REGISTER NOW! Roadie registration is still open for AIDS/LifeCycle 2016! Join the hundreds of participants who help create a wonderful experience for everyone as we travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Participate as a Volunteer/Roadie and help the community raise money and awareness for the Los Angeles LGBT Center and San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Be part of the historic 15th Anniversary Ride! Register now using code VANGUARD for $25 off at aidslifecycle.org/register.
aidslifecycle.org /AIDSLifeCycle
/AIDSLifeCycle
/AIDSLifeCycle
/AIDSLifeCycle PRODUCED BY & BENEFITING
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Marketing & Communications Staff Jim Key
Chief Marketing Officer
Gil Diaz
Communications Manager
Kelly Freter
Associate Director
Melantha Hodge Project Manager
Joe Hui
Digital Communications Manager
Josiah Pak
Creative Services Coordinator
Christopher Price
Creative Services Coordinator
Sophia Puglisi
Digital Communications Coordinator
Callie Rodgers
Creative Services Coordinator
Alex Schmider
Communications Coordinator
Kurt Thomas
Creative Services Manager
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Contributors Lisa Allen
Photographer
Lindsey P. Horvath
Mayor, West Hollywood
Lorri L. Jean
CEO, Los Angeles LGBT Center
WINTER 2015
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Gift Guide
what a year! Did you miss any of these highlights from this record-breaking year? ››page 10
››page 15
Betsy Martinez Photographer
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Faye Sadou
Getty Images
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Getty Images
Vanguard is published quarterly by the Los Angeles LGBT Center, a nonprofit corporation. 1625 N. Schrader Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028, Voice 323-9937400 • TDD 323-993-7698. Copyright 2015, Vanguard. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. Publication of the name, quotation or photograph of a person in articles or advertising is not an indication of the sexual orientation or the HIV status of such person. Moving, getting duplicate mailings or wish to be removed from the Vanguard mailing list? Please email mediarelations@lalgbtcenter.org.
Holiday Wishes HOW TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON WHEN THE PARTY’S OVER
John Sciulli
Subscriptions
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WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, WE DON’T STOP
Photographer
Joe Scarnici
CEO Letter
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MEET THE CENTER’S NEWEST BOARD MEMBER
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Center Voices
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Learning Curve
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Photo Finish
Take 5 WITH STAFF MEMBER RUDY AKBARIAN AND VOLUNTEER LISA ALLEN
FROM THE VANGUARD AWARDS TO MODELS OF PRIDE, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
Teachable Moments THE CENTER’S OUT FOR SAFE SCHOOLSTM PROGRAM GOES NATIONAL
Floating on Ayers
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Mayor Lindsey P. Horvath: Why I Give
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CEO LETTER
2015: THE SECRET TO OUR PHENOMENAL SUCCESS Were you as confused as I was by November’s election? Salt Lake City—home to the worldwide headquarters of the Mormon Church—not only elected one of the Utah marriage equality plaintiffs to the state legislature, they elected a lesbian mayor! Yet Houston, which eight years ago became the largest city ever to elect a lesbian mayor, resoundingly repealed a law that protected LGBT people from discrimination. Despite the craziness of the elections, 2015 has been an amazing year. After literally decades of hard work, we are now riding a wave of some of the most phenomenal progress our movement could ever have imagined:
CEO Lorri L. Jean
@LorriLJean
• Not only can gay, lesbian, and bisexual people serve openly in the military, but the nominee for Secretary of the Army is openly gay and the Secretary of Defense supports allowing transgender people to serve! • Caitlyn Jenner has helped transgender visibility and acceptance reach an all-time high.
• Pope Francis has suggested that LGBT people should not be judged! The Pope! • And, of course, the freedom to marry is now the law of the land. But for all of the remarkable progress, we still have enormous challenges both here and abroad: • The HIV infection rate is still on the rise among young gay/bi men, and substance abuse remains a scourge that disproportionately impacts our community. Winter 2015
• All over the country, LGBT kids are being sent to rehabilitation camps to “cure” them of being who they are. Some never come out alive.
We want to build a better world for everyone! A world where people are free and are not judged by things that shouldn’t matter. Not by the color of their skin, the country of their birth, their gender or gender identity, how old they are, how much money they have, or who they love.
• The EEOC ruled that discrimination against LGBT people is sex discrimination. If this is followed by the courts, we’ll have nationwide protection in the workplace.
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• So far this year, 22 transgender women in the U.S.—mostly women of color—have been murdered, including in Los Angeles.
• The Islamic State—operating under the same law now imposed by the owner of the Beverly Hills and Bel Air Hotels—is executing gay men by throwing them off tall buildings to gruesome deaths, simply for being gay. I could run through an even longer list of injustices happening right here in L.A., but for my final Vanguard column of the year, I’d love to revel in what we’ve achieved, because it’s the result of more than 65 years of hard work and commitment by LGBT activists, allies, and donors. While countless numbers of us were coming out and spending years fighting for specific areas of progress—legislation here, court cases
there, funding for the fight against AIDS, ending police harassment, the ability to raise our own children, and more—something much greater happened. We changed not just the law, but popular culture, and along with it, hearts and minds. We altered the very fabric of people’s beliefs. Of course, not everybody. Not yet. But most of the American people are now with us, especially young people. Many are with us because they know us as their family members, their neighbors, their friends, and colleagues. But I think people have come with us so quickly for an additional reason: because our vision for the world is inspiring and transformational. And people want to be part of it.
The inspiring vision and transformational work— all based on love—have sustained our community through decades of bigotry, discrimination, violence, even a plague. And they must continue to sustain us because more struggles lie ahead. Our work is not yet done.
Because what we want is not just something for ourselves. We want to build a better world for everyone! A world where people are free and are not judged by things that shouldn’t matter. Not by the color of their skin, the country of their birth, their gender or gender identity, how old they are, how much money they have, or who they love. And while we’re building this world, we have a lot of fun! That’s an irresistible combination. No wonder people want to join us! That noble vision and those aspirations are what your Center has been striving to achieve for 46 years. And we’ve had enormous success, both at home and far beyond Los Angeles. For example, we recently expanded our OUT for Safe Schools™ campaign nationally, so that employees in the nation’s largest school districts are now wearing badges that publicly identify them as LGBT allies and defenders. These districts represent more
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than 2.5 million students. That is just one example of the Center’s transformational work on a national scale. But your Center mostly does a very different kind of transformational work— on a much smaller but equally important scale—one person at a time. When an uninsured person who’s been struggling with crystal meth first tests positive for HIV in our clinic and we immediately provide him with the highest quality medical care and addiction recovery services—as well as a supportive team of people to keep him in care so that he can be healthy, happy, and grow old without transmitting the virus—we are transforming his life and, quite possibly, the epidemic itself.
a grief support group and a new network of friends so he has a reason to keep going, we are transforming his life. When an 18-year-old girl shows up on the doorstep of our Youth Center with everything she owns in a backpack, exiled by a family who cannot accept her sexual orientation or gender identity, and we give her a bed, help her get her GED and a job and into college—and treat her with love and respect so that she can believe in herself again—we are transforming her life. This inspiring vision and transformational work—all based on love—have sustained our community through decades of bigotry, discrimination, violence, even a plague. And they must continue to sustain us because more struggles lie ahead. Our work is not yet done. That is why all of us must continue to do and support the hard work that must be done to take us the rest of the way.We must do what is necessary for love to prevail and our victories to become permanently embedded in our society. We’ve all heard Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous declaration that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” But you may not have heard Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s less poetic but pragmatic coda: “Yes, but only if there is a steadfast commitment to see the task through to completion.” Who am I to disagree with the notorious RBG?
When a client in his 80s loses his partner of 60 years and can’t imagine continuing his life alone, and your Center offers him
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SOBER HOLIDAYS
(SOBER) CHEERS TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH! For those in recovery, staying sober and mentally fit during the holiday season can be daunting. If the jolly merriment only gets you glum, here are some life-saving tips that could help you get into the holiday spirit.
