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.
(bik-TAR-vee)
MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:
BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, 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. 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 effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).
Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. 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.
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:
These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.
Have or have had any kidney or liver problems,
including hepatitis infection. Have any other health problems. Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects 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.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-
counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.
BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect 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.
Get HIV support by downloading a free app at
MyDailyCharge.com
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.
BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, KEEP ASPIRING, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2020 © 2020 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0197 03/20
DIMITRI LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT
KEEP ASPIRING.
Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.
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.
Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. See Dimitri’s story at BIKTARVY.com. Featured patient compensated by Gilead.
Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.
OUR ROARING ‘20S WILL HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF? gained notoriety, the late 1920s saw the beginning of the “Pansy Craze.” People flocked to the cities to see shows starring LGBTQ acts and gender-bending fashions. One vaudevillian sensation was Vander Clyde, or “Barbette.”
VIEWS
EDITOR’S LETTER
She traveled the world with her infamous aerial act, fea-
2021 – WE HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR THE
turing death-defying trapeze stunts in full drag. At the
CALENDAR TO CHANGE. With it comes a renewed
end of her act, she would remove her wig and strike a
hope for the future – with new leadership in Washington
masculine pose. Another famously open gay performer,
DC, vaccine distribution, and hopefully a gentler, more
Bert Savoy, was known to be outrageous both onstage
accepting world leading into OUR “Roaring ‘20s”. This
and off. He referred to men as“she”and camped it up at
Entertainment Issue is full of great entertainers that
every opportunity. Savoy was indeed a sensation - Mae
add to the vibrant story of entertainment in the LGBTQ
West would later openly borrowed Savoy’s campy hip-
community. In the Roaring 1920s, while being LGBTQ
swaying walk, as well as his comic invitation to“come up
was not accepted, parties and drag balls in Greenwich
and see me.” In 1923, and at the height of his popular-
and Harlem became legendary for holding some of the
ity, Savoy’s life was cut short in an appropriate campy
most world-renowned drag performances of the time.
way - he was strolling along a Long Island beach when
This LGBTQ nightlife reached across cities, and indeed,
a deafening thunderclap made him exclaim to friends,
the country.
“Mercy, ain’t Miss God cutting up something awful?”
After the end of World War I, the 1920s ushered in
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Seconds later, Savoy was struck dead by a lightning bolt.
a period of growth on so many fronts - music, drag,
What we now know as the modern music industry,
dance, economic growth through connecting to the
began in the 1920s. The technologies of the day cre-
world economy, and new sexual freedom. A new age
ated new ways to make, record and distribute music.
of artistic expression and open attitudes toward gender
Through this, new expressions and genres of music
expression and societal norms. If history repeats itself,
emerged, including Jazz, Broadway, and Dance Bands.
then it is indeed time for the 2020s to look at history.
The speakeasies expanded into clubs to listen and dance
Prohibition officially went into effect on January 17,
to new music. Dance competitions and marathons also
1920, which banned the manufacture, transport, and
became popular across the nation, with radio station
sale of alcoholic beverages. This of course, led to the
holds competitions for prizes. The flamboyant fashions
increase of bootlegging and secret speakeasies illegally
were perfect for dancing. Jazz music also became popu-
selling liquor. This also inadvertently popularized the
lar in the speakeasies, clubs, and dance halls. The movies
movement that sent people of all types packing into
were now“talkies”and talented composers, such as gay
bohemian clubs to watch drag shows and drink to their
songwriters Noel Coward and Ivor Novello, thrived in
heart’s content, even though prohibition was in effect.
musical theater and with the first musical films.
During the Prohibition era and after women got the
The Roaring 1920s ushered in new artistic expres-
right to vote, flappers emerged – pushing the boundaries
sions, freedoms, prosperity, and growth at the end of
of political and sexual freedom – dancing and celebrating
the many dark days from 1914-1919 (WWI, the Spanish
their independence. With this feeling of sexual freedom,
Flu pandemic, strikes and riots). New industries were
drag ball culture emerged. In many ways, New York City,
created – electric power, movies, automobiles; and con-
set the tone for the“anything goes” attitude of the time.
struction and entrepreneurship flourished.
Bent Share Entertainment, LLC 6475 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., #438 Long Beach, CA 90803 800-818-0480 Subscriptions: One year (6 issues): $24.95; 12 issues: $39.95. Reproduction of any article, listing or advertisement without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. The people, businesses and organizations appearing in Metrosource are supportive of the gay community. Mention of any person, business or organization is not a reflection of their sexual orientation. ©2021 Bent Share Entertainment, LLC. Advertisers in Metrosource acknowledge that they do business in the spirit of cooperation, fairness and service, maintaining a high level of integrity and responsibility. Providers of products or services are fully and solely responsible for same as advertised. Metrosource assumes no responsibility or liability for improper or negligent business practices by advertisers. The appearance of any person, model, business or organization in this publication, by name, advertisement or photograph is not an indication of sexual orientation. Advertisers and their agencies assume all responsibility and legal liability for the content of their advertisements in Metrosource. Publisher assumes no liability for safe-keeping or return of unsolicited art, manuscripts or other materials. Metrosource reserves the right to edit all material for clarity, length and content. All contents are copyright Bent Share Entertainment, LLC. All rights 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.
The Renaissance Casino, Webster Hall, and others in
Our country has grown over the last 100 years, but
New York City, became popular spots, hosting many drag
now is the time to usher in OUR Roaring ‘20s with a
balls, attracting thousands of people from all races, social
similar explosion of expression, freedom, prosperity and
classes, and sexual orientations… all wanting to partake
growth, and a renewed connection to the world, at the
in the revelry. This provided a unique time for gays and
end of our dark days. We have already seen growing
lesbians to become part of the scene, especially under
expression and entrepreneurship, even the midst of all
the safe cover of the drag ball. Attending these clubs and
we have faced this last year. Let us continue to grow,
@metrosource @metrosource @metrosourcemag
balls became a visible stand-up social moment.
support our LGBTQ community, and usher in OUR
METROSOURCE.COM
With the creation of the drag balls, drag became more associated with the gay community. As these balls
4
PUBLISHER Bent Share Entertainment, LLC EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michael Westman COPY EDITOR James Delyea
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021
METROSOURCE.COM
Roaring ‘20s.
February/March 2021 | VOLUME 32, NO. 1
CONTENTS
22
42 16 STAN ZIMMERMAN TALKS THE GOLDEN GIRLS
THIS PAGE: JAVICIA LESLIE PHOTO BY JOHN JAY //@JOHNJAYUSA •PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE KOZ • PHOTO COURTESY OF STAN ZIMMERMAN • PHOTO COURTESY OF JEREMY BLACKLOW
AND LGBTQ ENTERTAINMENT HISTORY
22 JAVICIA LESLIE THE BAT IS OUT OF THE BAG
32 JEREMY BLACKLOW LIFE THROUGH A GLAAD TINTED LENS
42 DAVE KOZ THIS JAZZ MUSICIAN IS BRINGING SAXY BACK
16 COVER: Javicia Leslie Photographer: John Jay //@johnjayusa Hair: Sean Fears // @seanchristopherfears Makeup: Dion Xu // @makeupbydion Styling: Jyotisha Bridges // @jyotisha_
32 METROSOURCE.COM
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021
5
DEPARTMENTS
February/March 2021 | VOLUME 32, NO. 1
12 7
42 CULTURE
7 THE SCOPE Not Another Second offers audiences a candid glimpse into the private and public lives of 12 LGBT+ elders
BODY 28 HEALTH The Wonders of Cacao
28 HEALTH Grooming: You Look Fabulous Pamper Yourself Like a Celebrity
12 DRAG Miz Cracker RPDR Fan Favorite for Miz America
TRAVEL 42 Calmer Waters Turks & Caicos
21 FINANCE Take Control of Your Credit Score
VIEWS
4 EDITOR’S LETTER
Our Roaring ‘20s Will History Repeat Itself?
6
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021
METROSOURCE.COM
THIS PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY OF MIZ CRACKER • IMAGE PHOTO OF NASCENT ART • PHOTO COURTESY VISIT TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
28
THESCOPE
CULTURE
THESCOPE
CURATED BY MICHAEL WESTMAN
VIEW
NOT ANOTHER SECOND
FOR LGBT+ SENIORS, COMING OUT WAS INFINITELY MORE DIFFICULT THAN IT IS
THIS PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY OF NASCENT ART
TODAY. As a result, many have lost years of not being their authentic selves
fully and not being able to openly love who they choose. Not Another Second, acknowledges and celebrates the sacrifice, bravery, and contribution of LGBT+ elders, while sharing wisdom with future generations to not lose another second. A collaboration between trailblazing nonprofit SAGE, Watermark Retirement Communities and Brooklyn’s iconic new luxury senior community The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights, Not Another Second offers audiences a candid glimpse into the private and public lives of 12 LGBT+ elders who represent a wide range of diverse backgrounds, professions, and ethnicities. These include a former politician, military veterans, a Stonewall survivor and Black Panther. These stories are told through a series of compelling portraits that intersect personal experiences of living during a time when being an LGBT+ individual was a crime. The exhibition, shot by noted German photographer Karsten Thormaehlen, known for his awardwinning series Happy at 100 focusing on centenarians from around the world, also celebrates their personal journeys on deciding to live openly, as well as finding love and companionship. Each moving portrait is accompanied by the number of years lost living in the closet and not as their true, authentic self. “In the 80s and 90s, everybody was scared to death to come out. They didn’t know who to trust,”said Richard Prescott who is featured in the Not
Another Second exhibition alongside his husband. “I think I lost a lot of years not being myself. That’s why this campaign is so important. Not only do we get to share our stories but give courage to younger generations who are still scared of being their authentic self.” Curated and installed by nAscent Art, the emotionally charged exhibition features state-of-the-art Augmented Reality (AR) technology allowing patrons to“experience the emotionally-driven stories of each LGBT+ senior in a new, interactive way, adding a whole new dimension to the already moving photography,” said Jennifer Wallace, co-founder of nAscent Art. Not Another Second made its national exhibition debut in the art gallery of Watermark’s newest Élan Collection community, The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights at 21 Clark Street in Brooklyn, in January 2021. Free public and socially distanced viewings of the Not Another Second exhibit at The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights will take place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday through March 2021. A reservation must be made to view the Brooklyn exhibition of Not Another Second. A virtual presentation of the exhibit is also available. Following its Brooklyn debut, the Not Another Second exhibit will tour the country throughout 2021, with stops in Los Angeles, Napa, and Tucson. To book and reserve your timed ticket, please visit: www.notanothersecond.com. METROSOURCE.COM
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021
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THIS PAGE: ANTTONI LOPEZ BY JONO PHOTOGRAPHY
CULTURE
THESCOPE
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THIS PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY OF NIC TAILOR
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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021
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READ
WHEN BROOKLYN WAS QUEER: A HISTORY
THE NEVER-BEFORE-TOLD STORY OF BROOKLYN’S VIBRANT AND FORGOTTEN QUEER HISTORY, from the mid-1850s up to the present day. Hugh Ryan’s When Brooklyn
Available at www.RizzoliBookstore.com.
LISTEN
FIERCE
“FIERCE” IS AN ENGAGING, PROPULSIVE, and danceable rallying cry
bringing together the formidable talents of acclaimed awardwinning actress and host Angelica Ross, (@angelicaross), international dance pop diva and DJ Ultra Naté (@ultranatemusic), and features the beloved NYC advocate, activist and performer, Mila Jam (@themilajam). The electro pop anthem invites everyone to “Pose!”“Sashay!” and “Walk!” for change - designed to bring further awareness to the steadily increasing number of hate crimes and murders against Black and Latinx trans women. 2020 was the deadliest year on record for transgender and gender nonconforming people with an epidemic of violence disproportionately affecting women of color. This charitable release initiative – funded with a grant from Pop Culture Collaborative – aims to enlighten, educate, and celebrate the trans community, its mission and their allyship through song. Proceeds benefit: The GLAAD Transgender Media Program (@GLAAD) www.glaad.org/transgender; The Sylvia Rivera Law Project (@sylviariveralawproject) www.srlp.org; and The Marsha P. Johnson Institute (@mpjinstitute) www.marshap.org. Every day is another opportunity to feel Fierce! Listen at https://ingroov.es/fierce-v.
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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021
METROSOURCE.COM
THIS PAGE: WHEN BROOKLYN WAS QUEER: A HISTORY COVER IMAGE COURTESY OF RIZZOLI BOOKSTORE • FIERCE IMAGE COURTESY OF INGROOV.ES
CULTURE
THESCOPE
Was Queer is a groundbreaking exploration of the LGBT history of Brooklyn, from the early days of Walt Whitman in the 1850s up through the queer women who worked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard during World War II, and beyond. No other book, movie, or exhibition has ever told this sweeping story. Not only has Brooklyn always lived in the shadow of queer Manhattan neighborhoods like Greenwich Village and Harlem, but there has also been a systematic erasure of its queer history - a great forgetting. Ryan is here to unearth that history for the first time. In intimate, evocative, moving prose he discusses in new light the fundamental questions of what history is, who tells it, and how we can only make sense of ourselves through its retelling, and shows how the formation of the Brooklyn we know today is inextricably linked to the stories of the incredible people who created its diverse neighborhoods and cultures. Through them, When Brooklyn Was Queer brings Brooklyn’s queer past to life and claims its place as a modern classic.
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MIZ AMERICA
MIZ CRACKER WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT 2020 WAS NOT THE BEST FOR THE MINORITY COMMUNITIES OF THE NATION… flagrant hate speech and disrespect became commonplace towards the LGBTQ, female, and black communities. A glimmer of light, mixed with humor, that has christened us into 2021 comes from the perfectly manicured stylings of RuPaul’s Drag Race fan favorite, Miz Cracker, the Matzo Mama herself.
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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021
METROSOURCE.COM
CELEBRATES THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE WORLD BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ
Inspired by a chance meeting with Bob the Drag Queen in the streets of New York during a blizzardly night, Miz Cracker’s early drag would appear at marches for equality in Times Square. Her drag, partnered with her winning wit, would land her a spot in the top five of Drag Race Season 10 and the top three of All Stars Season 5. When COVID put a stop to her North American Tour of her oneperson show, She’s A Woman, she went to work in a different way. During the holiday season, she released two Hanukkah singles, “Eight Days of You” (feat. Jujubee) and“Get Me the F%#$ Out of Here” and launched the She’s A Woman podcast, celebrating everything She. When Corona pushed my She’s a Woman tour to 2021, I suddenly had nothing to do and it was driving me nuts. Launching the podcast, coming out with holiday music - all this activity is helping me stay sane. Without it, I would be back to building model houses out of popsicle sticks. Yeah, I really was doing that. She’s A Woman podcast celebrates the role of women in the world from all walks of life and chats with them to find out more about their achievements and life goals as a woman. All the women she talks to have done incredible things to make the world a little bit more beautiful. The focus of the podcast is to bring some positivity into 2021 and turn the spotlight towards our female allies. The timing is apropos as U.S. history was made with the inauguration of our first black, female Vice President. Seeing Kamala’s ascent has been so incredible. She’s a human being, she’s not perfect. But her position as Vice President sends a message to young women, particularly young women of color, that progress is possible, that boundaries can be broken. And it was wonderful to hear her talk about that so passionately. METROSOURCE.COM
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021
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PAGES 12-14: PHOTOS COURTESY OF MIZ CRACKER
Miz Cracker understands that the success of the LGBTQ community is due, in part, to our allies, out in the world as well as from her own “family.” Women took us to prom, listened to us come out, showed up for our first Pride march, pretended our two-week relationships were valid - they have been there for us, let’s be there for them. I owe everything I have to women. When I was a queer kid in school, only women would befriend me. A woman made my Drag Race audition tape. And when I look out into my audience at shows, some 70% of the faces are women. I feel like it’s time for me to give back. My mother, of course, is my biggest inspiration. She is a talented painter, but she never uses her gift to win attention. Her priority is to explore and improve, not to win fame or money. Whenever I start a project, I always think about her, and I try to keep her values in mind. She’s a Woman podcast is not about money or follows - it’s about doing something I love that is important to me. I got my sense of humor from my earliest comedic inspiration - my sister. One time when I was a kid, I told her that her haircut was a mistake. She replied, “Mom and dad got married in December, and you were born in April. Do the math. You are a mistake.” I was like...snatched bald. She is so quick. I had to learn to keep up. Several Drag Race queens have taken the time during lockdown to start podcasts. Among the podcasts covering pop culture, Drag Race recaps, or offering snarky opinions and bitchified one-liners, She’s A Woman emerges as a breath of fresh air and reflects Miz Cracker’s
own identity apart from Drag Race. We are a family. But there is something that makes me a unique part of the family - my belief that drag can change the world. That is why I launched the She’s a Woman podcast. I wanted to use the power of drag to amplify the voices of amazing women. She does not get involved in Drag Race drama, behind the scenes, or on social media. The best way to maintain a positive relationship is to keep things off social media. Connect sister to sister with a nice phone call, or a text message. That is what The Vixen and I have been doing for two years now, and it is one of my biggest joys. Each episode of She’s A Woman is like a chapter in the biography of strong women who are making a difference. You never know who is going to show up - detectives, pilots, bookstore owners, comics and more. Our debut episode features an interview with Jeannine Cook, who runs a bookshop highlighting women’s voices. Cook has received threats and hate mail for following her heart. But the other day, a little girl came into her shop wanting to do a report on the bookshop for school. And Cook thought, “Oh my G*d, this makes it all worth it.” I love this image of women inspiring one another across generations. In focusing on others, Miz Cracker has learned more about herself. A good podcast host puts the guest first. It is always tempting to tell stories about your own ideas and experiences and whimsical fantasies. But instead, just shut up for a second. You don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to listen. I know that sounds simple, but it is something that a lot of people miss, including myself. I have learned that you must be willing to make mistakes. Sometimes you are going to ask an awkward question and you’ll look silly, and that’s okay. If you try to be perfect, you will never take risks, you will never ask a provocative question, you will never find out what you don’t know. Miz Cracker’s biggest obstacle from the podcast world? My screaming. I think you are supposed to keep a level, noble tone while recording a podcast so that it is enjoyable for the listener. But thus far I have not been able to do that. So, the whole show is basically just going to be me blowing the AirPods out of people’s ears.
