METROSOURCE NY - AUG/SEP 2024

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:

 Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.

Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:

 dofetilide

 rifampin

 any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

 Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.

 Have any other health problems.

 Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.

 Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of breastfeeding during treatment with BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

 Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-thecounter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

 BIKTARVY and other medicines may a ect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:

 Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.

 Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.

 Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.

 Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

 Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

 The most common side e ects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side e ects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.

You are encouraged to report negative side e ects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY

Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION

 This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

 Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5.

 If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

People featured take BIKTARVY and are compensated by Gilead.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

*Source: , 04/19/2019 through 05/19/2023. IQVIA NPA Weekly #1 PRESCRIBED HIV TREATMENT*

BIKTARVY® is approved for more people than ever before.

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. Scan to learn more about BIKTARVY.

*This information is an estimate derived from the use of information under license from the following IQVIA information service: IQVIA NPA Weekly, for the period week ending 04/19/2019 through week ending 05/19/2023. IQVIA expressly reserves all rights, including rights of copying, distribution, and republication.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and at BIKTARVY.com.

AUGUST IS LIKE THE SUNDAY OF SUMMER

WELCOME TO OUR FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME HEALTH AND WELLNESS ISSUE. My summer started off with participation in a number of vibrant Pride events, which always puts a smile on my face. Celebrating and connecting with members of our growing community has a vital impact on emotional well-being. We aren’t alone!

A couple of other community events I reveled in during the early summer months included the second annual Palm Springs Equality Wine & Food Fest presented by the LGBT Wine Society (lgbtwinesociety.com). This festival showcased wineries, eateries, and retailers which are owned or operated by women, or members of the LGBTQ+ or BIPOC communities. The love in the ballroom was palpable! Then I got a fix of vitamin D and exercise during my annual visit to Sonoma County, California for Gay Wine Weekend in July where drank, ate, and danced the night away in a vineyard at La Crema Winery. Metrosource was a proud sponsor of both events.

While many of our nation’s major Pride events take place in June, there are still dozens of events coming up in late summer and early fall. Maybe a good opportunity to plan a weekend getaway to one of these lively cities yet to host their 2023 Pride:

• Silicon Valley, CA – Aug 24-25

• Las Vegas, NV – Oct 11-12

• Atlanta, GA – Oct 12-13

• Phoenix, AZ – Oct 19-20

• Palm Springs, CA – Nov 1-3

And for those of you adventurous souls, some wild weekends coming up include:

• Southern Decadence, New Orleans, LA – Aug 30-Sept 2

• Folsom Street Fair, San Francisco, CA – Sept 29

• Fantasy Fest, Key West, FL – Oct 18-27

And speaking of New Orleans, our cover feature is writer Christopher Rice, son to famed author Anne Rice and poet Stan Rice. He spent the first decade of his life being raised in the Castro District of San Francisco, and subsequently moved to New Orleans at the age of 10. Rice tells us about his upbringing, coming out, and writing his first book while sitting by his mother’s bedside in the hospital.

It is also Olympic Season and the 2024 Olympic games in Paris have more LGBTQ+ representation than ever before. We have highlighted some athletes to watch and follow, now and in the future.

And we have features to close out your summer – from reading suggestions, to drinks, to relaxing spa destinations around the world. As always, we’ve also curated some of the hottest new things to experience, read, watch, and listen, as well as places to visit this season in our Scope section.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Metrosource as much as we enjoyed creating it. I wish our readers health and happiness as we close out summer 2024.

PUBLISHER

Michael Westman

James Delyea

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bent Share Entertainment, LLC

Cesar A Reyes

Christopher Jackson

FEATURE WRITER

Alexander Rodriguez

Ben Rimalower

Jeffrey James Keyes

Jennifer Day

Megan Venzin

Paco Ojeda

Michael Westman

NATIONAL DISPLAY ADVERTISING Rivendell

Los Angeles

6475 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., #438 Long Beach, CA 90803

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511 Avenue of the Americas, #901 New York, NY 10011

800.818.0480

info@metrosource.com

reserved. Content may only be reproduced with written permission from Bent Share Entertainment, LLC. Metrosource assumes no liability for any claims or representations contained anywhere in this magazine and reserve the right to cancel or refuse advertising at publisher’s discretion.

COVER: Christopher Rice

Photography by: Cathryn Farnsworth

August/September 2024 | VOLUME 35, NO. 4

CULTURE

7 THE SCOPE Trans rocker Jordan Maye’s new single “Deranged”, Sebastian A Film By Mikko Mäkelä, RuPaul presents The House of Hidden Meanings: A Memoir. Plus podcast, artshow and Concerts.

SUMMER

12 Summertime Sippin’ Five Refreshing Cocktail Recipes to Enjoy this Summer

20 Self Help for Summer Six Heath and Self-Help Books to Enjoy

HEALTH

12 Beard Care Products to Make Your Beard More BILF

FINANCE

36 Tips for a Healthy Relationship with Your Money TRAVEL

46 Global Spa Retreats Bring Rest and Rejuvenation VIEWS

4 EDITOR’S LETTER August is Like the Sunday of Summer

CURATED

BY

MICHAEL WESTMAN

JORDAN MAYE

Creation of Jordan Maye LP (August 24, 2024)

TRANS ROCKER JORDAN MAYE’S NEW SINGLE “DERANGED” IS OUT NOW AND IT HAS BEEN GETTING SOME STELLAR REVIEWS. Rockdafuqout writes that “Maye isn’t afraid to confront her darkest thoughts and openly share them with us. There’s a bravery here in her candidness,” and Hot Lunch Music writes that “the vocal timbre and hard rock production are reminiscent of hair metal that is a sick combination of [My Chemical Romance], Queen, and maybe some Dio? If the rest of the record is as explosive and emotive then it is sure to be a big success.”

“Deranged” meshes big psychedelic guitars and piano balladry into a Queen-sized stadium rocker. She wrote the song on an acoustic guitar to be soft and unsettling, then built the song up in the studio to its hard rocking current iteration—hitting falsetto high notes that mirror Jordan’s mental meltdowns as she was literally “kicking walls and screaming.”

Maye isn’t afraid of big guitars and even bigger vocals on her debut album Creation of Jordan Maye (out August 24). Her lyrical honesty, depth and profound imagery is a portal into what she’s lived through in her 21 short years: mental health challenges, being a full time student at Berklee College of Music, going through the process of transitioning, all the while navigating relationships with family, lovers and friends. Through all of this, she’s had a prolific year of writing, recording and releasing songs.

From fun uptempo songs to deep ballads, Maye leaves it all out there for the listener.

Maye writes deeply personal songs that resonate with who we are as a society. She taps into our shared empathy and compassion as she guides us through these specific moments of her life. Maye recently met songwriter and producer Rico Love (Usher, Beyoncé, Trey Songz) who’s advice deeply impacted her.

“Something he said really stuck with me,” says Maye. “Write things that need to exist, so people can relate to them. I just want to humanize our struggles in my songs, to relate to the problems we all share.”

Maye has been a consistent student of songcraft, piano, guitar, and voice, since she was a child growing up in Atlanta. She learned to record on her own in high school and began writing original songs.

THESCOPE

Creation of Jordan Maye takes us on a candid journey of mental stress, love and death. Her songs are personal yet feel universal in their humanity. We feel them viscerally and understand them innately.

“For me, ‘In My Life’ by The Beatles is the perfect song,”says Maye.“I find myself going back to it a lot. I’m always thinking about how time changes. Time passes. People come and go. The sun goes up and down. ‘Time’ by Pink Floyd is another one

of those. I feel like I spent most of my life wasting time, especially now that I’ve found who I really am. I lost the kind of childhood that I wanted, in terms of my gender identity and in terms of who I actually am. I felt very isolated then. Now there are people in my life that make me feel found, happy, and that I matter.”

WATCH SEBASTIAN

(Opens in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco on August 2nd.)

A Film By Mikko Mäkelä

Starring Ruaridh Mollica

MAX (RUARIDH MOLLICA) IS A 25-YEAR-OLD ASPIRING NOVELIST, LIVING IN LONDON AND PAYING HIS DUES WORKING AT A LITERARY MAGAZINE. Frustrated by his own ambitions and the pressures to succeed, Max begins moonlighting as a sex worker with the pseudonym Sebastian, secretly meeting men via an escorting platform and using his experiences to fuel his stories. What begins as a few furtive meetings soon becomes a hidden nocturnal life, and the debut novel that he has been longing to write finally seems within reach.

Finding himself more comfortable as Sebastian than expected, yet determined to keep his exploits a secret, Max increasingly struggles to remain in control of a delicately balanced double-life. As he confronts conflicting feelings

BRUCE SILVERSTEIN GALLERY SUMMER GLOW EXHIBITION

529 West 20th Street 3rd Floor / Suite 3W

New York, NY 10011

(Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10am to 6pm)

IN PHOTOGRAPHY, LIGHT IS THE MEDIUM’S ESSENCE, shaping each photograph’s composition, mood, texture, and depth.

During the long days of summer, light evolves from the soft, diffused glow of the Golden Hour (the period after sunrise and before sunset) and the ethereal Blue Hour (before sunrise and after sunset) to the bright, direct overhead, midday sun, allowing photographers to create images defined by stark contrast and shortened shadows.

To pay homage to this summer light, Bruce Silverstein Gallery is pleased to present Summer Glow, an exhibition that explores the effects of the unique qualities of summer rays on the art of picture making.

Featuring a curated selection of works by over thirty artists, spanning from 1903 to 2018,

of ecstasy, shame, and exhilarating liberation, Max has to reckon with whether Sebastian is merely a writer’s tool to achieve first-hand authenticity or whether something more is at stake.

“Captivatingly explores the creative process and contemporary conversations around authenticity and authorship. Sebastian sees [Mäkelä] continue

to establish himself as a significant voice in contemporary queer cinema,” says James Kleinmann of The Queer Review.

Director Mikko Mäkelä is a Finnish-British writer/director based in London, and was named by IndieWire as an LGBTQ Filmmaker on the Rise. Sebastian is Mikko’s second feature.

VISIT

Summer Glow is a diverse collection of photographs that captures the unique interplay of light and shadow only seen during the summer season. With lush landscapes by Elger Esser and Manuel Alvarez Bravo, abstracted sands by Aaron Siskind, intimate family moments captured by Chester Higgins, and tranquil scenes by Adger Cowans, each artist brings

a unique perspective. Using the summer light, they transform seemingly ordinary scenes into serene and dynamic compositions that resonate with both tranquility and vibrancy.

For more information visit: brucesilverstein.com.

Marie Cosindas (1923-2017) Sailors, Key West, 1966

THE HOUSE OF HIDDEN MEANINGS: A MEMOIR

RuPaul (Author)

FROM INTERNATIONAL DRAG SUPERSTAR AND POP CULTURE ICON RUPAUL, COMES HIS MOST REVEALING AND PERSONAL WORK TO DATE--A DEEPLY INTIMATE MEMOIR OF DISCOVERY, FOUND FAMILY, AND SELFACCEPTANCE. The House of Hidden Meanings is a self-portrait of the legendary icon on the road to global fame and changing the way the world thinks about drag.

Central to RuPaul’s success has been his chameleonic adaptability. From drag icon to powerhouse producer of one of the world’s largest television franchises, RuPaul’s ever-shifting nature has always been part of his brand as both supermodel and supermogul.Yet that adaptability has made him enigmatic to the public. In this memoir, his most intimate and detailed book yet, RuPaul makes himself truly known.

In The House of Hidden Meanings, RuPaul strips away all artifice and recounts the story of his life with breathtaking clarity and tenderness, bringing his signature wisdom and wit to his own biography. From his early years growing up as a queer Black kid in San Diego navigating complex relationships with his absent father and temperamental mother, to forging an identity in the punk and drag scenes of Atlanta and New York, to finding enduring love with his husband Georges LeBar and self-acceptance in sobriety, RuPaul excavates his own biography life-story, uncovering new truths and insights in his personal history.

Here in RuPaul’s singular and extraordinary story is a manual for living—a personal philosophy that testifies to the value of chosen family, the importance of harnessing what makes you different, and the transformational power of facing yourself fearlessly.

A profound introspection of his life, relationships, and identity, The House of Hidden Meanings is a self-portrait of the legendary icon on the road to global fame and changing the way the world thinks about drag. “I’ve always loved to view the world with analytical eyes, examining what lies beneath the surface. Here, the focus is on my own life—as RuPaul Andre Charles,” says RuPaul.

If we’re all born naked and the rest is drag, then this is RuPaul totally out of drag. This is RuPaul stripped bare.

READ

STONEWALL WOMEN’S FUND PRESENTS

An Evening With Rita Mae Brown (October 24, 2024 | 5:30pm) Center for Spiritual Living, 4849 N Dixie Hwy, Oakland Park, Florida

STONEWALL NATIONAL MUSEUM, ARCHIVES, & LIBRARY IS PLEASED TO PRESENT THE ICONIC, AMERICAN FEMINIST AUTHOR RITA MAE BROWN. Few authors today have proved themselves to be as versatile or prolific as Rita Mae Brown… she is a New York Times-bestselling author, activist, and screenwriter. A writer of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, Brown is the author of over 50 books which have been translated into eight languages. With razor-sharp wit, Brown gives entertaining and enlightening talks about her writing and advocacy throughout the years.

In 1973, Brown published her debut novel Rubyfruit Jungle, a landmark coming-of-age story about a young woman forging her own path and refusing to apologize for her sexuality. The book has been heralded as a milestone, with The New York Times calling it “groundbreaking” and Gloria Steinem praising it as “the rare work of fiction that has changed real life.”

Since her debut, Brown has continued to

PULSE:

THE UNTOLD STORY

(Audible)

GRIPPING EIGHT-EPISODE DOCUMENTARY PODCAST REVEALS SHOCKING NEW INFORMATION ABOUT THE FBI’S FAILURE TO STOP THE HORRIFIC 2016 ORLANDO NIGHTCLUB SHOOTING. The captivating new documentary podcast Pulse: The Untold Story is now available exclusively from Audible. From journalist Trevor Aaronson and Western Sound, this Audible Original investigates the Pulse nightclub shooting and raises startling questions about the FBI’s culpability.

In a gay nightclub in Orlando on June 12, 2016, the shooter, Omar Mateen, murdered 49 people and wounded 53 others. The attack was the deadliest act of violence against the LGBTQ+ community in US history and the deadliest terrorist attack in the United States since 9/11.

But there’s a story you haven’t heard. The FBI had a secret history with the shooter and

DISCUSS

write literary fiction while also venturing into other genres. She is the recipient of two Emmy nominations and the Writer’s Guild of America Award for best television variety show. Brown is also the author of numerous mystery novels, including the New York Times-bestselling Mrs. Murphy series, which she writes with her feline co-author, Sneaky Pie Brown, and the beloved Sister Jane fox-hunting novels, which most recently featured the new title Out of Hounds. She has also written poetry and nonfiction.

Rita Mae Brown has remained a prominent

his father. To obscure that history, the FBI pushed a false story that the media dutifully carried—that the attacker was a secretly gay Islamist extremist who had chosen to target Pulse and planned the attack for weeks.

Through a relentless and thorough investigation, Aaronson uncovers the volatile relationship between the shooter and his father and how their

activist for human and animal rights for over forty years. In 2015, she received the Lambda Literary Pioneer Award for “individuals who have broken new ground in the field of LGBT literature and publishing.” Brown is also the recipient of the 2015 Lee Lynch Classic Book Award.

An advocate for human and animal rights for over forty years, she is a hilarious and insightful speaker who encourages audiences to follow their own paths in writing and in life.

More information at: stonewall-museum.org.

Lister here: tinyurl.com/mr3852k9 PODCAST

troubled interactions with the FBI lead to a disturbing final question: Could the FBI have prevented the massacre?

Pulse: The Untold Story is a documentary like no other. It will leave you wondering if anything you’ve heard about this case is true.

Warning: This program contains descriptions of violence and death and includes recordings from 911 calls and police body cameras from the night of the shooting. Listener discretion is advised.

EXPERIENCE

DURAN DURAN

Danse Macabre at Madison Square Garden (October 31, 2024) 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY

DURAN DURAN ARE SUMMONING ALL HALLOWEEN ENTHUSIASTS TO SHOW UP, DRESS UP, AND CELEBRATE

All Hallows’ Eve in style at the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York City on Thursday, October 31.

Now a highly anticipated annual tradition, The Danse Macabre Halloween Party was originally conceptualized at a fabled Halloween Duran Duran gig for the ages in 2022 and is now immortalized across 13 songs on their 16th studio album, “Danse Macabre.” Threading together new music, themed covers, and darkly reimagined versions

of the band’s classic tracks, the album has been described as “a treat for the senses” by American Songwriter, and “delightfully devilish” by Billboard, with Rolling Stone proclaiming, “Duran Duran are feeling the spooky energy.”

Duran Duran has also announced a North American east-coast run, set to take place this fall, bringing the legendary, award-winning fourpiece to Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland and New Hampshire.

Duran Duran is a popular British rock band that’s been making music since 1978. The band has

sold over one million albums and have achieved 30 Top-40 hit singles in the UK Singles Chart and 21 Top-40 singles in the US Billboard Hot 100. The band has won numerous awards throughout their career, including two Brit Awards, two Grammy Awards and an MTV Video Music Award. Duran Duran was also awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1993 and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

Get tickets at ticketmaster.com.

THE BEE’S KNEES

The phrase “bee’s knees” was prohibitionera slang for “the best.”This classic cocktail born from the prohibition era combines gin, lemon, and honey. Refreshing, floral, and perfect for summer.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Barr Hill Gin

• .75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

• .75 oz Raw Honey Syrup (2:1)

• Lemon twist for garnish

Preparation:

Combine ingredients in a mixing tin, add ice, shake, then double strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add garnish.

SUMMERTIME SIPPIN’

FIVE REFRESHING COCKTAIL RECIPES TO ENJOY THIS SUMMER

CURATED BY MICHAEL WESTMAN

THE DYE HOUSE

Sweetened with blueberry syrup and garnished with blueberries, this Barr Hill Gin cocktail is a seasonal play on the classic Clover Club. Summer in a glass.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Barr Hill Gin

• 0.75 oz Fino Sherry

• 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

• 0.75 oz Blueberry Syrup

• 1 egg white

• Fresh skewered blueberries for garnish

Preparation:

Combine ingredients into a mixing tin, dry shake without ice, add ice, then shake with ice, and double strain into a coupe cocktail glass. Garnish with skewered fresh blueberries.

TOM CAT OLD FASHIONED COCKTAIL

The Old Fashioned Cocktail is the first drink to ever bear the name ‘Cocktail’ (c. 1806). People would order at the bar a ‘Cocktail’ made with their spirit of choice mixed with a little sugar, some bitters and citrus twists. Here we call for a ‘Tom Cat Gin Cocktail’ using Barr Hill’s barrel-aged Tom Cat Gin as a stand-in for whiskey, making this twist on a classic insanely drinkable in the summer (or anytime, honestly).

CLASSIC TOM CAT

OLD FASHIONED COCKTAIL

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Tom Cat Gin

• 1/2 tsp Demerara syrup (2 parts demerara sugar: 1 part water)

• 2-3 dashes of Angostura Bitters

• Lemon or orange twist, or both, for garnish

Preparation:

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice, stir, then strain into an old fashioned glass over fresh ice. Garnish by squeezing the citrus twists over the top of the cocktail.

MUDDLED FRUIT

TOM CAT OLD FASHIONED

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Tom Cat Gin

• 1 tsp Demerara syrup (2 parts demerara sugar: 1 part water)

• 2-3 dashes of Angostura Bitters

• 1 cherry

• 1 half orange wheel

Preparation:

Combine sugar and fruit in an old fashioned glass then gently muddle. Add other ingredients and fresh ice, stir, strain into an old fashioned glass over fresh ice, then garnish with an orange slice and cherry.

c. 2014 by Sam Nelis (a play on the classic Clover Club)

WALK ON WATER

For those looking for a fancy brunch cocktail, this one is a stunner. Made with Barr Hill Vodka, sparkling wine, and grapefruit juice, among other ingredients, this beautiful cocktail can be enjoyed all day long.

Ingredients

• 0.75 oz Barr Hill Vodka

• 0.5 oz Amaro Braulio

• 1 oz Grapefruit Juice

• 0.5 oz Rosemary Syrup

• Sparkling Wine

Preparation:

Combine ingredients (besides the wine) in mixing tin, add ice and shake, strain into champagne flute and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with an orange twist and rosemary sprig.

c. 2017 by Sam Nelis

JUNGLE CAT

Made with Vermont maple syrup and barrel-aged gin, the Jungle Cat is where craft cocktail meets tiki drink. With tropical flavors like pineapple and lime, this one is as refreshing as it is unique.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Tom Cat Gin

• 0.75 oz Campari

• 1.5 oz Fresh Pineapple Juice

• 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice

• 0.5 oz VT Grade A Dark, Robust Maple Syrup

Preparation:

Combine ingredients in a mixing tin, add ice, shake, and strain over crushed ice in a tiki mug if you’ve got it. Go crazy with the garnish, a Campari soaked pineapple works well, and using cherries or pineapple leaves is fun. Try and make it look like a cat’s face!

c. 1978 @ The Aviary bar in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (A play on the classic)

BEARD CARE

PRODUCTS TO MAKE YOUR BEARD MORE BILF (BEARDS I’D LIKE TO FONDLE)

BY JEFFREY JAMES KEYES

WHILE FACIAL HAIR HAS BEEN IN SEASON FOR SOME TIME NOW, MANY NEED SOME ASSISTANCE WITH THAT NEW-ISH QUARANTINE BEARD. Maintaining a quality beard does not take a tremendous amount of work, with a few strong products you can let the oils, lotions, and conditioners do the work. Be sure to properly wash your face and beard and prep your beard and the area around before doing any shaving or trimming. Be sure to introduce quality oils and lotion into your routine and keep it sanitized and free of residual germs from any of those viruses going around. With a little TLC, you can train your beard to look clean and sharp at any length. Here is a selection of products and

WASH

NIVEA DEEP CLEANING

BEARD & FACE WASH niveausa.com

A pre-shave cleanser and facial scrub in one that exfoliates for an easier, closer shave. Eco-friendly, biodegradable scrubbing par ticles help to unclog pores, prevent ingrown hairs, and minimize shaving irritation. Re moves oil, dirt, and dead skin cells to leave a clear path for your blade.

Tough enough for facial hair, but gentle enough for daily use. Formulated with Natural Charcoal, the wash thoroughly cleanses your Beard & Face, and has a masculine Vanilla & Bourbon scent.