For a list of 12-step meetings held at the Center, turn to page 27. For more info about the Center’s Mental Health Services, visit lalgbtcenter.org/mental_health_services. For more info about the Center’s Crystal Meth/Addiction Recovery Services, visit lalgbtcenter.org/methrecovery.
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o something to stay busy. Volunteer for a charitable organization (the Center’s Volunteer Resources is always looking for new recruits at lalgbtcenter.org/volunteer). Exercise regularly. If you’re attending 12-step meetings, increase the number of meetings you’re attending.
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H
onor your sobriety. Avoid parties where alcohol and drugs will be present to reduce your urge to drink or use. If you need to attend a social function where alcohol will be served, bring a sober buddy for support.
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ist your support crew. That list of people you can call will come in handy when you’re tempted to drink or use. Keep your cell phone and list with you, because triggers can happen at any time.
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void H.A.L.T. (hungry, angry, lonely, tired) by taking care of yourself. Eat when hungry, talk to someone if you’re angry, go to a 12step meeting if you’re feeling lonely, rest when you’re tired.
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ut with the old, in with the new. There’ s no reason to check in on your old dr inking buddies “j ust to see how they’re doing” or to w is h them happy holiday s. Your ex-dea le r do esn’t need a gift. He’ s fine. In fact, he probably hasn’t even noticed you st opped coming around .
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nitiate new traditions. People often try to re-create the holidays of their childhoods, only to be left disappointed when the “magic” isn’t there. Be bold in creating new traditions. Host a tree decorating party. Ring in the New Year by attending #BOOM, a sober event cosponsored by the Center.
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es, you can! You can ask the party host to include beverages and food that are alcohol-free. You can leave the party early if you feel triggered or uncomfortable. You can ask for support from family and friends. Those who are truly supportive of your sobriety will be happy to help you through the holidays.
TAKE
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Get to know Center staff members and volunteers
MINUTES
volunteer ››
Lisa Allen Why did you begin volunteering at the Center? Earlier this year I was laid off from a job I had for 12 years. When that happened, I felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders because it allowed me to focus on my passions: photography, videography, and multimedia.
Pronouns:
SHE/HER Hometown:
PASADENA, CA Volunteer Position:
PHOTOGRAPHER, VIDEOGRAPHER, EDITOR
The first event I volunteered for was last year’s Models of Pride. I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect—and it was hot—but I really loved meeting all the people and walking around capturing photos of so many kids who were having fun and participating at the event.
As a member of the community, I want to give back. There are a lot of people who look down on LGBT people and think negatively about us, but through photography I want to convey the truth—and quite the opposite—that we are a very positive group of people. By volunteering at the Center, I get to use my art to shed light on who we are as a community and communicate that to the world. What are your best volunteering experiences so far? I’m able to attend all of these different events I would normally not get to attend, such as the L50+ Senior Dance. I meet so many people from all walks of life. It feels like we’ve been friends for a whole lot longer than we really have. I’ve also been working on a video project for the Center that highlights some of the people working here— what they do, what their job entails, their specialties. I’ve met such great people in senior and health services. It was astonishing to learn about their specific jobs. I thought to myself, “You do all this stuff… and people don’t know about it?”
staff member››
Rudy Akbarian Why did you want to work at the Center? I wanted to work here because I feel it’s extremely important to be part of the community, especially because I am transgender. I want to be here for the youth—the kind of person I needed when I first started transitioning. I’m now able to be that role model, mentor, go-to, and solid rock system for many of the young people who come here. The Center is an extremely safe place. It’s a place where people of all ages, genders, and orientations can come and be embraced. No matter what you’re going through, there is someone here you can talk to.
Other than working at the Center, what else should we know about you? When I’m not working at the Center, I’m in school studying biology. I’m planning a trip to Costa Rica to visit a sloth sanctuary and go birdwatching. I’m really into birds! I’ve also been in the Army for four years. Although I thought I would be discharged when I started transitioning two years ago, my unit has been extremely accepting. Being on reserve in the Army as an E4 specialist and generator mechanic has allowed me to really focus on work, school, and the military all at the same time.
Pronouns:
he/him Hometown:
los angeles Staff Position:
youth advocate for the transitional living program
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25 N. Schrader Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 lalgbtcenter.org
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OUT
FOR SAFE SCHOOLS™
Goes National
Center’s LGBT school safety program expands to reach 2.5 million students in 10 school districts nationwide School continues to be a dangerous place for LGBTQ youth. It’s where they’re twice as likely to be physically attacked, kicked, or shoved, and where 84 percent report verbal harassment. Not surprisingly, such abuse frequently results in poor grades and truancy. In fact, 28 percent of LGBT youth drop out of school because of harassment. “Despite increased public acceptance of LGBT people in general, many school campuses remain toxic environments for LGBTQ students, contributing to higher rates of suicide, depression, homelessness, and HIV infection,” said Center CEO Lorri L. Jean. Since the landmark OUT for Safe Schools™ initiative was launched in the nation’s second largest school district two years ago, more than 30,000 L.A. Unified School District (LAUSD) teachers and other staffers have been wearing rainbow badges that proudly identify them as allies and protectors of students who are LGBTQ. “We approached LAUSD about developing
this program to create visible adult allies throughout the entire school system, helping LGBTQ youth feel safe and supported while helping to deter wouldbe bullies,” said Jean. “Now, wherever students look, they’re sure to see adults who proudly identify themselves as allies for LGBTQ students.” Now the Center, in partnership with the Gay-Straight Alliance Network, is helping to introduce the program in nine other school districts throughout the country— New York, Chicago, Boston, Oakland, San Diego, Duval County (Florida), San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.— reaching more than 2.5 million students in grades K–12. The national rollout was made possible, in part, by a generous $100,000 challenge grant from the David & Linda Shaheen Foundation. The philanthropic couple have been longtime supporters of the Center and fearless advocates for education and youth. Noah Jenkins is an 18-year-old selfidentified genderqueer graduate of a school
in South Los Angeles that participated in the OUT for Safe Schools™ program. “It was incredibly comforting to see so many teachers and other staff wearing the badges, because I never expected to feel welcomed—especially in an inner-city high school like mine,” said Jenkins. “In classes where I had to write papers and essays, having teachers who wore the badges made me feel like I could be more open about myself, knowing that someone had my back. School is already so stressful; it’s such a huge comfort to not have to worry that my safety was at risk because of who I am.” LAUSD teacher Matthew French lauded the program, saying “This badge saves lives. This visibility matters. It’s such a small thing. It’s so powerful. This is just the beginning.” If you or someone you know is interested in bringing the OUT for Safe Schools™ program to your school district, visit outforsafeschools. org/getthebadge.
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MILESTONES
2015
A Year for the Record Books!
Though few achievements could outshine the impact of that historic U.S. Supreme Court victory, this year also marked several historic milestones for the local and national communities served by the Los Angeles LGBT Center—proof positive we’re building a better world for LGBT people.
june
The Center partners with SIA (Survivors of Institutional Abuse) to launch the national Protect Youth from Institutional Abuse campaign to regulate residential programs that claim to treat troubled young people but frequently torment and abuse them—particularly LGBT youth they attempt to “scare straight.” A related California bill sponsored by the Center and introduced by State Senator Ricardo Lara sails through the Senate and is awaiting final approval by the state Assembly. A few months later, U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen introduce a similar bill in Congress. october
A record-setting 1,471 young people and 234 parents/professionals attend the Center’s Models of Pride conference at the University of Southern California—a 25% increase over last year—making it the nation’s largest conference for LGBTQ youth once again.
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STRONG
2015
March
More than 1,400 people—including the cast of Transparent—enjoy the Center’s two-day Trans Pride festival, smashing the previous attendance record. Amazon Studios becomes the first corporate sponsor of the event, which is held annually at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza. october
The Center partners with GSA Network to expand its groundbreaking OUT for Safe Schools™ program beyond the L.A. Unified School District to include nine other school districts around the country, including the three largest, reaching more than 2.5 million kids in grades K-12.