THIS PAGE: MIZ CRACKER PICKLE PHOTO BY DAVID AYLLON • PODCAST IMAGE COURTESY OF MIZ CRACKER
But Cracker’s intention with her podcast is clear: I want people to walk away from She’s a Woman realizing there are no limits on what a woman can be or do. And if you want to hear from an incredible woman, you don’t have to go searching for a celebrity. We all know incredible women. Miz Cracker is like the little engine that could, with more destinations ahead, even if slow to start at times. I think people believe that I am an incredibly driven person. In reality, I am a bit lazy and it’s my copilot Katelyn that keeps me getting up early, dieting, exercising, sketching ideas in my little notebook. I have a lot of creative power within me, I just need a cattle prod to keep me moving. Miz Cracker fans can rest assured that once COVID is under control and once healthy to do so, nothing will stop Cracker from hitting the stage. She’s A Woman tour is prepped, rehearsed, and ready to go. The show will give audiences a glimpse into Miz Cracker’s world after All Stars, as she tells the story of her journey from self-doubt to self-confidence - and the ridiculous characters and calamities she found along the way through never-before-seen videos, untold stories, original music, slapstick, and jump splits. This is unlike any of my other shows because the music is all mine. But as always there’s brand new standup, brand new video content, brand new choreo. I am terrified to launch the tour because it’s so MUCH, but that’s what makes it great. I love writing lyrics. I am a comic writer at the end of the day, so the words come to me so naturally, and I feel like I am in my element. Before every performance, I always have a little chat with my copilot Katelyn like, “Okay, today we’re gonna show the world what we can do!” It’s this promise that I make every time. And at the end of the show, I always go up to Katelyn like, “Did we do it?” Just to check. She will be hitting every major city in the U.S., with venues already booked and waiting. Does Miz Cracker behave on the road? Oh, she’s a nun on the road. After every show, I go straight to bed. Then I get up early, get into drag, and go meet fans on the street. Honestly, that is my favorite part of the tour getting to see the cities and people along the way. The show is just the icing on the cake. Must-haves for the road?
Red Bull for energy, a towel for when I spill the Red Bull, The New York Times to keep me informed and my diary so I can privately shade everyone around me. Until then, we have She’s A Woman to enjoy, and it is quite a joy. She’s your perfect COVID companion with just enough tea to keep you satisfied. Her message to her fans? If you are miserable in the midst of the COVID crisis, you are not alone. I’m miserable. People everywhere are getting worn down by the months of solitude. So, don’t be afraid to reach out to other people and commiserate. There is nothing wrong with a little complaining if it is helping you blow off steam. ■ You can check in regarding Miz Cracker’s tour at: https://www.fivesensesreeling.com/miz-cracker And check out She’s A Woman podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ shes-a-woman-with-miz-cracker/id1540638499 METROSOURCE.COM
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021
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STAN ZIMMERMAN Remembering
THE GOLDEN GIRLS BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ A SHOW THAT INCLUDES GAY COMING OUT STORIES, lesbian crushes, a drag queen musical band, a transgender politician, and the AIDS epidemic sounds like it should be something new on HBO Max or Showtime … but it was a comedy … in the ‘80s … on network TV … that featured four old women. It is impossible to talk about the advancement of LGBTQ themes in entertainment history without paying homage to The Golden Girls, a show that continues to entertain and energize generations old and young.
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Brought in by NBC to match The Cosby Show’s popularity, and without the aid of modern-day social media, The Golden Girls premiered in 1985 to twenty-five million viewers and great critical and viewer acclaim. The show would span seven seasons, win 11 Emmy Awards (including one win for each of the four leads), and become syndicated at the same level as Seinfeld - even 35 years later. On a pop culture level, the show has inspired multitudes of live shows, pop up restaurants, card games, drag queen performances, and even sold-out cruises. The one-liners masterfully acted by Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty are still repeated in everyday chat and popular memes. The longevity of these oneliners is a testament to the real star of The Golden Girls – the writing. In 2014, the Writers Guild of America placed the sitcom at number 69 in their list of the“101 Best Written TV Series of All Time.” Imagine being a fly on the writing room wall during that first season? With a list of credits that follow Stan Zimmerman like an encyclopedia set being sold by a salesman from St. Olaf, it is hard to think of writer, producer, and director Stan as a newbie in the industry. Stan’s credits include writing for The Gilmore Girls, Roseanne, Fame, Wanda at
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Large, the rewrite for ABC’s Annie, both Brady Bunch films, and for a series of projects that include some of the most diversified names in the biz with Judith Light, Ellen Burstyn, Vanessa Williams, Wilson Cruz, Wendie Malick, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Sandra Bernhard, George Takei, Mindy Sterling, and Leslie Jordan … just to name a very few. Flashback to Stan’s first day on his first major gig, writing Season 1 of The Golden Girls with creative partner Jim Berg. We were excited and obviously nervous. We were very young, but luckily had already been staff writers on one show before The Golden Girls, so we kind of knew what to expect. That first episode we worked on, we thought we were going to be getting coffee for the staff. But on that first day, we were asked to pitch out an entire episode right after lunch. I couldn’t eat my lunch. Though we think of The Golden Girls as a big gay celebration, things behind the scenes were not so gay-positive. This was still a very straight Hollywood. The number of major stars who were coming out were few and far between and were often outed by the media, not by choice. Rock Hudson was the biggest onscreen actor to have come out during the mid ‘80s, who consequently died from complications of HIV the
same year that The Golden Girls premiered. During the later ‘80s, there was an increase in celebrities who came out - Elton John, Ian McKellan, Boy George, and Rupert Everett being among them. Rupert Everett has stated that coming out was a career killer. Being openly gay behind the camera did not work so well either. People find it hard to believe, since The Golden Girls seemed so gay-positive, but yes, we were in the closet on the show. You must remember it was a different time and our agents urged us to keep our sexual orientation secret and bring a woman to any event associated with the show. It was also the beginning of the AIDS crisis, and there was a lot of fear in the world. Especially in Hollywood. And a lot of misinformation. But Stan was eager to learn the ropes of sitcom writing and he cut his teeth with the best of them. TV writing is a very collaborative medium. There are many people that must approve a story before you even begin writing it. There is the staff, executive producers, the studio, and most importantly, the network. We loved the other writers. We especially bonded with Mort Nathan and Barry Fanaro. Years later we helped them with their pilots, and they offered to produce the first pilot we got produced. You spend so many hours in a writers’ room, it’s always better when you like the other writers. Presently, Stan teaches sitcom writing to classes of students eager to write their winning script or sell their big show idea. A big part of Stan’s mentorship is to encourage writers and actors to keep at it, keep going, keep trying. Entertainment is not an easy journey, and everyone must put in their time and hard work. Working on The Golden Girls was boot camp. I have to say my favorite memory, although it didn’t feel good at the time, was being in our office working on multiple jokes for the end of a scene that we would have to pitch to the staff for approval. I didn’t feel like I was a funny writer, and that show was like Comedy Writing 101. We learned from the best at the start of our career and that show shot us out of a canon into an amazing journey in this business.
But putting in the hard work and learning from the veterans around him would earn Stan and his writing partner, Jim, a WGA nomination for their episode, “Blanche and the Younger Man” that also featured a visit from Rose’s mother. The idea for that episode came in an odd flash in my head after the producers passed on all our ideas during our first pitch session. We were walking out of the office, feeling defeated. I turned around, in the doorway, and yelled something like, “What if Rose’s mother came to visit?” They told us to come back and sit down and we started beating out the story. Writing a first major episode for his first major network show, is there any special moment that stands out? There are so many wonderful moments and lines from that episode. But if I had to pick one, it would probably be when Alma, Rose’s mother, says, “Stopping me from living isn’t going to stop me dying.” It was such a beautiful moment, especially the way Betty White responded to it. Another part of the business that Stan would come to learn, is that there is no personal life while working on a hit show. When you’re working on a TV series, you really don’t get to have a personal life. You could be stuck at the studio until 7pm or 1am or even later. You never know, so it’s hard to make plans. I gave up a lot of my young years to work in TV. But once the show wrapped for the season I was out and about enjoying the LA gay nightlife. I was also one of the first of my group of friends to have a job that I could afford to buy a house and a car. I was always grateful and knew I was lucky. The lines were tailor-made for the actresses - for both their acting
styles as well as their characters. This team of writers was making a hit. Nobody anticipated the huge success of the show. We had a front-row seat to watch it all unfold before our very eyes. At each Monday table read, they would announce the ratings for the week prior. The room was stunned at the rapid rise up the Nielsen chart. During Season One, there was a unique relationship between writers and actresses, one built on trust and respect but not as collaborative as you would have guessed. The actresses had very little to do with the scripts for Season One. I learned years later that Bea Arthur was not happy with how young the writers looked but changed her tune when she saw the quality of the scripts week after week. All four of the ladies were always saying in interviews that the show was a success because of the writers. They didn’t have to do that. They were all legends in their own right. Being a success was not only to prove beneficial for the network but would allow the show to grow and continue to push the envelope to cover themes such as immigration, suicide, politics, poverty, and importantly for that time, LGBT issues. Once you have a successful show, a network usually backs off with their notes and you have more freedom. I am still amazed that they let Blanche say, “You can kiss my A**” for our “Adult Education” episode. When we wrote that line, we laughed but didn’t think it would ever last to tape night. Rue McClanahan’s character of Blanche did not welcome the idea of homosexuality and same-sex marriage with open arms. In real life, Rue was an advocate for gay rights and appeared often at benefits METROSOURCE.COM
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studded readthrough to occur there). The story begins with a group of gay men who rescue their friend from a homophobic senior living facility, before whisking him back to their home in Palm Springs, California. The show was originally meant for LOGO who had to pass on the series for budgetary reasons.You would think that Silver Foxes would be an easy sell, considering the popularity of The Golden Girls. The show became infamous when word got out that we could not get any networks to even read the script because of the continued homophobia and ageism that exists in Hollywood. We are still out there pitching it as a TV series but have literally been told by a major streaming company that the concept didn’t have “broad appeal.” That is hard to hear. In the meantime, we turned it into a play and this past summer had a very successful virtual reading of it with Michael Urie directing. Our amazing cast included George Takei, Daniel Davis, Jim J. Bullock, Garrett Clayton, and Daniele Gaither. Hopefully, when theatres open again, we will be able to present it live on a stage.
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Is it even possible to revisit something as iconic as The Golden Girls? I must clarify that Silver Foxes was never meant as a reboot of The Golden Girls. It is similar only in that it’s an ensemble comedy with older characters. But the magic of The Golden Girls can never be recaptured. It was something special because of the time and the actors and the writing and just the stars aligning. That does not happen very often and that’s what makes it still so relevant today. After all these years, there is still a Golden Girls line that gets him through life, even through 2020. A line we wrote for Bea Arthur, “No, no, I will not have a nice day!” But I actually live with the opposite viewpoint. I like to wake up every day determined to have a nice one. Even when challenging things happen, I look at it as a way to grow. Now, personally having shared many happy hours with Stan Zimmerman, I know the off-the-record truth but thought I would try my luck in print: the Bea Arthur vs Betty White rumors - true? Don’t make me shoot you a “Bea Arthur” look! ■ You can find out more about Stan and his projects at www.zimmermanstan.com or follow him on IG: @ZimmermanStan
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for gay causes. Her last TV project would be Del Shores’ Sordid Lives for LOGO. Even from purely a writer’s standpoint, Stan appreciated working with her the most. She was a true actor and I remember her telling us to give Blanche meaty material. That is why Jim and I decided to challenge the overt sexuality of her character with a situation where she didn’t feel comfortable being sexual. That was how we came up with the idea of a sexual harassment theme for our “Adult Education” episode. What Golden Girl would Stan be in real life? I will always be a Sophia. Estelle was my girl. We became friends outside of the show and remained friends after I was no longer writing for it. Stan would not continue his work on future seasons of The Golden Girls. There must be a story there. It’s a long story. Show politics. For the nitty-gritty of it all, you will have to wait until my book The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore comes out from Indigo River Publishing. It’s about all the wonderful women I have had the chance to work with. And Roseanne. In addition to learning about the good, the bad, and the golden about the industry, he would learn something for himself that he still ascribes to this very day: To keep going, even when you are not feeling appreciated. And just because you land one big job, don’t ever stop creating. That is the beauty of being an artist, you can just open your mind (and heart) and there is a gift you can share with the world. That’s why I love meeting The Golden Girls fans and hearing how words I wrote so many years ago, still affect them. The Golden Girls would continue to gain new viewers and new generations of audiences. I think The Golden Girls is still so popular because it’s f**king funny. But there is also a truthfulness to it. And they were four of the funniest comedy actresses in the history of TV. Of any age. Though Stan would move on to other projects, The Golden Girls would always be a part of his life, including his fantasy reunion script. I would have made it a glamorous TV movie like Facts of Life Goes to Paris, with our four girls taking a trip together. Or a cruise, kind of like the two Golden Fans at Sea cruises where I was a special guest at the beginning of 2020. In 2016, Stan held a readthrough of a TV pilot that he and Jim Berg wrote, titled Silver Foxes, with a Golden Girls-esque energy to it. The readthrough included George Takei, Leslie Jordan, Bruce Vilanch, Melissa Peterman, and Cheri Oteri and took place in Stan’s own living room (not the first star-
BY JAMES PATRICK
DO YOU KNOW YOUR CREDIT SCORE? These
three little numbers can impact your financial life as much as your bank account balance and the amount of your paycheck, yet few give it that level of attention. Even fewer have a solid understanding of how to positively impact your credit score and how to monitor and protect it. Good news! We’re going to lay out some credit score essentials in this feature so you can take control.
What is a credit score? Your credit report is a record of how you manage your money. Most lenders and many other creditors report your account information from credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, etc. to one or all the three major credit bureaus. Your account data is then distilled and calculated to create your individual credit score – typically between 300 and 850. Each person actually has several credit scores because there are several different credit scoring models. And for each credit scoring model, there are three different credit scores for each of the three major credit bureaus. So, through one source, you might have a 710 credit score and another you may be a 690. And they are both correct.
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Who are the major credit bureaus and how can I get my credit reports? We highly recommend getting a copy of your credit report from each bureau: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. By law, you are entitled to one free report from each per year and it will not negatively impact your score. An easy way is to get these reports is by going to www.annualcreditreport.com. These reports will not include your credit score but will include your account data that leads to your score. A recent study conducted by the Federal Trade Commission revealed that one
in five people have an error on at least one of their credit reports. So it’s worthwhile to verify accuracy!
What is a good score? One of the most well-known types of credit score are FICO® Scores, created by the Fair Isaac Corporation. FICO® Scores are used by many lenders, especially mortgage lenders. According to Experian, the following are general rankings for a FICO® Score. Although each lender establishes its own cutoff levels. 800-850 Exceptional 740-799 Very Good 670-739 Good 580-669 Fair 300-579 Poor The average consumer FICO score in 2020 was 710, based on Experian studies.
What are the major factors that impact my score? Let’s focus on the three biggest factors that will help you build and maintain a strong credit score. • Your payment history accounts for 35% to 40% of your score. Review your credit reports to make sure your payment records are accurate. If you are not up to date, make it a priority. Set up an automatic payment deduction from your checking for your recurring loan payments. • Your level of credit utilization makes up 20% to 30% of your score. This factor considers your total outstanding credit card/line of credit balances to your credit limits. So, for example, if all your credit cards and department store card balances are $4,000 and your combined credit limit is $10,000, your credit utilization is 40%. To improve your credit score, pay this down to 30% or less. When you are tapping your credit limits, it negatively impacts your credit score.
How can I keep track of my score? Many major banks, credit unions and credit card issuers offer credit scores for free! Often this is a feature of the institution’s online banking. Check with your bank for this free service. Then you will be able to review your credit score monthly to track your progress or be tipped off to possible fraud if you see a sudden unexplained dip. If you do a web search for credit score, you will likely see ads for countless credit monitoring services. These are most often paid services. This credit monitoring can be expensive and unnecessary. So please check with your bank first to take advantage of their free credit score services, get copies of your free credit reports from all three bureaus, and take control of your credit score!
