankfully, Schneider’s folks valued learnwith a bunch of rocks,’” Schneider writes. ing. But other kids resented her for being Schneider is annoyed when a fan says that smart. She’d do less homework so her grades their father, who had cancer, enjoyed watchwould suffer. When she was asked how she ing her on “Jeopardy!” knew so much, “It always sounded to me like You sympathize with Schneider. But only a potential attack,” Schneider writes, “to be to a point. Her fans have supported her deflected however I could in the moment.” fame. They’ll read her book.

She was asked the same question when Thankfully, Schneider’s too self-aware not she was on “Jeopardy!” “I still didn’t have a to know this. “What did I have to complain satisfactory answer,” Schneider writes. about,” she writes.

On “Jeopardy!,” Schneider presented as You’ll get to know a lot about Schneider personable and almost squeaky-clean. In, “In in her memoir — from her life as a theater the Form of a Question,” she illuminates this kid to what transitioning was like for her. If image. you’re cool about not learning that much This makes for fun, sometimes, poignant, about “Jeopardy!,” “In the Form of a Quesreading. Frequently, our heroes emerge as tion” will be a fab read. one-dimensional stick figures in their mem-

Bob’s

BASEBALL

Tours

Hall of Fame Attend MLB games a t Ci n c i n n a t i , De t r o i t , Cl e v e l a n d , Tour u Pi t t s b u r g h , To r o n t o , B o s t o n & Ne w Yo r k Ya n k e e s .

Au g . 2-1 2 20 24

Visit f o o t b a l l , b a s e b a l l , b a s k e t b a l l & h o c k e y H a l l s o f Fa m e

u Toa n u d r e b n e d g s i n n s e a a t r h Neo s w t a h r o k t e Lil b n e e r a t yr CiIn n t ' lc Aii n nr p a o t i r tAi r p o r t

0 0 /p e rs o n b a s e d o n u $d 3,5 o u b le h o te l o c c u p a n c y

To u r i n c l u d e s d e l u x e m o t o r c o a c h t r a n s p o r t a t i o n , a l l a d m i s s i o n t i c k e t s , q u a l i t y h o t e l s , e t c .

We also offer an Arizona Spring Training Tour (March 3-9) and a New England Fall Foliage Tour (Sept. 27-Oct. 3) with games at Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium.

F or m ore inf orm at ion, call or t ex t f or a f ree b roch u re: 5 0 7 . 2 1 7 . 1 3 2 6

DONATE YOUR UNWANTED CAR, TRUCK, RV OR BOAT TO HELP HOMELESS PETS. PETS ALIVE, A CALIFORNIA, QUALIFIED 501(c)3 NONPROFIT

u WE ARE TAX DEDUCTION AND

PAPERWORK EXPERTS AND PROVIDE GUARANTEED TAX DEDUCTIONS. u FOR QUOTES AND QUICK PICK UP, CALL US TODAY: 833-772-2632

LAPETSALIVE.ORG

RETIRED COUPLE

HAS $1MIL TO LEND ON CA. REAL ESTATE*

V.I.P. TRUST DEED COMPANY

Buys T.D.s and Buys/Lends on Partial Interests

OVER 40 YEARS OF FAST FUNDING Principal

(818) 248-0000 Broker

WWW.VIPLOAN.COM *Sufficient equity required - no consumer loans Real Estate License #01041073

CA Department of Real Estate, NMLS #339217

Private Party loans generally have higher interest rates, points & fees than conventional discount loans LOSANGELESBLADE.COM • OCTOBER 13, 2023 • 15