COURAGEOUS
october
In partnership with the Latino Equality Alliance, the Center proudly opens Mi Centro in Boyle Heights, its first facility on the eastside of Los Angeles. Mi Centro offers culturally adapted bilingual services that will eventually include immigration and housing support, legal services, transgender support services, youth and senior programming, family counseling, and empowerment programs october
february
[Hung Bottom] The Center earns Charity Navigator’s highest rating (4-star), joining just 4% of rated charities to earn that distinction five years in a row from the prominent charity watchdog. june
The Center-WeHo opens on Santa Monica Blvd. to help protect the sexual health of the LGBT community. It’s double the size of the Center’s previous WeHo facility and offers HIV/STD testing, STD treatment, PrEP and PEP, hepatitis C testing, and more.
People from nearly every state and a recordsetting 21 countries participate in 7 D AY S • E N D A I D S • 5 4 5 M I L E S AIDS/LifeCycle, helping to raise a record $16.6 million to support the HIV/AIDS-related services of the Center and San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Event registration closed in mid-February—the earliest ever. june
may
No Doubt, Sia, and Sarah Silverman donate their talents at An Evening with Women, held for the first time at the Hollywood Palladium, helping to raise more than $700,000 for the Center’s services for women and girls.
I
may
They like us. They really like us! The Center’s Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center receives seven Ovation Award nominations, including its first nomination for Best Season, as well as six nominations for The Goat. The Ovation Awards are the most prestigious theatre awards in Los Angeles.
october november
We won! Together with the City of West Hollywood, the Center hosts a massive rally and celebration, attended by thousands and covered by worldwide media, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic marriage equality ruling.
One of the most influential Democrats in Congress and a veteran of AIDS/ LifeCycle, U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff participates in a community forum facilitated by the Center’s Director of Strategic Initiatives Alan Acosta at the Center’s Renberg Theatre.
relentless
inspirational
TRANSGENDER ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT PROJECT
A recordsetting 41 employers, including Paramount Studios, New York Life, and Bloomingdale’s, participate in the Center’s Trans Job and Resource Fair, helping hundreds of people find opportunities with organizations that welcome transgender people.
COMPASSIONATE
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THANK YOU
The Los Angeles LGBT Center is extremely grateful for the support of the following new Sustaining Donors and Circle of Life members.
D I A MO ND C I R C L E
S I LV E R C I R C L E
$ 1 8, 000- $34, 999
$1, 500- $1, 799
Jane Anderson & Tess Ayers* John Baldessari Family Foundation
Jennifer Dawson & Kaitlin McLaughlin
Loren Ostrow & Brian Newkirk*
Cara Eisenberg & Sherri Fitzgerald Natasha Jo Ford
PL AT I NU M C I R C L E $ 1 2, 000- $17, 999 Michael Lombardo & Charles Ward* Guy Paiement* Brenda Potter*
Celeste Herr & Tom Willhite Ronald Liem Bradford Pollard James Rayton* Richard Rho, M.D. & Steven Demille Bob Riddle
GOLD CIRCLE
Hobie Sheeder & Madison Offenhauser
$ 6 , 000- $11, 999
Ronald Stone, C.P.A.
Stephen Brown* Ward Carpenter, M.D. & Russell Hicks*
CIRCLE OF LIFE
Michael John Horne & Tom Jones*
Don Bozik
Michael Mueller & Nick Bode*
Peter Day Mike Fish
S T E R L I NG C I R C L E
Suzanne Flores
$ 3, 600- $5, 999
David Gardner
Tatiana Botton James Castranova*
Leslie Glick Len Wechsler
John Kudela James White* Leisureworld.com & Rainbow Over the Globe Anonymous
For information about Planned Giving or becoming a Sustaining Donor, please contact:
S I LV E R C I R C L E
Jennifer Dawson
$ 1, 800- $2, 399
Director of Major Gifts
Emmanuel Cordero
323-993-8932
Kerry Flowers & Phillip Musikanth, M.D.*
Allan Carp
Terry Foreman John Schwartz*
Director of Planned Giving 323-993-8963
Marc Siegal* Bonnie Sheren* Barbara Zacky*
Donor list as of November 2015 *Indicates an increase in membership level
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PLANNED GIVING
Planned Giving is a set of methods by which a donor can leave financial assets to a nonprofit at his or her death, or methods to invest money so that the donor receives benefits during his or her lifetime and bequeaths the remaining funds to the nonprofit. There are several planned giving vehicles that are easy to establish.
B EQU ES T S The Center can be a beneficiary of your will or trust. Here is sample bequest language that you can take to your attorney: I bequeath $__________ (or description of property or percentage of your estate) to the Los Angeles LGBT Center, Tax I.D. 95-3567895 to be used in support of the Center’s work (or a specific program that you would like to support at the Center). The Center accepts gifts of tangible property, securities, and real estate, as well as cash.
CH A RI TA B L E G I F T A NNU I T Y Through a simple contract, you agree to make a donation of cash, stocks, or other assets to the Los Angeles LGBT Center. In return, we agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.
1,000 STRONG In the last five years, membership in the Circle of Life has more than doubled to over 600 people. Now the Center is embarking on an ambitious goal to increase the size of the group to 1,000 people who include the Center in their estate plan or make another type of planned gift. Making the Center part of your legacy in your will is the most important contribution you can make to the organization. It ensures a strong and vibrant Center continuing to build a world where LGBT people thrive as healthy, equal, and complete members of society.
Payments can be scheduled monthly and quarterly. Your initial gift is partially income tax-deductible. Your gift annuity payments are partially income taxfree throughout your estimated life expectancy. A charitable gift annuity can be established with a gift of $10,000 or any amount over $10,000 that you wish to gift.
CH A RI TA B L E REM A I ND ER T RU S T S With a charitable remainder trust, you can receive income each year for the rest of your life from assets you give to the trust you create. Your income can be either variable (charitable remainder unitrust) or a fixed amount (charitable annuity trust). After your lifetime, a portion or the balance of your trust goes to the charities you choose. One of the benefits of a charitable remainder trust is that you receive a partial income tax deduction.
I NFORM AT I ON For more information or to request a copy of our “Charting The Course” Life Planning Brochure for LGBT people, please contact Allan Carp at acarp@lalgbtcenter.org or call 323-993-8963.
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PROFILE
FLOATING ON AYERS Catching up with the Center’s Newest Board Member Planning a wedding? You may already know Tess Ayers, the Center’s newest board member and co-author of The Essential Guide to Lesbian and Gay Weddings. Indispensable and aptly named, the seminal LGBT wedding guidebook has been a genre best seller for more than 20 years. As an icebreaker, Vanguard asked Tess to tell us something most wouldn’t know about her. Demonstrating that she’s a storyteller and an open book, she humorously replied, “If you want to get silly, Bruce Springsteen once dedicated a performance of Born to Run to me!” Silliness aside, The Boss is right—Tess was born to run for our Board of Directors. The longtime Los Angeles resident grew up just south of San Francisco, fostering a fondness for creative habits. First and foremost, Tess sees this as an area she’d like to help develop in the Center. “[The Center] has grown in so many ways since I first came out 30 years ago, and it continues to amaze me,” she said. “I personally would like to work on bringing more young LGBT creatives into the Center circle.” She’s equipped to take on the challenge. After earning a degree in Mass Communications from University of California, Davis, Tess took her talents to television as a writer and producer for game and talk shows
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I love that our community is forever evolving, expanding its borders, and opening its arms to include new people in whatever way they want to be included (Trivial Pursuit, The Late Show on Fox). Her latest project, the HBO documentary film Packed in a Trunk, is a bit more personal. It follows Tess and her wife, Jane Anderson, on a journey to uncover the life of painter Edith Lake Wilkinson, who in 1925 at age 57 was sent to an asylum, never to be heard from again. Forty years later her work was discovered in an attic trunk by her family. Edith was Jane’s great-aunt. Over the years, Tess says she has enjoyed watching the LGBT community and the Center grow, adapt, and embrace inclusion.