FINANCE
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR CREDIT SCORE
CULTURE
PERSONAL FINANCE
• Type, number, and age of your credit accounts also weighs heavily. Closing a credit card is more likely to hurt your credit score than to help it. Yes, that $300 Macy’s card you got in your 20s just to get the sale price on those shoes is now really helping! Leaving old accounts open, especially if they’re in good standing, is typically better for your credit score. (Just make sure there are no annual fees.) A longstanding credit score myth we can dispel: Your income and bank account balances are not direct influences on your credit score. These may be decision factors for a lender but will not be reflected in your credit score. Inquiries do not have the major negative impact on credit score that many believe. And most credit scoring models account for multiple inquiries within a short period of time. So, if you are trying to get the best deal on a car loan or mortgage, it’s OK to shop lenders for the best rate, just do it within a two-week period.
Stay Money Wise We hope our Money Wise Personal Finance series of feature articles are guiding you to smart financial decisions. In December, we covered Setting A Budget. If you missed it, you can still check it out online at www.metrosource.com Some upcoming planned features include: Savings Strategies, Living Debt Free, Smart Spending, and other timely personal finance topics as 2021 unfolds. ■ This information is intended to provide general guidance. We encourage you to consult your financial advisor and tax planner to review your individual situation before making any significant financial decisions. METROSOURCE.COM
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THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A TIME IN THE ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS WHEN THERE HAS BEEN SUCH A SATURATION OF COMIC BOOK CHARACTERS ON THE SCREEN - HOLLYWOOD BLOCKBUSTERS, NETWORK TV, AND CABLE TV. Superheroes are hot. Whether it’s the sexy bodies in tight spandex or the need for us to escape our social and political roller coaster with some heightened fantasy and the belief that there are good heroes out there, the demand for more caped content is high. Though entertainment critics and die-hard comic book fans might not love all the filmed content, there is no denying that the box office doesn’t care. Avengers: Endgame made more money than the entire U.S. box office of 2020, granted we had COVID affecting many of those months, but the boom of on-screen superheroes shows no sign of slowing down, so it was just a matter of time for LGBTQ representation to become a reality.
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LESLIE Any mention of homosexuality in mainstream United States comics was forbidden by the Comics Code Authority (CCA) between 1954 and 1989, gay and gender identity themes were only hinted at with hidden subtext. The CCA was established as a response to the psychiatrist and author Frederic Wertham’s book, Seduction by the Innocent, which called out the comic book industry for influencing youth with themes of violence and sexuality, and pointedly, homosexuality. He called Wonder Woman a lesbian and suggested that the Batman character
THE Bat IS OUT OF THE BAG BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ
may illicit gay thoughts. In the ‘70s, gay creators started to publish underground publications to tell their story and to comment on the current political world. The two leading mainstream American comic book publishers, DC, and Marvel, have historically only presented a heteronormative point of view. Interestingly enough, gender identity was explored in a common storyline of a superhero changing their sex through a supernatural or technological occurrence. Underlying gay themes can
be inferred during what is called The Golden Age of Comics (1938 - 1956) that gave birth to Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel, Captain America, and Wonder Woman. Besides the sapphic assumptions of Wonder Woman and her female-only tribe of the Amazons, gay jokes about superheroes and their sidekicks have been a staple of conversation and even highlighted in Saturday Night Live’s cartoon skit series “The Ambiguously Gay Duo.” As censorship by the CCA would come to an end in the late ‘80s and during the AIDS epidemic, METROSOURCE.COM
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representation of our community would start to develop. The first gay DC character came in 1988 with the creation of Extrano (Spanish translation of “strange”), and though the word “gay” was never used, he personified the gay stereotype as being extremely effeminate and calling himself“Auntie.”The character caused a stir behind the scenes at DC as well as with readers, Extrano writer Steve Englehart wanted to explore more with the character with a storyline about HIV, DC editors did not. A sprinkle of LGBTQ characters would appear on the sidelines during the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. In the late ‘90s, DC’s Midnighter would appear as a gay major superhero, who, along with husband Apollo, would serve as the gay version of the Batman/ Superman partnership. Growing representation would be lauded and supported by the LGBTQ community with honors by GLAAD and LAMBDA for storylines covering gay-bashing and AIDS/HIV themes. In 2006, a major character in the DC world would join the LGBTQ ranks. To media fanfare, Batwoman would get a reboot as a lesbian character. Later found out to be Bruce Wayne’s distant cousin, Batwoman would work on her own and, in the fan world, would gain her own following with a monthly comic. In 2019, the CW ordered the first season of Batwoman, starring out lesbian actor Ruby Rose. Ruby left the
BEING BISEXUAL MEANS BRAVELY WALKING IN MY TRUTH TO LOVE WHOMEVER IT IS I LOVE. EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT, THE RESPECT, AND THE SAFETY TO LOVE WHO THEY LOVE!
series after only one season and it was announced that the character of Ryan Wilder, introduced as a brief character in DC’s Batgirl, would take over the Batwoman character. The CW took the opportunity to take LGBTQ representation even further by casting actor Javicia Leslie, making her the first black, bisexual actor to step into the role. It is a blessing and an honor to be a part of this time of change. To be able to use my art as activism has always been a driving force for me. To know that this casting makes people feel represented in this amazing and epic franchise solidifies my purpose, which is to stand and fight for the underrepresented. Putting on the Batwoman costume for the first time would be a moment in history for Javicia as a role-model to minority youth as well as for the character. The moment I put the suit on, I immediately felt the responsibility of what this suit represents. It’s not about the person wearing the suit, it’s about the history this suit has in our society. The Bat symbol represents over 80 years of true superhero imagination that millions
of people filled their childhood with! To be a part of that story is life-changing and truly an honor! DC fans are represented in all communities, so it is very important to be inclusive in our superheroes as well! We should all have a hero that we can see ourselves in. With the increased spotlight on LGBTQ actors and characters in Hollywood, it is easy to forget that the comic book world is late to come to the party. The ideas of different personalities as superheroes being somewhat new. Since being cast as the first black Batwoman, I have received a lot of hate messages and disgusting remarks from people who feel Batwoman should not be black. This world has a long way to go, and I am just happy to be a part of a much-needed shift. A complete opposite of Ruby Rose’s Kate Kane, Javicia’s Ryan Wilder is a bit messy, goofy, and untamed. Ryan has spent years as a drug-runner, dodging the Gotham police, masking her pain with bad habits and living in her van with her plant. A girl who would steal milk for an alley cat and could kill you with her bare hands, Ryan is the most dangerous type of fighter - highly skilled and wildly undisciplined. An out lesbian. Athletic. Raw. Passionate. Fallible and very much not your stereotypical All-American hero. Ryan stands up for people who are not able to stand up for themselves. There are so many people in our world who are looked over because they do not look like the majority. It is important for me to be a representation for those people! It is important for me to fight and rally for those individuals. Everyone deserves fair and equal justice, that is what I stand and fight for! Because of Ryan’s childhood, growing up as a foster kid, she is very guarded and does not easily trust people. I feel I am a bit more open and trusting of people ... more of an “innocent until proven guilty” with me. Javicia grew up in a military family, born in Germany and raised primarily in Maryland. The structure and support of being in a military family would teach her the value of hard work and dedication. She went from high school class president to attending Hampton University, the prestigious, historically black university. She got the performance bug early on and started with small talent shows for family and would graduate to leading roles in theatre, live poetry, and ultimately her onscreen career. Her move to Los Angeles to pursue acting was inevitable. Her Los METROSOURCE.COM
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Angeles early days would shape her life forever. Learning that you are your own business is the biggest thing I had to get used to. That means from the moment you wake up until you fall asleep, you must treat your day like you are a running business. There was no such thing as “free time” before 7pm. I auditioned, studied, took classes, worked out, and learned new skills. This allowed me to go into my acting career with the same hard work and dedication I had in my 9 to 5 with the Army. The other hard thing to get used to is Los Angeles traffic, I learned to always assume everything was at least an hour away. Another early acting lesson would be about the difference between stage and film, especially as it relates to auditions. My first audition was with my current manager. See, prior to LA, I had only performed in plays. I walked into her office and performed the most dramatic theatre scene I knew. At the end, she looked at me and said, “Okay, maybe we can go for something a little smaller, you know, something more TV/film-friendly.” Eight years later, I completely understand that a monologue from Chicago might be a little much for a TV audition. (LOL.) Her first break would be in Lifetime’s Killer Coach in 2016 which would make way for her recurring character on the MacGyver reboot. She then moved on to BET’s The Family Business, consistently ranked as one of the top 10 cable shows on TV during its run. She would get major exposure on CBS’ God Friended Me as Ali, a quick-witted lesbian. Javicia’s own bisexuality, for her, was a nonissue and never something to keep hidden. My mom and I never talked about it. Once we did, she said, “I’m your mother, I’ve known since you were a child.” That was all I needed to feel supported and loved. I knew she had my back, no matter what! She is my best friend! Being bisexual means bravely walking in my truth to love whomever it is I love. Everyone should have the right, the respect, and the safety to love who they love! I am happy to represent all of me, and I believe there is a place in this industry for every “title” I carry. She is a spokesperson for the bisexual community, fighting assumptions and classifications every chance she can. The biggest misconception about being bisexual? That because I am attracted to both men
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and women, I should choose which is more socially accepted. That is not how sexuality works. It’s about choosing who makes me happy regardless of gender. It’s about choosing love. A bisexual actress playing a lesbian character making television and comic book history, there was no trepidation in taking over the role from Ruby Rose. It was a childhood dream of mine to play a superhero. That is the only thing that crossed my mind when I first booked this role. “OMG, I’m a superhero!” I loved comic book characters growing up. Specifically, I loved all the colorful characters of Batman. The casting happened in a whirlwind and what can often take months of callbacks, especially for such a high-profile role, was quick. I received my audition material via email and submitted a self-tape. Two weeks later, I was “pinned” and told I would have a producer’s session via Zoom. Pinned means a production is interested in the actor and wants them to hold/block the dates that they would be working just in case they are chosen. I then auditioned in front of the executive producers, studio, and network representatives. Two days later, I received a call from my manager asking if she could “speak to Ryan Wilder!” Developing a strong character was so
important. The role of Ryan is not just a sequel to Ruby Rose’s Kate, it is an entirely different character. With the pressure of representing as the first black Batwoman also comes the pressure of carrying on the LGBT ideas behind the scenes. Preparing for Batwoman, I sat daily for hours imagining my Ryan life. I saw myself in my foster homes, playing with my best friend, meeting my adoptive mother. Every day I filled every blank in my Ryan world using ingredients I received in my scripts. This work supported me when it was time to play on set. I knew why and how I viewed life as Ryan and that was the most important part. It also allowed me to give Caroline Dries, our show creator, ideas of Ryan’s life prior to episode one. The physical aspects of the role would also play a part in Javicia’s preparation. Fitness has always been an important part of Javicia’s life, having been a competitive track runner. She is trained in Muay Thai and lives a vegan lifestyle. To prepare for Batwoman, I started to focus more on stunt training. I practice daily so that I can train my body and mind to react instinctively to our fight choreography during filming. Her biggest takeaway from filming Season One? I have learned that I can commit myself to anything when I give my all! At the end of every filming day, I feel proud of myself
for leaving everything on the table. Each day I make it a point to have no regrets. I have fun and I try absolutely everything while working. Season Two of Batwoman will be actionpacked and full of your favorite superhero drama! I am super excited for everyone to see all the work this amazing crew and cast have put together. Also, I am doing my own stunts, so I cannot wait for that either! Javicia hopes her presence on the screen as both a member of the black and LGBT community can inspire a closer relationship between the two minority groups. Given the history made with our first black, female U.S. Vice President, this is a very timely role. I believe that if these two very underrepresented communities came together, we would be the majority! If the leaders in the LGBTQ community spoke out against racism, it will reinforce the imperativeness in our fight for justice! Author James Baldwin spoke so much about how scary it is to be a black gay man in America, I do not believe much has changed. ■
Batwoman Season 2 premiered on January 17th on the CW. You can follow Javicia on IG: @Javicia METROSOURCE.COM
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BY MEGAN VENZIN
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HEALTH BODY
CACAO GET TO KNOW THE RAW PLANT AND LEARN HOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ITS MANY HEALTHY PROPERTIES
A CACAO CEREMONY IS A LABOR OF LOVE.
Participants’ hands grow sore as they crack, shell and grind hundreds of roasted beans. Grit collects under their fingernails, leaving behind dark stains that serve as reminders that good things come as the result of hard work. In this case, the “good stuff” is a cup of brew so rich, so invigorating, so packed full of joy, that many who consume it are driven to dance, while others laugh, cry and revel in the awesome power of its origin. “The ceremony itself was alive with drums, prayers, songs and bold sips of this medicine,” says folk herbalist and entrepreneur, Jillian Ashley, recalling memories from her first time meeting the plant at a mountain retreat in 2014. “These hours were to honor the spirit of cacao and nothing else, and to allow its energetics to course through our spirits, minds and bodies as a unified collective. I felt turned on to myself in ways I had never experienced. Euphoria, bliss, and love were racing through me. I felt alive, alert and in love with myself and my surroundings.” With a review like that, it should come as no surprise that cacao has become a staple offering at The NOHM Elixir Bar & Apothecary, Ashley’s self-launched business based in Asheville, NC. That initial introduction drove her to develop a deep appreciation for the culture and cultivation of cacao, and years later she has emerged a knowledgeable distributor of the powerful fruit. “The path to success and fulfillment in my business was creating a very clear and clean supply chain by forging long-term relationships with small family-run farms, community herbalists and trusted brands,” she shares passionately. “What started as a few kilos in my hiking pack carried from Costa Rica back to the states after attending Envision Festival each year has transformed into a well-rounded stock of hundreds of pounds of cacao from multiple countries from Central to South America.”Meeting and breaking bread with clients and partners is an important part of her process when securing and sharing the raw product with others. On top of its traditional roots and presence as a critical crop for many lifelong farmers, cacao is also a superfood bursting with health benefits. But before downing an entire heart-shaped box full of chocolates, it is important to remember that cacao is most
effective in a minimally processed, single origin form. “A handful of blueberries is going to contain more nutrition than a spoonful of blueberry jam. Same goes with raw cacao versus a chocolate bar,” Ashley shares as an example. In fact, a serving size of raw cacao delivers about 40 times the number of antioxidants as a serving of blueberries, which are thought to slow the aging process and possess cancer-fighting properties. “I enjoy drinking chocolate, which is cacao paste melted into water or milk as a daily afternoon pick me up. I also love DIY cacao treats like energy balls to reap the benefit of cacao while on the go,” she adds. At The NOHM Elixir Bar, customers can enjoy custom sips made from Ashley’s own paste blends, one of which is made with plain raw cacao in a base of coconut oil, coconut butter and nectar with Costa Rican vanilla and Celtic sea salt. The others boast names like Heart on Flora, a recipe infused with botanicals such as bright Ylang Ylang and Mexico-sourced Damiana, and Heart on Fire, a newer addition that gets its burn from a fortified apple cider vinegar solution.“It’s like a Mexican hot chocolate,”she says enthusiastically.“This one specifically has six functional mushrooms in it to keep your immune system resilient.” (These pastes can be ordered from The NOHM Elixir Bar direct.) Inside every pod are high levels of theobromine which relax the smooth muscles, promote alertness, and contribute to a healthy cardiovascular system. “Cacao is a vaso-dilator, which means it delivers more blood to your heart and brain, as opposed to caffeine which constricts the blood vessels,” Ashley offers. The ecstatic feelings that follow ingestion are a reaction to phenylethylamine (PEA), another natural mood booster that sends serotonin and dopamine levels soaring. “You want to consume at least 40 grams to move yourself into that euphoric body state,” Ashley suggests. “That allows the alkaloids to do their work and kickstart that blissful feeling.” In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, she suggests that this “ceremonial dose” is the right amount to take as a precursor to a lovemaking session with a partner or even with oneself. “Cacao is a sacred way to open up the heart and open up the energy of coming together in union.”
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Ready to jump into a cacao ceremony? Florencia Fridman, owner of Cacao Lab in New York City currently offers the experience via Zoom. However, if you are looking to recreate some delicious medicinal sips at home, try these recipes from The NOHM and Anima Mundi, another female-owned NYC business helmed by Adriana Ayales, who is from Costa Rica.