MALIN+GOETZ

GRAPEFRUIT FACE CLEANSER malinandgoetz.com

Malin+Goetz is an apothecary launched by Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood in 2004. The focus of their brand is easy-to-use, gentle treatments helping to cleanse and restore pH balance without harsh ingredients, irritants, or unnecessary detergents, colorants, and synthetic fragrances. Their foaming cleansing gel is gentle on the beard and whole face. This perfect blend of natural grapefruit extract with amino acid-based cleansing agents work to purify and hydrate pH balance to the skin.

PREP

AIDAN

GILL FOR MEN SHAVE OIL

aidangillformen.com

When Aidan Gil, the infamous Irish barber based out of “the Big Easy” came out with a line of grooming products, we leaned into it. The Aidan Gill For Men’s Pre-Shave oil, was formu lated by Aidan, and is used daily in the Barber shops to ensure the most comfortable and close shave. Apply this lightly scented blend of es sential oils to clean wet skin prior to the appli cation of shaving cream and you will be able to keep everything clean, safe, and looking great.

LATHER

JACK BLACK BEARD LUBE CONDITIONING SHAVE WITH JOJOBA & EUCALYPTUS

getjackblack.com

If you are looking for a dynamite all-in-one product Jack Black’s Beard Lube Condition ing Shave with Jojoba & Eucalyptus should be considered a go-to. The translucent formula does the heavy lifting as a pre-shave oil, shave cream, and even an after-shave conditioner to soften facial hair for a painless shave. In addi tion to jojoba & eucalyptus, the lube includes macadamia nut oil, heather, menthol, pepper mint, and a variety of other subtle ingredients. Leave the product on for about sixty seconds before shaving. When finished, rinse with cold water. You will thank us later.

JACK BLACK BEARD OIL getjackblack.com

This exclusive blend of certified organic natural oils, potent antioxidants and vitamins protect skin from the damaging effects of free radicals and environmental pollutants. Key ingredients like Vitamin E, Kalahari melon oil and Marula oil, work to counteract free-radical damage, soften facial hair and smooth skin underneath. Keep your beard healthy.

EUFORA HERO FOR MEN CLASSIC SHAVE

eufora.net

Eufora, offering clean, quality beauty products since 1997. Eufora formulations harness the power of more than 100 unique plant and flow er extracts, essential oils, vitamins, and natural aromas for their products. While the company is known for their fantastic line of hair care products, the ultimate 3-in-1 pH balanced shave solution is a fantastic product to help you to shave away any excess or unnecessary hair to make your beard look good and stand out. The non-foaming formula is the perfect choice because it allows you to essentially “mark out” detail easily on your cheeks and neck.

BILLY JEALOUSY BEARD QUENCHER billyjealousy.com

Packed with shea butter, amino acids and black oat seed, Beard Quencher adds strength, elasticity and gloss to your bristly buddy. The lightweight formula quickly absorbs into your beard to moisturize, fight frizz and improve hair strength and texture. Slip some through once or twice a day to give your beard what it’s thirsting for. Build your beard care routine with the perfect Billy Jealousy scent.

BULLDOG

BULLDOG ORIGINAL BEARD OIL bulldogskincare.com

This fast-absorbing beard oil combines a blend of thoughtfully curated ingredients, like aloe vera. It’s formulated to soften, tame, and condition coarse facial hair, leaving your beard with a healthy-looking shine that doesn’t appear greasy. Plus, our signature fragrance made with a blend of natural ingredients will leave it smelling great.

SHAVE & TRIM

BULLDOG

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ORIGINAL BAMBOO RAZOR bulldogskincare.com

Fun fact: over two billion plastic razors are sent to the landfills each year in the United States. Bulldog, a skincare company launched by Simon Duffy and Rhodri Ferrier in 2006, takes pride in trying to eliminate the problem. Their Bamboo Razor is making strides to help protect the environment while offering men the shave they deserve. Each razor, built ethi cally with fully recycled packaging made from recycled stock and environmentally friendly inks features five tempered steel blades and a lubricating strip of aloe, designed to provide a comfortable shave. The handle, designed with a natural bamboo handle, will fit well in your hand, and help to lower your overall environ mental impact.

REMINGTON

ULTIMATE PRECISION MULTIGROOMER

Groom and trim with the confidence of ultimate precision. The REMINGTON® Precision Multigroomer has your face and body covered. The cutaway neck design allows for high visibility while trimming—no bulky trimmer head to block your view. The reversible T-blade lets you precisely cut at multiple angles when grooming facial and body hair. It has factoryset, zero gap blades for comfortable, skin-close performance, and is made of self-sharpening Japanese grade steel for long-lasting precision. You can customize your look with 14 length and style settings that range from skin-close to 15mm. The advanced rechargeable battery delivers up to 60 minutes of cordless run time.

FINISH

MVRCK BY MITCH SKIN + BEARD LOTION paulmitchell.com

Discover the art of uncommon barbering with MVRCK by MITCH (from the good people at Paul Mitchell). MVRCK Skin + Beard Lotion will shape and tame coarse beard hair, from light stubble to full grown and everything in between. Lather a little in your beard and feel an almost immediate sense of control and additional moisture. The rich, hydrating formula contains barley seed extract to moisturize the face, skin beneath the beard, and your gorgeous facial hair so you can go out into the world.

The MVRCK Skin Tonic also adds a light facial mist to wake up skin without feeling dry. Contains cooling menthol and a refreshing agave citrus scent.

SELF HELP FOR SUMMER

SIX HEALTH AND SELF-HELP BOOKS TO ENJOY

BY JEFFREY JAMES KEYES

WHILE SELECTING THE PERFECT PAGE TURNER TO READ BEACH OR POOLSIDE, THERE ARE SEVERAL GREAT HEALTH AND WELLNESS BOOKS ON THE MARKET. If you’re looking for a little out of the box guidance from the universe, or a few dips from drag artists we’re including a few titles below, as well as useful tips for decluttering and healing the prostate. Choose one or several and use the long days of summer to find opportunities to come back to yourself and get healthy. We’ll meet you in the cabana, see you there!

HEALTHY KETO AIR FRYER COOKBOOK

By Aaron Day

Air fryers became the craze a couple of years ago and they have been the key to helpful weight loss for many. Aaron Day’s Healthy Keto Air Fryer Cookbook is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a manual to healthy cooking. The book includes 100 keto-friendly recipes including breakfast, mains, sides, snacks, and even desserts. Day, an accredited nutritional therapist, clinical weight loss practitioner, advanced sports exercise nutritional advisor. He previously penned Keto Sweet Tooth Cookbook and Easy Keto Meal Prep. In addition to recipes,

Healthy Keto Air Fryer Cookbook offers complete nutritional data for calories, fat net carbs, protein, and dietary fiber as well as expert keto and air fryer information including “tips and tricks’’ for getting the most out of using your air fryer. Day walks readers through information describing the fundamentals of the keto diet, how it can help with weight loss, as well as tips for keto success. Recipes include Raspberry & Vanilla Pancakes, a Mediterranean Halloumi Bake, Breaded Onion Rings, Ratatouille, Zucchini Rounds, Pumpkin Pie, and even Snickerdoodle Cookies. Wait, keto Snickerdoodle Cookies? Yes, the keto alternative is delicious and chewy, and will be a healthy hit at your next social gathering.

FITNESS FOR EVERYONE: 50 EXERCISES FOR EVERY TYPE OF BODY

By Louise Green

Not a gym person? If you’re someone who’s never felt comfortable lifting weights, pounding on an elliptical, or riding on an exercise bike then Fitness for Everyone: 50 Exercises for Every Type of Body is the book for you. Flipping through the 256 pages and seeing models of all shapes and sizes embarking on manageable, effective exercise can bring a smile to even the staunchest gym evader. Louise Green is a personal trainer, fitness coach, fitness activist, and writer who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s and throughout her twenties, like many of us, she lived “through a period of extreme diet culture.” Green states “maybe your struggle isn’t weight, but whatever it is, accepting and adapting to how your body moves is absolutely possible.”Want to target muscles in your upper or lower body, strengthen your cardio, or develop balance and stigma, these fifty exercises (and modifications) are a manageable variety that literally anyone can do. The book is divided into five chapters, including Fitness Basics; Upper Body & Core; Lower Body & Cardio; Stretch & Balance; and Combinations, Intervals, & Complexes. Green is the founder of ‘Big Girl Fit’, a brand, fitness app, book, weekly podcast, and monthly column in Self magazine. Her work has impacted thousands of individuals around the world. Join Green in her quest to break the stigma that fitness and working out is only for one body type.

SECRETS OF SPACE CLEARING: ACHIEVE INNER AND OUTER HARMONY THROUGH ENERGY WORK, DECLUTTERING, AND FENG SHUI

by Denise Linn

Does your home or workspace no longer feel comfortable? In her new book, Secrets of Space Clearing: Achieve Inner and Outer Harmony through Energy Work, Decluttering, and Feng Shui, Denise Linn notes every space has energy, and that “every cubic centimeter of it, whether solid or seemingly empty space, is composed of infinite energy...sometimes energy in a home or office can become stagnant and dull.” For the past five decades, Linn has practiced the art of cleansing and harmonizing home energy. “Space clearing,” a term Linn coined, is the art of cleansing and harmonizing the energy within an environment. This practice has the power to not only make your home feel good but also help those within to feel more positive and energetic, to bring balance to relationships, and to remove blocks for increased abundance, creativity, and well-being. Linn’s guidebook is peaceful and fun, she walks you through space clearing fundamentals like space clearing practices, the four stages of space clearing, setting the groundwork for space clearing, and shares how clutter clearing is modern-day alchemy. In Part II of the book, she shares the deeper energy of space clearing tools, like sound, the alchemy of air and fire, as well as elemental space clearing and mystic mudras. The appendices in the back of the book, includes a reference guide to colors, stones, aromas, flowers, and more. and how they impact us, and how each type of stone or gem elicits a particular kind of energy,

HEALING THE PROSTATE: THE BEST HOLISTIC METHODS TO TREAT THE PROSTATE AND OTHER COMMON MALE-RELATED CONDITIONS

By Dr. Mark Stengler

Dr. Mark Stengler wrote an essential book for all men, regardless of age. For all its many important functions, the prostate gland can become a health curse to many men. Many common prostate conditions including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, prostatitis, testosterone deficiency, and erectile dysfunction can be healed holistically, or even prevented through simple steps that every man can take. Diet, supplements, and lifestyle choices can all support your prostate and overall health. While there are surgical, pharmaceutical, and other conventional therapies for all these conditions, scientific studies have demonstrated that a comprehensive, integrative, or holistic approach to healing can dramatically reduce risk and/or decrease negative side effects and symptoms. Adjusting your diet to a more “Mediterranean diet”full of organic plant foods, no dairy, and low in animal products, exercising, taking herbal supplements, even incorporating Beta-sitosterol or Saw Palmetto into the diet can make an enormous difference. Don’t know where to begin? Dr. Stengler offers a clear two-week meal plan with a variety of delicious recipes in the back of his book. It’s never too early to start healing your prostate.

ANGEL WISDOM TAROT GUIDEBOOK

by Radleigh Valentine

Illustrations by Dan Craig

Tarot novices and experts alike can gain a great deal from the lavishly illustrated and symbolic tarot deck, which “draws upon the wisdom and power of the archangels to help you speak with the Divine”. The Guidebook, accompanied by a deck of stunning cards, offers a quick reference guide to the specific card, meanings behind the cards, and how to work with Tarot, in general. Find uplifting interpretations of traditional tarot messages and imagery, including diverse, contemporary depictions of classic characters/ Valentine includes unique features on each card to make them easy to use. Is this your first-time exploring Tarot cards? The Guidebook offers clear details and reference points for each card, including the Major Arcana, which consists of 22 cards describing major events and turning points in your life. Explore deeper insights like words of awareness, other people, and additional interpretations meanings of specific cards. Enjoy gorgeous artwork while flipping through these cards, and who knows what answers you might receive from the cards.

SERVING FACE: LESSONS IN POISE AND (DIS)GRACE FROM THE WORLD OF DRAG

By Felix Le Freak

Self-help from drag queens? Oh, yes, hunty... come through and serve it to the children! For drag fans, or those who need a little charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent in their life, Serving Face: Lessons in Poise and (dis)grace from the World of Drag is a wonderful addition to the coffee table. Written by Felix Le Freak, winner of Drag Idol UK, 2018, with a foreword by Monét X Change, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars season four and Miss Congeniality, RuPaul’s Drag Race season ten. Author Felix Le Freak says, “It has been a privilege and a romp to delve into the minds of these utterly fabulous artists. Drag is not just a hot topic right now but a rich historic tradition and the starting point of infinite creative possibilities. I hope that the sass, wit and campery contained within this book sparks joy in the imagination of its reader, as writing it did for me!” Serving Face offers inspiration and motivation while dishing out real talk life lessons and offering tips and tricks from some of the most revered drag queens and kings from around the world, including Adam All, Andro Gin, Art Simone, Calypso Jeté Balmain, Cheddar Gorgeous, CHIYO, Miss Coco Peru, Crystal, Evah Destruction, Fay Ludes, Freida Slaves, Gingzilla, Glamrou, Majic Dyke, MYNXIE, Myra Dubois, Peaches Christ, Sum Ting Wong, Tynomi Banks and Yuhua Hamasaki. Explore the multitude of fun offerings of this book, including a handy glossary of terms including “clock”, “for the gods”, “lace front, “shade”, and “gag”. Peruse through the nuanced, and informative interviews and profiles of each of the queens and kings including a fun “60 second” sidebar for each legend. Explore the broad array of performers and lewk queens, including those who identify as camp, fierce, glam, and punk. The interviews, as Le Freak states, “cover a broad range of topics, from queer history and underground movements to the peaks and perils of the reality TV zeitgeist. What they have in common is a wealth of overflowing insight on life, style, and performance, straight from the unicorn’s mouth!”

I REMEMBER THE ANTICIPATION LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS 24 YEARS AGO. THE LEGENDARY ANNE RICE, THE FUEL OF ALL MY QUEER, YOUTH, EMO FEELINGS, HAD A GAY SON AND HE WAS JUST RELEASING HIS FIRST FICTION NOVEL! Before the age of ordering books on Amazon, there I was, waiting for Barnes & Noble to open. They unlock the door and in I swoop to snatch up A Destiny of Souls. Was it going to be gay vampires? Gay witches? How was the offspring of one of my two favorite writers (the other was Stephen King) going to carry on his mother’s reign? A quarter through the book and I realized, this was not an Anne Rice book. It dealt with four high school friends in New Orleans in the throws of ego, passion, and a secret murder. Though it wasn’t a gay book, it had gay characters and dealt with the everyday aspects of being a gay youth. It was a mainstream and queer hit, becoming a New York Times Bestseller. With that book, Christopher Rice showed the world that he was his own writer, with his own voice, and he was here to tell his own stories. I have been enamored by his work since. He has amassed a long list of novels in a wide variety of genres, including his latest, Sapphire Dawn, a continuation of his Sapphire Cover series under his pen name, C. Travis Rice, that unapologetically dives into the world of the gay romance novel with a dash of erotica.

Rice had an unconventional beginning, born to author Anne Rice and poet Stan Rice, spending the first decade of his life being raised in the Castro District of San Francisco.

Those early years, particularly in comparison to what came after, were like an alternate reality. I was living in Northern California in the early to mid-1980s in the Reagan era where all of that was being kept out by this army of progressive lesbian school teachers who ran the school I went to where we had no grades. It was fantastic. Everything that came afterwards for like the first five years felt like a living nightmare.

The other thing that was happening was that we were living just two blocks from Castro and Market, and this was one of the ground zeros of the AIDS epidemic. There were stores closing and there were men lining up to buy things like diapers in the drugstore that you wouldn’t expect grown men to be buying. And my mother’s friends were getting sick. I don’t know another seven or eight-year-old who had kind of that front-row seat to what was unfolding in a neighborhood like that.

CHRISTOPHER

THE ELEVATION OF GAY ROMANCE RICE

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

His early literary experience wasn’t Dr. Seuss or Encyclopedia Brown, he found his love for reading in a bit of a different genre.

We had a little library at that experimental school, the lesbian-run school, and there was a mass-market paperback copy of Jaws by Peter Benchley, and I kept going for it. The teacher finally put it up above where I could reach because she felt as permissive as that school was, I was too young to be reading Jaws. If it was scary, I was after it when I was little. I liked being scared. And I also hated being scared. And I think that’s what I’m still after. It was a big problem in my house that I was reading more Stephen King than Anne Rice when I was younger. Rice would be whisked away to New Orleans when he was ten years old. As he grew up, he found himself among the affluent community (even going to school with the Manning boys of football fame), and his sexuality started to come into play, he felt that he didn’t quite fit in. Themes he covered in his debut novel. Interestingly enough, his mother’s books had presented themes of non-binary, pansexuality, bisexuality,

you name it, before these terms were even being presented by the queer community. Still, Rice waited to come out.

I always tell the story of grappling with my sexuality, having been to the gay bars a few times. I went on this trip to Italy with my family and awkwardly came out to them. On the way back in the airport, there was a newspaper article on the front page of The New York Times saying that a new class of drugs radically transform the AIDS epidemic. And I was like, okay, good. Because I was terrified.

I really, really, really wanted to be bisexual. (My mom) thought I might be, but I think her position in that moment was, if you are bisexual, embrace being bisexual. Don’t fall prey to that “pick a side” mentality that people give you. There’s mom as an island and then there’s everybody else. I think I was a little too focused on everybody else. There were a lot of people in my life at that time who said, you’re just doing this for attention. Let me tell you something, there are way better ways to get attention.

It was 1996, they were still saying things about gay people on television that would get you canceled today, people who were senators and celebrities. I think that the ultimate struggle we all fight is within ourselves. We can be assaulted, we can be attacked, but when it comes to our sexuality, what we’re really wrestling with is our own definition of it. The things that we say to ourselves in the quiet of the night are far more powerful than what any bigot can say to us. So it’s about not letting them in in those moments.

Most of Christopher’s fans associate him with New Orleans, and while the assumption and fantasy might be that he was spending his teens in a haunted mansion surrounded by gothic figures and the Rice family kingdom, that wasn’t quite it. The adjustment from living in San Francisco was not an easy one.

Everybody who had been at that wonderful school with me had had the jarring transition of going out into the real world, even if they didn’t leave San Francisco. It was very healing to me to hear that because it wasn’t ultimately about New Orleans. We had been in a very special place that was run by a set of rarefied very liberal principles, and the rest of the world was just not like that. So I had to learn how I had to learn. I remember my dad saying, “You need to get good grades.” I said, “You’ll be happy with the grades I get. They’re an expression of who I am.” And he was like, “Oh, we got a lot of work to do here in the real world.”

There was an adjustment period, and then I kind of snapped into it and got used to the community that I was in. I cut my hair, I got rid of my rat tail. I put on polo shirts and khaki shorts for pretty much the rest of my life in New Orleans. I found a place in theater. Theater was not the most popular choice in my high school, we were a big athletics high school. By senior year, a lot of those things flattened out, the kids grow up. If you’re someone who’s always felt a few steps ahead of the other kids, a lot of them catch up with you by senior year. And so I wasn’t in this constant atmosphere of fear or feeling like I was going to be bullied or assaulted by like junior or senior year. But the first few years were tough.

After high school he went to attend Brown University, thinking he would take the theater

Anne Rice and Christopher Rice

Eric Shaw Quinn and Christopher Rice

world by storm. He did not. He transferred to Tisch School of the Arts in New York City and started studying dramatic writing. It just wasn’t for him, and he was introduced to Los Angeles by friends and he fell instantly in love. Southern California remains his home to this day. He started exploring the world of screenplays.

One of his first Los Angeles friends invited him to a reading series called Spoken Interludes where writers were asked to read one of their short stories. If they were too nervous, there would always be a celebrity or two that would step in.

There were several ideas that had been circling, which I thought were going to be screenplays. I thought, well, this is an opportunity. And it felt kind of like a theater thing as well. So, I wrote this short story that was just all of my repressed sexuality and rage at the Garden District in New Orleans, it was basically a story about a gay rape, for lack of a better term. I read it to this mixed crowd in this bougie West side LA restaurant. There was a mix of well-known actors there and Wendy Malick came up afterward and just shook my hand, I thought, holy shit! I felt like I was doing this crazy thing. I downed like five glasses of wine reading this really gay story in this crowd full of people I didn’t know. The response to it convinced me that it could be something else.

The seed for A Density of Souls was planted. Just as the seed was planted, Christopher was called back to New Orleans, his mother had slipped into a diabetic coma.

I had downtime at night away from the hospital and I just dove in blind. I just took the attitude that maybe what I was writing wasn’t publishable, but it could be fixed down the road. It was totally therapy and it was totally emotional and raw. You never have an experience like that again, writing your first book, because you’ve never been reviewed. You don’t have any book critics living in your head, so it was a very pure experience. You can really just convince yourself you’re writing the greatest thing ever.

The book was a hit. As Rice puts it, the detractors can say his success was due to his mother, but that only gets you so far. He is working on his 16th novel. The pressure to live up to his mother’s reign was palpable. He proved right off the bat that his style was all his own.

Anne used to say, “You, as a writer, process your present in a way that I don’t” She would say things that sounded vaguely insulting, but she wouldn’t mean them to be, like, “I

could never write a book about going to high school.” What she really meant was you are psychologically processing your experience as a human being by way of your present. And for her to get to where she wanted to go creatively, she needed to go into the past, she needed to go into the vampire’s point of view. That was where she found her truth, even though she was expressing a truth that was relevant in the present. That helped me because I think if I thought I had been writing something that was similar to her, or an imitation of her, it would’ve completely shut me down.

His sexuality was highlighted in the media, being labeled a “gay” author, and his last name was highlighted in the media as being the son of Anne Rice. The two headlines meshed and allowed his work to cross over the gay wall into mainstream fandom. Simultaneously he was on the cover of The Advocate and a guest on the Rosie O’Donnell Show. It became very apparent that his inclusion of gay characters and themes was a reflection of the diversity that was happening in the real world, not just to cater to a gay audience and not depending on tragic themes that were prevalent in gay literature that Rice grew up reading. His novels were relevant to both queer and straight audiences.