“I love that our community is forever evolving, expanding its borders, and opening its arms to include new people in whatever way they want to be included,” she said. “And the Center is so deeply responsive and compassionate, especially for an organization that is so large.” Looking at the years ahead, Tess is particularly excited about the Center’s campaign to build a new facility that—united with The Village at Ed Gould Plaza—will span a city block and include affordable housing for seniors and youth, a new senior center, a new homeless youth center, 100 beds for homeless youth, and much more. “In addition to the huge task of funding and building the new facility, I’m interested in helping make mixed age housing a reality. I love the idea of youth and seniors helping each other.” Today, family remains the focus of Tess’ world. With no dearth of achievements, she calls her son, Raphael, her “proudest accomplishment to date.” Since he’s just 20, her involvement with the Center pre-dates him. “About 25 years ago, Jane and I were talked into taking a tour of the Center,” she recalled. “Lorri gave us the tour. Need I say more? By the time we were on the second floor, we were major donors. The Center and its great work have that effect on people.”
LOOKING FOR MEANINGFUL GIFTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?
lalgbtcenter.org /giftguide
When you shop from this catalog, you’re providing care, resources, and hope for the thousands of people who depend on the Center year-round. All of your “purchases” are tax-deductible donations to the Center.
lalgbtcenter.org
/giftguide Winter 2015
Winter 2015
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A clean look and outlook
Two hygiene kits to help low-income seniors look and feel their best, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, shampoo, and soap. $10
Delicious hot meals
Nourish the body and soul of a homeless youth with a day’s worth of breakfast, lunch and dinner, served with love—there’s no better deal in town! $10
“
I like to support the Center because I’m able to do it. I’d rather go through life knowing that I tried to support and made a difference than wondering: could I have made a difference?”
Latex protection
A wide assortment of condoms in all sizes, with lube, to help dozens of people guard against unwanted “gifts” from sexual partners. $25
Eric
Month’s worth of support
Thirty days of professional support to help a senior manage critical issues ranging from navigating health care services to finding affordable housing. $25 16
Winter 2015
Home for a day
A full day of drop-in ser vices for a homeless youth, including meals, showers, laundry, case management, education programs, and employment training. $50
Table for ten
A tasty lunch for 10 seniors does more than nourish the bodies of lowincome elders, it helps combat the isolation so many experience. $50
Medical check-up
A comprehensive sexual health exam, including HIV/ STD testing, STD treatment (if necessary), counseling and PrEP consultation. $100
“
Put a face to the people you’re helping. Someone’s going to get off drugs. Someone’s going to receive medical attention. Someone’s going to no longer feel alone. We can no longer sit back and just talk about giving. We’ve got to do something.”
Kerri
Room & board
lalgbtcenter.org
/giftguide
Save a homeless youth from the streets by providing one night of housing and loving support services, including meals. $100 Winter 2015
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Veteran care
Help a heroic senior who fought for our countr y access the financial and medical benefits earned as a veteran of our armed forces. $250
“
It’s crucial to keep the donations coming in because your support saves lives. You saved my life. You were able to rehabilitate me with all the resources here, and I thank you.”
Gwen
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Winter 2015
Youth empowerment
Underwrite the Center’s costs for five youth to attend Models of Pride, our day-long conference for youth featuring 100+ workshops ranging from coming out to career development. $500
High school diploma
Help a youth who never finished high school build a brighter future by providing books, materials, and coaching to prepare for—and pass—the GED exam. $750
GIVING IS SIMPLE! Visit our online Gift Guide.
lalgbtcenter.org /giftguide
Select one or more of our support items. Click through to complete your purchase. Your gifts go directly to supporting the Center’s programs and services.
Survivor support
Support a domestic violence survivor by funding life-changing emotional and legal support services to break the cycle of abuse. $750
Mentor for a year
A year’s worth of life-affirming oneon-one mentoring and after-school activities for a youth, provided by the Center’s LifeWorks program. $1,000
Thank you!
SUPPORT NEVER GOES OUT OF SEASON AT THE CENTER. Get connected at lalgbtcenter.org
/SustainingDonor
Our Sustaining Donors are the backbone of the Center, supporting our work with annual gifts of $1,500 or more. /LAWN
lalgbtcenter.org
/giftguide
Los Angeles Women’s Network provides vital services for women and girls by providing opportunities for service, education, and networking. /YPC
Pep rally
Prevent one person from being infected with HIV by funding Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) treatment within 72 hours of exposure. $1,000
Young Professionals Council consists of community members bonded in support of the Center’s mission.
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SHOW OFF YOUR CENTER! Give yourself—and everyone in your life—the gift of Center swag. Visit lalgbtcenter.org/store to get your swag on!
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We Got Your Back
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Our Center drawstring backpack is a bag like no other. Black, made from durable quality nylon with hemmed top closure. 14 1/2” x 18”. $10
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Keep it hot… and cold!
A signature Center travel mug is perfect for keeping your hot drinks hot and your cold drinks cold. 16 oz. stainless steel coffee mug. Thermal tumbler with threaded snap-fit lid. $20
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Bump It Up
Add some Center swag to your ride! 4” x 4” vinyl black bumper sticker featuring the trademarked swirl in the Center’s logo. $5
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Limited Edition “I Am” Posters
Series features five different designs representing our Center brand: Courageous, Compassionate, Inspirational, Relentless, and Strong. Collect them all! 12” x 18”. $10 ea.
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Wear a Piece of History
Celebrate the Supreme Court’s historic marriage equality decision with a limited-edition #LoveWins T-shirt. Unisex short-sleeve American Apparel. Screen-printed. Fine jersey (100% cotton) construction with a durable rib neckband.
lalgbtcenter.org
/store
S–X XL | $35
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Support in Style
Show off your Center pride in our signature T-shirt. Unisex short-sleeve American Apparel. Screen-printed. Fine jersey (100% cotton) construction with a durable rib neckband. S–X XL | $25 20
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Winter 2015
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CENTER VOICES
Analysis and insight from the Center’s staff on current issues and events facing our community threatened, and even attacked where they live—usually by neighbors and apartment managers. It is remarkably common. Christopher Brown
King-Sized Talk on HIV/AIDS Center Director of Health and Mental Health Services Christopher Brown served as a panelist on Ora.TV’s Larry King Now for a frank discussion about the state of HIV/AIDS in America. When King asked whether the virus is no longer as much a crisis as it was in the 1980s, Brown responded by saying the stigma still exists. Excerpt: “We’re still seeing significant discrimination and stigma with transgender people living with HIV. At the Los Angeles LGBT Center, we are putting great efforts into testing individuals, trying to find the approximate 14 percent of people that are living with HIV that don’t yet know it and then immediately linking them into care and getting them on treatment.”
Christopher Argyros
Our Backyard: Hate Crimes on the Rise Center Anti-Violence Project Manager Christopher Argyros responded to the increase in hate crimes against LGBT people documented in the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations 2014 Hate Crime Report. Excerpt: “We continue to have a steady stream of hate crime survivors seek services and support at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. “Alarmingly, one-third of the reported hate crimes occurred at the homes of the survivors; this is consistent with reports from Center clients. Nearly every day we receive calls from people who are being harassed, 22
Winter 2015
“Because of the housing crisis, most people can’t just move, especially if they are living in rent controlled apartments or subsidized housing. And we rarely hear about landlords stepping up to evict a violent tenant or firing a homophobic manager. This is a huge issue.”
Amir Moini
I Was Bullied: Sharing His Story of Survival To show support for LGBT youth and stand against bullying on Spirit Day in October, Center Corporate Relations Associate Amir Moini shared his experiences of being bullied with Advocate.com. Excerpt: “Growing up, my worst years were in middle school. I was coming to terms with my sexuality, and I was terrified of people knowing I was gay. People picked on me and took full advantage of their suspicions related to my sexuality. I was constantly put down for not fulfilling the gender roles I was expected to excel at. I wasn’t good at sports. I didn’t talk a certain way. My body language was not masculine enough. The music and movies I liked were too feminine. I literally had to proofread everything that came out of my mouth, and that still wasn’t enough to satisfy my peers. “For a long time, school officials, community members, teachers, and parents viewed bullying as a ‘normal phase’ or ‘kids being kids’ or ‘a part of growing up.’ We need to change our perception of bullying. Bullying is not normal, not acceptable, and does not have to be a part of this generation’s school experience.”