Ingredients: - Heart on Flora or Heart on Fire cacao paste by The NOHM Elixirs - 1/2 cup of filtered water - 1/2 cup coconut cream, or any milk of choice - 2 pinches of salt Method: - Place 4 heaping tablespoons of cacao paste into a saucepan - Cover with 1/2 cup of water and set over medium heat - As the water begins to simmer bring to low heat and smush the paste into the liquid - Top off with salt and 1/2 cup of coconut cream, continue heating to desired temperature, stirring frequently - The use of an electric whisk or immersion blender is handy to create a creamy and frothy consistency - Divide into two servings and enjoy bold sips with your loved one *For mocha lovers, integrate a heaping tablespoon of this paste in place of chocolate syrup. Amazing iced or hot. Recipe by @herban_urbalist of @thenohm
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THIS PAGE: IMAGE COURTESY OF ANIMA MUNDI
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APHRODISIAC DRINKING CHOCOLATE BY THE NOHM
ROSE CARDAMOM HOT CHOCOLATE BY ANIMA MUNDI
THIS PAGE: IMAGE COURTESY OF ANIMA MUNDI • CACAO LOVE ART BY NIKKI SCIOSCIA
Ingredients: - 2 cups cashew milk, or any other milk of choice - 7 lightly crushed cardamom pods - 2 tbsp of coconut sugar - 1/4 cup cacao powder from Anima Mundi - 1 tbsp of dried rose petals or rose powder from Anima Mundi - 3 heaping tbsp of semi-sweet chocolate chips or cacao nibs - Whipped cream - homemade or store bought
Craving cacao? Purchase ethically sourced powders, pastes, bars and more from these trusted sources: NOHM Elixir Bar (Asheville, NC) nohmelixirs.square.site/ Cacao Laboratory (New York, NY) cacaolaboratory.com/ Anima Mundi (New York, NY) animamundiherbals.com/ CORACAO (Emeryville, CA) coracaoconfections.com/ ChocolaTree Organic Oasis (Sedona, AZ) chocolatree.com/ Any health, wellness, medical, or cosmetic claims contained in this feature should
Method: - Place milk, rose and crushed cardamom into a small saucepan and set over medium heat - As the water begins to simmer immediately remove from heat, cover with a lid, and let everything steep for 20 minutes - Strain the infused milk through a fine-mesh strainer into a measuring cup - Give the saucepan a quick rinse (only to remove any plant materials that may remain) then pour the milk back in and set over medium-low heat - Add the remaining ingredients and whisk together until smooth - Once the hot chocolate reaches the desired temperature divide into two servings - Garnish with whipped cream and rose petals, enjoy Recipe by @thebrokenbread of @animamundiherbals
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JEREMY BLACKLOW 32
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LIFE THROUGH A GLAAD TINTED LENS BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ TO SAY 2020 WAS AN INTERESTING YEAR FOR ON-SCREEN ENTERTAINMENT IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT. On one hand, COVID put a stop to production and put actors out of work. On the other hand, the nation was stuck at home with nothing to do but absorb new content, and of that, there was a lot. It also became an inspiration for many celebrities to come out as gay, trans, non-binary, and bisexual, something that many of them have stated would not have happened without the COVID imposed time of selfreflection and lack of societal pressures. The boom of new content included an increase in LGBTQ stories and characters, from both mainstream and cable networks: documentaries, blockbuster films, horror flicks, reality shows, remakes, streamed plays, dramas, comedies, and even musicals. We were well represented. Families that may have not sat down together pre-COVID came together to watch TV, watching a diverse presentation of culture and characters they may have never invited into their home. New conversations about new movements were happening. Non-binary? It’s now a household term. The election also played a big part in discussions happening around the nation and often included members of the entertainment community. As much as entertainment suffered this year, we also won big.
At the center of LGBTQ representation and discussion in entertainment for over thirty years is GLAAD, started by a group of journalists and writers formed in response to the negative and sensationalized coverage of the HIV/AIDS epidemic by the New York Post. A thousand protested outside of the New York Post that first year. The organization has grown to become what Entertainment Weekly calls“one of Hollywood’s most powerful entities”and includes resources, events, and campaigns working through entertainment, news, and digital media to share our stories and promote acceptance. From its original title of Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, GLAAD works with entertainment and news platforms to ensure inclusion and proper representation, growing its scope to transgender, Latinx, Southern voices, and even global voices. And even though the scope of GLAAD has grown internationally, the organization still reflects the grassroots energy and individual stories that started with those journalists in 1985. Jeremy Blacklow has served as Director of Entertainment Media since 2017, but his involvement with GLAAD began during his summer internship before his senior year of college. He continued to volunteer for the GLAAD Media Awards, but uninspired by his journalist career and enraged by the attacks of the Trump administration, he returned full time. Entertainment was always a key part of Jeremy’s life and helped form his vision of how our community was fashioned by the media. I grew up a true child of the ‘80s. I was a latchkey kid who would watch MTV 24/7 after school. MTV, in its first decade, formed my love for pop culture and entertainment. I would wait all week for Martha Quinn to come on to host Friday Night Video Fights. But by the time I was in high school and figuring out I was gay, I craved LGBTQ role models and storylines at a time when there were very few. My earliest memories of queer representation, however, were the movie Philadelphia and seeing Norman Korpi and Pedro Zamora on MTV’s The Real World. During that naive teenage era of my life, the takeaway for me was to equate being gay with HIV/AIDS.
Jeremy’s journalistic vision and professional ethic were formed by his early time at NBC’s Weekend Today show, where he helped cover events ranging from the 2000 presidential election to the Iraq War, while also producing outdoor concerts on the Today show plaza. The people he worked with would inspire him to this day. When NBC News journalist David Bloom died in Iraq in 2003, I had been working with him for two years and that was tough to absorb emotionally. Back then, I also worked with a dear friend named Barbara Simon, who’s now GLAAD’s Head of News & Campaigns. They all taught me early on never to burn bridges in this industry, and, as Michelle Obama told the world, to always go high when others go low. And, to not care what others think about you. Jeremy would go on to work with CNN, Telepictures, and NBC Universal. He helped launch the TMZ brand and the CAA-created digital agency WhoSay. He would also serve as Managing Editor of AccessHollywood.com. His most vivid memories, though, would incorporate his world of LGBTQ activism, politics, and public interest events. I will never forget covering the LGBTQ March on Washington in April 2000 and producing a live shot with Melissa Etheridge, who performed two songs to an empty RFK Stadium to close out Saturday’s Today. I met her again on GLAAD’s World Pride float in 2019 and I got a chance to show her the pictures. (Which I had on my phone as snaps of old Kodak printouts, of course!) But I was also in the control room the day JFK Jr.’s plane went missing, which is another moment seared in my memory. Covering the 2000 election and watching Tim Russert on-air that night was powerful as well. I rode down an elevator with him at the end of the night in 30 Rock and he was still holding his famous “Florida! Florida! Florida!” whiteboard. In his role as Director of Entertainment Media, he is the main connection between GLAAD and multiple media genres, including the gaming sector, to ensure that GLAAD’s research and resources are being used by the industry to present the LGBTQ METROSOURCE.COM
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community in alignment with the ideals and expectations that GLAAD has introduced into the media world. Providing counsel and managing key campaigns are all in a day’s work in this ever-changing social and political climate. His favorite part of the job? The opportunity to keep learning every day and to work with the most authentic, creative, and inspirational people in the entertainment industry. One of my main goals at GLAAD has been to build new relationships at every single studio, network, film festival, talent agency, guild, management company, and awards show. Plus, I get to watch every LGBTQ film and TV series about six months before the rest of the world does. (Which is the best perk, albeit I am consulting on many of them!) The two accomplishments I am most proud of so far have been working with the team behind A Fantastic Woman to help steer that film’s Oscars run (it won the Best Foreign Language Oscar in 2018) and the launch of The GLAAD List, which is the partnership I helped GLAAD create with The Black List. With the amount of work that GLAAD does, and new initiatives introduced each year, it is hard to succinctly describe to a layperson the importance of the work GLAAD does on a major level and how the work
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it does affects everything we see on screen, and even on a social justice level. GLAAD is such a multi-faceted organization and on any given week my co-workers are doing so many amazing things! Every other week or so I have a moment when my jaw is on the ground in awe of something we have accomplished. This year alone, I have particularly admired the work my peers DaShawn Usher and Abdool Corlette have done with the launch of NEON (GLAAD’s content series for Black queer visibility), our work to end the FDA’s discriminatory blood ban for gay and bi men (led by our Communications Director, Mathew Lasky), and how we pressed the presidential candidates to talk about LGBTQ issues. At the end of the day, we are fighting to change culture through the media and to achieve greater acceptance for LGBTQ people. One thing that GLAAD’s President & CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis, always says is that you cannot change what cannot be measured and GLAAD excels at going into the field to do research. We are great at changing culture because we measure impact. GLAAD’s biggest success story for 2020? Probably our election work! Starting with our LGBTQ Forum with the Democratic candidates just over a year ago, all the way through our ongoing work to raise awareness about the Georgia runoffs. GLAAD has never been so involved in working to get out the LGBTQ vote and hold all candidates across the country accountable for their records on LGBTQ rights. Although, I am also very proud of the work we did last summer during Pride season supporting Peppermint and Bob the Drag Queen’s Black Queer Town Hall and other projects, such as the Noah’s Arc reunion, during the height of the Black Lives Matter protests. GLAAD ensures a safe place in Hollywood for our stories to be told. The more our stories are told, the more celebrities will start to come forward as open members of the LGBTQ community as mainstream and unconventional Hollywood start to blend. I think the more representation we have, the more inclusive visibility and the more opportunities for trans and non-binary folks to see themselves reflected fairly in media. This leads to more people coming out and feeling comfortable to be their full, authentic selves. It has taken the work of a lot of incredible pioneers to get here and now
things are finally starting to turn for the better. The work my co-workers Nick Adams and Alex Schmider do in transgender representation in Hollywood is truly spectacular. In the past, major films about the LGBTQ community have been met with critical success and cisgender, straight actors have been lauded for their brave portrayals of members of our community. But now, the acting members of our community are increasingly telling our own stories, and ratings and popularity of projects are now reflecting what audiences are ready for. Did we ever anticipate a moment that the real-life LGBTQ stories told during a drag race competition would now be mainstream? Most Americans are comfortable with seeing lesbian and gay storylines on film and television, and bisexual representation is finally starting to move past the old tropes and stereotypes. Mainstream audiences still have a lot to learn about transgender and non-binary representation, which is why the new documentary Disclosure is so important. I believe that everyone in the world needs to watch Disclosure, which is readily available now on Netflix. And if you have watched it once, watch it again! As Metrosource wrote about in our last issue, even holiday films experienced a boom in gay representation. Ultra-conservative Hallmark would hire two gay actors to tell the story of a same-sex couple in the middle of the adoption process. Other networks also presented several gay-inclusive holiday films, with Hulu’s Happiest Season including popular names from Hollywood, gay and straight. The floodgates certainly opened this past year, didn’t they?! I had the honor of consulting on two of those projects, Lifetime’s The Christmas Setup and Hulu’s Happiest Season. So, I can tell you first-hand the creators I worked with were very passionate about getting it right. I do think now the glass ceiling has been broken for queer storytelling in this genre, there will be no turning back. In future holiday seasons, I’d like to see the full intersectional diversity of the LGBTQ community represented even more thoroughly. The full after-effects of COVID on the entertainment industry are hard to calculate. With box offices taking a major hit, funding for smaller, unsure hits will be scarce. The future of movie theater going is unclear. Audiences seem content with watching features at home and perhaps more likely to click on a movie or show METROSOURCE.COM
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a bit of that in the projects that have been greenlit since the pandemic began. As far as 2020 is concerned, Jeremy’s top three entertainment milestones for the LGBTQ community are: Disclosure, which is a game-changer for understanding the history of transgender storytelling, along with the new HBO Max series Veneno, from Spain, which I think is right up there with Pose as some of the best trans representation
You can find out more about GLAAD’s work at https://www.glaad.org/ You can follow Jeremy’s DJ antics on Instagram: @DJBlacklow
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that might be as mainstream. This could be a good thing for the LGBTQ entertainment industry. I think that more folks are going to realize that life is short and that it is time to stop living in fear or doubt. Queer folks are going to be more likely to write that script they have always had in the back of their minds and it is going to lead to more diverse and interesting storytelling. I think we are already starting to see
the world has ever seen. Also, I can count 18 LGBTQ-inclusive films, not counting documentaries, that are likely to be in the 2021 Academy Awards mix. That is a long way from when I first watched Philadelphia and thought that would be as good as LGBTQ representation would ever get. His COVID binge-watch list? I just counted and I have watched 103 films and 26 full TV series since the pandemic began! Some of the recent highlights for me on the TV side have been Veneno, It’s A Sin, and I May Destroy You. On the film side, I’ve really loved The Prom, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Supernova, Uncle Frank, I Carry You With Me, Alice Junior, The Forty-Year-Old Version, and Promising Young Woman. When not at work fighting the fight on our behalf, Jeremy is still involved in the community. He is an avid reader about LGBTQ history, has done the AIDS/LifeCycle ten times, and his side gig as a DJ/Producer will often put him in the spotlight of a big gay party. But what fuels his passion is indeed the entertainment industry and the personalities behind the scenes. His biggest inspirations? People with power who use their power to prop open the doors for those behind them. Especially anyone who comes from a more disadvantaged starting point and especially when it comes to mentoring and training the next generation. Queer folks in the industry like Ryan Murphy, Lena Waithe, Greg Berlanti, and Netflix kids programming exec Chris Nee. When not clicking the remote with his GLAAD tinted lens, he can indulge from time to time. I make sure to throw stuff in now and then that I do not have to watch for work. This summer, I finally binged all three seasons of Ozark - although there were still gay characters in it! And lately, I have been making my way through The Mandalorian. Because who doesn’t find joy with Baby Yoda? ■
YOU LOOK FABULOUS PAMPER YOURSELF LIKE A CELEBRITY HEALTH
BY JEFFREY JAMES KEYES HAVE YOU EVER TURNED ON THE VIDEO FOR A ZOOM MEETING and quickly turned
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it off because of bags, blemishes, or even just a blurry picture? Do celebrities have this issue, and why do they always seem to look like a million bucks even when Zooming from home? What is their secret to looking so great? Jump off the Peloton for a minute, pour yourself a big glass of water, and evaluate your medicine chest. Skincare, grooming, and a few tech upgrades can play an important part in raising the bar for you to look and feel like a star. In an interview with BET comedian Kevin Hart once said, “Listen, your face is your money, I gotta stay focused and take care of my skin.” We found some incredible products for you to consider in stepping up your game and that can truly help you to look (and feel) like a celebrity.
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There are several outstanding beauty tech products that every gadget hound should lean into in 2021. RIKI LOVES RIKI by GLAMCOR designs and manufactures problem solving lighting and lighted mirrors using LED technology. Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, and celebrity makeup artist Scott Barnes have all shown off their RIKI vanity mirrors. The sleek black RIKI SKINNY ($205) is a great purchase to step up your FaceTime and Zoom game or use to tweeze the eyebrows and get a closer look at your face for daily grooming. It is literally like having your own photo and video crew at home or on-the-go.
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TriPollar STOP X ($399) is an innovative device that builds on the technology of their original STOP device by reducing wrinkles and fine lines while improving skin texture and providing long-lasting anti-aging results. Use the product to deliver focused TriPollar Radio Frequency (RF) energy to stimulate dermal energy and accelerate the natural production of collagen and elastin. HairMax LaserBand 82 ($799), available at Macy’s, is a laser light that stimulates hair follicles, reverses thinning, and restores the hair’s natural growth cycle while promoting hair growth. This game changing invention utilizes 82 medical grade lasers to shine therapeutic light energy to those stubborn spots where hair growth might be slowing down or taking a breather.
Need a little toning? Macy’s also offers the NuBODY Skin Toning Set ($399), the first FDAcleared at-home microcurrent device that helps to tone and shape body skin while contouring for the stars. NuBODY is built to target four areas: the upper arm, thigh, abdomen, and the buttocks – and who doesn’t want a firm butt?
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Be sure to give yourself a clean slate by exfoliating on a regular basis. Glowoasis Powderporefect ($42) is a fun powder-to-foam enzyme cleanser with papaya enzymes. The product does the heavy lifting to decrease inflammation and helps to gently exfoliate and remove impurities from your skin. Feeling a little rough? Not when you wash the foam away. Get up close and personal in the mirror to see your skin’s pH levels more balanced and ready for the next step of moisturizing.
If you want to feel even more extra this year, Pevonia skincare has an ultra-lux line, Pevonia MyoxyCaviar is worth the splurge. Pevonia MyoxyCaviar Timeless Repair Serum ($205) is a highly concentrated serum with pure, natural caviar to soften and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. In addition to caviar this serum contains Escutox (a hibiscus esculentus blend) and chamomile to improve elasticity, address and target wrinkles, and claps back with youthful, radiant skin.
If you are concerned about blue light from your phone, computer, and literally any screen you encounter throughout the day, it’s time to do something about it. People are opting for blue light filtering glasses, which Warby Parker and many other eyeglasses and sunglasses companies are now carrying. But what about your skin? The PAYOT Paris Blue Techni Liss collection shields the skin from blue light while repairing any damage that has been done. PAYOT Paris Blue Techni Liss Jour ($58) is the chrono-soothing cream missing from your medicine cabinet. This plush cream uses botanical actives, including chaste tree, horehound extracts, and hyaluronic acid while soothing and plumping the skin. Be sure to get your neck, too! PAYOT Paris Blue Techni Liss Regard ($44) can also help to step up your eye game. A little pump of this cream in your fragile eye contour area will not only cancel out the negatives of blue light but also smooth out any fine lines or wrinkles. Opt for the PAYOT Paris Blue Techni Liss Nuit ($58) for a night cream and truly step up your attack on the effects of blue light. This deep blue gel texture turns into an oil as soon as it touches the skin. Let it work to regenerate and deeply relax your pores while you get a good night’s rest.