A lot of his work deals with forbidden love and he’s delved into the world of intrigue, murder, mystery, magic, and even two collaborations with his mother on the Ramses novels. In 2014, he dipped his toes into the erotic romance realm with his novel, The Flame. He has ramped up to his Sapphire Cove novels, starting with Sapphire Sunset in 2021. The series takes place in Southern California, centering on a luxury resort, perfectly detailing the locale, the attitudes, and the different personalities that exist in the gay community. Each book can exist on its own but are a tag team of characters who take turns in the spotlight with each book. For this series, he has created the pen name C. Travis Rice.

I get a lot of people who ask, what are you doing? Why are you putting both names on the cover? And it’s like, look, it makes total sense. I need to tell you that this is going to be a different product. There are not going to be any demonically possessed plants, there’s not going to be a face-stealing serial killer. This is going to be messy, complicated boys falling in love.

The books are delicious and a perfect escape into gay romance and erotica and come at a refreshing time when we are bombarded by social and political attacks on the queer community. Truth be told, Rice had somewhat of contempt towards gay romance

I THINK THE MOST IMPORTANT, IF I HAVE AN AGENDA, IS TO TELL STORIES ABOUT QUEER MEN THAT MAYBE DIDN’T EXIST WHEN I WAS YOUNGER.”

novels. Gasp! A lot of gay romances are written by women. But Christopher did his research and became enamored by the content and ultimate optimism that each story brought. He learned about other writers and learned about the romance novel fandom. The fact that no one in the novels was dying of some horrible disease and that happily ever after was definitely on the menu appealed to him, tragedy and loss were not the plot climax. The Sapphire Cove series offers all of the romance and bulge-hardening elements that we want, but there’s also a signature Rice substance. It is the elevation of gay romance.

There are temperatures in gradations of romance that are all great. There’s really light and fluffy and deliberately so. There’s the I want a total escape; I want to read about two people falling in love who work in a candy store. And then there’s what I do which is, it’s got this candy coating on it, but there’s kind of some rock salt and a few sharp edges in the middle.

Writing this series has been very intimate for Rice. He’s not able to hide behind bigger-than-life characters or magical circumstances, romance is from the heart.

You have to pull from your own body. It’s really personal. I wasn’t prepared for that because I had just come off a series I wrote for Amazon Publishing The Burning Girl series, which was really fun and I really loved it, but it was way more mainstream. It was really from the point of view of a straight woman with a superpower at her disposal. It was very different from this. It wasn’t like I told this story out of my past. It was because these are my desires as a man. These are my hopes and ambitions for an idealized relationship.

The Sapphire Cove series also deals with hot topics from the gay community. Themes like monogamy, open relationships, cheating, mental abuse, and jealousy are all explored. His new book in the series, Sapphire Dawn, is about a former porn star who discovers he doesn’t want casual encounters and an event planner who is set in his ways, both dealing with a horrific relationship from their past. Will they let their defenses down and find love? Throw in an undercover agent and the mob, and you’ve arrived at Sapphire Cove. Again, Rice is drawing from his own experiences and trends in the gay community.

I’ve never been in a relationship that was open with my knowledge. And I think what I was convinced of in my twenties is

not what I’m convinced of necessarily in terms of what I need today. I had an interesting experience with the third book in the series which has a character who identifies as ace (asexual), which was new for me. That person has a desire for deep romantic relationships that don’t include sexual intercourse, which can absolutely happen and it’s a valid identity. So, for the first time, I was looking at the sexuality spectrum. There’s ace, there’s demisexual, there’s sapiosexual, and there’s aromantic. I was talking with a friend recently – am I polyamorous? Am I coming to the realization that I’ve never really landed with one person? The irony of this is that I don’t hop on Grindr, I’ve never really been on the apps. I would rather watch porn than have a stranger in my house. I’m working on a novella in the Sapphire Cove universe that explores the throuple. So, I’m dealing with the polyamory of that, it may just be I’m getting too into character.

I have a great life. And my life does not feel incomplete because I don’t have a partner. I’m content. I would love to meet someone, but it would need to be somebody who also has a great life or has their own life, and we can sort of share certain things together. I’m not a 23-year-old who’s out looking to build a home with somebody. I have different priorities now. My mother said towards the end of her life, “You’re just a bachelor. That’s who you are. You like your alone time. You like to be on your own.”

Looking towards the future, he has the responsibility of carrying on the Rice family legacy, which he has done remarkably well considering it is a constant reminder that he lost his best friend. He is also co-partner with Eric Shaw Quinn for The Dinner Party Show Network, where the two have built a very popular podcast currently focusing on true crime, with more projects on the way. With all of that, he is still finding time in the day to connect with fans and continue his writing.

There are moments where it feels confusing, but there are also moments where it presents incredible opportunities. (The Dinner Partner Network) is really going to become the home for future Anne Rice projects, in television and film. It’ll produce the Celebration of Life. We look at the property she has that nobody has really done anything meaningful with and we think, God, there’s so much potential here. There are moments where I think, am I going to have to abandon my own writing to be the CEO of the Anne

I HAVE A GREAT LIFE. AND MY LIFE DOES NOT FEEL INCOMPLETE BECAUSE I DON’T HAVE A PARTNER. I’M CONTENT. ”

Rice legacy? You learn how to write where you can. I got the Sapphire Cove series written by waking up at six in the morning and doing it before anything else could intrude.

This is going to make me sound possibly like a grumpy, older person, but I think your career is going to be what it’s going to be. I think you want to show up and you want to try for the stuff you’re really passionate about, but you have to be willing to adapt to what happens because it’s not all going to go perfectly. I don’t make too many longterm plans really when it comes to it, that’s how I stay sane. I’ve always got a folder full of ideas. Some of them grow legs and some of them don’t. I always want to be writing a book that I care about.

I think the most important, if I have an agenda, is to tell stories about queer men that maybe didn’t exist when I was younger. It’s not to say I’m the only one telling them, but I don’t know if there were books like this in 1996, I don’t think they would’ve been popular. They would’ve been dismissed as too mainstream, too shiny, and too glossy. Everything needed to be a little bit more serious. I want to fill in the gaps and right now the thing that I have a really burning obsession with is historical fiction and excavating the history of queer people who have been erased from history. What steps to the forward usually does so organically as a result of what’s happening around me. ■

The Sapphire Cove series is available wherever you get books.

Head to ChristopherRicebooks.com

PAGE 30, 32, 33 : PHOTOS BY WADLEY

LISTENERS OF SIRIUS KNOW JOHN ARTHUR HILL FOR HIS WEEKLY, WITTY REPARTEE AND QUEER COMEDIC LOOK AT LIFE AND POP CULTURE AS CO-HOST ON ANDY COHEN LIVE AND ON HIS OWN SHOW, THE JOHN HILL SHOW Social media lovers know John for his sexy thirst traps, viral song parodies, and funny one-on-ones. Musical theatre aficionados have seen John in Broadway’s Hairspray and The Boy from Oz and from Off-Broadway’s Bare. Reality TV fans have seen his work on Top Chef, Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List, Project Runway, Watch What Happens Live, and more. Combine all of that with John’s live touring shows and standup, you wonder how this man has time to sleep… and workout. He is an entertainment industry renaissance man and his journey to today has been a winding one.

John is a proud San Antonio boy. He stayed local until his stint singing country music at Fiesta Six Flags in his late teens. Growing up in Texas was a grab bag for Hill. Yes, he found his love of entertainment, but he also had that all too familiar grapple with his sexuality. But through that, he started forming his sense of humor.

Growing up in Texas was actually pretty great. It was the late ‘80s, early ‘90s. Anne Richards was in office, Clinton was President, people were way more liberal there than they are currently. So, I was out. I had friends who knew I was gay, but I was raised in a Christian conservative environment, so I definitely was closeted for a long time as well. A select people knew.

I was a theater kid. I think if I have a biting sense of humor, it’s probably a trauma response. It’s probably like a rage response that comes from growing up in a shame-drenched Christian church all my life. I worked at Disneyland once and this guy turned to me, I was 19, and he had had it with my attitude and he was like, “You are the youngest, old, bitter queen I have ever met!” And in that moment, I was like, wow, he really sized me up. But it was true. At 19, I was like with a cigarette, eye roll, checking the manicure. If there had been Drag Race at that time, I would’ve just like become a drag queen and gone on Drag Race. I was just always reading, always like above it. I just had such an attitude problem. But I was a theater kid. I always was a comedian of sorts and a performer and a musician, but I was not the jock, and I was kind of like a quiet class clown. I would sit in the back with one person and judge and read and make fun.

JOHN ARTHUR HILL

NONE OF THIS IS SERIOUS

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

He would leave San Antonio to attend Pepperdine University in Southern California to study acting, using his Christian upbringing to his advantage.

I was on a Christian scholarship at Pepperdine and I kind of scammed the system because I was raised in a church that was affiliated with Pepperdine and was looking around at my options, I didn’t have every college offering me a big full ride, but Pepperdine offered me a ton of money because of my religious connection. So, I took their Christian money and I went out there and got myself a boyfriend my freshman year. It was a little bit of a culture shock, but it was such a conservative school that we were in a little bubble up in Malibu and all the conservative people were just like the people I’d grown up with in high school, so it was kind of easy. The culture shock happened when I moved to New York.

Right after Pepperdine, he booked his first big, professional theatre gig in the Broadway national

tour of Miss Saigon. Being that young and sowing his oats, did he behave while on his first tour? I was so well-behaved because it was such a big break for me. All I wanted was to be in a big Broadway show and I finally booked my dream. I loved Miss Saigon. It was, at that point, the biggest show, it was just the biggest deal. The role was so demanding, vocally, that I didn’t drink, I didn’t smoke. I had to keep my voice in tip-top shape. I was a late bloomer when it came to partying. I saw the country, I learned how to tour, I learned how to travel quickly with not many bags. It was the dream job to get paid to just tour. And you feel like a little celebrity in every little city you’re in. It was a dream. Being part of the tour would bring him back to New York City and into the lap of the Broadway production of Hairspray. As destiny would have it, the production was shuffling actors and parts and Hill was brought in to replace Matt Morrison, who was moved up to play the role of Link. Hill would get his first Broadway credit.

I dramatically came in at the last minute. Then we did the out-of-town tryout together pre-Broadway in Seattle. Then when we got to New York, and it was one of the highlights of my life. I had struggled with my parents because they were very conservative, and it took us a long, long time to get cool with everything. But they were there, they came, and they supported, which was a big deal to me. It was just a very emotional night. My parents were meeting my best friends and these small-town people from my little family coming to see a big Broadway show, I was so happy to get to show them that. I felt accomplished and proud.

John went on to play Mark Herron and understudy Hugh Jackman in Broadway’s The Boy from Oz. He found it a growing experience, coming off of the Tony Award-winning Hairspray from going back into the wings, waiting for his time in the starring role. Hugh Jackman never called out sick, so John never took the spotlight. He openly admits that it was a challenge for him and that his attitude could have been better. But, looking back on the growing pains, he honors the experience and the opportunity to share a scene with Jackman every night in a show that has every gay diva’s dream, Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli.

After The Boy from Oz, he took part in the original, Off-Broadway Bare: A Pop Opera in a leading role. The show was cut short, and John’s entire career pivoted. From that point on, his resume and experiences spread wider than a CVS receipt. Broadway would be in the rearview mirror as the world of TV would envelop him. Even with his success on TV, he would continue to challenge himself and get back to his roots in the form of radio and his own, individual time in the spotlight.

We had a six-month break (from Bare) when we weren’t allowed to work because the show was going to transfer. It never did. But we were kind of paid to sit around so I wrote a screenplay based on a show choir. I was dating Andy Cohen at the time, and he read it and he was like, you should pitch this to World of Wonder and see what they think. I flew to LA and I pitched it. They were like, we don’t make movies, but we can work with you on this to make it a docuseries reality show. So when that ball started rolling, I was probably 28 at that point, I started thinking, do I want to continue pounding the

I WAS A THEATER KID. I THINK IF I HAVE A BITING SENSE OF HUMOR, IT’S PROBABLY A TRAUMA RESPONSE. I WORKED AT DISNEYLAND ONCE AND THIS GUY TURNED TO ME, I WAS 19, AND HE HAD HAD IT WITH MY ATTITUDE AND HE WAS LIKE, “YOU ARE THE YOUNGEST, OLD, BITTER QUEEN I HAVE EVER MET!”

pavement? I’ve had these great breaks on Broadway, I couldn’t imagine bigger breaks. But I wanted to see what else I could do so I really went with it and I started working at World of Wonder. I started hustling really hard and moved to LA and I thought maybe I would just try. It just seemed like a respectable, cool job, I’ll just be a TV producer. Lo and behold, I ended up missing Broadway so much that I found myself back on the radio, which is my version of performing and improvising live on the radio and kind of doing standup. And now I do my show where I tour around and write original songs and I perform. So, I miss performing a ton. That is my true calling. That’s what I do best. I’m great if I can speak and sing and perform and make people laugh. And that’s as simple as I try to keep it.

When I got sober, I turned 40 and started thinking, what is my life adding up to? I can’t just always be chasing approval from my parents or feeling bad that I’m this or trying to be that. I think if you look back at who you were at like age 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, early as a kid, what made you happy then is probably the same thing that’s true now. And that’s true for me. I was always doing

silly things around the house, making up stories, making up songs, making little movies, and so I was like, you know what? I’m just going to keep doing that.

As a gay man, he had the opportunity to infuse his queer style and sensibility into shows like Project Runway and Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List

For me, it’s such a part of my voice. My identity is wrapped up in my humor. I luckily never felt any pushback. I always felt very encouraged on all those shows to bring that sense, my unique POV, and that’s why I was hired on those shows with a unique perspective and unique sense of humor.

Each week, John finds himself “on,” expending energy on the two radio shows, his social media, and on stage. How does he handle his mental health and that pressure to be the persona we’ve come to know?

My dog, number one, helps with that. But if I’m not performing or on the radio or something, I don’t overexert. I’m an introvert. I like to be at home. I like to be quiet. I like to recharge. I need some time alone. I really just spend a lot of time writing music and writing stuff. I don’t get out in the mix. I’m not like a social butterfly by any means.

I’m grateful to have this job. I feel so lucky that I figured out that doing this makes me happy and that trying to fit into another profession is bad for my mental health. So, if my job is to show up and make people laugh, it’s really easy and I’m really grateful for it. Gratitude keeps me, I know that’s cheesy to say, but it’s true. I would be so unhappy if I had stayed in the closet as a kid and if I was a music minister at a Christian church in Texas, I would be suicidal. I’m so lucky to get to do what I do.

Another aspect of John’s social media fame is his body. More than many social media commentators are enamored by his handsome face, muscled body, and glimpses at what’s under his clothes. How does he deal with the body image pressures inflicted by the gay and entertainment community?

Man, it has been such a journey. First of all, this is new. I was such a drunk, like an alcoholic and drug addict for so long that I never would ever take my shirt off. I hated myself. I hated my body. And then when I got sober, I saw my dad’s health was failing. I was like, okay, you’re 43. Are you gonna be diabetic? Are you gonna get heart disease? Are you gonna do all this stuff? I think every person goes through that moment where they’re like, oh, I should probably clean up my act. But I really did. I took it seriously because my dad ended up dying and I felt like I needed to change my lifestyle. I got sober. I started working out little by little. I couldn’t even do a pushup toward the end of the pandemic. Not even one. But just day by day, I got a little healthier. I was eating ice cream for breakfast, it was COVID.

The other thing I’ll add though, there is a ticking clock on this. That’s why I’m doing it now. That’s why I’m getting it. I’m ringing everything I can out of this dish rag because I’m 46. I’m not going to be a 50-year-old in his underwear. Or if I do, it’ll be that version of that. But I’m holding, I’m trying to keep my insides as tight and right as the outsides.

John is very unapologetic with his comedy, his sarcasm and edge, even his embracing of sexuality, have become his brand. He doesn’t feel the need to hold back, even in our current political and social climate, and has even found it a tool in building bridges with the other side.

I think as long as I’m authentic and honest, I’m not too worried about what I say because people come to my shows. If

you write down the actual words I’m saying, it does sound graphic, but when you’re there in the spirit of what I’m saying, I’m just trying to entertain and be funny. I’m not saying things for shock value. I never do. I’m not a shock person. I find that if I say something, even if it’s off-color, if it’s from an authentic place and if I’m making a point, it goes over well. I do not feel pressured to do more, and I don’t feel pressured to do less. If anything, I try to just challenge myself to listen to other people if we have differing views.

That’s been the great thing about working at Sirius is we have a lot of conservative listeners. Instead of saying like, here’s why that’s stupid, I try to say, okay, great, where are you coming from? It makes for a better discussion. It makes for a better radio anyway. My job is to entertain. Say the zombie apocalypse happens, or the Civil War breaks out and I have to entertain people who are not in my political party, I’m going to have to figure that out somehow. So I try to just keep an open mind and try to have compassion too.

John’s latest stand-up show, John Hill is Gooning, is popping up everywhere this summer. If you don’t know what“gooning”is, Google it. Just don’t Google it at work. The show, part improv, is a culmination of all of John’s talents.

The live show is where it’s at. It is so funny. I love getting up. It took me a while to find my groove with stand-up in particular. There are musical songs, there are original songs that I write that are funny. I guess I would say I’m a comedic musician. I play piano. They’re all timely. Sometimes I’ll tell a story and then sing a song. It’s not like a cabaret. Sometimes I improvise. I’ve been doing it more and more where I improvise most of it in between the songs and that’s been going over really well. I love, love doing it. It’s definitely an extension of the radio, I love performing live.

I started kind of from scratch again. I had always been performing, but in terms of a solo, I’ve always been Andy’s co-host or someone’s co-host or part of a team or part of a show. And if I knew then what I know now, I might’ve been too scared to do it. I just started with one show a little over a year ago and thought, I’m going to get up every once a month and see if people respond to what I’m doing. And then before I knew it, I had a residency in New York. I

I THINK AS LONG AS I’M AUTHENTIC AND HONEST, I’M NOT TOO WORRIED ABOUT WHAT I SAY BECAUSE PEOPLE COME TO MY SHOWS.”

was doing three shows a month and then it took off and I just kind of am constantly on tour. I was always too scared to play anything in front of people. I was too scared to play piano in front of people until about a year and a half ago. I kind of played in secret for all my life. When people would be out of the house, I would practice piano, I would write songs. And then I thought, these are stupid. No one wants to hear these. And I was like, well, they’re funny. I’ll just start performing them live.

Who knows where John’s career will go next? With so many open roads, it really is the dealer’s choice. Beyond the persona we see on camera, he is down to earth, optimistic in his realism, and a joy to chat with. And his message to the community this Pride season?

This is not serious. None of this is serious. I say my jokes with a straight face, and I like being a dramatic comedian and I’m dry and sarcastic. But this is all for entertainment. It does look like we’re headed into some dark territories in the months ahead, and my job in life is to bring a little bit of joy to people and lift the mood. And so that’s my message, try to keep it light and just be authentic. Feel free to laugh. ■

For everything John, head to www.johnhill.online

John Hill is Gooning continues to tour the US.

TIPS FOR A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR MONEY

SETTING ASIDE EMOTIONS CAN AID RATIONAL DECISIONS

BY JENNIFER DAY

MONEY MAY NOT BUY HAPPINESS, BUT STUDIES SHOW THAT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH IT CAN IMPACT YOUR HEALTH. It’s not surprising that research has demonstrated a clear correlation between stress about money and poor physical and psychological health. If we add the current health and economic crises into the mix, stress about money is almost unavoidable.

In March 2020, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) revealed the results of a study that highlighted the economic risks to LGBTQ people from the expected economic fallout due to the coronavirus. There are an estimated 14 million LGBTQ adults, with an additional 2 million gay youth, in the United States according to the HRC. The nonprofit’s study revealed that more than 5 million LGBT workers had jobs that are more likely to be impacted by COVID-19. Most specifically, those were jobs in the restaurant and food services, hospital, education, and retail industries. Forty percent of all LGBTQ people work in the five industries most affected by the pandemic.

Anything you can do to improve your relationship with money can go a long way toward helping, not only your finances but potentially, your physical and mental health.

RECOGNIZING THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION.

It’s well known that stress can trigger unhealthy habits. We’ve all heard of stress eating and, in some cases, drinking. Long-term stress — including anxiety about money — can trigger a bump in cortisol, which increases appetite. There’s also evidence that stress can affect food preferences, prompting people to increase their intake of fatty and sugary treats. Indulging in comfort foods regularly can, in turn, lead to weight gain and health problems such as obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, creating an unvirtuous cycle.

MONEY STIRS UP ALL KINDS OF EMOTIONS.

Financial education is often seen as the solution to helping people manage their money, but financial coaches and therapists say education is not the only component. The more anxious someone is about money, the less likely they are to deal with it. Many people who are deeply anxious about money will handle that anxiety with avoidance. Unfortunately, their avoidance increases their anxiety and then they want to avoid things even more. Because of that mental block, telling someone who is stressed about money to start tracking their daily spending or creating a budget can be a tall order. Take small steps towards regaining control over your finances.

BE RATIONAL AND TRAIN YOUR BRAIN.

Because dealing with money or avoiding dealing with money can be fraught with emotion, therapists say the first step is to acknowledge the emotional component. The goal is to acknowledge the emotional part of the brain and to appeal to the executive functioning, decisionmaking part of the brain. Changing your behavior is not easy. Changing your mindset can be even harder. But a healthy relationship with money is better for your health — and probably for your wallet, too.

SOME EXERCISES TO GET YOU STARTED.

There’s a rational part of the brain, but also an emotional part of the brain that sometimes wants to take over. Acknowledging the emotions could help you set those feelings aside and appeal to your rational self. Setting aside emotions can help you make more rational decisions about your money and many other things in this life. Realize that little choices add up, whether it’s about spending, diet, or anything else. Every penny really does make a difference. Best of all, you can control your financial choices.

So, while it is human nature to stress about your career, finances, and the future. Try this advice I give to myself: Take steps to build your credit, lower your debt, and remember to save. We can reap the rewards both physically and mentally and look toward a brighter future.

GAMES WIDE OPEN

LGBTQ+ REPRESENTATION AT THE PARIS OLYMPICS

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

AT PRESS TIME, PARIS IS SET TO HOST ITS BIGGEST EVENT EVER WHEN AN ESTIMATED 10,500 ATHLETES COME TO COMPETE IN THE 2024 SUMMER OLYMPICS. The official motto for this year’s competition was announced by the President of Paris 2024 Tony Estanguet as “Games Wide Open.” In his official and bold statement, he declares that the motto is “power, the power to open our hearts and minds, to stop seeing differences as obstacles. The power to write the greatest collective story of a whole generation, through everyone’s contribution, by giving room for everyone.”The Paris Olympics marks a milestone for our community and beyond. This is the first competition where there will be an equal split between men and women at 50/50, competing in 32 sports over 339 events. This will also be the first Olympics in which we have the most openly LGBTQ athletes participating. The lead into Pride season was full of athletes coming out, almost every week, as they announced their participation in this summer’s Games. Fitting, considering the official motto.