Mercedes Marquez
Reaching New Heights At the open house celebration of Mi Centro in Boyle Heights, Center Board Member Mercedes Marquez—also a board member of the Latino Equality Alliance (LEA)— discussed the importance of LEA’s partnership with the Center to create a facility in L.A.’s primarily Latino neighborhood, as quoted by the Los Angeles Times.
Excerpt: “If you spend any time at the Center, you will see how Latino their client base is, because Latinos are everywhere. But here on the Eastside, this is our cultural home. This is our community of joy and celebration and sorrow.”
Dustin Kerrone
Center-WeHome Following the grand opening of the Center’s newest facility in West Hollywood, aptly known as the Center-WeHo, Center Director of Sexual Health Services Dustin Kerrone spoke with Beverly Press about the importance of the new facility. Excerpt: “If everyone who is HIV-positive could get treatment and reduce their viral load to an undetectable level, HIV could be stopped. But first they have to know they’re positive. Today, one out of seven people who are HIV-positive don’t know it. By increasing our testing capacity, by offering fast and convenient testing in a sex-positive environment, and by making it easy to obtain PrEP and PEP, we hope to help slow the spread of HIV in L.A. where 83 percent of those living with HIV are gay or bisexual men.”
Learning Curve is a unique adult education and empowerment program specifically serving the needs of today’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, as well as our friends and allies. Although our focus is to present high-quality, low-cost courses designed to satisfy our community’s specific needs, everyone is welcome to participate in our various programs, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
For more information visit
LearningCurveLA.org
Learning Curve
Winter Course Schedule
6-Part Course: JANUARY SESSION Sat., Jan. 23 – Feb. 27, 1–3 pm
BEGINS JAN. 19
BEGINS JAN. 20
BEGINS JAN. 23
Conversational French Conversational Spanish Forbidden Salsa
Workshop: JANUARY SESSION Wed., Jan. 13, 7–9 pm MARCH SESSION Thurs., March 24, 7–9 pm Enrollment Fee: $29 (Enrollment closes at 5 pm the day before each session begins)
DON’T WAIT.
ENROLL NOW! Learning Curve LA.org 24
Winter 2015
Enrollment Fee: $69 per person; $129 per couple
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP CC Professional Digital Image Editing Create incredible images using the world’s best digital imaging software. Learn how the professionals use these tools for retouching, compositing, and editing down to the pixel level. It’s the app for transforming your images into anything you can imagine. Instructor: Dali Sadhana JANUARY SESSION L1: Thurs., Jan. 21 & 28, 7–9:30 pm L2: Thurs., Feb. 4 & 11, 7–9:30 pm MARCH SESSION L1: Thurs., March 3 & 10, 7–9:30 pm L2: Thurs., March 17 & 24, 7–9:30 pm
(Enrollment closes at 5 pm on Jan. 22)
Instructor: Regina Lark, Ph.D., CPO
MARCH SESSION Sat., March 5 – 26, 3–4:45 pm
TECHNOLOGY
Enrollment Fee: $49
A CLEAR PATH Clear Away the Clutter and Organize Your Life Life has a way of getting on top of us, but when our personal or work space gets over our head, the time has come to make some changes. This empowering course will show you how to take charge of the physical mess in your home and/or office and keep it in control, once and for all. Learn how to turn your chaos into an organized and clutter free expression of the person you are inside and out.
4-Part Course: JANUARY SESSION Sat., Jan. 23 – Feb. 13, 3–4:45 pm
(Enrollment closes at 5 pm the day before each session begins)
TUESDAYS
Instructor: Denise McCanles
LANGUAGE & CULTURE
WEDNESDAYS
NEW COURSE WALKING FOR WELLNESS One Step at a Time to a Healthier Life This intriguing course combines introspective and empowering group discussion with the healthy and process-inducing power of walking to help you gain clearer perspective and set yourself on the path toward greater fulfillment. Each session will include guided discussions designed to help you explore your personal challenges while walking, which will produce new perspectives and creative ideas to move beyond the obstacles that keep you from living the fulfilled life you deserve.
WINTER 2016
SATURDAYS
Learning curve Classes
PERSONAL GROWTH
LearningCurveLA.org
LANGUAGE & CULTURE VOULEZ-VOUS PARLER FRANCAIS? Conversational French for Beginners Learn the world’s most romantic language. This fun and jampacked course includies basic vocabulary, casual conversation, and simple grammar construction presented in Learning Curve’s trademark fun and casual tone while still delivering a thorough, college-styled course experience. Instructor: Nadine Cohen 6-Week Course: JANUARY SESSION Tues., Jan. 19 – Feb. 23, 7:30–9 pm MARCH SESSION Tues., March 8 – April 12, 7:30–9 pm Enrollment Fee: $120 (Enrollment closes at 5 pm the day before each session begins)
SPANISH FOR EVERYDAY LIFE Introduction to Conversational Spanish Students will be guided through different aspects of learning the language. Topics will include vocabulary, key phrases, cultural particulars, geographical differences, and mucho más. Instructor: Giovanni Hortua 6-Part Course: JANUARY SESSION Wed., Jan. 20 – Feb. 24, 7–8:30 pm MARCH SESSION Wed., March 9 – April 13, 7–8:30 pm Enrollment Fee: $120.00 (Enrollment closes at 5 pm the day before each session begins)
FORBIDDEN SALSA Salsa Dancing for Everyone No other style of dance communicates love, passion, and heat like Salsa. Learn the fundamentals, starting with solo footwork, then move into patterns with a partner. Master the art of how to lead and follow in this fun and energizing class. Instructor: Louie Angon
Each level: $99 Combine L1 & L2: $179 (Enrollment closes at 5 pm the day before each session begins)
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO VIDEO OUT Video Production Workshop One of our most popular courses for its unique ability to help you develop the skills and knowledge of independent video production in less time and for a fraction of what film school costs. This course covers all the key elements necessary for producing compelling short films regardless of genre, style, or format. Topics include writing, directing, cinematography, editing, production planning, sound, and a whole lot more. Instructor: Andrew Bender 10-Part Course: Sat., Jan. 23 – March 26, 10 am–1 pm Enrollment Fee: $199 (Enrollment closes at 5 pm on Jan. 22)
DIGITAL SLR CRASH COURSE Mastering Your Digital SLR Camera This densely packed course is perfect for new and experienced photographers who want to master their cameras and develop
WINTER 2016
CREATIVE ARTS
the genre or type of project you want to pitch, this workshop will give you the tools and knowledge vital to achieving the success you want in the world of TV.
Instructor: Dali Sadhana
Instructor: Mark Alton Brown
4-Part Course: Mon., Jan. 25 – Feb. 22, 7–9:30 pm No class on Feb. 15
4-Part Course: Wed., Jan. 20 – Feb. 10, 7–9:30 pm Enrollment Fee: $149
Enrollment Fee: $99
(Enrollment closes at 5 pm on Jan. 19)
WEDNESDAYS SATURDAYS
URBAN PHOTOGRAPHY Explore & Develop Your Creative Eye Jump start your creativity and improve your compositional skills. This fun and creativity-inspiring course will expose you to various techniques designed to motivate and help you capture more compelling images. Throughout the course, various optional weekend excursions will be planned to allow you to practice what you learn while capturing the urban beauty that Los Angeles has to offer.