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If you are on the hunt for a Retinol alternative, choose a product from the skincare line singer Robin Thick swears by, Jack Black Nightime BAK-up Retinol Alternative ($55). This cream is hydrating, fast-absorbing and formulated with plant-based ingredients to help fight the major signs of aging with less irritation. The formula contains bakuchiol and cannabis sativa seed oil, which work together to improve skin tone, elasticity and minimize fine lines while keeping the skin moisturized.
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Take your shower to the next level with Molton Brown Russian Leather Bath & Shower Gel ($32). Close your eyes and picture yourself walking through a Siberian pine forest. Enjoy notes of aged leather, tobacco, black tea, and vetiver as you wash your worries down the drain and breathe in abundance. Pour this into the bathtub and soak for an even more intense experience.
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Need to exfoliate? Face Halo BODY ($22) is the optimal way to exfoliate and polish. Use the dual-sided mitt for a wet/dry exfoliator that reaches deep into the pores to cleanse and revitalize. Face Halo BODY is non-toxic and reusable, especially helpful for those who hit the tanning salon for a little extra color in colder months. Face Halo is so committed to the LGBTQIA+ community that they launched a special limited-edition Love is Love Face Halo for pride season last year, donating a portion of all proceeds from the campaign to the Trevor Project.
After your shower? Moisturize the total body, of course. Serena Williams is a fan of Trilogy Vitamin C Moisturizing Lotion ($46), which is formulated with antioxidant vitamin C, rosehip, and daisy extract. This lotion will promote a more even skin tone while waking up the senses with a refreshing sweet mandarin scent.
Leave the big sunglasses at home after you properly address your eyes this year. With celeb fans like ZoĂŤ Kravitz and Mandy Moore we took a closer look at Arcona Eye Dew Plus ($95) an ultracorrective with an anti-aging formula offering intensified concentrations of cutting-edge Retinol and Neodermyl to reverse the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of elasticity.
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If you want to focus on the eyes a bit more, Earth Therapeutics Pure-Gel Under-Eyes Aloe Vera ($4.99) is a soothing product infused with cucumber, aloe vera, and a beneficial blend of botanicals. Place the patches under the eyes for 20-30 minutes and feel dark circles and puffiness dissipate. Since you are going to be out of commission for a half hour you might as well pair this with a masque like the Eminence Organic Skincare Clear Skin Probiotic Masque ($56), which Alicia Keys raves about using to alleviate blemishes and maintain her skin’s radiance. The cooling cucumber tones, tea tree oil, and refining yogurt not only exfoliates but also eliminates the appearance of unwanted blackheads or whiteheads.
Leonor Greyl is a go-to brand for Call Me By Your Name star Timothée Chalamet. Want curls like Chalamet’s? Leonor Greyl Algues et Fleurs ($38.50) is the leave-in curl enhancing spray that will keep your hair hydrated and leave you looking like a leading man. If your hair is especially dry (it’s winter, so no judgement) treat yourself to Leonor Greyl Eclat Naturel ($46), a styling cream that detangles and conditions while treating dry, lifeless hair. Who knows, you might catch the attention of your very own Armie Hammer this season.
Now that you look great, make sure you also smell great. Focusing on aromatherapy and ensuring you smell as good as you feel is an absolute must. Ryan Reynolds, star of Deadpool, told Best Health, “I think [fragrance is] a personal thing. I don’t think it’s necessarily a good thing when someone buys it for you. So, I’m pretty much captain of that ship.” If you do not have a personal fragrance, look to the House of Kriegler, a trusted brand since 1904. Kriegler Lieber Gustav 14 ($425) a citrus/spicy/woody scent with sultry notes of leather and black tea will transport you to Berlin in the early 20th Century. Zelda Fitzgerald bought this cologne for F. Scott Fitzgerald and he wore it while writing Tender Is the Night. Kriegler America One 31 ($425), another spicy and woody yet fresh scent, was a favorite of John F. Kennedy and Ernest Hemingway. Feel lush and stylish with one of these trusted fragrances or visit the full collection to identify your signature scent.
You look fabulous, dahling, now it’s time to mask up and go out into the world or click “video” with confidence and enter the Zoom.
Any health, wellness, medical, or cosmetic claims contained in this feature should be verified with the product provider and your health professional.
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DAVE KOZ BRINGING SAXY BACK BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ WHEN JAZZ MUSICIAN DAVE KOZ TAKES THE STAGE, there is an electrifying energy in the air that transports his audiences into a musical euphoria. Without fail, audiences jump to their feet in a standing ovation regardless of age, sex, orientation, race, or musical preference. With a recording career that spans just over three decades, Koz has racked up nine Grammy nominations, 11 No. 1 albums on Billboard’s Current Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, numerous world tours, 13 sold-out hosted cruises, performed for multiple U.S. presidents, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and appeared on a multitude of television shows, including Good Morning America, The View, The Tonight Show, Entertainment Tonight, and more. His compact frame belies an infinite amount of energy and his charming smile will either preclude a sassy story or an impromptu riff. From playing the saxophone in his school jazz band to recording 20 albums, his career has been a colorful journey - even if the sax wasn’t his first choice.
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Well, sax was not my first instrument. My mom forced my brother, sister, and me to play the piano - which we all hated. I rebelled and chose the drums next. I was even worse on that instrument! Finally, at 13, I found an alto saxophone. I remembered how it felt in my hands, the way it sounded (rough at first, of course), but I knew this was different than the other instruments I tried before. Little did I know that relationship would become so primary in my life! Who knew?! It came easier. I felt almost as if I had found another part of my body, and it quickly became my voice to get out emotions I was feeling, but could not find the words. The biggest obstacle was wanting to get better FAST, and with the sax, it really takes a good year before you start to sound like anything. I remember my mom made me stuff a sock in the bell of the horn the first few months to mute the sound I was making. It wasn’t what I would call pretty in the beginning! Literally weeks after his graduation from UCLA with a degree in mass communications, he decided to pursue a career as a professional musician. He did not have to wait long before he was snatched up for touring and recording session work, mainly as a rock musician. He would segue to smooth jazz and earned a recurring gig as guest saxophonist on The Arsenio Hall Show. He clearly was a standout with his own unique voice. In 1989, he decided to go solo. I was so green and had so much to learn. But fortunately, I was working with artists that brought me under their wing and were super patient while I learned the ropes. Jeff Lorber, the great jazz keyboardist, was the first to
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suggest I make my own music. Up until then, it really hadn’t crossed my mind. So, I am forever grateful to him for inspiring me on that journey. Those early demos we made way back when, got me signed to Capitol Records where I recorded for over 20 years. Amazing. I still make music with Lorber. He produced three tracks on my new album, A New Day. I have too many road stories. I’d have no idea where to begin! But one tour I was with Richard Marx, the pop singer. He and I looked A LOT alike at the time. And there was a period on that tour that I was his “double,” so he could escape from the throngs of female fans. Funny. His relationship with Capitol Records would be long lasting and would earn him a name in the Grammy world. Though green in the solo artist sector, he would hit the scene running. He had a story to tell and a song in his pocket. I had a great time because this was all so new. Unlike a lot of artists who spend years writing the songs that appear on their debut album, I just jumped in cold. I went in with both feet immediately, and it just clicked! I had wonderful friends at Capitol, who really cared deeply about the projects, so we all just rolled up our sleeves and tried to have as much fun as we could. The whole goal was to get just enough success under our belts to make album number two. I think I made about ten albums for Capitol during my tenure there. And still, to this day when I drive by that iconic round tower, I smile. It still feels like a dream that I was on that label for so many years. Even have a Hollywood star with my name on it out front. It is surreal. If you want something done, do it yourself. Disillusioned by the Grammy Awards’ lack of nominations for musicians in Dave’s field, he took matters into his own hands. My business partner and I decided in the mid90s to petition the Grammy organization to adopt a new album category that would be a place where our type of music could get recognized. Well, amazingly, the petition got ratified on our first attempt, and the Best Pop Instrumental Album category began. That same year I got my first nomination (for a Christmas album). I cannot recall how I found out, but I do remember how that felt - I was on cloud nine. Eight nominations later, it still is very special for me. Though, I’ve never won. Call me the Susan Lucci of the Sax! Dave has had the honor of working side by side with his idols. Not only has he learned musically from them, but he has also learned about the business side of things as well as a strong work ethic. I am so starstruck, still. Probably because I have so much respect for the guys that have done it for decades, and at such a high level. I remember when
Barry Manilow (a good friend) asked me to open for him in the UK - this was many years after establishing myself as a headliner. Now, I am in front of an audience who has no idea who I am, not particularly excited to see me, and all they want is to see Barry! It was such a great experience to be able to get that tool out of the shed again and prove myself with every note in every show. It worked. Of course, I had to say the name Barry Manilow in that 25-minute show a lot! The bigger they are, the nicer they are. And they all work VERY hard. That doesn’t just “happen.” These are truly hard-working people, who are so committed to their calling, and know exactly who they are. Coming out as gay was never on Dave’s agenda. Almost 15 years after he released his first album, his sexuality was called in question. As with his music, he jumped in with both feet, not knowing how it would affect his career. I was beyond scared. In fact, I never ever thought I’d do it - it was just too big of a leap for me as I saw it. Then in 2004, I was doing an interview and the question came up, out of nowhere. I thought about it for a minute and realized at that moment I really wanted to come clean, to finally inhabit my life, to play with a full deck of cards for the first time in my life. Petrified, but knowing it was the right thing to do, I came out in The Advocate magazine, and never looked back. It was swift and immediate, the incredible outpouring of love and acceptance. It was such an amazing learning experience, and easily the best thing I’ve ever done for myself in this lifetime. Ironically, a week after publication, I was doing a photoshoot and interview with People magazine to be included in their “50 Bachelors” issue that year. That would not have happened had I not come out. So, it was immediately shown to me in this way, that being authentic in one’s life has its rich rewards. Of course, I worried my whole life would change. The reality is none of it did. The only change was inside of me … now finally able to really be me. Ticket sales to concerts increased, album sales too. It was incredible! As COVID continued to ravage the music industry with out of work musicians, permanent closures of performances spaces, and lack of government aid for musicians, Dave released a new album, A New Day, on the 30th anniversary of his debut album, Dave Koz. Instead of releasing a nostalgic retrospective or another all-star Summer Horns or holiday project, he released one of the most purposeful, empowering, and exhilarating albums of his career. This album is the first set of all original tracks in ten years and includes an incredible roster of guests, including Brian McKnight, Bob James, Marc Antoine, Rick Braun, Paul Jackson Jr., Jeff Lorber, and several longtime“wish-listers”he had not previously
recorded with - his all-time saxophone hero David Sanborn, legendary Earth, Wind & Fire percussionist Ralph Johnson, neo-soul great Meshell Ndegeocello, saxophone and flute player David Mann and R&B singer Antwaun Stanley (of funk band Vulfpeck). The album was recorded digitally, with musicians quarantined in their own space. Though not recorded live together in a studio, the energy and final product is just as potent - a true bullet point to add to Dave’s extensive successes.
Even as we were making very universal thematic statements about this unusual moment in history, I realized that A New Day is also a very personal statement about where I am in my life. There is a full-circle poeticism about looking back at a career I could never have expected when I recorded my first album. I’ve been doing this a long time, but I still feel I have something meaningful to express and still feel extremely passionate about playing the saxophone. This led me to write songs that will hopefully help people through these difficult
times and provide some inspiration. Whether we are ready for it or not, this is a new day for human beings on this planet. We only had one purpose. All the musicians, singers, engineers who came together to do this with me had one intention—to uplift, inspire and restore the spirits of all these folks so bent out of shape in the pandemic. It gave a real point to this project and corralled us in a way I have never quite felt before. It’s like we all had this mission,
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(though we never met) wound up at a meet and greet, face to face with me. I was nervous about what she would say, and she did not disappoint. She went for it right there in front of me. I have no idea what exactly I said but somehow got out of there before the situation devolved. If you have not seen Dave in concert, look up one of his many live performances on YouTube. He controls the stage even when sharing it with a sea of other musicians. Separate from his saxophone playing, he puts on a show with his energy and personality establishing audience rapport from the minute he grabs the mic. By the end of the show, he is a sweaty mess, or rather, a sexy sweaty mess. How does he gear up for a performance? I wish I had a great story to tell you to make it all sound impressive, but there’s not much of a ritual at all. After soundcheck, I usually have a small bite with my band and crew and just chill until the show. Right before we go on, we usually have a pre-show circle where we come together, get our heads in the game, remember why we are there and what we are there to do, have a short prayer…then it’s GO TIME! After the show, you will have to compete with the throng of audience members waiting outside the stage door or his dressing room. A word to the wise, if you choose to wait for Dave after the show, bring a breath mint – confirmed rumor has it that he enjoys a tuna fish sandwich after a show. Talking with Dave via Zoom was a complete joy. He is laid back, quiet, reflective, and slightly different from the winning personality you see on stage or TV. His storytelling is as effusive as his sax playing, and trust that he did bring out the sax for a surprise phrase or two. I am quite a loner. I LOVE people, but I am very happy being alone as well. Overall, though, what you see on stage at a show is basically the same guy you will meet offstage. Or at least, that is my aim. Though musical trends have changed and the way we listen to music has changed,
the world of jazz is not going anywhere, and newer generations are joining the club. Dave’s mission is to keep on storytelling, keep on inspiring, and keep on playing. He has indeed brought “saxy” back. I think we must remain mindful and vigilant to keep the music we love around. We all play a part in that. But radio is not music. Just because a radio format has fallen out of favor (as it has with Smooth Jazz), does not mean the fans aren’t there. It’s just that the format wasn’t working on radio anymore. Thankfully, there are now in the digital world, so many new ways of keeping that connection with one’s fans. And our world of jazz is really exploding,
with a whole set of younger generation musicians and bands that are attracting HUGE crowds of younger people. In fact, this is where some of the most exciting music is coming from - bands like Vulfpeck and Snarky Puppy, artists like Kamasi Washington and Nubya Garcia, and even Jacob Collier, the UK whiz-kid whose latest jazz album was nominated for album of the year Grammy! ■
I can’t wait to see what Dave’s next 30-year anniversary album has to offer! You can check out everything Dave Koz at www.davekoz.com/
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and nothing was going to stop us from achieving it. How has Dave changed the most from his first release 30 years ago? Well, I am fully gray now! I came out as gay in 2004, and then came out as gray in 2017. I am still not sure which one was more difficult. [Laughs] But truly, I think I am much more chill now. I am still a workaholic and love what I do, but I take it all in stride much better now, thankfully. I think that alone has allowed me to keep doing this, so many years later. I’ve always loved what I do, but I think I’ve made it work in my life better now than in the beginning, if that makes sense. This Valentine’s season, he partners up with Brian McKnight for a virtual live stream concert, A Romantic Night In, on Feb 13. I love Brian. His talent speaks for itself. We have recorded a lot together including having him appear on the new album on a song called “Summertime in NYC,” but we haven’t done that much live - so I am really looking forward to doing this show with him. I mean ... that voice for Valentine’s? Come on! Home run. And of course, I have learned volumes from him. I try to take that approach with all those I am blessed to work with. That’s when true collaboration happens. And though Dave’s music inspires many romantic settings (and probably some conceptions), love and dating for Dave are still a bit allusive. I love meeting new people, I love dating (back when we could do that a lot easier), and one day I look forward to creating something truly special with the right man. Until then, and through COVID of course, it’s a lot of window shopping. Can one be successful at a career and a relationship at the same time? I hope so. It’s all up to the partners to make it happen. But of course, when two people love and respect each other and are kind to one another, anything is possible. What must a possible suitor exhibit? Kindness. Warmth. Sense of humor. Generosity of spirit. Passion for what THEY love to do. Oh, and a beautiful smile doesn’t hurt! Dave’s most romantic fan meeting is one for the books: A woman who professed her undying love for me over and over for years
ADRIFT ON CALMER WATERS THIS PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY VISIT TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
A QUIET CORNER OF THE CARIBBEAN OFFERS PLANNING OPTIONS BY MEGAN VENZIN THE COLOR BLUE IS INHERENTLY SOOTHING. It is as though Mother Earth took note of this fact and enrobed in azul shades just to soften the stresses of her inhabitants. Humans are particularly adept at making life more difficult than it should be. Thankfully, frazzled nerves stand little chance in Turks and Caicos, a Caribbean paradise where crystal clear skies melt seamlessly into impossibly topaz waters.