Even before the Games begin, our queer community will be represented at the opening ceremonies. Queer identifying ceremony director Thomas Jolly will be at the helm for both the opening and closing festivities. He is a leading art director in France, and he sat down with Vogue for an exclusive and shared that his mission with the ceremonies is to make “everyone to feel represented.” He has talked about his journey as a queer man, having been bullied as a kid who found his safe space in the theatrical world. He got the job by submitting a proposal of how he would direct the ceremonies to a French newspaper. Soon after, he was contacted by the Olympics executive director and Paris’ mayor and now he is commissioned to add his queer sensibility and vision to this year’s Games.

NIKKI HILTZ

Nonbinary and trans runner Nikki Hiltz is the reigning 1500-meter national champion and will compete in the Summer Olympics after qualifying at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field trials. They hold the record as the second-fastest 1500 by a US athlete ever and as the fifth-fastest in the world for 2024. They also hold the record for the 2023 national championship in Olympic Trials as well as winning four USATF national titles and taking home the silver medal at the World Athletics Indoor World Championships in the 1500 this year. They had previously thought they would have to wait until retirement to come out, due to the division of the queer community and the running world. After seeing four runners come out during 2020’s Virtual Pride 5K benefiting the Trevor Project, they decided it was time to live their truth. Their coming out is particularly prudent considering the number of anti-trans bills that have been introduced this year. They hold the mantra that keeps them on the winning streak, “If you win, you will be seen. The camera follows the athlete in the lead, the interview goes to the athlete who wins.”Visibility for the trans community is crucial this year.

NICO YOUNG

21-year-old Nico Young will make US and queer history as the first out gay male US track and field Olympian. In 2021, he came out to his team, and his close friends and family. A year later, he made his sexuality public by coming out in an Instagram post. In his post, he declared, “Anyone who tells you that being gay is a choice is wrong. I am living proof that it is not a choice; it is something I have always known and been aware of, but have kept silent out of fear of rejection. I have struggled to accept myself, but I am becoming more proud and happy with who I am. I have realized that the only reason I never liked this part of who I am was because of what society has told me, not because of how I actually feel.”

This Southern California native became a runner for Northern Arizona University and his career has been on the rise becoming an NCAA Record Holder and NCAA Champion. He qualified for the Olympic team after coming in third in the men’s 10,000 meters at the track and field trials in Eugene, Oregon. In a chat with Runner’s World, he talked about the number of LGBTQ youth who have reached out, thanking him for coming out. He hopes his coming out will inspire others in the sports world and for queer youth in sports to live their truth.

LAUREN SCRUGGS

Lauren Scruggs is the first Black, openly lesbian athlete to compete in fencing at this year’s Olympics. She has been fencing since she was six years old, being inspired by her older brother’s fencing, and this will be her first Games. She currently fences for Harvard University, helping bring the Ivy League school to the NCAA Championship, after the school’s 20-year absence. She won the 2023 NCAA women’s championship in foil and NCAA runner-up this year.

She has been open about her three-year relationship on social media and credits her girlfriend for being part of her Olympic journey. She will compete as an individual and for Team USA in fencing.

RAVEN SAUNDERS

Competing in the shot put this year for the US team, Raven Saunders will be taking part in their third Olympics, winning the silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, and having participated in the Rio Olympics. Their opening throw at this year’s Trials reached 65 feet 2 ¾ inches. She caused a sensation when receiving their silver medal in Tokyo, they crossed their arms above their head in an “X” to represent that intersection of all people. It was considered a form of protest, and they were investigated by the International Olympic Committee. The investigation was later dropped. They came out to their mother when they were in third grade and were outed to other classmates in the sixth grade. Saunders states that it wasn’t until ninth grade that they felt truly out and proud. Sadly, their mother passed away shortly after the Tokyo Olympics. They are known for their big personality on the track and on social media, sporting bold looks while competing, and have talked about the support of their sponsors who appreciate their spirit and outspoken personality.

HALEIGH WASHINGTON

Representing the bisexual community, Haleigh Washington will compete in her second Olympics in volleyball, winning the gold medal with the US Team at the Tokyo Olympics. The US Team won in all three games, winning the first-ever gold medal for US volleyball. Haleigh came out as bi in a Tweet and quickly followed up on Instagram as to why she came out, “I’m not trying to talk about my sexuality because I want to be brave or a trailblazer. I talk about my sexuality because I want to be myself. So, I guess today’s thought is just: if there are things that are holding you back from being your most authentic self, I hope you find a way to combat that, and to just be you, because you are perfect and beautiful exactly as you are, whatever that may be.”

The Black community has also lauded her presence at the Olympics as there is low visibility in the volleyball sports industry. Youth that continue on to professional football are seen to have a place on the court because of coming from middle to high-class families who can afford to go to schools where volleyball is of importance. The US volleyball team goes into the Paris Olympics ranking fifth in the world.

SHA’CARRI RICHARDSON

Also representing the bisexual community is sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson. Coming out in 2015 on Twitter, she has made a name for herself and has been honored in some pretty big ways. Last year she won gold medals at both the USA Track and Field Nationals and World Championships. USA Track and Field named her the 2023 Jackie Joyner-Kersee Female Athlete of the Year. Later that year, Dallas proclaimed November 10th as Sha’Carri Richardson Day, and her high school christened a Sha’Carri Richardson track on the field. Of the high school honor, she told Fox News, “I see that little girl who stood right here at Kincade. I told my mama I want to be great. I told my godparents I want to be better. I told my family I want to take care of them, and being right here in the moment, able to look back and see that I’m able to do that and more, I don’t want to stop.”

She qualified for this year’s Games with a running time of 10.71 in the 100-meter, making her the fastest woman in the world this year. She has also become a social media star with over three million Instagram followers and stars like Cardi B showing their support. After qualifying for the Olympics, she stated “I’d say the message I’m sending out is to believe in yourself no matter what.”

CHELSEA GRAY

Chelsea Gray returns with the US Women’s Basketball team for the second time, after taking home the team’s gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. She was also a member of the 2022 USA Women’s National Team, capturing its 11th World Cup gold medal in Sydney. She currently plays for the Las Vegas Aces. Chelsea was named the 2022 WNBA Finals MVP.

Chelsea got married to a former college basketball player in 2019, after meeting her at a Long Beach State open gym. This last February, she and her wife welcomed their first baby. She shares a lot from her personal and family life on her popular Instagram.

TREY CUNNINGHAM

US track athlete Trey Cunningham is among the most recent athletes to come out. Raised in a rural, conservative town in Alabama, Cunningham just didn’t see being gay as possible. He came out to his close family and friends five years ago and told The New York Times that he’s had to lead a double life and that there are other athletes who are struggling by staying in the closet.“There are lots of people who are in this weird space. They’re not out. But it is kind of understood.” A day after he came out, he won the 110-meter hurdle at the Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix. He has also been named as the Amateur Athlete of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

He did not make the Olympics this time around but is ranked 11th in the world. He also won the silver medal in the 110-meter hurdles at the 2022 World Athletics Championships. He continues to compete internationally and his coming out puts him at a safety risk in countries where homosexuality is still illegal or unprotected.

TOM DALEY

Representing Great Britain, four-time Olympic medal winner Tom Daley will compete in his last Olympics, competing with sports partner Noah Willamson in synchronized diving. This will make him the first British diver to compete at five total Olympic Games. Daley started diving when he was 7 years old and started competing nationally and internationally by the age of nine. Participating in the 2008 Summer Olympics, he became Britain’s youngest athlete to compete, and the youngest from any nation to reach finals. He became the first diver from Great Britain to earn four Olympic medals at the Tokyo Games. If he wins this year, he will join fellow queer athlete Greg Louganis in a very small group of five-time medal winners.

Daley came out ten years ago on his popular YouTube channel in a video that has over 13 million views. After coming out, he became an avid LGBTQ activist and made headlines again when he married Hollywood mogul Dustin Lance Black. They have two sons together. Daley retired from competitive diving but has returned for this year’s Olympics so his oldest son can watch him in person at the Summer Games. This year he also released his first children’s book.“Jack Splash” is an adventure story about a not-so-successful diver trying to impress his father, who is also his coach. This will be a bittersweet end to his Olympic career as he has become a fan favorite.

AROUND THE WORLD

DAN JERVIS

British swimmer Dan Jervis came out in 2022, right before competing in his third Commonwealth Games. Previously he won the bronze in 2014 and the silver in 2018 in the 1500-meter freestyle. The timing of his coming out was intentional and he told the BBC,“Now is a good time for me because the Commonwealth Games is in a month’s time and there’s going to be a lot of people watching that and there’s so many countries in the Commonwealth where being gay is illegal. And for me to be [visible] on that stage and to inspire people is what I’m here to do.”

He has credited other out gay athletes for his motivation and almost considered retiring two years ago. He has been training harder than ever for this year’s Games and qualified in the 1500-meter with a time of 14:47.94. He did compete at the Tokyo Olympics but stated that his nerves got in the way.

CAMPBELL HARRISON

Climbing was first welcomed into the Olympics during the Tokyo Games. Climber Campbell Harrison will make sports and LGBTQ history as the first openly gay competitor at the Paris Games, representing Australia. He qualified by winning the boulder and lead events at the Oceania Olympics trials last November.

Having very limited queer representation growing up, he was afraid to come out due to feeling inferior. He came out to his parents and the world during Pride 2021, speaking at a ClimbingQ panel and addressing the need for inclusion and representation in the world of climbing. During his speech, he stated, “Queerness is not a deficit that I was unfortunate to be born with, it’s an asset that both sets me apart from the crowd and connects me to so many others. By embracing myself as both a gay man and an athlete I have the ability to assure young people, who may be feeling the apprehension that I did, that gay people are not only all around us, but we don’t have to hide who we are to get respect.”The media captured him kissing his boyfriend upon qualifying for the Paris Games.

CARL HESTER

Carl Hester is a legend in the Olympics world. This 57-year-old Dressage competitor will be making his seventh Olympics appearance, representing Great Britain. His first Olympics were for the 1992 Games as the youngest British rider in history, making this summer a 32-year journey. He won the 1985 Young Dressage Ride Championship for Great Britain and made a name for himself by qualifying for the World Championships just five years later. He was Britain’s only out gay athlete when London hosted the Olympics in 2012. He was named a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire the next year.

He won a gold at the London Olympics and a silver in Rio and a bronze in Tokyo. He will be one of the oldest athletes competing this year, and there is a biopic about his life in development.

TIMO CAVELIUS

Also making sports and queer history, Timo Cavelius will become the first openly gay athlete to compete in judo at this year’s Games, representing Germany. He has been trying for years to make the team and in order to win the gold medal, will have to place 1st in six matches.

Timo came out at the age of 15 but kept his relationship with his boyfriend a secret. He told Instagram,“I didn’t have the courage to say that he was my steady boyfriend. It was just exhausting always acting as if I had a girlfriend or was attracted to the opposite sex.” He credits his sports psychologist for the motivation to come out professionally. He often competes in countries where homosexuality is still a big no-no in the world of sports, especially considering the close contact between competitors.

HERGIE BACYADAN

Hergie will be representing the trans community by making his Olympic debut in boxing. Hergie will take part in the largest number of Filipino boxers to qualify for the Olympics in 28 years. In 2023, he won the 2023 World Championship in the Vietnamese martial art of vovinam. He will compete in the women’s division because he has not undergone hormone replacement therapy.

He has faced discrimination and the Russian vovinam team wanted this gold medal for the World Championship taken away. He and his wife have been staunch activists in the Philippines and have been witness to the nation’s protections for the queer and trans community. If he earns a medal, he will be the first trans athlete to place at the Olympics.

AROUND THE WORLD

JACK WOOLLEY

Representing Ireland, Jack Woolley makes his return to the Olympics after the Tokyo Games, a first for his nation. This taekwondo athlete was a winner at the European Taekwondo Olympic Qualification tournament in Bulgaria in March. He previously won silver medals at the 2022 European Championships and the 2023 European Games.

He came out as bisexual in a documentary in 2020, and later regretted it, telling Ireland’s Extra,“I just wish I never labeled it. I still don’t like labeling it. People are just hell-bent on giving everyone labels nowadays.”

His entire family was not aware of his sexuality, and he states that the documentary just made it an uncomfortable situation. After coming out, he claimed that some athletes refused to shake his hand. He has since become more comfortable with being out and met his boyfriend shortly after the Tokyo Games. He has since added hashtags regarding his sexuality and pictures of his boyfriend on his social media. His boyfriend will join his family at the Paris Games.

NICK ALBIERO

Swimmer Nick Albiero will be representing Brazil for his Olympics debut this summer. Albiero won the gold in the 200-meter butterfly at the Brazil swimming championships and became the third-fastest Brazilian time in the event’s history. Nick is US-born and has dual citizenship in Brazil. He came out on Instagram in 2020 after attending a Pride event with his sister. After being bullied when he was young, he was afraid to come out due to the locker room environment. He says the feedback to his coming out has all been positive. He specialized in the butterfly for the University of Louisville and has won two national championships. He has achieved a five-time conference champion in one event — the 200-yard butterfly in the ACC, a rarity. He also set the record as the second-fastest 200-yard butterfly time in history, globally.

TYLER WRIGHT

Tyler Wright will be representing Australia in the surfing competition this year. She won the World Surf League Women’s World Champion in 2016 and 2017. She came out as bisexual in 2020 in an interview on a popular Australian series. Her coming out came on the heels of spending 14 months in bed with a debilitating case of influenza and chronic fatigue syndrome. She told USA Today, “I was away from the tour, from surfing, for almost two years. It was a really hard time, and I had a lot of things stripped away from me. I had to sit with who I was and then think about the person I was presenting to the world. I felt like there was a bit of a disconnection between that.”

She further displayed her queerness by donning the Progress Pride flag at the 2020 Maui Pro tournament. She met the woman of her dreams in 2021 and the two are married. Part of a surfer family, her brother won a bronze medal during the Tokyo Games. She has a strong chance of placing this summer, and her competition will take place in Tahiti rather than Paris. She has spoken openly about the lack of queer representation in the surfer genre as well as the disparity between female and male professional surfers.

To show how much queer representation has grown in the Olympic Games, 35 openly LGBTQ athletes competed in the 2002 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. That increased to 222 out athletes who competed in the 2020 Tokyo Games. The Paris Games will see even more. Athlete Ally, GLAAD, and Pride House Paris have joined forces to ensure that inclusive, fair, and accurate coverage of LGBTQ athletes and topics will be in place. They also report that 68% of Americans believe that all athletes, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity, should be able to compete. Also, 58% of the US believe that queer athletes are a good representation of the nation, and that inclusion builds better understanding and awareness. With all of the social and political turmoil happening around the globe, the Paris Olympics might just be the band-aid the world needs.

GLOBAL SPA RETREATS

BRING REST AND REJUVENATION

BY JEFFREY JAMES KEYES

EVERYONE CAN USE A SPA VACATION AFTER THIS PAST YEAR. AND LUCKILY, THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF NEW AND TRUSTED TREATMENTS TO TURN TO ALL OVER THE WORLD. We surveyed the globe and found some of the best spas to check out as soon as you’re ready to don a robe and slippers for your pampering. Be sure to follow local guidelines for safety and find a window to rest and rejuvenate on your spa day. Soak it all in, you deserve it!

The Blue Lagoon was formed in 1976 during the operation of a nearby geothermal power plant. Its geothermal water has a unique composition of three active ingredients: silica, algae, and minerals. The water is a blend of fresh and seawater, combined at extreme temperatures rising at just about 100-degrees Fahrenheit. People started bathing in the lagoon and noticed the incredible effects it had on their skin. In 2005 the New Blue Lagoon Clinic opened with a variety of retail shops, building on the existing spa with skincare lines. Guests can opt to stay at the glamorous Silica Hotel with sweeping views of the nearby lava fields. The standard entrance fee to the Blue Lagoon (which includes a Silica Mud Mask, a towel, and a first drink of your choice) is $72. The luxury pass will grant you entrance to the Retreat Spa, a private changing suite, spa care amenities, a drink of your choice, and access to eight subterranean spaces as well as the Spa Restaurant. Take your spa day to the next level at the Blue Lagoon by adding on their Signature Massage, a 120-minute in-water massage in the revitalizing powers of geothermal seawater.

CASA SPA AT HOTEL PUNTA ISLITA, COSTA RICA

www.hotelpuntaislita.com

Hotel Punta Islita is a Costa Rican luxury property that connects guests with the vibrant culture and legendary landscapes of its surroundings. Located in Guanacaste, one of the most popular provinces in Costa Rica, this resort boasts one of the best ocean views in the country. Venture into a lush tropical garden to discover Hotel Punta Islita’s Casa Spa, home to “pampered wellness.” From the moment you are greeted with a relaxing cup of just-brewed herbal tea you will feel a true taste of Costa Rica’s legendary hospitality. Beauty rituals, Costa Rican traditional healing arts, and local herbalist wisdom are artfully combined to gently relieve modern stress. Casa Spa’s ample selection of treatments offer options for the whole family and includes massages, aromatherapy baths, body scrubs, and skin nourishing wraps. Keep the wellness going throughout your stay at Hotel Punta Islita, with on-site Pilates/Yoga, guided arm stretches to “channel the ocean’s energy” and take some time in the resort’s infinity-edge pool that merges with the ocean horizon. What a great way to start (or finish) each day!

EAU PALM BEACH RESORT & SPA, FLORIDA

www.eaupalmbeach.com

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, situated on the expansive and inspiring backdrop of Florida’s gold coast, offers fun in the sun, an intimate ocean retreat, and a place to unplug and find your inner bliss. Indulge in the warm Florida sunshine, with chic accommodations designed by Jonathan Adler, and the award-winning Eau Spa. Step into the adorably titled Self-Centered Garden, a true oasis with cabanas, lush water gardens, a central dipping pool and swinging chairs for lounging and playing. The spa itself is a 42,000 square foot wonderland, a mix of play and relaxation. Planning on getting a few treatments? Eau Spa offers a completely customizable experience including a selection of scents, color therapy, tailored music, and your choice from their “Scrub & Polish Bar’’ available in nineteen different treatment rooms. Eau Spa proudly carries Storie Veneziane by Valmont, a line of elegant, handcrafted fragrances. Float a candle in the Wishing Well, sip on free-flowing bubbly, and nibble on whipped cupcakes. The sky is truly the limit at Eau Spa. Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, connect-

ing discerning travelers to not only luxury but unparalleled service levels through their Integrated Quality Assurance Program.

LA MAMOUNIA PALACE, MOROCCO

www.mamounia.com

In Marrakech’s La Mamounia Palace, one of the most Instagrammable hotels in the world, sprawling corridors reproduce Medina’s narrow streets and gorgeous wooden doors lead the way towards sweet dreams in 135 rooms, 71 suites, and three elegant riads. The lavish property is famous for celebrity guests like Winston Churchill, Elton John, and even Sarah Jessica Parker while she was filming Sex and the City 2. The crown jewel of the palace is the luxurious spa, of course, and if you’re ready to pamper it’s the place to be. Allow the lanterns to guide you to The Spa at La Mamounia, an expansive sanctuary of marble and exquisite ornamentation dedicated to beauty and well-being. Let your worries wash away as you travel from the hammam to the jacuzzi pavilion, sauna, outdoor heated ozone swimming pool, indoor ozone swimming pool and beyond. Need a workout? In addition to a high-tech fitness facility, La Mamounia offers a coaching room, cardio, fitness, yoga, two clay tennis courts, table tennis, and even a French bowling pitch.

KOH SAMUI SPA RESORT TREE SAMUI SPA, THAILAND

www.banyantree.com

Located just off the coast of the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Banyan Tree Samui is nestled perfectly in the jungles of Lamai Bay. The luxury all-pool villa resort offers a variety of exquisite spa treatments through the Banyan Tree Spa Samui. Disappear for an afternoon and indulge in this secret hideaway that features The Rainforest: a holistic hydrotherapy wellness experience designed to heal and soothe. Banyan Tree Spa Samui offers a suite of ten spa treatment pavilions where you can experience the Sukhothai Heritage treatment, an authentic spa journey including Thai Body Treats, a Thai Classic Massage, Coconut Jasmine Rice Facial, and a Thai Jasmine Bath. Products in the Sukhothai Heritage treatment include Thai ingredients like fresh coconuts, jasmine rice, turmeric and tamarind.

THE RITTENHOUSE SPA, PHILADELPHIA

www.therittenhousespaclub.com

Inspired by the fashions of Jean Paul Gaultier, The Rittenhouse Spa in Philadelphia is a luxurious hotel day spa serving locals and tourists alike in the heart of the City of Brotherly Love. Skincare offerings include a vitamin C treatment to combat the signs of premature aging, a Diamond Brightening facial to diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and a noninvasive, non-surgical HydraFacial MD procedure to resurface the face. Massages range from therapeutic to their classic Rittenhouse, custom tailored with aromatherapy and customized massage techniques. In the mood for something a little different? The Citrus Drench uses natural ingredients like crystallized honey shea butter and orange juice to restore elasticity and increase hydration. Be sure to head to the Rittenhouse Spa & Club for state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, bikes, yoga, treadmills, and an expansive atrium indoor saltwater pool.

MIRBEAU INN & SPA RHINEBECK, NEW YORK

www.rhinebeck.mirbeau.com

Just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of New York City, Mirbeau Inn & Spa Rhinebeck embodies the Mirbeau philosophy of balancing life with wellness and indulgence. Check into the swank hotel for a weekend of indulgence and enjoy the 12,000 square foot spa featuring a European-style resting area, Aqua Terrace with thermal pool, eucalyptus-infused steam room, and Himalayan salt saunas. Mirbeau spa treatments tailored specifically include Just a Day Away treatment, featuring a manicure, pedicure, and two 50-minute (or a 100-minute) treatments with lunch for one in Willow by Charlie Palmer. Couples can opt for the Close to You experience, a 50-minute Couples Treatment and a quiet lunch for two at Willow.