TUESDAYS
(Enrollment closes at 5 pm on Jan. 24)
EVERY TUESDAY
Life Drawing Lounge BEGINS JAN. 20
Pitch Your TV Show Idea BEGINS JAN. 23
Written Word as Art
Enrollment Fee: $129
Instructor: Dali Sadhana 2-Part Course: Tues., Feb. 18 & 25, 7–9:30 pm Enrollment Fee: $49 (Enrollment closes at 5 pm on Feb. 17)
LearningCurveLA.org
CREATIVE ARTS LIFE DRAWING LOUNGE Capturing the Beauty of the Human Form Beginner and experienced artists are all welcome to join us for our casual and carefree life drawing sessions at The Village. Perfect for any artists interested in discovering or developing their artistic talents. Artists must provide their own drawing pad and drawing media. Our instructor is available for help and instruction as need or requested.
hands-on course will teach you how to transform your idea into the musical of your dreams. Topics include story development, structure, composition, song/ lyric writing, and everything else you need to achieve theatrical success. Instructor: Mark Saltzman 6-Part Course: JANUARY SESSION Tues., Jan. 19 – Feb. 23, 7–9:30 pm MARCH SESSION Tues., March 8 – April 12, 7–9:30 pm Enrollment Fee: $120 (Enrollment Closes at 5 pm the day before each session begins.)
Instructor: Ron Anderegg
FLESH PHOTOGRAPHY Photographing the Human Body This fun and creative course will teach you different ways of capturing the beauty of the human body through the lens of your digital camera. Instructor: Dali Sadhana 4-Part Course: Tues., March 1–22, 7–9:30 pm Enrollment Fee: $129 (Enrollment Closes at 5 pm on Feb. 29)
4-Part Course: JANUARY SESSION Thurs., Jan. 21 – Feb. 11, 7–9:30 pm MARCH SESSION Thurs., March 3–24, 7–9:30 pm Enrollment Fee: $69
(Enrollment closes at 5 pm on Jan. 18)
EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED Photography Lighting Workshop You’ve learned what your camera can do and how to manipulate its settings to get good images in natural light, but what about creating your own lighting sources? This fun, hands-on workshop will allow you to play with different photographic lighting sources that will take your photography to a higher level. Practice using different types of lighting equipment designed to help enhance your creativity and skills.
Instructor: Mary Worthington
(Enrollment closes at 5 pm the day before each session begins)
Instructor: Ralph Buck 6-Part Course: Tues., Jan. 19 – Feb. 23, 7–9 pm
ART OF WOMAN Life Drawing for Women Only A creative space for women with artistic vision to practice and develop their skills. This special life drawing course is for female students and will feature female models only.
Learning curve Classes
solid creative skills. Course exercises include basics of photography, portraiture, table-top photography, composition, color, and so much more.
Every Tues., 7–9:30 pm Enrollment Fee: $18 Multi-session Discount Passes are available online at LearningCurveLA.org.
WORDS & MUSIC Hands-on Musical Theatre Workshop Everyone enjoys watching musical theatre, but few people have what it takes develop and master the art of creating theatre that truly sings. This fun and creative
NEW COURSE PITCH YOUR TV SHOW NOW! Mastering the Art of Pitching to Television Do you have a great TV show idea but aren’t sure how to get it seen or sold? This workshop will teach you how to develop your ideas and turn them into exciting and sellable TV pitches that will spark the imagination of executives who have the power to greenlight your project. No matter
THE WRITTEN WORD AS ART Exploring the Art of Creative Writing Explore different styles of writing through various exercises, including poetry, character development, and expository assessment. Course will also engage and challenge you to develop and create your own personal projects. Instructor: Giovanni Hortua 5-Part Course: JANUARY SESSION Sat., Jan. 23 – Feb. 20, 11 am–1 pm MARCH SESSION Sat., March 5 – April 2, 11 am–1 pm Enrollment Fee: $79 (Enrollment closes at 5 pm the day before each session begins)
WRITING FOR THE STAGE Intensive Playwriting Workshop Learn the craft of playwriting in our popular hands-on course. Learn structure, character, conflict, climax, resolution, and much more. All experience levels are welcome. Instructor: Richard Steel 6-Part Course: JANUARY SESSION Sat., Jan. 23 – Feb. 27, 1–4 pm Enrollment Fee: $99 (Enrollment closes at 5 pm on Jan. 22)
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Enrollment Fee: $129 (Enrollment closes at 5 pm on March 1)
PERFORMING ARTS VOICEOVER TALENT The Behind-the-Scene Stars! Held in a professional recording studio, you will get mic time and receive digital copies of your work. Your new career in V.O. is only one class away. Instructor: M.J. Lallo Workshop: JANUARY SESSION Tues., Jan. 19, 7–10 pm FEBRUARY SESSION Tues., Feb. 16, 7–10 pm MARCH SESSION Tues., March 15, 7–10 pm Enrollment Fee: $49 (Enrollment closes at 5 pm the day before each session begins)
GUITAR, FROM A TO EZ Introduction to Acoustic & Electric Guitar Learn how to play the guitar without the anxiety of a private instructor breathing down the neck of your guitar. This fun and easygoing group environment includes basic scale, chord theory, and open chords. Students must provide their own guitars. Instructor: Mark Flores 6-Part Course: Thurs., Jan. 28 – March 3, 7–8:30 pm Enrollment Fee: $99 (Enrollment closes at 5 pm on Jan. 27)
YOUR WORLD PREMIERE AT THE COMEDY STORE Stand-Up Comedy Workshop Learn to tap into your creative genius and rock the audience with humor. Find out what’s “hot” in today’s comedy world and try it out on the stage of the world famous Comedy Store. Topics 26
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PERFORMING ARTS
Instructor: Adam Barnhardt 6-Part Course: Sat., Jan. 23 – Feb. 27, 11 am–1:30 pm Enrollment Fee: $120 (Enrollment closes at 5 pm on Jan. 22)
WEALTH & SECURITY I DO, DON’T I? Understanding Marriage in California Do you and your future spouse know the laws that will apply to you? Learn the facts and myths so that you can make an informed choice when you say “I do.” Instructor: Christine Wilson Workshop: Wed., Jan. 20, 7–8:30 pm
TUESDAYS
6-Part Course: Wed., March 2 – April 6, 7–9:30 pm
WINTER 2016
VARIOUS DATES
SATURDAYS
Instructor: Mark Alton Brown
include joke-writing, character creation, improv skills, and stage persona. At the end, perform your own comedic stand-up piece at The Comedy Store!
BEGINS JAN. 23
THURSDAYS
Learning curve Classes
WRITE THAT SPEC SCRIPT NOW! Television Writers Workshop The way to break into the TV business while expressing your creative talents is by developing and writing a spec script. Aspiring writers need a polished spec script to make it in the world of TV. Learn what it takes from a working writer/producer/showrunner. All genres and formats welcome.