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After a year that can be only described as relentless, to traverse to the British overseas territory’s remote refuge is akin to being transported to another dimension - a place where days are always sunny, the people are carefree, and you’d be considered crazy to not defy gravity via parasail. Composed of more than 40 tiny islands, the Turks and Caicos are flush with cays, powdery beaches, and other natural wonders to explore. Grand Turk was one of many stops on Christopher Columbus’s famous 1492 discovery tour, when on his hunt for spices he met indigenous people the Lucayan and Taino Indians - who roamed the island for centuries before the European settlers staked claim. After their civilization was diminished, others came to reap the rewards of the comparably empty islands. Salt raking became the livelihood du jour, with neighbors from Bermuda arriving to capture crystals which were used for both food flavoring and preservation. The crop was, for hundreds of years, referred to as the region’s “white gold,” and the natives and Western transplants thrived off this export well into the 1960s when the salt trade collapsed. Now, the leading industry is tourism, which accounts for approximately 70 percent of the country’s GDP. Last spring, lockdowns that followed the rise of the global COVID-19 pandemic landed a heavy blow to Turks and Caicos. It was not until July 2020 when the country reopened with carefully considered guidelines, that the path to recovery began. “The safety and well-being of the local population and international guests were our top priorities,” says Pamela Ewing, Director of Tourism for Turks and Caicos. “To ensure this, we introduced new entry requirements and protocols through our newly implemented TCI Assured quality assurance portal.” The trip requires careful planning, but the first taste of fresh caught wahoo makes it all worthwhile. Prior to departure visitors must submit to the online portal a negative PCR-Test (taken within five days of arrival), proof of medical insurance and a completed health questionnaire. Tourists are asked to patronize resorts, restaurants and spas that boast a TCI Assured stamp. These businesses have been certified to follow instructions set forth by local health authorities to reduce the
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spread of COVID-19. Providenciales, which is considered the heart of the Turks and Caicos, is plastered with these stamps and the precautionary measures taken by its residents are in plain view. Upon landing at the international airport, expect an employee to sanitize your hands, take your temperature and inquire about your health. You will need to lather up again before entering a taxi, too. The safety protocols do not at all detract from the inviting qualities of the destination - it’s quite the opposite, really. Employees who staff the palatial resorts and open-air restaurants are masked, but the smiles that beam across their faces are unmistakable.
“In addition to the warm weather and hospitable people, the Turks and Caicos Islands is home to Grace Bay Beach which has been awarded the world’s best beach,” Ewing offers to first-time visitors (which we are). Sandwiched between Leeward Beach and Bight Beach, this calm, three-mile stretch possesses a beauty that is otherworldly. We sit at Villa Del Mar’s covered daybeds each afternoon, sipping on crisp bottles of I-SOON-REACH lagers from nearby Turk’s Head Brewery. Minutes fade into hours while we watch windsurfers and boats skim over turquoise waves. While this is undoubtedly time well-wasted, it’s clever to make a few plans before the second bucket of beer starts
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flowing and the island vibes blur our perception of time. “The destination has several sister islands to explore and is inherently safe for travel in this new paradigm of physical distancing, given its expansiveness, stunning outdoor environment, privacy, spacious resort accommodations and unique portfolio of extraordinary private villas and private island vacations,” she adds. These luxury estates really add to the vista when we take our morning snorkel excursion with Caicos Dream Tours. Captain Kwee is our guide, and he is like a character from a storybook. His long dreads, friendly chuckle and lilting accent are a joy to behold.
The waters are unusually choppy, but he is an expert navigator, so we quickly find an appropriate spot to anchor the two-level boat along the Barrier Reef - the third largest reef in the world. It is a popular mecca for divers who suit up to swim the 14-mile expanse, navigate forgotten shipwrecks and peer upon a breathtaking wall, all alongside sea turtles and other local wildlife. A quick dip above pastel corals opens our pathway to an underwater world, teeming with colorful schools of parrotfish, grouper, stingrays, and other magnificent aquatic creatures. “You know what we say in Turks and Caicos, the more you drink the more you see,” Captain Kwee says with a laugh while METROSOURCE.COM
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Plan your escape to Turks and Caicos Islands: www.visittci.com.
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THIS PAGE: FISHERMAN PHOTO COURTESY VISIT TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS • LOBSTER BISQUE, DECONSTRUCTED BEEF WELLINGTON, SCALLOP CEVICHE PHOTOS COURTESY OF COYABA RESTAURANT
handing off rum punches on the lower deck. In that case, we’ll have another. After we’ve “enhanced our vision” we set off on a trek toward Iguana Island where we are greeted by dozens of miniature prehistoric beasts. A passing rain cloud sends the little dinosaurs scurrying for shelter, but we slip off our shoes and wade through a shallow cove that connects two distinct parts of the landform. On the way back to Grace Bay the sky clears and Kwee makes a pit stop for a local delicacy - conch. You can’t get them any fresher than right out of the water. He shows us how to remove the crustacean from its shell, and we help ourselves to a nibble right off the knife. “If someone would like to take the shell, just know you conch bring it on board the plane,” Kwee explains with a smirk. “It’s considered a conch-cealable weapon.” Having worked with the tour company for more than a decade he’s amassed enough silly shellfish puns to make any dad joke aficionado jealous. We wash down the briny treat with a few more cocktails before concluding our seafaring adventure. Back on land, it is always a good time to eat. Set inside the island’s largest palm grove is Coco Bistro, where we reprise the day’s adventure with a dish of the beloved shellfish served two ways - fried in tempura with a spicy dipping sauce and in a bright citrus bath as ceviche. A resident cat who shares the restaurant’s namesake is quick to request a taste. Those who prefer a more casual dining experience can swing by the adjacent Cocovan, an outfitted airstream with duck tacos, truffled mac and cheese balls and other finger foods that pair well with tequila cocktails. Just around the corner is another spot for award winning cuisine called Coyaba Restaurant, helmed by Chef Paul Newman. The aesthetic is Alice in Wonderland meets isle hideaway, and the food is just as enchanting. Petite teapots of chilled gazpacho give way to succulent lamb shanks and pillowy seafood ravioli drizzled in a fiery cream sauce. The restaurant is quiet the night we dine-in, so a group of kittens assume the role of audience for our three-hour dive into new world flavors. Apparently, you’re never alone in Turks and Caicos. A goal to see the sunrise is achieved on our last morning, and the colors are spectacular. The crowing of nearby roosters is the soundtrack as splotches of indigo and neon pink paint the sky. We savor our final flavors of Turks and Caicos at The Grill, the oceanfront eatery at Grace Bay Resort. They offer a savory local breakfast made from stewed corned beef and creamy grits. It’s a hearty meal that sticks to the bones and is major key before our nonstop flight back to the states. Back in New Jersey it is business as usual: mask up, social distance, stay-at-home. But in our minds, we are still waltzing among expertly landscaped floral gardens and biking through the pristine streets of “Provo.” Until we can return, flipping through cell phone photos is a gentle reminder that a glimpse at a life less panicked does exist.
A CITY IN
FULL BLOOM BY MEGAN VENZIN IT’S ALMOST SPRINGTIME IN NEW YORK, AND LOVE IS IN THE AIR.
Reconnect with your favorite museums and explore beloved outdoor spaces just as the trees begin to bud and the days grow longer. However, let us not forget that home is where the heart is. Virtual club nights, fitness classes and wine tastings can bring the spirit of going out straight to your own safe, comfy spaces.
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Signature Steps Series Online class, Wednesdays 6:30pm Do you love spandex? Miss dancing? Feel the need to shake out the winter blues? If you answered yes to any of the above, then the New York City Ballet’s Signature Steps Series is for you! Join the renowned dancers of New York City’s Ballet company for a weekly hour-long class powered by Zoom. During the session, you will focus on barre and abridged center work while acquainting yourself with the aesthetic made popular by iconic choreographer and NYCB Founder, George Balanchine. Livestream classes are $30 each, which includes seven-day access to the recording. Learn about upcoming instructors and sign up at www.nycballet.com/educate/virtual-programs/ signature-steps.
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SHARE THE VIRTUAL STAGE WITH NEW YORK CITY BALLET
SWEAT AND STRETCH WITH LGBT YOGA
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Online Class Tuesdays, 5:30pm Join Yogi Anne Robottom every Tuesday for a 60-minute vinyasa class. From her studio in Birmingham, AL she has helped students suffering from anxiety and PTSD regain their lease on life. Now she is sharing her Sun Power style via a weekly limited-capacity Zoom class for participants who identify as LGBTQ+, and their allies. This inclusive online environment is the perfect place to build strength, melt stress and meet compassionate practitioners, all from the comfort of your living rooms. For more information on the presenting organization, visit https://blgbt.org and sign up for the $15 class at www.shorturl.at/qsvPV.
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MARVEL AT LAURA AGUILAR’S SELF-PORTRAITS IN SHOW AND TELL LESLIE LOHMAN MUSEUM OF ART Wednesday - Sunday 12pm - 6pm, Thursday 12pm - 8pm Laura Aguilar, Nature Self-Portrait #14, 199 6, Gelatin silver prin t, 16 x 20 inches. © 26 Wooster Street Laura Aguilar / Courtes y of the Laura Aguilar Trust of 2016 New York, NY 10013 and the UCLA Chican o Studies Research Cen ter Opens February 6th Laura Aguilar’s unique perspective shines light on sexuality, politics and being a member of the Latinx community. In Show and Tell she explores those concepts in a series of more than 130 photographic works and videos, all captured over the course of three decades. Some of the most breathtaking are her own nude selfportraits in which she creatively showcases her body in different natural landscapes. Los Angeles’ gay and lesbian community has been a prominent influence throughout her career, and now on the opposite coast, viewers will have a chance to see her most powerful pieces on full display in her first comprehensive retrospective. www.leslielohman.org.
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GO CLUBBING FROM YOUR COUCH WITH ELSEWHERE.TV Twitch Thursday - Saturday, 6pm - 10pm When clubs shuttered their doors back in March, Brooklyn’s Elsewhere kept the party going. Their chaletthemed rooftop became a cozy destination for warm winter cocktails and laid-back DJ sets, and though their outdoor season has ended, the venue’s Twitch channel remains lit. Until we can boogie again on their multilevel dancefloor, tune in Thursdays through Saturdays for livestreams from your favorite local and touring artists. Hit the dance floor at www.twitch.tv/elsewhere. photo by
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V-DAY HALF MARATHON & BRUNCH Boardwalk & Beach 116 St. Rockaway Park, NY 11694 February 14th If your online dating profile claims you like long runs on the beach, then swipe right on this event. Show yourself some love by signing up for this Valentine’s Day-themed half marathon, taking place in picturesque Rockaway Beach. The race kicks off at 9:30am on the boardwalk (Beach 116 St.), and is followed by a social, open-air brunch. Register for this and other races at www.rockapulcorun.com.
HAVE A HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY WITH DIRT CANDY
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86 Allen St. New York, NY 10002 February 13th Propose a toast to love and plant-based eating at Dirty Candy’s annual Valentine’s Day dinner celebration which features dishes even carnivores fall head over heels for (if you have tried the Korean fried broccoli, brussels sprout tacos or eggplant bananas foster, you know what I’m talking about). James Beard nominated chef, Amanda Cohen, is the name behind a menu of rotating seasonal dishes at a spot the NY Times has called “a vegetarian restaurant that is thrillingly free of high-minded ideals.” Opt for a wine pairing to accompany your multi-course meal, or sip a premium cocktail prepared with fresh squeezed fruit and vegetable juices. The heated patio is sure to set the vibe and keep your winter romance sizzling. Make a reservation at www.dirtcandynyc.com.
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SIP FROM A DISTANCE WITH A VIRTUAL WINE TASTING Online Event Bookings available in February and March Transform your kitchen into an upscale tasting room when you book a professional sommelier to lead you and a group of friends through a virtual wine tasting! For a flat or perperson fee (dependent on group size and needs), Bottles Nation will ship a hand-picked box of wines (complete with red, white, and bubbly varieties) directly to your door. Next, crack them open with your faithful social distancing pod to enjoy during your very own tasting session. Cheese not included, but highly recommended! For those who prefer brews, craft beer tastings are also available - just so you know suds up. Book a tasting at www.bottlesnation.com.
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Friday - Monday, 10am - 4pm 3 Beekman Street Beacon, NY Need an escape from the bustle of the city? Hop on the Metro North train and head up to the artsy heart of Hudson Valley. There you will find Dia: Beacon, a contemporary art museum housed inside a former Nabisco Box Printing Factory. The 300,000 square foot building is home to hundreds of works of art, which are illuminated in part by the natural sunshine that pours in from the building’s more than 34,000 square feet of skylights. Be sure to check out the multi-sensory exhibition imagined by Detroit techno legend Carl Craig titled Party/After Party which has transformed the bottom level of the museum into a sonic installation heralding the formative days of the electronic dance genre. For timed entry tickets visit https://www.diaart.org.
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SEE WORKS FROM US PRISONS IN MARKING TIME: ART IN THE AGE OF MASS INCARCERATION MoMA PS1 22-25 Jackson Avenue Queens, NY Through April 4, 2021 Featuring works that were crafted both behind bars, as well as by nonincarcerated artists, Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration explores the many facets of imprisonment. This evolving exhibition has been updated to reflect the impact COVID-19 has had on the United States penal system. Highlighting more than 35 artists (including names like Tameca Cole, Russell Craig, James “Yaya” Hough, Jesse Krimes, Mark Loughney, Gilberto Rivera, and Sable Elyse Smith) who use a variety of mediums, Marking Time also explores how the incarcerated juggle creative outlets with other duties, and how limited access to materials can result can lead to emotional and unexpected masterpieces. For timed entry tickets visit www.moma.org/ps1.
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STEP ABOARD THE VESSEL 20 Hudson Yards New York, NY Open 11am - 7pm (Tuesdays 11am - 10pm) It’s a spaceship! It’s a honeycomb! No, it’s the Vessel, a glimmering work of immersive featuring nearly 2,500 steps across 154 weaving flights of stairs. Designed by architect Thomas Heatherwick, Vessel became a new addition to the Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project when it opened in April 2019. Many New Yorkers missed the chance to visit this structural wonder while tourists flocked to make the climb. Now that crowds are more manageable, Vessel is a springtime peak worth summiting. Reserve your free timed entry ticket at www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com/discover/vessel.
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POSITIVE THOUGHTS
FINDING LOVE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS BY CHARLES SANCHEZ
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OUR FIRST DATE WAS ON A TUESDAY NIGHT. I WAS NOT SURE IT WAS A DATE AT FIRST, BUT I WAS HOPEFUL. To be dating during a(nother) pandemic is a little nutzo, but my Romeo is completely COVID-worthy, if you know what I mean. We did not actually meet during the novel coronavirus pandemic. I met Romey – sometimes I call him Romey – about seven or eight months ago. He works for a major national retailer and contacted me via Instagram with an idea to do an HIV awareness event at the store’s SOHO location featuring my web series, Merce. We got together for a long coffee and kicked around ideas. I found him criminally handsome – tall, with brown hair and blue-hazel eyes. I like big fellas, and he fit the bill. He is smart, very funny, an artist, in his fabulous 50s (like me), and he is living with HIV.
We live in the same area of Queens, New York City, and that Tuesday night at 8:30 p.m., I huffed and puffed up the four flights of stairs to his apartment. I dressed cute but didn’t overdo it. He opened the door wearing relaxed clothes: shorts, a T-shirt, and a huge devilish smile. Once I de-masked, Romey showed me around his quaint one-bedroom apartment. Every wall in every room is filled with his paintings, political and passionate, each containing an amiable image juxtaposed with a protest phrase like “End AIDS” or “Black Lives Matter.” Even his bathroom had art! I was charmed. As a classical radio station played, we dug into eggplant with garlic sauce and chicken with broccoli (I was touched that he also got me an eggroll) and sat in his living room with our plates balanced on our laps, party-style. I offered to pay for half of the food, and he dismissed the idea. As we noshed, we talked about art, his life, my life. I am sober, and he doesn’t really drink, so that’s great. The fact that we both are living with HIV made certain conversations (“Are you on PrEP?”“Do you know what U equals U means?”) unnecessary. I gushed about his art. He complimented my comedy and encouraged my creative work. We talked for more than two hours. When I got up to leave, we hugged. The hug lingered. He slowly started to rub my back, then nuzzled my neck. Gradually, my mouth found his. He took my hand and led me to his bedroom. I told him that I was not going to have sex. It was our first date, and while I’m certainly no prude, I need to protect my tender heart. Like the old song says, “My heart has been well schooled, for I have been fooled in the past.” He responded by saying, “Let’s just get more comfortable.”We laid down, continued our smack fest, and although our shirts were opened and hands went under pants, we did not have sex. We were both excited, and at one point he said, “Isn’t this great? We’ll have November and December and January…” I thought, “Wait a minute. Are we dating already?” We kissed more and more, and the armor around my heart began to melt away. In 30-plus years of dating, I don’t know if I have ever been kissed like that. I felt we were releasing ourselves into each other. It was beautiful and overwhelming.
I THOUGHT I WAS PAST THIS KIND OF CRAZINESS FROM MEN, THAT I WAS TOO SAVVY AFTER 30-PLUS YEARS OF DATING TO BE ROMANTICALLY CONNED AGAIN.