ROUND HILL HOTELS & VILLAS, JAMAICA

www.roundhill.com

Round Hill Hotel and Villas, located on a lush 110acre peninsula just west of Montego Bay, Jamaica, is a classic resort known for attracting Hollywood A-listers and jetsetters alike. The Spa at Round Hill, nestled into a beautifully restored 18th century plantation house, is the only spa in the Caribbean to utilize the renowned Elemis product line. Center yourself with a transformative yoga class in the open-air pavilion with sweeping views of the sea, experience an outdoor Vichy shower under a canopy of tropical foliage, or indulge in a seaside massage as you listen to the Caribbean waters folding into the shore. The spa features an

SPA ALKEMIA AT ZADÚN, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE, MEXICO

www.ritzcarlton.com

Spa Alkemia, part of the Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a playground of peaceful healing inspired by nature and tradition. Located just a short distance from the Los Cabos International Airport and San Jose del Cabo, the property is the fourth Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the world. Treatments in the spa are performed in secluded settings amid the rich foliage, blending the line between indoor and outdoor. The healing elements of nature and the magic of Mexico form the foundation for blissful signature experiences at Spa Alkemia. Indulge in the Day of Dreams, a four-hour adventure that includes agua frescas in a private soaking pool, three treatment choices including a massage, facial and manicure/pedicure. The unique Purificacion Ritual is a three-hour journey that includes ceremonial smudge, a steam with fresh botanicals, followed by a botanical scrub and outdoor shower, a detoxifying wrap and foot massage. Finish this luxurious ritual with a massage off the Spa Alkemia menu.

extensive treatment menu focusing on natural and indigenous influences, all focusing on each individual’s physiology while working to restore, balance and transform the skin. For a truly unique spa experience, book one of their authentic Jamaican treatments that utilize local ingredients or enjoy a therapeutic Vichy shower or massage in the secluded Hydrotherapy Loft surrounded by tropical gardens. The 120-minute “Total Time Out for Men” treatment is a complete face and body overhaul.

Take in the best of both worlds by combining a Time for Men Facial with a Deep Tissue or Wellness Massage to improve total body performance. At the end of your visit, go ahead and select a stone of your choice and cast the white, pebbled stone into the warm Caribbean waters silently with a clear intention. Each stone reflects positive energies - love, peace, prosperity, happiness. Cast yours and let go of any stress or worry and link your mind, body and soul with the spirit of Jamaica.

FEELIN’ GOOD, FEELIN GREAT

BY MEGAN VENZIN

MIDSUMMER IS HERE, AND HEAT DOMES AND HURRICANES CAN’T KEEP US FROM LIVING OUR BEST LIVES. Make an active choice to embrace optimism and honor yourself — that starts by focusing on our health. New Yorkers may be some of the most nature-deprived people on the planet, but what we lack in sprawling landscapes, is more than made up for in the options provided by our sprawling concrete jungle. For this year’s Wellness issue, we’ve pulled together a number of feel good events that will leave your body, mind and soul feeling balanced and full. Of course, there’s a handful of parties in there too, because what better way to let loose than with your baddies on the dancefloor? Staying in top top shape, starts with having fun, and there’s no shortage of that in the NYScope picks to follow.

MOMA PS1: WARM UP 2024

Warm Up’s fresh, Friday night format returns to the art-filled courtyard of MoMA PS1 this year with a clubland lineup that’s stacked to the brim. Detroit techno stalwart Terrence Dixon brings the heat on August 2nd, with support from the UK’s DJ Q and New Yorkers, Sadaf and Havoc on the World. As per usual, there’s plenty of queer artists and allies on the bill with names like Atlanta circuit party favorite and founder of Underground & Black, Ash Lauryn, as well as the Juliana Huxtable-backed ensemble Tongue in the Mind, also featuring Jealous Orgasm and Via App taking the stage on August 9th, leading up to a headlining set from Emma dj. Hyperdub label boss Kode9 closes out the series on August 16th alongside a roster of talent representing Miami to São Paulo.

The music kicks off at 4PM and wraps up at 10PM, giving revelers just enough time to hit the reset button before they hit their favorite nightspots. Come early to check out this summer exhibitions which includes works from renowned artists like Regina José Galindo who presents her photography-inclusive Tierra exhibition examining the concepts of life, labor and exploitation against a Guatemalan backdrop, Navajo Weaver Melissa Cody’s Webbed Skies, and a colorful retrospective of works from Filipino-American artist Pacita Abad, just to name a few. Kick off your weekend plans by grabbing a ticket to any of the performances momaps1.org/programs

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BRYANT PARK YOGA

Tuesdays and Wednesdays through September 25th, 2024

Bryant Park at 42nd St. New York, NY 10036

Join New York City’s top yoga instructors for free classes in Bryant Park all summer long. Presented by CALIA, these outdoor sessions are perfect for early birds and the happy hour crowd alike. Those in the former flock can hit the Upper Terrace on Tuesday mornings at 10AM for an energizing way to start the day. Office folks can unwind on the lawn at 6PM before enjoying a night in town. Regardless of which session one attends, they can expect to be led by well-known fitness figures like Kristin McGee, Kate Posch and Mariana Fernandez, whose special bi-lingual offering is ideal for Spanish speaking friends. When a weekday stretch sounds sublime, roll up your mat and register online for free at bryantpark.org.

CHRISTOPHER STREET TOURS LGBTQ+ WALKING TOURS: VILLAGE PRIDE

Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays

All Year Round

McCarthy Square

Charles St & Waverly Pl

New York, NY 10014

Few locations have played a role in the queer revolution quite like New York City. With Christopher Street Tours, guests are encouraged to learn more about the difficult past and inspiring stories of the LGBTQAI+ community as they walk the historic streets of Greenwich Village with pride. During this two-hour, open air excursion, groups of up to 20 will hear inspiring stories about queer visionaries and activists, all while visiting historic sites like the Stonewall Inn, the Gay Liberation Monument, the LGBT Community Center and the NYC AIDS Memorial. Dress hip for a colorful photo opp with an original Keith Haring mural and make plans for an after-tour lunch in one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods — even lifelong locals can enjoy this educational and emotional outing. Learn something new when you book your private or group tour at christopherstreettours.com.

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Photo by Hope Film Photo/ unsplash

WHOLISTIC WELLNESS

WEDNESDAYS

August 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th, 2024

Success Community Garden

461 Williams Ave.

Brooklyn, NY 11207

If you’re in search of self-healing, you’ve come to the right place. Jai Hudson and The Ying Yang Project 22 have created a safe space at their free Wholistic Wellness Wednesdays, events where guests are invited to meet their challenges head on and to discover solutions toward a better life. Using techniques like shadow work, breathwork exercises, yoga, Tai Chi, Reiki and more, guests can develop a better understanding of themselves and walk away with greater focus on their intentions. This 11AM — 1PM session is sure to bring mid-week clarity to anyone who is craving it. For more info visit Jai Hudson’s Instagram page, and sign up using the link in her bio at instagram.com/jaihudson_, or visit Success Community Garden’s homepage grownyc.org/openspace/gardens/.

JAPAN FES

August 10th, 18th, 24th & 25th

September 7th, 14th, 15th & 28th

Various locations

New York, NY

Japan’s record-setting number of centenarians could hold the keys to longevity. It’s been theorized that the traditional diets embraced by this island nation may play an important role in the population’s surprisingly long lifespans. Now you can eat like these age-defying individuals at JAPAN Fes, a roving food festival specializing in Japanese cuisine and street food favorites from vendors like Menya Jiro, Tonkatsu Me and many more. You’ll find gyoza, okonomiyaki, takoyaki and other decadent morsels at prices averaging around $10 per plate, making it one of the most accessible avenues for anyone seeking the flavors of Japan in the heart of New York City. The location changes regularly, so check to see which neighborhood stop-off is closest to you — and frequent visitors don’t forget to collect flags and become a member of the Platinum Club for access to exclusive merch and fast track access. Locations and info on participating vendors are available at JAPAN Fes’s official website. Start planning your bento box at japanfes.com.

Photo by Pines Party

Photo by unsplash

Photobyunsplash

PINES PARTY 25TH ANNIVERSARY

August 9th - 11th, 2024

Fire Island Pines

Saddle up partner, because you’ll be taking the reins at this year’s Pines Party. For the 25th annual installment, the beloved Fire Island gathering is taking on the guise of a Galactic Rodeo and promises a rowdy weekend of mingling and grinding against a breathtaking backdrop of ocean views. While there’s always a plethora of food and fun to enjoy, the North Star at this “out of this world” gathering continues to be the three-day beach party featuring multiple stages and an array of internationally renowned DJs among them Dennis Ferrer, DJ Minx, Bare Naked, Someone from Berlin, Calagna and many more delivering a nearly-nonstop schedule of dance music, complete with peak-time heaters and steamy sunrise sets. It’s unlikely you’ll need more convincing, but remember you’ll be giddying up a good cause — this year’s event serves as a benefit for The Pines Foundation, Stonewall Community Foundation and the Fire Island Pines Seashore Defense Fund. Hop aboard the rocket ship at pinesparty.com.

MANAGING EMOTIONS IN THE WORKPLACE: STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS 2024

August 13th and 14th, 2024

AMA Conference Center

Crowne Plaza Times Square, Manhattan 1601 Broadway, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10019

Feeling stressed, overwhelmed or burnt out in your career? The American Management Association (AMA) is offering a two-day workshop for both members and non-members to develop the practical techniques necessary to manage the workplace emotions that fracture our relationships and keep us from achieving harmony and success in this important area of life. Through applications of emotional intelligence, professionals can learn how to rechannel emotions such as anger and frustration to foster better communications with their co-workers and employees, while discovering more about themselves in the process. This Blended Learning opportunity features in-person applications, online resources and assessments and is accredited by IACET (offers 12 PMU.) Those looking to up their professional development game while working on their mental health should register now. Spots are now available at amanet.org.

DAYBREAKER: PURPLE TOUR

September 17th, 2024

Secret NYC Venue

The morning rave concept is still buzzing with the arrival of Daybreaker’s newest AM dance party offering. The famous wellness-focused event brand is back with the Purple Tour, a high energy morning bash that seeks to empower and unite people during these strange and divided times.“In an era fractured by politics, we’re rewriting the narrative to fit the version of the future we want to see, spotlighting the beauty of fusing blue and red,” the official website states, along with details about the event which includes a violent-tinted dress code, a hype crew led by MC Elliott Larue, and plenty of treats from brands like Parch, HOP WTR, Magic Mind and Best Day Brewing, a company known for its exceptional, non-alcoholic craft beers. Daybreaker is the pre-work workout you’re craving, complete with world-class DJs, fitness classes, and sunrise socializing. Instead of fighting about our differences, let’s celebrate them under the purple banner together. This venue is still secret but past locations like the William Vale Hotel rooftop and the SS Intrepid, so that should give you a sense of how spectacular the surrounding sights tend to be. Sweat at sunrise by snagging your tickets at daybreaker.com/event/newyork/.

Photobyunsplash

Photo by AIT Photos

23 YEARS AGO, METROSOURCE PUBLISHED “A GUN IN THE CLOSET,” AN ARTICLE RECOUNTING THE LIVES OF 3 LGBTQ YOUTH AND THE ISSUES THEY WERE FACING. Moved by the piece, Leo Preziosi decided to do something to continue the efforts to protect LGBTQ+ youth in response to the extremely high suicide rates. He formed Live Out Loud, a nonprofit dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 18 by partnering with families, schools, and communities to provide resources, role models, and opportunities for our at-risk community youth.

After two decades of success, the organization presented its 23rd Annual Trailblazers Gala last month, bringing together donors, corporate supporters, election officials, and youth scholarship winners to celebrate the organization’s lifeaffirming educational programming. At the event, 3 LGBTQ+ seniors were awarded the Live Out Loud Young Trailblazers Scholarship Award towards the college of their choice. The event also honored LGBTQ+ mentors, role models, and community builders. Truly inspiring work from just one article. We caught up with Live Out Loud Founder and Executive Director Leo Preziosi after this monumental event.

You were inspired by an article in Metrosource, “Gun in the Closet,” to create the organization. What compelled you so much to get involved and start a whole non-profit?

The title, “Gun in the Closet” stopped me dead in my tracks. I read those four words and knew what the article was going to be about. I couldn’t face reading it, so I placed it under my bed. Sometime later I opened it and read the article. I read about Robbie and Bill, who came from loving and supporting families who were struggling with their individual circumstances and very sadly, as we hear too often, took their own lives. What hit me the hardest was that the article spoke about the dreams and aspirations they had for their lives. I felt a sense of dread that their dreams would never be realized, dreams that could have impacted the world and changed hundreds, maybe millions of lives. Was Robbie on the path to becoming the next Neil Patrick Harris??? Was Bill on his way to becoming the next Bayard Rustin? We will never know.

After reading that part, that’s when I knew had had to step forward and do something. For me it was a simple task, let’s bring the generations together so queer youth could learn from the elders of

FROM ARTICLE TO ACTIVISM

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

the community, elders being anyone from college and beyond. Through the years I saw just how much the elders were learning from the younger generation. Our entire community was benefiting from the programs and conversations that we were initiating.

What were some of the biggest challenges in the early years in getting the word out for Live Out Loud?

I never ran a nonprofit before. I studied photography and fashion design and found myself years later working in marketing and special events for a retail store named Felissimo, which was a tremendous help to me in planning fundraisers for the last

23 years. I was learning from the ground up. I had no idea how a nonprofit ran or how it was structured. It was overwhelming and complicated. It was a very scary time. I took workshops, did research, and went around meeting with the Executive Directors of HMI and GLSEN. I wasn’t planning on creating a nonprofit, it just evolved organically.

How did starting this organization change your life in those early years?

It was a very special time. When I shared the idea for the work I was doing with friends and colleagues, they were all very eager to step in and help. I was overwhelmed with gratitude. It also made me

much more aware of the challenges that queer youth were facing in the early 2000s. When I left high school, I never looked back. I had no interest in school reunions and had no knowledge of the alarming statistics facing our students. Through research and conversations with community members serving LGBTQ+ youth, it made me much more aware.

Now, 23 years later, what are the current biggest challenges?

Where do I begin? We’re a small grassroots operation that operates locally for the time being, in all five boroughs of Manhattan. We’re competing with national organizations with a large development,

operations, and communications staff. When corporations look to sponsor a nonprofit, they get more exposure from a national organization than from a local organization. So, they prefer to go national and not just local. I hear that a lot.

What was your personal coming out story and personal experience as an LGBTQ youth?

My high school years were a time filled with fear. It was a daily feeling that overcame me at the start of each day, from getting on the school bus, sitting in homeroom, walking the hallways, and taking gym or shop class. I never knew when the verbal assaults would take place. It was like dodging bullets. I was on guard all the time. It

was something I lived with every day.

After much therapy, I concluded that I had to start the process of coming out, especially to my parents. I remember taking a 3-day workshop titled “Coming Out” or something like that. The facilitators shared that after the 3 days, you would have the opportunity to write letters to your family and share your coming out story. I knew I would never do that, but I also knew that this workshop was the next step in me accepting that I was gay. It turned out to be an amazing 3 days, so much so that I wrote a 17-page letter to my father and a 16-page letter to my mother sharing who I was, their gay son, as well as many other things I was going through. I mailed the letters on a Monday. I was living in NYC at the time and my parents were on Long Island. I knew by Thursday that they would have received the letters. That day my phone rang, and my machine answered. I knew it was them, but I couldn’t pick up. Later that evening, I was at my acting class. It was the day Jackie Kennedy Onassis died – May 19, 1994. The teacher made a point of sharing that it was an important moment in history. That evening, I recited a monologue, coming out to my father.

The next day, May 20th, was my mother’s birthday. My parents called me that evening, and this time I picked up. Being Italian and Catholic we avoided what really had to be said. My Father started off by saying, “Weren’t you going to call Mom on her birthday, and will you be coming home tomorrow to celebrate with us?” I said, “Dad - Of course, I was going to call to wish Mom a Happy Birthday and of course, I was going to come home to celebrate Mom’s birthday the next day”. After that was out of the way, there was a pause, I was waiting for what we really should be talking about – the letters. Once again, in avoidance, my mother started, “Isn’t that terribly sad about Jackie Kennedy Onassis?”“Yes,” I said, “very sad.” After another pause, finally I said, “I just sent you both important letters, did you get them? Did you have a chance to read them?” “Yes,” my father said. He assured me everything was fine and that I should come home tomorrow and that we would talk about it. When my sister came to pick me up at the train station, she had tears in her big blue eyes, I’ll never forget that. When I entered the house, my father greeted me at

LET’S BRING THE GENERATIONS TOGETHER SO QUEER YOUTH COULD LEARN FROM THE ELDERS OF THE COMMUNITY.”

the landing and hugged me for a very long time and when I was ready to release from my father’s embrace, he continued to hug me and would not let me go. My mother greeted me with tears, a smile, and a hug. We sat in the living room where my father led the conversation. “You’re my son and will always love you”. I said, “What about the church”? He said that didn’t matter and repeated, “You are my son, and I will always love you.”

On the following Sunday, and like any other Italian, Catholic family we all went to church together. It was also the Sunday celebrating the coming of the Holy Spirit. That same year the movie Philadelphia was in theaters which was a legal drama film starring Tom Hanks as Andrew Beckett, an associate who sues his law firm after being fired for having AIDS. The film also starred Denzel Washington, who played the lawyer defending Tom Hank’s character.

During the homily, the deacon shared how at first Denzel Washington’s character was not very kind or empathetic to Tom Hanks’ character. However, slowly throughout the movie Denzel Washington’s character came around and had compassion for what Tom Hanks’s character was going

through. The deacon shared how Denzel was overcome by the Holy Spirit and that’s how he came to a new understanding. The deacon then said to the congregation that God doesn’t care if you’re straight or gay, God loves you no matter what. And with that, the entire congregation applauded. I just turned a looked at my mother in disbelief.

How have you changed the most from running this organization, 23 years later?

Meditation has been an especially important factor in my life. It quiets me down and gives me the opportunity to look at situations from different perspectives. I’ve also learned that my team needs to express their ideas and I’ve learned to leave the development and design of programming in their capable hands.

Looking back, what have some of the biggest achievements been for the organization?

I believe our longevity; we’ve been around now for 23 years. We made it through the financial crisis in 2014 and the COVID epidemic in 2020. Still difficult to believe that it all happened in a such short amount of time.

One of the most wonderful moments for me is when Lance Black won the Academy

Award for the screenplay MILK, I reached out to his publicist and arranged for him to participate in Live Out Loud’s Homecoming Project. This was our national program where we invited members of the LGBTQ+ community to return to their hometown high schools to share their stories with the next generation of LGBTQ+ youth. Within a week we were on the phone with Lance, his publicity team, our program team, and our producers. Within 6 weeks we arrived at his hometown high school in North Salinas California to film a short documentary of his visit. Over 1000 students filled the Gymnasium. Lance spoke so articulately and beautifully. One student came out as bisexual in front of all his peers. Shout-outs of “We love you” filled the gymnasium. I just looked at the producers in disbelief. It was a magical moment. Probably one of the best moments of my life.

What are the biggest issues facing our youth today?

I believe the support of their parents is the biggest issue facing our students today. Without the knowledge of their parents knowing that their kid is queer, they live in the shadows. If the family does know their kid is queer, the parents might show

hostility and sometimes ask them to leave the house, even today, here in NYC, that still happens which is so difficult to believe. Just last week I received a phone call from a student who was college-age and was looking for housing because her father asked her to leave the house because she was queer.

Another situation that is happening in our schools is sometimes a lack of support from the leadership at the middle and high school levels. The students are not getting the support if they choose to use a gender-neutral bathroom. They must go through a series of steps from first getting the permission of the teacher to go to the restroom and then going to another teacher or counselor to ask for the key to the gender-neutral bathroom. Many times, we hear from our students that those who hold the key are very disrespectful to them. Once they get into the gender-neutral bathroom, it’s a mess.

How have some of the political laws against our community’s youth affected Live Out Loud?

The conversation in the country that has come from anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-trans legislation being introduced, and bills being passed is giving people permission to be more vocal in their opposition. This is impacting our students. Imagine hearing leaders around the country introducing legislation that discriminates against you.

What are some of the most important statistics regarding our youth and suicide that we should be aware of?

LGTBQ+ youth, particularly LGBTQ+ youth of color, continue to be the most abused, stigmatized, and vulnerable of all minorities. LGBTQ+ youth have significantly higher rates of homelessness, drug use, mental illness, suicide, and other threats to their health and well-being than other teens. Over 45% of LGBTQ+ youth reported having seriously considered suicide in the past twelve months. This percentage grows to over half among transgender and nonbinary youth. A significant number of LGBTQ+ youth report feeling unsafe and unsupported at home, with many experiencing abuse and discrimination from family members. More than 29% of LGBTQ+ youth have experienced homelessness, been kicked out, or run away from home at some point in their lives.

How can the general LGBTQ public most help our youth?

Our community must play a more active role when it comes to participating in the lives of our LGBTQ+ students. The opposition is strategic, well-positioned with their rhetoric, and very well-funded. They are stoking fear and it’s working very well. It’s vital that our community find an organization, school, or community center to get involved. Our LGBTQ+ kids need role models, representation in the media, and allies to speak out during this unfortunate time in our country’s history.

Congrats on your 23rd Annual Gala! What is your favorite part of the event?

Our Young Trailblazer scholarship winners stand before our guests with such courage. They have an opportunity to share their journey, their challenges, and the initiatives they created to face these challenges in their schools. It’s my favorite moment of the evening. It’s a time for our students to be acknowledged by the community. It’s also a time for the community at large to see the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders.

This year we are honored to be celebrating the achievements and the advocacy work of Emmy Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated Wayne Brady, artist and activist Peppermint, Executive Vice President, Tiyale Hayes at BET Media, and José Rolón, NYC Gay Dad, influencer and TV host.

You are awarding the Live Out Loud Young Trailblazers Scholarship Award to seniors in high school, what was the process in choosing these students? What are you most proud of this group of students for achieving?

There is an application that students submit with Q&A, essays, and references from teachers and advisors. Along with our program team and committee, we go through two rounds to process the applications. The final seven are interviewed by me, and our program manager. After reading their applications and references and interviewing the scholarship applicants, the winners always seem to stand out. a

Every year the students continue to inspire us, and this year is no different. They are resilient, well-accomplished, and active in their communities. Even though they all have faced many challenges and difficulties they are happy and have all had this incredible kind and gentle spirit about them.

What is your message to LGBTQ youth?