BEGINS JAN. 28
Voice Over Talent Stand Up Comedy Guitar from A to EZ
Enrollment Fee: $25 (Enrollment closes at 5 pm on Jan. 19)
YOURS, MINE & OURS Wealth Management for Same-Sex Couples Financial planning can be different for queer people. This workshop will focus on real world solutions to some of our unique challenges when it comes to planning for retirement. Instructor: Rebecca Dreyer Workshop: Tues., Jan. 19, 7–9 pm Enrollment Fee: $29 (Enrollment closes at 5 pm on Jan. 18)
WOMEN, WEALTH & WISDOM Seven Steps to Financial Security As women we still face great difficulties conquering our financial demons. This class was designed specifically for women to learn how to assess your current financial standing, the power of the “Latte Factor™,” the different types of retirement plans, and building financial baskets to help you realize your own economic security. Instructor: Rebecca Dreyer Workshop: Tues., Feb. 16, 7 – 8:30 pm Enrollment Fee: $29 (Enrollment closes at 5 p.m. on Feb. 15)
LearningCurveLA.org CAREER THERE’S NO BUSINESS LIKE YOUR BUSINESS What It Takes To Be Your Own Boss So you think you’re ready to quit the rat race and start your own business? Learn the basics of LLCs, corporations, DBAs, and partnerships in this course which is vital for every startup-minded entrepreneur. Instructor: Christine Wilson Workshop: Wed., Feb. 10, 7–8:30 pm Enrollment Fee: $25 (Enrollment closes at 5 pm on Feb. 9)
WELLNESS AWAKENING Saturday Morning Meditation Start your weekends by opening your eyes, your heart, and your soul while centering your mind and body. Instructor: Marc Caldwell
Every Sat. morning For class times and blackout dates, visit LearningCurveLA.org Drop-In, No RSVP Necessary Enrollment Fee: FREE (Donations requested)
NEW COURSE MINDFULNESS BOOTCAMP LGBTQ Affirmative Classical Mindfulness-Based Skills Practice Presented monthly, this workshop will show you the practices necessary to become more aware, attentive, focused, present, and mentally clear. The benefits are huge and can help you better manage stress and anxiety, build internal calm and safety, and nourish your well-being. Instructor: Matthew Silverstein, Ph.D., LMFT Workshop: JANUARY SESSION Sat., Jan. 23, 2:30–4 pm FEBRUARY SESSION Sat., Feb. 20, 2:30–4 pm MARCH SESSION Sat., March 19, 2:30–4 pm Enrollment Fee: $15 (Enrollment closes at 5 pm the day before each session begins)
Peer-Led Groups
v AA Happy Hour Tues.–Fri., 6:15–7:15 pm Canceled Dec. 25, Jan. 1 & Mar. 1 v Al-Anon Gay Focus Thurs., 7–8 pm Canceled Mar. 1
Social Networking Groups
v Village Readers An LGBT reading and discussion group Every 1st Wed., 7:30–9 pm
Jan. 6: Lovers at the Chameleon Club, Paris 1932 by Francine Prose Feb. 3: Tell Me How Long The Train’s Been Gone by James Baldwin March 2: Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh April 6: Chelsea Girls by Eileen Myles
Alcoholics Anonymous It’s Come to This Mon., 6:15–7:15 pm Canceled Jan. 18 & Feb. 15 v
v 30+ Lesbian Chat Meet women outside of the bars Every 1st & 3rd Fri., 7:30–9 pm Canceled Jan. 1
Crystal Meth Anonymous Sat., 9:10–10:10 am v
v Debtors Anonymous Tues., 8–9 pm
v Bears L.A. 3rd Wed., 7–10 pm
Marijuana Anonymous Wed., 8:15–9:15 pm v
NA: Heartbeat of Recovery Mon., 7–8 pm Canceled Jan. 18 & Feb. 15 v
v OA Thurs., 7–8 pm Canceled Mar. 31
v Generation Y Tues., 6–8 pm Meet other young men (16-24) to talk about dating, relationships, and living with HIV. Contact ppandy@lalgbtcenter.org or 323-860-7321 v L.A. Leather Coalition 1st Thurs., 7–9 pm
v One Page at a Time Thurs., 8:10 – 9:10 pm Canceled Mar. 31
Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous Thurs., 6:30–7:30 pm Canceled Mar. 31 v
Sexual Compulsives Anonymous Mon., Wed., 8–9 pm Sat., Noon–1:15 pm Canceled Jan. 18 & Feb. 15 v
v UA: Artist in Prosperity Tues., 7–8 pm
v Let’s Talk About Health Every Thurs., 6–8 pm Canceled Mar. 31 If you’re living with HIV, learn how to maintain the highest quality of life. Contact ppandy@lalgbtcenter.org or 323-860-7321
Positive Images HIV+ Men’s Forum v Every Wed., 7–9 pm m Every Mon., 1–3 pm Canceled Jan. 18 & Feb. 15 Call 323-860-7321 to RSVP Gay Men’s Prostate Cancer Support Group Every 1st & 3rd Tues., 7–9 pm Sponsored by Cancer Support Community Benjamin Center. Call 310-314-2555 or visit CancerSupportCommunityBenjaminCenter.org v
v Women’s AA Wed., 8–9 pm
Coming Out Coming Out Workshops for Women Coming Out Workshops for Men Safe, nurturing workshops for anyone who is facing their own coming out process. Call 877-OUT-4-LIFE for recorded information and instructions for enrollment. More information at comingoutla.org.
v Rated M Last Tues., 6 pm Meet other young guys (18-24) to talk about dating, relationships, and healthy, erotic sex. To RSVP or for more information, contact 323-8607353 or colorincommon@lalgbtcenter.org v S.M.A.R.T. Recovery Every Sat., 9:15 -10:45 am
The Village
1125 N. McCadden Place
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McDonald/Wright 1625 N. Schrader Blvd.
*Groups may not welcome late arrivals.
v HERstories* A gathering place for all LGBT women who want strong community and great conversation Every Mon., 8–9:30 pm Canceled Dec. 21 & 28, Jan. 18, and Feb. 15
v Men’s Speakeasy* Great conversation for gay and bisexual men Every Tues., 8–9:30 pm Canceled Dec. 22 & 29 v Transgender Perceptions* Conversation & community-building for transgender people Every Fri., 8–9:30 pm Canceled Dec. 25 & Jan. 1
Senior Groups For more information about Senior Services classes, please call 323-860-7322 or visit facebook.com/50pluslgbt. RSVP: Email seniors@lalgbtcenter.org or call 323-860-5830 v Art Lab Call 323-860-5830 for date and time v Chair Yoga with Master Lakshmi Call 323-860-5830 for date and time v HIV+ 50+ Men’s Drop-In Support Group Thurs., 1–3 pm Canceled Mar. 31 v Larry’s Computer Club Wed., 1:30–3:30 pm v Lunch for Everyone Call 323-860-5830 for date and time v Men’s Drop-In Support Group Wed., 10 am–Noon v Movies for Everyone Call 323-860-5830 for date and time
Trans* Coming Out Labs Whether you need to embrace your true gender identity or share it with loved ones, these labs can help. Trans* Lounge free membership required. More info at TransLounge.org V
v Bi-osphere* Explore and discuss the many shades of today’s diverse bisexual community Every 2nd & 4th Mon., 8–9:30 pm Canceled Dec. 21 & 28
HIV+Trans* Empathy and community for trans* individuals with HIV/AIDS. Trans* Lounge free membership required. More info at TransLounge.org
Community Groups
v Gay & Lesbian CODA Tues., 8–9 pm
Group Meetings
12-Step Groups
v Stretch & Balance with Bobby Wed., 11 am
H
Highland
1220 N. Highland Ave.
Empty= Offsite
Valley Social and Networking Group Thurs., 12:30–2 pm Canceled Mar. 31 Metropolitan Community Church 5730 Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood Call 323-860-5830 Winter 2015
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photo finish Mi Centro
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(1) Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles serenaded guests at the open house celebration for the Center’s new facility in Boyle Heights, opened in partnership with Latino Equality Alliance (LEA). Guests included (2, l-r) LEA co-founders Eddie Martinez and Ari Gutiérrez Arámbula, with Maria Cabildo, Chief of Staff to Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis; (3, l-r) Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Board Member Maria Flawless, with wife Vanessa Ulloa, and LEA Public Education Programs Director Juan Castillo-Alvarado; (4) Center and LEA Board Member Mercedes Marquez; and (5, l-r) California State Sen. Kevin de León, community activist Alfred Fraijo, Jr., HONOR PAC President Mario P. Ceballos, and California State Sen. Ricardo Lara.
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Sustaining Donor Dinner We celebrated our Sustaining Donors at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, including (6) Izik Kahn, Axel Shalson, Jai Rodriguez, and Patrick Gallineaux; (8) Timothy Loo, Young Professionals Council Chair Tommy Johnson, Jerry Reutters, and Joseph Gilbert; (7) Shirley Ann Hill, Robin McWilliams, and Joyce Briscoe.
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(9, r-l) Glamour’s Woman of the Year, Caitlyn Jenner, met with Center CEO Lorri L. Jean and visited the Center for a second time to meet with some of our Transitional Living Program youth clients.