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When we noticed the time, it was almost 2:30 a.m. I realized that I had not taken my HIV medication and needed to go home. The subways stop running at 1, so I called a Lyft. Romeo stuffed a 20-dollar bill in my pants pocket, saying, “You shouldn’t have to pay for the ride home.” I tried to hand it back to him, and he insisted. He walked me down the stairs, and we hugged as the driver pulled up.“Call me when you get home,” Romey said. And I did. The next day, I woke thinking the night before had been a dream. Dabbing balm on my kiss-worn lips, I texted Romeo, and he assured me that the night had been real and certainly dreamy. Then he asked when he could see me again. We made a date for that night. I warned him that I still wasn’t going to have sex yet, but he encouraged me to bring my meds so I could stay the night.“Cuddling will be wonderful,” he said. Hours later, I leapt back up the stairs to his apartment two at a time. He greeted me this second night with a little box: a sweet gift of cologne samples he got from work. I tepidly
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kissed him hello, and he asked if something was wrong. I said that I was just a bit reserved since this was all brand new. He wrapped his big arms around me, saying,“There’s no need to be scared. I’m right here.” We nibbled on mediocre tacos as we talked more about our lives. We giggled about exboyfriends and crazy guys we had hooked up with, adventurous sex we’d had. Romeo told me how nice it was to be with someone close to his age. He had dated a lot of younger guys, “dented cans,”he calls them. We then got ready for bed, and he gifted me a fresh toothbrush. He placed it in his medicine cabinet, saying,“And it begins.” He then insisted I moisturize my face before sleep, and he tenderly stippled my face with luxurious lotion. We went to his bed and kissed, and it was everything the night before had been and more. At one point, he could sense that I was trying to emotionally protect myself and whispered, “Come on, Charles. Come home to me. I love it when you come home to me.” When he said that, the knees of
my heart buckled. My mind swirled, “Oh, my God. Is this my boyfriend? Could we be happy together? This is unbelievable!” Everything about being with him felt like the future. The next morning, he made coffee for me, sweetened with Splenda that he had swiped from his work for the occasion, and he cooked us scrambled eggs and toast with melted butter. We talked about plans for the weekend (sex was certainly going to be on the agenda), and it was all romantic and comfy and delicious. I floated home like a cartoon balloon in a holiday parade. Around 4 that afternoon, I sent him a little goofy text. Then at 10:30 or so, I texted to ask how his day was. No response. Huh? Friday, I texted a sweet, “Good morning, beautiful” gif. No response. I sent another text a half hour later asking if everything was OK, and no response. I started to feel a knot in my stomach. On Saturday morning, I called Romeo and left a message. I thought that there might be a possibility that his phone had conked out, but deep down, I knew the truth. I never heard from Romeo
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NEW YORK
GAY VOICES
THANK THE UNIVERSE THAT I DID NOT HAVE SEX WITH HIM. IF I WOULD HAVE DONE THAT, THE GHOSTING WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE DEVASTATING.
THIS PAGE: CHARLES SANCHEZ - PHOTO BY RICK GUIDOTTI
again. Two incredible nights, romantic gestures, incredible kissing, cooking breakfast for me, paying for my cab, talking about the future, then poltergeist. What was it? Was it me? Did he decide that I was another “dented can?” I thought I was past this kind of craziness from men, that I was too savvy after 30-plus years of dating to be romantically conned again. Ah, but remember the song that says,“My heart should be well schooled, for I’ve been fooled in the past?”The next line is,“Still I fall in love too easily. I fall in love too fast.” DAMMIT. Thank the Universe that I did not have sex with him. If I would have done that, the ghosting would have been much more devastating. From the emotion that I felt in his kisses, I may not have ever recovered from the emotions that sex with Romeo would have evoked. What makes this sting more sharply is that before meeting Romeo, I had resigned myself to being alone and felt fine about it. Finding true love had come to seem like a fairy tale notion for jaded ol’ me. Not everybody has to find the mythical “One,” and just because gay marriage is legal (for now) does not make it a requirement. I was cool with being single, having my bevy of beautiful friends, my family, and the occasional kinky trick when the itch needed scratching. This experience with Romey shook that notion up and spun it around, making me long for and dream about romantic love again. DAMMIT. I suppose I was extra vulnerable. We are all going through this pandemic, collectively trying to stay safe and socially distant. I am touch starved, man starved, and affection starved. The anniversary of my HIV diagnosis is right around now, and I’m always extra sensitive in the weeks surrounding that day. Add to that the stress of the political climate, rampant racism, violence, fear, so much that’s unknown. When I think about it with all that in mind, what defense did I have? Friends who I’ve shared the experience with have said well-meaning, encouraging things to me, like, “What an asshole!”“He’s crazy!” and “Gay men are so damaged; they don’t even know how to be a grown-up.” All that may be true, but if Romeo is a damaged, then who was I kissing? Thinking about him that way invalidates my experience. I don’t know why Romey chose to ghost me. I thought he was feeling what I felt. I had a fantastic whirlwind of a time with an incredibly attractive, smart, funny, artistic, super sexy, great guy. Moreover, he made me feel handsome, sexy, smart and all of it. It still sucks, though, and it is going to be a bit before I again deem someone COVID-worthy. Heartache
is another kind of virus, and I cannot imagine there will be a vaccine for that anytime soon. ■
Charles Sanchez is a Mexican American gay writer and actor living with HIV in New York City. A contributing editor for TheBody, he is also the creator, lead writer, and star of the award-winning musical comedy web series Merce, about a fabulous HIV-positive guy living in New York who isn’t sad, sick, or dying. Charles Sanchez
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A RELAXED FAMILY-OWNED WINE SHOP APPRECIATES THE “COOLER” THINGS IN LIFE BY MEGAN VENZIN
WINE IS COMPLEX. Tannins can make a glass taste tart and crisp, rich, and full-bodied or any combination of flavors in between. In brilliant shades of gold, pink and blood red, the boozy beverage, for oenophiles, conjures feelings of excitement. But for newbies, the prospect of picking a perfect vino can be downright overwhelming.
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When CoolVines Owner, Mark Censits, launched his family-owned wine shops in Westfield and Princeton, NJ during the late-aughts, his intention was to create unpretentious havens for lifelong enthusiasts and amateur sippers alike. More than a decade later, he is still achieving that goal with inviting storefronts, two of which are located just across the Hudson River in Jersey City (plus additional locations in Newark and Hoboken). “I didn’t grow up in a family that drank wine at every meal,” he explains. “Wine became something that I was very intrigued by and curious about, but it seemed complicated. I tried to educate myself with books and magazines, and yet every time I walked into a liquor store, I’d find myself asking, ‘how do you know what’s good?’” At CoolVines, the answer to this query is simple: everything. “We have a tasting panel that picks every wine by hand,” Censits shares enthusiastically. “After 13 years, we’re still getting better at selecting and curating. And now winemakers will seek us out because being on our shelves will enhance their brand.” Don’t expect to find common names like Veuve
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NY HOTSHOPS NEW YORK
WHAT A WINE-DERFUL WORLD
Clicquot or Dom Perignon on CoolVines’ rotating seasonal lists. A visit to their door is an invitation to explore something new. Whether you opt for a bright Sauvignon Blanc from far away New Zealand or a sparkling Pét-Nat from New York’s prized Finger Lakes region is up to you. If wine is something saved for special occasions, then peruse the brimming craft beer and cider section for casual suds from Maine, Colorado, Brooklyn, and beyond. An impressive selection of sake, Japanese whisky and soju are worth a gander, too.
Since 2014, CoolVines has brought their expertise and flair for discovery to downtown Jersey City. Their first JC location has since relocated to a larger space at 276 Grove Street, just steps from the PATH train. The Powerhouse location (211 Warren St.), which also includes a cafe, gift shop and fine food market stocked with gourmet cheeses, crackers, and charcuterie, has become a favorite hang for community groups who reserve the space for poetry readings, social meetings, and unplugged acoustic sessions.
LOCATIONS: CoolVines on Grove 276 Grove St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 448-8657 coolvines.com/ CoolVines Powerhouse 350 Warren St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 432-8910 powerhouse.coolvines.com/ CoolVines Hoboken 211 Washington St. Hoboken, NJ 07030 (201) 210-5436 hoboken.coolvines.com/ CoolVines Newark 625 Broad St., #110 Newark, NJ 07102 (973) 718-9050 newark.coolvines.com/
Weekly tastings are another way to expand the palette and make new friends beers are the focus at both Jersey City stores on Thursdays. Wine takes center stage at the Powerhouse on Friday evenings, which also happens to be an ideal time to purchase the fixings to complement a cozy night at home. “These are lifestyle stores,”’ Censits explains with pride. “They aren’t just for grabbing a bottle and going. You can enhance your food and wine lifestyle here. You can learn something new at a tasting, enjoy a bottle of wine at the cafe, and then stay for a music salon, performance or class.” Though each space looks a little different and is customized to fit the needs of the surrounding neighborhood, CoolVines accomplishes a singular goal when it comes to building community - and that ambition will continue to grow and ripen, just as grapes on the vine. ■ METROSOURCE.COM
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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
Aziz, Michael, M.D., FRSM
Midtown Integrative Medicine 509 Madison Ave @ 53rd St, Ste 1111 NYC �������������������������������������������� 212 906-9111 www.michaelazizmd.com
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Torre, Martin B. RA AIA Architecture + Planning PLLC 605 E 14th St, #8 NYC ��������������������������������������������� 646 257-9081
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
ATTORNEYS
Paul Evans Catering
David Stern Architecture www.davidsternarchitecture.com
Bing, Steven E.
276 5th Ave, Ste 1008 NYC ��������������������������������������������� 212 286-1666
20 W 20th St NYC ��������������������������������������������212 321-1822 NYC ��������������������������������������������212 243-4494 www.paulevanscatering.com
Chianese & Reilly Law, P.C.
CLOTHING
122 E 42nd St, Ste 3900 NYC ��������������������������������������������� 212 953-6447 100 Merrick Rd, Ste 103E Rockville Centre, NY �������������������� 516 599-2020 www.awclawyer.com
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581 Ave of the Americas, NYC Toll Free ��������������������������������������800 543-8558 www.davesnewyork.com
Jackson Boutique
Goldman, Jeffrey E., Esq 501 Fifth Ave #1900 NYC ��������������������������������������������� 212 983-8999 NYC ��������������������������������������������� 212 949-5085 www.jgoldmanlaw.com
CONTRACTORS/CONSTRUCTION
Law Offices of Thomas Sciacca, PLLC
COUNSELING/PSYCHOTHERAPY
44 Wall St, 12th Fl NYC ��������������������������������������������� 212 495-0317 www.sciaccalaw.com Long & Associates NYC ��������������������������������������������� 212 360-0394 www.landapllc.com
Tesler, Richard, Esq. 41 W 72nd St NYC ������������������������������������� 212 362-6961
www.jacksonboutiquenyc.com
ABS Design & Construction
NYC ��������������������������������������������212 731-0642 www.abs-construction-nyc.com
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
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NEW YORK DIRECTORY COUNSELING/PSYCHOTHERAPY – DENTISTS Bloom Psychotherapy NYC 19 W 34th St, PH NYC. �������������������������������������������347 921-0431 www.nycbloomtherapy.com
COUNSELING/SUBURBAN
DENTISTS
Kingan, Peter L., Ph.D.
Babushkin, Howard, D.D.S., L.L.C.
31 Oak St Patchogue, NY ����������������������������631 447-6425
Campbell, Robert D., LCSW Psychotherapy for Individuals & Couples NYC ������������������������������������646 783-8155 www.robertdcampbell.com
DATING SERVICES
Davies, Ann Conant, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
ManMate Dinners For 8
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
525 West End Ave #1G, NYC �������� 212 874-2880 www.manhattanoasisdentistry.com
Cassidy, J.R., D.D.S.
SEE ALSO INTRODUCTION SERVICES
ManMate
NYC ��������������������������������������������212 564-4025 www.manmate.com NYC ��������������������������������������������212 564-4025 www.manmate.com
Wheaton, Grant
Dating Coach NYC ��������������������������������������������212 564-4025
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
Factor, Rhonda J., PhD 85 5th Ave, Ste 912 NYC ��������������������������������������������347 834-6057 www.rhondafactorphd.com
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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
VILL AGE APOTHECARY T H E C O M M U N I T Y P H A R M AC Y T H AT C A R E S
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
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1133 Broadway #913 NYC ��������������������������������������������212 470-9024 www.nychangemanagement.com
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Schwartz, Alan, M.D., Psychiatrist
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West Village/Chelsea NYC ��������������������������������������������212 727-0923
Tallent, Marc, Ph.D.
51 Fifth Ave NYC ��������������������������������������������212 645-5795 http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/33692
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NEW YORK DIRECTORY DENTIST (CONTINUED) – HAIR REMOVAL Lew, Spencer, D.D.S.
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
Eviatar, Joseph, M.D., F.A.C.S. 5 W 19th St NYC ��������������������������������������������212 257-0007 www.omniaestheticmd.com
EMPLOYMENT
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
Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD)
Peloso-Barnes, Julia A., CFP, CPM, CRPC Purchase, NY ������������������������������914 225-6391 www.advisor.morganstanley.com/the-pelosobarnes-group
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
FITNESS/GYMS/PERSONAL TRAINERS
1700 Stadium Way LA �����������������������������������������������213 847-LAFD www.joinlafd.org 700 E Temple St, B-38 LA �����������������������������������������������866 444-LAPD www.joinlapd.com
EVENT PLANNING & EVENT SPACE/RENTALS
Mercedes Club
550 W 54th St NYC ��������������������������������������������212 265-1111 www.themercedesclub.com
DENTISTS/PERIODONTISTS
SEE ALSO CATERING, WEDDING SERVICES
FLORISTS
Bizzell, Steven J., D.M.D., D.A.B.P.
Elite Private Yachts NYC ��������������������������������������������866 862-7245 www.eliteprivateyachts.com www.entertainmentcruises.com/new-york
la Fleur d’Harlem
OMNI Aesthetic MD
Hornblower Cruises & Events Pier 40, NYC �������������������������������646 832-2805 www.hornblowerny.com/metrosource
FRAMING
50-02 5th St Ste B, Long Island City ��������������������������718 530-6539 www.licdentalassociates.com
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
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OMNI Aesthetic MD
DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021
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
203 W 144th St NYC �������������������������������������������646 850-5973 www.lafleurnyc.com
14th Street Framing Gallery
225 W 14th St NYC ��������������������������������������������212 691-8156
GIFTS 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
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
FINANCIAL SERVICES
32 8th Ave @ W 12th St NYC ��������������������������������������������212 206-0007 www.incentravillage.com
Ameriprise Financial Services
MisterBandB
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
METROSOURCE.COM
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
Sunset Marquis
1200 Alta Loma Rd West Hollywood CA �������������������� 800 858-9758 www.sunsetmarquis.com
Eviatar, Joseph, M.D., F.A.C.S. 5 W 19th St NYC ��������������������������������������������212 257-0007 www.omniaestheticmd.com
VIVE Hotel Waikiki
2426 Kuhio Ave Honolulu, Hawaii ������������������������ 808 687-2000 www.vivehotelwaikiki.com
HAIR REPLACEMENT/REPLICATION
INSURANCE
OMNI Aesthetic MD
HealthSherpa
Eviatar, Joseph, M.D., F.A.C.S. 5 W 19th St NYC ��������������������������������������������212 257-0007 www.omniaestheticmd.com
OMNI Aesthetic MD
Toll Free �������������������������������������� 844 346-9476 www.metrosource.healthsherpa.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
Stoller, Roy B., D.O. 515 Madison Ave, Ste 1205 NYC ������������������������������������212 920-4499 www.hairdoctornyc.com
SEE ALSO DATING SERVICES
Eviatar, Joseph, M.D., F.A.C.S. 5 W 19th St NYC ��������������������������������������������212 257-0007 www.omniaestheticmd.com
ManMate
West Village Eyecare Associates
HOTELS
LASER VISION CORRECTION
INTRODUCTION SERVICES
NYC �������������������������������������������� 212 564-4025 www.manmate.com
10 Sheridan Square NYC ��������������������������������������������212 242-6592 www.eyecarenyc.com
SEE ALSO OPHTHALMOLOGISTS
PAIN MANAGEMENT Samuelson, Stefan T., MD
www.foxwoods.com
Coad, Christopher T., M.D., F.A.C.S. Chelsea Eye Ophthalmology 157 W 19th St NYC ������������������������������������212 220-0066 www.chelseaeyeophthalmology.com
The Graham & Co
OMNI Aesthetic MD
The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Atlantic City, NJ ��������������������������609 317-1000 www.outatborgata.com
Foxwoods Resort & Casino
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
Eviatar, Joseph, M.D., F.A.C.S. 5 W 19th St NYC �������������������������������������������� 212 257-0007 www.omniaestheticmd.com
LIPOSUCTION
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
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
Nulo Pet Foods nulo.com/love
PHARMACIES/DRUGS Ansonia Pharmacy
446 6th Ave NYC ��������������������������������������������212 477-0762 www.ansoniapharmacy.com
San Jose �������������������������������������� 408 763-7924 www.brand2fly.com
Apthorp Pharmacy
GayVan.com Travel Marketing
Arrow Pharmacy 883 Ninth Ave NYC ��������������������������������������������212 245-8469 www.arrowpharmacy.com
www.gayvan.com
OPHTHALMOLOGISTS
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel
Coad, Christopher T., M.D., F.A.C.S. Chelsea Eye Ophthalmology 157 W 19th St NYC �������������������������������������������� 212 220-0066 www.chelseaeyeophthalmology.com
1088 Burrard St Vancouver, BC Canada ���������������������������������������604 331-1000 www.sheratonvancouver.com
PERIODONTISTS
PET SUPPLIES
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
Sandman Suites on Davie
1160 Davie St Vancouver, BC Canada ���������������������������������������604 681-7263 www.sandmanhotels.com
44 E 12th St, Ste MD1 NYC ��������������������������������������������212 993-8573 NYC ��������������������������������������������212 594-1600
2201 Broadway, NYC ������������������212 877-3480
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 METROSOURCE.COM
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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
Int. Med., Inf. Dis. 314 W 14th St NYC ��������������������������������������������212 620-0144
22 E 72nd St, 5th Fl NYC ��������������������������������������������212 535-5905
Fonville, T.W., Int. Med.