Be proud of yourself. You are courageous and resilient. Our community looks at you with deep respect and awe. You should know that your advocacy work is having a tremendous impact in your schools and for those students who follow you. WE LOVE YOU! ■

For more information, head to https://liveoutloud.org/

STARGAZING ON BROADWAY

BY BEN RIMALOWER

WELL, IT IS UPON US, THE BROADWAY SEASON THEY’VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT. STARS, I MEAN, BIG STARS, DOZENS OF THEM. BRACE YOURSELVES

Later in the fall and spring, we are supposed to see Audra McDonald in Gypsy, Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga in Sondheim’s Old Friends, Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard and Michelle Williams in Death Becomes Her, Ramin Karimllo and David Hyde Pierce in The Pirates of Penzance, George Clooney in Good Night and Good Luck, Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren in The Last Five Years, Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal in Othello, Sarah Snook in The Picture of Dorian Gray, Idina Menzel in Redwood, and Kristin Chenoweth in The Queen of Versailles

And things get cooking right away, while the summer heat is still upon us. Lear deBessonet’s acclaimed City Center Encores production of Once Upon a Mattress (Hudson Theatre, opens August 12, through November 30), starring Sutton Foster, Brooks Ashmanskas, Daniel Breaker, Will Chase, Nikki Renee Daniels , Ana Gasteyer , David Patrick Kelly, and Michael Urie, transfers to Broadway, just as deBessonet’s Into the Woods did so successfully in 2022.

Surely a show we will talk about for years will be Jen Silverman’s The Roommate (Booth Theatre, previews August 29, through December 15), directed by Jack O’Brien, starring Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone. I just wanna know whose idea it was to put Patti in sunglasses for the poster image–so I can thank them. I’m laughing already. Can’t wait!

Lea Salonga and Bernadette Peters

The cast of Our Town

Ramin Karimllo and David Hyde Pierce

The cast of Death Becomes Her

Idina Menzel

Academy Award winner Robert Downey, Jr. makes his Broadway debut in Pulitzer Prize winner Ayad Akhtar’s McNeal (Vivian Beaumont Theater, previews September 5, through November 24), directed by Tony winner Bartlett Sher. Sounds promising!

Lost and Hawaii Five-o star Daniel Dae Kim returns to Broadway (after triumphing in The King and I) in Tony winner David Henry Hwang’s Yellow Face (Todd Haimes Theatre, previews September 13, through November 24), directed by Leigh Silverman.

Jim Parsons , Katie Holmes , Zoey Deutch, Ephraim Sykes, Richard Thomas and Julie Halston are among the stars in the 28-person cast of the revival of Our Town (Ethel Barrymore Theatre, previews September 17, through January 19), directed by Kenny Leon.

Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler are the iconic star-crossed lovers in Sam Gold’s new production of Romeo and Juliet (Circle in the Square Theatre, previews September 26, through January 19)

London was over the moon with ecstatic enthusiasm for Jamie Lloyd’s striking revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black and Christopher Hampton’s Sunset Boulevard (St. James Theatre, previews October 20, open ended), starring Nicole Scherzinger

Audra McDonald

Kristin Chenoweth

Sarah Snook

Daniel Dae Kim

Robert Downey, Jr.

George Clooney

Adrienne Warren and Nick Jonas

Denzel Washington

Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone

Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler

Sutton Foster and Michael Urie

Nicole Scherzinger

There are also fabulous stars singing their hearts out around town in New York City’s world class cabaret clubs:

JOE’S PUB:

• Kevin Smith Kirkwood: Classic Whitney - August 9

• Martha Graham Cracker

- August 11 & 12

• Jeff Hiller

- August 12-14

• Our Lady J

- August 20

• Murray Hill

- September 14-20

• John Cameron Mitchell & Amber Martin

- September 21-29

54 BELOW:

• Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp

- August 6-17

• Lea DeLaria

- August 11 & September 8

• Christopher Sieber

- August 19 & 20

• Isaac Mizrahi

- August 28-31

• Seth Sikes & Nicolas King with Billy Stritch - September 6

• Michelle Collins

- September 5 & 7

• Santino Fontana

- September 11-14

• LaChanze - September 15

• Nina West

- September 19 & 20

• Cheyenne Jackson

- September 23-29

THE GREEN ROOM 42:

• Ashley LaLonde

- August 2

• Nelson Aspen & Allyson Briggs - August 4-7

• Anthony Wayne - August 5

• Rosemary Loar

- August 6

• Flotilla DeBarge

- August 8

• Melody Betts

- August 12

• Rep Book Roulette

- August 14 & September 17

• Reeve Carney - August 18 & September 22

• The Kinsey Sicks

- August 20

• I Love You Because

- August 26 & 27

• Kristine W

- September 12

• Hot Fat People Sing

- September 13

And, of course, the best place to see gay icons all summer is Provincetown:

THE ART HOUSE:

• Plasma

- August 14-17

• Lagoona Bloo

- August 14-17

• Emerson Collins & Blake McIver

- August 21 & 23

• Alaska

- August 21 & 22

• Inappropriate Patti

- August 28-31

• Plane Jane

- August 28-September 7

• The Skivvies

- September 4-7

THE RED ROOM:

• Sutton Lee Seymour

- Weekly, Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays

• Edie

- Weekly, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays

• Amber Martin

- August 3

• Trixie Mattel

- August 9

• Chelsea Piers

- August 13, 15, 17

• Jackie Cox & Jan

- August 23 & 25

• Joey Arias

- August 30 & 31

THE POST OFFICE CABARET

• Judy Gold

- Weekly, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays

• Paige Turner

- Weekly, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays

• James Jackson, Jr.

- August 2 & 3

• Nicolas King & Billy Stritch

- August 9-10

• John Hill

- August 16

• Kim David Smith

- August 17

• Flotilla DeBarge

- August 23

• John McDaniel’s Broadway: Liz Callaway

- August 30-31

• Jake Cornell

- September 1

THE CROWN & ANCHOR:

• Dina Martina

- Weekly, Wednesdays through Sundays

• Varla Jean Merman

- Weekly, Tuesdays through Saturdays

• Frankie Grande & Salina Estitties

- August 22 & 23

• John Riddle

- August 27 & 29

NEW YORK BAR SOURCE

CHELSEA

BARRACUDA

This Chelsea lounge features cool music, cute crowds, wild drag shows, and talent competitions hosted on the tiny stage in the rear. Rumor has it RuPaul visited to “scout” Bob the Drag Queen at this classic watering hole. 275 W. 22nd St. at Eighth Ave., NYC 212-645-8613

BOXERS CHELSEA

A big gay sports bar outfitted with flat screens broadcasting all manner of games, multiple counters, pool tables and a smoking patio out back. A long bar faces a pizza oven dispensing mouth-watering pies to munch on while watching “the game”. Hottest bartenders in town? See for yourself! 37 W. 20th St. between Fifth and Sixth Aves., NYC 212-624-5942. boxersnyc.com

THE EAGLE

This dark and cruisy leather bar to end all leather bars boasts a great rooftop deck and some of the sexiest, burliest guys in NYC. 554 W. 28th St. between Tenth and Eleventh Aves., NYC 646-473-1866. eagle-ny.com

GYM

At this popular after work sports bar, a team of plasma-screen TVs broadcasting the hottest games, a pool table, and a basement dugout. Who are those cuties behind the bar? Pop in to get to know them (Admit it, you already follow them on IG). 167 Eighth Ave. between 18th and 19th Sts., NYC 212-337-2439. gymsportsbar.com

EAST VILLAGE/LOWER EAST SIDE

THE BOILER ROOM

A throwback to the days when the East Village was a haven for the punky and funky, this dark and comfy no-frills lounge is popular with the college set, attitude-free, and rocks with an eclectic mix of music and scruffy pool players. 86 E. 4th St. at Second Ave., NYC 212-254-7536

OSCAR WILDE

Acclaimed mixologist Johnny Swet sets the scene at this clever cocktail lounge. Ironically situated at the former headquarters of NYC’s Bureau of Prohibition, this glorious tribute to Ireland’s great writer is the gastropub to end all gastropubs. Marvel at relics such as their Belgian piano from the late 1890s, antique clocks, and intriguing bronze statues celebrating the late great Portrait of a Dorian Gray scribe. 45 W. 27th St. at Sixth Avenue., NYC 212-213-3066. oscarwildenyc.com

REBAR

Sexy Chelsea hangout where G Lounge (may she rest in peace) used to be. This neighborhood bar has a masculine industrial décor, a hot staff, and draws all kinds of men (especially local muscle bears) and boasts not distractions – sports, porn, dancers or otherwise. Their concept is simple: people meeting people. 225 W. 19th St. between Seventh and Eighth Aves., NYC 212-929-1085. rebarchelsea.com

EAST VILLAGE

CLUB CUMMING

Willkommen, Bienvenu, New York! Alan Cumming opened the swank new East Village performance-based club, and everyone’s invited. Cumming teamed up with Benjamin Maisani, Darren Dryden and Daniel Nardicio for this sassy adventure. Think backstage of an actual Berlin Cabaret where anything goes. Drag Race viewing parties, Drink & Draw, knitting (yes, knitting), and Cabaret (of course!) 505 E. 6th St. between Aves. A and B, NYC 212-777-2555. clubcummingnyc.com

THE COCK

Longtime late-night haven for naughty go-go boys and those in search of debauched shenanigans. Late nights are the infamous and the ever-popular Monday nights culls an elite yet shameless crowd of naughty boys and nightlife glitterati. 29 Second Ave. between First and Second Sts., NYC. thecockbar.com

NOWHERE

Ultra-mellow East Villager with distressed rustic décor, a pool table and what may be the smallest back room ever. 322 E. 14th St. between First and Second Aves., NYC 212-477-4744. nowherebarnyc.com

PHOENIX

The typically crowded Phoenix holds video games, a pool table, a jukebox, and a diverse crowd in an exposed-brick space as uncomplicated as its vibe. Daily Happy Hour runs from 4-8 and Saturday nights Wrecked party brings all kinds of cute boys (& Queens) to the East Village. 447 E. 13th St. at Ave. A., NYC 212-477-9979. phoenixbarnyc.com

HELL’S KITCHEN/MIDTOWN WEST

ATLAS SOCIAL CLUB

Josh Wood, Benjamin Maisani, Pablo Raimondi, and Asi Mazar hit a home run with the starry opening of the Hell’s Kitchen hotspot. When celebs like Andy Cohen, Anderson Cooper, and Cher start making cameos the neighborhood definitely takes a closer look. 753 9th Ave. between 50th and 51st Sts., NYC 212-262-8527.

FAIRYTAIL LOUNGE

Glittery centaurs and other enchanted-forest motifs distinguish this cozy lounge in way-west H.K. Theme parties, specialty cocktails and guest DJs add interest. 500 W. 48th St. between Tenth and Eleventh Aves., NYC 646-648-3897

FLAMING SADDLES

When they’re not mixing up vodka sodas in glass steins, bartenders jump up on the bar to do choreographed boot-scootin’ to Achy Breaky-type tunes at this one-of-a-kind Hell’s Kitchen tavern. Red saloon décor and a small selection of down-home nibbles add to the authentic Western feel – call it Coyote Pretty. 793 Ninth Ave. at 53rd St., NYC 212-713-0481. flamingsaddles.com/nyc

HARDWARE

Cheap drinks are poured at the front bar and fun tunes are spun for the rear dance floor at this easy-breezy neighborhood haunt. In the summer, a garage door swings up, letting the scene spill onto the street. When DJs aren’t doing their thing, live performers like Shequida, Lagoona Bloo, Brita Filter, Boudoir Lefleur & Kimmi Moore hit the stage. Opens at noon daily. 697 Tenth Ave between 47th and 48th Sts., NYC 212-924-9885. hardware-bar.com

HUSH

Missing Therapy? Hush! There’s a naughty new bar in town and there’s never been a better time to check it out. Well, if you stop by before 9:00 p.m. you can get $3 off all drinks. The space is cute, hennies. We’ll see you on the dancefloor. 348 W. 52nd St. between Eighth and Ninth Aves. NYC hushhk.com

INDUSTRY

The owners of Barracuda and Elmo opened this capacious venue features couch-filled nooks, a game room with a pool table and an industrial design that’s a nod to its parking-garage past. Holly Dae, Egypt, Pixie Aventura, and Kizha Carr shake things up on a weekly basis at this popular hotspot. 355 W. 52nd St. between Eighth and Ninth Aves., NYC 646-476-2747. industry-bar.com

THE Q NYC

Alan Picus and Frankie Sharp joined forces with Billy Porter, Zachary Quinto, Charlie Carver, and Jake Shears to open one of the most epic nightlife spaces in NYC. Think four floors right smack in one of the biggest gayborhoods in the world. Pop in any night of the week and dance you’re a** off. 795 8th Ave. between 48th and 49th Sts., NYC theqnyc.com

RISE BAR

Kings of NYC nightlife royalty joined forces for a tres fabuleux yet unpretentious Hell’s Kitchen watering hole right in the middle of everything. Dance all night every Friday and Saturday, you deserve a little R&R, don’t you? 859 9th Avenue., NYC 646-892-3313. risebarnyc.com

THE RITZ BAR & LOUNGE

This upscale boy boîte boasts plenty of places to perch on multiple levels inside and outside — although the kickin’ sound system makes it hard to settle down. 369 W. 46th St. at Ninth Ave., NYC 212-333-2554.

THE SPOT

Happy Hour happens every day until 9:00 p.m. at The Spot. Pop in for weekly parties and catch local nightlife celebs like Ariana Trenta, Brenda Dharling, Pissi Myles, and more. Looking for Drag Brunch? Look no further! Seating happens at 12:15 and 2:30 every Sunday. Bring your dollars! 599 10th Avenue, NYC thespotbarnyc.com

EAST SIDE

THE TOOL BOX

This two-level dive bar hosts dance parties with a DJ and cute go-go boys on Friday and Saturday nights on the main floor, while the downstairs is a cozier lounge. 1742 Second Ave., between 90th and 91st Sts., NYC 212348-1288. thetoolboxnyc.com

THE TOWNHOUSE

Two levels of mature gents and their younger fans humming along to dance tracks and swaying to songs from Chicago and everything in the Jerry Herman oeuvre. 236 E. 58th St. between Second and Third Aves., NYC 212-754-4649.

UNCLE CHARLIE’S

This effervescent lounge, tucked on top of an unassuming store on a quiet block, boasts a patio and piano room, which hosts live entertainment. 139 E. 45th St. between Third and Lexington Aves., NYC 212-661-9097. unclecharliesnyc.com

UPPER WEST SIDE

SUITE

This adorable lounge attracts Columbia gays with their leopard-print lamps, cozy leather banquettes and the occasional drag star entertaining on the small stage. 992 Amsterdam Ave. between 109th and 110th Sts., NYC 212-222-4600. suitenyc.com

UPTOWN

ALIBI LOUNGE

This popular Harlem bar & lounge is a great spot for after work. Everybody need an alibi, right? Choose from their selection of specialty cocktails and order a little nibble, while you’re at it. 2376 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. at 139th St., NYC 917-472-7789.

WEST VILLAGE

CUBBYHOLE

Called home by the local lesbian crowd (though a few boys are usually thrown in for good measure), this small, unpretentious West Village bar features a capricious décor that’s heavy on the fish. 281 W. 12th St. at Fourth St., NYC 212-243-9041. cubbyholebar.com

THE DUPLEX

The Duplex is the city’s oldest continuing cabaret/piano bar. Downstairs, the staff performs in between bouts of serving. Upstairs is a more traditional boy bar and an intimate room that books cabaret acts. 61 Christopher St. at Seventh Ave. South, NYC 212-255-5438. theduplex.com

THE HANGAR

Neighborhood guy’s guy bar that attracts a diverse crowd grooving to classic gay tunes. 115 Christopher St. between Bleecker and Hudson Sts., NYC 212-627-2044

HENRIETTA HUDSON

Jam-packed lesbian club/lounge with a multicultural crowd that’s gay-boy friendly. 438 Hudson St. at Morton St., NYC 212-924-3347.henriettahudson.com

JULIUS’

Once the Village’s oldest continuously operating bar went gay in the 1950s, it would go on to become the city’s oldest gay bar. On a normal night, it’s a comfy place for cheap drinks, burgers, and fries, but once a month, the party Mattachine turns it into a crowded, rowdy dance affair with excellent vinyl music. 159 W. 10th St. at Waverly Pl., NYC 212-243-1928. juliusbarny.com

MARIE’S CRISIS

Old-school sing-alongs are on tap at this long-running piano bar. There’s no fuss and no frills at this late-night theater queen hot spot. Stop in and “sing out, Louise!” 59 Grove St. at Seventh Ave. South, NYC 212-243-9323. mariescrisis.us

THE MONSTER

A Sheridan Square stalwart where fabulous guys and dolls sing along to their show tunes upstairs while legendary DJs play to the fun crowd downstairs. 80 Grove St. at Seventh Ave. South, NYC 212-924-3558 Open Mon-Fri, 4pm-4am; Sat & Sun, 2pm-4am.

PIECES

You’ll either be singing to retro dance tracks or laughing at the antics of drag queens at this longtime West Villager. Ms. Vodka Stinger’s B-Movie Mondays are always worth a stop. Show starts at 8:30 sharp. 8 Christopher St. at Sixth Ave., NYC 212-929-9291. piecesbar.com

ROCKBAR

For boys who prefer fur over sheen, there’s this butched-up bar with a fistpumping soundtrack and cheap drinks. Things get steadily burlier and beefier as the night goes on…attend one ROCKSTRAP and you’ll be more than hooked. If you’re on GROWLr there’s a good chance your notifications will start to flutter inside. 185 Christopher St. at Weehawken St., NYC. rockbarnyc.com

STONEWALL

Daddies, faux thugs, and girls who like girls rule the roost at this two-story birthplace of gay pride. Every night of the week offers a different theme, from drag-hosted game shows to karaoke to beer blasts. 53 Christopher St. at Seventh Ave. South, NYC 212-488-2705. thestonewallinnnyc.com

TY’S

This Ye Olde Boy Bar serves a loyal and friendly Christopher Street clientele — young, old and everything in between. NYPD and Firemen especially welcome. 114 Christopher St. between Bleecker and Hudson Sts., NYC 212-741-9641. tys.nyc

OUTER BOROUGHS & BEYOND

3 DOLLAR BILL

Self-declared as “Brooklyn’s Premiere Queer Bar & Performance Venue”, 3 Dollar Bill is known for their legendary parties and literally brining all the fine boys & gurls to the yard. They are the largest queer venue in Brooklyn and ready for your visit. Go ahead & live your life at 3 Dollar Bill (but be sure to look cute!) 260 Meserole St. Brooklyn 3dollarbillbk.com

ALBATROSS

Homey Astoria bar with a pool table and jukebox. Sultry bartender/host Dean Dante heats things up with his now legendary parties where everyone has a chance to explore their fantasies. 36-19 24th Ave. at 38th St., Astoria, NYC 718-204-9045. albatrossastoria.com

C’MON EVERYBODY

Popular Brooklyn Queer space, known for great cocktails, fun parties, and hot live music shows. C’mon Everybody is a queer owned and operated bar and independent venue that was founded by the desire to amplify the underserved creative voices of the LGBTQ/QTPOC people (and allies). 325 Franklin Ave. Brooklyn cmoneverybody.com

FRIEND’S TAVERN

This bar seduces the large Latino gay community with theme nights and daily drink specials. 78-11 Roosevelt Ave. at 78th St., Jackson Heights, Queens 718-397-7256. friendstavern.net.