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Center-WeHo Open House The opening of the Center’s (10) new 2,600 square foot facility in West Hollywood drew a large crowd, including (11) Raynard Pace, Andy Lucas, and (12) actor Wilson Cruz. (13) With West Hollywood Councilmember John J. Duran among the guest speakers, (14) Center Board Co-Chair David Bailey, and Center CEO Lorri L. Jean cut the ceremonial ribbon, with (l-r) onlookers West Hollywood Mayor Lindsey P. Horvazth, Councilmember John D’Amico, and Mayor Pro Tempore Lauren Meister.
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Transcendent Premiere Party
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(15, center) Program Manager of the Center’s Transgender Economic Empowerment Project Drian Juarez with Fuse TV’s Transcendent cast members—from left to right—Bambiana, Xristina, LA, Bionka, and Nya, during a special screening of the first two episodes of their new reality show at Renberg Theatre with guests (16, l-r) HBO’s Looking actor Daniel Franzese and Joseph Bradley Phillips. Proceeds from the party benefited the Center.
Community Forum with U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (17) Veteran AIDS/LifeCycle rider and Center supporter U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff participated in a community forum at the Renberg Theatre. The congressman discussed topics of particular interest to LGBT people, including his bill supporting the Center’s Protect Youth from Institutional Abuse campaign and expectations for next year’s presidential election.
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Chairs for Charity
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Held at the Washbow in Culver City, the auction featured extraordinary chairs and fine artwork benefiting the Center’s homeless youth services, with guests (18) Barely Famous’ Erin Foster, Impastor’s Sara Rue, 90210’s Sara Foster; (19) True Detective’s Lolita Davidovich, Sex and the City’s Willie Garson with his son Nathen; and (20) Cedar Cove’s Andie MacDowell.
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Photo Finish • Continued from page 29
Models of Pride (21) Rainbow balloons greeted (2224) the 1,471 LGBTQ youth who attended the nation’s largest free LGBTQ conference at the University of Southern California, which included (25) a resource fair and a workshop with special guests (26, l-r) former NBA player Jason Collins, Justin Tindall from the It Gets Better Project, and Toyota Financial Services’ Justin Leach.
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One Teacher in Ten (27) Two LGBT teachers joined author Kevin Jennings, far right, at the Renberg Theatre to discuss the challenges and triumphs of being out in the classroom, a topic chronicled in Jennings’ newest book One Teacher in Ten in the New Millennium.
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Sisters of the Center (28) The Sisters of St. Joseph Carondelet made history by becoming the first league of nuns to visit the Center. They met with Center CEO Lorri L. Jean and toured our facilities at the McDonald/Wright building and The Village at Ed Gould Plaza.
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Ian, Ellen, and Jack (29) Ian James Daniel (far left) and Ellen Page (third from right) visited the Center twice, touring Triangle Square—our affordable senior housing—and the Transitional Living Program to learn more about the services we provide for LGBT seniors and youth. (30) Jack Antonoff, from the bands fun. and Bleachers, visited our Youth Center, donated toiletries, and talked to LGBT youth about careers in the music industry. 30
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46th Anniversary Gala Vanguard Awards It was an unforgettable—and outrageous—evening at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, as (31) Vanguard Award recipient Miley Cyrus used her tongue to help raise $50,000. Other luminaries included guests (32, l-r) Chiedu Egbuniwe and James McGruder; (33) DJ Asha, spinning during the silent auction and after party; (34) E! News’ Managing Film Editor Marc Malkin and husband Fabian Quezada-Malkin; (35) Hope Faust, Wendy Hartmann, and Lynn Wolfson Harrill; (36) The Bold and the Beautiful’s Scott Turner Schofield; (37) Who’s the Boss? actor Danny Pintauro; (38) Tangerine breakout star Mya Taylor; (39) Scream Queens Austin and Aaron Rhodes; (40) author, actress, and activist Calpernia Addams; and participants from our Emerging Leaders program from China, including (41) Damien Lu, Kenneth Cheung, Hiro Hua, and Echo Chen, with Center Chief of Staff Darrel Cummings and (far right) International Project Coordinator Geoff Chin. Winter 2015
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(First row, l-r) Vanguard Award honoree Jane Fonda, Rand Schrader Distinguished Achievement Award honoree Ron Nyswaner, and Vanguard Award honoree Miley Cyrus (Second row, l-r) Presenters Lily Tomlin, Frances McDormand, and Center staffers Alex Schmider and Mariana Marroquin • (Third row, l-r) Performer Linda Perry, speaker and Center CEO Lorri L. Jean; presenters Pauley Perrette and Center Chief Development Officer Bill McDermott; and performer Alex Newell
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WHY I GIVE
mayor Lindsey p. horvatH AS THE MAYOR of West Hollywood, I learned pretty quickly that I couldn’t do my job without the support and hard work of other people. Luckily, I can depend on finding a lot of those people at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. I have enjoyed working with the Center as an activist. When I initiated the West Hollywood Community Response Team on domestic violence, Terra Russell Slavin (who was then lead staff attorney and project manager of the Center’s Domestic Violence Legal Advocacy Project) immediately stepped up to participate. When I needed a screening room to show my friend’s
first meeting with labor and other advocacy groups at the Center.The list goes on and on. Now I rely on the Center to provide critical assistance and support to our community, over 40 percent of whom identify as LGBT. Whether it’s providing services for our aging population or shelter for our youth who are out and proud, the Center has been an organization that West Hollywood has relied on since we became a city in 1984. I am proud to have the Center as one of our most beloved social service providers.
The Center recently opened a new location in West Hollywood that provides affordable, culturally competent health care. The Center-WeHo has special meaning for our city, as we lost so many people during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. film, March On, about the 2009 March for Equality in Washington D.C., the Center provided space for the screening, Q&A, and reception. When I joined the effort to boycott the Beverly Hills Hotel because of the owner’s pledge to enforce Sharia law, the Center’s Public Policy and Community Building Director Dave Garcia hosted my 34
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Personally, I’ve always thought of the Center as a satellite location of our city. Every time I visit, I inevitably see residents from my community engaging in the services the Center provides, taking action on the most pressing issues, or simply enjoying each other’s company. In a way, it’s like a home away from home for us. I even had the pleasure of dropping in on a retreat for the Center’s board members in Laguna Beach and thought to myself, “Wow, they’re really doing great work EVERYWHERE!”
The Center recently opened a new location in West Hollywood that provides affordable, culturally competent health care. The Center-WeHo has special meaning for our city, as we lost so many people during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. Knowing that the Center provides accessible medical services—right in our own backyard—that take you as a whole person into account,
can make all the difference to someone considering whether to get the care he or she needs. One of my dearest friends in West Hollywood came out to me in her 80s. She wasn’t out in our community, to her family, or even to most of her friends. It shouldn’t have been a surprise to me to learn her doctors didn’t know she was a lesbian, but it was. How could someone not tell their doctors something so important about their health and identity? Through her, I learned that many people actually go back into the closet as they age, afraid of how they might be treated in a vulnerable state, or even worse, of being denied access to health care altogether. I am deeply grateful for the life-saving work the Center provides to make sure the rights, identity, and spirit of the LGBT community are protected here in Los Angeles and throughout the country. The Center helps to spread West Hollywood’s values everywhere it operates. Mayor Lindsey P. Horvath was elected to the West Hollywood City Council in March 2015 and previously served as a council member from 2009-2011. Widely known for her leadership on women’s issues, she is also a champion of LGBT rights. She is a founding board member of the NOH8 campaign.
Happy Holidays from all of us at the
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McDonald/Wright Building 1625 N. Schrader Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK FOR A CHANCE TO WIN TWO TICKETS!
the 11 th ANNUAL TASTING EVENT!
Take a 3-minute survey to share your opinion of Vanguard magazine and you could win two tickets to the Center’s Simply diVine.
Visit lalgbtcenter.org/survey by Monday, Dec. 14, for your chance to win! Simply diVine is a celebration of delicious food, wine, spirits, and craft beers that benefits the Center.
April 9, 2016