29 Fifth Ave @ 10th St NYC ��������������������������������������������212 674-1020
Goldberg, Edward S., M.D.
Int. Med., Gastr. 121 E 60th St, 3rd Fl NYC ��������������������������������������������212 980-8800
Hsu, Ricky K., M.D.
154 W 14th St, 4th Fl NYC ��������������������������������������������212 627-7560
Icochea, Rosendo S., M.D.
117 E 18th St NYC ��������������������������������������������212 387-9199
Jaeger, Lawrence D., D.O. 200 Central Park South #107 NYC ������������������������������������212 246-0800 NYC ������������������������������������ 212 262-2500 www.adv-derm.com Jarratt, Kent, L.C.S.W.
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.
PHYSICIANS & MEDICAL SERVICES
Lexington Plastic Surgeons
154 W 14th St, 4th Fl, NYC ��������212 627-7560
113 E 39th St NYC ��������������������������������������������646 374-2410 www.try.lexingtonplasticsurgeons.com/ metrosource
Mandell, William, M.D.
Amida Care NYC ������������������������������������855 462-6432 www.amidacareny.org
Infectious Diseases 31 Washington Sq West NYC ��������������������������������������������212 475-8833
Astor Medical Group
Marfuggi, Richard A., M.D., D.M.H., F.A.C.S.
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 DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021
Midtown Integrative Medicine
Aziz, Michael, M.D., FRSM 509 Madison Ave @ 53rd St, Ste 1111 NYC ��������������������������������������������212 906-9111 www.michaelazizmd.com
Dormer, Anita L., M.D., F.A.C.C.P.
214 W 29th St, Ste 901 NYC ��������������������������������������������917 338-6268 www.symbiopt.com
Advanced Dermatology Associates 200 Central Park South #107 NYC ������������������������������������ 212 262-2500 NYC ������������������������������������212 246-0800 www.adv-derm.com
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Dillon, Stephen, M.D.
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)
METROSOURCE.COM
Namdar, Isaac, M.D.
Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist 425 W 59th St NYC ��������������������������������������������212 262-4444 1090 Amsterdam Ave 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 �����������������������212 257-0007 www.omniaestheticmd.com
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
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
NEW YORK DIRECTORY PODIATRIST – SCHOOLS
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
Perasso, Matt Prominent Properties/Sotheby’s International Realty 2 Main St, Edgewater, NJ ������������201 840-8898 Cell ���������������������������������������������917 834-0454 www.goldcoastcribs.com
SCHOOLS
RETAIL
Rudolf Steiner School
REAL ESTATE
Eva’s Supplements
Bonavita, David Compass NYC ������������������������������������ 212 501-8281 www.davidbonavita.com
www.evassupplements.com
11 W 8th St (bet 5th & 6th Aves) NYC ������������������������������������������� 212 982-2500
Brooklyn Heights Montessori School
185 Court St, Brooklyn ���������������718 858-5100 www.bhmsny.org
15 E 79th St NYC ��������������������������������������������212 535-2130 www.steiner.edu
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.
Comprehensive HIV support
Town Residential NYC ��������������������������������������������917 748-5100 www.townresidential.com
• Guidance from a patient advocate and pharmacists trained in HIV therapy
Prince, Keith A.
• Timely Rx refill reminders
Brown Harris Stevens NYC ��������������������������������������������917 826-3451 www.brownharrisstevens.com
• Contactless delivery at no extra cost or pick up at any CVS Pharmacy®* retail location
TF Cornerstone www.tfc.com
Wright, Daniel Compass NYC ��������������������������������������������917 304-4270
*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
REAL ESTATE/SUBURBAN Habeeb-Clark, Deborah
Keller Williams Hudson Valley, NY �����������������������845 800-5413
Call 1-800-362-7828. CVS Pharmacy® Specialty Services 126 Eighth Ave., New York, NY 10011
Mon. – Fri.: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sat.: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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NEW YORK DIRECTORY SPA/SALON SERVICES– WINE & SPIRITS
SPA/SALON SERVICES
Visit Philadelphia
Brisk N Posh 132 Crosby St, Ste 8E NYC �������������������������������������������212 433-4477 www.brisknposh.com (SEE AD THIS ISSUE)
WEDDING SERVICES
Philadelphia, PA ��������������������������215 599-0776 www.visitphilly.com
Bespoke Matchmaking
1180 Avenue of the Americas, 8th Fl NYC ��������������������������������������������888 422-6464 www.bespokematchmaking.com
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
Make My Cake
NYC �����������������������������������������212 234-2344
Elite Private Yachts NYC ��������������������������������������������866 862-7245 www.eliteprivateyachts.com www.entertainmentcruises.com/new-york
www.makemycake.com
Feinstein’s/54 Below
www.manhattanpenthouse.com
254 W 54th St, Cellar NYC ����������������������������������� 212 302-5559 x114 www.54below.com
Gatherings Floral Design
www.gatheringsfloraldesign.com
Sullivan Catskills Catskills, NY ���������������������� 800 882-CATS www.sullivancatskills.com
Hornblower Cruises & Events
TRAVEL/GETAWAYS
Houston Hall
Foxwoods Resort & Casino
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
Pier 40, NYC �������������������������������646 832-2805 www.hornblowerny.com/metrosource 222 W. Houston St, NYC ����������� 212 582-2057
Manhattan Penthouse
NYC �����������������������������������������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
www.foxwoods.com
Paul Evans Catering 20 W 20th St NYC �����������������������������������������212 321-1822 NYC �����������������������������������������212 243-4494 www.paulevanscatering.com Proposition Love www.propositionlove.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
WILLS Law Offices of Thomas Sciacca, PLLC
44 Wall St, 12th Fl NYC �����������������������������������������212 495-0317 www.sciaccalaw.com
WINE & SPIRITS Cork Wines & Spirits
1450 Washington St Hoboken NJ ��������������������������������������������201 942-9964 www.corkwines.net
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NEW YORK DIRECTORY FIRE ISLAND PINES – CHERRY GROVE FIRE ISLAND PINES – CHERRY GROVE Horizon Beach House
BARS Blue Whale
Cherry Grove ������������������������������631 597-6278 NYC��������������������������������������������212 689-2699 www�horizonbeachhouse�com
Cherry’s
Cherry Grove ������������������������������917 763-9029
Pines �������������������������������������������631 597-6500 www�bluewhalefireisland�com Cherry Grove ������������������������������631 597-6820
Cultured Elephant
Pines �������������������������������������������631 597-6500 www�thepinesfireisland�com
Harbor Club
Pines �������������������������������������������631 597-6500 www�thepinesfireisland�com
GYM
Sip n Twirl
Bay Walk Pines �������������������������������������������631 597-6237
Pines �������������������������������������������631 597-6500 www�pavilionfireisland�com
Pines �������������������������������������������631 597-3746
CLOTHING/GIFTS
LIQUORS/WINES
Gostoso
Beachscapes
The Pines Liquor Shop
Pines �������������������������������������������646 262-1910
Summer Solstice
Harbor Walk Pines �������������������������������������������631 597-6442
Harbor Walk Pines �������������������������������������������631 597-4200
POOL MAINTENANCE
CONTRACTING
Pines �������������������������������������������631 597-7748
Walter Boss, Custom Builder
REAL ESTATE
Pines and Pools
Pines �������������������������������������������631 597-6262
Main & Bayview Cherry Grove ������������������������������������ 631 597-6140
Pines Propane
D� Katen Fire Island Properties, LTD
Pines �������������������������������������������631 597-6262
Pines �������������������������������������������631 597-9191
GROCERIES
Dependable Pools
A Summer Place
Pines �������������������������������������������631 597-7000 www�fireislandpines�com
Pines Harbor Realty
Grove Market
Main Walk Cherry Grove ������������������������������631 597-6239
The Pines Pantry
Harbor Walk Pines �������������������������������������������631 597-6200
GUEST HOUSES/HOTELS
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
Belvedere Guest House
Bay View Walk, Cherry Grove������631 597-6448 www�belvederefireisland�com
Carousel Guesthouse
Cherry Grove ������������������������������631 597-6766
Pines Bistro & Pizza
Cherry Grove Beach Hotel
TRANSPORTATION
Dune Point
Pines �������������������������������������������631 597-3597
Sayville Ferry
Cherry Grove ������������������������������631 597-6261
River Rd NYC��������������������������������������������631 589-0810
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APPLE SOFTBALL LEAGUE BIGBIG APPLE SOFTBALL LEAGUE West 208208 West 13th13th St St New York, 10011 New York, NY NY 10011 212212 696-7482 696-7482
CHEER NY NY CHEERLEADING CHEER CHEERLEADING Felipe Hernandez Felipe Hernandez 888888 671-7312 671-7312 www.cheerny.org www.cheerny.org
CITY CRUISERS MC MC CITY CRUISERS Old Chelsea Station Old Chelsea Station PO Box 1614 PO Box 1614 New York, NY 10011 New York, NY 10011 www.citycruisers.com www.citycruisers.com (gay men’s motorcycle club)
EZRYDERS SNOWBOARDING EZRYDERS SNOWBOARDING W 46th St #4D 445445 W 46th St #4D New York, 10036 New York, NY NY 10036 www.ezryders@ondbdx.com www.ezryders@ondbdx.com
FAST AND FABULOUS CYCLING FAST AND FABULOUS CYCLING 23008, Ansonia P.O.P.O. BoxBox 23008, Ansonia Sta Sta New York, NY NY 10023 New York, 10023 212212 567-7160 567-7160
FRONT RUNNERS NY NY FRONT RUNNERS P.O.P.O. BoxBox 87 87 Ansonia Sta Ansonia Sta New York, NY 10023 New York, NY 10023 212 799-8781 212www.frny.org 799-8781 www.frny.org
GARDEN STATE GAY
GARDEN STATE GAY BOWLING LEAGUE BOWLING LEAGUE www.gsgbo.com www.gsgbo.com
GOTHAM VOLLEYBALL GOTHAM VOLLEYBALL P.O.P.O. BoxBox 961961 New York, 10034 New York, NY NY 10034 388-8208 212212 388-8208 info@gothamvolleyball.org info@gothamvolleyball.org
KNIGHTS WRESTLING KNIGHTS WRESTLING CLUBCLUB P.O.P.O. BoxBox 720161 720161 Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Jackson Heights, NY 11372 718718 815-3244 815-3244
JERSEY G&L BOWLERS NORTH NORTH JERSEY G&L BOWLERS Belle Aire Lanes Belle Aire Lanes West Caldwell, NJ West Caldwell, NJ 201 823-2250 201 823-2250
GAYLEAGUE POOL LEAGUE NY GAYNY POOL PO Box PO 1502 Ansonia Sta Box 1502 Ansonia Sta New York, NYYork, 10023 New NY 10023 212 496-4585 212 496-4585
NY RAMBLER’S SOCCER SOCCER NY RAMBLER’S CLUB, INC. CLUB, INC. 917 767-9789 917 767-9789 www.nyramblers.com www.nyramblers.com
NYC GAY BASKETBALL LEAGUE NYC GAY BASKETBALL LEAGUE www.nycgaybasketball.org
www.nycgaybasketball.org
OUT OF BOUNDS OUT OF BOUNDS NYC & TEAM NYC & TEAM NEW YORK NEW YORK 372, PO Box PO 372,Box Times SqTimes StationSq Station New NY 10108 New York, NYYork, 10108 www.oobnyc.org www.oobnyc.org
PINKNY PONG NY PINK PONG Sunnyside, Sunnyside, Queens Queens 718 623-2926 718 623-2926 www.pinkpongfoundation.org www.pinkpongfoundation.org
SUN/MON/TUE SUN/MON/TUE NIGHT TEAMS NIGHT TEAMS c/o Chelsea Piers AMF Bowl c/o Chelsea AMFYork, Bowl NY 10011 Pier Piers 60, New Pier 60, 212 New835-2691 York, NY 10011 212 835-2691
SUNDANCE OUTDOOR
SUNDANCE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SOCIETY ADVENTURE SOCIETY www.sundanceoutdoor.org www.sundanceoutdoor.org sundanceoutdoor@yahoo.com sundanceoutdoor@yahoo.com
TEAM NEW YORK AQUATICS TEAM NEW YORK AQUATICS 212 691-3440 212 691-3440 (hotline) (hotline)
CULTURAL, CULTURAL, ETHNIC & & ETHNIC SOCIAL SOCIAL
Grove Pizza & Restaurant
185 Holly Walk Cherry Grove ������������������������������631 597-6612 Cherry Grove ������������������������������631 597-6600
ATHLETIC ATHLETIC
HARDWARE
LANDSCAPING/FLORAL
The Pavilion
Metrosource is committed to helping
Metrosource is committed to helping non-profit organizations in ongoing their ongoing non-profit organizations in their efforts to serve our diverse community. efforts to serve our diverse community.
Steel Gym
Pines www�steelgym�com
Pines Hardware & Sundries
36 Fire Island Boulevard Pines �������������������������������������������631 597-3599
72
SeaBreeze Rentals
NEW YORK NEW YORK COMMUNITY COMMUNITY RESOURCES RESOURCES
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LONG ISLAND LONG ISLAND RAVENS MCMC CLUB RAVENS CLUB c/oc/o Long Island Eagle Long Island Eagle 94 94 Clinton Ave Clinton Ave Bayshore, NY 11706 Bayshore, NY 11706 631631 968-2750 968-2750 www.liravensmc.org www.liravensmc.org
MONDAY NIGHT FOURPLAY MONDAY NIGHT FOURPLAY BOWLING LEAGUE BOWLING Syosset Bowl LEAGUE Bowl 631Syosset 842-5166
631 842-5166
APICHAAPICHA 400 Broadway 400 Broadway New York, NYYork, 10013 New NY 10013 212 334-6029 212 334-6029 www.apicha.org www.apicha.org
BEST FRIENDS BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY ANIMAL SOCIETY 5001 Angel Canyon Rd 5001 Angel Canyon Rd Kanab, UT 84741 Kanab, UT 84741 435 644-2001 435 644-2001 www.bestfriends.org
www.bestfriends.org
ADVERTISECALL CALL 800-818-0480 212 691-5127 TOTO ADVERTISE
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
LESBIAN HERSTORY ARCHIVES PO Box 1258 New York, NY 10116 718 768-3953
QUEENS L&G PRIDE COMMITTEE PO Box 580445 Flushing, NY 11358 718 460-4064
EMPIRE CITY MEN’S CHORUS P.O. Box 1017 New York, NY 10185 empirecitymenschorus.org
LESLIE-LOHMAN MUSEUM OF GAY AND LESBIAN ART 26 Wooster St New York, NY 10013 www.leslielohman.org
QUEENS PRIDE HOUSE 76-11 37th Ave Jackson Heights, NY 11372 718 429-5309
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
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 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
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)
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
BAILEY HOLT HOUSE 180 Christopher St New York, NY 10014 212 337-3000
GREENWICH HOUSE 80 Fifth Ave New York, NY 10011 212 691-2900
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
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
HEALTH EDUCATION AIDS LIAISON PO Box 1103 New York, NY 10113 212 873-0780
TREVOR PROJECT 9056 Santa Monica Blvd #100 West Hollywood, CA 90069 310 271-8845
HETRICK MARTIN INSTITUTE 212 674-2400 www.hmi.org
VILLAGE NURSING HOME DAY TREATMENT PROGRAM 133 West 20th St, Ground Fl New York, NY 10011 212 633-1616
BODY POSITIVE OF NY 19 Fulton St Suite 308B New York, NY 10038 212 566-7333 800 566-6599
HEALTHSHERPA 844 346-9476 www.metrosource. healthsherpa.com
BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS 165 West 46th St #1300 New York, NY 10036 212 840-0770
HISPANIC AIDS FORUM, INC. 213 W 35th St, 12th Fl New York, NY 10001 212 868-6230 www.hafnyc.org
LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND 120 Wall St #1500 New York, NY 10005 212 809-8585
HIV STOPS WITH ME www.hivstopswithme.org
LEGAL (L&G LAW ASSN OF GREATER NY) 799 Broadway #340 New York, NY 10003 212 459-4873
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
AIDS RELATED COMMUNITY SERVICES 2269 Saw Mill River Rd Elmsford, NY 10523 914 345-8888
F.E.G.S. MANHATTAN COUNSELING CENTER 80 Van Dam St New York, NY 10013 212 366-8289
AIDS SERVICE CENTER NYLIVEC 64 West 35th St New York, NY 212 645-0875 www.ascnyc.org
FRIENDS HOUSE IN ROSEHILL PMB#248 50 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10010 212 995-5000 www.friendshousenyc.org
LEGAL
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
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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
DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021
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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
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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
DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021
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