GOOD JUDY

Good Judy is a lounge, dance floor, piano bar, patio, and home for Queers + allies to join together in unity and solidarity. Meet your Good Judy for happy hour and plan on closing the joint! 563 5th Avenue, Brooklyn goodjudybk.com

ICON ASTORIA

Fasten your seatbelts because you’re in for an unexpected ride at this hot NYC bar nestled into the backyard of Astoria. Beefcake dancers and NYC nightlife legends flock to this unassuming watering hole for great beats, impressive drag performances, and all-around friendly faces. 31-84 33rd Street., Astoria, NY 347-808-7592. iconastoria.com

GINGER’S

Especially popular with lesbians, this long and dark bar has a popular jukebox and an outdoor garden. 363 Fifth Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn 718788-0924

METROPOLITAN

This B-burg bar is comfy and cozy with a fireplace, jukebox, and a sprawling warm-weather patio. 559 Lorimer St. at Metropolitan Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn NYC 718-599-4444. metropolitanbarny.com

MUSIC BOX

Fun neighborhood bar great if you’re in Jackson Heights and looking for a pint or a little fun. 40-08 74th St. at Roosevelt Ave. 718-457-5306

THE ROSEMONT NYC

Sexy mixed Williamsburg cocktail bar with a great happy hour and fun weekly entertainment. Looking for Mr. Right, Mr. Right for tonight or just a fun gurls night out? They’ve got you covered. 63 Montrose Ave., Brooklyn, NYC 347-987-3101. therosemontnyc.com

NEW YORK DIRECTORY

ACCOUNTING – COUNSELING/PSYCHOTHERAPY

ACCOUNTING

Dikman, Bernard L , C P A

37 W 20th St, Ste 703, NYC 212 929-4299

Woloshen, Robert A CPA

29 W 15th St, Ste 1

NYC 212 843-3486

www rawcpa com

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture-NYC

80 Fifth Ave, Ste 906

NYC 212 874-0898

www acupuncture-nyc com

ADOPTION SERVICES

Friends in Adoption

NYC 800 982-3678

www friendsinadoption org

AESTHETIC SERVICES

Advanced Dermatology Associates

200 Central Park South #107

NYC ........................................... 212 262-2500 NYC 212 246-0800

www.adv-derm.com

Lexington Plastic Surgeons

113 E 39th St, NYC 646 374-2410

www try lexingtonplasticsurgeons com/metrosource

Sexual Health Men

290 Madison Ave 6th Fl NYC 973 493-7607

www sexualhealthmen com

Stoller, Roy B , D O 515 Madison Ave, Ste 1205

NYC 212 920-4499

www hairdoctornyc com

ALLERGIES

Aziz, Michael, M D , FRSM

Midtown Integrative Medicine

509 Madison Ave @ 53rd St, Ste 1111 NYC 212 906-9111

www michaelazizmd com

ARCHITECTURE

David Stern Architecture

www davidsternarchitecture com

Torre, Martin B RA AIA

Architecture + Planning PLLC

605 E 14th St, #8

NYC 646 257-9081

ATTORNEYS

Bing, Steven E

276 5th Ave, Ste 1008

NYC

Chianese & Reilly Law, P C

122 E 42nd St, Ste 3900

212 286-1666

NYC 212 953-6447

100 Merrick Rd, Ste 103E Rockville Centre, NY 516 599-2020

www awclawyer com

Chou, Luna, Esq

NYC 212 226-2610

www lunachoulaw com

Goldman, Jeffrey E , Esq

501 Fifth Ave #1900

NYC 212 983-8999

NYC

www jgoldmanlaw com

212 949-5085

Law Offices of Thomas Sciacca, PLLC

44 Wall St, 12th Fl

NYC

www sciaccalaw com

Long & Associates

NYC

www landapllc com

Parker | Waichman LLP

212 495-0317

212 360-0394

6 Harbor Park Dr Nationwide 800 JUST-CALL www yourlawyer com

Tesler, Richard, Esq 41 W 72nd St NYC 212 362-6961

CATERING

Li-Lac Chocolates

West Village: 40 8th Ave, NYC

Greenwich Village: 162 Bleecker St, NYC

Grand Central: 43rd & Lexington, NYC

Chelsea Market: 75 Ninth Ave, NYC

Industry City: 68 35th St, Brooklyn NYC 212 924-2280

www li-lacchocolates com

Paul Evans Catering 20 W 20th St NYC

212 321-1822 NYC

www paulevanscatering com

CLOTHING

212 243-4494

Dave’s New York 581 Ave of the Americas, NYC Toll Free 800 543-8558 www davesnewyork com

Jackson Boutique www jacksonboutiquenyc com

CONTRACTORS/CONSTRUCTION

ABS Design & Construction NYC

www abs-construction-nyc com

212 731-0642

COUNSELING/PSYCHOTHERAPY

Angers, Marc E , M A Oxon, L C S W /L P Licensed Psychoanalyst, NCPsyA NYC 917 678-7929

Barneson, Jeff, LCSW 119 Washington Place NYC 212 252-2314

www jeffbarneson com

Blatter, Andrew, LCSW NYC 917 442-5213

www andrewblatter com

NEW YORK DIRECTORY

COUNSELING/PSYCHOTHERAPY – DENTISTS

Bloom Psychotherapy NYC 19 W 34th St, PH NYC 347 921-0431 www nycbloomtherapy com

Campbell, Robert D , LCSW Psychotherapy for Individuals & Couples NYC 646 783-8155 www robertdcampbell com

Davies, Ann Conant, M S W , L C S W 740 West End Ave, Ste 1 Cell 917 923-2257

Dicker, Phyllis D , L C S W , A C S W , B C D NYC 718 855-5171

Factor, Rhonda J , PhD 85 5th Ave, Ste 912 NYC 347 834-6057 www rhondafactorphd com

Jarratt, Kent, L C S W 19 W 34th St, NYC 212 947-7111, ext 119 Oceanport, NJ 917 686-6179 www kentjarratt com

Johnson, Thomas E , L C S W Chelsea 212 645-3952

Kingan, Peter L , Ph D 99 University Pl, 4th Fl NYC 917 428-2431

Koetting, Michael E , L C S W

NYC 212 741-2606 www koettingpsychotherapy com

McFadden, Stephen, LCSW SEP

435 W 23rd St

NYC 212 627-8419 www smcfadden com

Nelson, Joshua, Ph D 71 W 23rd St, Ste 1115

NYC 646 512-0043 www jnelsonphd com

Rayhill, Daniel, Ph D 276 Fifth Ave #1101

NYC 212 683-2454

Ross, Steven, LSCW Union Square 917 406-7900

www stevenrosstherapy com

Schuetz, Volker, PsyD 1133 Broadway #913

NYC 212 470-9024 www nychangemanagement com

Schwartz, Alan, M D , Psychiatrist West Village/Chelsea

NYC 212 727-0923

Tallent, Marc, Ph D 51 Fifth Ave

NYC 212 645-5795 http://therapists psychologytoday com/rms/33692

COUNSELING/SUBURBAN

Kingan, Peter L , Ph D 31 Oak St Patchogue, NY 631 447-6425

DATING SERVICES

SEE ALSO INTRODUCTION SERVICES

ManMate NYC

212 564-4025 www manmate com

ManMate Dinners For 8 NYC 212 564-4025 www manmate com

Wheaton, Grant Dating Coach NYC 212 564-4025

DENTISTS

Babushkin, Howard, D D S , L L C 525 West End Ave #1G, NYC 212 874-2880 www manhattanoasisdentistry com

Cassidy, J R , D D S West 10th Dental P C 45 W 10th St NYC

212 982-5883 www west10thdental com

De Bonis, William B , D D S World Wide Plaza Dental Associates 370 W 50th St NYC

212 333-2650 www wwpdental com

Lew, Spencer, D D S

NEW YORK DIRECTORY

30 E 40th St #706 NYC 212 286-1717 www nycdental com

LuxDen Dental Center

2579 E 17th St, Ste 11 Brooklyn 718 382-3444 www luxden com

Rosa, John D , D D S , P C

40 Newport Parkway, Ste P-1 Jersey City, NJ 201 626-2700

Sengos, Demetrios, D D S West 10th Dental P C 45 W 10th St NYC 212 982-5883

www west10thdental com

DENTISTS/PERIODONTISTS

Bizzell, Steven J , D M D , D A B P 50-02 5th St Ste B, Long Island City 718 530-6539

www licdentalassociates com

OMNI Aesthetic MD

Eviatar, Joseph, M D , F A C S

5 W 19th St NYC 212 257-0007

www omniaestheticmd com

DENTISTS/SUBURBAN

Rosa, John D , D D S , P C

40 Newport Parkway, Ste P-1 Jersey City, NJ 201 626-2700 Dermatology

Advanced Dermatology Associates

200 Central Park South #107

NYC ........................................... 212 262-2500 NYC 212 246-0800 www.adv-derm.com (SEE AD IN THIS ISSUE)

Arora, Navin, DO, FAAD Arora Dermatology 115 Broadway, Ste 1800 NYC 212 244-1252 www aroraderm com

Goldman, Barry D , M D 150 Broadway #111 NYC 212 962-1115

Juva Skin & Laser Center

60 E 56th St #2

NYC 212 421-9501

www juvaskin com

Lumos Dermatology

Peter Chien, MD, PhD

37 E 28th St, Ste 304

NYC 646 820-1716

www lumosdermatology com

OMNI Aesthetic MD

Eviatar, Joseph, M D , F A C S

5 W 19th St

NYC

www omniaestheticmd com

EMPLOYMENT

212 257-0007

Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD)

1700 Stadium Way

LA 213 847-LAFD

www joinlafd org

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)

700 E Temple St, B-38

LA 866 444-LAPD

www joinlapd com

EVENT PLANNING & EVENT SPACE/RENTALS

SEE ALSO CATERING, WEDDING SERVICES

Elite Private Yachts

NYC 866 862-7245

www eliteprivateyachts com

www entertainmentcruises com/new-york

Hornblower Cruises & Events

Pier 40, NYC 646 832-2805

www hornblowerny com/metrosource

Houston Hall

222 W Houston St NYC 212 582-2057

Patina Events - Brooklyn Botanic Garden Brooklyn 718 307-7133

www patinaevents com

The Riverside Church

490 Riverside Dr NYC 212 870-6762

www trcnyc com

Yachts for All Seasons

NYC 212 534-6380 Cell 917 864-7670

www y4as com

EVENT SERVICES

Big Apple Event Audio Visual 519 8th Ave, Ste 815

NYC 212 518-3175

www avnycrentals com

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Ameriprise Financial Services

Lance R Kash, Financial Advisor, CFP® 122 E 42nd St #2215 NYC 646 964-9400

Law Offices of Thomas Sciacca, PLLC

44 Wall St, 12th Fl, NYC 212 495-0317

www sciaccalaw com

New York Life/NYLIFE Securities

Marlon J Altoe

420 Lexington Ave, 15th Fl

NYC 646 227-8605 Cell 646 761-4372

www newyorklife com/agent/maltoe

Peloso-Barnes, Julia A , CFP, CPM, CRPC Purchase, NY 914 225-6391

www advisor morganstanley com/the-pelosobarnes-group

FITNESS/GYMS/PERSONAL TRAINERS

Mercedes Club 550 W 54th St NYC 212 265-1111

www themercedesclub com

FLORISTS

la Fleur d’Harlem

203 W 144th St NYC 646 850-5973

www lafleurnyc com

FRAMING

14th Street Framing Gallery

225 W 14th St NYC

GIFTS

Li-Lac Chocolates

West Village: 40 8th Ave, NYC

212 691-8156

Greenwich Village: 162 Bleecker St, NYC

Grand Central: 43rd & Lexington, NYC

Chelsea Market: 75 Ninth Ave, NYC

Industry City: 68 35th St, Brooklyn NYC 212 924-2280

www li-lacchocolates com

GUEST HOUSES/B&B’S

Chelsea Pines Inn 317 W 14th St NYC

212 929-1023

Colonial House Inn 318 W 22nd St NYC 212 243-9669

Incentra Village House 32 8th Ave @ W 12th St NYC 212 206-0007

www incentravillage com

MisterBandB

www misterbandb com

HAIR REMOVAL

Advanced Dermatology Associates

200 Central Park South #107

NYC

212 262-2500

NYC 212 246-0800

www adv-derm com

NEW YORK DIRECTORY

HAIR REMOVAL – PHARMACIES/DRUGS

Brisk N Posh

132 Crosby St, Ste 8E NYC 212 433-4477 www brisknposh com

OMNI Aesthetic MD

Eviatar, Joseph, M D , F A C S

5 W 19th St NYC 212 257-0007 www omniaestheticmd com

HAIR REPLACEMENT/REPLICATION

OMNI Aesthetic MD

Eviatar, Joseph, M D , F A C S 5 W 19th St NYC 212 257-0007

www omniaestheticmd com

Stoller, Roy B , D O 515 Madison Ave, Ste 1205 NYC 212 920-4499 www hairdoctornyc com

HOTELS

The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Atlantic City, NJ 609 317-1000 www outatborgata com

Foxwoods Resort & Casino www foxwoods com

The Graham & Co Phoenicia, NY 845 688-7871 www thegrahamandco com

Holiday Inn Manhattan 6th Ave - Chelsea 125 W 26th St NYC 212 430-8500 www hi-nyc com

Hotel Hayden 127 W 28th St NYC 844 423-6004 www hotelhaydennyc com

Hotel Henri 37 W 24th St NYC 844 277-9123 www hotelhenrinyc com

Opus Hotel Vancouver 322 Davie St, Vancouver, BC Canada 604 642-6787 www opushotel com

Sandman Suites on Davie 1160 Davie St Vancouver, BC Canada 604 681-7263 www sandmanhotels com

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel 1088 Burrard St Vancouver, BC Canada 604 331-1000 www sheratonvancouver com

Sunset Marquis

1200 Alta Loma Rd

West Hollywood CA 800 858-9758

www sunsetmarquis com

VIVE Hotel Waikiki 2426 Kuhio Ave Honolulu, Hawaii 808 687-2000 www vivehotelwaikiki com

INSURANCE

HealthSherpa Toll Free 844 346-9476 www metrosource healthsherpa com

INTRODUCTION SERVICES

SEE ALSO DATING SERVICES

ManMate NYC 212 564-4025 www manmate com

LASER VISION CORRECTION

SEE ALSO OPHTHALMOLOGISTS

Coad, Christopher T , M D , F A C S

Chelsea Eye Ophthalmology

157 W 19th St

NYC 212 220-0066

www chelseaeyeophthalmology com

OMNI Aesthetic MD

Eviatar, Joseph, M D , F A C S

5 W 19th St NYC 212 257-0007 www omniaestheticmd com

LIPOSUCTION

Marfuggi, Richard M D , D M H, F A C S 50 E 69th St, NYC 212 317-1188 Denville, NJ 973 377-8950 www askdrm com

OMNI Aesthetic MD

Eviatar, Joseph, M D , F A C S 5 W 19th St, NYC 212 257-0007 www omniaestheticmd com

MARKETING SERVICES

Brand2Fly San Jose 408 763-7924 www brand2fly com

GayVan com Travel Marketing www gayvan com

OPHTHALMOLOGISTS

Coad, Christopher T , M D , F A C S

Chelsea Eye Ophthalmology 157 W 19th St

NYC 212 220-0066

www chelseaeyeophthalmology com

OMNI Aesthetic MD

Eviatar, Joseph, M D , F A C S 5 W 19th St

NYC

212 257-0007 www omniaestheticmd com

OPTOMETRISTS

Coad, Christopher T , M D , F A C S

Chelsea Eye Ophthalmology 157 W 19th St, NYC

212 220-0066 www chelseaeyeophthalmology com

OMNI Aesthetic MD

Eviatar, Joseph, M D , F A C S 5 W 19th St NYC

212 257-0007 www omniaestheticmd com

West Village Eyecare Associates 10 Sheridan Square NYC

212 242-6592 www eyecarenyc com

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Samuelson, Stefan T , MD 44 E 12th St, Ste MD1 NYC 212 993-8573 NYC

PERIODONTISTS

212 594-1600

Bizzell, Steven J , D M D , D A B P

Periodontist 50-02 5th St Ste B Long Island City 718-530-6539 www licdentalassociates com

PET SUPPLIES

Nulo Pet Foods nulo com/love

PHARMACIES/DRUGS

Ansonia Pharmacy 446 6th Ave NYC

212 477-0762 www ansoniapharmacy com

Apthorp Pharmacy 2201 Broadway, NYC 212 877-3480

Arrow Pharmacy 883 Ninth Ave NYC 212 245-8469 www arrowpharmacy com

Avalon Chemists 7 2nd Ave, NYC 212 260-3131

Bigelow Chemists 414 Sixth Ave, NYC 212 533-2700

Chelsea Specialty Pharmacy 171 Seventh Ave NYC

212 255-9900

NEW YORK DIRECTORY

PHARMACIES/DRUGS (CONTINUED) – PLASTIC SURGERY

CVS Specialty

126 8th Ave

NYC ........................................... 212 807-8798

(SEE AD IN THIS ISSUE)

Mayfair Chemists

21 Seventh Ave, NYC 212 242-1444

New London Pharmacy

246 Eighth Ave, NYC 212 243-4987

New York Chemists

77 Christopher St, NYC 212 255-2525 www newyorkchemists com

Thompson Chemists & Thompson Alchemists

137 Thompson St 449 West Broadway NYC 212 598-9790 www thompsonchemists com

Village Apothecary

346 Bleecker St

NYC ........................................... 212 807-7566 www.villageapothecary.com (SEE AD IN THIS ISSUE)

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Galán, Antonio, PT, DPT, MBA, CHC

RestoreRehab Physical Therapy

664 10th Ave

NYC 212 245-5259 www restorerehabpt com

Symbio Physio Therapy

214 W 29th St, Ste 901

NYC 917 338-6268 www symbiopt com

PHYSICIANS & MEDICAL SERVICES

Advanced Dermatology Associates

200 Central Park South #107

NYC 212 262-2500 NYC 212 246-0800 www adv-derm com

Amida Care

NYC 855 462-6432

www amidacareny org

Astor Medical Group

67 Irving Place, 5th Fl @ E 18th St

NYC 212 253-2968

www astormedical com

Central Park Medical Associates

200 Central Park South #107

NYC 212 262-2500

NYC 212 246-0800

www.centralparkmedicalassociates.com

Coad, Christopher T , M D , F A C S

Chelsea Eye Ophthalmology

157 W 19th St

NYC 212 220-0066

www chelseaeyeophthalmology com

Dillon, Stephen, M D

Int Med , Inf Dis

314 W 14th St

NYC

212 620-0144

Dormer, Anita L , M D , F A C C P

22 E 72nd St, 5th Fl

NYC

Fonville, T W , Int Med

29 Fifth Ave @ 10th St

NYC

Goldberg, Edward S , M D

Int Med , Gastr

121 E 60th St, 3rd Fl

NYC

Hsu, Ricky K , M D

154 W 14th St, 4th Fl

NYC

Icochea, Rosendo S , M D

117 E 18th St

NYC

Jaeger, Lawrence D , D O

200 Central Park South #107

NYC

NYC

www adv-derm com

Jarratt, Kent, L C S W

212 535-5905

212 674-1020

212 980-8800

212 627-7560

212 387-9199

212 246-0800

212 262-2500

19 W 34th St, Penthouse Ste NYC 212 947-7111, ext 119 Oceanport, NJ 917 686-6179

www kentjarratt com

Leach, Eric G , N P

154 W 14th St, 4th Fl, NYC 212 627-7560

Lexington Plastic Surgeons

113 E 39th St

NYC 646 374-2410 www try lexingtonplasticsurgeons com/ metrosource

Mandell, William, M D

Infectious Diseases

31 Washington Sq West

NYC

212 475-8833

Marfuggi, Richard A , M D , D M H , F A C S

50 E 69th St

NYC

212 317-1188 Denville, NJ 973 377-8950

www askdrm com

Maze Sexual & Reproductive Health

Maze Men’s Health

Maze Women’s Health

Maze Labs

Maze Cord Blood

633 Third Ave, Ste 9B

NYC 646 585-8980

www.mazehealth.com

(SEE AD IN THIS ISSUE)

Midtown Integrative Medicine

Aziz, Michael, M D , FRSM

509 Madison Ave @ 53rd St, Ste 1111

NYC 212 906-9111

www michaelazizmd com

Namdar, Isaac, M D

Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist

425 W 59th St

NYC

1090 Amsterdam Ave

212 262-4444

NYC 212 663-2210

www newyorkentspecialist com

www namdarmd com

OMNI Aesthetic MD

Eviatar, Joseph, M D , F A C S 5 W 19th St, NYC

www omniaestheticmd com

212 257-0007

Pearl, Alan, M D , Psychiatrist 135 W 70th St, NYC 212 724-5188

Samuelson, Stefan T , MD 44 E 12th St, Ste MD1

NYC 212 993-8573

NYC 212 594-1600

PLASTIC SURGERY

Dr WW Med Spa and Laser Clinic 85-16 Queens Blvd, 2F, Elmhurst, NY 139 Centre St #224, NYC 718 457-0707

www drwwmedspa com

Lexington Plastic Surgeons

113 E 39th St

NYC 646 374-2410

www try lexingtonplasticsurgeons com/ metrosource

Marfuggi, Richard A , M D , D M H

F A C S

50 E 69th St

NYC

212 317-1188

Denville NJ 973 377-8950

www askdrm com

NEW YORK DIRECTORY

PLASTIC SURGERY

(CONTINUED)

– RETAIL

OMNI Aesthetic MD

Eviatar, Joseph, M D , F A C S

5 W 19th St, NYC 212 257-0007

www omniaestheticmd com

Sexual Health Men

290 Madison Ave 6th Fl, NYC 973 493-7607

www sexualhealthmen com

Skintology

Cosmetical Aesthetics

157 E 57th St, NYC 181 7th Ave, NYC 212 989-6555

www skintologyny com

PODIATRISTS

Ciment, Ethan J , D P M

Collins, Michael, D P M

Chelsea Foot & Ankle Center

37 W 20th St, Ste 308, NYC 646 929-4149

www chelseafootandankle com

REAL ESTATE

Bonavita, David Compass NYC 212 501-8281

www davidbonavita com

Chroughan, Judy

Julie B Fee Sotherby’s 49 Purchase St Rye, NY 914 262-5323

Coldwell Bank Residential Brokerage

JC Waterfront – Team Francesco

Robert G Harris

1 2nd St, Ste 1 & 4

Jersey City, NJ 201 604-4200 Cell 646 334-0559

Enzo Morabito Team

Douglas Elliman Real Estate Bridgehampton 631 537-6519 Cell 516 695-3433

www theenzomorabitoteam elliman com

Hendler, Lisa E

Berkshire Hathaway Blake Realtors Kinderhook, NY 518 929-4519

McGrotty, Amy, JD

Castelli Luxury Real Estate Services Fort Lauderdale, FL 954 347-1732

www amy castellihomes com

Powell, DeWayne A

Town Residential

NYC 917 748-5100

www townresidential com

Prince, Keith A

Brown Harris Stevens

NYC 917 826-3451

www brownharrisstevens com

TF Cornerstone www tfc com

Wright, Daniel Compass NYC 917 304-4270

REAL ESTATE/SUBURBAN

Habeeb-Clark, Deborah Keller Williams Hudson Valley, NY 845 800-5413

Perasso, Matt

Prominent Properties/Sotheby’s

International Realty 2 Main St, Edgewater, NJ 201 840-8898 Cell 917 834-0454

www goldcoastcribs com

RETAIL

Eva’s Supplements 11 W 8th St (bet 5th & 6th Aves) NYC 212 982-2500

www evassupplements com

• Timely Rx refill

• Contactless delivery at no extra cost or pick up at any CVS Pharmacy®* retail location

*Where allowed by law. In-store pick up is currently not available in Oklahoma. Puerto Rico requires first-fill prescriptions to be transmitted directly to the dispensing specialty pharmacy. Products are dispensed by CVS Specialty and certain services are only accessed by calling CVS Specialty directly. Certain specialty medication may not qualify. Services are also available at Long’s Drugs locations. ©2020 ProCare Pharmacy, L.L.C. and affiliates. 75-53590A 121820

NEW YORK DIRECTORY

SCHOOLS– WINE &

SCHOOLS

Brooklyn Heights Montessori School

185 Court St, Brooklyn 718 858-5100

www bhmsny org

Rudolf Steiner School 15 E 79th St NYC 212 535-2130

www steiner edu

SPA/SALON SERVICES

Brisk N Posh

132 Crosby St, Ste 8E

NYC ........................................... 212 433-4477

www.brisknposh.com (SEE AD THIS ISSUE)

TRAVEL

Bucks County Pennsylvania www visitbuckscounty com

Kennedy Travel

130 W 42nd St #401 NYC 212 398-0999

Toll Free 800 237-7433

www kennedytravel com

Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce 36 Main St

Ogunquit, ME 207 646-2939

www visitogunquit org

Sullivan Catskills Catskills, NY 800 882-CATS

www sullivancatskills com

TRAVEL/GETAWAYS

Foxwoods Resort & Casino

www foxwoods com

Visit Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA 215 599-0776

www visitphilly com

WEDDING SERVICES

Bespoke Matchmaking 1180 Avenue of the Americas, 8th Fl NYC 888 422-6464

www bespokematchmaking com

Elite Private Yachts

NYC 866 862-7245

www eliteprivateyachts com

www entertainmentcruises com/new-york

Feinstein’s/54 Below

254 W 54th St, Cellar

NYC 212 302-5559 x114

www 54below com

Gatherings Floral Design

www gatheringsfloraldesign com

Hornblower Cruises & Events

Pier 40, NYC 646 832-2805

www hornblowerny com/metrosource

Houston Hall

222 W Houston St, NYC 212 582-2057

Li-Lac Chocolates

West Village: 40 8th Ave, NYC

Greenwich Village: 162 Bleecker St, NYC

Grand Central: 43rd & Lexington, NYC

Chelsea Market: 75 Ninth Ave, NYC

Industry City: 68 35th St, Brooklyn

NYC 212 924-2280

www li-lacchocolates com

Make My Cake

NYC

www makemycake com

Manhattan Penthouse

NYC

www manhattanpenthouse com

212 234-2344

212 627-8838

New York Zoos and Aquarium NYC 718 741-3836

www nyzooevents com

Oheka Castle

135 West Gate Dr

Huntington, NY 631 659-1400

www oheka com

Our Wedding Officiant NYC

Peter Boruchowitz

NYC 917 523-1438

www nyc-gay-weddings com

Patina Events - Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Brooklyn 718 307-7133

www patinaevents com

Paul Evans Catering

20 W 20th St

NYC

NYC

www paulevanscatering com

The Riverside Church

490 Riverside Dr NYC

www trcnyc com

Yachts for All Seasons NYC

212 321-1822

212 243-4494

212 870-6762

212 534-6380 Cell 917 864-7670

www y4as com

WILLS

Law Offices of Thomas Sciacca, PLLC

44 Wall St, 12th Fl

NYC

www sciaccalaw com

WINE & SPIRITS

Cork Wines & Spirits

1450 Washington St

Hoboken NJ

www corkwines net

212 495-0317

201 942-9964

NEW YORK DIRECTORY

FIRE ISLAND PINES – CHERRY GROVE BARS

Blue Whale Pines 631 597-6500

www bluewhalefireisland com

Cherry’s

Cherry Grove 631 597-6820

Cultured Elephant Pines 631 597-6500 www thepinesfireisland com

Harbor Club Pines 631 597-6500

www thepinesfireisland com

Sip n Twirl

36 Fire Island Boulevard Pines 631 597-3599

The Pavilion Pines 631 597-6500

www pavilionfireisland com

CLOTHING/GIFTS

Gostoso Pines 646 262-1910

Summer Solstice Harbor Walk Pines 631 597-4200

CONTRACTING

Walter Boss, Custom Builder Pines 631 597-6262

Pines and Pools Pines 631 597-6262

Pines Propane Pines 631 597-9191

GROCERIES

Grove Market Main Walk Cherry Grove 631 597-6239

The Pines Pantry Harbor Walk Pines 631 597-6200

GUEST HOUSES/HOTELS

Belvedere Guest House Bay View Walk, Cherry Grove 631 597-6448

www belvederefireisland com

Carousel Guesthouse

185 Holly Walk Cherry Grove 631 597-6612

Cherry Grove Beach Hotel Cherry Grove 631 597-6600

Dune Point Cherry Grove 631 597-6261

Horizon Beach House

Cherry Grove 631 597-6278

NYC 212 689-2699

www horizonbeachhouse com

SeaBreeze Rentals Cherry Grove 917 763-9029

GYM

Steel Gym Pines

www steelgym com

HARDWARE

Pines Hardware & Sundries Bay Walk Pines 631 597-6237

LANDSCAPING/FLORAL

Beachscapes Pines 631 597-3746

LIQUORS/WINES

The Pines Liquor Shop Harbor Walk Pines 631 597-6442

POOL MAINTENANCE

Dependable Pools Pines 631 597-7748

REAL ESTATE

A Summer Place

Main & Bayview Cherry Grove 631 597-6140

D Katen Fire Island Properties, LTD Pines 631 597-7000

www fireislandpines com

Pines Harbor Realty 36 Fire Island Blvd Pines 631 597-7575

RESTAURANTS

Blue Whale Pines 631 597-6500 www bluewhalefireisland com

Cultured Elephant Pines 631 597-6500 www thepinesfireisland com

Grove Pizza & Restaurant Cherry Grove 631 597-6766

Pines Bistro & Pizza Pines 631 597-3597

TRANSPORTATION

Sayville Ferry River Rd

NYC 631 589-0810

NEW YORK COMMUNITY RESOURCES

NEW YORK COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Metrosource is committed to helping non-profit organizations in their ongoing efforts to serve our diverse community.

Metrosource is committed to helping non-profit organizations in their ongoing efforts to serve our diverse community.

ATHLETIC

ATHLETIC

BIG APPLE SOFTBALL LEAGUE 208 West 13th St New York, NY 10011 212 696-7482

BIG APPLE SOFTBALL LEAGUE 208 West 13th St New York, NY 10011 212 696-7482

CHEER NY CHEERLEADING Felipe Hernandez 888 671-7312 www.cheerny.org

CHEER NY CHEERLEADING Felipe Hernandez 888 671-7312 www.cheerny.org

NORTH JERSEY G&L BOWLERS Belle Aire Lanes West Caldwell, NJ 201 823-2250

NORTH JERSEY G&L BOWLERS Belle Aire Lanes West Caldwell, NJ 201 823-2250

NY GAY POOL LEAGUE PO Box 1502 Ansonia Sta New York, NY 10023 212 496-4585

NY GAY POOL LEAGUE

PO Box 1502 Ansonia Sta New York, NY 10023 212 496-4585

NY RAMBLER’S SOCCER CLUB, INC. 917 767-9789 www.nyramblers.com

NY RAMBLER’S SOCCER CLUB, INC. 917 767-9789 www.nyramblers.com

CITY CRUISERS MC Old Chelsea Station PO Box 1614 New York, NY 10011 www.citycruisers.com

CITY CRUISERS MC Old Chelsea Station PO Box 1614 New York, NY 10011 www.citycruisers.com (gay men’s motorcycle club)

EZRYDERS SNOWBOARDING 445 W 46th St #4D New York, NY 10036 www.ezryders@ondbdx.com

EZRYDERS SNOWBOARDING 445 W 46th St #4D New York, NY 10036 www.ezryders@ondbdx.com

FAST AND FABULOUS CYCLING

NYC GAY BASKETBALL LEAGUE www.nycgaybasketball.org

OUT OF BOUNDS NYC & TEAM NEW YORK PO Box 372, Times Sq Station New York, NY 10108 www.oobnyc.org

NYC GAY BASKETBALL LEAGUE www.nycgaybasketball.org OUT OF BOUNDS NYC & TEAM NEW YORK PO Box 372, Times Sq Station New York, NY 10108 www.oobnyc.org

FAST AND FABULOUS CYCLING P.O. Box 23008, Ansonia Sta New York, NY 10023 212 567-7160

P.O. Box 23008, Ansonia Sta New York, NY 10023 212 567-7160

FRONT RUNNERS NY P.O. Box 87 Ansonia Sta New York, NY 10023 212 799-8781 www.frny.org

FRONT RUNNERS NY P.O. Box 87 Ansonia Sta New York, NY 10023 212 799-8781 www.frny.org

GARDEN STATE GAY BOWLING LEAGUE www.gsgbo.com

GARDEN STATE GAY BOWLING LEAGUE www.gsgbo.com

GOTHAM VOLLEYBALL P.O. Box 961 New York, NY 10034 212 388-8208 info@gothamvolleyball.org

GOTHAM VOLLEYBALL P.O. Box 961 New York, NY 10034 212 388-8208 info@gothamvolleyball.org

KNIGHTS WRESTLING CLUB P.O. Box 720161 Jackson Heights, NY 11372 718 815-3244

KNIGHTS WRESTLING CLUB P.O. Box 720161 Jackson Heights, NY 11372 718 815-3244

LONG ISLAND RAVENS MC CLUB c/o Long Island Eagle 94 Clinton Ave Bayshore, NY 11706 631 968-2750 www.liravensmc.org

LONG ISLAND RAVENS MC CLUB c/o Long Island Eagle 94 Clinton Ave Bayshore, NY 11706 631 968-2750 www.liravensmc.org

MONDAY NIGHT FOURPLAY BOWLING LEAGUE Syosset Bowl 631 842-5166

MONDAY NIGHT FOURPLAY BOWLING LEAGUE Syosset Bowl 631 842-5166

PINK PONG NY Sunnyside, Queens 718 623-2926 www.pinkpongfoundation.org

PINK PONG NY Sunnyside, Queens 718 623-2926 www.pinkpongfoundation.org

SUN/MON/TUE NIGHT TEAMS c/o Chelsea Piers AMF Bowl Pier 60, New York, NY 10011 212 835-2691

SUNDANCE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SOCIETY www.sundanceoutdoor.org sundanceoutdoor@yahoo.com

TEAM NEW YORK AQUATICS 212 691-3440 (hotline)

CULTURAL, ETHNIC & SOCIAL

APICHA 400 Broadway New York, NY 10013 212 334-6029 www.apicha.org

BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY 5001 Angel Canyon Rd Kanab, UT 84741 435 644-2001 www.bestfriends.org

NEW YORK COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Metrosource is committed to helping non-profit organizations in their ongoing efforts to serve our diverse community.

BIG GAY MEN OF NEW YORK 9111 Liberty Ave #662 Ozone Park, NY 11417 631 780-2807 www.convergence.nyc

EMPIRE CITY MEN’S CHORUS P.O. Box 1017 New York, NY 10185 empirecitymenschorus.org

GAY & BI

FATHERS FORUM OF GREATER NY PO Box 1321, Midtown Sta New York, NY 10018 212 721-4216 (recording) 718 728-0476

GAY & LESBIAN

ALLIANCE AGAINST DEFAMATION (GLAAD)

150 West 26th St New York, NY 10001

212 807-1700 www.glaad.org

GAY FATHERS OF NY

245 Eighth Ave #897 New York, NY 10011 212 388-2618

GAY MEN OF AFRICAN DESCENT

44 Court St, 10th Fl, Ste 1000 Brooklyn, NY 10201 718 222-6300 www.gmad.org

GAY MEN OF THE BRONX PO Box 511, Bronx, NY 10451 www.gmob.org

IMPERIAL

QUEENS & KINGS OF NY

70-A Greenwich Ave #120 New York, NY 10011

212 229-5900 x3655

IN OUR OWN WRITE

208 West 13th St New York, NY 10014

212 620-7310 x305 (monthly readings)

IN THE LIFE

30 West 26th St, 7th Fl New York, NY 10011

212 255-6012

JERSEY CITY LESBIAN & GAY OUTREACH (JCLGO)

113 Pavonia Ave #247 Jersey City, NJ 07302

201 333-5725

LATINOS & LATINAS DE AMBIENTE/NY (LLANY)

208 West 13th St New York, NY 10014

212 367-1092

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL & TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER

208 West 13th St New York, NY 10014

212 620-7310 www.gaycenter.org

LESBIAN & GAY NATURAL HISTORY GROUP OF NY

80 Garfield Pl Brooklyn, NY 11215

718 965-0013

LESBIAN HERSTORY ARCHIVES PO Box 1258 New York, NY 10116 718 768-3953

LESLIE-LOHMAN MUSEUM OF GAY AND LESBIAN ART 26 Wooster St New York, NY 10013 www.leslielohman.org

LIVE OUT LOUD 45 West 36th Street, 6th Fl New York, NY 10018 212 378-4095 www.liveoutloud.info

THE LOFT-LOWER HUDSON VALLEY LGBT CENTER

252 Bryant Ave White Plains, NY 10605 914 948-2932 www.loftgaycenter.org

THE L.I. GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL ORG P.O. Box 360 East Northport, NY 11731 www.liglff.org

LONG ISLAND GAY & LESBIAN YOUTH 34 Park Ave Bay Shore, NY 11706 631 665-2300 www.ligaly.org

LONG ISLAND RAVENS M.C. c/o The Long Island Eagle 94 North Clinton Ave Bay Shore, NY 11706 631 968-2750 www.liravensmc.org

MALES AU NATUREL (MAN) MEN’S NUDIST GROUP 347 704-0704 www.males.org

MEN OF ALL COLORS TOGETHER NEW YORK PO Box 1518 Ansonia Station, NY 10023

NYC GAY MEN’S CHORUS 561 Seventh Ave, Ste 803 New York, NY 10018 212 344-1777 www.nycgmc.org

NYC PRIDE

154 Christopher St, Suite 1D New York, NY 10014 212 807-7433 www.nycpride.org

PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF LESBIANS AND GAYS (P-FLAG) PO Box 553 New York, NY 10021 212 463-0629

THE POINT FOUNDATION

5757 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 370 LA, CA 90036 866 33-Point www.pointfoundation.org

PRIME TIMERS c/o Don Hargus

208 Anderson St, Suite 8DS Hackensack, NJ 07601 201 488-4839

QUEENS L&G PRIDE COMMITTEE PO Box 580445 Flushing, NY 11358 718 460-4064

QUEENS PRIDE HOUSE

76-11 37th Ave Jackson Heights, NY 11372 718 429-5309

QUEENS RAINBOW COMMUNITY CENTER

30-74 Steinway St, 2nd Fl Astoria, NY 11105 718 204-5955

SERVICES AND ADVOCACY FOR GLBT ELDERS (SAGE)

305 Seventh Ave New York, NY 10001 212 741-2247 www.sageusa.org

SOUTHERNERS/L&G MEN IN NY PO Box 881 New York, NY 10008-0881

STONEWALL CHORALE

Box 920, Old Chelsea Sta New York, NY 10011 212 971-5813

STONEWALL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

119 West 24th St, 7th Fl New York, NY 10011 212 367-1155 www.stonewallfoundation.org

TRI STATE LG&B STUDENT COALITION

208 West 13th St New York, NY 10014

HEALTH/ COUNSELING

AIDS CENTER OF QUEENS COUNTY

97-45 Queens Blvd #1220 Rego Park, NY 11374 718 896-2500

AIDS DRUG ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ADAP) 800 542-2437

AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

475 Atlantic Ave Brooklyn, NY 11217 718 637-2970 888 AIDS-CARE www.ahfpharmacy.org

AIDS HOTLINE/NYC DEPT OF HEALTH

311 Broadway, 4th Fl New York, NY 10007

800 TALK-HIV

AIDS RELATED COMMUNITY SERVICES

2269 Saw Mill River Rd Elmsford, NY 10523 914 345-8888

AIDS SERVICE CENTER NYLIVEC 64 West 35th St New York, NY 212 645-0875 www.ascnyc.org

THE ALLIANCE FOR POSITIVE CHANGE

64 West 35th Street, 3rd Fl New York, NY 10001 212.645-0875 www.alliance.nyc (SEE AD PREVIOUS PAGE)

AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR AIDS RESEARCH

120 Wall St New York, NY 10005

212 806-1600

ANTI-VIOLENCE PROJECT

240 West 35th St, 12th Fl New York, NY 10001

212 714-1184

212 714-1141 (Hotline)

BAILEY HOLT HOUSE

180 Christopher St New York, NY 10014

212 337-3000

BAILEY HOUSE

275 Seventh Ave, 12th Fl New York, NY 10001

212 633-2500

BETH ISRAEL MEDICAL CENTER AIDS CLINICAL TRIAL UNIT DIV OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES

350 East 17th St, 3rd Fl New York, NY 10003

212 420-4519

BODY POSITIVE OF NY 19 Fulton St Suite 308B New York, NY 10038

212 566-7333 800 566-6599

BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS 165 West 46th St #1300 New York, NY 10036 212 840-0770

BROOKLYN AIDS TASK FORCE 465 Dean St Brooklyn, NY 11217 718 783-0883

CALLEN LORDE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

356 West 18th St New York, NY 10011 212 271-7200

CHEST (CTRHIV/AIDS EDUCATION STUDIES & TRAINING)

250 West 26th Street, 3rd Floor New York, NY 212 206-7919

DESIGN INDUSTRIES FOUNDATION FOR AIDS (DIFFA)

200 Lexington Ave #1016 New York, NY 10016

212 727-3100

F.E.G.S. MANHATTAN COUNSELING CENTER 80 Van Dam St New York, NY 10013 212 366-8289

FRIENDS HOUSE IN ROSEHILL PMB#248 50 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10010 212 995-5000 www.friendshousenyc.org

GAY MEN OF AFRICAN DESCENT 44 Court St, 10th Fl, Ste 1000 Brooklyn, NY 10201 718 222-6300 www.gmad.org

GAY MEN’S HEALTH CRISIS 446 West 33rd St New York, NY 10001 212 367-1273 212 367-1489 800 243-7692 www.gmhc.org

GOD’S LOVE WE DELIVER 166 Ave of the Americas New York, NY 10013 212 294-8142 212 294-8100 www.godslovewedeliver.org www.racetodeliver.org

GREENWICH HOUSE 80 Fifth Ave New York, NY 10011 212 691-2900

HEALTH EDUCATION AIDS LIAISON PO Box 1103 New York, NY 10113 212 873-0780

HETRICK MARTIN INSTITUTE 212 674-2400 www.hmi.org

HEALTHSHERPA 844 346-9476 www.metrosource. healthsherpa.com

HISPANIC AIDS FORUM, INC. 213 W 35th St, 12th Fl New York, NY 10001 212 868-6230 www.hafnyc.org

HIV STOPS WITH ME www.hivstopswithme.org

INSTITUTION FOR HUMAN IDENTITY

322 Eighth Ave, Suite #802 New York, NY 10011 212 243-2830 www.ihi-therapycenter.org

LI ASSN FOR AIDS CARE (LIAAC) 631 385-AIDS (hotline) 631 385-2451

MEN OF COLOR AIDS PREVENTION PROGRAM (MOCA) 125 Worth St, Box 67 New York, NY 10013 212 788-4402

MEN’S HIV SUPPORT GROUP 212 877-8227 x214

MINORITY TASK FORCE ON AIDS 475 Riverside Dr New York, NY 10115 212 870-2691

NAMES PROJECT NJ P.O. Box 716 New Brunswick, NJ 732 249-3933

NAMES PROJECT NYC 75 Varick St #1404 New York, NY 10013-1917 212 226-2292

NYC DEPT OF HEALTH OFFICE OF G&L HEALTH 125 Worth St, Suite CN67 New York, NY 10013 212 442-6944

PROJECT ACHIEVE New York, 212 305-2201 Project ACHIEVE (Union Square) New York, 212 388-0008 www.nycvaccine.org www.hopetakesaction.org

THE SAMARITANS OF NEW YORK SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE PO Box 1259 New York, NY 10159 212 673-3000 (24 Hours)

TALK SAFE + PLUSES 203 West St #408 New York, NY 212 604-1500

TREVOR PROJECT 9056 Santa Monica Blvd #100 West Hollywood, CA 90069 310 271-8845

VILLAGE NURSING HOME DAY TREATMENT PROGRAM 133 West 20th St, Ground Fl New York, NY 10011 212 633-1616

LEGAL

LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND 120 Wall St #1500 New York, NY 10005 212 809-8585

LEGAL (L&G LAW ASSN OF GREATER NY) 799 Broadway #340 New York, NY 10003 212 459-4873

LESBIANS

LESBIANS ABOUT VISUAL ART 118 Fort Greene Pl Brooklyn, NY 11217

LES HERSTORY ARCHIVES PO Box 1258 New York, NY 10116 718 768-3953

LESBIAN MOTHERS @ THE LOFT 180 East Post Rd Lower Level, White Plains, NY 914 948-4922

POLITICAL

LOG CABIN REPUBLICANS OF NY Radio City Station PO Box 2321 New York, NY 10101 212 202-6431 www.newyork.logcabin.org

NEW YORK COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Metrosource is committed to helping non-profit organizations in their ongoing efforts to serve our diverse community.

PRIDE DEMOCRATS

70 Greenwich Ave New York, NY 10011 212 613-6039

STONEWALL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

119 West 24th St, 6th Fl New York, NY 10011 212 367-1155

STONEWALL DEMOCRATIC CLUB 212 561-9008 www.stonewalldems.com

STONEWALL REPUBLICANS PO Box 650052 Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 718 357-7075

PROFESSIONAL

ASSOCIATION OF LESBIAN AND GAY AFFIRMATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPISTS

250 West 15th St New York, NY 10011 212 517-1722

FSIX FINANCIAL SERVICE INDUSTRY EXCHANGE www.fsix.org

GAY OFFICERS ACTION LEAGUE

PO Box 2038, Canal St Sta New York, NY 10013

NATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NY 340 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10108 646 964-5027 www.nglccny.org

OUT PROFESSIONALS

332 Bleecker St #149 New York, NY 10014 212 462-9255

THE PUBLISHING TRIANGLE

332 Bleecker Street #D36 New York, NY 10014 www.publishingtriangle.org

REFERRALS/ SWITCHBOARDS

G&L SWITCHBOARD P.O. Box 693

New York, NY 212 989-0999

THE GAY PARENTING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUND New York, NY 10011 www.menhavingbabies.org

TREVOR PROJECT 212 545-0081 www.thetrevorproject.org

RELIGIOUS

BROADWAY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 263 West 86 St, 3rd Fl New York, NY 10024 212 316-5700 www.bwayucc.org

CHURCH OF ST PAUL & ST ANDREW 263 West 86th St New York, NY 10024 212 362-3179

COMMUNITY CHURCH OF NY 40 East 35th St New York, NY 10016 212 683-4988 www.ccny.org

CONGREGATION BEIT

SIMCHAT TORAH 130 West 30th St New York, NY 10001 212 929-9498

DIGNITY NEW YORK PO Box 1554 New York, NY 10150 646 418-7039

Brooklyn - 718 565-2171

Metro NJ - 973 857-4040 New Bruns. - 732 968-9263 Nassau - 516 781-6225 Suffolk - 631 654-5367

INTEGRITY/NEW YORK (LBGT EPISCOPALIANS) PO Box 20067 New York, NY 10011 212 691-7181

MARBLE COLLEGIATE CHURCH

1 West 29th St New York, NY 10001 212 686-2770 www.marblechurch.org

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF NY 446 West 36th St New York, NY 10018 212 629-7440 www.mccny.org

MIDDLE COLLEGIATE CHURCH

112 Second Ave @ 7th St New York, NY 10003 212 477-0666 www.middlechurch.org

NOT SO CHURCHY www.notsochurchy.org

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

Reverend Mark Erson

81 Christopher St. New York, NY 10014 212-242-5737 www.stjohnsnyc.org